Finding Success – are you positive about that?

    This week, I’m going to address one of the most difficult hurdles along the road to success…attaining your goals while avoiding the pitfalls of negativity. Every single one of our journeys is vastly different; each of us battles unique tasks, circumstances, and challenges. However, human nature practically guarantees that no matter who we are, or what we’re trying to accomplish, all human beings share certain realities that can derail our forward progress. My goal is to help you defeat the factors that can discourage, or stop you in your tracks.

    Let’s start with something basic that everyone knows; The Golden Rule. No, not “He who has the gold, rules.” The positive one—“Do unto to others as you would have them do unto you.” Adopt this, make it a habit, and move on. Cliche’ perhaps, but nothing will serve you any better in life than treating those around you with kindness and respect.

    OK—now think about this. You’ve invested a tremendous amount of time and energy aimed at social networking, right? Are you using it to full potential? More to the point, are you being social? It’s all well and good to have a presence in as many places as you can, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it. I’m presently attempting to market myself as an author, and have a novel to offer readers. I’ve quickly learned just how many other individuals are out there with a similar aim. I’ve also learned that it’s not enough just to plaster your pic and book cover all over the place then expect the accolades to come rolling in. Do this, and you’ll be waiting a long time for anything to happen. I know you’ve heard this before, but it bears repeating—have conversations. Too shy? Start with me over on Twitter @threecifer. Talking to others is going to provide you with a veritable potporri of solutions to problems you didn’t even know you had. I learn something new from others EVERY SINGLE DAY. That’s right…people are the greatest resource out there. You’ll learn new things to do and try. You’ll learn what to avoid at all costs. You may even learn some new things about yourself. Best of all, when your lofty goals aren’t being met nearly as quickly as you thought they might, conversations are a wonderful distraction from becoming too disappointed—which leads me to my next point.

    The formal definition of “project” is: to devise a specific plan or design in the mind. My definition: to decide ahead of time how the future will unfold, only to be needlessly disappointed, time after time after time, ad infinitum. Three simple words on this terrible habit most of us have picked up somewhere along the road—stop doing it. I made a conscious decision to stop projecting many years ago. It was difficult at first, but once I trained myself not to count on an unrealistic outcome for my future, two things happened; I started to appreciate each day much more, and I found a deeper degree of happiness in my life. This is not to say “Don’t have a plan.” Rather, do the best you can in each moment, and work slowly and carefully toward your goals, without “counting on” a specific outcome. You will be amazed at what a difference this may make in your life. The late, self-help guru, Robert Collier, once said, “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” Genius!

    The next item may be dependent on your financial status. I am painfully aware that many people are struggling just to put food on the table in this trying economic atmosphere. However, if you are able, nothing feels better than to give back. This one is a deeply personal issue. For me, it just feels right to help others, whenever possible. Presently, I’m donating the royalties of my book sales to the Japan relief efforts. They need the money far more than I do. My reward…I still get the distinct pleasure of having someone new read my work, while making a small difference. When combined with the efforts of others, these gestures add up to big numbers and contribute to the greater good. As an alternative, you might donate your time or skills. A number of fellow indie author friends have each written a short piece to include in a compilation, entitled “With Love” http://tiny.cc/b0fp9 , the proceeds of which will also be donated to Japan relief efforts. (Please support them and their work.) Another fantastic way to give—help someone who is already helping others. Giving a well-established individual, or organization an assist will not only turbo-charge their efforts, it will fill you up and perhaps even get you and your work noticed at the same time.

    A few other suggestions to hopefully take you over the top on your quest for success. Do something nice for someone you barely know, or don’t know at all. The universe has a funny way of bringing positive energy back around to those who are generous in putting it out there to begin with. Besides, it’s just the right thing to do. Also, don’t forget to carry promotional materials with you AT ALL TIMES. You never know who you might hand a bookmark or card to, who, in turn, makes a remarkable difference in your world.

    I sincerely hope these suggestions will be helpful along your personal road to achieving your goals and attaining success. Do you have any tips or methods that have worked in your life? I’d love you to share any advice, or comments you might have with me and other readers. Thank you for visiting.

    All the best,  AB