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Change is inevitable. When you’re expecting it, the transition can feel easy. When you’re not, it can be devastating. Either way, how do you deal with change?



Without question, your perception of change influences your response to it. Will the shift produce a positive or negative outcome for you? Will it be challenging, causing you to stretch and experience some periods of discomfort? Or will it inspire you to get up early and stay up late, preparing for its new and prominent role in your life?



For better or worse, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-ways-to-get-better-at-dealing-with-change/">here’s what to do</a> when you have to pivot to deal with change when it rears its head:



<h2 id="h-1-acknowledge-that-the-change-is-the-new-normal">1. Acknowledge that the change is the new normal.</h2>



Denying the existence of change rarely frustrates its staying power. Instead of rejecting change, our most rewarding course of action is to acknowledge its presence and effect on our way of life. In a riveting TED Talk called “<a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/alanna_shaikh_coronavirus_is_our_future?language=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coronavirus is our future</a>,” global health expert Alanna Shaikh, M.P.H., shares insights on the global pandemic in a straightforward and approachable way. She makes it clear that our collective experience is the new normal, and stresses that while we cannot escape the multifaceted impact of this crisis, we can admit our vulnerability to it and appreciate its influence on our global ecosystem. 



This, to be clear, is the first logical step in confronting any kind of change and initiating the way forward.



<h2 id="h-2-explore-your-feelings-about-dealing-with-changes">2. Explore your feelings about dealing with changes.</h2>



In the midst of juggling competing interests, it’s equally important to sit with your thoughts as you navigate change. Become intimately acquainted with what you feel will help you see things clearly and make better decisions about what matters the most. Because the enormity of the change itself can be so distracting, seldom do we take the time <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-science-of-self-reflection/">to self-reflect</a> and explore our emotional well-being, including <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-a-swot-analysis-can-help-you-gain-self-awareness/">our self-awareness</a> and self-management. When you prioritize your internal experience as you process change, you ensure your emotional well-being, as well as your overall progress.



<h2 id="h-3-prepare-for-it">3. Prepare for it.</h2>



<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/4-leadership-tips-for-times-of-constant-change/">Taking appropriate action</a> in the direction of change will help make certain that things go more smoothly for you—and the earlier, the better. Preparation requires asking yourself key questions about where you are now and where you intend to be as you deal with change and reimagine yourself in the “new normal.” What resources will you need? What sacrifices will you need to make? How much time will be required? Will you need help to effect the outcome? Get clear on the strategy and tactics that will help you overcome any roadblocks to your success. Then, without hesitation, execute.



<h2 id="h-4-rely-on-your-support-system-or-create-one">4. Rely on your support system, or create one.</h2>



If you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-you-feel-overwhelmed-with-life/">find yourself feeling overwhelmed</a>, remember that you don’t have to go it alone. Managing change can be burdensome, but even more so when you try to do everything by yourself. Instead of flexing your misanthropic muscle, reach out to your support system—those valued individuals who are ready and willing to help in your time of need. <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-create-social-support-in-your-life-3144955" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Don’t have a support system</a>? Create one! Resources are everywhere. Imagine the incredible new connections you’re capable of discovering and the wealth of opportunities that might follow.



<h2 id="h-5-give-yourself-grace-as-you-deal-with-change">5. Give yourself grace as you deal with change.</h2>



One thing is for sure: Change is a process. It’s chock full of ebbs and flows, fits and starts. At times, you may feel on top of the world—like nothing can stop you. During others, not so much. When you find yourself on the lower end of the totem pole, don’t beat yourself up. Give yourself the grace to move forward even when you are not feeling or performing at your best. A bad day is not a deal breaker, but rather an opportunity to step back and begin again. Remember that.



No matter what change you’re experiencing in life, know that you can move through it successfully. After all, “every cloud has a silver lining”—you might as well give it your signature, too.



This article was published in March 2020 and has been updated. Photo by imtmphoto/Shutterstock

Are you feeling rattled by the sudden shift in your routine? Here’s how to confront and deal with change, whether it's expected or not.

Are you feeling rattled by the sudden shift in your routine? Here’s how to confront and deal with change, whether it's expected or not. | SUCCESS

How to Deal With Unexpected Change

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How to Deal with Change and Thrive in a New Normal | SUCCESS

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A leading authority on leadership development and organizational performance management, Karima Mariama-Arthur brings more than 25 years of comprehensive, blue chip experience in law, business and academia to every client engagement. A shrewd advisor to distinguished organizations from DC to Dubai, her expert insights help clients to successfully navigate today's ever-changing and competitive global business environment. Karima is the author of the internationally acclaimed and 2019 NAACP Image Award nominated leadership guidebook, Poised For Excellence: Fundamental Principles of Effective Leadership in the Boardroom and Beyond (Palgrave Macmillan), which launched at the United States Military Academy at West Point. As an extension of her work, she speaks regularly both nationally and internationally in her areas of expertise and serves in an advisory capacity on select corporate boards.

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Karima Mariama-Arthur

No Matter How Busy, Why You Should Always Make Time for Brainstorming

The term “brainstorming,” and new derivatives of it like <a href="https://mie.umass.edu/news/mccaffey-produces-brainswarming-video" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brainswarming</a> and <a href="https://campusguides.lib.utah.edu/MindMapping" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mind mapping</a>, are tossed around a lot, along with a zillion ways to find the most success with each strategy. It’s been used to combat writer’s block, inspire creative thinking and jump-start problem-solving, but these fields are certainly not the only place you'll find use in brainstorming---nor should they be.



Stepping away from the day-to-day routine to brainstorm helps churn out fresh ideas, evaluate options and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/be-better-at-decision-making/">make good decisions</a>. Here are five reminders as to why brainstorming is so beneficial to your business:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-you-re-reinvigorated-with-fresh-ideas">1. You're reinvigorated with fresh ideas.</h2>



Differentiating yourself from the next brand is critical to your long-term survival, and without a mechanism for generating fresh, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/18-out-of-the-box-ideas-to-spark-creative-inspiration/">innovative ideas</a>, your products and services can become obsolete. Don’t fall prey to predictability—brainstorm to equip yourself with out-of-the-box opportunities that can help you reexamine your brand, assess competition and develop cutting-edge practices that impact the bottom line.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-distractions-are-removed">2. Distractions are removed.</h2>



Let’s face it, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/7-mental-techniques-to-improve-your-time-management/">multitasking is a myth</a>, and distractions are everywhere. But when you own your own business, it’s your responsibility to clear your plate so you can think big-picture. Set aside a specific window of time to brainstorm so you can ignore those day-to-day operations distractions and focus on larger key tasks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-it-enables-better-evaluation">3. It enables better evaluation.</h2>



The process of brainstorming isn’t just for generating new ideas; it can be used for evaluation as well. Evaluating with a brainstorming mindset allows you to reach beyond the surface, think critically and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-is-my-purpose-in-life/">find greater purpose</a> as you expand the scope of your business. As an added benefit, it’ll help you eliminate feelings of stress as you process and evaluate ideas at a high level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-brainstorming-creates-a-process">4. Brainstorming creates a process.</h2>



Systems and processes are great ways to improve competencies in business, and brainstorming is a valuable system that can help you manage resources, measure capabilities and quantify progress. You can use it to work on virtually every aspect of your business, execute short- and long-term planning and calculate specific results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-results-are-guaranteed">5. Results are guaranteed.</h2>



Whatever results you seek in your business—<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/serving-is-the-new-selling-and-other-tips-for-having-your-best-sales-year-ever/">cornering the market</a>, increased profits, repeat clients and more—brainstorming helps you create a fertile environment for capturing results through planning, preparation and analyzing progress. Be proactive, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-get-comfortable-being-uncomfortable/">push beyond your comfort zone</a> and positively impact the bottom line using this process.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



Are you ready to take your business to the next level by embracing the power of brainstorming?



This article was published in December 2014 and has been updated. Photo by fizkes/Shutterstock

Stepping away from the day-to-day routine to brainstorm helps churn out fresh ideas, evaluate options and make good decisions.

Stepping away from the day-to-day routine to brainstorm helps churn out fresh ideas, evaluate options and make good decisions. | SUCCESS

The Importance of Brainstorming: Making Time for Innovation

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These 5 Attributes Comprise True Influence

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Ever wonder what it takes to command a room, influence perception or get a seat at the table?



A striking personal appearance, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/rohn-8-ways-to-master-the-art-of-communication/">excellent communication skills</a>, extraordinary competence, clout and rapport are each compelling qualities that immediately come to mind.



However, no matter which individual variables you consider, they all point to the same thing: your ability to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-use-your-influence-to-help-others/">successfully wield influence</a> through executive presence.



But what is executive presence, exactly?



In his book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Executive-Presence-Second-Commanding-Respect/dp/1260143473/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1652999811&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Executive Presence: The Art of Commanding Respect Like a CEO</a>, Harrison Monarth, an expert in coaching high-level players in the art of perception management, states that executive presence is the ability to:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Accurately “read” people and predict their behavior</li>



<li>Influence the perceptions of others</li>



<li>Persuade those of opposing views to your side</li>



<li>Create and maintain a personal “brand”</li>



<li>Manage and control your online reputation</li>



<li>Perform damage control when things go wrong</li>
</ul>







Harvard Business Review explains it this way: “Although executive presence is highly intuitive and difficult to pin down, it ultimately boils down to your ability to project mature self-confidence, a sense that you can take control of difficult, unpredictable situations; <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/francesbridges/2021/09/30/how-to-make-a-hard-decision/?sh=b0b3e31c0a50" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">make tough decisions</a> in a timely way and hold your own with other talented and strong-willed members of the executive team.”



No matter how you define “executive presence,” if you want to develop greater influence and, in turn, greater personal and professional success, consider mastering the following key attributes:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-competence-and-credibility">1. Competence and Credibility</h2>



If you seek to wield influence, take a hard look at the man or woman in the mirror and get clear <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/building-your-dream-life-starts-with-defining-your-values/">on the value you bring</a> to the table. Do you dabble or have you developed unqualified competence in various areas of expertise? Are you actively leveraging your skill set and knowledge base for the benefit of others? If so, is that benefit recognized, respected and touted by your peers? It isn’t enough to be singularly aware of what you bring to the table; your contributions must be palpable and held in high regard by others.



When American business magnate, investor and philanthropist Warren Buffett enters a room, there is zero question about his ability to deliver on the promise of results. He knows his stuff and prides himself on being a consummate learner. His track record? Exemplary. Well-known for an unmatched ability to advise on and disrupt complex market trends, his competence and credibility each speak volumes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-confidence">2. Confidence</h2>



Even if you are competent and credible, when you don’t believe in yourself, it will always be difficult to convince anyone else that they should. But do not confuse arrogance with confidence. Confidence is an innate beacon of light that draws others to you, inspired by your competence and credibility. Arrogance, on the other hand, is distinguished by blatant pretense and quickly turns people off. When you are certain of the value that you bring, there is no need to overcompensate.



When former President Barack Obama enters a room, he embodies unmistakable, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-art-of-true-confidence/">unshakable confidence</a>. His compelling demeanor, marked by a powerful sense of certainty, is magnetic. Widely acknowledged for his standout ability to influence others by leveraging the perfect trifecta of competence, credibility and confidence, he has become an irresistible icon the world over.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-compassion">3. Compassion</h2>



Having all the above qualities does not exempt you from being compassionate. To effectively influence anyone, they must also <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/nice-is-not-enough-how-mindy-stearns-builds-a-culture-of-kindness/">know that you care</a>. We’ve all heard the familiar adage coined by Theodore Roosevelt, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” This sentiment rings especially true when it comes to influence.



It’s one of the main reasons that Oprah Winfrey, for example, has become such a beloved celebrity. While she has contributed a great deal of thought leadership over the years, people have come to love and admire her even more because of her compassion for others, vividly demonstrated through philanthropy. She really cares about people, and her compassion has made raving fans of the masses as a result.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nbsp-4-charisma">&nbsp;4. Charisma</h2>



Charismatic leaders are often the most influential. Rapport is a powerful tool that can be leveraged to connect with virtually anyone. As humans, we have an innate, almost primal desire to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/beyond-first-impressions-6-ways-to-deepen-your-connections/">connect with one another</a>. That desire, however, does not always translate in everyday interactions. Sometimes we're successful. Other times not so much. Developing charisma requires being intentional and focusing on others rather than yourself. When people feel connected to you and your vision, they are far more likely to get on board and offer their support.



