3 Simple Steps to Success

Success is a popular topic. There are countless books and articles available, and many claim to hold the "secrets" of success. A secret implies some special knowledge that must be obtained before one can experience success. Not only will this feed a victim mentality -- that attitude of "Well, no wonder I'm not successful. There's a secret other people know, and obviously I don't" -- it makes the whole thought of what is required to achieve success unnecessarily complicated.

There is a 14th century principle known as Occam's Razor which basically says all things being equal, the simplest solution tends to be the best one. In the 1960's it became encapsulated in the acronym KISS: Keep It Simple, Sweetheart. So let's simplify success into its three most basic components.

1. DECIDE to change. A change must be desired. There must be dissatisfaction with the status quo, a dislike of the way things are right now. Whether it's the dirty dishes on the kitchen table or dreading getting up in the morning to go to your job, the current situation must be sufficiently uncomfortable that it creates the internal motivation to do something different, to make a change. Change must be viewed as a positive, and the benefits of making the change must out-weigh the perceived costs of doing so. Decide it is time to make a change, to go for something more.
2. DECLARE your intention. The question then becomes, "What do I want to achieve?" There are lengthy, expensive seminars available on the topic, but that question is the bottom line in goal-setting. What is the desired end result? What do you want? That is the goal, and attaining that goal will mean success to you. And this has to be personal. It has to be your goal that you are willing to commit to, otherwise you won't follow through on it if you even manage to start. Set aside what society defines as success, what your family and/or friends may define as success. Declare your definition of success. Own it and commit yourself to making it happen.
3. DO it. Dreaming and planning isn't enough. You have to make it happen. The desire to make a change on its own is not enough. There are many people who desire change in their lives but are unable to articulate what they truly want, so they do nothing. Even being committed to a goal with clear steps in mind is not enough. Many people know exactly what they want from life but succumb to routine, so they do nothing. Ultimately you must take action. Some helpful advice I've received is, "You don't have to get it right. You just have to get it going." Learn as you go. Experience is the best teacher. As mistakes occur, adjustments can be made. But first you have to get it moving. Remember junior high science class and the Law of Inertia? A body at rest tends to stay at rest while a body in motion tends to stay in motion. Start the motion, and as you gain momentum, it becomes easier.

Why make things complicated? Success becomes simple when you Decide, Declare and Do. Look at some of your recent accomplishments, large or small, and you'll discover you've used these three steps. You're already successful, and you deserve to attain the success you desire. Just keep it simple, sweetheart!

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