4 Success Myths Debunked

By Terence Channon

“Look before you leap.” When you think about this common idiom, remember that it is not so much intended to keep you from getting into something too fast, but to help you understand what exactly you will be surrounded with when you make the leap. For instance, if you want to take a trip somewhere, you should have an understanding of exactly what to expect when you get there — and what not to expect. The same holds true when striving for success in your career or profession.

Definitions of success can vary, and depending on your expectations, there are a myriad of ways to get there. Too often, however, when people strive for success they don’t look before they leap and form incorrect expectations of what it takes to get there. Even worse, many incorrectly embrace some success myths that seem helpful, but are really not helping the cause and actually hinder the progress toward success. Simply put, while it is important to understand what it takes to be successful, it may be more effective to become familiar with how not to get there.

You Have to be Liked by Everyone

In the U.S., 51% of the people have to like you to win a two-party political election. Back when our country had more than two prominent political parties, you could win the election even if 75% of the people voted for someone else.

It is a great misconception that people have to like you in order to succeed. Obviously, treating people disrespectfully or rudely should not be par for the course, but in business, we have to remember that it is capitalism and not a democracy. At times, it is more important to be focused on the financial numbers and performance of a business than on human relations. Plus, you must have the spirit to make tough leadership calls, such as removing or scolding a nonproductive employee (a surefire way to get someone to not like you) or to properly voice your opinion on a subject, even if it is an unpopular stance.
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How to Make Six Figures, Each and Every Year

If you read this, statistically you are not making a six figure income. We would all like to get make a lot of money so that we can be financially independent, but not all of us are willing to do what it takes together there. You can’t just take an application down to a major corporation and expect six figures; you have to do some work to get there. If you’re up for the challenge, here’s how you can earn at least $100,000 each year.

The first thing you need to do is choose the right profession. Some jobs are just a lot better paying than others. You won’t make six figures being a janitor. This statement is pretty obvious, yet so many people ignore this information and get that psychology major anyway. This does certainly not mean you should try to be an actor, because Tom Cruise makes millions of dollars for each movie he’s in. You should choose a career, such as finance, medicine, law, or higher education that anyone can do very well with if they work extremely hard at it. Before even considering an education, you need to figure out what you want to do, and find a niche in that industry that will pay very well.

The second thing you need to do is become the right person for the right profession. Yes, this means getting an education, whether it be self taught or through some sort of post-secondary education. Look at all of the different advertisements for the positions that you want to be, and see what they require. This will tell you exactly what you need to learn and become experienced in. Study on a part-time basis if you can’t fully commit yourself to a new education. Even if you pick out the right job, chances are you won’t make six-figures right away. Doctors have to be interns and residents before they can be part of a private practice. This is the step that requires the largest time commitment, and where many people seem to fail. If you can manage to hold out for long enough, you’ll get all of the education that you need.
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What are the Qualties of a Visionary?

By Ross Bonander

In 1899, the commissioner of the U.S. Patent Office wrote a letter to President McKinley urging him to abolish his office, noting that “everything that can be invented has been invented.” Lacking an imagination, this man’s vision was to shut down the state-sponsored hunt for innovation and new ideas. Contrary to this, a true visionary sees in ways others can’t or don’t, for whatever reason. Furthermore, visionaries across all disciplines share certain qualities, and while nothing they’ve done can be mimicked without corrupting their ideals, they stand today to inspire the rest of us to follow — not fear or reject — the direction of our own calling.

_________________visionary qualities

Conviction

Any man can disagree, but true dissent requires a rare conviction, especially when one’s thoughts or opinions face a roar of opposing voices.

In post-World War II Japan, Soichiro Honda defied a corporate culture that claimed “Japanese companies succeed as one.” He believed that Japanese corporations could benefit from the so-called American business phenomenon, which included a focus on individual achievement. He founded Honda Motor Company and put this into practice, even though he had to face disrespect and scorn from business circles and bureaucrats who tried to block Honda’s growth.

Dov Charney, founder of American Apparel, refused to believe that U.S.-based apparel manufacturers could only make money if they had their garments made in Third World countries. But he also knew that if he were to succeed, he’d have to change the way factory workers were treated. He accomplished this through highly competitive wages, paid vacations, health insurance extended to families, free English classes, direct paycheck deposits to save on check-cashing fees, and five certified massage therapists working exclusively with factory workers. The result? 2005 sales in excess of $250 million.
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Road Map to Success

by Napoleon Hill

Before starting to build a house, you’d get a set of blueprints to guide you. And you wouldn’t start on a trip without knowing where you were going and how you intended to get there.

But only about two people of every thousand know precisely what they desire from life and have workable plans for attaining their goals. These are the men and women who are leaders – the big successes who make life pay off on their own terms.

The strange thing is that these successful people have no more personality, no more education, and no more opportunities than others who never make the grade.

If you aren’t sure what you want from life, start now – this very hour. Decide definitely what you want, how much of it you want, and when you desire to have it in your possession.

First, write out a clear statement of what you desire most – the one thing or circumstance which, after you attain it, would justify your calling yourself a success.

Second, write out a clear outline of the plan by which you intend to attain this objective.

Third, set a time within which you intend to achieve your goal.

Fourth, memorize what you’ve written and repeat it many times daily in the form of a prayer.

Remember – nothing ever “just happens!” Someone has to make things happen, including individuals’ successes. Success in every calling is the result of definite action, carefully planned and persistently carried out by the person who conditions his mind for success and believes thoroughly that he will attain it.

How about drawing your road map to success today?

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