7 Ways to Assure Your Success in Any Endeavor

How bad do you want to escape the life you live to a life you know, deep down, that you truly deserve? What if I showed you a way to have that life if only you followed a few simple rules? If your very first reaction is to be skeptical, then you have some internal programming work to do. If you'll simply open your mind and follow the rules, then you'll be well on your way to realizing the kind of life you deserve.

How do you define success? Some people equate success to a sum of money, an amount of income, or a standard of living. Others define it as the amount of freedom they desire. The truth is, success can be defined in as many different ways as there are individuals on this planet. 

 Most people claim they desire to be “successful” in some form or fashion. Some want a high-paying position or job, a certain kind of car, and a certain style of home in a desirable region of the world, or a lifestyle that offers them the freedom to do what they want when they want.  

Sadly, because “success” is so subjective, few people actually feel successful. The primary reason for this is not because success is unachievable, but that most people fail to implement any kind of actionable plan on how they’re going to achieve the success they desire. Most believe if they affirm it, proclaim it, or think about it enough, success will just somehow manifest itself. Except it doesn’t work that way.

Here are some things you can start doing, right now, to virtually guarantee your success, no matter how you define it.

1. Take action, now.

Life will be as “busy” as you allow it to be.

Stop putting your goals and aspirations behind the avoidable delays and distractions of life. Eliminate the excuses you have for delaying your success aspirations for a “better time” or when you’re “ready”. If you take this approach, you may never realize your dreams and achieve the success you desire because there is no better time than right now to take action to begin your journey toward your goals.

Start today. Stop making excuses that you believe are actual reasons for putting off your action plan to achieve the success you so badly desire.

Make a list of the things you must do in order to achieve your goals. Then, prioritize that list and do one thing every single day, even if you only have just ten or fifteen minutes a day. Taking consistent action is one of the most satisfying things you’ll do to achieve the success you desire. Ignore this fundamental truth at the peril of your hopes and aspirations.

2. Spend time with people who are wiser than you.

Who do you listen to? Who do you take advice from? What sources are you seeking insight and wisdom from on a daily basis? You’ll never learn as much spending your time and attention around the people who are exactly where you desire to escape from. You learn and grow by spending your time and attention with people who are where you desire to be in life. This can be one of the toughest things for some people because of the emotional ties that exist among people. 

Your choices will define every aspect of your life. Your income will be within $2,000 to $5,000 of your closest five friends. Your standard of living, insight, and opportunities will be highly influenced by the friends you keep close. Choose wisely.

3. Save more than you think you can…and invest early and often. 

Time is the one aspect of investing that provides the most leverage. If you’re young, get this truth into your head and leverage it. The “time” to learn this fundamental rule of return is not later in life like most people. The truth is, you’ll be fifty years old before you know it. If you’re young and leverage your time wisely, you’ll be a wealthy fifty-year-old instead of a regretful fifty-year-old. 

If you’re not-so-young, start now anyway. Time is relative to how much you have remaining. You cannot go back and reclaim it, so don’t waste any more of it in regret. Instead, get started now!

Get your priorities straight

It is never a good idea to buy a bigger flat-screen TV if you already have a functional TV and you can instead choose to invest the $500. Same thing goes for the car you’re driving. Do you really need a new car? Financial freedom begins as soon as you decide to use money as the tool it is to achieve the success you say you desire. The path to financial freedom begins to become clear when you see how money can work for you, not the other way around. 

4. Never stop reading.

One of the primary differences between successful people (broadly defined) and unsuccessful people is that successful people are avid readers. They have an insatiable appetite for information. 

Recommended reading for beginners seeking success:

Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill
The Magic of Thinking Big, by David Schwartz
How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie
The Secret, by Rhona Byrne
The Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Steven Covey
Fear Is a Thief, by Gary Westfal

These books form an essential foundation to a level of knowledge and insight leading to a life of success; no matter how you define it. They should be a permanent part of your ever-growing library.  

5. Stay fit.

Success in any language must include the elements of physical, emotional, and spiritual fitness. These elements form the basis of balance and harmony in life. If any of the three elements is deficient, an imbalance will occur until you take action to correct it. 

Be sure to incorporate the time to ensure your physical well-being by staying active, eating right, and consistently engaging in some kind of physical activity. Your ability to stay active is essential in helping you to think clearer, function efficiently, and live a vital life. 

