The Fundamentals which Lead to Success

The Fundamentals which Lead to Success

In life, and in business, there are only a few fundamentals that make
life work out well, and they have never changed. Too often we pretend
that technology and education have created "new rules" or that modern
systems permit us to cut corners and find short-cuts that didn't
exist in the past. While there may be examples where that is true, in
general, I don't believe it.

The fundamentals of living well, achieving our dreams and creating
wealth have not changed. The path to success today is remarkably
similar to the path walked by generations past.

What are the basics? You might have your own list, but I would
suggest at least the following:

1. Personal Integrity. Socrates recommended, "Know thyself" and
Shakespeare added, "to thine own self be true." Knowing who we are,
what we value and making sure that our words and actions match is
fundamental. Doing unfulfilling work or living in an environment that
doesn't suit us will surely undermine our long-term success. Too many
of us live "lives of quiet desperation" and that is NOT a foundation
on which to build a life!

2. Clear Thinking. Many of us grew up in the "feel good" generation
and we are confused about the role of thought (education, planning,
skills and tools) verses emotion. We let our hopes, wishes, fears,
or "hang-ups" run our lives. High achievers take time to think
clearly, seek expert advice, plan wisely, and learn from the mistakes
of others. The Old Testament says that "wisdom comes from a multitude
of advisors." Some strategies just work better than others. Buildings
are always designed and "blueprinted" in advance. Our lives should be
designed just as carefully.

3. Unfailing Optimism. This is not shallow "positive thinking", but a
clear-headed, conscious faith in the future and in your own
potential. "Where there is a will, there is a way," or as Hannibal
said over 2000 years ago, "We will find a way, or make one." High
achievers believe in their skills, in their plans, and in their
futures. They forge ahead with confidence built on integrity and
careful planning.

4. Hard Work. Ben Franklin observed, "Early to bed, early to rise
makes a man (or woman) healthy, wealthy and wise." I've heard people
say achievement should be "effortless" and I agree that sometimes
enormous amounts of work can flow easily and quickly, but I also know
that creating a great life usually requires dedication, personal
discipline, attention to detail, and effort.

5. Patience and Persistence. A great life is rarely built in a day.
It takes time develop a life of one's own. There will be mistakes and
wrong turns along the way, and highly successful people are neither
surprised nor disheartened by this. They simply get a good night's
sleep and start again in the morning. They learn from their mistakes,
correct them, and move on with better skills and more effective
strategies.

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