Why is true success so rare?
Why does research show that over 80% of people break their New Year's resolutions? Why do most attempts to lose weight, quit smoking and start businesses fail?
Of course, there are many possible answers. Some people look for the easy way out, and just don't want to make the effort. Others use ineffective or simplistic strategies for change, such as affirmations, rather than the more effective science-based techniques that we discuss in our newsletter and web site.
But the biggest barrier to success is this: True success requires strong performance in five key areas of life, but unfortunately, four-out-of-five isn't good enough. These five elements are:
True success is rare because of how these elements work together. The ultimate formula for success is *not* these five elements added together. Instead, the formula is these five *multiplied* together.
The difference is subtle but crucial. When numbers are multiplied, if any of them are zero, then whole equation becomes zero. Four-out-of-five just isn't good enough.
Think about the intelligent, well-intentioned people you know who have under-achieved in life. Think about the times you have under-achieved in your own life. Quite often, problem is falling short on a single step. Think of?
Remember the Greek myth of Sisyphus. He spent eternity pushing a rock up a hill, only to have it roll back down over him as neared his goal. He had a clear Vision (get the rock up the hill), a Strategy (push it), Belief (he was strong and confident), and Persistence (he tried forever!). But he didn't Learn that his strategy wasn't working. He didn't Learn that a course correction was needed. Four-out-of-five wasn't good enough.
Success is like a group of mountain climbers who are roped together. They move at the pace of the slowest member. Similarly, you will perform down to the level of your weakest step.
It's not all bad news. Because the ultimate formula for success involves these steps being multiplied together, it also means that this formula is "non-linear." In other words, a *small* improvement in your performance on one of these five steps can lead to *big* improvement in the quality of your life.
Ask yourself: In of what area of life is your performance the weakest? How could you improve? Commit yourself to making small improvements on your weaknesses, and you'll witness big impacts in your overall success.
About The Author
COPYRIGHT: ? 2004 Dr. Stephen Kraus. All rights reserved
Success Scientist Dr. Stephen Kraus is author of Psychological Foundations of Success: A Harvard- Trained Scientist Separates the Science of Success from Self-Help Snake Oil. He was featured in Conversations on Success, along with Brian Tracy and Wally "Famous" Amos. Steve has a Ph.D. in psychology from Harvard University.
To contact Steve or subscribe to his REAL Science of Success ezine, please visit http://www.realscienceofsuccess.com; http://www.realscienceofsuccess.com
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..You must play by the rules. Everything has rules. You... Read More
Take a page from Eastern wisdom Meditation, martial arts that... Read More
Anytime you are making ground and moving toward success, there... Read More
e-Learning is doubling yearly. Classes, e-courses, e-books on how-to and... Read More
One of the first things most of us remember hearing... Read More
Personal power is an INSIDE JOB. It doesn't mean getting... Read More
Many people, it seems, have a fear of money. Does... Read More
Jim Rohn, the success guru and mentor, said, "Failure is... Read More
Mary and Susan were friends for years. They grew up... Read More
For each of us, how successful we feel will depend... Read More
Here is a great way to create affirmations that may... Read More
You have probably heard the term "IQ" many times, and... Read More
The single most important quality you can ever develop that... Read More
Since December 1st 2004, I have written one article or... Read More
As very few people achieve enlightenment in one lifetime, as... Read More
In the first part of this article you learned some... Read More
Whoever first said that knowledge is power was probably selling... Read More
Succinctly said, success is harmony. When the result is congruent... Read More
If you want to be rich and famous, you have... Read More
You are never a failure until you accept defeat as... Read More
Have you ever noticed when playing a video game, or... Read More
Daddy was a very, very odd little man-possibly a schizophrenic-for... Read More
Your Head, think about what you want and move towards... Read More
If you have a choice each day in the tasks... Read More
Unless you have been living in a cave, you have... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo .."Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.... Read More
Do you sometimes feel that you're living a boring life?... Read More
Identity theft!We've all seen them. The commercials use the voices... Read More
The scene from "Biloxi Blues" where Matthew Broderick's character kept... Read More
IF and WHEN were friends. Every week they met and... Read More
I've been thinking a lot about what I believe to... Read More
Are you:- feeling unfulfilled and dissatisfied with your life?- ready... Read More
I am constantly approached by people when I am speaking... Read More
Never settle for what you can currently imagine You are... Read More
I was talking about my business to a stranger the... Read More
Abundance is intangible, spiritual and attracts energy. To attract this... Read More
No one becomes successful by accident. Success requires making a... Read More
If we are involved in a project, how hard should... Read More
Plants of all kinds (including trees), herbs and roots have... Read More
Asking questions is one of the most basic ways that... Read More
Have you ever thought about how you want to live,... Read More
You will have the greatest success if you read the... Read More
-- The One Pager Shortcut Series --What are the sharpest... Read More
The only thing in life we have direct control over... Read More
Give back Once you've achieved success, use your skills, talents,... Read More
The single most important quality you can ever develop that... Read More
The world is full of people with great intentions. They... Read More
Too many times in the pursuit of our dreams, we... Read More
Let's get right to the point, folks.We're all looking to... Read More
Did you know you can literally program your mind so... Read More
Success |