How do you measure success?
Maybe you are successful when you reach a goal, maybe when you make a certain amount of money, or maybe when you get to work with that client you chased for so long.
Whether you are after small successes or big success, it is important to recognize that to get there you are going to need to pay attention to the details.
Planning and Research – when you are setting yourself up it is essential to do your research. Whatever you are planning to do – whether it’s to take on a new project or start working with a new niche or specialty, be sure to research it fully. Do market comparisons and research your competition. The more information you collect the more effectively you will use your planning stage. Use your research data to adapt your strategy as necessary.
Set Goals – even from the start, be sure to set some short term and long term goals. Be sure to hold yourself accountable for those goals and take the steps needed to try to meet them. When you do, set more! Goal setting is a way to focus on your end results along the way, and will keep you on the path to success.
Do What You Love / Love What You Do – success cannot be truly achieved if you do not love what you are doing. Passion is one of those things that creates the drive you need to be successful. The more passionate you feel about what you are doing, the more you will push yourself to succeed by doing it. Be sure to recognize the value of that passion and nurture it as you climb your ladder of success.
Analyze Your Results – measure your achievements and your success. By actually analyzing the things you do on a regular basis you can ensure that your plan is working he way you want it to. Evaluating your plan regularly is essential to keep yourself on track. If something isn’t working, you will be able to identify it and make adjustments where necessary.
Repeat – when you find something that works, repeat the process! If it works once, it will work again. One of the keys to success is repeat customers, of course, but if you find a system or a process that works for you, you should use it again for another project, goal or task.
Success is something that comes from finding a path that works for you, and doing it over and over again. Through careful planning, execution and analysis, you can really achieve success much more quickly. Whoever said success is in the details is right!