Today, it seems like there is a secret recipe for success that only a few are privy to. The truth is there is no secret recipe or special course you can take or even one particular piece of advice you should follow.
Getting to the top of the ladder of success does not mean that you have to be the brightest or the stronger or the most knowledgeable. Getting there means you need to have the strength of character to stand strong in the face of adversity and keep climbing. Being successful is all about being mentally tough.
Mental toughness is about being determined and having grit. It's about having a can-do attitude about life and business. It is a willingness to pursue your aspirations and to adapt quickly to change.
You might ask, “How do I gain this mental toughness?”
Luckily, mental toughness is something that can be learned.
Here are four steps to overcoming fear and strengthening the mental muscles you need to succeed.
Step #1 - Believe In Yourself
Self-confidence is key when pursuing any endeavor. It is the self-belief that a person has in his or her ability to bring value to others by demonstrating competency that is visible. Believing in yourself allows you to express your views and opinions in a bold way that is not affected by the objections of others.
To boost your self-confidence, ensure that you know your chosen profession or niche inside out and move out of your comfort zone regularly as you deal with new circumstances. Ensure you live life on your own terms and not by the measuring stick of others.
Step #2 - Realize That Habit Trumps Motivation
You know that popular concept that says you need to be self-motivated to persevere in times of hardship? Not necessarily! Motivation is a fickle thing. There will be days you will be absolutely demotivated but you still need to keep moving forward in your quest for success.
Having positive habits will give you that forward momentum. To create this consistency in your life, start small, develop routines, set schedules instead of deadlines and develop a back on track plan for whenever you encounter setbacks.
Step #3 - Control Your Destiny
Resist compulsive behaviors. This self-control leads to emotional intelligence, which allows focus on the bigger picture rather than minor setbacks. Self-control is something we all possess.
Just like any muscle in the body, it just needs to be conditioned for effective use. To develop this muscle, acknowledge your weaknesses, understand the triggers to your impulsive reactions, visualize your self-restraint and find a healthy distraction.
Step #4 Keep Your Focus On What Is Important
If you want to be successful, you need to have tunnel vision about achieving that success. Narrow down your focus on what needs to be done and take the necessary steps to make it happen.
Doing this allows you to give yourself permission to succeed, to see what motivates you, to develop your goals and to develop an actionable plan to achieve those goals.
Armed with these steps to achieving mental toughness, there is nothing stopping you from achieving success.