‘If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.’ When US Admiral William McRaven’s 2014 commencement address at the University of Texas went wildly viral a few months ago, this simple yet profound statement struck a chord with many across the globe. Success doesn’t begin with momentous gestures. It is the little things that add up and propel you forward! Here is a compilation of 7 small traits that can make you more successful.
Knowing what you are doing tomorrow
Never take time for granted. While going to bed, know exactly what you are going to do first thing in the morning. And the second, and so on until the entire day is clearly mapped out for you. Every lost hour is keeping you from the success you aspire to. Earmark sufficient time for rest and play but ensure each day has something specifically linked to your end goals.
Knowing where you are going
Success is not a vague phenomenon that will come to you some day in some form. Visualise exactly where you want to reach and put it in words. Do you want to be famous at 21? Have a million in the bank at 30? Exactly how are you going to get there? Break down the goal into doable actions that will take you there. Set a deadline for each. Outline, define and demarcate every step – it is the only way you will get there.
Knowing what you need
Once you have outlined your path every step of the way, address the resources you need to get there. Do you need to take dance lessons? Improve your communication skills? Save 10k for an initial investment? When you know exactly what you need, it will be easier to tackle each task and get them out of your way on your march to success.
Knowing when to ask for help
No one ever achieved anything in isolation. Ask Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. You have a set of skills. Never shy away from asking someone
to strengthen your hands with their complementing skills. Be open to forging partnerships and overcoming your shortcoming with another’s strengths.
Knowing when to give
As much as you need to rely on your network for support, you also need to be available for others to lean on. Lend a helping hand, boost morale, share a connection or a helpful tip. The path to success is strewn with opportunities to boost relationships that will continue to nurture you once you are at the top. But for that, you need to nurture them on your way up.
Knowing your mistakes
Mistakes are important markers in your journey. Sure you need to leave them behind but not the lessons learnt from them. That is why successful people often keep a journal of their mistakes and failures. Analyse the mistake from every angle so you know how to turn it around the next time.
Knowing when to quit
Letting go is a crucial element to success. If something is not working, don’t spend an inordinate amount of time trying to make it work. When you have done everything that is reasonable, have the courage to quit and start afresh. Success awaits, perhaps at a later date and different destination.