When your mind, body, and spirit are in balance, you are grounded in your potential. With balance as the cornerstone in your life, you will always experience the best of what life has to offer.

6. Connect with a coach or mentor.

The benefits of learning from someone else allows you to leverage the knowledge of someone who has traveled the path you desire to travel in a much shorter timeframe and often in a much more efficient manner. If your burning desire is to reach the pinnacle of your version of success as quickly as possible, consider enlisting the assistance of a coach or mentor.

A good coach or mentor can literally change the course and construct of your life. These leaders can help you identify your strengths, develop them, and take advantage of opportunities best leverage those attributes.

7. Master the Power of Influence.

Influence is part of every interaction. Anyone refusing to admit that it’s not a part of their life is likely the one who is being influenced. Influence is so powerful that it has become a vital part of an increasing movement of personal awareness and self-improvement curriculums designed to accelerate results across the spectrum of business and personal relationships. 

Your ability to persuade and influence people to help you get the things you want out of life is one of the most important skills you can develop. Learning the fundamentals of influence opens the pathways to greater personal power that leads to your ability to get more of the things you want faster and easier than ever before. Your ability to influence can be a difference-maker between success and failure. It can virtually guarantee your progress and enable you to use all of your other skills and abilities at peak performance levels. Learning how to influence people will earn you the respect of those you interact with and has the potential to make you one of the most sought-after people in your community or business. 

Until next time...

- G -

"Your life changes with a DECISION. Once you make a decision, the Universe changes with you." ~ G. Westfal 

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COMING SOON!

Your Ultimate Guide to 

Setting and Achieving 

Every Goal You Can Imagine

“Gary Westfal rolls-up everything I have learned in a 40-year military career about Strategic Action Planning in one book.”

Lieutenant General Bradley Heithold, USAF (retired)

Coming in the Spring of 2020

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333The Power of Equilibrium

"A powerful book that provides an interesting

 cross-section of three different points of view for 

the balance of body, mind, and spirit."

~ Amazon Reader Feedback

Get your copy of this insightful book

on Amazon.com TODAY!

Available Now!

-------------------------------------------------------------

Get your copy of Gary's best-selling novel 

Dream Operative, 

 NOW AVAILABLE 

on Audible.com!

FEAR Is a Thief is on Amazon.com 
and is NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com too! This inspiring book is the first in a self-empowerment series that was written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life. 
Get your copy today at FEAR Is a Thief/Amazon.

Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 

Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com

What is a Lifetime?

How do you define a “lifetime?”  The very nature of the question leads most of us to believe the answer to equate to some undetermined lengthy span of time. We choose to believe in averages that we are somehow entitled to live until we are “old age”, whatever that means. But most of us know that isn’t always the case. In fact, a wise friend once told me…

“No one promised you tomorrow.” 

Unless you’ve experienced a personal loss or endured a significant emotional event of some kind recently, the precarious nature of life is not something you have likely given much thought to.  After all, why would you or should you? Why contemplate something that’s essentially out of our control?  

We live and plan our lives as if we’ll be around to see all of our hopes, desires, and ambitions take shape and materialize.  We don’t generally have any great sense of urgency to speak of because, after all, there’s always tomorrow.  But, what if…

What if you just received news that, for some reason, the definition (and fragility) of a lifetime suddenly becomes brutally apparent? Think of anyone you know who just received a dreaded diagnosis of cancer.  Or the wife who is expecting her husband to arrive home from work, only to learn that he died in a car accident on the way home. The news crushes like a ton of bricks and affects not only the recipient but virtually everyone connected to them—family, friends, co-workers. It’s enough of a significant emotional event to force an unavoidable breath-taking pause in the pace of life. These are the moments that force us to recognize that there is indeed a period at the end of this journey we call life. Plans suddenly become unimportant. Petty differences no longer matter. The only thing that suddenly matters is to plug the emotional crater that exists in the pit of the soul. 

Throughout the timeline of our lives, there are reminders that the brevity of a lifetime is an undeniable aspect of our existence. We watch in awe the miracle of birth, celebrate birthdays and accomplishments, cry at weddings, and endure tragedy and misfortune along the way. Oftentimes, we ignore the overt hints provided to us to help us recognize how truly precious and fragile our lifetime is, and to take account of just how we’re spending the timeline of our own lives. The question then becomes, are we listening? 

