Month September 2024

How to Be More Observant

Steve Keating Leave a comment

I’ve heard it said that some people see more in a walk around the block than others see in a trip around the world. I know some people who definitely fall into one of those two categories. I kind of think I fall into both of them, depending on what’s going on in my life at the time.

I’m pretty convinced that the more observant we are, the better our relationships are. The better our career prospects are. The better and more enjoyable our life is.

The world, both the whole wide world and the world around us every day, is a fascinating place. It is full of fascinating people with fascinating stories. But only if you’re paying attention.

Making the jump from a less observant person to a more observant person is a worthy endeavor. But like all worthwhile endeavors, it requires effort and intentionality. It will require that you sharpen your awareness and actively pay attention to your surroundings and experiences. If you’re interested in making that jump, here are some strategies to help you get there.

1. Practice Mindfulness

• Be Present: Focus on the present moment instead of letting your mind wander. Whether you’re walking down the street, having a conversation, or observing a scene, pay attention to details without distractions.

• Engage Your Senses: Use all five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch) to fully experience your environment. Being mindful of small sensory details can boost your observation skills.

2. Slow Down

• Take Your Time: Rushing can make you miss important details. When observing something or someone, slow down to carefully examine what is happening or what you are seeing.

• Pause and Reflect: After you observe something, take a moment to reflect on it. What did you notice? Was there something surprising? This helps reinforce what you’ve observed.

3. Ask Questions

• Be Curious: Curiosity drives observation. Ask questions about your environment or the situation you’re in. Why is something happening? How does something work? What are the patterns you see?

• Challenge Assumptions: Don’t just take things at face value. Ask yourself whether there might be more than meets the eye, and probe deeper into what is in front of you.

4. Write it Down

• Write Down Observations: Regularly jot down things you notice. Whether it’s something you saw during a walk, a change in someone’s behavior, or an interesting pattern, writing about it will help you remember details and develop your observation skills.

• Sketch What You See: Even if you’re not a skilled artist, drawing something forces you to observe the details carefully.

5. Focus on Small Details

• Notice Minor Changes: Pay attention to small or subtle details that are often overlooked, such as facial expressions, body language, changes in tone of voice, or slight shifts in a familiar environment.

• Break Things Down: Instead of observing something as a whole, break it down into its components and focus on each part.

6. Active Listening

• Listen More Than You Speak: In conversations, focus on listening intently rather than thinking about what you will say next. Listen to the words, tone, and underlying emotions.

• Take Notes on Conversations: Mentally or physically note interesting points from conversations to later reflect on what was said and how it was communicated.

7. Engage in New Experiences

• Explore Different Environments: Put yourself in unfamiliar situations or environments. New settings force you to pay more attention since they are unfamiliar.

• Learn a New Skill: Learning something new requires careful attention to details, which can train your brain to be more observant in other areas of life.

8. Practice Regularly

• Observation Exercises: Play observation games like spotting changes in a room, looking for patterns in crowds, or identifying small differences between similar images.

• Practice Observation Challenges: Give yourself small challenges like memorizing the details of a room you’re in for just a minute and then writing down everything you remember.

By making these practices a regular part of your routine, you’ll gradually train yourself to be more observant in everyday life. If you haven’t been particularly observant in the past, I think you’ll be amazed by what you’ve been missing.

There is a good chance you may learn something new. There is a good chance you may meet someone new. There is even a good chance you’ll discover that something you knew as a “fact” wasn’t really a fact at all.

Wouldn’t that be amazing!

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Consider supporting my efforts with a donation!
I put a significant amount of time and effort into writing a couple of blog posts each week. My primary goal is simple, to help other people. That doesn’t mean a little financial support isn’t appreciated. If you’ve benefited from my efforts and think my posts are valuable, I’d certainly appreciate whatever support you might be able to offer.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

How to Stop Making Excuses

Steve Keating 1 Comment

It has been said that a person who is good at making excuses is seldom good for anything else. Make no mistake about this absolute fact… making excuses is habit-forming. Making excuses is demoralizing, for the excuse maker and the people who have to listen to them. Excuse-making limits a person’s potential.

It’s just not good to make excuses. Ever!

Before we look at how to stop making excuses, let’s make sure we are all on the same page about exactly what an excuse sounds like.

Let’s say you have two employees who show up to a meeting late. The first one says, “sorry I’m late; the traffic was terrible. There was nothing I could do.” THAT’S AN EXCUSE. It indicates that the employee accepts no responsibility for being late. It indicates that the employee is likely to be late again. It shows a lack of respect for those who may have had to wait on him. It’s not an attitude that aligns well with success.

