Universal Keys to Success

“Success doesn’t come to you…you go to it.”  Marva Collins

Think of the last time you felt success.  What were the strategies that you used to make that happen?

Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success.  (Prov. 15:22; NLT)

Success can be defined in many ways and means different things to different people.  Success can be pursued on many different fronts, from career to spiritual; to relationships; to marriage — the list is virtually infinite.  With such a diverse set of definitions and objectives of success, is it really possible to define some “universal” keys, i.e., keys that will advance one toward success no matter what the definition or objective?  I believe it is, and would like to end this week’s DG series by giving you what I consider to the six universal keys.

1.  Prayer and commitment
If you believe as we do that prayer changes things (note that I didn’t say that prayer changes God), then you would be hard pressed to ignore the power of prayer when it comes to success on any front.  Similarly, commitment is a must as well.  It’s not success if there aren’t some obstacles to overcome and some barriers to get around or through.  Commitment to stay the course when those obstacles and barriers are encountered is an absolute must.

2.  Focus on the light, not on the darkness
I suppose that might be better said to focus on where you want to go rather than what or where you want to leave, but I like the idea that light attracts and darkness repels and that darkness cannot exist in the presence of light.  But I do believe that success requires you to keep your eye on the goal.

3.  Regular and consistent accountability
Accountability is a powerful concept that can seem to work wonders.  Unfortunately, accountability has been misused to the extent that probably the majority of us are uncomfortable with the idea.  But the support, encouragement, and motivation that accountability can supply is virtually required for success.

4.  Be satisfied with small steps
Too often we’re overwhelmed or discouraged when we look at a goal.  Too big…too far…too costly, etc.  We tend to forget that a few small steps toward that goal each day or each week will will ultimately reach the goal.  Breaking the goal into smaller, easy to accomplish steps is an important strategy for success.

5.  Reframe failure as learning.
The word failure is so misunderstood in our culture.  How many times does a toddler fail while learning to walk?  How about when they grow a little and learn to ride a two-wheeler?  Maybe it’s expectations, but failure is almost encouraged when young people are learning new skills, because those around them can see that it shows that they are trying and will ultimately succeed.  Somewhere as we grow older, failure takes on a finality that usually translates to “quit.”  Every failure should be viewed as providing information on what not to do, which makes the decision about what should be done that much easier to find.

6.  Surround yourself with like-minded friends
It’s been said many times that you take on characteristics of your five or six closest friends.  “Birds of a feather flock together.”  You want to be around people who either have already attained what you’re after or are clearly on the road to getting it and who are ahead of you.  The encouragement and possibly instruction and insight will prove to be critical to your progress.

So that’s my list.  As I look it over, each one could be a DG or two.  Hmmmmm…maybe that’s where I’ll go in the next week or so.  In the meantime, make yourself a very successful weekend.  Blessings!!!

Prayer Power
Father, we thank You that You have created us and programmed us for success and not for failure.  Be a lamp at our feet as we move toward our goal.

Link of the Day
What is Success and How Do We Achieve It?

Blessings to you as you apply the above six keys to success.

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Related posts:

1. Formula for Success
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