How to Succeed

It's easy! Simple steps!

"Self-help" is a billion dollar industry. Why? Because the majority of us feel lost or inadequate in one way or another, at some time or other.

I'm relatively "unsuccessful". And I know why. Or do I? At least I think I kind of know why. By inference and inversion, I precariously know "The Secret Path to Success!" (of sorts). That totally qualifies me as a legit life coach and motivational speaker. I'd like to share these secrets with you, on what you need to succeed.

1.  Focus
When your brain chemistry is spiking, with synapses randomly firing off, and your mind is going all over the place, it's probably impossible to stay focus on anything. This is often mistaken as creativity or dynamic thinking. It's like your mind is rambling on in multiple direction, ricocheting around aimlessly. We need to recognise it, and arrest that exhausting and unproductive activity.

Many people are living in their own world, lost in their own mind. It's like they have muted their senses, leaving barely enough for vital and functional operations, going about life like zombies, caught in a continuous internal cognitive loop. Living in their reminiscent past, or their fantasised future, or some augmented reality in between.

Be here and now. In the present. Quieten down, meditate and realign your chakras. Heighten your senses, and feel the "now". If that fails, slap yourself out of your lucid dream.

2.  Direction
It's not enough to stay on a path. You need to know that you're heading is the right way. This is where it gets tricky. There's not just one correct choice. It's multiple choice questions all along the way. Sometimes people choose to not choose, try to cruise along, ease off the pedal. With some lucky, they get carried along by the current. Otherwise, they start drifting off course. Choices you'll always have, but stop procrastinating.

3.  Discipline
Tenacity and persistence. Stick to some routines. Keep working on it. Do. Execute.

4.  Failure
It's normal to fail. Everyone makes mistakes. Loads of it. Failure is evidence of trying. Don't fear failure. And stop wallowing in self-pity. Learn from it. Get up quickly, beat off the dust and continue.

5.  Time
It's a limited resource. A scarce commodity we trade for money. Mortality is real. Use what's left wisely.

6.  Network
Meet people. Everyone is a lifetime worth of experience. Good and bad. You don't get to live multiple lives. Learn from others. Don't be too proud to ask for help. You will face rejections. Expect that. But don't stop reaching out.

7.  Checking
Everything is work in progress. Fatigue is normal. Rest when you must. And sometimes good enough, is good enough. Check to see if what you're pursuing is still relevant, to you. Life's a journey. Pause to enjoy the scenery.

8.  Definition
How we define success can be the crux of the matter. It changes at different stages in our lives. We're usually benchmarking against some societal norms; some measure of accumulated wealth or richness or one's net worth. Ultimately what matters in the end, is our physical and mental wellbeing, or happiness, or richness in experiences. It's a shifty goalpost. Something you set for yourself. Whether you're tough on yourself, or not. Everything is relative, to your own perspective.

9.  Make Peace
Find your own peace. Be kind to yourself. Don't spiral into self-defeat. Be honest to others and to yourself. Because the worst thing is to realise that you have been lying to yourself. Stay positive. It attacts postivity.

10.  Conclusion
We can go on and on with this, that's how life is. The permutations are many. You can improve the odds, but there's no one magical formula.

Be grateful. Remember to count your blessings. Be humble. Be compassionate. Make the most out of it, and make a positive difference in the lives around you. Bear good intentions. Be a beacon of truth and light.

May God look kindly upon us.