Beyond Just The “Appearance” of Success

Posted on September 09, 2009 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

In studying the topic of “success,” I have found 5 characteristics which mark individuals who separate themselves from the pact – of those who reach the highest levels of personal success.

1) First, they are driven by a strong sense of Passion and Belief.  They have a defining conviction that compels them forward in a specific direction – toward a unique Grand Goal.  Whether it be meeting the needs of the poor and needy, or adding value to the business world in a unique way, or helping individuals connect with God – successful individuals have extreme clarity regarding what they want to do and accomplish.

2) They have chosen to Think Big and set Big Goals.  They are not only passionate about a specific issue or venture, they have set compelling goals to bring those passions into reality.  Their goals are not only specific, but are goals that Stretch – goals that Create.

3) They embrace that steps of Faith into the unknown will be needed if they will ever reach their desired destination.  They have chosen to be driven by Faith, not Fear.  They understand that active steps into the unknown will need to be taken if they are going to make their goals a reality.  And they are ready to take those steps.

4) They have taken time to creatively develop and implement

Systems

.  Systems that keep them focused on their goals – and which then drive them to those goals.  They have skilled staff who fill needed roles, established ways to track progress, and determined ways to hold themselves accountable for progress.  Not only do they have a well thought through plan – and have systematized that plan so it almost runs by itself.

5) They have a high level of personal discipline to use whatever systems they have created to stay on task.  They have developed personal rituals and habits that keep them proactively moving in one direction – in the direction of their Dream and Goals.

Challenge

: Which of the above issues do you need to develop to help you live out your passions – and reach ever-higher levels of potential?