Based on my observations, I’ve come up with a list of 50 things that successful people do. (Just to be clear, when I use the word “successful” I’m not referring people who are rich and accomplished. Rather, I’m referring to people who contribute a lot and who lead meaningful and fulfilled lives—who may or may not also be rich and accomplished.) 1. Focus on contribution, not achievement. 2. Read books regularly. 3. Think about at least one thing they’re grateful for every day. 4. Take complete responsibility for their choices. 5. Keep a to-do list and a calendar. 6. Keep a “stop doing” list of bad habits they are working on eliminating. 7. Regularly spend time alone to think and reflect. 8. Continually incorporate new healthy habits in their lives. 9. Refuse to blame other people. 10. Exercise regularly. 11. Sleep at least seven hours a night. 12. Concentrate on the important, not the urgent. 13. Ask “Why?” 14. Ask “Why not?” 15. Ask “How might we…?” 16. Compliment others in public. 17. Criticize others in private, and always do it constructively. 18. Don’t allow email to run their lives. 19. Set goals. 20. Track their progress on those goals. 21. Have written down their personal mission statement. 22. Spend little, if any, time watching TV. 23. Develop a savings and investment plan. 24. Plan for the future, but savour the present moment. 25. Know that they’re not defined by their achievements, or by what kind of car they drive or house they own. 26. Surround themselves with positive, encouraging and generous people, while also avoiding toxic people. 27. Make time for family, no matter how busy they are. 28. Focus more on the process than the outcome. 29. View failure as a stepping stone, not a stumbling block. 30. Seek advice from wise friends and family before making any major decision. 31. Learn something new every day. 32. Eat healthily. 33. Refuse to make excuses. 34. Have at least one or two mentors. 35. Make commitments and promises—and keep to them. 36. Communicate not so that they can be understood, but so that they cannot be misunderstood. 37. Show respect to others, regardless of educational qualifications or social status. 38. Go out of their way to make others feel special. 39. Display humility. 40. Pursue excellence rather than perfection. 41. Are driven by purpose and principles, not performance. 42. Continually improve their listening skills. 43. Readily forgive themselves and others. 44. Focus on what they want most, and don’t get distracted by what they want now. 45. Frequently try out new activities. 46. Never settle for a job (or life) they hate. 47. Genuinely care about others. 48. Continually overcome their fears. 49. Take calculated risks often. 50. Focus on building strong relationships. Looking at this list, I know that I still have areas to work on, and I’m guessing that you do too. Together, let’s take steps toward finding enduring success, not just for our personal benefit, but also for the benefit of our friends, family, community, nation and world. Daniel Wong is a learning and personal development expert, as well as a certified youth counselor. A sought-after speaker and coach, he is also the best-selling author of "The Happy Student: 5 Steps to Academic Fulfillment and Success". He offers programmes to help students become both happy and successful and to help parents to connect more effectively with their children. He writes regularly at daniel-wong. Download his FREE e-book, "The Unhappiness Manifesto: Do You Make These 150 Mistakes In The Pursuit Of Happiness?", here.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 03:44:28 +0000
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