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Category:
Published: January 2008
It's the New Year, and it's time to make a new commitment to achieving personal and professional success.
We strive for the best in our society and in our personal and corporate lives. We try to provide for our families and create wealth for our future. But why do some achieve more than others? Why are some people fishing off of a 42-foot cabin cruiser while others fish from the shore of a lake? Why are there the haves and have-nots? I ask most of our clients, "What does success mean to you?" and to most successful people it is a myriad of responses. There is, however, a common thread that runs throughout. Most successful people recognize that success has two fronts that intertwine through our lives. For the entrepreneur, they are almost inseparable. Our corporate lives and our personal lives must be balanced to provide the wherewithal for us to succeed. This method of achieving success is consistent for all of our clients.
The most critical aspects of achieving success are the following: Vision, Advance Planning, Enthusiasm, a Positive Attitude, Perseverance, and a Strong Work Ethic. Without these basic tenets, one can never hope to excel and achieve their dreams.
It all starts with a dream. When surveyed, over 70% of working Americans want to open their own business, to quit the rat race, and live their dream. Most do not make that leap, due to fear or lack of commitment. What most of us do not realize is that over 65% of all millionaires in America own their own business. Most started their business from nothing. This is the land of opportunity, the greatest and richest land on this earth. It is the faith of our consumers that fuels our economic engine, by purchasing the goods and services of our entrepreneurs. We must take that dream, that vision for the future, and make it a reality.
In order to realize that vision, you must have a plan. You must create goals that are in harmony with your intent, that are in balance with your personal and corporate lives. Your goals must be real and meaningful. They must also be well planned, from every aspect of the financial spectrum, in order to ensure your success. You must continuously challenge your ideas. What type of business should I form? How will I finance this new company? What will my mission statement say? Who is my competition? How do I accomplish the branding of my idea or product? How will I promote my company and my product? These are critical components that must be addressed before ever venturing out of the starting gate.
"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."
- TS Elliot
The most important aspect at this point is to have the courage to implement the goals. You must act upon your plan and be prepared for hard work and possible disappointment. It is an unfortunate truth that 90% of all businesses fail within the first 3 years. You must believe in your dream. You must have a positive attitude and expect the positive outcome. You must have great enthusiasm for yourself, your family and your employees. Constant positive affirmation when things go both right and wrong is essential in building a strong team who can support your dream. You must surround yourself with people who are good, who have diverse skills, and who believe in your dream. Perseverance is the key ingredient to sustaining that dream in hard times. Never give up.
"Do not turn back when you are just at the goal."
- Publilius Syrus
As the New Year is upon us, and we look to set goals and objectives for 2008, we should look to the future and plan for our success. Let us take all of our hopes and dreams and make them a reality. Once our goals are reached, they are ever-changing. The more successful we are, the more demanding our time management becomes. We must always remember the dream behind our sacrifice. In doing so, the people who surround us will live richer and more meaningful lives. It is not just about the money and possessions. We must remember why we have been put on this earth. We must acknowledge the sacrifices that others have made, so that we can live freely in this great nation. Give back to those in need and mentor others who are striving towards success.
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