10 Things You Need to Tell Yourself If You Want to Be Highly Successful

10 Things You Need to Tell Yourself If You Want To Be Highly Successful

Do you want to be more successful? Highly successful people often have similar attitudes and mindsets that help them to achieve their great success.

From having goals to being flexible, here are 10 things you need to consider if you want to become highly successful.

1. They don’t make excuses for themselves.

Almost everyone has dreams, but many people have excuses for why their dreams are impossible. Highly successful people don’t think this way; instead they focus on overcoming obstacles and being proactive.

Ask yourself: What makes my dreams impossible? If I put in all 100% effort, would it still be unachievable?

2. They are flexible if they need to be.

Highly successful people know that if something is not working, they need to switch up their method. Doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting new results is a waste of your own time; instead, see your plan as a rough guide and make adjustments as you go along.

Ask yourself: Why is my plan not working currently? How could I improve my plan?

3. They don’t quit.

Anybody can quit when things become difficult, but that is not the way to become highly successful. Even when times are hard, successful people stick at it and keep working. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs once said: “I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”

Try to think of your end goal, and how every day you get closer to achieving it.

Ask yourself: Do you have to quit or do you want to quit? If you quit now, is there a chance you will one day regret it?

4. They are a business.

Successful people often think of themselves as a business. They have the right people around them, they work whenever inspiration hits and they have a strong, strategic focus. Try to make sure your goals are clear and you are working towards your plan in every aspect of your life.

Ask yourself: Could I be more productive during the day? What do I want to achieve this week? What do I want to achieve this month?

5. They have clear goals.

A big part of succeeding is setting yourself goals, both big and small, and committing to them. This will help to keep you feeling motivated, and it often helps you to progress faster. To be successful, it is important to be focused on your goals; Steve Jobs said:

“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully.”

Ask yourself: What are my goals? How can I achieve them? How long will it take? Can I put all of my effort into this?

6. They understand that sacrifice is important.

Often successful people have to make sacrifices to achieve their goals. For instance, Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, dropped out of Harvard so he could focus on his goal to build a software empire. Make sure you set yourself realistic goals to make sure your sacrifices pay off.

Ask yourself: Will this sacrifice help me to achieve my goals? Is it worth the risk? Am I willing to make this sacrifice?

7. They are willing to jump in at the deep end.

Mark Zuckerberg said on success:

“Move fast and break things. Unless you are breaking stuff, you are not moving fast enough.”

While it may feel frightening initially, there can be huge rewards. Failure is a method of learning, and means you will have a better shot if you try again with your newfound knowledge.

Ask yourself: Do I think it is worth it? Do I want better results? Can I overcome my fears?

8. They live in the moment and don’t hold grudges.

Many successful people understand that the past has already happened and can no longer be changed. Dwelling on the past means you are thinking less about the present and the future—and you could be missing out. Be aware that you are here today despite hard times in the past, and that it does not define who you are or your future.

Ask yourself: Am I still affected by this? Can I stop thinking about this? Does it affect my future?

9. They embrace change.

Many people fear change, but often highly successful people understand it is simply an unavoidable part of life. When you have to change your plans and strategies, simply shift paths and keep moving towards your goal. It may feel frustrating and difficult, but when you achieve your goal, it is likely you will feel glad you did.

10. They are thankful.

Being thankful is an important part of success. Founder of eBay Pierre Omidya believes that:

“Ebay’s success as a company depends on the success of the community of sellers.”

Highly successful people are thankful for both the big and the little things in their lives, and are often very aware that others around them assist them on a daily basis.

Ask yourself: Who has helped me today? Have I thanked them?

Can you think of any other things to tell yourself if you want to be highly successful? Comment your ideas below!

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10 Questions Successful People Always Ask Themselves

startup-593341_1280

According to Leon Ho, founder of Lifehack and Steply, there are three types of people, those who do not ask enough questions, those who have a lot of questions but no intention to answer them and those who ask good questions and seek ways to answer them.

We live in a world that is plagued with going with the conventional way and settling for the ordinary. But that is not the approach of the successful. Successful people are restless and nothing is good enough until it becomes better. That is why they ask the right questions and discover ways to answer them.

1. Is this what I really want to do?

Many people do not know how much passion and desire connects to bring forth success. They settle for what is below par because they are okay with the status quo. But successful people are concerned about giving something extra and making a difference. Whatever they are committed to has to borne out of a desire and an unquenchable passion to excel in.

2. Will this provide an avenue for growth?

In the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyiosaki, Rich Dad says:

“The most successful people in life are the ones who ask questions. They’re always learning. They’re always growing. They’re always pushing.”

Successful people are not okay with being boxed up in a comfort zone. Beyond getting an experience in a venture they want to be certain that they will learn and grow from it.

3. What strategies will define my success at this?

Successful people are not only concerned about the beauty or the splendor of getting what they want. With a dream, they build a design. They want to have a road map on how their project, task or mission can be accomplished.

