Success Secrets: Self-Fulfilling Prophesies And Extraordinary Success

There are very few people in the world today who achieve a magnitude of success that makes people stand in awe. However few they are, they still live among us. What really is their secret to success? What really separates them from the masses?

Studies show that one of the most common advantages that most of the people who achieve extraordinary levels success have is that they usually have the advantage of self-fulfilling prophesies. Simply put, these people usually believe themselves capable of achieving feats that the average person cannot and as such, because of this belief, they tend to actually go ahead and do it. Their attitude is thus there secret to success.

It doesn't mean that they are usually born with such an attitude or that having such an attitude is all that is necessary to achieve the levels of success that they usually achieve in their lifetime. More often than not, this kind of attitude is usually nurtured when they are still young. This may occur simply because they were the tallest kids in their kindergarten class, the shortest and thus the need to overcompensate for their lack in height, they had parents that were musicians and thus were early on exposed to music or simply that they lived in an environment that fostered the development of the skills that made them perform better than most of their peers.

Being exposed to an environment that forced them to develop certain advantages early on may have thus made them to perform slightly better than their peers. As a result, they may have ended up believing that they are better than the average person. In the end, this belief of being "special" may thus have ended up causing them to practice more than the average person. It ends up causing them to demand more from themselves and this practice in addition to the self-confidence that knowing that they are "special" gives them, they end up enjoying levels of success that are not really ordinary.

The secret to their success usually ends up being the attitude they have and the level of self-confidence that they have developed over the years. More often than not, this self-confidence is usually as a result of experiences in their lives. However, as much as this attitude they have is an advantage, it is not the only secret to their success. The people who achieve extraordinary levels of success in the world usually work hard and practice long hours. However, what makes them to work so hard and practice so long is usually as a result of something that happens to them that makes them believe that in one way or the other, they are "special". That is their "magic" secret to success.

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What Success Really Looks Like

There is something to be said for how a person gets to success, regardless of which aspect they are striving to find. We see success as a direct path. The quickest way to get from A to B is a straight line. By making goals and adjustments we can eventually arrive at our success. It just does not always come as we expect.

Think of success like a journey. There are many things that occur while you are on that journey. It will take twists and turns that you never knew were there. The important part is to learn from each of this mis-directions so that you can fix the mistake or use the opportunity that presents itself again. Many ways lie in our journey and there is no right or wrong answer to the direction we should be taking. This will help you to remember that no matter what occurs you can choose to be ready for what is thrown at you.

One quote attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson is, "Life is a journey, not a destination." Each person will find their own meaning in this. It really is not about reaching the end because we are all headed in the same direction in that one aspect. Have fun with each challenge you find. Open your heart to each opportunity. Take care to live passionately and fulfill your life's dreams whatever those may be.

A recent article I was reading states, "As human we always ask ourselves certain questions, why me, do I deserve this, when will I ever get through," (Ethwel, 2012, pp. 2). Try to remember that these are those challenges I was talking about above. Even I have to catch myself sometimes because I will question why does this happen to me or why me. This, in the end, doesn't matter. I remind myself to figure out what it is that I am supposed to learn from my current experience. This experience is part of what makes us older and wiser as we move through life. There is a lesson to be learned from all. Sometimes we don't realize the lesson that was learned until years later. If you keep your mind open you may be able to find the solution sooner than later.

Sometimes people feel under pressure with life because they think it may be a test. "It is a mistake to approach life as if it were a test, yet that is what most of us do," (Toomey, 1994, pp. 1). This pressure is what makes us fold under pressure. Pressure comes and the twists and turns that bring us to success can overwhelm what we are trying to accomplish. One key to help with this I have gone over in my previous posts. That is breathe and remember that only you can control yourself. There is no one inside your head controlling your actions. Thus the only way to make it through the obstacle is to understand that it is meant to be a challenge of life or better yet an opportunity presenting itself. A test can always be overcome with studying. That is where life comes into play. Each step is a unique tool that we can enjoy.

