Success is the fruit of achievement. It is not a godsend or a good-luck charm which is the destiny of only a few chosen individuals and comes without any cause or provocation. Success is a thing available to anyone who is willing to work for it.
Achieving success involves the development in ourselves of the qualifications necessary. We understand that a singer cannot become famous unless he possesses a voice and goes through a course of proper vocal training; similarly, a businessman cannot make a fortune without having previously acquired the practical training necessary for big business transactions. While very few people are born possessing outstanding talents, each one of us has in him or is able to develop some kind of proficiency, which, if utilized to best advantage, may be turned into success.
The more faculties or possessions we acquire the more successful we are considered. By proper application and training any single one of our faculties may lead us to success.
With the exception of a few rare cases success does not come through luck. Hard work, privations, and sacrifices, perseverance in the face of many obstacles—these are all in the thorny road of success and are the price we have to pay in order to achieve it. While everyone would relish success and its aftermath, not everyone is willing to work and sacrifice for it. Most of us are always looking for short cuts and easy ways out. However, since the latter hardly ever materialize we have always in our midst a small minority of successful people with a great majority of failures or just mediocrities who plod along all their lives without aim or direction. One can be a success only if he applies himself to it and works hard for it.
Although any type of achievement may be, in itself, considered as a success because it places its possessor ahead of others, real suecess is rarely a result of one distinct faculty with the exclusion of all others, but rather due to a set or combination of faculties and possessions. As such faculties, we may name: education, character, talent, profession, leadership, social standing, et cetera; as possessions —fine family, money, real estate, collected treasures, and such. To be really successful it is not sufficient to improve your capacities in one direction or one line of endeavor. You have to pay attention to general knowledge, also to social and spiritual attainments, as well as to your economic pursuits.
The first step in attaining success is to attune yourself to it so as to make it a part of you. Sit down and reason that since success is a thing not confined to a few chosen individuals, but is available to all who seek it, you, too, can achieve it insofar as you are able to turn all your shortcomings into advantages. Make up your mind that you can and will do it; you surely will make it in the end. Once you gain this assurance and dwell on it continually then ways and means on how to go about achieving your goal will gradually reveal themselves to you as you go along.
Now picture yourself as having already attained your ambition and visualize all the things it has done for you. This is not what you would call fooling yourself, but a potent method of creating within yourself a strong desire to do anything in your power to get to the top. It is daydreaming, yet not just wishful thinking, because visualizing the glorious outcome of your efforts will give you much more ambition to press forward towards your goal.
Set a definite goal to reach for yourself; aim high and virtuously. Of course, your goal must be suited to your particular character and inclinations. For instance, you can readily understand that if you have no voice you cannot aspire to become a great singer, or if you are crippled there is not much chance of your becoming a marathon runner. However, within normal limitations, no matter how remote or fantastic your goal may seem at the start, with perseverance and constant planning you will eventually reach it. As you go along opportunities will present themselves every once in a while, and if your mind is tuned to seeking them out and recognizing them you will be quick in grasping them.
Have faith in God. Believe that He is with you and with His help you can accomplish everything providing it is good and constructive. Indeed, God is everywhere and with everyone. All you have to do is accept Him, tune in your heart with Him, and since God cannot be wrong He will help you do the right things successfully. Affirm to yourself at every opportunity the following: “I can do everything through the strength God gives me.”
“God helps those who help themselves”— an old saying and one of the wisest. Do not take it for granted that God will do things for you while you sit smugly and do nothing. God will direct you into the proper channels, but it is up to you to apply yourself to the job to the best of your abilities.
Do not confide your ambitions or plans to anyone. Where it is absolutely necessary divulge only your immediate intentions. Most people are mediocre in their way of thinking, they are exceedingly skeptical and have a peculiar tendency to doubt the possibility of accomplishments, particularly of new ideas stemming from obscure individuals. Such people will only discourage you and set you back from doing anything to promote yourself. Keep your intentions to yourself and set to work to advance them without being hindered by these disbelievers.
