So often we are up against situations we simply cannot control. We tend to focus on the obstacles that get in our way, yet we have no control over them.
Here’s the good news. I’ve assembled a list of 10 things you can control right now, in your career and in your life, that will make a huge difference to your personal and professional success and happiness:
1. What You Do
Make no mistake. You are judged by your behaviors and your actions, not by your intent. We all have good intentions and we are inclined to measure ourselves by our intentions, yet we measure others by their actions. You control your behavior, and therefore how others judge you.
2. What You Say
There’s a saying that “God gave us two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak.” It’s good practice to listen more, say less, and think hard before you open your mouth to speak.
3. What You Think About and What You Believe
If you are not happy with your current situation, or if you don’t like the direction you are headed in, you can change your thoughts and thereby change your beliefs. Ultimately, what you think about, you bring about.
If you want a different job, a better life, or more money, change your thoughts from “I can’t”, “It’s not possible” and, “I’m not good enough” to “I can”, “It’s possible” and, “I’m good enough.” Be impeccable with your thoughts and your beliefs, as they control your results.
4. How Well You Do Your Job
“If it’s to be, it’s up to me” should be your motto when it comes to doing a good job. Take responsibility and accountability and put your best effort forward. Know you can make a difference.
5. Who You Choose to Associate With
You will be judged by the company you keep, so make sure you associate with high achievers and performers and not your organization’s well known complainers.
6. Your Attitude
You will achieve far more in your career and in your life if you consistently take the high road. Put your best foot forward and constantly demonstrate a positive attitude. Others prefer to associate with people who are generally optimistic and display a positive demeanor and attitude.
7. What Changes You’ll Make
You cannot change anyone else, you can only change yourself. It’s good to take stock regularly, and if there is any area of your life that is not working well then know that you can make changes.
Change isn’t always easy; it can take courage, sometimes even hard work, but the rewards are usually worth the effort.
8. What You Learn
There are lessons to be learned everywhere, including in all your successes and your failures. However, you have to be willing to take the time to review and analyze and to learn from your experiences.
There is a saying: “When the student is ready, the teacher will come.” Always be the student, and be learning and growing.
9. What You Share
Be a teacher and a good mentor to others. Others have much to learn from you and your experience and you can be a role model to more junior people in your organization or industry. Give willingly.
10. Your Legacy
What do you wish to be remembered for when leaving behind your organization, your career, family or eventually your life? Be the best person you can be so that others remember you fondly and aspire to be like you.
So stop worrying about the things you cannot control and start taking action on all the things you can take control of right now.
