10 Keys to Success
Guys, you’re in the Commons, and you see that girl. Seniors, think about graduation! Everyone else… think about White Glove!
Why does it matter so much to us?
We all care because none of us want to fail. But failure doesn’t define who you become. Truth be told, it only takes a single step to start down the road to success.
Here are ten tips that have helped me become and feel more successful!
Let’s get started!
1.) Get Up Early!
Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
I personally know this works. This semester, I have determined to go to bed as early as I can and get up as early as possible, meaning that I must get my homework done before prayer group each evening. I haven’t always been consistent with this (just ask my roommates), but when I’m consistent, I find myself refreshed.
2.) Dress the Part
Dress in such a way that a person looking at a mass of people would pick you as their next company intern. If you stand out, you’ll find that there are more people paying attention to how you dress than you think, and opportunity will come knocking.
How you dress also affects your mindset.
For instance, did you know that people who wear crazy socks are actually 20% more likely to be successful?[1] Crazy or colorful socks give off a feeling of self-confidence or boldness. The thinking is that if you’re overly self-conscious, you’d rather not step out and try something new (like crazy socks).
I’m not saying that you have to wear crazy socks, but this means that if you dress like you’re homeless, your mindset will generally not be one conducive to success.
I’m also not saying that guys must wear a suit every day, or ladies need to look like they’re going to Fine Arts at 8 o’clock in the morning. Just simply dress above the crowd, in whatever way you can.
3.) Read Constructively
To be honest, this should probably be at the top of the list. I can’t use enough words to total the influence reading has on leadership skills and the ability to be successful.
4.) Break Your Comfort Bubble!
If you’re always in your comfort zone, you’ll never enjoy the thrill that taking a risk can bring.
Step out!
Don’t do anything stupid, but get out there and make something of yourself!
5.) Smile!
I know… I know. I wrote an entire post on this last semester, including how you come across as more attractive, sincere, and reliable with a smile on your face.
This can help in a personal business, any job out there, or even that very important interview.
So smile confidently! People love a person who appears happy.
6.) Determine to Really Live
Far too many people just exist.
7.) Ignore Negativity
There will always be haters, no matter what you do. I have people who don’t like me, just for being tall. They try to undermine my ideals and beliefs, trying to prove a non-existent point.
I don’t care.
Stand for what you believe. The secret to success is to be indefatigable (relentless or unshakeable).
I don’t like the haters any more than you do, but I’ve chosen to ignore them.
When you refuse to care what others think about you, you find yourself suddenly free! You’ll be able to do more than you ever thought possible.
8.) Decide on a Purpose
If you don’t remember anything else, remember this: You must have a purpose for living. Set a goal. It doesn’t have to be a big, bad, monster dream that towers over you. All you need is something, anything to motivate you to get up in the morning. Make it a habit every day of thinking about your goal as soon as you wake up.
9.) Be Kind
The point literally says everything.
Be genuine. Listen to people.
Pray for them.
Really…
People flock to kindness. They are drawn to those who lift others up. If you are kind to those around you, opportunities will open up all around you.
When people see you, they should tell their friends, “He (or she) is real. You can tell that they care.”
You can be the change others need to see.
10.) Give God You!
I wanted to end with this because it is honestly the most important point, and should be the last thing you see.
If you truly want to be successful, you must be in the will of God. Cultivating a solid relationship with God guarantees your success in the field He has chosen for you.
A successful life as God sees it is totally different from how the world sees it. It’s not about money or fame, and yes, those are great, but in the end, all that matters is how close you were to God.
This is the point that really, really matters. Please, just let yourself go into the loving arms of God.
You will find a joy that you can never, ever replicate with anything else on earth. It truly is worth it.
That’s it!
If you’re still reading, thank you for allowing me to take a bit of your day to try and encourage you to get up, break your comfort bubble, and give yourself to God.
Now… go decide to live!
Stay classy, guys. I’ll catch ya later!
[1] Silvia Bellezza, Francesca Gino, and Anat Keinan, "The Red Sneakers Effect: Inferring Status and Competence from Signals of Nonconformity," Harvard Business School, June 01, 2014, accessed April 30, 2018.
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