Success: Its Really Pretty Simple

From the 'What You Need to Succeed' Series

Every once in awhile I stop and take a look at myself. No ? I don't mean in the mirror, I mean ? I do a self-assessment of how I am managing the issues in my life. Have I let some circumstance or some event persuade me to give up on one of my dreams? How hard did I try?

Ever hear the expression, "Success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration?"

I'm here to tell you that it's true. If you want to succeed, one of the KEY things you absolutely MUST have is the determination and commitment to make sure you don't let anything stop you from achieving the success you are dreaming of and planning for (and yes ? you need a plan!)

Whenever I run into an obstacle, hurdle, or challenge to my success my instinctive reaction is usually to visualize it as a huge stone blocking my path. I then visualize myself moving the stone, OR figuring out a way to get around it, over it, under it, or through it. What I always know about a hurdle is this: I can always find a way to get past it if I just look hard enough.

And when you really KNOW this (from experience), it gives you the confidence you need to succeed. So let me give you an example of how this has worked in MY life.

There was a time when I worked as an IT contractor. I was a borderline DEC computer geek, and I was able to breathe life into computers others had given up for dead, or resolve issues that others thought were hopeless. It wasn't because I was a genius ? it was mostly because I was resourceful. I took notes on everything I learned the hard way over the years, and I created a notebook that I took with me everywhere I went. That notebook paid my salary on many projects. Plus, I also kept a list of who I could contact for help if I got stuck.

One day, I got a call for a short contract assignment. I seems that several folks in a big government agency were not able to get one of their DEC systems working properly. And it was causing problems because it was winter time and the computer was designed to measure the water flow in several major streams throughout my state. Flood control was almost non-existent with this computer down.

I will never forget this assignment because as I was unpacking my briefcase someone who worked in the facility came up to me, sneered skeptically and said, "five people have already tried their best to fix this thing and have given up on it ? so what makes you think YOU can do any better?"

Clearly, he didn't expect me to succeed.

I was a little bit taken aback by his comment, but, I quickly retorted with "Yeah, well, that's because none of them were ME".

And that's how I began my work on this project. I mapped out my approach to how I planned to solve this problem, and figured out most of what was needed on my own. But when I hit a snag or two, I made a couple of support calls, and got in touch with someone who knew what I needed to resolve some of those challenges.

And within a couple of days, I was walking back out the door, mission accomplished. As I was leaving, I passed by Mr. Cheerful and stopped long enough to ask "OK, so now please tell me why I succeeded". I loved this part.

Stumped, he squinted and shrugged, saying "Geez, I dunno."

I said "It's because those other people gave up too soon and didn't plan to succeed," I smiled, pointing to and tapping on my notebook.

I have to admit I reveled a little bit in demolishing his expectation that I would fail just as my predecessors had.

This success, like many others I've had, served to reinforce what was already ingrained in me by then. The longer you stay with something, the more of an expert you'll become. The greater your expertise, the more likely you will solve problems and assure your success.

It's really pretty simple: Map out a path for your vision, find a way to always reference what you've already learned, work with others to provide support, and never give up.

(c) 2005 by Kevin Wirth - all rights reserved worldwide

Kevin Wirth is the owner of KEVS-KORNER ezine, a free online newsletter offering articles, tips, resources, and insight on over 170 different marketing tactics. He is bringing together a growing community where you can work with others to create and market products online. To discover more about how you can grow your online business with marketing tactics and get a free gift just for visiting, please head on over to http://www.kevs-korner.com.

---

Mindfulness and Birthdays: Surprising Moments

The first week of May is a big birthday time... Read More

The True Cost Of A Lack of Motivation

And what a lack of motivation means..As you read this... Read More

Break And Move Beyond The Length Of The Chains

"Never let fear, procrastination or the longing for approval from... Read More

Motivation; 7 Musings on Motivation

1. Most of us are motivated by one of two... Read More

Courage Is A Gift

"It is not what happens to you, but how you... Read More

Need Help? Look Within First

After eating a turkey and dressing sandwich for breakfast, I... Read More

Constructive Tips About Retrenchment

This article provides constructive tips about facing retrenchment and moving... Read More

Mind Power

King Solomon said "As a man thinketh in his heart... Read More

Head First: 6 Simple, Must-Do Steps to Achieving Extraordinary Results!

What important goal have you set for yourself? What is... Read More

Everything Going Against You

"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that... Read More

How To Motivate Yourself For Success?

I was having coffee with my friend the other day.... Read More

The Art Of Using Effectively A Motivational Quote

--Choose a motivational quote related to your goal. Don't have... Read More

Sow the Seed - See the Harvest

The story is told of two boys who were walking... Read More

The Ultimate Kick-butt Motivational Lesson

How often have you struggled with yourself over the work... Read More

Mastering the Problem of Everyday Living

People are unhappy and defeated by their everyday problems that... Read More

The 31 Absolute Best Resources for Self Improvement

Every week, I hear from people with the same Self... Read More

Get The Man Right

One Saturday morning, a minister could not think of a... Read More

The Lies We Live By

How many times have you lied to get your way?Many... Read More

Are You a Self-Saboteur?

Take this questionnaire to get clear on what you may... Read More

Visualization

Visualisation plays a very important role with the mind and... Read More

Within You Lies All You Need

Within is the person we really are. Within lies our... Read More

Procrastinator No More!

Procrastination is when ever we postpone a task or duty... Read More

Can You Can Can? What You Can Do If You Really Go For It

One hundred years ago the laundry girls of Montmartre invented... Read More

Why it Pays to Have a Definite Life Purpose

When was the last time you were asked, what is... Read More

Dont You Quit!

"A man who has nothing to die for is not... Read More

Nobodys Perfect

Being human is being fallible. Evolution determines that we all... Read More

Beyond Procrastination ? 8 Questions To Ask Yourself

Why am I constantly putting things off? Why don't I... Read More

The Downward Spirals Of Life - Top Ten Steps For Freeing Ourselves From

Some people call them vicious circles or cycles. I prefer... Read More

Wherever you Go - There you Are

Wherever you go, there you are. This is the title... Read More

How To Avoid Being Labelled As Average

When your life is over how will you be graded?... Read More

My Grandmother Never Had a Degree

There were four generations sitting at the kitchen table, smacking... Read More

Qualia and Quanta

Ah, those New Year's resolutions.I suppose that the passage of... Read More

Overcome Fear: You?ll Miss All The Shots You Don?t Take

A lot of folks are petrified at the mere thought... Read More