Lee Iacocca used his charisma to work many a room and influence others through the gift of gab. One famous instance was his ability to persuade Congress to guarantee a sizable loan to Chrysler that saved it from a crippling bankruptcy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-consistency">5. Consistency</h2>



If you are spotty in how you show up, your personal brand will lack credibility and you will be unable to garner influence. Consistency is key to building executive presence because it provides the best “evidence” of your deliverables. If you bring your A game every now and again but your C game most of the time, you’ll be known as an average player. People need to know they can count on you to do what you say you will, at a level that reflects excellence. If not, your efforts will all be for naught.



Floyd Mayweather has developed an impeccable reputation for excellence in the boxing world, not only because of his remarkable skill, but also because of his consistency. He trains consistently with an enviable work ethic and expends tremendous mental and physical effort to capture every win. His opponents, as well as his fans, have come to know this truth quite well.



Are you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-most-powerful-tool-we-have-is-influence-heres-how-to-wield-it/">ready to wield influence</a>? If so, work to master these critical attributes to maximize your personal and professional success.&nbsp;



This article was published in March 2018 and has been updated. Photo by CarlosBarquero/Shutterstock

No matter how you define “executive presence,” if you want to develop greater influence and in turn, greater personal and professional success, consider mastering the following key attributes.

No matter how you define “executive presence,” if you want to develop greater influence and in turn, greater personal and professional success, consider mastering the following key attributes. | SUCCESS

These 5 Attributes Comprise True Influence | SUCCESS

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How to Exercise Your Influence Effectively

When English politician John Dalberg-Acton said, “Power tends to corrupt,” he was painting with a broad brush. There are many types of power, and while some types are corrupting, others can bring out the best in people when leveraged effectively. That translates into improved morale and increased productivity.



The proper use of power is to the abuse of power what democracy is to autocracy. When a leader leverages their credibility and influence to invite others to participate in decision-making, the people on the ground feel ownership in the results, much like voters in a democracy. But when a leader governs like an autocrat, people usually only participate reluctantly, or not at all. Work still gets done in an organization ruled with an iron fist, but turnover is often high and sustainability, low.



There are many different types of power, but the four highlighted here represent the most common ways leaders bring them to the fore. Here’s what you need to know about each to exercise influence effectively.



<h2>Coercive Power</h2>



Inspiring the desired behavior by wielding the stick—exercising control by dangling some form of punishment for non-compliance—is what coercive power looks like in practice. In some cases it can be extremely effective. For example, the strong perception of being caught and punished generally deters crime, which is an important component of the criminal justice system. However, this idea doesn’t translate in all settings. There is also the perception that those who leverage coercive power to implement their agendas aren’t leading so much as intimidating the populous. Using fear to complete a project might get you across the finish line, but don’t expect everyone to stick around to celebrate.



If you catch yourself saying things like, “If you don’t want this job, I’ll find someone else who does,” or using fear and intimidation to get the report submitted on time, remind yourself that there’s definitely a better way. Remember that the employee you berate today could be the colleague whose support you desperately need tomorrow. Sure, you should set expectations and enforce boundaries, but do so in a way that reinforces the greatest good.



<h2>Legitimate Power</h2>



When power is derived from a formal position within an organization’s hierarchy, it usually comes with the authority to make demands, and to expect others to be compliant. However, this power may also be conferred upon you by someone with even greater authority, which can be a little tricky. And, if you combine legitimate power with coercive power, you might be invited to tender your letter of resignation sooner or later, so tread lightly.



The people you lead will almost always give you more of themselves when you treat them with respect, so wield your legitimate power with a soft touch. One of the reasons that CEOs like In-N-Out Burger’s Lynsi Snyder and Southwest Airlines’ Gary Kelly are so beloved by their employees is because they uplift and appreciate them, while asking them to contribute their best efforts to the company. While titles often signal authority, they don’t always equal influence; <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-climb-and-conquer-the-5-levels-of-leadership/">be mindful of the difference</a>.



<h2>Expert Power</h2>



Leaders who hold expert power are those with hard-earned knowledge and skill sets on which others recognize and rely. Their good judgment is battle-tested and as a result, it usually affords them an immodest amount of respect. Individuals who wield expert power are typically an organization’s <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/6-tips-to-become-a-thought-leader-aka-how-to-be-a-big-deal/">thought leaders</a>, which is an extension of their expert power. Their peers hardly begrudge them their authority and commonly defer to their insights because they generally know more than anyone else in the room. However, even the most lauded of experts can run the risk of losing credibility by being short on soft skills or falling victim to the ego, both of which can equally mar the perceived value of their contributions and authority.



One of the reasons that Dr. Howard Gardner, author of Multiple Intelligences has earned such resonance with the masses is because people recognize him as an expert in his field. But not only that, he also understands how the principles of human connection and rapport boost the value of his overall contributions and uses this knowledge to his advantage. Together, these attributes help him to leverage the next type of power on this list.



<h2>Referent Power</h2>



Every leader should aspire to hold referent power, which relies on interpersonal connections and other soft skills to unite people in a common mission. The well-loved coach who uses heartfelt words to rally his team to victory and reminds them to reach for grit, holds referent power. So, too, does the CEO who brings along a contingent of loyal supporters when they move to a new organization.



Leaders like Representative John Lewis held referent power in life, which is why in death, he and others like him have received such an outpouring of love. Widely known for his compelling interpersonal skills and rousing advocacy, it comes as no surprise that those inspired by his standout example were happy to “get in good trouble, necessary trouble,” and make important contributions to the American legacy of leadership.



Power can be a tool or a weapon of influence, depending on the person holding it. It’s incumbent on a leader to make sure to use it to build people up rather than to tear them down. Although it seems counterintuitive to some, nothing says effective leadership like the ability to invite others to share the reins, coupled with a genuine feeling of esprit de corps.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">Read next: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-10-laws-of-cultivating-influence/">The 10 Laws of Cultivating Influence</a></blockquote>



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Photo by GaudiLab/Shutterstock.com

Power can be a tool or a weapon of influence, depending on the person holding it. As a leader, make sure you’re using it to build people up rather than tear them down.

Power can be a tool or a weapon of influence, depending on the person holding it. As a leader, make sure you’re using it to build people up rather than tear them down. | SUCCESS

How to Use Your Influence as a Leader

How to Use Your Influence as a Leader | SUCCESS

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Embracing Diversity, Increasing Inclusion

People often speak of “diversity” and “inclusion” as if they were interchangeable words, but the truth is that they’re very different concepts. When we speak of workplace diversity, we’re talking about the presence—or absence—of people from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, age brackets, geographic locations, and religious traditions with an assortment of physical and mental abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and philosophical leanings. Diversity refers only to the composition of the workforce, not to the workplace policies that address the various needs and wants of that workforce. That’s where inclusion comes in.



When we speak of inclusion in the workplace, we’re addressing the ways an organization makes its employees feel accepted. Inclusion speaks to the words used in the workplace, especially by executives and managers. It’s also the ways an organization celebrates holidays, the manner in which meetings are structured and run, or the types of accommodations available in a workspace. It’s the signals—sometimes obvious and sometimes subtle—that an organization sends to its employees, all of which can make a person feel valuable or valueless.



Too often organizations pat themselves on the back when they implement a hiring policy that increases diversity, but that’s an empty gesture unless they also address organizational culture. If your organization is hiring a diverse group of people but sending hostile signals to them, sooner or later you’re going to lose them, and you will be back at square one.



If your organization is serious about creating a truly welcoming environment for a diverse workforce, then you should take a hard look at these three areas:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Area 1: Consider the C-suites.</h3>



The makeup of your executive team speaks volumes about your organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Unless those who hold the levers of control in your organization reflect the diversity at a very basic level, you can’t call yourself a truly diverse and inclusive organization. However, diversity doesn’t magically show up in the C-suite. Providing training and advancement opportunities so that diverse high potentials are included in the talent pipeline is key to accomplishing this result. Also, until those at the lower echelons can look up and see someone who looks like them at the top, they will be hard-pressed to feel that they really belong or be inspired to ascend the corporate ladder.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Area 2: Cut the promotion bias.</h3>



Your organization’s evaluation and promotion process says much about your philosophy and priorities. Too many managers apply disparate standards on a whim, or employ discriminatory practices, which lead to more of the same. Promotions are one of the chief means of showing employees that they matter and to appropriately filling the talent pipeline, so you should do all that you can to remove bias from the process. That means training managers to recognize and confront their own biases (explicit and implicit) and changing requirements for promotions so that the rewards for hard work are more broadly available.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Area 3: Talk to the team.</h3>



If your organization has already taken genuine steps to diversify your workplace, then you might already have a built-in mechanism for measuring the strengths and weaknesses of your inclusion practices. Even still, it’s important to ask your employees to offer feedback (anonymously so it’s honest and useful) on their interpersonal experiences, especially in the context of workplace culture, then use those evaluations to make substantive changes in your workspace. If, for example, your employees are telling you that they need a lactorium or a prayer/meditation room, consider giving them the accommodations. Those investments will pay dividends in the long run and help employees to feel more comfortable as they work toward making their best possible contributions in the workplace.



 Diversity and inclusion aren’t just good for an organization’s morale. This dynamic duo is also good for the bottom line. Inclusion breeds happiness, and happy employees are productive employees. According to a <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/why-diversity-matters" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McKinsey &amp; Company report</a>, companies in the top quartile for ethnic and gender diversity are 25% likelier to show higher financial returns than less diverse companies. In other words, diversity doesn’t just strengthen portfolios, but corporate coffers, too. If you want to elevate the value of working with your company for the long haul, embrace diversity and increase inclusion; you’ll be glad you did!



 Photo by Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com

If your organization is serious about creating a truly welcoming environment for a diverse workforce, then you should take a hard look at these three areas.

If your organization is serious about creating a truly welcoming environment for a diverse workforce, then you should take a hard look at these three areas. | SUCCESS

Embracing Diversity, Increasing Inclusion: 3 Ways to Make Your Organization More Welcoming for All

Creating Welcoming Organizations: 3 Ways to Embrace Diversity

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Are you a “goal-getter”—someone driven by achievement who puts your
best food forward to ensure things get done? If so, you’re probably pretty
familiar with the work ethic required to be successful. 



But what if you find yourself <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/should-people-with-grit-ever-give-up/">struggling to grasp the basic motivation</a>, joy or belief in yourself to move forward? What do you do when times get tough and personal difficulty hinders your desire to achieve?



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/11-powerful-mantras-for-those-whove-lost-motivation/">11 Powerful Mantras for Those Who’ve Lost Motivation</a>
</blockquote>



Money, time and other precious resources pale in comparison to the wildcard we know and love called grit. Psychologist Angela Duckworth, <a href="https://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/tomorrows-college/grit/angela-duckworth-grit.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">an expert on&nbsp;grit</a>, refers to it as the ability to thrive during adversity. She notes that having it is a greater predictor of success than cognitive or technical skill sets.



Know this: Your internal drive to dig deep and overcome challenges will prove your biggest asset in times of uncertainty. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-gritty-traits-to-be-more-resilient/">Grit builds resilience</a>—especially when you are at the end of your rope and need a reason to keep going.



