Make Your Success A Priority This New
Year
E. Carol Webster, Ph.D.
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 so.
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.