In pursuing the goal of your ambitions do not be overzealous to the extent of neglecting all other aspects of life. No attainment is complete if it is built at the expense of other qualifications or necessities of life. Pay attention to your all-around physical and mental development, else you will land on a narrow path and may not enjoy your main attainment. Neither should one disregard others and do them injustice in a selfish mad rush for his own interests. Love and consideration for others brings contentment and happiness and also good will from others.
To reach your goal once it is set you must build in yourself an intense desire and resolution to work hard and persist until you overcome all obstacles. Affirm to yourself daily, particularly upon retiring at night, that you are going to attain the desired object. Impress the subconscious mind with the necessity of its planning your moves for you and, as a result, after a night’s sleep you will find it quite easy to solve your problems. Particulars of affirmations are entirely up to each individual since everyone’s case is different.
Next, learn all you can on the subject of your desired attainment. Take a course of study on it, read books, learn from people engaged in the field, learn the subject in practice on your job. Try to improve on the knowledge you have gained and the work you are doing so that you will become an expert in your line. Never stop learning—there is always more to know, and those who know more get ahead of others.
Knowledge will help you in the next step to success. When you know a great deal you acquire self-assurance. As you gain in self-assurance people around you also will believe in you and your abilities, will trust and depend on you. In that way you will advance in your job or in your business. Always be fair and honest in your dealing with others; that way you will build a reputation that will make you an outstanding success. Be neat in your appearance, develop good clean habits, be kind and cheerful in disposition, and you will be on the right road to success.
Be thrifty in the handling of your budget. Do not waste money on unnecessary or harmful things. When working always save a part of your salary. It will come in handy in a number of ways when the opportunity comes to use it wisely.
It is not how much money you earn that counts, but your ability and willingness to save a part of your earnings without harming or inconveniencing yourself or your family. Two persons on the same salary may arrive at a great difference in the final balance left of their wages at the end of a week. Some people earn a lot but are always in debt because they spend indiscriminately, while others, who carefully budget themselves, may be ahead of the game on a much smaller salary.
Since our main items of expenditure are food and rent the ability to cut down on these will greatly promote our ultimate financial independence. In the line of foods it is advisable to use only those which abound in proper nourishment, vitamins, and minerals. Such are natural foods untouched and unadulterated by man. Also one can get along on much smaller amounts of the natural foods as compared with the conventional devitalized foods used by the majority of people today simply because the former contains more life-sustaining ingredients than the latter. Home cooking and avoidance of unnecessary knicknacks, drinks, and restaurant meals will prove to be another great aid in reducing the expense of our budget. Dispensing with doctor and hospital bills due to a proper diet should not be overlooked in this case either.
As far as rent is concerned it should be the goal of every person to own his own home. This is the first step in accumulating possessions of value, and is of great help in building thrift and ambition in the character of a person. Every cent spent on your own home is a sound investment which you can get back some day when you decide to sell it, while you have nothing to show after paying rent for years to someone else.
Many homes are sold on a small, or even no down-payment plan with monthly payments much lower than those paid for similar accommodations when rented. Furniture and appliances are also available on an installment plan when one is assured o£ steady employment. However, one should exercise caution not to go overboard in expanding beyond one’s means.
Since almost every home has a backyard o£ some size the homeowner can reduce still further the size o£ his food and doctor bills by raising a part of his food there. By all means acquire your own home as early in life as possible no matter how small it may be or how difficult it may prove to be to get started on it.
When you have some money laid by, do not gamble on things you are not sure of or take hazardous business chances, but keep on the safe side. Gambling in any way—cards, horses, numbers, stocks — never pays. Remember the house always wins—the gambling house, of course.
Clothes play an important part in the attainment of success. In the first place when you are well dressed you have a “dressed-up” feeling, one of assurance and ease. Everyone else looks at you with more favor when you present a fine appearance—your boss, customers, or friend. The first impression of you people get is from your appearance, and it is difficult to make a good impression when you look and dress sloppily.
Before applying for a desired job study up on the work or articles to be handled. When you finally apply for the job in a particularly desirable place, you will be prepared and sure of yourself. Do not show too much anxiety to get the job; be interested, but not too eager. If you act that way you will be wanted and the job will easily fall into your lap.
