Feature Article
Make Your
Success A Priority This New Year
Dr. E. Carol Webster
Copyright © 2005
Are you as
far along in life as you want to be? Chances are the answer is “no,” often
because of attention to everybody else’s needs but your own. Live up to your
full potential. Step back, reflect upon your life, and identify just where
you’d like things to be. The New Year is a perfect time to do this.
Evaluate
the Success of Your Career
Take stock of
the position you hold at work. Where are you and where do you want to be? If
you say “at the top,” what are you doing to get there?
People who
are highly successful have a clear idea of the next job they’re shooting
for. They carefully study someone who’s already in that position or in one
that’s similar and identify the attitudes and behaviors that person
displays. They also compare qualifications. Then they take a close - often
painful - look at themselves. They realize they may have to develop some new
skills or change behavior that’s holding them back. It’s not enough to just
want success; you’ve got to work at it.
So, what do
you see when you give yourself the “Ready for success?” examination? Need to
go back to school to upgrade your education? Need to attend a workshop to
strengthen your networking skills? Not quite ready for “prime time” in the
professional image department? Take action to fix these problems.
Get Rid of
the Excuses
You are your
own worst enemy when you make excuses for not moving forward toward your
goals. “No money,” you say, but don’t you always find it somewhere for the
things you want? Cut back on some of the wants and use the money for
what you need. “No time?” Then there is no better time to learn how
to manage your time more effectively. Make yourself a priority and
take care of your needs. All the other things that require your time will
benefit if you’re moving forward in your life. “No support?” Surround
yourself with people who, like you, are on the move and are going places in
life. Dump the losers. It can be painful to let go of some friendships and
relationships, but if people are threatened by your success or are a drain
on your time and emotions, don’t give yourself a choice. Let them go.
There are
plenty of positive networking organizations, business forums and support
groups that can help you grow. Seek them out and then follow up with the
people you meet. Stay with the winners!
The New Year
is a time for taking stock of past accomplishments and for setting new
goals. But, to get ahead:
·
Shoot
high. - Don’t be afraid to live up to your potential.
·
Visualize the “win.” See yourself in the new role you desire.
·
Study
someone who’s already made in it in that role.
·
Identify what you need to change or improve to give you the same
attitude, skills and behavior.
·
Make
the changes!
Start today. Even a
little step puts you closer to your goal.
About the Author:
Dr. E. Carol Webster is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Fort
Lauderdale, FL and is author of
Success Management: How to
Get to the Top and Keep Your Sanity Once You Get There
and The Fear of Success:
Stop It From Stopping You!
