Success and significance are two sides of the same coin. While success often refers to achieving your goals and reaching a desired state, significance delves deeper, asking if your achievements have a positive impact on the world. The ABCD of success and significance provides a foundational framework to navigate this journey.
A: Action – The spark of progress
The first step on the path to success and significance is action. It is the catalyst that transforms dreams into reality. Ideas and aspirations remain just that without the spark of action. Taking action, however small, sets the wheels in motion. It can be starting that online course you’ve been eyeing, making that first sales call, or simply writing down your goals.
Action is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous process. It’s the daily grind, the consistent effort put towards achieving your goals. Whether it’s an hour of dedicated work each day or a few focused sprints throughout the week, action is what bridges the gap between intention and achievement.
However, action alone isn’t enough. It needs direction. This is where belief comes in.
B: Belief – The fuel for action
Belief is the unwavering conviction in your ability to achieve your goals. It’s the inner voice that whispers, “You can do this”, even when faced with challenges. It fuels your dedication and provides the resilience to overcome obstacles.
Belief doesn’t always come easily. Doubts and insecurities can creep in, especially when faced with setbacks. Building belief is an ongoing process. Here are some ways to cultivate a strong belief system:
Visualise success: Imagine yourself achieving your goals. Vividly picture the details of your success and use this mental image as a source of motivation.
Focus on your strengths: Acknowledge your skills and talents. Remind yourself of past accomplishments to build confidence in your abilities.
Learn from setbacks: Don’t view failures as final. They are stepping stones on the path to success. Analyse what went wrong, learn from it, and adapt your approach.
Surround yourself with positivity: Associate with people who believe in you and inspire you. Their encouragement can be a powerful source of motivation.
C: Consistency – The pathway to mastery
Consistency is the steady and unwavering application of effort towards your goals. It’s the daily showing up, even when you don’t feel like it. It’s about progress, not perfection. Small, consistent steps taken over time lead to significant results.
Think of success and significance as marathons, not sprints. Consistency is the key to building the endurance and stamina needed to run the long race. Here are some tips for building consistency:
Set realistic goals: Break down your big goals into smaller, achievable milestones. This makes the journey seem less daunting and keeps you motivated.
Develop routines: Schedule dedicated time for working towards your goals. Make it a consistent habit, just like brushing your teeth.
Track your progress: Monitor your progress towards your goals. Seeing your accomplishments, however small, can be highly motivating and reinforce consistent action.
Reward yourself: Celebrate your achievements, big and small. Acknowledging progress keeps you motivated and reinforces positive habits.
D: Discipline – The master of focus
Discipline is the ability to control your actions and emotions in pursuit of your goals. It’s saying no to distractions and temptations that can derail your progress. Discipline requires focus, commitment, and the ability to prioritize.
Developing discipline can be challenging, but it’s a crucial component of success and significance. Here are some ways to cultivate discipline:
Minimise distractions: Identify and minimise distractions that can derail your focus. This could mean turning off notifications, finding a quiet workspace, or informing others of your dedicated work time.
Prioritise ruthlessly: Not all tasks are created equal. Identify the most important tasks that move you closer to your goals and focus on them first.
Develop self-awareness: Recognise your triggers for procrastination or impulsive behaviour. Develop strategies to address them proactively.
Embrace delayed gratification: Success rarely happens overnight. Learn to focus on the long-term benefits rather than immediate gratification.
Adding significance to success
While achieving your goals is an important part of success, leaving a positive impact on the world adds a layer of significance. Look for ways to use your skills and talents to benefit others. This could involve volunteering your time, mentoring others, creating products or services.
ACTION PLAN: Take action consistently with discipline in your drive to achieve success and significance.
AFFIRMATION: I am action-oriented. I believe in myself. I am consistent and disciplined in my drive for success and significance. I am blessed and highly-favoured.
Sesan Kareem is the visionary founder of Hubpharm Africa, www.hubpharmafrica.com and principal consultant, Sesan Kareem Institute, www.sesankareem.com.ng. He facilitates with clarity, conviction and calmness, moving leaders from success to significance.