4. Do I have the belief to accomplish this?

They want to be able to determine their success with the resilience and conviction it requires. They are not just eager but they have a calm feeling of assurance that within there is the knowledge and strength to see them through it.

5. What are my greatest strengths?

Successful people know their flaws and their weaknesses, having knowledge on these two things help them know where and how to channel their energy. They focus on their greatest strengths because they know what competitive advantage they have over every other person in the race for success.

6. Can I improve the lives of others with this?

Successful people know that their happiness is not independent but rather also dependent on the satisfaction and happiness of others. They are concerned about adding value and making a contribution to the lives of their clients, family and their communities.

7. What rules have to be broken to get this done?

Successful people cherish character and reputation. And if the journey to a successful venture doesn’t align with their values it is not worth it. They want to have a satisfactory feeling of accomplishment rather than a self destructive one of misery.

8. Am I learning from my mistakes?

As much as successful people look ahead at a gladdening horizon, they also look back at their worst hours. They know that those periods of low results can provide knowledge on how to approach the future. Nothing should be ignored; rather they take a cue from the past and try not to repeat mistakes.

9. Will the people around me be supportive or destructive?

There is relevance in surrounding yourself with the right team to see you through success. Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg and Richard Branson, CEO of Virgin Group have not only built a strong company culture but also the right team to help them actualize their goals of success. It will always be important to find like minded people who will help you strengthen your goals.

10. What bad habits do I need to stop that can alter my success?

Successful people know that they are not good enough. They want to be more productive and resourceful. And destructive habits can be a roadblock to achieving the success faster. If they are waking up late and need to wake up earlier, they do that. If they have to stay healthier by visiting the gym, they do that. Success is a non-stop cycle and it means making progress ahead of challenges.

Featured photo credit: http://www.pixabay.com via pixabay.com

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Beautiful Bali. Photo by Timothy Sykes

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4 Ways To Improve Your Body and Your Mind This Summer

4 Ways To Improve Both Your Body & Your Mind This Summer

health benefits of surfing

This past week I had the great fortune of spending time with a group of inspirational, strong young women for a health & wellness retreat in Baja, Mexico, hosted by the legendary outdoor apparel company, Eddie Bauer. For four straight days, led by celebrity fitness trainer, Astrid Swan (while being cheered on by global brand Ambassador and world class, professional extreme skier, Lexi Dupont) we took to land, sea and yoga studio to test our limits and learn about better health and wellness, as part of a campaign to support the new launch of the Eddie Bauer ‘Motion’ line – a ready-to-wear fitness line designed for athletes and generally, active, fitness minded people.

Not only did I leave extremely sore – and inspired – but I had a great realization: obviously exercise, when done correctly, is good for the body, and to a lesser extent it’s obvious that it’s good for the mind. However, what struck me most, is that just as each exercise focuses in on different muscles and a different skill set – so to, does it for the mind. That is to say, that of course exercise allows you to ‘reduce your stress’ – virtually all of it does – but it’s the specific way in which each different form of activity can differently improve your mind, and how the benefits can become multiply effective once you actually recognize these differences, that really stood out to me.

So without further ado, here are 4 of my picks to improve both your body & mind:

1. Hiking

Featuring Eddie Bauer 'Movement Capri' Pants, Flash Amphib Shoe & Burnout Hoodie
Featuring Eddie Bauer ‘Movement Capri’ Pants, Flash Amphib Shoe & Burnout Hoodie

Seems simple enough: walk up a hill, walk down a hill. If only it were. Standing at the base of Playa Punta Lobos, in Todos Santos (already exhausted from our morning boot camp session) looking up – straight up – at hilly, rocky, steep slope felt very, very daunting.

Physically, hiking lowers your risk of heart disease, boosts bone density, builds strength in your glutes, quads, and lower legs as well as strengthen your core and improves your balance. If there is any sort of a steep climb, this also involved arm and back strength conditioning. All and all a very well rounded endeavor.

What can hiking do for your mind?

First of all, if you’re hiking, you are by definition, out in nature, so just the elements around you play a big role. Firstly, there will be an innate beauty – which if you take the time to process that and really enjoy that – not only is there natural relaxation to the mind, but acknowledging beauty has a profound effect on the mind. There is a buzz, a happiness that begins to percolate. Secondly, nature is wild. Half way upon our ascent, our guide remembered that he had forgotten to tell us what to do if we encountered snakes. Encounter snakes????? It is precisely this type of vigilance and focus that you need to have when out in the wild – that makes for a great brain exercise.

