7 Secrets to Achieving Ultimate Success

By Susan Tolles

It’s a new year and time to focus on your plan for a successful 2016—a time to dream big, set new goals and set out with a renewed “I can do anything” attitude. But once you create your vision and goals, how do you become truly successful? What needs to change this year to move your forward instead of staying stuck in a rut?

What sets successful people apart from those who stall out early in the game is living with a “success mindset.” Here are seven essentials for setting yourself up for victory instead of defeat.

Create your own definition of success. Don’t let the world tell you what you must achieve to consider yourself a success. Most often, it’s not about the money and the material things we acquire. Instead, it’s about the self-fulfillment, rich relationships, contentment and overall happiness we have in life. When you reach the end of your days, what will you be most proud of achieving? That’s your definition of success.

Let go of the past. Your past is behind you, and you can’t change it. Don’t allow mistakes and failed relationships to define who you are today. Vow to start fresh with a new outlook for tomorrow, knowing that we all make mistakes. It’s what we do with them that makes the difference.

Have a vision for the future that is not clouded by self-imposed, limiting beliefs. We women are so hard on ourselves! We let fear, perfectionism and procrastination sabotage our dreams. The “what ifs” and “I’m not good enough” hold us back from stepping out in faith to become the amazing women God created us to be. Say “no more!” to your self-sabotage, and believe that you can do whatever you set your mind on doing.

Choose positivity over negativity. Every day you have choices to make. You can choose to be angry, depressed and resentful, or you can choose to be hopeful, kind and content. You are in control of your emotions. After all, we are told to keep a positive attitude in the Bible.  Finally, sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable. Practice what you’ve learned and received from me, that you heard and saw me do. Then the God ? Along with being positive, it is essential to be grateful. Start each morning giving thanks, and look for little blessings throughout the day. Keep a gratitude journal, or write notes for a gratitude jar, and your life will definitely change. And remember to be thankful for you. You are precious, just as you are!

Always be growing. Carol Dweck, professor at Stanford University, who has researched the psychology of success says “a fixed mindset is when people believe their basic qualities, their intelligence, their talents, their abilities, are just fixed traits. They have a certain amount, and that’s that.” But people with a growth mindset, those who are most successful, “believe that even basic talents and abilities can be developed over time through experience, mentorship and so on. And these are the people who go for it…They challenge themselves to grow.” Always be growing.

Surround yourself with positive, like-minded people. If you are constantly in the presence of negative, grumpy people who create drama wherever they go, you will become just like them. Commit today to drawing boundaries in those relationships, opening up space for new friendships. When your life is filled with positive, uplifting people who have that growth mindset, you will be inspired and motivated to stretch yourself and reach higher. Find a mentor, join a mastermind group and seek organizations that align with your core values.