No matter how you personally define the term, a lifetime is dealt to each and every one of us disproportionately. We are left to accept—like it or not—that the timeline somehow aligns with God’s master plan. 

Your Call to Action

The purpose of this article is to remind us all that, no matter how we define it, the end of a lifetime is not ours to control. However, what we do and how we choose to live the life we do have is totally and emphatically up to us.  

So…WAKE UP!  Look around you and allow the nuances of life to permeate all of your senses. See color where you once failed to recognize it. Breathe in fragrances that make you smile or bring you to a place of spiritual harmony and balance. Listen to sounds that you’ve previously tuned out. Discover the essence of your inner self, where true peace, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding exist. The best way to capture all that is to live in the moment. 

It is true that we can have, be, do, and become anything we desire in our lifetimes. We have only to desire, and then to act, in order to project the purpose we choose for our lives. 

What a tragedy it would be for us to reach the end of our life knowing that we lived below our potential or failed to offer kindness or love in a manner that truly matches the intent and desire of our innermost selves. Don’t be that person. Instead, live each moment, appreciate the now, hold close the people you love and tell them how you feel. Be passionate and passion will resonate in every facet of your life. Expect the best for yourself. Become something or someone you truly know you are capable of becoming.  Reach deep and reignite the vision you once had. Don’t put it off until tomorrow because no one promised you tomorrow. Seek divine guidance and wisdom and it will seek you.  

Savor the moments...

Until next time!

- G -

"Live as though today is your last, love as though tomorrow will never come, and dream as if there are no limits." ~ G. Westfal

Portions of this article originally published by Gary Westfal (11/18/12).
© 2019, G-Life Enterprises Corp.

-----------------------

333

The Power of Equilibrium

"A powerful book that provides an interesting

 cross-section of three different points of view for 

the balance of body, mind, and spirit."

~ Amazon Reader Feedback

Get your copy of this insightful book

on Amazon.com TODAY!

Available Now!

***********

Step into the mind of Author Luc Vors.

"Keep producing things, great or small, and you will find that your 

creative mind will blossom with more and more ideas." 

***********

Check out the wise, knowledgeable, and often entertaining perspectives of Author Elisabeth Auld inside the editions of

 Gals in Blue.

************

Check out our new affiliate partner, J. Jane, a fascinating blog of mentorship for, by, and between women.

j. jane 

-------------------------------------------------------------

Get your copy of Gary's best-selling novel 

Dream Operative, 

 NOW AVAILABLE 

on Audible.com!

FEAR Is a Thief is on Amazon.com 
and is NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com too! This inspiring book is the first in a self-empowerment series that was written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life. 
Get your copy today at FEAR Is a Thief/Amazon.

Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 

Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com.

The Courage to Try

When you follow your convictions, people notice.  Things change. You change. Your path becomes clearer and your course begins to take shape.  As that happens, the seeds of your vision take hold and become rooted in those very convictions.  The decision to take the first step demonstrates your courage and is driven by the belief you have in yourself, your ideas, and your motivations.  The result is a personal transformation manifested by the courage to follow through and pursue your dreams. Don’t ever ignore that! 

In the previous edition of Introspection, I outlined five of the top ten limiting stories we tell ourselves. Each of these stories paints a narrative that puts us at a disadvantage and has the potential to outright derail any hope of achieving anything significant. I stressed how you don’t have to buy into any of that nonsense. In fact, that narrative robs you of the courage you need to step past negative self-talk and into action mode to make a clear difference in your life and the lives of those you care about most. 

I received some pretty interesting comments on that blog that have brought us back to take a closer look at the remaining five most used limiting narratives we tell ourselves. As we look at each of these together, I’d like you to think about an alternate perspective we are able to cast as we contrast the negative narrative with a more positive and empowering one.

Let’s get to it…

6. “I’m too old. The course of my life is destined to be what it is.”

This is one of the "oldest" excuse lines in the book. It is most commonly used when someone just does not want to take action to change their lot in life. Taking a closer look tells us that the age excuse is a sign of exasperation. You are never too old for positive change to take place in your life.  In fact, you have more of an advantage than you may realize. For example, age is more widely seen as an advantage where wisdom, knowledge, and experience are required. Wisdom arms us with the knowledge to ask for help when we need it, clarification when required, and courage to remain true to the convictions we hold dear. 

