16 Ways to Succeed that I Wish I Had Known
By Ann Elliott
Mentors and coaches can change the trajectory of someone’s life. I made a list of 16 ways to succeed that wish I had known. I would like to have known these ways to succeed when I was in my twenties or earlier. It is in no special order. What resonates with you?
- Now is all there is. Living in the past or yearning for the future short changes now.
- Pay little attention to naysayers. Surround yourself with encouragers that are truthful because t
hey want you to succeed not to keep you stuck.
- Have a dream. Do your part to achieve the dream. Be willing to accept something better than the dream you imagined or planned.
- Ask for help. Others paid the tuition to learn what works and what doesn’t work.
- Worry solves nothing. It occupies valuable mental and emotional space without producing results.
- Trust your instincts. Get more information to confirm what feels true.
- Keep your BS detector in good working order.
- Be your own advocate. It is your responsibility to take care of yourself.
- Say, “I don’t know” when you don’t know. No one knows everything about everything.
- Be confident, not cocky. Stand in your own power.
- Define your measure of success. Do not settle to meet the low expectations of others and “never acquire a lifestyle you would sell your soul to keep” (Dr. Johnetta B. Coles at the 2013 WPO conference).
- Expect to make mistakes that provide priceless insights. Embrace failure.
- Pursuit of perfection is a waste of time and has a huge emotional toll. You don’t have to prove that you are worthy. You are enough.
- Look for the opportunity in the problem.
- Accept responsibility for your choices. Make better choices and don’t invest energy to blame others.
- Be grateful. Laugh at yourself. Have fun.
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