In this post I will look at an interesting topic “what makes your life a success?”. Life is composed of the ups and downs, which represent obstacles, setbacks and stumbling blocks we are confronted with daily,
To the uninformed these can be the bane to living a successful life, as the vicissitudes of life can force you to accept your condition as the norms of living an average and sometimes a below average life.
However, successful people in every walks of life view the stumbling blocks as an opportunity to Unleash their greatness.
In my quiet time I often contemplate the relentless pursuit of success, and often find myself wondering what it truly means to have a successful life.
Is it defined by material possessions, career achievements, or personal relationships?
While I think these aspects certainly play an important role, genuine and lasting success encompasses a broader spectrum of factors that contribute to a life well-lived.
In this article, I will explore the questions: what makes your life a success?, what are the 5 keys to success? and delve into what truly brings success in life.
What are the 5 Keys to Success?
I believe there are certain things that will lead you to find success and I represent these qualities that lead to success as keys to success. Now, permit me to elaborate on them in no particular order of importance
Clarity of Purpose
One of the primary keys to success is having a clear sense of purpose or what Napoleon Hills called definiteness of purpose. Without a clear purpose achieving success in life becomes a daunting task. Clarity of purpose enables you to channel your inner resources toward the direction and pursuit of your goals.
This involves understanding your passions, values, and what truly motivates you. When you have a defined purpose, you can set meaningful goals and align your actions with your aspirations. Therefore, achieving these goals is only a hair ‘s breadth away.
Resilience and Perseverance
Success rarely comes without obstacles and setbacks.
Resilience and perseverance are vital qualities that help navigate the challenges on the path to success. When faced with adversity, those who persevere push through the difficulties, learn from their experiences, and adapt their approach. Resilience enables you to bounce back from failure, embrace change, and stay committed to your goals. It’s the fuel that keeps you going until you see the pot at the end of the rainbow.
Continuous Learning and Growth
Success is not a destination but rather a lifelong journey of growth and improvement. Embracing a growth mindset and cultivating a hunger for knowledge are essential for long-term success.
Commit yourself to learning new skills, expanding your knowledge, and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in your field.
By continuously evolving, you position yourself for greater opportunities and personal fulfillment. I often quote Charlie Munger and what he said about Warren Buffet about being a learning machine. He reveals that Warren Buffet is not content to rest on laurels, and had this to say about him. ” He is continuously dedicated to learning and gaining greater knowledge. He is one of the best learning machines on earth. The turtles who outrun the hare are learning machines. If you stop learning in this world, the world rushes right by you. Warren was lucky that he could still learn effectively and build his skills, even after he reached retirement age. Having watched the whole process with Warren, I can report that if he had stopped with what he knew at earlier points, the record would be a pale shadow of what is”. Putting it simply, Warren Buffet has continually dedicated himself to refining and expanding his understanding of investing, that is why he is the greatest investor in the world. This can be said of most successful people, they keep learning and exploring new frontiers of knowledge.
Authentic Relationships and Support
This can be termed the power of your network. You need to have a powerful network of people, sometimes called (masterminds) to help you reach success. I like to make examples of this using some companies like tech giants– Microsoft, Google, Facebook and Twitter before it was acquired by Elon Musk.
Bill Gates needed his friend Paul Allen to succeed with Microsoft, Sergi Brian needed the brain power of Larry Page to take Google to the top. The same thing happened with Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and even Airbnb. They tapped into their support systems in the form of co-founders and the earliest employees in the startups.
Meaningful relationships are fundamental to a successful life. Building strong connections with others, be it family, friends, mentors, or colleagues, creates a support system that fosters personal and professional growth.
Surround yourself with individuals who inspire and uplift you, share your values, and offer constructive feedback. Nurturing authentic relationships provides a sense of belonging, support, and shared experiences that enhance the journey toward success.
From the foregoing, one can answer in the affirmative that their friends, family, teachers and even a spouse contributed to their success in life when they are asked what makes your life a success?
Balance and Well-being
Achieving success should not come at the expense of your well-being and happiness. It is crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance and prioritize self-care. Cultivate habits that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercise, mindfulness, and healthy relationships.
Read: Discover the surprising reasons why life is hard and how to thrive anyway
True success is not solely defined by external achievements but also by your ability to lead a fulfilling and harmonious life.
Recall in my intro when I asked if success is related to material possessions and career achievements only?
To be called a successful person, you must balance every department of your life. That is, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual departments.
Many successful people have to embrace simple living and meditation to help them stay grounded and balanced in the constantly fast paced world we find ourselves in today.
