Core Beliefs of Successful People
Having spent the last 40 years of my life as a business owner, owning, managing and successfully selling 15 businesses, I have had a wonderful opportunity to observe successful and unsuccessful people. During these observations, certain “axioms” appeared to be consistent as they related to the successful people. I have called these “axioms” “Core Beliefs of Successful People”.
“Winners” Are Not Born, They Are Made
There does not seem to be any consistent relationship or correlation between success and education, unique talents, financial resources, or race/ethnicity. It seems to “boil down” to common sense, diligence (I don’t like the term “hard work”), knowledge and it application, and perseverance.
The Dominant Force In Your Existence Is The Way You Think
What we think about definitely affects the outcomes of our lives. I do believe that we have both a conscious and subconscious thought process. I remember a comment by Wayne Dyer to the effect that, what is inside of us comes out when we are “squeezed”. If we are felling angry, it comes out. If we are feeling positive it comes out. If we think positive and constructive thought, our life will reflect that.
You Can Create Your Own Reality
We are truly blessed to live in the United States of America! This is still the land of opportunity. If we want something strong enough, and are willing to make the necessary commitments and sacrifices for it, we can create our own reality.
There Is Some Benefit To Be Gained From Every Adversity
As I look back on my modest business career, it seems that virtually all of the valuable lessons that I have learned were the result of “setbacks”, “failures” or adversity. I guess, for me, that is my method of learning. I would not say that is true for everyone, but I do know, that adversity really “hammers the lessons home”.
Each One Of Your Beliefs Is A Choice
Everything that we do in business, or for the matter in life, is a series of choices. Therefore, it is best that we develop, early on, a strong set of core beliefs and values. They will serve well as the compass to make all of the directional choices in business and life correctly.
You Are Never Defeated Until You Accept Defeat As A Reality And Quit Trying
I can remember lying on the football field, face down, wet, mud in my face, knees in excruciating pain, and the person I was supposed to tackle running for a touchdown. Vince Lombardi’s words rang in my head, “It is not failure to get knocked down, it is only failure if you do not get back up”. And so it is in business. Learn to accept “no’, to have plans altered, and to be disappointed. That is part of the “game”. The best part of the game is to stay in it, and keep “playing”.
The Only Real Limitations On What You Can Accomplish Are Those On Yourself
We can have “abundance” or a “scarcity” mentality. The choice is ours. To me, seeing the world as a place of abundant opportunities has allowed me great freedom, provided great opportunities, and generally has made my life exceedingly joyful. Allow yourself the opportunity to experience life to the fullest, by not setting any limitations on yourself. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”.
You Already Possess The Ability To Excel In At Least One Key Area In Your Life
Having good self-confidence is essential to a successful business career. Each of us has “days” when we wonder if we “have what it takes”. The good news is that we do, and more importantly, we can get the knowledge that it takes if we come up short in some area. Again, it is perseverance that counts, along with a passion for what we are doing.
There Can Be No Great Success Without Great Commitment
One of my favorite quotes is from the German philosopher Goethe: “The moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now”. In my experience, the hard part is first making the commitment. Once done, it is surprising how opportunities start to happen and “things fall into place”.
You Need The Support And Cooperation Of Other People To Achieve Any Worthwhile Goal
I remember the Paul Simon song who’s lyric goes, “I am a rock, I am an island”. It is a great song, and if you listen carefully, you realize that no one really is an “island”, and we are not alone. We just have to have the proper attitude, and all matter of support and synergy is at our command. Nothing of any great significance can be done without the cooperation of other people. The challenge is to find the key people, engage them, and make sure they receive their reward which is not always financial. Often it is just recognition.
Make It Happen
Incorporate these core beliefs in your life, and you can be assured of being successful, no matter what your definition of success is and what your endeavor is. Enjoy the journey, the fruits of which will bring you success and happiness.