Remember that we are human. We as a species can adapt to many environments. No matter the trick that turns us from the course that we have set we can adapt our mentality and even our physicality sometimes. Einstein could project his focus so much that he was able to change science in many ways because he adapted his mentality. A woman who lifts a car off of her child adapts her physical strength because she has to. What happens when we focus both? An article I read states, "... people simply fail to appreciate the powers of human adaptation," (Moeller, 2013, pp. 5). I agree with this. We do not always realize that we can make ourselves become a better person simply by adapting to our situations.

As life throws these little, sometimes larger, curve balls at us I ask that you strive to learn something. If it is a death in the family, learn to love the little moments or something special that the person we lost would want us to learn. If it is a car accident, even not your fault, maybe patience could be learned or compassion. Everything in life will teach you a lesson if you wish to learn and if you keep an open mind. If you would like to do an assignment write some challenges down that you have had recently. In each of these challenges find opportunities that you could have either had a different attitude or worded to your self or others differently.

References

Ethwel, M. (2012, August 21). A life Journey - "This is my story... ". Retrieved May 23, 2013

Moeller, P. (2013, January 9). How to Turn Life's Challenges Into Positive Outcomes - The Best Life (usnews.com). Retrieved May 23, 2013

Toomey, M. (1994). The Relief of Considering Life a Journey Not a Test.

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How Important Is Wisdom In Comparison And Connection To Knowledge - How To Balance Your Success

I am always amazed when I meet a successful or wealthy scholar, entrepreneur, philosopher or those who consider themselves, and are consider by others, as intellectual thinkers but lack simple wisdom such as human decency. Some knowledgeable or intellectual people can be intolerable of others, arrogant, rude, obnoxious, selfish, greedy, controlling, and self consumed. I believe this reflects a lack of wisdom; a person's inability to be considerate of others regardless of their class, sex, race, and status, reflects a lack of understanding about the power of thought and the oneness of the Universe (the word God maybe used to describe the oneness of the universe). Wise people understand that we all connect to one energy power (God) source that is infinite and limitless.

Understanding we are connected reflects the wisdom of knowing how we treat other does directly and indirectly impact our individual lives. In other words what goes around comes back around or as some like to call it life's boomerang. In comparison, functioning or thinking solely based on knowledge does omit the wisdom of knowing or being aware of the oneness of the universe. In connection, wisdom with or without knowledge is positive, but knowledge without wisdom can be negative.

The world is only spec in the vast universe we live in; wisdom enables a person to see the bigger picture in life or how connected we are to the universe. Knowledge enables a person to maneuver and succeeding in the rank of society's intellectual and wealthy status. Wisdom and knowledge enables a person too humbly maneuver and succeeding in the rank of the intellectual and wealthy status. Being humble and successful at the same time is challenged by the flaw of human nature; the inability not to allow money and power to mentally take control. Wisdom is important in balancing the money and power that comes along with knowledge.

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Do You Choose Happiness or Misery?

We are a being capable of directing all the powers of the Universe simply with the use of your mind. Each and every one of us is capable of this. Not just a select few. Not just the gifted, or the special or the brilliant. All of us fit into the same category. We are all creative beings. We are powerful and can draw to us anything we want. We can also draw to us anything we don't want. It's all a matter of focus.

We get what we focus on. It's as simple as that. If you focus on disease and poverty; if you watch the evening news and focus on the wars and the famine, you are drawing this things, these events and these emotions to you. If you envelop yourself in negativity, which is what he news is designed to do, then you will experience negativity in your life, and lots of it.

Negativity can be a bit like a drug though, can't it? We can become addicted to bad news. Somehow we think it makes us feel better. They say misery loves company. Is it true, or does others' misery just make our own seem smaller in comparison? What it does is it justifies your misery. You say to yourself, "well, that's just life isn't it, one problem after another." Do you even realize how much power you are giving away? Do you realize how lazy you are being with your life? Justifying the existence of misery and negativity in your life is just plain lazy and your life will never change if you keep doing that. Blaming others for your misery won't get you anywhere either. It's another form of justification. "It's someone else's fault, not mine" you tell yourself and anyone who will listen. Again, you are giving away massive amounts of your own personal power, without making any change whatsoever.