The second employee arrives a bit later. They are profusely apologetic. Embarrassed even. They also say the traffic was terrible. They say that they failed to consider potential traffic problems and did not leave home early enough. They commit to not making that mistake again. THAT IS A REASON. It indicates that the employee accepts full responsibility for being late. It indicates that the employee is unlikely to be late again. It demonstrates an understanding that they may have caused an inconvenience for others. It shows an attitude in excellent alignment with success.

There are indeed reasons why things don’t always go according to plan. Understanding those reasons helps you avoid them in the future. You maintain power over your circumstances rather than allowing circumstances to control you.

Excuses indicate a lack of control over your circumstances. Repeatedly making excuses puts you right on the edge of permanent victimhood. You lose the opportunity to control your circumstances and allow them to dictate the quality of your career and even your life.

If you’re currently an excuse maker, I have good news: you can break that habit with better choices and stronger effort.

You’ll need a mindset shift and a conscious, continuous effort to take responsibility for your actions and choices. If you’re interested in eliminating excuses from your life, here are some practical steps to help you do just that.

1. Acknowledge the Excuse Habit

• Self-awareness is key. Pay attention to when and why you make excuses. Is it due to fear, a lack of motivation, or the desire to avoid discomfort? Identifying patterns will help you address them more effectively.

2. Take Responsibility

• Own your choices and circumstances. Instead of blaming external factors or people, acknowledge that you’re in control of your actions. This helps shift the mindset from victimhood to empowerment.

3. Change Your Self-talk

• The language you use internally affects how you approach challenges. Replace phrases like “I can’t” or “I don’t have time” with more empowering statements like “I will make time” or “I’ll find a way to overcome this.”

4. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

• Excuses often arise when goals are vague or unrealistic. Break your larger goals into smaller, actionable steps. Clear, realistic goals give you direction and make it harder to justify excuses.

5. Plan and Prioritize

• Poor planning can lead to excuses. Develop a daily or weekly schedule, prioritize tasks, and stick to it. When you’re organized, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and make excuses to avoid tasks.

6. Hold Yourself Accountable

• Accountability is crucial. Share your goals with someone you trust, or track your own progress with a journal or app. When you’re accountable, there’s less room for excuses.

7. Embrace Discomfort

• Growth often requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Accept that discomfort is part of the process. Instead of avoiding challenges or blaming circumstances, lean into them knowing they’ll make you stronger.

8. Face Your Fears

• Excuses often mask fear—fear of failure, rejection, or even success. Recognize your fears and confront them head-on. Once you understand what you’re afraid of, you can take steps to move past it.

9. Develop a “Problem-Solving” Mindset

• Shift from focusing on the problem to finding solutions. When you encounter obstacles, instead of making excuses, ask yourself, “How can I overcome this?” This proactive mindset minimizes the tendency to rationalize inaction.

10. Surround Yourself with Motivated People

• Your environment influences your behavior. Spend time with people who hold themselves accountable and are goal-driven. Their discipline and attitude will inspire you to take ownership of your actions too.

11. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

• Expecting perfection can lead to frustration and excuses when things don’t go as planned. Celebrate your efforts and progress, even if they’re small. This positive reinforcement keeps you motivated and reduces the need for excuses.

12. Forgive Yourself and Move Forward

• If you fall into the trap of making excuses, don’t dwell on it. Forgive yourself and use the experience as a learning opportunity. Refocus on your goals and take the next best step forward.

You, like every other person on the planet, have incredible potential. Every time you make an excuse, you limit that potential. Don’t do that to yourself. Start taking control of your goals, actions, and attitude, and you’ll stop limiting your success.

You can do it; the question is… will you?

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Consider supporting my efforts with a donation!
I put a significant amount of time and effort into writing a couple of blog posts each week. My primary goal is simple, to help other people. That doesn’t mean a little financial support isn’t appreciated. If you’ve benefited from my efforts and think my posts are valuable, I’d certainly appreciate whatever support you might be able to offer.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

When an Apology is Due, Apologize Immediately

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Apologizing can often feel like a daunting task for many individuals. For some, the challenge is so great that they choose to avoid it entirely. Others may find it easier to casually say “I’m sorry,” but this frequent use of the phrase can dilute its meaning. Unfortunately, these common apologies often lack an essential element: genuine behavioral change.