Got grit? If not, here’s how to build and improve it
when you need it most:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Focus on your ‘why.’</h3>



It’s true, your desire to do something may fluctuate from time to time. You’re human, after all. You will get tired. Your immediate priorities may shift. You may even question the necessity of doing a thing at all. But, to get passed the subterfuge, you must hone in on your “why”— you know, that earth-shattering reason you made this thing a “must” to begin with? When your why is compelling, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/stop-making-excuses-for-who-and-where-you-are/">the excuses fall away</a>. You are then able to summon grit to help you get over the “plateau of arrested development.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Be your own best barometer.</h3>



Others are certainly entitled to their opinions—but this doesn’t mean you should make them yours. Embracing the unsolicited feedback of others can make it difficult to submit to your calling. Remember, this is your goal and there is a reason why you chose to achieve it. Learn to trust the wisdom of your gut. Be clear that you are working toward your own best interests and that you have performed (or will perform!) the necessary due diligence to ensure your success. Positioning yourself as your primary counsel can give you the clarity and confidence needed to move forward, especially when you find the genuine support of others to be wanting.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Find a quintessential reference point.</h3>



Is this the first time you’ve had to move nimbly through
the trenches? Probably not. Think about a time when the odds weren’t in your favor—when
you didn’t feel like things were going to work out—but they did. What was it
about that situation that was different? What did you do differently? What
wisdom can you glean from it and apply to the current scenario? Chances are you
can haul an entire truckload of insights into your current circumstance and
achieve a much-needed breakthrough. What’s more, you’ll inevitably increase
your points of reference by fighting through the trenches time and time again.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Decide to do the work in chunks.</h3>



Nothing of value is ever created overnight. Think
diamonds, medical or technological innovations—even human life. Excellence
takes time. The point here is to embrace the imminent heavy lifting. Rather
than capitulate, roll up your sleeves and get your mind steadied to do the
work, no matter how difficult or time-consuming it may be. Instead of trying to
force-feed yourself each task, break them into bite-sized pieces called
“chunks.” Address them individually and delegate where necessary. You’ll find
each task more approachable when compartmentalized, which is exactly the point.



When things get tough, the tough don’t get going. They instead plant their feet on solid ground and prepare for the bout by reaching for grit—an extraordinary ally, especially in <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-ways-to-turn-adversity-into-an-inspired-state-of-mind/">times of adversity</a>.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/4-stages-for-building-grit-in-your-children/">4 Stages for Building Grit in Your Children</a>
</blockquote>



Photo by Parilov / Shutterstock

Your internal drive to dig deep and overcome challenges will prove your biggest asset in times of uncertainty. Grit builds resilience—especially when you need a reason to keep going.

Your internal drive to dig deep and overcome challenges will prove your biggest asset in times of uncertainty. Grit builds resilience—especially when you need a reason to keep going. | SUCCESS

4 Ways to Build Grit When You Need It Most

4 Ways to Build Grit When You Need It Most | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/4-Ways-to-Build-Grit.jpg

Do These 3 Things to Be Better at Decision-Making

Every day, we are faced with life situations that we must confront. They require us to make certain choices, and those choices aren’t always easy. But because all decisions are the foundation for creating a life we love—or hate—it makes sense to try to make good ones.
<blockquote>Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/ask-these-6-questions-to-make-rational-decisions/">Ask These 6 Questions to Make Rational Decisions</a></blockquote>
Unfortunately, the strategies for making good decisions aren’t something we’re born with—but the process can be learned and improved over time with practice.

But what does it really mean to decide? Consider its Latin etymology: decider meaning “to decide, determine,” literally “to cut off.” So, to decide can be best understood as the process of “cutting off” any other possibility. That’s why the idea of wavering after you’ve made a decision doesn’t make much sense.

If you’ve found yourself wavering a lot lately and want to become better at decision-making, follow these key steps:
<h2>1. Clarify your purpose and identify your desired outcomes.</h2>
Clarifying the purpose behind your decision is the first step in the right direction. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-effective-steps-for-setting-why-goals/">Knowing your why</a> energizes your thinking and encourages you to take purposeful action that leads to results. It also helps you combat procrastination and confront distractions when they arise.

But just knowing your purpose isn’t enough. You must also identify the precise outcomes (the what) you desire to achieve. What’s the difference? Think of it like this: The purpose behind deciding to lose weight might be improved health and increased self-esteem. The precise outcomes you desire to achieve could be losing 50 pounds and lowering your cholesterol levels by 20 points. The point of this step is to become laser focused and fuel your motivation to stay the course of the decision.
<h2>2. Create a solid strategy armed with tactics.</h2>
Now that you’re all pumped up, what will you do next? There’s no use in clarifying your purpose and identifying your outcomes if you are not prepared to make advanced movement toward your goal. You need the elements of both strategy and tactics to execute the next phase of your decision.

To create a strategy, you’ll need to revisit the outcomes you identified in step one. Each outcome will require a strategy, which is best understood as the “big picture approach” you’ll need to follow in order achieve an outcome. For example, a strategy for losing 50 pounds could be incorporating exercise into your daily routine.

But to get at the heart of execution, you’ll also need some tactics. Tactics are the specific actions that you will need to execute to successfully carry out the strategy. Here, tactics could include attending a Zumba class on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, lifting weights at 6 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and running 2 miles with your best friend in the neighborhood park on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
<h2>3. Take immediate action.</h2>
Finally, no plan of action will work unless you do something immediately. Success requires that you get the ball rolling. It sends a signal to the brain that you are serious and forces you to shift from “mind mode” to full-blown decision mode. It’s far too easy to procrastinate, even when you draw out an intricate plan. Instead of deferring action and talking a good mental game, plan to set yourself up for success by stepping boldly into the arena.

How do you take immediate action after you’ve done all of the above? Take one strong step that will help you execute the first tactic. In this case, it could mean buying new exercise clothes, setting your alarm for Monday’s weight lifting session or scheduling the weekend running schedule with your best friend. Whatever you select, just make sure it strongly aligns with overall strategy and helps to escalate one of your core tactics.

Are you ready to make a real decision? If so, use these steps to help you achieve the outcomes you seek and create new momentum in your life personally and professionally. You’ll be glad you did!
<blockquote>Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/9-strategies-for-making-objective-decisions/">9 Strategies for Making Objective Decisions</a> </blockquote>
Photo by @andrewkuttler via Twenty20

If you want to become better at decision-making, use these steps to achieve the outcomes you seek and create new momentum in your life.

If you’ve found yourself wavering a lot lately and want to become better at decision-making, follow these key steps. | SUCCESS

Want to Be Better at Decision-Making? Do These 3 Things

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5 Ways High Achieving Women Can Break Through the Glass Ceiling

High-achieving women have always faced barriers to success, whether they’ve focused on intrapreneurship or entrepreneurship as a long-term career strategy. What’s more intriguing, however, is that these women have always seemed to muster the courage and determination to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/10-empowering-books-to-read-after-you-lean-in/">secure a seat at the table</a> and the power to effect change.

But even with a long-standing history of “fighting the good fight,” women can still benefit from new ways to confront the muck and mire of the business world.
<blockquote>Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-men-can-help-women-battle-gender-inequality/">How Men Can Help Women Battle Gender Inequality</a> </blockquote>
If you’re a woman looking for smart ways to succeed in your career, consider the following strategies as you make your trek up the corporate ladder and beyond:
<h2>1. Raise your standards.</h2>
The same level of excellence that got you to where you are, will not take you to where you want to be. Mediocrity has never been associated with <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/this-is-the-secret-force-behind-all-high-performers/">high performers</a> or high potentials. Therefore, whatever your career objectives, challenge yourself to work smarter rather than harder, and expect more from yourself than others would. That means adopting <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-keys-to-developing-daily-disciplines/">daily rituals</a> designed to get you a little closer to where you want to be. Wake up earlier, work later, complete the task sooner and better—whatever it takes to elevate your performance and expedite outcomes. Results don’t happen without rituals. Make sure yours reflect a level of excellence that positions you for greater success.
<h2>2. Make more mistakes.</h2>
As quiet as it’s kept, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/john-c-maxwell-how-to-make-the-most-of-your-mistakes/">mistakes</a> are rather common occurrences along the road to success. And, no matter how smart, prepared or savvy you may be, expect to find yourself smack dab in the middle of a few during your career. Ask any accomplished professional—man or woman—and he or she will admit as much. Missteps offer opportunities to learn and begin again with a renewed sense of self and greater insights than before. Embrace those lessons, rather than trying to avoid them. The more, the merrier.
<h2>3. Know the difference between a mentor and sponsor, then get both.</h2>
<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-find-a-mentor/">Mentors</a> share wisdom curated over a lifetime of experience; they act as advisers. They provide behind-the-scenes feedback and direction on any number of factors that affect professional mobility. Sponsors are generally senior-level leaders who are vested in a protégé’s overall career success and actively advocate for them. By putting the protégé forth, the sponsor leverages their influence to add credibility to the protégé’s career trajectory. Women need both because this level of overarching support ensures greater upward mobility and long-term career success that wouldn’t otherwise be available.
<h2>4. Leverage your professional wheelhouse.</h2>
Too often, we forget that the comprehensiveness of our knowledge, skills and abilities is not limited to our current or most recent career path. Your “professional wheelhouse” consists of the entirety of your knowledge, skills, experiences and abilities. When used to add value to all that you do, you literally end up with the home-court advantage. This is because we often take for granted that certain professional experiences inform unrelated ones, and that together they add up to strengthen your professional capacity. That said, do not take for granted the bounty of what you know. Dig deeper to see how to successfully incorporate more of what you know into all that you do.
<h2>5. Network, delegate and collaborate like a pro.</h2>
Success is never the result of solitary efforts. In business, attempting to do everything yourself is a recipe for disaster, no matter how capable you may be. Beyond delegating duties—which is a must—making purposeful <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/13-key-traits-of-strong-professional-relationships/">connections</a> and collaborating with others adds unlimited value to the work you do. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-networking-is-not-overrated/">Networking</a> on a regular basis is a tried and true way to reach new audiences, explore synergies and share your expertise in a low-stress environment. What’s more, there is no one way to network. Keep things fun and interesting by mingling outside of your industry and comfort zone. With focused efforts, you might be amazed at how easily you grow a component circle of influence.

If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, take these strategies with you. Cheers to breaking the chains that bind, and shattering the glass ceiling.
<blockquote>Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-career-secrets-women-need-to-know/">5 Career Secrets Women Need to Know</a></blockquote>

If you’re a woman looking for smart ways to succeed in your career, consider the following strategies as you make your trek up the corporate ladder.

If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, take these winning strategies with you. | SUCCESS

5 Ways High-Achieving Women Can Break Through the Glass Ceiling

5 Ways High-Achieving Women Can Break Through the Glass Ceiling | SUCCESS

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A wise person once said, “Nothing has meaning except the meaning we give it.” Pretty simple, yet profound. Fortunately, this idea can be applied to virtually any hypothetical imaginable. Acts or omissions. Unsolicited advice. Unanticipated outcomes. Even how we define success.

When Viktor Frankl wrote Man’s Search for Meaning, he did far more than chronicle his experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. He also provided a powerful way to identify one’s purpose and motivation in life—how we confer meaning on events and outcomes determines the “reality” of those events and outcomes.

According to Frankl, <a href="https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/metaphysics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">metaphysics</a> played a huge role in a prisoner’s survival: However he or she imagined the future affected physical and mental endurance. As an extension of this <a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">psychotherapeutic</a> method, he effectively modeled how we, as individuals, could experience success on our own terms.

How we view success and our access to it is often limited by someone else’s definition. We feel badly when we feel we haven’t measured up to an external standard. In doing so, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to define and appreciate our unique experiences and how they impact our lives for the better.

If you’ve grappled with <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/7-ways-to-sharpen-your-vision-for-success/">what success means to you</a>, it’s time to take control of the narrative and determine what it means for you—on your own terms. Here’s how.
<blockquote>Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-is-success/">What Is Success?</a></blockquote>
<h2>Intimate Relationships</h2>
The hashtag #relationshipgoals has been around on social media for a while now. It’s used when someone feels enamored of a couple who exemplifies what looks like a successful relationship. Most often the “labeler” doesn’t even know the couple and is making a judgment call based on superficial and limited information.

When assessing your <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/3-things-successful-people-know-about-healthy-relationships/">relationship</a>, instead of comparing its net worth to the assets of the couple next door, ask: “What is the value of this relationship in its own right?” and “How do we mutually contribute to make our lives better?” You’ll see rather quickly that a successful relationship is one best defined by you and your partner.
<h2>Parenting</h2>
Parenting isn’t easy and it doesn’t come with a manual. Most parents admit they’ve experienced both highs and lows as they’ve grown through the process. But when some parents seem to execute the role like a scene from Leave It to Beaver, it’s easy to become a little discouraged.

