One Success At a Time

Success is a fairly short word that packs a lot of power. It is the driving force behind every accomplishment. Goal attainment consists of many smaller successes along the way.

If your goal is to purchase a new vehicle at a reasonable interest rate, you must first be successful in managing your expenses, paying them in a timely manner and saving for a down payment. The accomplishment of each component denotes a personal success and will eventually lead to the ultimate success, the vehicle you desire.

Too often we associate success with a major win and forget that it took many smaller successes to reach the ultimate goal. We also often tend to wait until the major goal is accomplished before we celebrate.

Those who have received my newsletters over the last ten years are well aware of my belief that celebration should be a key component of our daily life. Every accomplishment should be cause for a thank you and a self-congratulatory pat on the back, thumbs up or fist pump.

Celebrating the little wins provides motivation to keep moving forward toward the bigger win. Also, knowing there is a reward at various milestones/mini-goals along the way gives us a short-term incentive, as we work towards the long-term endpoint.

Let’s also not forget the most important success of all. Upon awaking each day, I say, “Thank you” for another opportunity to learn, grow, share and love. Don’t take this success lightly or for granted. As I’ve recently experienced (with the unexpected death of a family member), you never know when a day might be your last. Cherish, be thankful and celebrate every day as a success bonus.

Try this for the next 30 days. Each evening, write in your journal, Blackberry, Ipad or any other place, one success of the day. You might even want to make it a family affair and use this exercise as a dinner table activity or topic of conversation. However, recording successes provides a record of accomplishments over time.

At the end of 30 days, review your recorded successes. You’ll be surprised at how many wins you’ve had (at least 30) and how much you’ve accomplished. Also, remember to set your milestone rewards in advance. Doing so will provide additional motivation to stay the course, drive for tackling future challenges and desire to set additional goals.

Let me know how you’re doing.  Post your successes in the comments section.