7. “I don’t have the talent or skills. Even if I try, I’ll probably fail.”

One of my dreams was to be a published writer.  I spent nearly three years writing my first manuscript.  I didn’t have any special talent or expertise, but I knew I wanted to be a writer so bad that I would do whatever it took to become just that. The candid truth is that we all start out with a clean slate. It’s true that some are more inclined to accelerate in a given skill more than others. But if you possess the will, you also possess the power to develop virtually any skill you set your intentions upon. The truest part of this specific limiting statement is that, yes, you will probably fail. In fact, you will most likely fail several times…before you ultimately succeed. But with each successive failure, you learn and develop your talents and skills to become the person you desire and to achieve the goals you set. 

8. “I’m not smart (talented, brave, handsome, pretty, or worthy…).”

The two most powerful words in the English language are “I am”. These two words, preceded by whatever follows them, defines you. The placement of the three-letter word “not” between the first two words and whatever follows has a destructive power so great it can destroy nations. This limiting phrase puts the wrong focus on what you are not rather than what you are capable of becoming. It also speaks to deficient self-esteem most likely derived by the fact that you have not yet stepped away from the shadow of comfort and familiarity. Change only comes when you demonstrate the courage to take action. Only then will your limiting self-talk transform from one of disadvantage to one supported by the inspiring notion of “I am.” 

9. “It takes money to make money. And I don’t have that kind of money.”

This false narrative implies insufficiency and lack from the start. It is backed by an even stronger declaration of “I don’t have…”. Let us first clarify the belief that “it takes money to make money”. This assertion is only partially true. If you have money you can indeed use that money to make more money. The sad truth is, most people don’t. The next truth is that you most likely have enough money right now to leverage it to start working for you to make even more money—the principles of which would require a completely different blog post and, most likely, an entire book to fully exploit. Let us give this limiting statement some credence on its merits with a caveat that removes the limitation. If it is true that it takes money to make money, then find a way to make enough extra money to put it to work. Or go out and find someone with money and bring your insight to help them make money. Chances are, you’ll win their confidence and begin making money for both of you. Then you will virtually eliminate the second part of this limiting statement because you will indeed “have that kind of money.” By the way, it doesn't take money to make money. It takes courage! Just ask the immigrant who arrived in this country with nothing but a dream and a pocket full of courage. 

10. “I can’t change because I always seem to find a way to mess things up.”

Our declarations define us. It is a universal law of nature that tells us to be careful what we ask, because we just may get it. If the above narrative comes anywhere close to the way you think, it's time to recalibrate your internal programming. Be courageous enough to recognize it, acknowledge it, and take a stand against it…right now! The fact is, you can change and you will change. Isn’t it better to change in the direction of your desires rather than to allow life to sweep you up in the current? Look, you will “mess up” from time to time. (Go back and read point number seven on failure.) Messing up should always be considered from the perspective of the value it provides—an indication that we are learning, growing, and changing. 

Ready to remove the limiting stories from your life? Need help doing that? Reach out to me. Leave a comment or connect with me. I can help you see things from a perspective of courage and empowerment that will help you discover your hidden strengths. Let’s find your personal breakthrough so you can operate with confidence in the lane of your intended purpose. 

Until next time…

~ G ~

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” 
~ Cayla Mills

-----------------------

333

The Power of Equilibrium

"A powerful book that provides an interesting

 cross-section of three different points of view for 

the balance of body, mind, and spirit."

~ Amazon Reader Feedback

Get your copy of this insightful book

on Amazon.com TODAY!

Available Now!

***********

Step into the mind of Author Luc Vors.

"Keep producing things, great or small, and you will find that your 

creative mind will blossom with more and more ideas." 

***********

Check out the wise, knowledgeable, and often entertaining perspectives of Author Elisabeth Auld inside the editions of

 Gals in Blue.

************

Check out our new affiliate partner, J. Jane, a fascinating blog of mentorship for, by, and between women.

j. jane 

-------------------------------------------------------------

Get your copy of Gary's best-selling novel 

Dream Operative, 

 NOW AVAILABLE 

on Audible.com!

FEAR Is a Thief is on Amazon.com 
and is NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com too! This inspiring book is the first in a self-empowerment series that was written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life. 
Get your copy today at FEAR Is a Thief/Amazon.

Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 

Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com.