Are you successful?
Is it possible to be completely satisfied?
We spend so much time striving for more, wanting more. Working hard to get ahead seems like an endless race against the rest of mankind. Kind of like laundry at my house, it is never completely done. In and of itself, hard work can be fulfilling, but interestingly enough, if you let it, it can also distract you from the goal of truly getting the job done. Learning to focus on what will lead to actual success is not always an easy task.
There are a few skills that can be honed and developed in order to achieve that ever-illusive success. Accomplishment is within your grasp. Diligence and constant development pay off.
1. Do you know who you are? Are you truly aware of your needs and wants? Are you able to distinguish between the two? Self awareness is often not considered an essential element to success. Think about stories of success around you, are the main characters in those stories self-aware? Probably so.
2. Do you offer encouragement to those around you? Do you motivate others to drive their own success or are you too caught up in your own personal battles to notice the struggles that others face?
3. Do you quiet dissention when possible? Being a peacemaker can go a long way in learning-thus-teaching negotiation skills, as well as understanding that management also applies to oneself. Conflict can be a barrier to any endeavor. Be open and receptive but do not be a doormat. In other words, pick your battles. The ones to drop, and the ones to fight on.
4. Do you bring personal issues to the work place? This is a skill that is more difficult for some to develop. Not carrying personal stress through your workplace door and through your day is a gift. Enjoy the break from that stress and concentrate on what you can give back.
and lastly...,
5. What have you done to become an influencer? Taking your knowledge, skills & experience, and sharing what you have learned, what has worked for you with others is a great way to drive your own personal success. Being an influencer, whether leading from the middle or within a community, builds a personal power base. But keep your ego in check and use that power for good, this is a great skill to develop.
"You don't have to be a 'person of influence' to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they've taught me." ~Scott Adams