Is there a magic formula for success? Is it enough to apply simple rules to get the desired results? An article on the rules of success.
"No rule for success will work if you don't make it work."
Anonymous.
The whole world of personal growth is based on the idea that it is possible to code success, find the magic formula to achieve one's goals and obtain the desired results.
Characters like Napoleon Hill, Anthony “Tony” Robbins o Robin Sharma they have studied the greatest successful men for decades to find the characteristics they have in common and to distil the quintessence of success.
Recently, successful bloggers like Steve Pavlina o Leo Babauta they have brought personal growth to a more private and practical level, made up of small daily experiments, but all aimed at answering the usual question: what is the formula for success?
Believing that to achieve success it is enough to respect a series of rules and habits it's a typical stars and stripes approach that has always fascinated me but never completely convinced me. Here are some reasons for my skepticism:
- If there is only one magic formula for success, that means it should exist only one form of success. In reality, the concept of success is very much linked to our personal perspective. I believe success is what we call success.
- If it is enough to respect some simple rules and habits, then why true success is so rare? Elements like the fortuity, determination,self-discipline and motivation they play a key role in the path to success and must always be given due consideration.
- Thinking that success is the result of a mathematical formula made up of rules and habits is an approach too stiff, which makes us forget that knowing how to adapt to the situations and contexts in which we live and work is perhaps the only real key to success.
Andre ... in short, is the old rule of mule beating always valid ?!
Despite my doubts, re-reading mine personal diary and reflecting on my successes, but above all on my failures, I can't help but observe a common thread. Put simply, every time I achieved my goals I followed, in one way or another, a series of steps ... an "algorithm": the little algorithm of success.
1. Objective
Every success comes from an idea, an idea that sneaks into our mind and day after day is enriched with details, images and emotions. But this idea to be of help must turn into a goal.
Define a goal means turning that initial idea into a concrete goal, the essential elements of which are:
- An objective and measurable result. The what.
- A time frame within which to obtain that result. The when.
- A valid reason. The reason why.
- An action plan. The how.
Goal setting is the necessary condition for any successful path. Without a target, the algorithm fails to trigger.
2. Action
There is no goal that can be achieved without at least accomplishing 1 small action. If the goal triggers our path and gives us Motivation, the action targeted, constant e consistent it is the fundamental tool to reach our goals.
In fact, there are 3 ingredients at the base of every successful action plan:
- Il focus. To achieve your goals, your action must be targeted. Imagine having to pierce a piece of cardboard: would you use a spoon or a knife? Focused action, like a sharp knife, allows you to achieve your goals with greater effectiveness.
- la amount. As soon as a goal is defined, we are pervaded by an incredible energy that pushes us to burn the stages of our journey. This energy soon wears off as do the chances of achieving our goals. Our action must be constant: to obtain the desired results we must accumulate experience, day after day. According to the science journalist Malcom Gladwell to become a true champion in your field you need at least 10.000 hours of experience. Where are you at?
- la quality. Excellent results derive not only from constant action, but also from consistent action. To act listlessly corresponds to not acting at all. Whenever you need to go back to training, studying or working on your project, think back to why you are doing it and try to recreate the excitement of the early days.
3. Premio
Each "algorithm" to work perfectly must have an instruction that concludes it and at the same time helps it to reactivated with the same effectiveness next time.
In the case of the small success algorithm this action is the prize. Every milestone towards your goal, however small, must be celebrated. Your brain must be able to connect achieving positive results with equally positive emotions.
Create your own ritual of success, define from the beginning what you will reward yourself with once your goal has been achieved; not only that: you also decide which prizes you will grant yourself during the intermediate stages.
Our mind is on the go pursuit of pleasure, use this "weakness" to your advantage: use pleasure to reward your achievements towards happiness.
What are the common traits of your success stories? What actions, attitudes or tools did you use to achieve your goals? Tell me in the comments. Thanks.