Instead of criticizing yourself (or your children) for not being “more like them,” give yourself credit for being the best parent you can be. Appreciate your child for their own attributes and efforts. And be honest with yourself. If there are areas <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/6-ways-to-be-a-better-parent/">where you can do better</a>, focus on those things and give them your best shot. The successful parent is one who realizes that love and commitment matter. If you are willing to give of yourself unconditionally to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/mentally-strong-kids-have-parents-who-refuse-to-do-these-13-things/">help your children thrive</a>, you’re doing OK.
<h2>Professional Achievements</h2>
You’ve worked hard to get where you are. But with modest professional real estate reflecting your efforts, it can feel like you haven’t achieved much. This is especially true when your friends and colleagues are laying claim to a litany of professional accolades in comparison. John is working for a Fortune 100 firm, situated in a prestigious corner office with a view. Elaine has continually climbed the corporate ladder, recently making it to the C-suite, with a handsome salary and competitive annual performance bonuses.

Instead of comparing apples to oranges—and the problem truly lies in <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-stop-comparing-yourself-to-others/">comparing</a> anything at all—consider the magnitude of what you have already achieved. Take time to appreciate your unique and hard-wrought professional trek. Then, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-5-best-ways-to-motivate-yourself/">best yourself</a> in the next round of your journey. The most successful professionals know that they are their competition and strive daily to become better than they were before.
<h2>Material Possessions</h2>
Material wealth can be an enticing motivation for working hard. And showcasing status through “things” is certainly an individual’s prerogative. After all, people should enjoy the fruits of their labor. However, if you view material possessions as the overwhelming proof that someone has arrived—maybe you’ve got it wrong.

If you are not able to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/9-bad-habits-that-can-lead-to-unhappiness/">“keep up with the Joneses,”</a> ask yourself why you are competing in the first place. Better to get things because you enjoy them, rather than to impress and compete with others. The most successful people see acquiring material possessions as benefits of the labor bargain, not a method of competing with phantom rivalries.
<h2>Happiness</h2>
<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/4-ways-to-plan-your-happiness/">Happiness</a> is a subjective concept. What makes one person happy may not satisfy the next. That said, consider overall happiness as a fundamental component of your success. When determining whether you are “successful,” also ask yourself whether you are happy. The answer might surprise you, as the concepts are not mutually exclusive.

Success is truly a function of how you define it. Whatever the next person has amassed or achieved is none of your business. Instead of comparing and contrasting your wins against others’, focus on finding the light in your own life, and success will no doubt illuminate it.
<blockquote>Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-ways-to-avoid-social-media-envy/">5 Ways to Avoid Social Media Envy</a></blockquote>

If you’ve grappled with what success means, it’s time to take control of the narrative and determine what it means for you. Here’s how.

If you’ve grappled with what success means to you, it’s time to take control of the narrative. | SUCCESS

How to Define Success on Your Own Terms

How to Define Success on Your Own Terms | SUCCESS

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Let’s be honest: Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Too often we stumble into pitfalls of our own making. Some mistakes are inevitable, no matter how much time and thought we put into a plan. Other blunders are bred of laziness, rashness, inflexibility or plain arrogance. Honest mistakes are frustrating and can be costly, but mindless errors are especially galling. To know that a misstep could have been avoided—that’s the bane of every thoughtful person.

When plans go awry, an insecure person points a finger at other people. A thoughtful person, however, owns mistakes and seeks to learn from them to avert them in the future. That often requires introspection and honest self-appraisal. With enough practice, you can learn to recognize your own thought patterns and change them before they cause bad behaviors.

As you try to build a better you, consider taking steps to course correct when you recognize the symptoms of these common troubling behaviors:
<h2>1. Comparing Yourself to Others</h2>
We live in a hyper-competitive society that can batter and bruise even the healthiest egos, but the damage is exacerbated when we constantly measure ourselves by other people’s standards. While it’s undeniably important to be aware of what the competition is doing, too much focus on others is bad for business and worse for self-confidence. To maximize success, try to tune out the outside world sometimes so you can focus on improving yourself. If you think of yourself as your chief competitor, and if you always work to beat yesterday’s version of yourself, you’ll go far and eventually learn to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to illusive rivalries.
Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/videos/youtube/how-to-stop-comparing-yourself-to-others">How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others </a>

<h2>2. Failure to Take Risks and Consistently Challenge Yourself</h2>
After you’ve achieved a certain degree of success, it’s easy to settle into a routine that is comfortable, but that comfort is usually limiting. The most successful people are always pushing limits and expanding boundaries. Past triumphs are important to future success in that those victories can equip you with the confidence you need to achieve your current goals, but if you’re spending too much time being nostalgic about yesteryear’s achievements, you’re probably not challenging yourself enough today. And don’t be afraid of failure. Sometimes taking risks means that you’re going to trip and fall on your face, but those flops can teach you much about yourself and about your process. Brush away the rubble of those failed projects and start building again using your newly acquired and hard-earned knowledge.
Related: <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/afraid-of-risks-how-to-be-bolder&sa=U&ved=0ahUKEwi7xq-Kp9XYAhWJS98KHc_ACJcQFggFMAA&client=internal-uds-cse&cx=008236301387913292533:w7f7r2fhmku&usg=AOvVaw0i4AMuexOxR6x230omHHbr">Afraid of Risks? How to be Bolder</a>

<h2>3. Succumbing to Distractions</h2>
Endless distractions are no farther than your pocket or your purse. A smartphone can be a wonderful tool for improving productivity and connectedness, but it can also be a horrendous time sink. Social media, viral videos, killer apps—they all compete for our attention every minute of every day. Don’t let them steal your precious time! You can help yourself eliminate those distractions by giving yourself a specific deadline each day. After you’ve accomplished your goal, you can reward yourself with a Facebook or Twitter visit. You can also increase your ability to accomplish tasks by limiting your access to certain distractions. Make 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. diversion-free times. Put that phone away!
Related:  <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/4-tips-to-turn-off-the-distractions">4 Tips to Turn Off the Distractions </a>

<h2>4. Inaction</h2>
Distraction and procrastination are like handcuffs that shackle your dreams. However, it’s not enough to hide your phone if you don’t also sit down and get to work. Part of the reason we procrastinate is because we look at big projects and we don’t know where to start. “Chunking” is an effective way to manage those monstrous tasks. Break up those huge jobs into small, bite-size pieces. You might even want to delegate parts or ask others for assistance. It’s always harder to procrastinate when you’re working with people who will hold you accountable if you don’t finish a task within a specified timeframe.
Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/ready-set-go-13-quotes-to-inspire-you-to-take-action">Ready, Sat, Go! 13 Quotes to Inspire You to Take Action</a>

<h2>5. An Unwillingness to Relinquish Past Mistakes</h2>
Don’t be too hard on yourself as you work toward your goals. You will invariably make mistakes along the way, even when you wholeheartedly set yourself to the task. But you will also make significant progress. Learn from your flubs and challenge yourself to be better in the future. Then let that guilt go! You’re not gaining anything by beating yourself up over past lapses in judgment. Try to tune out the negative self-talk. You wouldn’t stand for someone to constantly berate you about past errors, would you? Of course not! So don’t let your mind torment itself. Be kind to yourself. Remember, to err is human; to forgive yourself is divine.
Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/how-to-break-the-pattern-of-dwelling-on-past-mistakes">How to Break the Pattern of Dwelling on Past Mistakes</a>
If you can avoid these five common slip-ups, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the vision you have created for yourself. Of course, it’s easier to learn what you need to do to realize your dreams than it is to put that knowledge to work for you. It can take a lot of time and practice to break old habits, but the rewards will be well worth the effort.

Check yourself before you wreck yourself.&nbsp;

Check yourself before you wreck yourself.&nbsp; | SUCCESS

5 Self-Sabotaging Behaviors You Should Avoid

5 Self-Sabotaging Behaviors You Should Avoid | SUCCESS

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Education, experience and enthusiasm are each sparkplugs that work to ignite your success. But if you want to build speed and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/4-ways-to-maintain-momentum">maintain momentum</a>, you’ll need sustainable fuel in the form of lifelong learning. The world is in a state of perpetual evolution, and in order to stay abreast of the latest innovations and understand how to leverage them effectively, you'll need to get curious and strive to continually expand your knowledge base. Show me any successful person and I’ll show you someone who continually cultivates their mind and persistently looks for new ways to incorporate knowledge and its application in all that they do.
<blockquote>
Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/to-be-skilled-at-anything-commit-to-being-a-lifelong-learner">To Be Skilled at Anything, Commit to Bring a Lifelong Learner</a>
</blockquote>
Consider the following strategies for cultivating your desire for knowledge and turning it into success.
<h2>Step 1: Read challenging material.</h2>
Expanding your knowledge base isn’t about simply increasing the consumption of “more information.” It is, however, all about adding value. To enhance your understanding of your field, it’s important that you continue to seek out new and high quality sources of information that are both relevant and inspire you to work outside your comfort zone.&nbsp; Reading challenging material is one important way to accomplish this aim. Entrepreneur and renowned life coach <a href="https://www.tonyrobbins.com/biography/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tony Robbins</a> is a voracious reader who has read well over 10,000 books and constantly expands his understanding with high caliber daily reading of some sort.

While you might have to do some digging to find sources that are equally thought provoking and useful, in the end you will be glad you did. Start your research with a leading expert in your field. What have they written? <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-7-books-everyone-should-read">What do they recommend reading?</a> Who are their colleagues and what have they written? Make it a point to read four or five good articles every week and finish at least one stimulating book a month.

You should also avoid the confirmation bias trap. If there are contrasting viewpoints on any topic you’re studying—and there usually are—read them and understand where the points of contention are. Contrarian thought is not a bad thing.

And after you’ve read something insightful, choose a key takeaway that you can immediately apply to your life. If you can’t turn theory into practice, you’re probably not reading the right materials.
<blockquote>Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/how-to-read-like-your-success-depends-on-it">How to Read Like Your Success Depends on It</a></blockquote>
<h2>Step 2: Seek constructive feedback.</h2>
Besides making avid reading a habit, you should also condition yourself to seek feedback from people who will offer you honest but constructive criticism. Learning isn’t only about what you take in from the typical sources, especially of your own volition. It’s also about getting objective feedback that can help discover blind spots and missteps that you may be too close to perceive on your own.

After all, the goal is always to become smarter and better, so your focus should be on sharpening your acumen by using all available sources.

<a href="https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2014/03/17/five-reasons-feedback-may-important-skill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bob Dignen</a>, of Cambridge University Press, explains the importance of feedback this way: “Working internationally, which often entails working with high levels of cultural diversity, business complexity and within virtual teams, means we are likely to get things wrong from time to time. We will assume things incorrectly. We will communicate in ways which are confusing and possibly impolite for others. The only way to make sure we don’t continue making the same mistakes is to get feedback.” Whether working domestically or internationally, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/how-to-overcome-the-fear-of-feedback">getting quality feedback</a> should be high on your list of priorities. Insights gained through fresh eyes can influence brand credibility and impact your overall success.

Is feedback always easy to accept? Of course not. Having a third party <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/how-would-your-friends-rate-you">examine your shortcomings</a> can be a hard pill to swallow. No matter. That detail doesn’t change the fact that it’s incredibly necessary to maximize your success. So, decide in advance to develop thick skin and welcome constructive feedback from credible sources with open arms.
<blockquote>Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/how-to-overcome-the-fear-of-feedback">How to Overcome the Fear of Feedback</a></blockquote>
<h2>Step 3: Learn so you can teach others.</h2>
Acquiring new knowledge and applying it to your life will dramatically increase your chances of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/videos/youtube/how-to-reach-your-goals">achieving the goals</a> you set out for yourself, but it will also help others realize their potential. Your achievements will hardly go unnoticed by those around you, and when they ask you about the secrets of your success, you can direct them to the resources that have helped you. Share that knowledge with an open hand. Don’t think of the people around you as competitors who might be gunning for your job, your clients or your fame; think of them as <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/why-you-should-cooperate-with-the-competition">potential allies</a> who can spread wealth throughout the knowledge pipeline. Be the rising tide that lifts all boats.

