situation, they may respond with, “Oh, that’s inconve- nient,” instead of personalizing the situation by blaming themselves for falling short, such as, “I should have done a better job!” or “I should be doing much better.” 3. Increase your mental “navigation” skills. Superachiev- ers navigate through mental, social, or organizational mazes with astonishing ease. They respond to situations in more effective ways than Average Achievers. One of the keys to increasing mental navigation skills is to use imagi- nation as an experiential form of thinking. Begin imagining new possibilities, new ways of acting, new ways of over- coming obstacles or roadblocks. It is important that we use imagination constructively so it will enhance our ability to deal with situations. However, if we overinvest in fantasy, it can turn against us. When things don’t turn out the way we imagined, it is good to remember we’re just dealing with mental possibilities – not with reality. Imagination and fanta- sy are mental games and, as with any game, we can assign a value to the bets we place on the outcome. Superachievers handle emotional investments in fantasy more carefully than Average Achievers. Superachievers invest Monopoly money, whereas Average Achievers use real currency. Harnessing
Five Tips to Achieve Consistent Success
GERHARD GSCHWANDTNER
Although there are more than 1,200 books on the subject of success, very few deal with the subject of con- sistent success. What makes some companies grow over the course of 90 years, while 80 percent of all new businesses fold within five? Why do some CEOs stay at the top of their corporations for two decades, while others get axed after a few years? Why do some salespeople stay in the top 10 percent year after year, while others never reach the top half? Is it destiny that shapes a fixed star – and fate that creates a shooting star? Structure and operation are two concepts that apply equally to com- panies and individuals who want to achieve consistent success. Here is a short list of attributes Selling Power has gleaned from studying consis- tently successful people. 1. Success begins with strong core values. We can choose a philosophy of how to live, work, and succeed. Our chances for success will improve if we con- sciously define what we want to get out of life and what we plan
to give back to society.
2. Develop razor-sharp focus on a life goal or mission. Suc- cessful people know that new information tends to erode existing knowledge – and old knowledge often interferes with understanding new information. Keep your goals safe from ero- sion. Create a safe place in your mind where all personal devel- opment ideas converge.
3. Become the architect of a con- sistently successful life. Consis- tently successful people assume a dual responsibility: They are, at the same time, the builders and architects of their lives. Architects create blueprints; consistently successful people develop life- design strategies. Set aside a few hours each week to improve your blueprint for lifetime success.
4. Manage career decisions wisely. All careers involve a series of takeoffs and landings. During periods of downsizing, middle managers typically experience rough landings. Individuals can
the powers of the imagination begins with avoiding heavy betting on the outcome of our dreams. It is the best protec- tion against suffering disappointment. 4. Test the realities of your thinking. Superachievers play mental detective – constantly searching for clues and evi- dence leading to reality. The less we think in rigid catego- ries, the easier it is for us to perceive opportunities, the less we harbor superstitious thoughts, the better we can prepare and plan our future, the fewer naive thoughts we allow to cloud our judgment, and the more effectively we begin to function. Average Achievers are often unable to put things in perspective – their protective and unrealistic thoughts stand in the way of seeing things objectively. 5. Face difficulties and enjoy growth. Accept the fact that, in order to grow, we must face difficult experiences. Superachievers accept the challenges of growing as necessary and inevitable. They know intuitively how their experiential mind works and seek out experiences that enhance their growth. Yet they are not afraid to say no to challenges that are beyond their capacities to handle. In their business interactions, Superachievers appear to be more sensitive to other people’s needs.
no longer depend on organi- zations to provide consistent opportunities for success. People have to think about creating their own structure and design their lives around their own needs, talents, and capabilities. Remem- ber: You often find more success by digging deeper right where you are than by taking your spade across the street.
5. Be more persistent and be- come consistent. There is a dif- ference between having a good time and having a good life. A lucky lottery ticket can make you a millionaire overnight, but it won’t make you a consistently successful person. Think of a consistently successful life as a near-perfect golf swing that can be achieved only by practicing every day – year after year, de- cade after decade. Daily practice assures you membership in the exclusive club of consistently successful people. Think about your current level of success. How can you expand on it? How can you make your success last longer? How can you avoid down- ward career trends? Consider your possibilities. It’s your life – isn’t it worth making the investment now to achieve consistent success?
SELLING POWER JULY 2018 | 23 © 2018 SELLING POWER. CALL 1-800-752-7355 FOR REPRINT PERMISSION.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38
