Goal Setting

The Elements of Success

Successful people live by the quote, “Be patient—the ability to persevere is what separates the winners from the losers.” This is a tough law to live by because the world is full of people who want immediate gratification. However, if you analyze the strategies of most successful people you will find that they systematically created a plan to support their vision and it took weeks, months, and even years to carry their vision to fruition. The key was to view it step by step, one day at a time, and measure progress by persistence and perseverance, not outcome.

I know what you’re thinking. You need results that are outcome-driven. As a motivational coach who is reality-based, I am here to tell you that true success requires an investment in planning coupled with the elements of persistence, perseverance, and then performance.

Perseverance is a needed character strength. It will not only be the gas for the engine of your dream, but it will also be the mechanic if the engine breaks down. Whenever you set out to accomplish a goal you will encounter stumbling blocks and obstacles. This is inherent in all projects or in any growth development. It is normal, so expect it.

The greatest athletes, most notable politicians, successful entrepreneurs, and most creative scientists all had more failures than successes. Yet, they possessed the determination and stamina to persist. Babe Ruth struck out more than he hit home runs. Abraham Lincoln lost more elections than he won. Thomas Edison had participated in hundreds of experiments before he created the light bulb.

These geniuses all possessed the vision and persistence to believe in themselves and the endurance and perseverance to prevail despite adversity. They looked at obstacles as opportunities for growth. They did not allow discouragement to discredit their vision.

Do you have this same type of discipline? Are you bogged down by the “instant gratification mentality”? No matter what your circumstances, you can overcome these obstacles. Performance alone won’t get you the results that you desire. You have to be able to weather the obstacles.

One of the most important components to success is persistence. It is important for you to have the proper structure in place to shape goals into realities.

• MENTAL ATTITUDE: Do you maintain the right mental attitude? Do you believe in yourself? Are you really ready to succeed, or is fear holding you back? Do you allow obstacles to change your momentum?
• VISION: Do you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve?
• MISSION: Does your project fulfill a greater mission in life? Does meeting your goals improve or enhance the quality of your life or the lives of others? If your goal is purely selfish you will run into a lot of universal resistance. Is there a way for your project to benefit others?
• STRATEGIES: Do you have a written plan in place? Are your timeframes for meeting your goals realistic? Are you willing to be flexible and alter your objectives accordingly? Are you ready to deal with the obstacles and work around them?
• EVALUATION: How will you evaluate your progress? Will it be weekly, monthly, or quarterly? What criteria will you use? Are you willing to measure the progress and see it as successful…even if the outcome is not readily available?

Remember, it’s not only performance, but planning, perseverance, and persistence that will ensure your success.