The other day I was given a small “gift” from an officemate. This person joined our firm recently. She doesn’t work on my team. In fact, I work for the international organization while she works for the US firm. However, we are tied together by our cubes, as hers is located directly in front of mine.
I’m not quite sure how this person who doesn’t even know how to pronounce my name yet figured out that I would enjoy a list called the 19 Hard Things You Need To Do To Be Successful. But I’m glad she came over to my desk, tapped me on the shoulder, and said, “I think you will like this” as she handed me a piece of paper. Thank you, C!
When I had a minute to look at the 19 bullet points, I found myself nodding my head in agreement with each and every one. I even revisited the list later in the day when I had less going on. This time around I was a little hung up on the word successful because success is such a subjective term. However, I understand that the creator of the list, Dan Waldschmidt, was going for business success. But personally, I think “Hard Things You Need To Do To Make The Most Out Of Life” makes the list more widely applicable.
Anyways, these are the bullet points that stood out to me…
- You have to fight when you are already injured, bloody, and sore.
- You have to invest in yourself even though no one else is.
- You have to look like a fool while you’re looking for answers you don’t have.
- You have to make mistakes and look like an idiot.
- You have to run faster even though you’re out of breath.
- You have to be accountable for your actions even when things go wrong.
- You have to keep moving towards where you want to be no matter what’s in front of you.
And here are a few from yours truly…
- You have to step outside your comfort zone, especially when all you want to do is the complete opposite.
- You have to look around every once in a while (hopefully more) and fully savor all the wonderfulness in your life.
- You have to stay true to your authentic self and march to the beat of your own drum.
- You have to choose to see the good in people, even when you’re 100% sure it’s not there.
- You have to believe in yourself. <— This is a non-negotiable.
Your turn – what would you add to the list?
Read through the list – loved it! Thanks for sharing it (and thanks to your coworker for sharing it too!). I like your additions.. I believe all of non-negotiable. Here are a few I’d add for myself or others:
-You have to be OK saying you’re the best at something. It’s all right to know that you did something right and to acknowledge that for yourself.
-You have to realize that your actions DO speak louder than words. You won’t get always get verbal proof that you’re doing a good job. Your peers and superiors know this.
My favorite is the about letting yourself fail. I’m such a perfectionist and being that way at my job is no different. I always try to excel, and when I have a blip or if something doesn’t go the way I had planned, I get myself way more down than needed. But something positive always comes from that so-called failure, so then I realize “hey, it’s OK!”
Aparna B. recently posted…“Chicken” Noodle Soup
You’re so right. We do have to be ok with saying we’re good at something. After all, we are our best advocates!
And I’m 100% with you on the perfectionist thing. Although, I’m trying to give it up little by little because it is ok. No one is perfect!
Totally agree on stepping outside one’s comfort zone. It’s always so hard for me to do but I’ve been doing it more and more lately and it’s been paying off in many aspects of my life.
Aparna made some excellent points too! I need to be okay with failing, in order to take chances.
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Leaving your comfort zone is one of the scariest things ever. But then I hear from relatives and friends that are older than me that they always regret not doing it a little more. And while I know I will have my share of regrets, I don’t want this to be one of them!
I agree with stepping outside the comfort zone as well because sometimes we get very comfortable with daily tasks be it at work or life in general. I am not a huge risk-taker but its something I’d like to try more of..and even if it fails, hey at least I tried right? And not falling for comparison trap is one thing i’d like to add. We all have different career goals and personal aspirations but sometimes you get hung up superficial things and forget the main purpose..its important to realize we all have different journeys and stories and thats okay 🙂
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Vishnu and I were just talking about the comparison trap this morning. It really is the thief of all joy. And you’re absolutely right, we are all on our own path and journey. And that is not just ok but just how it should be!
I love this list and the add ons, I am guilty of comparison trap (but I only compare myself, never the people in my life) I would like to add- to question what you are doing and why you are doing. It is so easy to get overwhelmed sometimes and forget the purpose of doing things. The moment you slow down to question it, you realize the priority of each and every task and that definitely helps reduce that feeling of overwhelm.
Priyanka recently posted…Thai lentil salad
I took a training once that focused on the importance of having a clear purpose – in the conversations you have, in the work you do, in the decisions you make. It really did help shift the way I think about a lot of things. And while it’s fun to just do things spontaneously every now and then, having a clear purpose for the things that really do matter helps ground you…totally agree!
Stay true to yourself….Love that, P. While the list they had compiled, plus your additional ones stood out- it was that which resonated with me most. I want to be successful…but I don’t want to put on a facade or go against my morals to do so. Yes it’s dog eat dog out there- but there’s a fine line between it!
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…The day I ate a kilo of white potatoes
I think that’s my favorite too. In a way, I think it’s the foundation for everything else. If you can’t be true to yourself the other things don’t really matter at the end of the day.
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