If you do, however, want to start seeing a change, a positive one, in your life then you need to change your attitude. You need to take responsibility for that which you choose to focus on. You need to take responsibility for tuning your emotions to more positive thoughts. The law of attraction brings you what you focus on, and if it's good, fun, happy, positive things you want to experience, then turn away from the misery. Turn off the tv, put down the newspaper, don't gossip with that negative co-worker today. Choose positive, uplifting thoughts. Make a conscious effort to be positive and you will start to see results in your life quickly. Positive people will enter your life. New opportunities, solutions to problems will all become suddenly much clearer to you.

The choice is up to you. The results are up to you. Not anyone else. Not circumstances, not politicians, not the economy, not your family. No one but you. What choice will you make today?

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Time for a Change? Reinvent Yourself!

Every decade or so, I like to "reinvent myself." That means I have to test myself, to try something new, to keep up "with the times." I tried (and abandoned) skiing and rollerblading; I settled on scuba diving and social media. I'm a few years away from a major milestone, so the planning has begun! Regularly, I get a request to meet with someone who wants to be a PR person/event planner/writer or: fill in the blank. I struggle to provide valuable advice to those who are looking at an "encore career" (the term for those who are seeking work a second time around). However, after meeting with many people and watching their process, here are a few thoughts:

What do you love? If you don't need money (or a lot of it), you have much more flexibility to explore your passions through volunteerism. Take time to learn what might be available to you as you find your new career or way to plug in to your community. If you've spent your life in front of a computer and you love the outdoors, it might be time to seek the peace found in nature by offering to help beach clean-ups or nature conservatories. Conversely, you may have spent plenty of time being exposed to the elements and would love something "indoors and out of the rain."

What do you know? Do you know what makes you special? If not, ask around. Good friends and colleagues would be happy to tell you what they like and admire about you. That special something is a gift you can apply to a new career. Your pleasant voice, your quick wit, mathematical ability or can-do attitude can transfer to various professions. Listen carefully. Don't overlook paying for a professional opinion, especially if you think you have a flawless singing voice or are planning to invest the next few years writing the next bestseller. The closer you get to your true talents, the better.

What don't you know? If you've been in a career for a while or out of the game, you are most likely behind the technology curve and the times. Fact: No matter what field you choose, it will be easier if you are contemporary in your knowledge and appearance. You will need to use email, cell phones and social media. Even though you might still fit into your 1980's wardrobe, it might be time for an update. Neon might be back, but not for me. Even if you don't plan to be a Facebook fan, you need to understand its role in current communication and be willing to try.

Reinvention can be fun and exciting and can include trying and learning many new things. Be open to new experiences and you might find yourself scuba diving or writing a column in the paper!

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Ancient Chinese Story - Birdsnest

A beautiful story that holds some advice from ancient China, attributed to a fictional character named Birdsnest.

Long ago in China, there lived a monk who perched in a certain tree everyday to meditate. No matter if the tree swayed in fierce winds and rain, the monk settled himself comfortably, high up in the branches. Because of this, he was nicknamed "Birdsnest" by the village folk nearby.

Many of these villages passed beneath the monk while hunting or while gathering wood in the forest, and after a time, they grew used to him. Some began to stop and talk of their concerns with Birdsnest. They liked the things he had to say, and soon Birdsnest become known for his kind and thoughtful words.

After some years, the monk's wise reputation spread throughout the province. Visitors from distant cities hiked to the remote forest for advice. Even the governor of the Provence decided that he too would like to visit Birdsnest to discuss matters of importance. So one spring morning, the governor set off to find him. After travelling for several days, he at last located Birdsnest's tree in the dense forest. The monk sat calmly, high in the topmost branches, enjoying the warmth and the birdsong of spring.

Looking up, the Governor shouted, "Birdsnest! I am the governor of this Provence, and I have come a great distance to speak with you! I have a most important question!" The governor waited for a reply but heard only the pleasant sounds of leaves stirring in the breeze. The governor continued, "This is my question, tell me, Birdsnest, what is it that all the wise ones have taught? Can you tell me the most important thing the Buddha ever said?" There was a long pause - just the soft rustle of leaves again.