Many can articulate the words of apology. But their expressions often come off as insincere. They fail to convey true remorse. A meaningful apology encompasses far more than mere words. It requires a commitment to change and a sincere effort to make amends.

A heartfelt apology is a thoughtful and genuine expression of regret for a wrong you’ve committed. It acknowledges the impact of your actions and demonstrates a desire to rectify the situation. Here’s a guide on how to deliver a sincere apology:

1. Acknowledge the Wrong

Be specific: Clearly articulate what you did wrong. This shows that you understand your mistake and are not trying to undermine it.

Example: “I realize I hurt your feelings when I interrupted you during the meeting.”

2. Take Responsibility

Own your actions: Steer clear of excuses or blaming others. Recognize that it was your words or actions that caused the harm.

Example: “It was wrong of me to dismiss your ideas like that.”

3. Express Regret

Show genuine remorse: Convey to the other person that you are truly sorry for the hurt or inconvenience you caused.

Example: “I sincerely regret that my actions made you feel undervalued.”

4. Make Amends

Offer to rectify the situation: If possible, inquire about how you can fix what went wrong or suggest a specific solution.

Example: “I’ll make sure to listen more carefully next time. Is there anything I can do to help right now?”

5. Promise to Change

Commit to avoiding the same mistake in the future: Let the person know that you’re actively taking steps to prevent a recurrence.

Example: “I will work on being more mindful of my words and actions moving forward.”

6. Give Space for Their Response

Listen: After expressing your apology, allow the other person time to share their feelings. Don’t rush or pressure them into forgiving you.

Example: “I understand if you need time to process this, but I want to sincerely apologize.”

7. Follow Through

Change your behavior: Show your commitment to change by taking actions that demonstrate your sincerity. The authenticity of an apology is often measured by what follows.

8. Things to Avoid

Defensiveness: Do not shift blame or make excuses.

Conditional Apologies: Phrases like “I’m sorry if you were offended” can feel insincere, as they suggest the issue lies with the other person’s reaction rather than with your actions.

A sincere apology requires vulnerability and a real desire to repair the harm done, rather than just wanting to be forgiven. It not only mends relationships but also fosters personal growth. Embrace the opportunity to make things right—it’s a powerful step toward healing and reconciliation.

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Consider supporting my efforts with a donation!
I put a significant amount of time and effort into writing a couple of blog posts each week. My primary goal is simple, to help other people. That doesn’t mean a little financial support isn’t appreciated. If you’ve benefited from my efforts and think my posts are valuable, I’d certainly appreciate whatever support you might be able to offer.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

Not All Leaders Are Leaders

Steve Keating 1 Comment

Okay, here’s my entry for the understatement of the year: There are a lot of people in leadership positions who are poor leaders.

In fact, most people in leadership positions (and I really mean “most”) are barely leaders at all. The prevalence of poor leaders can be attributed to a variety of factors. I believe the single biggest reason is that many, many people in leadership positions have no idea what leadership is actually about.

Leadership is about people. People and only people. Management is about things. It’s about stuff. You manage budgets. You manage inventories. You manage spreadsheets and buildings. But you lead people. When you are in a leadership position and you attempt to manage people, you cause the vast majority of what you think of as personnel issues.

Things like poor attitudes. Poor work ethic. Poor morale, and much, much more. All caused because people resist being managed. You’ve likely heard of many people complaining about being “over-managed. It’s unlikely you’ve ever heard of anyone complaining about being over-led.

The fact is, you can manage people without caring for them. Many people in leadership positions try to do just that. It often produces horrific outcomes but they keep trying nonetheless.

You cannot truly lead people without caring for them. Really caring. Caring so much that you regularly show it. Caring for the people you lead often produces spectacular outcomes. It is fulfilling and rewarding. It’s a huge win for the people being led, for the leader, and for their organizations.

Aside from not understandings the difference between leading and managing, there are additional reasons that so many people in leadership positions don’t actually lead. Some stem from individual traits, others from organizational culture, and broader societal influences. Here are several more reasons why poor leadership is so common.

1. Lack of Emotional Intelligence

Many people in leadership positions lack emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence involves self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication. Without these skills, leaders struggle to manage their own emotions, build meaningful relationships, and inspire their teams. They may focus on their own needs rather than those of their teams.

2. Promotion Based on Technical Skills

In many organizations, employees are promoted to leadership roles based on their technical expertise rather than their ability to lead. A great engineer, accountant, or salesperson may not have the necessary skills to lead people effectively. The Peter Principle highlights this tendency, where people rise to their “level of incompetence.”

