Success in life is something that everybody could define differently. For some it may be about the accumulation of wealth and material objects. For others it could be more about having a loving family. However you define success and whatever success you wish to achieve there are some common traits that successful people have. In this post we’ll be looking at 10 success tips for life that you should follow.
10 Tips To Become Successful
Let’s look at each of these 10 tips for success in more detail below.
Set Clear Goals
Most people will tell you they want to become successful but when you ask them what they actually want to achieve they can’t define it.
It is important to think clearly what your goals in life are. Write them down and plan out how you will get there. Having goals written down makes it more likely you are to take action to achieve them.
Everybody’s goals are different, they may cover anything such as money, wealth, travelling, business, career, fitness, family etc. Focus on what is important to you.
Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbour he is making for, no wind is the right wind.
Seneca
Delay Gratification
Delayed gratification is to delay immediate rewards now in anticipation of a greater reward later. Humans tend to choose the path of least resistance, but this is often detrimental to us over time. It can present setbacks and stop goals from being achieved.
This tip for success relates to all areas of life. For example a bodybuilder sticks to a strict diet and exercise regime in order to achieve their goals. It can be tough at times with temptation of rest days and cheat meals, however they know this will only halt their progress so delay the instant gratification by not giving in to those cravings. As they start hitting their targets they’ll be grateful they didn’t give in to those short term temptations.
A common reason people fail to meet financial goals is that they are unable to delay gratification. Let’s say you have a large long term goal in mind such as saving for a house deposit. Any spare cash you have could be put away to help meet this goal quicker. But other things pop up in the meantime — social gatherings, a new iPhone just released etc. Because we can afford those things right now we spend our money on them, receiving that instant gratification. Money that could have been better used toward that house deposit.
The ability to discipline yourself to delay gratification in the short term in order to enjoy greater rewards in the long term, is the indispensable prerequisite for success.
Brian Tracy
Think Positive
Thinking positive and remaining optimistic no matter what happens is important. Developing a positive mindset means focusing on the good rather than anticipating the worst.
Failures do occur at times but it’s about developing the right mindset to bounce back from them. Don’t look at these as setbacks, instead look on them as new opportunities. One failure doesn’t mean you won’t ever become successful, as long as you develop the right mindset you will achieve success in life.
The mind is everything. What you think you become.
Buddha
Focus On Your Strengths
Everybody has strengths and weaknesses, we are all better at one thing and less so in other areas. It’s often taught that you should use weaknesses as opportunities to improve.
But if something is a weak point for you, chances are even after focusing on improving in that area it will still remain one of your weaker skills. Why waste time and effort trying to develop a skill to a mediocre level?
It is much better to focus your efforts onto the things you are very good at. By focusing upon an area of strength you are aiming not just to improve but to excel in that area.
People tend to apply themselves more into something they are good at or enjoy. Less effort and enthusiasm is going to be exerted into things that don’t motivate you. You can capitalize on the strengths of others to cover your areas of weakness.
Focus On Your Strengths, Not Your Weaknesses.
Gary Vaynerchuk
Remove Distractions
If you want to achieve your goals then it’s important to dedicate enough time and effort in the pursuit of those goals. In order to be completely focused you need to ensure your time spent working towards these goals is free from distractions.
There are all types of distractions such as other people, TV’s, phones, social media etc. Now is the time to get rid of these things that will take you off course. Move devices to other rooms, maybe even remove certain people from your life.
Distractions can even be in your own mind. Got lots of thoughts whirling around your head? Thinking of all the other things you have to do later? Write them all down and unclutter your mind.
Keep your mind off the things you don’t want by keeping it on the things you do want.
W. Clement Stone
Be Persistent
Persistence is one of the main keys to success in life. It is the ability to keep on at something even when things aren’t going your way. Never giving up trying no matter what comes your way.
Persistence sits alongside two of the other tips for success in having a positive attitude and delaying gratification. No matter what setbacks and failures come your way you should always keep on persevering and never give up. See your failures as opportunities to learn from your mistakes and keep persevering.
Many people give up right at the moment when they are on the cusp of success. Your next step might be the one where you finally achieve a breakthrough. Which is why it’s important that no matter how bad things seem now you should keep going.
If you’re going through hell, keep going
Winston Churchill
Keep Learning
You should aim to keep learning throughout your life. When one goal is reached, set another one and aim for that. Never assume you know everything about any given subject, there’s always more to learn.
Continuous improvement can help in many ways. It can inspire you, breed confidence, spark new ideas and bring new opportunities and areas for achievement.
There are lots of ways to learn from reading books, attending courses and seminars, having a mentor or simply observing or questioning others. Aim to commit yourself to some form of learning everyday for lifelong improvement and growth.
Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you’ll ever have is your mind and what you put into it
Albert Einstein
Don’t Be Afraid To Fail
One of the reasons many people fail is not failing itself but the fear of failure. It is a psychological barrier that can prevent people from committing fully to their goals. Or even stop them from attempting something in the first place.
The fear of failure is a genuinely recognized phobia known as “atychiphobia”.
Some of the reasons people fear failure is lack of confidence, fear of losing money, underestimating abilities and worrying about how others will judge them.
Failure of some sort is inevitable for every person throughout our lives. We should not let fear conquer us.
I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.
Michael Jordan
Dedicate Time
The bigger your goal is the longer it will probably take to get there. If you are serious about achieving something then it is essential you dedicate the time necessary in pursuit of it.
Success doesn’t come over night which is why you must ensure you are fully committed to your goals if you want to actually achieve them. Dedication is often claimed to be the key to success.
Time is a created thing. To say I don’t have time, is like saying, I don’t want to.
Lao Tzu
Take Time Out
The final of our tips for success is to know when to take time out. We’ve already written of the importance to dedicate time, effort and persistence to your goals. But equally important is knowing when to take a step back and take a break. Too much exertion can cause burn out and actually could hinder your progress. By taking time out to relax and switch off will help clear your mind and allow you to come back refreshed and focused.
There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.
Alan Cohen
Tips For Success Conclusion
Success is something we all define differently. Some may see success as the accumulation of great wealth whereas others may be focused on health and a stable family life.
Whatever your goals are be they financial, family, career or something else, there are certain traits to apply in order to achieve your goals. Start applying these 10 tips for success listed above into your life and you’ll be sure to reach your goals quicker.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading these tips for success and that they will help you on your journey to become successful. View more posts like this on our blog.