Minimalism is now a common term often used by people who find the need to declutter their lives and give away most of their possessions.
The world is gradually changing and having state of the art automobiles is not indicative of wealth or success any longer.
Read: 5 Amazing Silver lining lessons
What Brings Success in Life?
In addition to the 5 keys of success treated in the last session, we are going to glean other qualities that you need to inculcate to bring success into your life.
Together they meet the answer to the simple question: what makes your life a success?
Hard work: Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Well, some schools of thought now believe you need to work smart not hard. The difference I believe is a matter of semantics. Whether you work smart or hard is not the bone of contention, in both cases effort and planning is applied in the pursuit of a set objective.
Action: Taking action is essential for success. Don’t just sit around and wait for things to happen. Get out there and make things happen! Taking action beats everything. If you wait for all the lights to turn green before moving to take an opportunity that is beckoning on the horizon, you will end up becoming a tag team partner with failure.
Gratitude and a positive mindset
Cultivating gratitude and maintaining a positive mindset are essential for success.
Gratitude allows you to appreciate the journey, celebrate milestones, and maintain a sense of fulfillment. A positive mindset enables you to overcome challenges, maintain resilience, and attract positivity and opportunities into your life.
Successful people are grateful for what they have. They appreciate the opportunities that they have been given and they are always looking for ways to give back.
If you can develop these qualities, you will be well on your way to a successful life.
Gratitude also attracts abundance from the universe. If you want to enjoy more success in life, always be grateful for little things in your life.
Take calculated risk
Successful people are not afraid to take risks. They know that sometimes you have to take risks in order to achieve your goals.
However, you must be aware of the risk-reward ratio involved in any risk you are willing to take.
Read: 5 Reasons to keep going when times are hard
Adaptability and flexibility
The world is constantly changing, and successful people are willing to change with it. They are not afraid to adapt to new situations and to learn new things.
In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is crucial for success. Being open to new ideas, embracing change, and adjusting your strategies when necessary allows you to stay ahead of the curve and seize opportunities that come your way.
Discipline and self-motivation
Success often requires discipline and self-motivation to stay focused on your goals. It involves setting priorities, managing your time effectively, and consistently taking action towards your objectives, even when faced with distractions or temptations.
Effective communication skills
The ability to articulate your ideas, actively listen, and build strong connections through effective communication is key to success. Whether in personal relationships or professional settings, being able to express yourself clearly and connect with others fosters collaboration, understanding, and positive outcomes.
Financial management and resourcefulness
Financial stability and resourcefulness play a significant role in achieving success. Managing your finances wisely, making informed decisions, and being resourceful with the resources available to you help create a solid foundation for your goals and aspirations.
Emotional intelligence and empathy
Success is not solely about individual achievements; it also involves how you interact with and impact others. Emotional intelligence, which encompasses self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to manage relationships, allows for effective teamwork, collaboration, and the building of positive connections.
Giving back and contributing to society
Success can be enhanced by giving back to your community and making a positive impact on society. Engaging in philanthropy, volunteering, or using your skills and resources to help others not only brings fulfillment but also contributes to a sense of purpose and success in life.
Many billionaires in the world today have committed a part of their wealth for a course.
Bill and Melinda Gates foundation contributed billions of dollars to the fight against polio in Nigeria.
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and Chairman of the Dangote Group is also not left out in this philanthropic gesture. The Dangote Foundation has also given millions for a worthy course.
Among some of its donations are $500,000 to UNICEF to fight the outbreak of measles which affected many states in Nigeria.
Donation of $6.4 million toward building a world class International Cancer Centre in Abuja, Nigeria.
Donation of $2.6million to flood victims that affected many states in Nigeria, among other donations.
I write this not to excel these billionaires, but to show that if you become successful you could be of great help to the less privileged in society.
In conclusion, success in life is a multi-faceted concept that encompasses various dimensions, which may include personal, professional, and spiritual fulfillment.
Overall, it depends on the individual, what will make one individual fulfilled and accomplished in life may differ from the next person. This depends on the value system and make up of the individual.
For example, success to me is being able to buy experiences that come from visiting many places in the world, and enjoying nature and having control of my time.
Driving state of the art automobiles for me is not my idea of being successful. However, for the next person acquiring different machines and owning mansions give them that feeling of being successful.
If you follow the different steps in the “what are the 5 keys to success? and what brings success in life? sessions you certainly would find success in your life.
In closing I will leave you with this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics; and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden path or a redeemed social conditions; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded”
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