Finally, the monk called down from the tree: "This is your answer, Governor: Don't do bad things. Always do good things. That's what the Buddha's taught."

But the governor thought this answer far too simple to have walked two days for! Irritated and annoyed, he stammered, "Don't do bad things; always do good things! I knew that when I was three years old, monk!"

Looking down at the governor, Birdsnest replied with a wry smile, "Yes the 3-year old knows it, but the 8-year old still finds it difficult to do!"

When it feels difficult to do good things, remember to seek the 3-year old within that Birdsnest referred to. Give yourself the gift of hearing thoughts from a time before conditioning was deeply embedded.

Realize the existence of the unknowable and ecstatic aspect of your existence. Know that this Divine element is an intrinsic part of yourself. Begin trusting your underlying nature by becoming conscious.

Why am I telling you that story - one, because I like it. Two, because it is about doing the right thing by yourself and by others, don't let excuses get in the way.

"Be an inspiration to yourself and you will be an inspiration to others."

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If You're Willing To Do This - Success Will Follow

t's what successful business owners do. It's what every successful author, athlete, teacher, musician, and parent does. Every successful inventor, entrepreneur, and scientist does this. Everyone who experiences success... does whatever it takes. Doing whatever it takes, will make all the difference in your thinking, actions and results. Other than the sun coming up in the morning and the earth rotating on its axis, nothing just happens. You have to make it happen, you have to do whatever it takes.

How do you know what it's going to take?

• It's imperative that you are specific on what it is you want and when you want it. Swimmer Dara Torres wanted to compete in the 2008 Summer Olympics. It's the dream of many of the best swimmers, but up until this time none were 41. Torres knew that whatever it took to accomplish this would be over and above what's required for most athletes. The New York Times reported that in addition to the many hours of daily training, and a regimented diet, she employed a head coach, a sprint coach, a strength coach, two stretchers, two masseuses, a chiropractor, and a nanny, at the cost of at least $100,000 per year. That's what it took, so that's what she did and she went on to add 3 more Olympic medals to her impressive 9 medal collection that summer in Beijing.


• Evaluate what you're doing right now. Is it working? Are you on track to hit your deadline? I have a goal of completing my first book by September of this year. After not working on it consistently for various reasons, I soon realized, I wasn't on track to accomplish my goal. What I was doing wasn't working. In fact at the rate I was going, I wouldn't have it completed by September of next year either! I needed to make a change.


• If it's not working, do something different - now. After my honest evaluation, I determined to make a change. I'm now getting up anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours earlier everyday to write. I've made more progress with this simple change than I ever did just saying I was going to write more. I had to orchestrate the right circumstances, because that's what it took. I can sleep after it's published.


• Who has been successful and what can you learn from them? I follow New York Times Best Selling author, Michael Hyatt's blog and have purchased some of his products. I was listening to one of his audio programs and he talked about what time he got up to write in the morning, every morning, before a full day of work. Hence, my getting up earlier. It worked for him, it can work for me.

If you're willing to be specific, evaluate what you're doing now, change if needed, learn from others and then do whatever it takes, success will follow. You can do this! What's it going to take for you?

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Face Consequences

Sometimes decisions that we make in life are wrong. These should not be looked at as good or bad. Look at them as lessons in life. To truly move forward with life no matter what has been done if you stand up and face the consequences of these actions a step forward can be made. There are easy steps and hard steps.

There is a pull that seems to come from inside when situations arise. Simply put this is the flight or fight response. The difference people who can face consequences and those that cannot tends to be the person who does knows how to override that flight response. I am not saying that you should always do this. Certain dire situations may call for flight like if someone you love or your life is in danger.

Being straight forward, there is almost no situation that your life is actually in danger. Even when you are in trouble with the law you should just accept the consequences of what you have done and move forward. This will help you to move forward. You will more likely get hurt running from the authorities than just raising your hands and saying yes I did it.

