A question I get a lot is, “Mike, how can I be more successful?” For almost 15 years, I’ve thought about this question non-stop. Not just how *I* can achieve success, but how to equip others to find it as well. In 1999, Stanford graduate and founder of MindSpring, Charles Brewer, said this about his success in business: “honesty, integrity, frugality and adherence to the Golden Rule – to be friendly, courteous, fair, and compassionate. Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you.”

Values Create Success

Brewer points to a vital truth about achieving success: your core values determine everything. Clearly defined core values help create cohesive organizations and trustworthy brands. This breeds a sense of security among team members and ultimately leads to greater stability for the company.

On the other hand, blaming external forces for shortcomings will prevent you from cultivating a winning attitude. This will also hinder you from moving forward and staying committed to your goals. The success of entrepreneurs who started from scratch can rarely be attributed to luck.

While some people inherit advantages or receive promotions that others might deem unfair, a majority of highly successful people achieve their accomplishments through commitment and effort. These individuals have one thing in common: they set clear goals and relentlessly pursue them, investing significant time and effort over many years.

It Starts With a Choice

For those seeking financial success, keep in mind that almost everyone around you shares the same genetic makeup. Their success isn’t predetermined – they choose to thrive in business and their personal lives. Don’t allow intangible plans and objectives to lead you astray.

Maintain a sharp focus on tangible long-term goals. Surround yourself with people who have already accomplished what you desire, as their guidance can prove more valuable than any book. When figuring out how to be successful it’s important to also understand that the world offers a massive, constantly evolving global economy. Your goal is to carve out a niche for yourself, even a tiny sliver of the market can translate to success.

How to Be Successful: A Practical Guide

There are specific, actionable steps you can take to start on the road to success. You may have heard some of these before, but their importance is worth emphasizing. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Define Your Goals

It all starts with understanding what success looks like for *you*. This personal definition will guide your decisions and motivate your efforts. According to Indeed, setting clear, measurable goals is a key indicator of future success. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps. This makes the journey feel less daunting and gives you a sense of achievement as you tick each milestone off your list.

Embrace a Growth Mindset

The path to success isn’t linear, it’s full of twists, turns, and unexpected detours. A growth mindset is your secret weapon, allowing you to learn and grow from challenges rather than being defeated. In his blog, Sam Altman, the former president of Y Combinator, emphasizes the magic of compounding by saying “Look for it everywhere. Exponential curves are the key to wealth generation…”

Cultivate resilience by viewing setbacks not as failures but as invaluable learning experiences. Don’t let negative thoughts derail you. Embrace the challenges and keep moving forward. Remember, successful people don’t let obstacles stop them, they find ways to overcome them and come out stronger.

Prioritize Your Well-Being

Often overlooked, this element is crucial. Your physical and mental health are the bedrock of your success. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can work wonders not only for your well-being but also for your productivity.

Equally important is mental health. Surround yourself with a strong support system of positive individuals, such as friends, family members, or a therapist. This emotional support system can provide invaluable help in navigating the ups and downs of life, which is essential for maintaining a positive mental attitude.

Master the Art of Focus

The ability to maintain focus in our world of constant distractions can often feel like a superpower, yet it’s a skill you can cultivate. Staying focused involves training your mind to resist distractions, manage your time effectively, and prioritize tasks based on their importance.

Set boundaries around work and personal time to avoid burnout. Learn to say “no” to commitments that don’t align with your goals. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but taking breaks and prioritizing self-care will ultimately make you more productive and successful in the long run.

Never Stop Learning

The world is constantly evolving and new information and technologies emerge all the time. Embrace this constant state of change as an opportunity to enhance your knowledge. You can do this through courses, books, workshops, and mentorships, all of which will give you the cutting edge.

A relevant example of this need to always be learning is within the field of marketing, how to be successful at your interview now often requires researching your interviewer. By continually updating your knowledge and skills you remain relevant, adaptable, and well-equipped to face the challenges of a dynamic world.

Conclusion

While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when learning how to be successful, incorporating the key points highlighted here creates a blueprint for moving forward. These fundamental principles act as guideposts as you navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

Keep in mind that your journey is unique. Define what success truly means to you and chase after it with unwavering resolve.