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Never underestimate the power of the three 'P's
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Published: August 17, 2008
Why do some people succeed where others do not? What identifiable characteristics do successful people share that distinguishes them from everyone else, whether in their business or personal lives? Let me suggest that many traits, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors can influence success, but three are worthy of additional consideration:
Positive mindset;
Passionate attitudes and beliefs; and
Persistent Determination.
Positive mindset
Studies have shown that people who are positive in their outlook tend to have more sustained energy, are healthier, when ill tend to heal quicker, enjoy life more and live longer. So why is it that so many of us struggle to be positive? We understand the benefits but we struggle when we try to internalize and implement it. Why? One reason for many is their lack of confidence in themselves.
The feeling of inadequacy, the lack of competence, the thought that what we offer might not be of value to others are also factors. We want to believe but we doubt ourselves. As a result, we are often unable to face our own fears, we succumb to the pressure and we make excuses. We place the blame everywhere but where it should be – on ourselves. We lose focus, we lose objectivity and, most importantly, we surrender accountability. We let our own limiting beliefs stop us in our tracks. On the other hand, if we maintain a "can do" attitude, it becomes easier to take action. And as we all know, it is impossible to achieve any measure of success or happiness without taking action. Challenge yourself: Will you see the glass as half empty or half full?
Passionate attitudes, beliefs
How many times have you been inspired or motivated to do something simply by listening to someone else? Perhaps it was the tone of voice, format used, power of the message, or the credibility exuded by the speaker. Whatever it was, it appealed directly to your emotions. As a result, you were more inclined to do something because of what you felt.
If you want others to believe in you, to trust you, to buy from you, it is essential that they relate to you, identify with you, agree with you, feel that you can help them, believe that what you offer provides enough value to justify them taking action and make a commitment. You must consistently make it easy for your prospect to say yes, to take action, to make a commitment. If you are not passionate about yourself and what you can offer, why would you assume others should be? People don't care what you know until they first know you care.
No matter what people may tell you, studies demonstrate that people will buy emotionally and justify the buying decision rationally. They will buy from people they identify with, trust, like, and people they care to be around. Therefore, sincerity, honesty and passion are prerequisites for your credibility. You will never be credible to others if you are not credible to yourself. Take time, assess yourself, reflect and be honest with yourself. Map out a plan of action that helps you believe in yourself, renew your commitment and do something, anything, whatever it takes to implement that plan. It's not enough to think about it or even plan it – you must take action on it.
Persistent determination
Jimmy Valvano, the late coach of The North Carolina State Wolfpack basketball team, was asked after his team had just upset the heavily favored University of Houston Cougar basketball team to win the NCAA Basketball Championship in 1983, why his team was able to win, and he replied "Because we believe that you should never give up!" No matter what the odds, no matter what the obstacle, no matter how much others might doubt, you need to believe in yourself, know that you can do it and then be relentless in the pursuit of that objective.
Never Give Up! Interestingly, Jimmy V. was later diagnosed with inoperable cancer, but because of beliefs, values and passion, he was able to live his life fully, each and every day for the remainder of his life. He became a motivational speaker, founded the Jimmy V. Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars in the fight against cancer, and brought dignity and respect to himself, his family, his causes and his passions.
He became even larger in death than he was in life simply because he refused to be conquered; he refused to let circumstances dictate how he would live his life. His story should be an inspiration to all of us. Don't let obstacles get in your way. If you believe you can help someone, consider it criminal malpractice if you don't do everything in your power to provide that help.
Final thoughts
It's your life and it's your business. What are you going to do about it? The choice is yours, the responsibility is yours, the accountability is yours. Give yourself a chance, because if you don't, neither will anyone else.
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