Successful people do so many things well, but check out these 12 things that can really set you apart from the masses.


1. Create and pursue S.M.A.R.T. goals

Specific, Measureable, Action-oriented, Relevant, and Time-bound.  Your chances of meeting your goals can only improve by using this time-honored goal-setting technique.

 


2. Take logical, decisive and immediate action

Don’t let fear or procrastination keep you from actually taking action.  Without action, any fabulous idea is just that – an idea.

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3. Focus on being productive rather than busy

Doing the right things at the right time can make all the difference in the world.  After all, if you spend months shopping and packing for your trip to Paris but never buy the tickets, you’ll never see the Eiffel Tower.

 

4. Avoid the trap of trying to make things perfect

Perfectionism is a form of procrastination that can sink its teeth into you and keep you from ever moving forward or taking that all important action.  When it’s good enough, train yourself to let go.  You can revisit it later if truly necessary.

 

5. Work outside of your comfort zone

Discomfort is a by-product of growth and stretching.  Try it! Not only will it become easier, but you will become stronger and more successful each time.

 

6. K.I.S.S. – Keep things simple

Everyone can get on board with you and your ideas quickly when you keep it simple.  (43-12) – (14+15) = 2 or 1+1=2.  Complexity is something you just don’t need in your quest for success.

 

7. Make small, continuous improvement

It’s the little decisions you make that shape your life and determine your destiny.  Instead of 1 hour playing on the internet, spend 45 minutes, then 30, then 10.  Do it in all areas of your life.  Bit by bit, these improvements will compound to take you where you most want to go.

 

8. Measure and track progress

Keep yourself moving in the right direction by keeping track of where you are going and how you’re getting there.  Measure your progress to ensure you meet those S.M.A.R.T. goals you’ve set.  

 

9. See problems as opportunities for improvement

Opportunities for improvement are motivating – they get you moving on to the next big thing.  They are future-focused.  Problems keep you focused on what didn’t or can’t work.  They keep you stuck in the here and now if you’re lucky and in the past if you’re not.

 

10. Spend time with the right people

Only you can decide who they are, but at a minimum they should be people who don’t drag you down or cause you to doubt yourself.  We become like those we spend the most time with; pay attention to who those people are.

 

11. Don’t hold grudges

Put your energy into creating the future success you desire.  If you spend your precious time focusing on what other people have done wrong, there’s less time to spend on what you are doing right.

 

12. Don’t make excuses

There’s no need to.  Mistakes and errors are the fastest path to success.  Accept them, learn from them and move on to the success you will surely create for yourself.