Position yourself for success

It is said that 'focus goes where energy flows', which in essence means that at times, we allow ourselves to be consumed by things that are not important.

Some things are out of our control such as the past, external energy, people, and circumstances. We need to train ourselves to learn from the past, prepare for the future yet still be able to live in the moment, the now.

It requires discipline, a clear plan, a support system, willingness, and commitment. Some refer to this as quality of life, which is defined by Collins dictionary as the "standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group".

Here are some guidelines to help you to achieve quality of life:

1. If you stand for nothing, you settle for everything. You must establish values and principles that you never part from. Be a person of integrity even when others are not. Sometimes doing the right thing may be the hardest thing to do.

2. Set some clear personal and professional goals for yourself and develop a step-by-step process in order to achieve them. 'In order to succeed you must first believe you can'. As the book The Secret states, "Ask wholeheartedly for the things you want, believe it is possible and wait to receive it."

3. Establish a support system. Build and strengthen relationships with qualified people with experience, those who are productive, progressive and positive. Surround yourself with positive spaces and people. Watch what you listen to, see, do, and the environment that you expose yourself to. Your eyes and ears are windows to your soul, and just like most other things, if garbage goes in, garbage comes out.

 

Seek good

 

4. Strengthen yourself spiritually by seeking God for yourself. Nobody can seek Him on your behalf, and nothing is better than having your own personal relationship with Him. You will come to cross roads, obstacles, and will be faced with difficulties at times.

It is a comfort to know that you are not alone in these situations. How you choose to deal with each circumstance can be a defining moment for you. Your experiences, both good and bad, are uniquely yours. Learn from them, grow from them, and allow them to shape you and build character. Share your lessons learnt with others so that they, too, can learn.

5. Learn to manage your finances early from someone who is actually successful at managing money.

There are many resources to help you be successful. Check out books by people who have managed their finances successfully. Managing your finances effectively can help to reduce a number of stressors.

6. Remember that every action has a reaction. Be mindful of the impact you have on others and try to contribute positively. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

7. You need to know what to strengthen and what to remove or improve. Introspection can help to identify these, but also seek advice from those who can be honest with you and give fair and constructive feedback.

Accept the feedback gracefully even if it's not what you want to hear. It'll only help you to grow.

Once identified, continue to develop your strengths and take advantage of any opportunities to learn.

No matter what you achieve or how much you accomplish, never forget the importance of honesty, decency, respect, and good manners. Education and wealth cannot buy class. There is a saying that "a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold".

8. Life is a journey not a destination. Every day you wake up is an opportunity for a fresh start. Show gratitude, embrace the day, and make the most of it. Start your day by reflecting on your blessings and asking for guidance, protection, and strength to do your best.

When you think your world is too much to handle, find someone who needs help. Listen to the stories of others, research poverty and the world's challenges, or listen to or watch the news. This should serve to keep you focused on what is ultimately important.

9. Value family and friendships. There is no meeting that's by chance. It's all by design, so value those you meet as there is always some valuable lesson to learn. Improve your listening skills as there is much to learn from others. Avoid burning bridges as you may need to cross them again years down the road. Be careful of what you put out there as it can come back to haunt you.

10. Work smarter not harder. Being busy doesn't necessarily mean that you're more productive or efficient. Find effective ways of doing things, and be sure to balance work and family life. Get your job done. Do it well, then go do life with your family.

11. Try to give back to the less fortunate. As you are mentored, mentor others. As you are blessed, bless others. Your efforts never go unseen and even if they appear to be unappreciated at times, still make the effort to give back. You must serve a higher purpose and give willingly without expectation of returns.

- Laura Butler is a business and career development consultant with Fusion Consulting Jamaica.

She can be contacted at fusionconsultingltd@gmail.com or 469-427-2007