Shades of Success, Inc.

Success: Product of Choice?

During a search in You Tube for videos worth viewing, I came across Stephen Covey's three-minute tidbit about success.  He claims that we are the only ones responsible for our success (editorial comment:  whatever success means to us personally).  I wholeheartedly agree with him.

Covey goes on to say that success is the product of choice.  You may be wondering (as I was, choice of what?) Covey refers to the choice to become successful or not.  Now you may be saying, 'everyone wants to be successful.'  And that is exactly the issue.  Wanting to be is not the same as being.  So, the choice to succeed = clarity of purpose + relentless determination to accomplish purpose.

There is a catch: The purpose will vary according to what your definition of success is.  Most of us get stuck and borrow accepted definitions of success from family, peers or our own culture (e.g. status, financial wealth, possessions). 

Clarity of purpose requires the courage to reflect and self-evaluate your current career and life path.  Your definition of success does not need to be different from others.  It just needs to be what you voluntarily, willingly and courageously have decided for yourself.

 

Neuroscience anyone?

I recently came across this new online training technology, Maestro Conference. Its main value is to create an interactive experience for online learners.

As a promotional effort to get people interested in trying this tool, Maestro Conference has created an online seminar event during the whole month of July. And this is a no cost to those who subscribe. The range of topics varies from spirituality to the neuroscience of success. If you want to learn more about Maestro and browse the remainder seminar offerings, click here.  You have lots to learn and nothing to lose!

What Is your State of Independence?

Independence = freedom, liberation, the state of not being subject to.  So as the 4th of July celebration approaches,  I could not help but think: 

What are we still dependent on?  What or from whom do we need to free ourselves?

A couple of thoughts (based on my own experience and from others whom I coach):

• The need to compete instead of collaborate.  When challenges arise, we tend to react in survival mode and it is either us or them.  Job leads are not shared.  Opportunities to jointly leverage resources are not discussed.  If we could only be the only ones applying to that job....
• The need to control outcomes.  Fear of the unknown increases in an unstable environment.  Guess what?  Get over it.  As someone said, change is the only constant. 

Between burgers and fireworks let's reflect on the state of independence of our professional endeavors.  Let's free ourselves from negative and unproductive thinking, attitudes, people and environments.  Easier said than done? Yes. But awareness is the first step to change.