The Formula for Success

Although success is different for each individual, it is almost always a combination of dreaming, planning, creativity, hard work and persistence. It's knowing what your passion and core values are, creating a vision, constructing a plan, establishing benchmarks, working from your strengths and remaining flexible.

Ironically, we can do all of the above and still not be happy, healthy and/or wealthy. What is the formula that outrageously successful people follow? Over my 20 plus years of managing and coaching top achievers, I have found the following to be the secret ingredients to the success of those who reach the top. Core Values Core values form the foundation of a business and successful living. Knowing what is most important to you and the principles that guide your decisions make choices easier. Successful people have learned to listen to and trust themselves (gut reaction), especially when core values are being ignored or compromised. Aspirations and dreams are what drive and give us passion and energy. It's advisable to work from a plan instead of merely a "to do" list. Creating goals, then charting a course to realize aspirations lead to a plan for success. Once the plan is in place, priorities can be established. Trusting yourself and others is also key to success. Believing in yourself and your staff is a rung on the ladder to the top. When we trust ourselves, it means we are willing to ask for help, understanding that it does not indicate a weakness or lack on our part. Trust also means we are willing to take risks, make mistakes and take initiative. Another element to trust is giving another not only responsibility for a task, but the authority to accomplish it as he/she thinks is best. This shows we trust their skills and abilities, building confidence and skill in those supporting us. Assessment Assessment is crucial to success. Knowing where you are, where you want to be and what is blocking the path allows you to focus your plan. Once obstacles are identified, you can assess why something is not working and move on to solving the problem. Persistence is a key trait in all successful individuals. Champions, after all, spend their energy on solutions, not emotions. Assessment also allows for awareness, a critical element to success. I often tell clients that awareness is the first opportunity to decide whether a change in course is necessary. It's important to know the cost/value of your time. Don't spend hours doing things you can pay an expert to do better, more quickly and often for a lot less money. Successful people do not believe they have to know, be or do it all. 'Youniqueness' Know your strengths, which are usually the things you most enjoy doing. What special, exceptional qualities do you possess? What can you do or what do you bring to your job no one else can provide? Identify these things and use them to differentiate yourself and your organization. Concentrate on those areas and you will push ahead of your competition. The most successful entrepreneurs understand there is more to life than work. Maintaining a healthy life balance is knowing where you can combine activities. An example is walking with a friend, which simultaneously provides exercise and companionship while encouraging problem solving by activating both sides of the brain. Service, particularly in the lab, is the trait most often used to differentiate yourself from competitors. Service is giving your time, money, knowledge and resources. When you serve, you work with a purpose and passion. On the Right Track Tracking where you are in a project to where you plan to be weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually is critical to success. It's easier to correct a course after a few days rather than allowing yourself to be totally off course. Creating benchmarks and charting and analyzing results is the best way to validate success. Also important: celebrating achievements. This is a necessary ingredient to success. Nancy Riesz is a consultant for Success Catalyst, a firm that offers presentations, coaching and tools that teach organizations how to improve their people connections and executives to develop a positive balance in their lives and businesses.