5 Tips to Finding Success

 

 

Make a to-do list. And then crush that shit.

If you’re like me, administrative tasks seem menial and mundane. But an organization can’t run without the completion of these tasks (and more importantly, efficient completion). So make a list of priorities and start checking things off. You know that old adage “don’t put off to tomorrow what could be done today”? That is most true for successful businesspeople.

Do not to seek success; seek to break down the walls that you’ve built around yourself that keep you from success.

This, for all my fellow literature lovers, is a take off of one of my favorite Rumi quotes, which goes like this: “Your job is not to seek love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” Seeking success is like putting the cart before the horse. You need to put energy into creating an environment that will be an incubator for success. This starts with you personally and should radiate into every facet of the company.

Don’t stop seeking opportunities.

If you’re not feeling challenged at work, then what the hell are you doing? Complacency is something for which successful people never settle. Let’s say that you’re the best at your job. What else can you add to your plate? I’m not even relegating this to developing a professional skill; volunteer to organize a social for the office, take a leadership role on your intramural kickball team or simply offer to spearhead a new process.

Emulate successful people.

You’ve heard that successful people go to bed early, wake up early, carry a notebook for jotting down great ideas, make a to-do list every day, communicate effectively—and the list goes on and on. Strive to emulate the practices of successful people in your life that you admire instead of holding on to seemingly abstract ideas of success. It doesn’t always have to be about reading Steve Jobs’ memoir. Look to a professional you admire—a teacher, a boss, a family member or a mentor—and ask them about their good and bad habits. Emulate the good ones and stay aware of the bad. If you’re present, you can probably avoid some pitfalls they’ve already endured.

Stop reading advice columns written by people you don’t know about being successful.

Seriously, you gotta get out there and find out what works and what doesn’t for yourself. Start by getting out of the office and into the world, which will inspire you in ways you never thought possible. Whether you’re a business owner, an executive, or an entry-level associate, make your professional goal to be an idea machine. When you see something that you love or detest, ask yourself why. This is how you develop your values, which is imperative for any successful person.

About the Author:

Amber Ludeman is CEO of social marketing firm matchstick social headquartered in Charleston, SC. matchstick specializes in the social branding of small-to-medium-sized businesses.