Today let’s talk about the desire to become better, or successful, at anything. It doesn’t matter what that something is, hopefully something in this post will resonate and provide you the foundation to get started, maybe give you just that little push you need.

Are there really only three keys to success? No. But, there are a few elements that we can attribute to successful people.

So, with that in mind, chances are, no matter what your current income, relationship, or job situation is, you wouldn’t mind being more successful (who wouldn’t?) Of course, the term success is unique to you and it might be different from mine, different from your mother, or even your significant other. But none of their opinions matter – this is about you. It’s up to you to first define what success looks like and then determine what you want to be successful at and then lay out a plan to get there.

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing.”  -Abraham Lincoln

Once you decide where you want to go, the first step to becoming successful is to emulate the ones who’ve already done it. You know the saying: don’t recreate the wheel…(so, don’t!)

#1 Get a Mentor. Find an accountability partner or someone who is ahead of where you are now, maybe it’s a boss or a friend, someone you have respect for though is key. Did you know most successful people have credited at least one influential person or mentor in their life? Mentors not only provide support but also challenge your thoughts and actions. Sometimes we all need someone to point out ways to open your horizons, because all too often we can’t see the forest through the trees we’ve grown. We need someone objective to offer other options, challenge pre-conceived ideas, and truly help you discover who you are. A mentor will never accept the phrase: “I don’t know, it’s just always been that way!” because a mentor believes you control your future. The trick here is to listen. I mean, really listen.

#2 Be Healthy. Live… Breathe… Think… Eat: Health. We all know healthy living (exercise) and eating is important, but good health trickles into our lives in amazing ways. Taking charge of your dreams is going to require you take care of yourself! (You know you’re important, right?) It’s imperative your mind – yes, every thought – supports your decision to be successful.

Be aware of negative self-talk or thoughts. ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING. Negativity will put a stop to your success faster than anyone or anything else. Negativity is toxic and you want your attitude to bloom. Which means you may have to re-program your thoughts (scary, I know!). Kick those negative thoughts to the curb. To do this, reaffirm the fact you are attaining your goal. Notice I didn’t say you will attain your goal. The key is to focus on your thoughts, positive thoughts, not your actual actions. Why? Your mind does not know the difference between fact and make-believe. By repeatedly saying you’re successful, your mind will accept it as fact. Thoughts become things, make those thoughts count!

With the right attitude, roadblocks become hurdles, hurdles become rocks in the road. Rocks become great stories along the way. All things will be possible. (How’s that for some positivity?)

#3 Put Blinders On. Only focus on your goal. Don’t get distracted by naysayers or shiny objects that look better when you encounter bumps in the road, (honestly, this is a tough for me and I’m learning to take my own advice.) Henry Ford once said, “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” Keep your eyes on your goal and don’t look around. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else, stop watching others on social media.

Write your goal on a sticky note (don’t we all have a draw full of those colorful pads? Put them to good use!) and stick it on your bathroom mirror. Put it in your car, in your journal. Anywhere you will see it constantly to remind yourself where you’re going!

Success (whatever that may mean to you) can be attained by anyone, everyone, especially you, as long as you believe it. With your eyes on the goal, a mentor to guide you, and a healthy attitude, you offer yourself no other possibility than to succeed.

Have a blooming week!