The word "success" has a sweet ring to it, doesn't it?
As we attempt various things in life-personal or professional-our efforts are geared towards achieving our goals. We want to be successful, right? Not only is it delicious but also boosts our self-confidence and self-esteem. Success, when we work for it, helps us grow and live a life of purpose.
Each one of us has the ability to do great things. Some of us need a little nudge. You know what they say about riding on the shoulders of giants. Fortunately, there's no dearth of self-improvement advice out there-we can choose what appeals to us and take action to accomplish what we want in life.
I read motivational speaker/ TV host/author Les Brown's book, Laws Of Success: 12 Laws That Turn Dreams Into Reality a couple of years ago. It is a wonderful book. Les teaches people to follow their dreams and his catch phrase is "It's possible!".
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Here is a gist of these 12 laws to help you live the life you dream of.
You see, it's like this: even though you know most or all of these, sometimes a reminder is necessary to get back on track.
12 laws to make you successful in life
Law #1: Listen to your heart
As we get caught up chasing life's routine and try to meet other people's expectations, we bury our hopes and dreams inside. To find out our purpose in life, we have to turn down the volume on that noise, go find a quiet place, and reflect. And when we do, we must listen to our heart. Make decisions that reflect what our heart wants.
Law #2: Leverage Your Gifts and Talents
We're all blessed with many abilities and talents. Of course, sometimes we doubt ourselves and assume we have no special talents-but this is usually because we haven't found them yet.
When I graduated from college, I thought I'd do well in a project environment. My eclectic responsibilities made me realize I'd actually survive anywhere, thanks to a demanding boss. I then worked in advertising, sales, marketing, training and wrapped up my corporate career at 33 as the regional head for a UK based company. The real challenge came when I took a two-year sabbatical and wanted to return to work. Long story short, I didn't get a job. I had home loans, a growing toddler, medical expenses and of course, life. Instead of waiting for something good to come along, I made a list of my talents, such as they were, and decided to do what makes me happy-and brings in an income. Sure it was a struggle. I kept an open mind, to possibilities. I stretched way out of my comfort zone to build what I have today. Hard work yes, but very worth it to find what you are good at and do it
"Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find the ways to do it. Believing a solution paves the way to solution." David J. Schwartz
Law #3: Let Go of F.E.A.R.
Yes, when you want to follow your passion, one thing is ever ready to hold you back: FEAR. But when you understand fear for what it is, you learn to let go.
F.E.A.R. stands for
Love that acronym eh? When fear runs our lives, we stagnate. We accept things for what they are and settle. But let me tell you-it doesn't have to be like that. Find your fears, challenge them, overcome them. Then live the life you've dreamed of. Because you can!
Law #4: Find Your Tribe
Every successful person has a great team that cheers them on, supports them, pushes them towards their goals. Find your tribe. The people who care about you and will encourage you no matter what. Whom do you want on your team? Whom do you want to avoid? Steer clear of those who will sabotage your efforts or constantly criticize you. With your support system in place to propel you towards your dreams, you can't go wrong.
Read Ten tips to deal with criticism
Law #5: Keep Your Mind Open to Learning
We never stop learning and growing in life. No matter how far we go, how successful, we are all works in progress. It's important to keep our minds open, stretch, learn new things and grow, both intellectually and spiritually.
Law #6: Leave All Negativity and Toxins Behind
When we try to build on shaky ground, we don't get lasting results. Negativity and toxic people and situations can ruin our lives if we don't do something about it. Of course, we have a choice. Whine and complain, or rise and shine. Can you grow a forest on land that recently had a toxic spill? No. So, if you want to grow, work on getting rid of toxins from your life. Then replace them with positivity and love. That's the right environment for growth.
Read how to practice the negative thought diet
Law #7: Follow the Success Trails That Others Have Paved Before You
You know what they say about not reinventing the wheel. Whatever your path, remember someone has already walked on it before you. So, find the right mentor. You'll find success is much easier to achieve compared to what you can do on your own. Once you identify your mentor, be a good student. Take action. Enjoy the fruit of your effort.
Law #8: Take the Leap. Grow Your Wings on the Way Down
Planning is the foundation for your success, but even so, it can be a pain sometimes. For some people, they're so focused on getting things perfect that they never actually take action.
You HAVE to get started and build momentum as you go. Of course, it is scary. And you won't have all the answers. But believe in yourself and you'll learn as you go, as you walk towards success. So take action. And when there are lows, keep the faith.
Law #9: Create Multiple Streams of Income
This lesson is something I learned in my early twenties, in my second job. One fine day, the advertising agency I worked with announced that the owner wanted to focus on his primary business and we were given the "golden handshake". Extra two months' pay and goodbye. Suddenly, from being a happy team, we found ourselves unemployed. Scary. Sure, we did find other work, but the two interim weeks? Scary. That day, I learned that I wouldn't depend on any one thing for my income. I took up a part-time job in addition to my full-time work. It is true what they say about not putting all your eggs in one basket.
When you create multiple streams of income, there's always something to fall back on when one stream dries up. Today, I do this as a freelancer with different types of work from a variety of clients. I don't depend on any one thing for my financial happiness. Sure, some things work better than others, but that's the balance of life.
Law #10: Light Up Each Room as You Enter
If you want to attract people into your life, be the kind of person others want to be around. Learn to provide value. Bring hope to people's lives. This will draw people towards you, moving you onward on your path to success.
Law #11: Lead by Serving the Needs of Others
All of us are blessed with the gift of life. Some of us navigate it a little easier than others. Some of us have more than others. There are always people in need and we must find ways to help them. We must make kindness the norm. A crucial life lesson I learned from my Mom: we must constantly ask ourselves "Where am I on the service spectrum". Believe me, you'll be a more successful and a happier person when you do things for others.
Law #12: Laugh Out Loud and Enjoy Every Moment
Always remember that life is about being happy, having fun and enjoying the time you have with those you love. Don't be so focused on walking the path to greatness that you forget to enjoy the journey. Don't lose track of what's truly important in life: your loving relationships, yourself. Laugh a lot. Enjoy every moment.
Leverage these twelve laws to find your purpose. Make them work for you!
It's okay to stumble a little as you walk the path to success. We learn from those moments.
Which of these 12 laws speak to you? (The book link is my Amazon affiliate link. When you use this link to buy, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I will donate this to charity)