<a href="https://artofproblemsolving.com/articles/learning-through-teaching" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Richard Rusczyk</a> notes that teaching others also removes the possibility of self-deceit, meaning that the best evidence of your own understanding is your ability to competently convey that knowledge to someone else. “Teaching also forces you to communicate your thoughts clearly and precisely… but being heard is not enough. You must also be understood. Your ideas will never be more effective than your ability to make others comprehend them.”

If you think about it, there are probably many “teachers” who have helped you get to where you are today. While it may seem cliché, it's also true that to whom much is given, much is required. Therefore, do no miss an opportunity to share your knowledge, lessons and advice with others whenever it arises.
<blockquote>Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/if-you-want-to-win-help-others-win-first">If You Want to Win, Help Others Win First</a></blockquote>
If you aspire to be a lifelong learner who is motivated by not only your own success, but by helping others, your goal should always be to create a dynamic ecosystem that fosters continual learning and growth. Your curiosity and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/why-you-must-always-continue-to-learn">thirst for knowledge</a> will inevitably inspire others, so be mindful of your purpose as you move forward in your personal journey. Sit down with a good book as often as possible, seek needed feedback and then pass it around when you’re done. The world is an unfathomable reservoir of knowledge—it’s simply up to us to root it out.

Cultivate your desire for learning. | SUCCESS

How to Commit Yourself to a Lifetime of Learning

How to Commit Yourself to a Lifetime of Learning | SUCCESS

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What’s the biggest difference between those who succeed and those who don’t? <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/5-things-you-can-do-to-improve-your-mindset-in-20-minutes">Mindset.</a> It’s a small thing that makes a big difference and is the primary catalyst driving your feelings of self-worth, competence and confidence.



Make no mistake, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/10-little-things-successful-people-do-differently">the most successful people have it</a>. And if you intend to ascend to those coveted ranks, you’re going to need it, too. Are you willing to do the work and elevate your mindset to achieve uncommon success?



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-4-keys-to-unlock-the-power-of-your-mind">4 Keys to Unlock the Power of Your Mind</a></blockquote>



Consider the following five elements to help you develop a successful mindset:



<h2 id="h-1-self-talk">1. Self-Talk</h2>



Ever think the only conversations that matter are the ones you have with someone else? Not quite. The conversations you have with yourself are the most important ones you will ever have. To be clear, we talk to ourselves all day, every day. Eventually, all that robust data adds up to create our individual self-concepts. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/say-this-not-that-7-responses-for-common-negative-thoughts">Be careful what you say to yourself.</a> <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/13-quotes-for-a-positive-life">Plant seeds of positivity</a> and inspiration, rather than criticism and doubt.



<h2 id="h-2-intentions">2. Intentions</h2>



Your intentions set the tone for how skillfully you navigate personal and professional success. Have you set yours high enough to challenge the status quo? If not, think bigger and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/52-ways-to-get-out-of-your-comfort-zone">push past your comfort zone</a>. Get comfortable being uncomfortable, because that’s where the real growth happens. Setting your sights high and believing in the most remarkable outcomes you can attain changes the way you show up in the world. Believe me, no one has ever regretted embracing the power to think big.



<h2 id="h-3-grit">3. Grit</h2>



When it comes to success, world-renowned psychologist Angela Duckworth says, “Talent counts, but effort counts twice.” <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/top-of-mind-6-ways-having-grit-improves-your-life">Got grit?</a> If not, know this: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/videos/youtube/ted-talks-grit-the-power-of-passion-and-perseverance">Both passion and perseverance</a> are vital to your long-term success. Experiencing initial excitement when deciding to pursue a New Year’s resolution is quite common. Less common and far more difficult is the sustained focus and drive—throughout long periods of time—needed to achieve it. Grit helps us push past the desire to give up, especially when things get rough. Fortunately, it can be learned and continually developed over time.



<h2 id="h-4-strategy">4. Strategy</h2>



Declaring a goal, without more, will do little to ensure its success. Only substance and structure will successfully ignite and move it forward. Begin by <a href="https://thepeakperformancecenter.com/educational-learning/thinking/chunking/chunking-as-a-learning-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">chunking</a> your goal into smaller segments to organize it, making it more manageable. Then create a strategic plan with scheduled activities and outcomes that will help to assure its success. Notice what works and be proactive about tweaking key elements where necessary. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/how-to-overcome-the-fear-of-feedback">Be open to feedback</a> and embrace innovation along the way.



<h2 id="h-5-execution">5. Execution</h2>



Creating a strategy is one thing, but executing it is another. Decide in advance that taking strong action will be the litmus test for your success. Sure, there will be days when you won’t feel like working or perhaps even be discouraged. No matter. Your goal is to take bite-sized pieces of the apple until it is finally consumed. Whether making a phone call, sending an email or physically maneuvering to achieve the next steps, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-6-ways-to-act-on-your-ambition">dig deep and take action</a>. Execution helps you build trust in yourself, as well as reflects successful past performance, bringing you one step closer to your desired outcome.



Are you ready to stack the odds in your favor by mastering a successful mindset?



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">Related:  <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/5-learnable-mindsets-of-highly-successful-people">5 Learnable Mindsets of Highly Successful People </a></blockquote>

Change the game by changing the way you think.

Change the game by changing the way you think. | SUCCESS

5 Things You Need for a Successful Mindset

5 Things You Need for a Successful Mindset | SUCCESS

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Professional Growth

Professional Growth Archives

Professional Growth | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

It’s true. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/boost-your-networking-skills-with-these-7-tips">Networking</a> can be awkward. But if you want to expand your <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/4-good-reasons-to-join-a-professional-organization">professional circle</a> and increase potential business opportunities, you’re going to have to do it.

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/7-reasons-you-should-join-a-community-of-professionals">7 Reasons You Should Join a Community of Professionals</a>

Imagine this. You’re dressed to the nines and have your business cards at the ready. You’ve got the perfect spiel prepared and are ready to work the room. You enter the fancy schmancy lobby and make your way to the event space. The waiters are serving cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. You can hear Boney James playing in the background. People are milling about, laughing, and the air is thick with potential.

You. Are. Ready.

What you may not have considered, however, is who might be in the room with you. Knowing how to identify and navigate all the different <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/how-to-understand-peoples-personality-types">personality types</a> there could go a long way—maybe even add a little bit of fun to the sometimes boring, usually dreaded, networking experience.

Let’s take a look at some of the people you might find inside your next event:

<h3>1. The Chatty Cathy (or Craig)</h3>

This person loves to talk—a lot. In fact, they might not stop talking. This person will find a way to keep the transitions coming and you, held hostage. Although most networking <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/7-keys-to-a-flawless-conversation">conversations</a> will come to a natural close—allowing you to gracefully move on to engage with others—this one may not. When you notice this happening, use your <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/9-tips-to-say-it-better">gift of gab</a> and firm resolution to punctuate the dialogue and continue to work the room—perhaps even introducing them to someone new.

<h3>2. The Wall Hugger</h3>

As you may have suspected, this person has a hard time being there to begin with. They may be shy and lack the <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/8-ways-to-be-a-more-confident-person">confidence</a> to speak with strangers in such an intimate setting. The thing is that most people who fade into the landscape end up being written off by the “movers and shakers.” Why not say a kind word, share brief conversation and inspire them to develop the confidence to work the room, too?

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/the-introverts-guide-to-networking">The Introvert’s Guide to Networking</a>

<h3>3. The Stalker</h3>

It’s great when people find you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/7-qualities-of-the-most-charming-people">charming</a>. But, when admiration becomes obsessive, you’ve got to disengage quickly and gracefully. How do you know when the situation has reached the breaking point?&nbsp; Well, unlike Chatty Craig and Cathy, this person will be more proactive about keeping the interaction going. In fact, they may even follow you around all night, which may impact your ability to connect with others. Since, there’s no beating around the bush with this person, be frank. Advise that you want to connect with others and suggest they take the opportunity to do the same.

<h3>4. The Drunk</h3>

Networking can be stressful and free flowing booze can cause some people to go a bit overboard. A person who has had too much to drink probably isn’t going to remember anything you’ve talked about anyway. Furthermore, the likelihood of things going south (an awkward outburst, argument or scene) is great. Best bet? Avoid engaging someone who seems to have spent the night saddled to the bar.

<h3>5. The Gossip</h3>

Always abreast of social stats and damaging personal secrets, this person spreads the goods like wildfire. Be careful. &nbsp;It’s true that someone who will freely dish on others will happily dish on you, too.&nbsp; When you notice the conversation going south, politely excuse yourself. You don’t want to become the next casualty or worse, guilty by association. Someone who makes <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/4-reasons-complaining-to-your-co-worker-about-another-co-worker-is-a-bad-idea">talking trash</a> about others a priority is certainly someone you’ll want to avoid.

<h3>6. The Self-Absorbed Ego</h3>

Ever met someone who takes every opportunity to turn the spotlight onto themselves? They will usually have very little interest in what you’ve got going on and are more focused on touting their wins. While the main premise of networking is to meet new people and learn more about them, you must keep in mind that it should very much be a two-way street. You didn’t come to be a flunky, so don’t waste your time stroking this <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/how-big-egos-get-in-the-way-of-professional-relationships-and-success">ego</a> or trying to get a word in edgewise. These efforts almost always fall flat and end up making you feel worse.

<h3>7. The Complainer</h3>

Sure, we could all point to things going wrong in our lives. But, they shouldn’t be the focus of every conversation, especially at a networking event. A person who <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/handling-the-grumps-how-to-fight-off-others-negativity">constantly complains</a> will suck the life out of you and quickly cause your mood to plummet. If you encounter someone like this—someone who has a hard time finding the sunshine after the rain, try to lighten the mood with a great story or an unexpected tale of inspiration. Who knows, they may take a cue and spread the good cheer to others. After all, who couldn’t benefit from an earnest boost in morale?

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/what-happened-when-i-didnt-complain-for-30-days">What Happened When I Didn't Complain for 30 Days</a>

Have you ever encountered any of these people at a networking event? If not and it caught you off guard, don’t fret. You’ll be better prepared to identify and engage them the next go-around.&nbsp;

To your <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/8-ways-to-expand-your-network-today">networking success</a>!

Being able to identify these personality types will help you successfully work the room.

Being able to identify these personality types will help you successfully work the room. | SUCCESS

The 7 Types of People You Meet at Networking Events

The 7 Types of People You Meet at Networking Events | SUCCESS

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It’s a brand new year. Cheers to fresh starts, renewed inspiration and the sway of unspoiled goals.

But know this—embracing the novelty of a new year and the infinite possibilities that&nbsp;it brings&nbsp;requires an equally pioneering mindset. The willingness&nbsp;to explore&nbsp;uncharted territories requires a bit of old-fashion&nbsp;moxie and some&nbsp;outside-the-box thinking. It's for these reasons words like&nbsp;courage, audacity and&nbsp;disruption, immediately come to mind.

But it's the last of those three that really&nbsp;sticks out.

Here's why: People who challenge themselves by setting and achieving goals don't&nbsp;dwell inside&nbsp;comfort zones. That they can avoid the pain of rejection and failure is of little value. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/5-rules-of-disruptive-leadership" title="5 Rules of Disruptive Leadership | SUCCESS.com">They think and act differently</a> and find&nbsp;comfort in being uncomfortable—all of which helps them to&nbsp;jettison the status quo in uniquely satisfying ways.

If&nbsp;you want to achieve your most coveted goals this year, you’re going to have to shake things up by changing the way you think: Enter disruptive thought.

But what makes thinking disruptive?&nbsp; In <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/groupthink/2013/10/04/10-disruptive-questions-for-instant-innovation/#6983c7163885300954ac3885" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an article on Forbes.com</a>, Lisa Bodell, CEO of <a href="https://futurethink.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">futurethink</a>, advises that it’s characterized by a line of questioning that awakens the mind, rather than puts it to sleep. These questions “usually begin with ‘how,’ ‘which,’ ‘why’ or ‘if’ and are specific without limiting imagination,” she says. “They focus on generating solutions rather than begging long-winded explanations and place blame, as often-asked ‘close-ended’ questions always do.” For example, traditional, linear thought would easily lead to this question: “Who has an idea for improving our product/service?”&nbsp;

Disruptive thinking, however, would go something like this: “If we hosted a forum called ‘How Our Products &amp; Services Suck,’ what topics would be on the main stage?” An equally effective version is “Which two things could our competitors do to render our product/services irrelevant?"

Make sense? It’s the powerfully divergent shift in perspective that makes this process so effective.

If you want to overcome barriers to reaching your goals this year, saddle up and learn to harness the power of disruptive thinking.

Here’s how:

<h2>1. Challenge the status quo.</h2>

Being a team player is commendable and exercising diplomacy—admirable, but simply going along to get along is an ineffective strategy that often compromises values, relationships and in many cases, the bottom line. Don’t be afraid to question institutional memory, so-called best practices or decisions that appear problematic. Sure, it takes courage, open-mindedness and a desire to achieve the best result, but the rewards can be pretty significant. By choosing to “color outside the lines” so-to-speak, you can transform the proverbial landscape. If in doubt, ask: “What if bucking the system meant resolve, not just for me, but for others whose voices may be muted?”

<h2>2. Get uncomfortable.</h2>

If you’re feeling content with the ways things are, chances are you won’t be motivated to change them. But why be average when you can be extraordinary? You are your only real competition, so choose to step outside of your comfort zone and conquer any weaknesses. Get into the habit of raising your standards and expectations by challenging yourself to do more and better.

<h2>3. Forget what other people think.</h2>

Striving to secure praise and avoid blame is a recipe for disaster. Forget about it! You are your own best barometer. What matters most is what you think. So practice self-reliance; it’s critical. Doubt is simply a distraction. Don’t allow it to permeate your thoughts or influence your judgment. Muzzle the mental noise by leveraging positive thoughts and experiences from your arsenal.

<h2>4. Welcome failure.</h2>

Imagine going through life and never making any mistakes. What would be the point, really? There is tremendous value in <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/ziglar-3-things-to-do-when-you-make-a-mistake" title=" Ziglar: 3 Things to Do When You Make a Mistake | SUCCESS.com">embracing missteps and applying lessons learned</a>. Experience is your best teacher. Plus, the opportunity to develop greater intellect, better judgment and improved analytical skills is unmatched. And as someone who’s actually experienced adversity and persevered, you naturally become a more credible adviser.

<h2>5. Be bold—with wild abandon.</h2>

What’s the worst thing that can happen when you stick out your neck? Someone says no or the situation doesn’t work out as planned. The best thing that could happen, however, is that you become wildly successful. So why not give yourself an opportunity to win? Take more chances. But don’t calculate a doomsday scenario in advance. The odds are in your favor. Remember: When you play it overly safe, you miss incredible opportunities that were ripe for the picking. Open your eyes to the universe of possibilities.

If you’re willing to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/7-ways-to-disrupt-your-career-and-your-life" title="7 Ways to Disrupt Your Career and Your Life | SUCCESS.com">embrace your inner disruptor</a>, you can be more effective than you’ve ever been and take achievement to the next level this year and beyond.

<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/afraid-of-risks-how-to-be-bolder" title="Afraid of Risks? How to Be Bolder | SUCCESS.com">Are you afraid of risk? Check out 5 ways to be bolder.</a>

Shake things up by changing the way you think. Here’s how.

Shake things up by changing the way you think. Here’s how. | SUCCESS

5 Ways to Harness the Power of Disruptive Thinking

5 Ways to Harness the Power of Disruptive Thinking | SUCCESS

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Want to be successful in life? Know this: It takes a special kind of fortitude and it’s what separates the elite from average performers. When the going gets tough, the tough don’t get going—they reach for a winning prescription called mental toughness.

What’s mental toughness all about? It’s been described as the “ability to work hard and respond resiliently to failure and adversity; the inner quality that enables individuals to work hard and stick to their long-term passions and goals."
Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/7-reasons-you-need-mental-strength-to-be-successful">7 Reasons You Need Mental Strength to Be Successful</a>
Steve Siebold, mental toughness expert and author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/097550035X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=sm0fe-20&amp;linkId=1b22daf3300cd16fbbf423bd74b00bdc">177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class</a> teaches that a person of average intelligence and modest means can become world class by implementing the thinking, habits and philosophies associated with this principle. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/the-lombardi-rules" target="_self" rel="noopener">Vince Lombardi</a> believed that mental toughness was one of the most important leadership skills you could attain. Psychologist Angela Duckworth based her life's work on it (she refers to it as grit) and believes that it’s a true predictor of success.
<h2>The “4 C’s to Mental Toughness” </h2>
Psychologist Dr. Peter Clough developed the “Mental Toughness Training Model,” a psychometric assessment measure, which enables users to assess mental toughness in four core areas

Confidence
Challenge
Control
Commitment

Here’s how you can use the components to your advantage and become more mentally tough:
<h2>1. Confidence</h2>
Do you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/the-business-of-self-esteem">believe in yourself</a> and your abilities? Can you effectively navigate conflict and challenges? Do you have well-developed social skills?

People who are <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/8-ways-to-be-a-more-confident-person">self-confident</a> believe that they can achieve success, despite any obstacles they encounter. They work hard to develop themselves in competitive environments. They are proactive, decisive and courageous in spite of fear. Take <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/the-shark-tank-guide-to-surviving-the-treacherous-waters-of-entrepreneurship">Shark Tank</a>’s Barbara Corcoran for example. She had a terrible fear of public speaking, but she knew that she had to embrace it, rather than run from it, if she wanted to become successful. Her strategy? She thrust herself into every possible speaking opportunity she could find and worked at it like crazy. Today, she’s in demand on stages all around the globe.  Regarding self-confidence she says, “Don’t be afraid. Stand up and shout loud and clear enough for everyone to hear: “No, I am NOT stupid.”
<h2>2. Challenge</h2>
Do you thrive in environments that constantly change or present new opportunities for <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/want-to-reach-your-potential-then-be-a-learner">learning and growth</a>?

People who embrace challenges tend to have an extraordinary ability to think and work outside the box. They enjoy exercising creativity, exploring innovation, and accepting some degree of risk. Why? They are keenly focused on achieving positive outcomes. Spiritual teacher and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577311523/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1457985279&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=sm0fe-20&amp;linkId=30243596e4031650ab1b1ba0901cf964">The Power of Now</a> author Eckhart Tolle, teaches that challenges, difficulties and uncertainty, all concepts that point to change—and upset the status quo—are natural parts of life that should be embraced. He notes that, “<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/3-tips-to-open-your-heart-mind-and-life-to-change">Change</a> is absolutely necessary and offers a new way of being in this world.”
<h2>3. Control</h2>
Do you feel that you have control over your life and the power to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-4-reasons-to-take-control-of-your-destiny">shape your destiny</a>? How do you deal with the ebb and flow of life’s ups and downs?

People with a strong sense of control over their lives tend to be more relaxed and self-confident. They are more connected to their emotions, self-regulating and motivated to achieve results. They believe that they’ve got the power to influence their outcomes, and lo and behold they do. Peak performance expert <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/who-inspires-tony-robbins">Tony Robbins</a> developed a <a href="https://business.tonyrobbins.com/5-steps-to-take-control-of-your-life-now/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">five-step process</a> aimed at helping others develop more control and achieve greater results. It’s totally worth taking a closer look, especially as part of developing an overall mental toughness strategy.
<h2>4. Commitment</h2>
Are you committed to achieving your outcomes? Do you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-4-tips-for-setting-powerful-goals">set goals</a> and work consistently to achieve them, even when you experience setbacks?

This is also known as “<a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stickability" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stickability</a>.” Misty Copeland showed the world she was committed to becoming a prima ballerina, even in the face of unmistakable adversity. Her advice? Stick with it and persevere. It may seem counterintuitive, but “the path to your success is not as fixed and inflexible as you might think,” she says.

Feeling less than mentally tough? 

What’s true for sure is that we all need it to succeed, no matter our background or what industry we’re in. It’s the secret sauce for performing at the top of your game, especially during tough times. And just like a lot of other important leadership traits, mental toughness is not something you’re born with. It’s developed over time it by focusing on the key components, little by little.

Use the 4 C’s to your advantage and you will be well on your way to achieving mental toughness—and greater success.
Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/13-things-mentally-strong-people-dont-do">13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do</a>

Mental toughness is the secret sauce for performing at the top of your game. Here’s how to get it.

Mental toughness is the secret sauce for performing at the top of your game. Here’s how to get it. | SUCCESS

4 Characteristics of People Who Are Mentally Tough

4 Characteristics of People Who Are Mentally Tough | SUCCESS

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The term "thought leader" is a business buzzword that's thrown around a lot—a whole lot. But what does it really mean and how do you become one?

"Thought leaders are the informed opinion leaders and the go-to people in their field of expertise," writes Denise Brosseau, CEO of <a href="https://www.thoughtleadershiplab.com/Resources/WhatIsaThoughtLeader" target="_blank" title="What Is a Thought Leader? | ThoughtLeadershipLab.com" rel="noopener">Thought Leadership Lab</a> and author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118647610/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1118647610&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=sm0fe-20&amp;linkId=UB4BNY5EE4GMEW4L">Ready to Be a Thought Leader?</a> "They are trusted sources who move and inspire people with innovative ideas; [they] turn ideas into reality and know and show how to replicate their success."

While thought leaders can come from diverse backgrounds, not just anyone can become a thought leader: "Thought leadership takes time (sometimes years), knowledge and expertise in a particular niche, a certain level of commitment, and a willingness to buck the status quo or the way things have always been done," Brosseau says.

So thought leaders are visionaries. They delve deep into their areas of expertise. They make evolutionary and revolutionary advancements in their fields. And people listen to them. People trust them. Why? Because they have built a foundation for success—their brand.

Brand is the lifeblood, the soul, of every business. It resides in the hearts and minds of consumers based on their direct experience with your product or service. Just like thought leadership, building a brand takes time. It's an interactive experience—and you can create it, but you don't own it.

Seth Godin puts it this way: "A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer's decision to choose one product or service over another. If the consumer doesn't pay a premium, make a selection and spread the word, then no brand value exists for that consumer."

So, essentially, building a polished and powerful professional brand is the foundation for creating value and the genius behind thought leadership. How well you develop brand is deeply connected to your ability to establish yourself as a thought leader, aka a big deal.

Here are some do's and don'ts to help you connect the dots:

Do <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/how-to-become-an-expert-with-a-capital-e" target="_blank" title="How to Become an Expert (With a Capital E) | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener">become an expert</a>.

Competence is critical. You cannot afford to dabble or skim the surface. Master the core subject matter with fluency so that you can deliver optimum value to your clients. Get the academic credentials, certifications and experience that will secure your expertise and bolster your credibility. Also, become a voracious reader in your core area.

Do differentiate. 

The market is flooded with people in every industry who want to stake a claim. In short: It's noisy out there. Cut through the noise by showing your unique value proposition—<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/what-3-types-of-ice-has-to-do-with-marketing" target="_blank" title="What 3 Types of Ice Has to Do with Marketing | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener">how you are different</a> and how you make a difference. Don't do or say what everyone else does. Wrong move. You'll simply get lost in the abyss.

Do the work.

Building your brand with an eye toward thought leadership is work. But don't shy away from it. You'll have to stay up late, get up early, speak and write ad nauseam, agonize over projects, celebrate success and endure failure—but it's all worth it. Develop a strong work ethic from the outset. It's the only way you'll get results.

Don't label yourself a thought leader. 

Remember that the idea of brand resides with the consumer. They will let you know when you have "arrived," not the other way around. It's amateurish and smacks of arrogance to put it in your bio and marketing materials. And the pros see it from a mile away. Resist the urge.

Don't believe the hype. 

Content is not king and it won't make you one either. Remember that what makes you valuable is how you distinguish yourself in the marketplace. Content is everywhere—insight isn't. Don't flood the market with the "same old stuff" that the so-called gurus are putting out. Mine for your own gold and search for your unique voice.

Don't think it's all about you. &nbsp;

Your focus should always be on delivering value and helping others. Your ego should never be part of the equation. When you help others achieve what they need, you also get what you need. That's why fame and fortune is never an issue for those who focus on delivering greater value.

Use these tips to connect the dots between brand and thought leadership. It's an important correlation that should be made early on and one that will help your business take flight. ​

[node:summary] - Building a polished and powerful professional brand is the foundation for creating value and the genius behind thought leadership.

The term "thought leader" is a business buzzword that's thrown around a lot—a whole lot. But what does it really mean and how do you become one? "Thought | SUCCESS

6 Tips to Become a Thought Leader (aka How to Be a Big Deal)

6 Tips to Become a Thought Leader (aka How to Be a Big Deal) | SUCCESS

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Most people dread the thought of speaking in front of people. But public speaking doesn’t have to be a thorn in your side—it can be a tool that dramatically enhances your success as a professional, so it’s worth learning how to use it to your advantage.Speaking publicly is one of the most effective ways to develop your brand—to gain visibility, immediately establish credibility and share your expertise with your target audience. It can also help you to distinguish yourself from the competition and cut through the noise. Yes, it’s noisy out there.But what if you’re not a great public speaker? With time and effort, you can learn to become better. And becoming better is not about faking it or putting on an act—it’s about communicating a core message authentically.“Get it out of your head that you have to ‘perform’ to be someone else, be fascinating, to hold [the audience’s attention] like Johnny Depp or a Natalie Portman,” Peter Brubriskiwrites in <a href="https://hbr.org/2011/02/improve-your-public-speaking-w" target="_blank" title="Improve Your Public Speaking with a More Effective Mindset | HBR.org" rel="noopener">a Harvard Business Review article</a>. “To be a better public speaker, you just need to get out of your own way, so we can see you for who you really are.” And who you really are is all your target audience wants to experience anyway.So, do you want to boost your success? Then let’s explore public speaking as a means to do just that:<h3>Pick Your Poison </h3>There are numerous ways to speak publicly.There are so many strategic options available, so find the method that really resonates with you, or the one that’s best-suited to capture the attention of your target audience.If you prefer speaking on the main stage in front of larger groups, then you would fancy delivering keynotes. This option can create exceptional opportunities for consulting, long after your speech is over.If you have a new idea that you’re really passionate about or have an innovative way of presenting a familiar topic, then consider giving a TEDx Talk. Word travels fast and talks that do well have catapulted many otherwise unknown professionals into the limelight, like <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability" target="_blank" title="The power of vulnerability | TED.com" rel="noopener">Brené Brown</a>.If you enjoy sharing your expertise in a collaborative setting, consider the impact of participating in a conference environment as an expert panelist. You’ll have an opportunity to provide your unique insight, as well as tease out nuances by answering direct questions from the audience.Opportunities to communicate with smaller groups in a more intimate and interactive setting include breakout sessions or workshops, where specific content or skills are introduced and applied in context. Another option is giving a seminar, where the format is styled more as a lecture or presentation with limited discussion.Finally, you could choose a virtual format, such as a webinar or teleseminar, both of which allow you to reach larger audiences from the comfortable privacy of your home or office.<h3>Sharpen Your Saw </h3>Leverage learning and practice.<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/do-these-12-things-before-your-next-speech-or-presentation" target="_blank" title="Do These 12 Things Before Your Next Speech or Presentation | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener">Drafting meaningful content and practicing your delivery</a>for each engagement are par for the course. But harnessing opportunities for learning and increased experience must also happen on a regular basis.A great place to start is <a href="https://www.toastmasters.org/About" target="_blank" title="Toastmasters International - About | Toastmasters.org" rel="noopener">Toastmasters International</a>—it’s affordable and includes a strong curriculum with targeted feedback in a small group setting.Already have paying clients? Consider joining the <a href="https://www.nsaspeaker.org/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">> About | NSAspeaker.org">National Speakers Association</a>, an organization for professional speakers, which provides infinite opportunities for professional development and strategies for business growth.If you prefer one-on-one training and your budget supports it, consider hiring a coach who can provide high-level expertise tailored to the unique goals that you seek to accomplish.Always be on the lookout for speaking opportunities. The more you speak, the more confident you’ll become. Think academic institutions, social organizations and conferences.<h3>The Pros Outweigh the Cons</h3>Really, they do.If you’re not already speaking publicly, then you are missing out on major opportunities to leverage your expertise by expanding your brand’s social cache. Think about how many additional people you could influence if only they could hear your message. That’s pretty powerful.Speaking can also increase your overall business revenueby leaps and bounds. In many cases, the results can be almost immediate. There are proven ways to scaleand get several profitable bites from the proverbial apple before, after and during a speaking event. Few methods compare—public speaking is a quick, savvy way to instantly share golden nuggets that can be repeated, re-tweeted and leveraged for even greater success.Learning to strategically employ the power of public speaking can help you take you and your business or expertise to new heights. Consider it as a core component in your overall success strategy and watch your results take flight.You decide the level of results you’re looking to achieve. And fear and lack of experience aren’t sufficient reasons to avoid public speaking. So ditch the nerves and go grab the experience you need. You just have to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone.Honestly, what have you got to lose?<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/5-common-mistakes-you-make-in-a-conversation" target="_self" title="5 Common Mistakes You Make in a Conversation | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener">Your speaking habits can make or break your career success, so know the 5 most common mistakes you make in a conversation—and fix them, stat.</a>

[node:summary] - Tips to get started as a public speaker

Most people dread the thought of speaking in front of people. But public speaking doesn’t have to be a thorn in your side—it can be a tool that | SUCCESS

How to Boost Your Professional Success with Public Speaking

How to Boost Your Professional Success with Public Speaking | SUCCESS

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Entrepreneurship&nbsp;is not for the faint&nbsp;of heart. Ryan Serhant, star of&nbsp;Bravo&rsquo;s Emmy Award-nominated&nbsp;Million Dollar Listing New York,&nbsp;worked his way from ranch hand in Steamboat Springs, Colo., to real estate king in Manhattan.Raised by an investment banker who&nbsp;regularly&nbsp;emphasized the &ldquo;need to understand hard work and the value of a single dollar,&rdquo;&nbsp;Serhant says that it taught him to develop a winning mindset.&nbsp;&ldquo;Growing up, I&nbsp;worked as a ranch hand and,&nbsp;among other things,&nbsp;had to pick up&nbsp;sh*t.&nbsp;I&nbsp;quickly&nbsp;realized that if I didn&rsquo;t work my&nbsp;butt&nbsp;off,&nbsp;I&nbsp;was going to&nbsp;end up&nbsp;a professional sh*t-picker-upper [for the rest of my life].&rdquo;&nbsp;While being a ranch hand wasn&rsquo;t in the cards for him, more&nbsp;hard work was.&nbsp;Initially&nbsp;Serhant&nbsp;moved to&nbsp;New&nbsp;York to play&nbsp;the role of Evan Walsh on As the World Turns.&nbsp;At the time, he wasn&rsquo;t even thinking about&nbsp;a career in&nbsp;business&mdash;after his character was &ldquo;killed off,&rdquo; though, a friend suggested&nbsp;he pursue real&nbsp;estate.&nbsp;And so he did. But because he didn&rsquo;t have the necessary connections and lacked formal training, he had to think outside the box. He met his first customer at&nbsp;a local Starbucks. &ldquo;You look beautiful&hellip; and like you need more room,&rdquo; is what he said to&nbsp;the&nbsp;pregnant&nbsp;woman, who, coincidently, was looking for a larger home&nbsp;for her growing family.&nbsp;Not surprisingly,&nbsp;he made&nbsp;the sale.&nbsp;He&rsquo;s relentless; his work ethic has paid dividends in business. In&nbsp;less than five years, he sold nearly $1 billion in real estate and was&nbsp;ranked as one of the top 20 brokers out of&nbsp;28,000&nbsp;in&nbsp;New York City by&nbsp;The Real Deal Magazine.&nbsp;And while Serhant might be insanely successful now, he didn&rsquo;t get there without a few slip-ups. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve made some important mistakes during my career, but I have <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/5-ways-to-reframe-failure" target="_blank" title="5 Ways to Reframe Failure | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener">learned equally&nbsp;significant&nbsp;lessons from them</a>&rdquo;&mdash;like how to&nbsp;become a better&nbsp;adviser and&nbsp;broker of people, which he notes is&nbsp;&ldquo;incredibly important in&nbsp;every industry, but&nbsp;practically indispensable&nbsp;in&nbsp;real estate.&rdquo; Why? &ldquo;In real estate, you&rsquo;re surrounded by&nbsp;people. The question of how&nbsp;nimbly&nbsp;you navigate human interaction is the key to your success.&rdquo;&nbsp;The&nbsp;challenge, Serhant says, is&nbsp;that &ldquo;In business, people often get bogged down with the &lsquo;thing&rsquo; they&rsquo;ve&nbsp;created and forget about the people involved. You can&rsquo;t afford to do that&hellip;. I make every member of my team take&nbsp;improvisation&nbsp;classes&nbsp;to focus on core competencies such as listening,&nbsp;confidence and&nbsp;openness, because&nbsp;essentially&nbsp;they are always selling themselves.&rdquo;&nbsp;The result has been an exponential&nbsp;increase in deals.&nbsp;Anyone can be triumphant&nbsp;in real estate&mdash;or anywhere else, for that matter&mdash;by building a brand that is appealing, personality-driven,&nbsp;unique&nbsp;and strategic.&nbsp;But how? &ldquo;If you master endurance, improvisation, communication and delegation&mdash;if you wake up and do them every day,&nbsp;<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-4-straightforward-steps-to-success" target="_blank" title="Rohn: 4 Straightforward Steps to Success | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener">you have the potential&nbsp;to be successful</a>.&rdquo;&nbsp;He makes no apologies for&nbsp;his&nbsp;&ldquo;desire to&nbsp;be the&nbsp;very&nbsp;best.&rdquo; And the&nbsp;fear of wasted potential inspires him. His motto,&nbsp;&ldquo;Expansion. Always, in all ways,&rdquo;&nbsp;drives him to deliver. &ldquo;I focus on doing good work every single day. From the moment&nbsp;I wake up, I do everything that I can&nbsp;to&nbsp;garner&nbsp;success.&rdquo;&nbsp;Now Serhant&rsquo;s in the midst of a cross-country press tour for Noah Baumbach&#39;s film, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1791682/" target="_blank" title="While We're Young | IMDb.com" rel="noopener">While We&#39;re Young</a>&mdash;which opened widely April 10. Deemed &ldquo;the breakout star of the film&rdquo; by critics, he plays a supporting role opposite&nbsp;Ben Stiller, Adam Driver, Amanda Seyfried and Naomi Watts&mdash;adding &ldquo;movie star&rdquo; to his list of accomplishments.And at only 30 years old, he&rsquo;s just getting started. Expansion, always. In all ways, indeed.Million Dollar Listing New York premieres April 15 at 10/9 p.m. Central Time.<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/4-secrets-of-insanely-successful-people" target="_self" title="4 Secrets of Insanely Successful People | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener">Check out 4 secrets of insanely successful people.</a>

Entrepreneurship&nbsp;is not for the faint&nbsp;of heart. Ryan Serhant, star of&nbsp;Bravo&rsquo;s Emmy Award-nominated&nbsp;Million Dollar Listing New

Entrepreneurship&nbsp;is not for the faint&nbsp;of heart. Ryan Serhant, star of&nbsp;Bravo&rsquo;s Emmy Award-nominated&nbsp;Million Dollar Listing New | SUCCESS

He Was a Ranch Hand and Soap Star before ‘Million Dollar Listing New York’

He Was a Ranch Hand and Soap Star before ‘Million Dollar Listing New York’ | SUCCESS

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Chris Leavitt is one of the top brokers at Douglas Elliman, the largest real estate company on the East Coast, and star of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LAF4HDU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00LAF4HDU&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=sm0fe-20&amp;linkId=LWQHTXWCCJZ7NMX4">Million Dollar Listing Miami</a> on Bravo. Now with nearly 20 years in luxury real estate, Leavitt consistently proves to be an exemplary broker and boasts an impressive record of success in both the South Florida and New York City markets. In 2013 alone, he sold in excess of $120 million in real estate. He represented the sale of a triplex penthouse in Miami Beach, which sold for $34 million&mdash;the largest condominium sale in the history of Florida.This record sale is one of the many milestones in Leavitt&rsquo;s career, but he&#39;s not ready to rest on his laurels just yet. He continues to look for ways to bring his brand of East Coast sophistication to the booming South Florida market.SUCCESS caught up with Leavitt to learn about his success in luxury real estate and how he learned to &ldquo;work smarter.&rdquo;Q: How did you become fascinated with real estate, and what was responsible for launching your career?A: My family definitely influenced my fascination with real estate. As a teenager growing up in Boston, I became interested when helping my parents select and purchase investment properties in Boston, New York City and Palm Beach. I learned a lot as I watched the properties grow in value. My dad was a really smart guy. He owned a computer company and bought real estate with his earnings. I was always in the car with him, asking questions, listening and learning.When we decided to upgrade to a larger home and my dad was fed up with the broker, I asked my dad to let me try. I successfully negotiated the deal and was about 15 at the time.Q: That&rsquo;s pretty impressive. Was that the beginning of how you learned to work smart?A: That&rsquo;s part of it.I was fortunate in that I went to a high school that encouraged me to pursue my dreams. During my senior project (an internship, really), we were allowed a lot of leeway. Some of my classmates interned with doctors and lawyers, but I decided to go out to Palm Beach and work with the No. 1 broker there. I trailed him for six straight weeks. He taught me the art of &ldquo;working smart.&rdquo; You really cannot go to college for that. I truly admired him, even wanted to be him. This guy played tennis and golf and worked just three hours a day. He was a master at <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/overscheduled-7-ways-to-reclaim-your-day" target="_blank" title="Overscheduled? 7 Ways to Reclaim Your Day | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">navigating his day</a> and taught me that many hours in a day are really just wasted because they&rsquo;re spent doing frivolous stuff. This was a pinnacle time for me.Q: You&rsquo;ve leveraged your smarts in everything you do, including your Bravo show. How has the show impacted your business?A: The show has increased my business tremendously. It&rsquo;s prompted a lot of blind sales calls locally, nationally and internationally. People even call and ask me to work their listings. They&rsquo;ll say, &ldquo;I like how you do it&rdquo; or &ldquo;I like that fact that you&rsquo;re a gentleman and elegant about this or that.&rdquo; They will go as far as citing specific scenes from episodes. Usually when you are working with new clients you have to prove yourself, but people get a sense about me from the show and decide they want to work with me. It&rsquo;s really been great.Q: Speaking of successes, one of the most impressive feats of your career happened in March 2013, when you sold that triplex penthouse in Miami Beach for $34 million. How were you able to accomplish that?A: It was actually one of the most effortless sales I have ever done. I <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/don%E2%80%99t-be-a-stranger-start-networking" target="_blank" title="Don’t Be a Stranger... Start Networking! | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">focus on developing relationships</a>. I knew the buyers. That comes from years of networking and keeping in touch with your clients. You don&rsquo;t have to die in the rigors of the sale&mdash;just focus on matching the right buyer with the right property. This transaction actually reminds me of the top broker in Palm Beach that I mentioned earlier. He would never advertise. He was so socially connected. His sales just meshed because of his social network. That&rsquo;s why I was able to do it.Q: Relationships are really important to good business, but looking good is, too. You, sir, have an incredibly keen sense of business style. How important is &ldquo;looking the part to get the role&rdquo;?A: To me, looking the part is about having the full package. You need every slot filled. You have to be able to enhance your credibility with a polished appearance. That&rsquo;s how you break barriers to get key clients. I deal with a variety of stylish professionals, so I dress in different ways based on my clientele, so I can build rapport. Above all else, I believe it&rsquo;s best to look well-rested and fresh. Looking great is simply the icing on the cake. People respond better when you are <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/what-not-to-wear-to-an-interview" target="_blank" title="What Not to Wear to an Interview | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">well groomed and professionally appealing</a>.&nbsp;Q: What is the most important leadership lesson you&rsquo;ve learned over the course of your career?A: The one lesson that stands out is that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/leaders-eat-last" target="_blank" title="Leaders Eat Last | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">you lead by example</a>: You bring other people up and show them the way. At this point in my career, I am really focused on giving back. I am always happy to answer questions and help new agents learn the ropes.Q: You have more than 20 years of experience in a niche market. To get to the top, you really have to perform at the highest level. How have you remained a major player in the game and kept the competition at bay?A: I have taken a very holistic approach to success. I&rsquo;ve harnessed lessons learned early in my career and continued to hone them. I&rsquo;ve always been a gentleman, very diplomatic. I&rsquo;ve maintained my reputation and composure. I have also focused on my health: mentally, emotionally and physically. I <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/8-traits-of-healthy-relationships" target="_blank" title="8 Traits of Healthy Relationships | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">value relationships</a> and have worked hard to maintain them. These factors have catapulted my success. Whatever the competition is doing, it&rsquo;s unlikely they&rsquo;re embracing all these principles.Q: Chris, you&rsquo;ve had an enormously successful career. You&rsquo;ve broken records, become a celebrity, landed dream clients and made a ton of money. What&rsquo;s on the horizon for 2015 and beyond?A: I plan on building on what I have created thus far. I&rsquo;d like to increase my visibility by doing more television and making more appearances. I love what I do! I definitely don&rsquo;t plan on changing careers. I just want to do bigger and better deals. I want to break my own records. I want to expand what&rsquo;s possible in terms of my success.Q: Entrepreneurs are always looking for a way to decompress and come back refreshed.Is it true that you take 16 baths per week? I mean&hellip; that&rsquo;s more than two per day! How does that time help you decompress and come back refreshed?A: I do. I like to be &ldquo;fresh as a daisy.&rdquo; Roughly that means I take about 2.25 baths a day.&nbsp;I enjoy a bath every morning to get into balance, reflect and tackle the day.&nbsp;And I always take one at night before getting into bed. Additionally, right before an event, I like to be fresh so I&rsquo;ll take another. With baths, you&rsquo;re giving yourself a reward. A shower shortchanges all that. In a bath, you can incorporate beauty routines that simply don&rsquo;t work in the shower, like moisturizing beads, oils and masks. I really love my skin to be soft, fresh and emollient.&nbsp;<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/the-passion-test-for-success-whats-your-passion" target="_self" title="The Passion Test for Success: What's Your Passion? | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Are you passionate about your career? Take our test to discover your priorities for a fulfilling, successful life.</a>

Chris Leavitt is one of the top brokers at Douglas Elliman, the largest real estate company on the East Coast, and star of Million Dollar Listing Miami on

Chris Leavitt is one of the top brokers at Douglas Elliman, the largest real estate company on the East Coast, and star of Million Dollar Listing Miami on | SUCCESS

The Star of ‘Million Dollar Listing Miami’ on Working Smarter, Not Harder

The Star of ‘Million Dollar Listing Miami’ on Working Smarter, Not Harder | SUCCESS

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Think the grass is greener on the other side of your attention? Think again. The more you tolerate distractions, the more difficult it is to deliver timely and quality output in business.But maybe you think of your distractions as multitasking. That&rsquo;s really a myth, according to <a href="https://nymag.com/news/features/56793/index1.html" target="_blank" title="In Defense of Distraction | NYMag.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">a recent article published by The New Yorker</a>.&nbsp;More than 20 years of research by Dr. David E. Meyer, professor of psychology at the University of Michigan and one of the world&rsquo;s leading experts on multitasking, reveals that &ldquo;when you think you&rsquo;re doing two things at once, you&rsquo;re almost always switching rapidly between them, leaking a little mental efficiency with every switch.&rdquo; Bet you thought you were really doing more with less, right? Wrong.Cope with distractions and increase productivity with these four tips:1. Raise your standards and take control. The same kind of thinking that tethered you to distractions won&rsquo;t help you to avoid them. This means you must change the way you think about time, value and results. Make them first priorities, not afterthoughts.&nbsp;Remember that no <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/shut-the-front-door-and-dont-let-distraction-in" target="_blank" title="Shut the Front Door! (And Don't Let Distraction In) | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">distraction</a> is worth compromising your integrity, professional reputation or the bottom line. In the end, only your results matter. Excuses won&rsquo;t.2. Anticipate the kinds of distractions likely to sidetrack you. Make a list. For example, if you know that constantly checking email will usurp two hours of your day&mdash;write that down first&mdash;it&#39;s a key distraction to avoid. Pick one 15-minute block later in the day to scan your inbox and stick to it. Don&rsquo;t respond to your email until after crunch time is over, when time is on your side.Can&rsquo;t resist incessantly checking your Facebook feed for updates? Don&rsquo;t fall for the head fake: It won&rsquo;t give you a second wind. It&rsquo;ll only increase your commitment to being distracted. Use Facebook to completely decompress after you&rsquo;ve completed your tasks. Don&rsquo;t log in until you can unplug.If you know that Chatty Cathy comes in every Monday morning to regale you with her weekend shenanigans, be prepared to put your foot down. Advise that while you&rsquo;d love to hear about her incredible weekend, you have some important things to accomplish first. Be polite, but firm.3. Plan, commit and execute.&nbsp;If you want to successfully avoid distractions, you can&rsquo;t tackle them haphazardly. You&rsquo;ll need a solid plan of attack.Prepare your plan in advance&mdash;in writing. It should include a list of key distractions, strategies for avoiding them and a plan for confronting ones that can&#39;t be avoided. Be thoughtful in your approach. Brainstorm tough scenarios. Role-play to increase your comfort level. Review your plan first thing in the morning. Focus on outcomes and strategies before you do anything else.Think you&rsquo;re all done? Not so fast. Drafting a great plan is not enough to inspire productivity. You need to take action. Commit to playing full-out and successfully accomplishing the goal, no matter what.&nbsp;Encourage yourself to do the heavy lifting. Exercise discipline and be prepared to dig your heels in. The trenches are where the real work begins.4. Cultivate sensory acuity.&nbsp;Just because you create a plan&mdash;even a really good one&mdash;doesn&rsquo;t mean that it&rsquo;s going to work. Therefore, learn to cultivate <a href="https://www.exforsys.com/tutorials/nlp/nlp-sensory-acuity.html" target="_blank" title="NLP Sensory Acuity | Exforsys.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">sensory acuity</a> by paying closer attention to the results you&rsquo;re getting. Ask yourself whether you&rsquo;re moving closer or farther away from your goal based on your efforts. Be honest. It&rsquo;s the only way you&rsquo;ll learn to connect the dots.&nbsp;Sensory acuity is a muscle like any other. It becomes stronger with increased use. By sharpening your analytical skills and becoming &ldquo;acutely aware,&rdquo; you&rsquo;ll learn to detect the devil in the details. And, believe me, high performers are intimately acquainted with the devil in the details.Key takeaways: Coping with distractions can be challenging. But don&rsquo;t be afraid to&nbsp;confront and overcome&nbsp;them. You have the power to stand up to people, situations and ideas that wreak havoc on your productivity.Choose to be more productive and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/the-brain-power-of-productivity" target="_blank" title="The Brain Power of Productivity | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">embrace productivity</a> for the long haul.<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/single-minded" target="_self" title="Single-Minded | SUCCESS.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Read the confessions of a recovering multitasker&mdash;and why single-tasking should be the new multitasking.&nbsp; </a>

Think the grass is greener on the other side of your attention? Think again. The more you tolerate distractions, the more difficult it is to deliver

Think the grass is greener on the other side of your attention? Think again. The more you tolerate distractions, the more difficult it is to deliver | SUCCESS

4 Tips to Turn Off the Distractions

4 Tips to Turn Off the Distractions | SUCCESS

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