Success aspiration. Do you have it?
Success aspirations are something we all have, at least a lot of us do. We aspire to do better, live better, make more money. The reality is the things we want are unending.
It’s one thing to want to make our desires a reality. It’s another when we must deal with what’s preventing us from achieving our aspirations. One of those issues is growth. The fact is, every human being deals with growth issues. In fact, who hasn’t asked themselves how to get from point A to Point B?
Figuring out the right path while dealing with the expectations of others, as well as the ones we set for ourselves, can be daunting. Getting beyond these expectations, and focusing on what’s needed to succeed, is key if we plan to achieve our aspirations.
Our aspirations are a first step. Even though having them is common, it usually leads to asking understandable questions such as how to achieve success easier? Or, how to change without turning our lives upside down, or without creating havoc?
In short, there is no simple path to growth or to achieve ideal aspirations. However, there are general rules or guidelines for welcoming, accepting and achieving what we desire and here are ten to consider.
1. Believe In Yourself
Here is a quote by Mahatma Gandhi:
“Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. If I shall have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely gain the capacity to do it, even if I may not have it at the beginning.”
Could you have read any truer words? When things aren’t going as planned, when it seems as if every effort is in vain, think of this quote.
The importance of believing in oneself, determine the outcome of every expectation we set for ourselves. A belief in oneself is the cornerstone of success.
Related: Self-Confidence, 7 Strategies To Boost Yours
2. Set Dynamic Goals
Dynamic goals are not ordinary goals; they are goals set with a purpose in mind. In order to set purposeful goals or dynamic goals, we need to set clear objectives. It involves taking specific steps towards those goals. Steps could be to write out the details of the goal and not setting goals that’s unattainable. Instead, set goals that’s challenging and will produce the desired rewards.
Why is it important to set challenging goals? Because a goal that requires effort reduces the potential of boredom and increases the motivational element. Motivation and boredom aren’t the only reason to set challenging goals. Growth is also a factor. We don’t just set goals to set them. We set them to achieve something, and in that regard, we grow. Only the individual setting the goal will know if the goal is achievable. To increase the probability of achieving a goal, consider taking the following steps.
Write goals down
See with clarity what’s needed to accomplish the goal. Seeing it helps to move it from a wish to reality. A written goal clarifies and motivates. It’s an essential tool in achieving success.
Read goals often
Writing a goal is an important part of success aspirations, but reviewing it is just as relevant as the effort it takes to write it down. When we constantly review our goals, it helps to build confidence. As humans, we reflect on life. We think about the past, the future and the present. View reviewing goals the same way we reflect on life. To analyze where we’ve been, where we are, and where we are going. We review our goals because we need to see our passage to grow. This simple effort propels us forward and gives us the conviction to keep going.
Related: Setting Goals, What Everyone Should Know
3. Act as if you’re there
A part of achieving success, or as the title of this post stipulates, success aspirations, is emulating success. The video below published on huffpost.com outline a lifestyle shift to empowerment. It’s important to believe and see success now and not down the road, to make a desired change. Stop thinking, “If Only,” and start functioning as if successful.
4. Connect with the right people
Getting from where we are to where we want to be or our success aspirations involves change, reflection to examine life now, and the change we want. We can’t say goodbye to our family or even to certain friends. We can, however, realize that in order to accomplish goals, we may need some help. Ignoring the naysayers that can be some family members or friends is necessary. Take steps to connect with those who can help to achieve a desired result.
Find that one person who not only understands and has achieved success, but he/she has had been there and knows what it takes to succeed. Aligning yourself with a mentor will allow you to make the right decisions, make fewer mistakes. In short, less trial and error.
5. Use the right tools to strengthen the chance of success
When trying to move from point A to Point B, use every tool available. The relationship we cultivate as mentioned above and any that will allow an effective outcome and achieve the right results.
We’ve already mentioned writing and reviewing goals. That would involve having a journal or notebook to use as a tool. Still, there are other tools to consider. Examine the tools currently in place and determine if they are being used effectively. Keep in mind the individual nature of choosing the right tools.
Consider online resources to supplement and enhance skills. There are also traditional methods to use. Consider a journal a traditional tool, so is a whiteboard and a mentor, as mentioned above. The goal is to use any tool that can help to achieve success.
6. Take actionable steps
Taking actionable steps is not a simple process. Many, including those who’ve achieved their goals, can attest to moments of procrastination, distraction, and excuses. There can be many obstacles standing in the way. The key is to offset them by acting decisively. Let’s use procrastination as an example. If it is an issue, consider using accountability as a method to offset the need to delay. To be accountable, write the excuses. It will help to realize what’s truly preventing progress. At every roadblock, take definitive steps to remove the roadblock and be one step closer to achieving success.
7. Take a Leap
A leap is blind faith. Also, it’s scary. Most of us are afraid of the unknown, of uncertainty. We focus more on what can go wrong. Then there is that uncomfortable.
Feeling that comes with unfamiliarity. However, sometimes faith in self can be rewarding and is a point of self-discovery. Also, the absence of fear from can produce rewarding results. Taking that leap is a personal process that’s different for each of us. What is not different, however, is the importance of having faith in ourselves.
8. Build your knowledge base
Growing is impossible without knowledge. If change is on the horizon, it’s even more relevant. Don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know. Equally important is learning what you need to learn. Embrace not being totally knowledge as a strength, not a weakness. Albert Einstein said,
“Knowledge is limited and imagination is more important.”
Still, if Albert Einstein was standing in front of me when he said that, I would’ve said: Albert, start somewhere!
9. Reject rejection
The sting of rejection can be daunting. That feeling of inadequacy is hurtful and can stall efforts to move forward. However, there is an upside to rejection. It offers the opportunity to re-evaluate, to see a distinct advantage. It’s empowering when we can use rejection as an advantage and not a disadvantage.
Turning rejection into a positive experience is hard, harder yet, because there will always be someone who believes they can do it better, or say it better. The question is not that they could, it’s whether they did. The key to rejection is perspective. Take the rejection at face value, use it to propel forward, despite that moment.
10. Transforming your thoughts to achieve success aspirations
Your thoughts are the cornerstone of changing. Let’s put it another way. You are what you think. Here is the exact quote from Buddha that reinforces this concept:
“We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.”
The general rules for change, for growth, is the idea that our thought create our world. See thoughts as a stepping stone to the changes you want. It’s relevant if you want to get from where you are to where you want to be. Another impactful quote from Ruth Casey will end this post.
“It only takes one person to change your life – you.”