3. Inadequate Training and Development

Many leaders do not receive adequate training or mentorship to develop strong leadership skills. Organizations often assume that leadership is an innate ability. In reality, it is a skill that requires continuous learning and practice. Research shows that upwards of 80% of people in leadership positions have less than 60 minutes of formal leadership training. Is it any wonder that they struggle so mightily?

4. Toxic Organizational Cultures

Some organizations have cultures that reward the wrong behaviors. They include aggression, self-interest, or risk avoidance. These environments can foster poor leadership, as individuals who thrive in such cultures often lack qualities like empathy, vision, or ethical decision-making.

5. Overconfidence and Narcissism

Some people in leadership positions are overly confident in their abilities or exhibit narcissistic tendencies. Such leaders may prioritize their own image and success over the welfare of their team. This leads to poor decision-making, a lack of collaboration, and employee dissatisfaction.

6. Short-Term Focus

Leaders may be pressured to deliver short-term results. This often leads them to make decisions that undermine long-term success. This can result in cutting corners, disregarding employee well-being, and overlooking the strategic direction of the organization.

7. Power and Ego

Leadership often comes with power, which can corrupt or inflate a person’s ego. Some people in leadership positions focus on their power and status. They fail to empower their teams or foster collaboration. This often leads to authoritarian styles of leadership, where input from others is dismissed.

8. Cultural and Societal Expectations

In some societies or organizations, leadership qualities like assertiveness or dominance are overly valued. This can promote people who are aggressive or self-serving into leadership roles while overlooking more collaborative, inclusive, and empathetic individuals.

9. Ineffective Feedback Mechanisms

Poor leaders often remain in their positions because there is no effective system for providing feedback or removing them. Organizations may fear confrontation, or leaders may have too much influence, preventing corrective measures from being taken.

10. Failure to Adapt

Poor leaders fail to adapt to changing circumstances, such as shifts in organizational goals, technology, or market conditions. Their inability to evolve or embrace new approaches can lead to stagnation, mismanagement, and discontent within their teams.

Poor leadership is often a result of systemic issues, such as the failure to prioritize leadership development, reward the right behaviors, or create cultures that value strong, empathetic, and visionary leadership.

Those systemic issues set up leaders for failure. They create a repeating cycle. The only way to short-circuit that cycle is to create a culture that focuses on the value of leadership. A culture that develops leaders and sets them up for success. Those leaders develop more leaders.

That sets the organization up for explosive growth.

Every organization needs great management. But, they need great leadership too. Understanding the difference between the two is the first step to having both.

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Consider supporting my efforts with a donation!
I put a significant amount of time and effort into writing a couple of blog posts each week. My primary goal is simple, to help other people. That doesn’t mean a little financial support isn’t appreciated. If you’ve benefited from my efforts and think my posts are valuable, I’d certainly appreciate whatever support you might be able to offer.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

Motivating Yourself When You’re Not Particularly Motivated

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Sometimes I feel like doing nothing. I’m pretty good at it too. And to be clear, sometimes doing nothing is the most productive thing I can do. From time to time, we should all do nothing. As humans, we need time to recharge, reflect, and reinvigorate. It helps us be more productive when we decide to do something.

There are also times when we must get something done when nothing is what we would prefer to do. It is in those times that we must find a way to motivate ourselves.

It can be tough to motivate yourself when you’re not feeling it. But there are some things you can try to boost your enthusiasm and motivation. Let’s take a look at those below.

1. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

⁃ Large tasks can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination. Break them into smaller, manageable steps and focus on completing one at a time. Progress, no matter how small, can build momentum.

2. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

⁃ Define specific goals for what you want to accomplish. Vague goals can make tasks feel pointless, while clear objectives help you stay focused and provide a sense of direction.

3. Use the “5-Minute Rule”

⁃ Commit to working on something for just 5 minutes. Often, the hardest part is starting, and once you’re in the flow, you’re more likely to continue.

4. Reward Yourself

⁃ Set up small rewards for completing tasks. This could be something as simple as taking a short break, enjoying a snack, or doing something you enjoy. This helps create positive associations with progress.

5. Change Your Environment

⁃ Sometimes a change in environment can stimulate motivation. Whether it’s working from a different room or going to a café, a new setting can refresh your mind and improve focus.

