Planning for Success

by guest Audrey Burke-McCarthy, MotivAction

Life is very busy and we may take a short term view of our priorities- doing what we have to in order to get through the week, month or quarter. However, this short term view does not lend itself to working towards longer term success. Take time out to imagine yourself five years from now. Where do you see yourself? What does your life look like? Is anything different, or is it more of the same? Or can you even visualise yourself beyond tomorrow? Our future success is closely related to the hopes, dreams and images that we create in our minds today. If we believe in a successful future and create a clear picture of what we want, we are much more likely to succeed. The first step should be defining our own viewpoint of success.

What is your success vision? Unless you have a clear vision of what success is to you, you cannot work towards it. Success means different things to different people. See it clearly in your mind (powerfully imagined/visualised) and revisit the image as often as you can.

People may measure it across a few areas. It can be career, personal development, health, spiritual, financial or family. To find your own definition of success you need to dig deep within yourself and question your values in life. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are the things that are important to you? By answering these questions you can then come closer to your own definition of success.

Success is a journey. It has multiple peaks and not one ultimate pinnacle. One success builds on another. Setbacks and mistake will also help you build success. Success will be defined differently at the various stages of your life.

The Success Journey

Set Clear Goals

Set a S.M.A.R.T. goal and go for it. People are inspired when have a purpose and focus.

Have a Definite Plan

Once you have clearly defined your goal, the next step is to plan exactly how you are going to get there. You need to believe in the plan and in your ability to execute it. The best plans are flexible (if they do not work they can be changed and adapted). Have milestones and review dates as part of the plan.

Have Confidence in Your Own Ability

The word confidence derives from the Latin words cum (with) and fides (faith). Develop a supreme confidence in yourself and your ability. This supreme confidence will inspire and influence others to support you.

No Fear of Failure

Fear of failure can stop you from even trying and it reduces confidence and self motivation. However, there really is no great shame in failing. The greatest shame is in never trying. Successful people regard failures and mistakes as opportunities to learn valuable lessons. Ask yourself “what is the worst thing that can happen” and take it from there.

Constantly Improve

Be a progressive thinker. Have the “how can I do better?” attitude. Look to the future and treat every day as an opportunity for a new experience or to gain new knowledge.

Set an Example for Others

It starts with you. Be a good role model for everyone that you work with and/or come into contact with.

Judge Yourself by Results Achieved

Are you getting the results required? If not, what can you do differently?

A Challenge is Needed

Challenge does motivate but the task must be achievable and worthwhile. Each time, make the task that little bit more challenging and “stretching” for you and always acknowledge the achievement to yourself.

Commitment

Commitment is doing the thing that you said that you would do long after your initial enthusiasm to do it has evaporated. You need to be committed to the goal, the plan and yourself.

Work on the 3 Common Characteristics of Successful People

There are three common characteristics of successful people.

i) Positive Mental Image: they are aware of their weaknesses but focus on building their strengths

ii) Goal oriented

iii) Self motivated

Think Like A Winner!

If you believe you can win you will and unfortunately if you believe you cannot, you will fail. Our self image and our habits tend to go together. Make changes to one and you will automatically change the other. Do not focus on the past as this time is past and we cannot change it. Instead look to the future; this is where you can make a difference. Always celebrate your successes no matter how small. It is a powerful way to reinforce successful self image and it feels great.

Joe Robbins

(Director) BBS (Hons), MBPICS – Shannon Office

Joe Robbins is co-founder of CareerWise Recruitment. A graduate of the University of Limerick (Degree in Business Studies, 1985), Joe worked in the UK for five years where he specialised in materials management, production management and plant management for a number of companies.

He returned to Ireland in 1992 to become Operations Manager for a Cork-based start-up, FMC Automotive Division which was subsequently taken over by Snap-on Equipment. Joe managed the business re-location of this company to Shannon in 1997 before setting up CareerWise Recruitment in 1999.

He is a committee member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Mid-West region, and a former Director and Vice President of the Shannon Chamber of Commerce. Joe is former Chairperson of the Sixmilebridge Camogie Club and current Chairperson of the Clare County Camogie Board.

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