Finally, hiking to the top of even a small hill, allows your mind to frame success: start at the bottom – make it to the top – success. You’ve achieved something. Rarely in life are things this cut and dry – and this fulfilling. Your mind is already subconsciously processing this – but taking the time to consciously acknowledge it, does wonders on the psyche. Similarly, having this ‘top’ goal – allows you to break up your journey into little, palatable milestones along the way. You may think you’re resting, but really you’re making mini-achievements. Recognizing this type of thinking, is very analogous of being successful in general – make a plan (the top), start at the beginning (the bottom), and work your way up by climbing wrung after wrung (the pit stops along the way).

2. Cross-Fit

Featuring Eddie Bauer 'Movement Capri Pant & 'Flash Amphib' Shoes
           Featuring Eddie Bauer ‘Movement Capri Pant & ‘Flash Amphib’ Shoes

Being a spinning + yoga type of girl, the concept of cross-fit seemed audaciously difficult (and frankly unnecessary). But with no choice, I jumped into the fitness studio with Astrid. I was proved right – it was insanely difficult – but what I didn’t understand beforehand, was just how effective this type of exercise is.

Cross-fit merges weight lifting, body-weight exercises, sprinting and aerobics, all in a very fast paced, high intensity package. Not only is it a super mega calorie burner, it’s great for cardiovascular conditioning and all of the different types of movement work on dozens of muscles as well as greatly increase joint mobility.

What can Cross-Fit do for your mind?

Even though, there is always a set time for how each session will run, it’s irrelevant, because in the moment you have no clue what time it is or how long you’ve been at it – it feels like forever – and this is a crucial element for your mind. Firstly, not having a clear ‘ending’ point, during very intense activity, forces your mind to dig deep and find both tenacity and durability. These are incredible mind muscles to work that have constant applicability outside of the gym. Secondly, the exercises in cross-fit are short, rapid-fire drills, done on repeat, that force you to quickly switch gears – physically, as well as mentally. This helps you improve your reflexes, co-ordination and gets your mind firing at a higher level, altogether.

3. Surfing

Featuring Eddie Bauer 'Amphib Cargo' Short
            Featuring Eddie Bauer ‘Amphib Cargo’ Short

Surfing, is singularly one of the greatest activities I’ve ever done. It is a powerful experience on so many levels – but more than that – it is ridiculously fun. Even though you are working extremely hard (and yes, it feels like you are) there is something about floating out in the middle of the ocean and then riding Mother Nature’s roller coaster back to shore, that makes this form of hard work feel very different. (In a nutshell, it’s the opposite of cross-fit!)

Surfing is an incredible. complete body work out – from building upper arm and improving cardiovascular health, shoulder and back strength while paddling out and pushing up, to building core strength while balancing on the board and leg strength from squatting (standing) and driving the board.

What can surfing do for your mind?

When you are surfing (on in the water in general) you are hanging with Mother Nature in a whole different way. You’re in it. Whether you’re paddling furiously to catch an impeding wave about to crash down or finding your balance to get and stay up, there is a major rush of adrenaline and to a certain extent fear, even with smaller waves. Being able to channel that energy into something productive and enjoyable takes an incredible amount of brainpower and focus. At the same time there is a yin-yang thing happening: while you have to have an insane amount of concentration, strength and skill on the one hand, on the other hand – you are no match for Mother Nature and by definition you have to let everything go and trust to a certain extent. To surf well, these two things both, must occur. This is incredibly difficult to achieve – but if mastered, mentally has so many great real life applications.

Finally, even if you’re with an instructor or a group of friends, when it’s time to jump up on that board, it’s just you and the wave – and it is so rare that you find a time when there is literally, nothing else on your mind. This is like a body being in a pool and taking the gravity off. It’s like a massage for the mind – both renewing and relaxing. So take the time to enjoy it.

4. Meditation

Featuring Eddie Bauer 'Motion' movement capri pants
     Featuring Eddie Bauer ‘Motion’ movement capri pants & movement jacket

So meditation kind of flips the script on the other exercises. As everyone probably knows, meditation is considered the ultimate exercise for your mind. It helps with focus, calmness, clarity, a reduction in anxiety and general relaxation. It is touted by experts and gurus all over the world as one of the best things you can do for yourself. But the benefits of meditation don’t stop with the mind.

What can meditation do for your body?

The simple act of breathing is often taken for granted, yet it is literally the key to life. Taking the time to learn how to breathe properly – a fundamental part of meditation – alone can change your physical game. Having the proper flow of oxygen coming in and out of you creates a relaxation in the body that has profound physical effects – not the least of which is an adjustment in your posture, which alone, has tremendous benefits. Beyond that however, meditation has been said to increase immunity, increase fertility, relieves irritable bowl syndrome, helps to lower blood pressure and can act as an anti-inflammatory. Simply put – it’s one the best activities you can do to improve your overall health – and that’s without even touching on the enlightenment part!

So this summer, I hope you get out and #liveyouradventure – I’d love to hear about it!

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To read more about Eddie Bauer and the cool initiatives they have going on (like the one I was just a part of!) click here!

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Amazing sea cave on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Photo by Chad Koga

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