Five Philosophies for Success.

No 1. Failure doesn’t simply happen; it’s a choice! There are two ways to fail: one is to quit and the other is not to learn from your mistakes: there are no failures, only outcomes!

Look for new ideas to find out what works and what doesn’t. If what you’re doing isn’t working, then do something else…anything! Keep on until you’re satisfied with the result.

Look for the good in any bad outcome and note what you’ve learned from the exercise. Ask yourself if you would do it again? Believe that every problem bears the seed of its own salvation.

No. 2. Deal only in facts, yet recognise the right for people to have opinions, and be vulnerable in saying that you don’t know if it’s true.

Theories, assumptions and guesses can be the enemies of success. Find the source for correct answers, even if that costs money, or test it yourself.

A strategy that might have worked once is no guarantee that it will always work: review and revisit in order to keep fresh.

Before making decisions, ask questions. Assume nothing; question everything. Don’t be afraid of offending someone – even an “expert” – by questioning their logic. True experts will applaud you for this, and your questions will expose imposters.

No. 3. Not all readers are leaders, yet all leaders are readers! Get into the habit of reading everything to do with your profession, line of business or self-development. Make notes of ideas that pop up in your head or comments that make sense and resonate with you.

Genius doesn’t just happen and yet it can if you look for opportunities to learn, and keep track of your thoughts. Your best ideas will frequently be sparked by new information, or new approaches to old information.

“Whatever you can do or think you can, begin it. Boldness has power and magic in it.” Goethe.

No. 4. Learn from wise people and learn from your own mistakes. You learn nothing by getting things right, so step outside your comfort zone and make more mistakes!

Seek out teachers and mentors and never be afraid to ask for advice, even if it means getting yourself a life coach and investing in their expertise and guidance.

Accept the fact that everyone you meet can in some way teach you something. Be curious and fascinated. Absorb information like blotting paper. Retain what you need and discard the rest. You don’t have to know everything (nobody does) and vulnerability can be an endearing quality.

It takes courage to ask people for feedback, and it takes wisdom to openly listen and learn from it.

No. 5. Don’t let life pass you by. New Year’s Resolutions often disappear once people sober up the next day. Set your goals: decide on strategies and take action! Embrace the belief that anybody can be successful. Just imagine where YOU could be in six months if you dedicated even 20 minutes a day to improving your business by adopting new strategies and taking action on new ideas? Success isn’t determined by genetics: it’s about persistent, consistent action