I am often asked about the "secrets to success". I've had
the chance to work with thousands of highly successful
people in business and finance, in sports, in entertainment
and the arts, and the good news is, there are no "secrets"
for success!
There are, however, a few tools that, when used together,
come close to being a "secret weapon". They require no
special talent or skills. They cost very little, and every
school child has a complete set.
They are around us every day, yet we fail to use them, and
we deprive ourselves of their power. Here is my list of the
Top 5 "secret" weapons of extraordinarily successful
leaders:
1. 3x5 cards
Yup, I'm referring to those little cards your
Mom used for recipes. Successful people use them to jot
notes, keep tips, and store valuable information. I carry
them everywhere, and have supplies by the phone, beside my
bed, and on the kitchen counter. They are wonderful! They
last forever - I have cards I wrote over 30 years ago! And
if you accidentally leave them in your pockets, they even go
through the wash. (Trust me on this!)
2. A watch
Highly successful people are intensely time-
concious. They don't spend their time, their energy or their
lives on trivial pursuits. They wear a watch and they use it
to stay on task until they achieve their goals and create
the life they want.
Time is your most precious asset and our
most under-valued commodity. Wear and use a watch!
3. An alarm clock
Benjamin Franklin observed that "early to
bed, early to rise, makes a man (or woman) healthy, wealthy
and wise". It's still true! I live and work with wealthy
people, and when I walk my dog after 10:00 p.m., there are
no lights on. But when we walk about 6:00 in the morning,
everyone is up, and the cars are already heading for the
office.
Buy and use an alarm clock! Start early, work hard.
4. A list
Highly successful people plan their day. They
make a list of their most important priorities. They choose
the things that will make a major, long-term, difference,
and they focus on them all day long. Last thing in the
evening, or first thing in the morning, create a list and
work from it during your day.
5. A compass
My most successful clients always have a
symbol or a map, a picture or poster of their most important
goals and they use it to guide them during the day. They
stay on course. If they get lost, they re-assess and get
back on-track immediately. Have a "compass" that reminds you
of your dreams, your goals, and your most daring desires.
Stay on course!
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Visit Dr Humbert's website for over 250 pages of articles,
Top 10 lists, humor, quotes, tips and tools for your
success! There's a free book on making (and keeping!) more
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Check it out at:
PhilipHumbert.com
©2002 Philip E. Humbert, PhD. All Rights Reserved
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Everyday Tools for Extraordinary Success