How To Get Ahead

03/05/07

How do you achieve your work-related dreams or goals? Here’s a short list:

Use your talents. Obvious, you say? Then why are so many people in the wrong jobs? Everyone has a few unique talents. You know what they are; employ them at work.

Expect a lot. As journalist/philosopher Sydney Harris once wrote, “Those who expect a lot out of life seem to get it.”

Enlist others. You can’t do everything by yourself. Stars at work have perfected the art of getting work done with and through others.

Focus on the positive. In the words of Dale Carnegie, “Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain.” When you complain, you’re telling the world that you’re too weak to have an impact on it. Besides, you get more out of people when you focus on the positive.

Act. Most people wait for their ship to come in, never bothering to do so much as check the schedule or buy a ticket. Don’t sit back and wait for things to happen. Move. Now.

Be curious. Look for new ways to use talents. Learn new things. Experiment.

Remain unflappable. Take setbacks in stride and stay calm in a crisis. As Leo Tolstoy shows in War and Peace, the most successful generals weren’t tactical geniuses. Rather, they were skilled in remaining calm in the midst of chaos. That inspired the troops.

Embrace your fears. Face fears head on and you’ll profit hugely. If you’re afraid of public speaking, for instance, join Toastmasters. If you fear math, take a class. If you fear for your personal safety, learn a martial art. Once you conquer a lifelong fear, you’ll feel powerful in new and exciting ways.

Take responsibility. Blaming others for your problems is childish. Take responsibility for how your life is turning out. Once you do, options for improving it magically appear.

Show enthusiasm. When you love what you do, it shows. That not only moves and impresses others, it also provides fuel for even greater achievement.