Where Does Success Come From?

Do you ever find yourself wondering how in the world successful people do it? I once heard a story about a gentleman taking his final statistics exam to complete his Masters degree in statistics. The test question required that he show his work meaning that he would have to write down each step involved in solving the problem. He couldn't get the right answer, so as the last step in his documented work he wrote "insert magic here". I love this story because it illustrates what we all feel at some point in our efforts to succeed.

There is a formula for success however, but it's not very sexy and feels a lot like work at first. The formula is so simple that literally anyone can apply it and reap their rewards in any field at any age. It looks like this:

A + H + W = S
Attentive + Helpful + Willing = SUCCESS

A: Pay attention to your surroundings all the time. You never know where valuable information may come from. Always be on the lookout for information that will either help you directly, or help someone in your network. If you're an employee, the information may help you be better at what you do or may help you gain recognition and respect for sharing it with your superiors. If you're self employed, the information again may help you be better at what you do or may help you gain that same recognition and respect from your clients, employees and people in your network. Look for ways to contribute to your professional world.

H: Provide assistance wherever you see a need. At a meeting of any kind, be prepared to help someone who has dropped their papers, whose hands are full and needs a door opened for them or a chair pulled out. It seems so small and insignificant, but every opportunity to be helpful raises others' awareness of you in a positive way. This portion of the formula applies to every person you meet including the janitor, the parking lot attendant, the CEO and the receptionist. Helpful behavior builds a reputation of respect that makes people seek you out for answers and by doing this they are providing you with more opportunities to learn. What do people think of you now and why? Train yourself to be a resource by helping where you can and soon your name will be associated with words like nice, dependable, trustworthy and smart just because you're helpful.

W: Your willingness to actively participate in your world will pay you back in immeasurable amounts. If there is a menial task that is asked of you simply do it and do it well. Learn a new skill to help the team or yourself? Absolutely. Remember that the first part of the word "willing" is "will". We all know people who are strong-willed and we associate that phrase with being dedicated and committed to achieving a goal. Be a willing participant and you will soon find that you are actually using your will to bring success into your life.

It is never too early or late to start.

Using the formula, your attentiveness enables you to understand the reasons why things are the way they are, your helpful habits create positive energy all around you and your willingness to continue learning and pitch in where you can provide a constant flow of opportunities for you to succeed. Success breeds success so each time your efforts are met with success, more is on the way!

Challenge yourself to apply and use the formula for two weeks. The worst that can happen is you prove the formula wrong and your search for success continues as it was yesterday. The more likely result is that you will feel better about yourself, your job and your future. You will be amazed by the number of success stories you will have to share.