life ? What are the character traits and habits that I would attribute to somebody that I regard as successful ? In which areas of my life am I most successful and why ? In which am I not ? We would probably conclude that a wholesome life is about successfully managing quite a diverse portfolio of endeavours . It is back to that balance thing , juggling the different areas of our lives : professional , financial , physical , mental wellness , family and social obligations .
This is where success and happiness are so intertwined because to be truly happy ; we need a “ pass ” in most of life ’ s dimensions .
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We would probably also conclude that success is less about the hands we have been dealt , about luck and talent , and more about being clear about what we chase and how we organise our effort in the game plan to get there .
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A minimal level of organisation and structure will give us a huge advantage over those with none . In the rest of this article , I shall explore a few ingredients and patterns that will aid us in our quest for success .
First , success is usually spurred on by a deep desire . Such a genuine desire gives us that X-factor , almost an “ unfair ” advantage . Pursuing what resonates with our hearts and souls gives us the energy to overcome setbacks . Work then becomes invigorating . Life and pursuits are so much easier when we tackle them with fire in our bellies . Success becomes natural when we approach our days purposefully and we are connected to the challenge . When we find that purpose in our professional endeavours , then a medical doctor ’ s healing will be wider than the immediate symptom , an engineer ’ s design will unlock efficiencies beyond the particular problem to be solved , a business leader ’ s impact will be further than the company ’ s bottom-line , a teacher ’ s lessons will not be limited to the classroom . Because if our hearts are not invested in what we pursue , no matter how skilled we might be , the ultimate results will eventually reveal this lack of inspiration .
Then , success is usually underpinned by good habits .
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Few choices in life are as important as the habits we settle on .
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Most of our greatest successes and achievements have usually been paved by the small routines that we have formed . It is not the last chop that fells a tree , but the hundred steady ones before it . Therefore , it is evident that if we want to increase our chances of success , we must look carefully at the habits that shape it . We should be clear about what we aim for and choose the rhythmic actions and routines that will enable those dreams . There is usually a short-term cost , even pain , involved in changing
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