There is no secret recipe for a successful future. Certain elements are usually required to get there; such as hard work, dedication and specific skills. However, there are easy to follow steps to help reduce the risks by taking the time upfront and focusing on what is most important. These steps hold true for all decisions; both personally and professionally.
Picking a Path
Starting is by far the most difficult part of any journey. And, that is why the most time should be spent on this stage. When deciding what big change you are going to make or is coming up in life, research and knowing the information that will lead you down the right path is crucial. Test your ideas and make sure you truly believe in your new path.
Plan – For Your Life
While on your journey, there are inevitably going to be hurdles that come up. So, it is important to make sure you have plans and backup options. You can never know exactly what is going to happen, but you can be prepared. What does that mean? It means saving your money, keeping your resume current, networking with as many people as possible, getting additional education or certifications. For business, it means also saving your money, investing in what will be the future of your business, constantly develop new customer relationships, do a SWOT analysis to see what could be your greatest threats and keep customer service as a main priority. You will not be able to know or plan for everything that comes along, but you can put yourself in the best possible position for when it does.
Define Your Success
Finally, you must define your goals and what success means to you. No one can tell you what success looks like. It is a deeply personal belief. Few people look at success in the same way. Someone may only look at success through the lens of fame, money, title or power. Others may simply see it as leaving work with a smile each day or having a customer do so. You must set your own bar for success. This will keep you motivated, push you to meet your own goals and allow you to find true happiness and job satisfaction.
• • •
Whether it is in your personal life or the business world, these are three key steps that should always be taken and can make success that much more likely.
Now, I believe there is a fourth step, which is also very important, but comes afterwards. Please leave a comment with what you feel is crucial to future success that happens after decisions are made and outcomes are known.
Learning and Doing 