A to Z of Success - Z is for Zero Excuses

Z – Zero Excuses. Majority of the time Excuses are the same thing as Reasons to succeed. When excuses seem to arise, don’t cave – look to them as motivation and an additional reason to succeed.

A to Z of Success - Y is for Yesterday was Productive

Y – Yesterday was productive. John Maxwell, leadership master, has mentioned in a few of his books that he can tell how successful you will be by looking at your schedule. Was your yesterday productive, will your schedule warrant the goals you desire?

A to Z of Success - X is for Xbox Revolution

X – Xbox Evolution. When Microsoft launched Xbox 360, it was a huge leap forward. It was a gamble, however, the industry was ready and very excepting to this incredible new technology. Have the confidence to know what your working for will be just as well received.

A to Z of Success - W is for Work Ethic

W – Work Ethic. Help your time management by having good work ethic. Work Smart. At times work hard, but try to always make the most of the time. Working smart can take time to develop, however, prioritizing your tasks to keep high-priority and urgent assignments will make this easier. Who’s tasks are urgent, which have deadlines, which require daily effort and management? Some people color code, others number each task – whatever works for you will help. Try it out.

A to Z of Success - V is for Vision

V - Vision. Visionaries are sometimes hard to find, however, it truly lies within each of us. Start with a dream or goal. Work backwards to see the steps on how that dream or goal will be accomplished. As you paint each of these steps to your team, keep the end dream or goal in mind. Seeing how a small or seeming un-important task fits into a bigger picture is usually a great kick-start.

A to Z of Success - U is for University is Optional

U – University is Optional. Talent and Education can always be out worked. Don’t let your lack of education be your crutch; on the other hand, don’t hide behind your degree. Keep a level playing field so the hungriest will achieve.

The Difference Maker

The difference between those who accomplish and those who fall short can really be summed up in the following excerpt.

Albert E N Gray gave this speech to a group of top Insurance Sales Professionals; Successful people form habits and are willing to do things that unsuccessful people are very unwilling to do. Here’s what Gray had to say about successful people:

But if they don’t like to do these things [that unsuccessful people won’t do], then why do they do them? Because by doing the things they don’t like to do, they can accomplish the things they want to accomplish.

Successful people are influenced by the desire for pleasing results. Failures are influenced by the desire for pleasing methods, and are inclined to be satisfied with such results as can be obtained by doing the things they like to do.

Successful people have a purpose strong enough to make them form the habit of doing the things they don’t like to do, in order to accomplish this purpose.

Gray then responded to this question asked from the group of sales professionals, “But if I have a family to support, isn’t that enough of a purpose?”

No, it isn’t. For the simple reason that... it is easier to adjust our selves to the hardships of poor living, than to adjust ourselves to the hardships of making a better one.

These truths are timeless. Although this is from many years ago – it still rings true today. One book I’ve found which helps on these topics is The Difference Maker by John C. Maxwell, the master of leadership.