6. Practice Self-Compassion

⁃ Don’t be too hard on yourself when you’re not feeling motivated. Motivation fluctuates, and it’s okay to have down moments. Be kind to yourself and remember that you can always try again tomorrow. Just make sure there aren’t too many “tomorrows” in a row.

7. Remember Your “Why”

⁃ Reconnect with the reason you started. Reminding yourself of the long-term benefits (or the bigger picture) behind your efforts can reignite your motivation.

8. Limit Distractions

⁃ Identify what typically distracts you and try to minimize it. Whether it’s turning off notifications on your phone or setting boundaries with people around you. Creating a focused environment can help you stay on track.

9. Visualize Success

⁃ Picture yourself having completed the task or achieved your goal. Visualizing success can inspire confidence and make the end result feel more attainable.

10. Stay Consistent

⁃ Motivation isn’t always there, but consistency is key. Develop a habit of showing up for yourself even when you don’t feel like it. Over time, the habit itself will carry you through periods of low motivation.

Each of these ideas can help you get your butt off the couch and turn a lazy day into a productive one. Even when nothing seems like a perfectly fine thing to do.

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Consider supporting my efforts with a donation!
I put a significant amount of time and effort into writing a couple of blog posts each week. My primary goal is simple, to help other people. That doesn’t mean a little financial support isn’t appreciated. If you’ve benefited from my efforts and think my posts are valuable, I’d certainly appreciate whatever support you might be able to offer.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

How to Worry Less

Steve Keating 3 Comments

Worrying is worthless! So don’t worry. Wouldn’t it be nice if it were that simple?

Controlling worry and the stress that accompanies it is anything but easy. If you’re reading this, I’m assuming you’re human. That means you worry, at least sometimes.

The more you can control worry in your life, the better your life will be. As hard as it is, it is possible to reduce the amount of worry we allow into our lives. First, you must understand that you are not powerless over worry. You can make a conscious decision to limit its impact on your life.

To worry less, you’ll likely have to change your mindset and develop some new habits. The kind of habits that help you manage stress and anxiety more effectively. Here are some strategies you can use to accomplish that and live a less stressful life as a result.

1. Focus on What You Can Control

• Identify what you can and cannot control: Worry often comes from focusing on things beyond your control. Shift your energy toward what you can actually change or influence.

• Let go of what you can’t control: Accepting uncertainty helps reduce stress and keeps your attention on practical actions.

2. Take Action

• Problem-solve: Instead of dwelling on problems, take action where possible. Break tasks into smaller steps and address one issue at a time.

• Create a plan: Having a plan can make worries seem less overwhelming. Write down possible solutions and steps you can take to mitigate your concerns.

3. Challenge Negative Thoughts

• Recognize distorted thinking: Worry often stems from irrational thoughts. Notice patterns like catastrophizing (assuming the worst will happen) or all-or-nothing thinking (seeing things as only good or bad).

• Reframe negative thoughts: Replace exaggerated worries with balanced, realistic thinking. Ask yourself, “Is this really true?” or “What’s the worst that could happen, and how likely is that?”

4. Set Time Limits for Worry

• Create a “worry time”: Set aside a specific time each day to worry. When anxious thoughts arise outside that time, remind yourself to deal with them later.

• Limit the duration: Give yourself 10-15 minutes to focus on your concerns. Once the time is up, move on to something productive.

5. Develop Healthy Habits

• Exercise: Physical activity is a great stress reliever. Regular exercise helps to lower anxiety and boost your mood.

• Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep increases worry and stress. Prioritize good sleep practices by establishing a bedtime routine and creating a restful environment.

6. Limit Overthinking

• Distract yourself with positive activities: Try hobbies, spend time with loved ones, or focus on meaningful tasks. These will shift your mind away from negative thoughts.

• Practice gratitude: Regularly reflect on what you’re grateful for. This can shift your focus away from worry and help you see the good in your life.

7. Seek Support

• Talk to someone: Sharing your worries with a trusted friend or family member can offer perspective and reduce your burden.

• Join support groups: Connecting with others can provide comfort and useful coping strategies.

There will always be some worry in your life. But by practicing these techniques, you can train yourself to worry less and handle stress more effectively. This will take some effort, but consider all of life’s joys that worry steals from you.

You can recapture all of that and protect it in the future by deciding that YOU will control the worry you allow into your life, not other people or random circumstances.

The only question is… will you make that choice?