Once on the job be industrious, give all you have to it—you’ll soon find out it pays to do that. Do not loaf on the job. When your employer hires you your time on the job belongs to him and any deliberate wasting of it is equivalent to stealing. After you have been on the job for a certain length of time try to work yourself up, not by pressing your boss for a raise, but by becoming useful and indispensable to him. Learn more about your work and watch for an opportunity to fill a more responsible position.
Once you raise your status, the raise in pay will come by itself; it will be rightfully earned. To ask for a raise without any justification, only because of the length of time spent with the concern, will antagonize your employer and make him look for a chance to get rid of you.
Try to get fun and pleasure out of your work. Think of pleasant things; humor but do not be ridicule your co-workers and employer; apply yourself to improving your work, planning and creating new things. All this will add zest, prevent dullness, and increase your popularity on the job.
Try to learn all you can about your work. Do not assume the attitude of knowing it all. Respect everyone’s opinion, and if you know better offer your ideas as mere suggestions. Do not be a “yes man,” but do not act: too aggressively. Show your employer or foreman that you are genuinely interested in the work, not just putting in the time to collect your wages. Do not take the attitude that “no matter what you do, they don’t appreciate it anyway.” A good man is always appreciated by an employer because the latter is continually searching for men he can rely upon, and such men are rare. If you can prove yourself to be the one wanted you will be snatched quickly enough. When you get promoted and have finally climbed the ladder show consideration and fairness to your co-workers. By treating them properly you will have their good will and cooperation in all your undertakings.
If you are in a business or a professional capacity treat your clients and customers as fairly and as honestly as possible. Greet them when they first come in; pay them the proper attention; make them feel that they are the most important factor in your place. Have a cheerful attitude; try to humor the customer and make him feel perfectly at home in your place of business, send him off smiling, and he will remember you every time he is in need of anything in your line. Always keep a full line of merchandise in the type of business you are in so that the customer will never be disappointed and have to look somewhere else for the kind or size of goods he wants.
Be honest. Never overcharge, or sell inferior merchandise. By your actions instill in the customers a positive confidence in yourself—one that cannot be shattered. By word of mouth your reliability will spread from one person to another, and thus your business will grow through recommendation.
Do not assume the attitude of financial gain only, considering customers as tools for your enrichment. Treat them as individuals, personal friends, and guests of yours. Try to be helpful and sympathetic to their needs and desires. Do not criticize them in your heart or with your tongue. Do not belittle their whims. Treat them as if they are persons of great importance. Give them the benefit of the doubt even if you do not approve of their actions. Bless them in your thoughts, and thank them kindly for patronizing you.
Do not criticize or speak badly of one customer in front of another. The latter will feel that you may criticize him, too, the minute he walks out. Never try to prove to a customer that you are right and he is wrong unless it is a matter of his advantage under discussion. If you insist on proving that you know better he may take it, but he surely will resent it and stop trading with you. Do your best to make the customer feel that he is a big shot, and you are faithfully at his service.
Always try to find an occasion to treat your customers to some gift or favor, however small or large it may be; they will appreciate it greatly and will remember you when they need anything in your line again. “Give and you shall receive” applies in business more than anywhere else. People readily respond to attention and kindness displayed by a merchant. If you offer these, you will find out pretty soon that it pays well to give. This also applies in the same measure to giving with an open hand to your employees. Good wages, paid vacations, time out for a daily snack, small favors of all kinds, and, above all, a considerate attitude devoid of criticism and surveillance will predispose your workers favorably towards you, and, as a result you will have devoted personnel of which each one is a potent promoter of your business.
Cultivate enthusiasm towards your work, the product you sell, or the service you give. Enthusiasm is a great promoter of success. Choose an occupation that you believe is of benefit to humankind as well as to yourself. When you are occupied in a line of work learn all about it in order to know of what value it is to the public. Try to get enjoyment out of your work. Make up your mind that your work is lots of fun. Affirm to yourself many times daily: “My work is wonderful, these products are wonderful; they will bring me success,” et cetera. All this will help you in developing desired enthusiasm towards your occupation and will promote you to better standing with amazing speed.
