So You Want To Be Successful

 

So You Want To Be Successful

I always felt that I would be successful, but I can say that when I was younger I didn’t really have a plan. I just did what I had to do. I lived life and really focused on the now, not thinking about the future too much. I worked hard at whatever I was paid to do, but that’s what I learned growing up. 

I have always been a big dreamer of all the things I wanted, but they were just dreams. Looking back, was  I successful…not sure I would term it “success” in my early adult life. I did better than most, so that’s success. It wasn’t the level I had hoped for, but definitely did ok. 

As I got into my mid to late 30s I started seeing some of my friends my age move up ladders in their career. I saw what they had and looked at myself. I realized I wasn’t moving as fast. I was a diligent worker, so what’s the deal? 

Then around 40 I came to the realization that it's more than just physically working. It’s more than just putting in the 9 to 5. To be successful takes more than the minimum effort - even if you are working hard while doing the minimum. 

For me, considering where I want to go, I know that I need to work hard mentally, physically and spiritually. I need to spend the time reading, researching and understanding new things. I need to sacrifice time on the couch with Seinfeld to read. I need to spend the time listening to a podcast that teaches me about leadership and management rather than rock out to Aerosmith. 

If we want to get ahead in this world, it takes more than just physically doing the job. It takes sacrifice. You have to be willing to do things that are not always fun or relaxing. You have to push yourself and put yourself in situations that are uncomfortable. 

Comfort leads to complacency, which leads you nowhere new…just the same place you’ve always been. 

Over the last four years, I’ve realigned my priorities. I’ve decided that it's time for me to be better than I have ever been. It’s time to learn more, try more, experience more. It’s time to live more respectfully and take on the challenges that come with being more than just another cog in the machine. It means mental stimulation, physical stimulation and spiritual stimulation. 

I know I have a lot more work to do on myself and I will never be perfect or satisfied, but I know what I’m striving for. Hopefully along the way I can motivate others too. Hard work is so important, yet there are a lot of people who just get it done. Those are the people who will always take orders. Put in the extra work and be the leader, then you’ll find success.