We make mistakes as humans. When we learn the lesson from the mistake we move forward with life. I know I have made mistakes in my life. This one time I was really depressed because my ex-wife had just asked me to leave the house. About two weeks after that I went to a bar with my cousin and had two beers. Due to being tired from lack of sleep, depression and the two beers it appeared that I had more than that. The judge gave me a DUI.

From here I had two courses of action. One I could just collapse and say forget everything and lose my license. The second option was to stand up and move to the next step. I took classes and because I did this, although it cost me and my insurance a lot, it got taken off my record since it was my first offense. Shortly after this I started school, college, again for the third or fourth time.

I had made a decision to move forward with my life. From there I was able to move on and advance my life goals. Life has become better since then. I have a wife. Two step kids which I wish could be my blood. More recently we had a baby who is already 18 months. Time moves too quickly to keep running. My suggestion in this article is to stand up, straight backed and head up to move forward with your life no matter what has happened.

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Make Life Epic

Life offers each of us various choices. We can choose to sit around or we can choose to get up. Although I recommend getting up this is purely a personal choice. Many people say they wish or want something. The choice here is whether to act on that wish or want.

As long as you are in a good position I say act. There is no doubt that action is one key factor when it comes to living an epic life. Heck, even if you are not in a good position now would be the time to act. The action that you take each day can help you to achieve great things. Let us form an example. Although this may not be applicable to you it can be applied to any goal of wish or want.

A lot of people wish they had more money. I am just using this as a general example because money is one of the most complained about things in society. Who couldn't use a little more money? Please take this with a grain of salt as it is only a theory to help get you started. The first step after you have decided to make a better financial situation for yourself is to plan. You have set your goal, now it is time to plan.

One recommendation for planning a better financial situation is to write down what your strengths and passions are. When you have determined your strengths and passions you match them up to determine your course of action. If you are great at organization and it makes you happy to organize things start a small business on the side. You might be like, "ugh I don't want to run a business," but it doesn't have to be complicated.

Go through your neighborhood or another neighborhood that you think might be able to use your services. These can be individuals or businesses depending on your expertise. Either go right to the doors or make up a generic brochure or flyer. This can be done cheaply through Vista Print or another printing company or you can make your own and bring it to a Kinko's or your workplace if you are allowed to make copies. Also make an ad on Craigslist and Backpage. Even better mention it to all of your friends and family and let them know you are trying to get some side work to put yourself in a better place. There is no embarrassment that goes along with this.

Now look what we have. This is a nice neat little plan on something you can do on the side to put yourself in a better financial situation. There really isn't a magic pill. It just takes work and dedication. Trust me I have tried some of the magic pills out there and most do not work exactly how they say. Normally there are a few people that have been successful at them but that is where it stops.

This was just one step to make your life epic. What are some other ways to make your life epic? Epic, according to the free dictionary online for the last two definitions are, "heroic; majestic; impressively great: the epic events of the war, or of unusually great size or extent: a crime wave of epic proportions." This will all depend upon your perception of life. What is the most important thing to you?

A great exercise on your way to making an epic life is to make certain decisions on that question. Literally get out a piece of paper, a notebook or sit at your computer. When you have determined the most important parts of your life you should live by this. This will help you to become happier with yourself and make others around you happy.

Have you ever felt so confident you knew nothing could affect the outcome? Ask yourself a few questions. How were you standing? Get up and stand how you did when you were this confident. What was your face like when you were confident? Look into a mirror and mimic the face you held when you were this confident. You get the idea. By acting upon what you felt and how you felt the extreme confidence you will be able to almost trick yourself into being that confident again. After doing this day in and day out for a while it will become second nature to continue the confidence or whatever emotion you are trying to achieve.

Concentration is yet another method to help you make your life epic. You have to learn how to concentrate on the most important parts of life. Whatever is important to you that you want to achieve, that you want to change, in your life is what you will concentrate on. Concentrate on the overall goal and the small steps that it takes to get there.

Here are a few of many tools you can use on your way to making an epic life. I wish you well on your epic journey.

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