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Consider supporting my efforts with a donation!
I put a significant amount of time and effort into writing a couple of blog posts each week. My primary goal is simple, to help other people. That doesn’t mean a little financial support isn’t appreciated. If you’ve benefited from my efforts and think my posts are valuable, I’d certainly appreciate whatever support you might be able to offer.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

How to Know You’re on the Path to Success

Steve Keating Leave a comment

I had an interesting question from a young salesperson the other day. He asked me how he would know he was doing the right things. The things he needs to do in order to be a successful salesperson.

My almost automatic response was that a mentor would be a huge help to him. A mentor could not only explain to him when he was on the right path but maybe even more importantly, when he wasn’t. I explained that a mentor would likely see things that he couldn’t see for himself.

His response caught me a little off guard. He said a mentor would be good but that HE wanted to be able to know for himself. He asked, “What are the ‘signs’ of success? How could he know at all times whether or not he was on the path to success?”

That really got me to thinking. I wondered if there were indeed definitive signs to look for on the journey to success. After a great deal of thinking, here are some of the signs or guideposts to look for. When you “see” these, you’ll know you’re heading in the right direction.

1. You Have Clear Goals and Progress

• Set objectives: You have defined short-term and long-term goals.

• Consistent progress: You’re steadily working toward those goals and can see measurable improvement.

• Small wins: Achieving milestones, even if they’re small, boosts your confidence and motivation.

2. You’re Learning from Your Failures

• Resilience: You view setbacks as learning opportunities rather than reasons to quit.

• Growth mindset: You learn from experiences, feedback, and challenges. You adapt and improve over time.

3. You’re Noticing Increased Focus and Productivity

• Efficiency: You’re able to focus on what truly matters, cutting out distractions.

• Better time management: You prioritize tasks that move you closer to your goals and eliminate time-wasting activities.

4. You Feel a Genuine Sense of Purpose

• Aligned with values: Your work or efforts align with your personal values and passions.

• Fulfillment: You’re excited and energized by what you’re doing, which gives you a deeper sense of meaning in your journey.

5. Your Skills and Knowledge are Continuously Improving

• Continuous growth: You’re constantly developing new skills or deepening your knowledge in areas that contribute to your success.

• Competency: You’re becoming increasingly proficient in your field or area of interest.

6. You have Positive Relationships and Growing Network

• Support system: You have a network of mentors, peers, or colleagues who support and encourage you.

• Value exchange: You contribute to others’ success, and in return, people are eager to help you as well.

7. Your Confidence and Self-Belief are Consistently Multiplying

• Inner confidence: You trust in your abilities and decisions, even in the face of uncertainty.

• Self-awareness: You understand your strengths and weaknesses, and you’re comfortable with both.

8. Your Financial Stability is Increasing

• Income growth: You’re either seeing financial returns or are on the way to achieving them.

• Sustainable progress: You’re able to invest in yourself or your business without feeling financially stretched.

9. You’re Receiving Positive Recognition from Others

• Respect and acknowledgment: Others recognize and respect your work or contributions, whether through feedback, awards, promotions, or opportunities.

10. You Willingly Accept and Adapt to Change

• Flexibility: You’re open to new opportunities, shifts in direction, and adjustments to your plan. You don’t feel derailed by them.

• Problem-solving ability: You can navigate unforeseen challenges with creative solutions.

11. You Have a Solid Work-Life Balance and Strong Mental Health

• Health and happiness: You’re maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.

• Less stress: While challenges may arise, you handle stress better and remain mentally and emotionally stable.

12. You’re Excited About the Future

• Vision: You have a clear and inspiring vision of what success looks like, and it excites you.

• Optimism: You’re motivated and feel positive about your future, despite the challenges ahead.

If you’re noticing some, or hopefully many of these signs, it’s likely you’re on a path toward success. If not, you at least know what to look for and you know that you have some work to do. I’d suggest that work begin with a review of your core principles. From there you can set goals for your career, your personal life, your financial life, and whatever other areas of your life that you want to focus on.

Those goals will become your guideposts to success.

Ultimately, your success, and the path you choose to get there, are completely up to you. But you must choose a path. Wandering around waiting for success to find you is like hoping to win the lottery without buying a ticket.

So get to work and get yourself on the path to phenomenal success.

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Consider supporting my efforts with a donation!
I put a significant amount of time and effort into writing a couple of blog posts each week. My primary goal is simple, to help other people. That doesn’t mean a little financial support isn’t appreciated. If you’ve benefited from my efforts and think my posts are valuable, I’d certainly appreciate whatever support you might be able to offer.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly