User:FARAH BOTAN/sandbox

The hit book, "The Secret" had one central message; we become what we think about. This same thing was said by Earl Nightingale years earlier in his classic "The Strangest Secret". I am not suggesting to only think positive thoughts and block out any negativity. I am not talking about surrounding yourself with daily positive aphorisms. The key is what you focus your daily thoughts on. A golfer that thinks they will hit the ball in the sand trap inevitably will most of the time. A team playing not to lose will ultimately lose. People who are successful say the following phrases that spur them to take action: 1. “I can do this.” It all starts with believing in yourself. People are successful because they are confident in their own abilities. This confidence comes from inside out. When faced with something scary or challenging, this is what they say. This gets them to start which is typically the most difficult part. 2. “I’ll do it!” People stand out by taking on a challenge no one else is willing to do. It can be small and simple like staying late or taking out the company trash. It can be volunteering on the weekend. While everyone else is asking “why?”, ask “why not?”  Be open to always saying "yes" rather than immediately "no". 3. “That’s an awesome job.” Make others feel admired and appreciated by recognizing their success. People will enjoy being around you and that will make you feel good about yourself. 4. “I can take at least one small step forward today” Running a small business is overwhelming and achieving goals can be a long term journey. Uncertainty on this path stops many people from even trying. All great success is a series of small steps. Learn the result of your single action and then take an additional step; and then take another. 5. “I’m really listening.” Successful people know when to say these words. Stephen R. Covey, author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People'', writes “most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” Successful people listen to understand and in that moment, do not worry about how they will sound when they reply. 6. “I was wrong.” Successful people always admit this. When they are wrong, they say so. Surprisingly in this process, you will not lose respect or credibility, but gain it. 7. “Done is better than perfect.” Tech giants Google and Microsoft release beta versions of their products to consumers knowing the products aren’t perfect, and that’s ok. What matters to them is getting the products out in the world so they can learn what needs to be improved. 9. “Can you show me?” Successful people know that they don’t know everything. That’s why they surround themselves with people who are smarter than them. Successful people can be a follower and a leader in the business world. 10. “I don’t have to be the smartest; I just need to work the hardest.” Successful people know that if they work hard, they increase their chances of success. They realize that the key to being successful is not just skill, but the willingness to do whatever is necessary to be the best. Which ones do you use to keep you on the path of success?