In the pursuit of success in the realm of culture and spiritual attainments you apply pretty much the same principles as above: desire, learn, work hard, and give all of yourself to your task. Success and happiness are sure to follow providing you are earnest, diligent, and devoted to your cause.
Since the man is the breadwinner in the family his success means the success of the family as a whole. His wife can do a great deal to help him achieve success. Under no circumstances should she nag, belittle, or compare him with others, try to make him over, or show her own superiority. These are sure ways to put their marriage on the rocks because they cause resentment and hatred while discouraging the man and driving him into dissipation. The woman should never fail to display her faith in her husband, praise him, inspire him, bolster his courage, and, at any time, be willing to put up with temporary hardships necessary in the course of his struggles towards success.
For that matter, it is never advisable for a woman to work in the same place of business as her husband — even at a different place in the same line of work. This inevitably leads to comparisons of achievement, jealousy, quarrels, and many other unpleasant complications. A good example of such adversities is to be found in marriages among stage and screen actors whose misery and divorces are common simply because their careers are competitive.
Some women will resent the above assertion as leaving for them only the role of playing second fiddle in the marriage arrangement. However, since the woman usually has the greater part of the noble task of bringing up the children of the family, her ambition in life can be realized if and when she does a good job at that. To bring up fine upright citizens is a much greater attainment than making a personal career. That is where the woman can play very successfully the first fiddle. Besides that, managing a home, taking care of the social affairs of the family, and other tasks, as well as her personal ambitions, offer the woman an excellent opportunity to make good.
A great help in attaining success is the reading of biographies of great men; also reading success stories of those who made good, particularly along the lines of pursuit you are especially interested in. Studying the methods by which others reached the goal you are seeking will show you the path you may take in your own travels, and, at the same time, will give you more courage and determination to persist in your undertaking.
Remember also that in order to be a success you must first sell the idea of success to yourself. Believe in yourself, believe that you desire success hard enough to be able to achieve it no matter how difficult and unattainable it may seem. Think and act in terms of success. Set for yourself a goal and work toward it. Concentrate a short period of time daily on how to improve your work or promote your business. Jot down on paper any good ideas which come to your mind during the day and later at your leisure take them up again, analyze them from various angles, and develop them into workable shape. Daily employ a positive form of affirmation on success. Repeat to yourself: “I am a success. I have in me all the ability to make good; I will go far,” et cetera. Soon you will notice a change for the better, and that will gradually give you added encouragement to press forward in attaining your goal.
Remember another thing — that no one has a monopoly on success. Once you have achieved it, it does not mean that it will stay with you no matter how you act or what happens afterwards. Do not become egotistical or conceited. You are still an ordinary human being, the same as the next fellow in spite of your acquired money or power. Be humble, friendly, and helpful to others. You never know what can happen in the future. You may lose out and have to apply for help to the very same people you have dealt with at the time you were on the top.
Do not be cynical in believing that humanity is bad and that you will never get appreciation and gratitude in return for what you do for others. That is definitely the wrong attitude. There is what is called “the law of karma”—a law of action and reaction. For each action there is a comparable reaction either outside of you or within you. For a kind deed or word there is always a favorable reaction; for a negative one—the opposite. Whenever you are not paid back in kind for your good deed the reaction in you should be that of having meant and done good, with the result that you will feel happy about it in spite of the fact that it was not appreciated immediately. You must know that those who take away from others inevitably pay for it with their health and earthly possessions later on.
Realize that even if there are some inconsiderate people in this world the majority are good and reciprocate properly to a kind deed. Do not condemn too harshly those who commit misdeeds. There are always causes in their past or present which are outside their power and which prompted them to act in the way they did. Such people are in most cases too ignorant to know any better, and sooner or later will receive unfavorable reactions to their wrong deeds.
In conclusion, let us point out that the highest degree of success really worthy of achievement on this earth is not the acquiring of material possessions like money or power, but that of the spiritual type—kindness and selflessness. Many men with riches and power are unhappy to the point of being miserable. The happy man is the one who thinks, not of himself, but of others, who has love for his fellowmen, and who devotes his life to serving and helping those who are in need.
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