Your Words Define Your World

The words we use to describe things say a lot about us, our values and deep down convictions about those things. Just as we have relationships with one another, some are good and some are bad, we also have relationships with everything else around us. We have relationships (good or bad) with money, success, happiness and so on. Your words describe your world. What you say, how you express yourself reveal if those relationships are good or bad.

Success Flows Through Learning

When you blame someone or something else other than yourself and excuse your lack of results by blaming it on the government, the economy or your competitors etc. that is the opposite of learning! When you take responsibility for your results and see everything as an opportunity to learn and adjust when needed, you will succeed. Your ability to perform to achieve results come from what you learn. Continuous learning is a key component of success. Your future success flows through your future learning.

How Good Am I At That?

People often say; "I know that!" and stop listening. When they stop listening they stop learning. When you grow from understanding and awareness to action and application, you have to develop your thought process from "I know that!" to "How good am I at that?" It is the application of knowledge that counts. It is not what you know but what you do with what you know that produces success.

Questions Are Better Than Information

We say that knowledge is power - and it is. However, when you ask questions the answer, in addition to providing you with knowledge, provides the other party with new levels of insights. And that's a powerful way to influence! It is better to ask the question than to have the information. For example, when you ask your customer about their needs, they find out about them first (and then you do, too!).

Over Motivated Underachievers

Some people mistake activity for results. They are motivated and want to produce. They work very hard, put in the long hours and strive for success. Yet they never seem to arrive. They are over motivated underachievers. You have to remember that you don't get paid for your time but for your ideas, your solutions and the value you create per unit of time. Don't mistake activity for results!

Attitude In Communication

Effective communication is extremely important in the world of business as well as at home. When analyzed experts say 30% comes from your ability to listen, 20% from your ability to respond and 50% from a positive attitude. As you can see, listening and communication skills are vital but as much as half of effective communication or great customer service comes from attitude. Yet they teach it in very few schools. Make sure attitude development is part of your own curriculum.

Concentrate On The Fundamentals

When things are not going well for you, check on the fundamentals. Are you doing it right? Do you have the correct people and processes in place? Ninety nine percent of all success is achieved through application of fundamentals. If you lose a sale, think about it and ask yourself; did I apply all my knowledge and skills properly? Don't wish it was easier, wish you were better! Come back to and apply the fundamentals constantly. It is the road to your success.