Three Keys to Success
How setting goals and taking action can help you get what you want
How did Erin Matson become a statewide organization president and Quan Hoang become a director, both before age 30? The same way you can--by developing three habits of success.
Habit Number 1: Set Goals
What traits do very successful people have in common? Do they have more talent? more money? No. What they have is a goal-setting habit.
Whether you dream of training dolphins, getting a scholarship, or opening a restaurant, goals are the stepping-stones that make your dreams real. Here's how to get started:
* Define your goal. Write it down. Make sure it's specific. "Play Division III basketball in college" is a more specific goal than "Be a basketball star."
* Assign your goal a deadline. Use a real date, such as "by Dec. 31, 2006."
* Make an action plan. Brainstorm the steps needed to achieve your goal. Arrange the tasks in a logical order. Give each one a deadline.
Habit Number 2: Take Action
A key difference between a person with good ideas and a successful person is action. Completing a task--even something small, such as reading a chapter or picking up a job application--puts you a step closer to success. "Once you start, keep going, even if things don't go as planned," says Judy Galbraith, author of What Teens Need to Succeed "Successful people achieve their dreams because they don't give up."
A disappointment can turn Out to be a positive step forward. "I [was] turned down for paid jobs at women's organizations," says Erin Matson, 25, state chapter president of the Minnesota National Organization for Women (NOW). "That's why I got involved in NOW as a volunteer. Now I'm not just a worker--I'm a leader."
Habit Number 3: Ask for Help
Successful people aren't afraid to ask for help. When Quan Hoang directs films and commercials, he can't do it alone. "I need the help of actors, producers, and writers," he says. "I always surround myself with the best of the best."
Get the support you need by forming your own "dream team," a group of people who believe in you and will help you succeed. Your dream team can include friends, family, teachers, counselors, coaches, neighbors--even people you haven't met. Wait … people you haven't met? How do you do that? Just pick up the phone or send an e-mail.
"I often call or e-mail interesting people and ask for 15 minutes of their time," says Matthew Axelrod, 25, who advises the U.S. secretary of defense on North African military policy. "Sometimes we develop a good relationship, and I always learn things that help me." Here's how to ask for help.
* Introduce yourself. Be brief and honest. "I'm a high school student, and I want to write a book."
* Explain in a meaningful way why you want to speak with the person. "You published your first book when you were 20. I'd love to do that."
* Ask for help. "I'd like to hear how you found a publisher. Are you available for 15 minutes?"
* Thank the person. Also think about how you can return the favor or help someone else.
Why wait another day? Do one thing now that moves you closer to your goal. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll be able to enjoy your success.
How did Erin Matson become a statewide organization president and Quan Hoang become a director, both before age 30? The same way you can--by developing three habits of success.
Habit Number 1: Set Goals
What traits do very successful people have in common? Do they have more talent? more money? No. What they have is a goal-setting habit.
Whether you dream of training dolphins, getting a scholarship, or opening a restaurant, goals are the stepping-stones that make your dreams real. Here's how to get started:
* Define your goal. Write it down. Make sure it's specific. "Play Division III basketball in college" is a more specific goal than "Be a basketball star."
* Assign your goal a deadline. Use a real date, such as "by Dec. 31, 2006."
* Make an action plan. Brainstorm the steps needed to achieve your goal. Arrange the tasks in a logical order. Give each one a deadline.
Habit Number 2: Take Action
A key difference between a person with good ideas and a successful person is action. Completing a task--even something small, such as reading a chapter or picking up a job application--puts you a step closer to success. "Once you start, keep going, even if things don't go as planned," says Judy Galbraith, author of What Teens Need to Succeed "Successful people achieve their dreams because they don't give up."
A disappointment can turn Out to be a positive step forward. "I [was] turned down for paid jobs at women's organizations," says Erin Matson, 25, state chapter president of the Minnesota National Organization for Women (NOW). "That's why I got involved in NOW as a volunteer. Now I'm not just a worker--I'm a leader."
Habit Number 3: Ask for Help
Successful people aren't afraid to ask for help. When Quan Hoang directs films and commercials, he can't do it alone. "I need the help of actors, producers, and writers," he says. "I always surround myself with the best of the best."
Get the support you need by forming your own "dream team," a group of people who believe in you and will help you succeed. Your dream team can include friends, family, teachers, counselors, coaches, neighbors--even people you haven't met. Wait … people you haven't met? How do you do that? Just pick up the phone or send an e-mail.
"I often call or e-mail interesting people and ask for 15 minutes of their time," says Matthew Axelrod, 25, who advises the U.S. secretary of defense on North African military policy. "Sometimes we develop a good relationship, and I always learn things that help me." Here's how to ask for help.
* Introduce yourself. Be brief and honest. "I'm a high school student, and I want to write a book."
* Explain in a meaningful way why you want to speak with the person. "You published your first book when you were 20. I'd love to do that."
* Ask for help. "I'd like to hear how you found a publisher. Are you available for 15 minutes?"
* Thank the person. Also think about how you can return the favor or help someone else.
Why wait another day? Do one thing now that moves you closer to your goal. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll be able to enjoy your success.
By: Bachel, Beverly K., Career World, Sep2006
posted by Mary Mezack at 12:09 PM
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