IDENTIFY COURSES OF ACTION LIKELY TO FAIL IF YOU WISH TO SUCCEED

The world has become a place in which change is the only constant. If we stand firm without seeking to improve ourselves or increase our contributions, we may find ourselves “on the outside looking in” rather than “living where we wish to be.” Many seek work that will provide them the sense of security offered by a solid job YET such an aspiration CAN become a prison from which one cannot escape if your peace comes at the price of an opportunity to grow and contribute. We seek the comfort of a stable relationship YET can experience stagnation unless we consciously and intentionally seek new things to experience together. Society no longer allows people to do only what has been assigned or is expected if one hopes to taste success, fulfillment, recognition, or growth. Looking back (instead of ahead), remaining content with the present (rather than building upon the present as a step into the future) or doing only what has always worked in the past (as opposed to seeking what might work better) are signs that one may have become detoured by or stagnant in life. Looking beyond what is obvious towards what could potentially be…living life as we wish it to be rather than being content to live within the boundaries of what we have…are signs that one is seeking to fulfill his or her potential.

There are several pitfalls that limit potential – that minimize one’s ability to bring dreams to fruition and hopes to reality. Recognizing these traps can help avoid being locked within a self-imposed prison that may ultimately become an inescapable reality. To avoid entrapment and ensure the potential of success, one must recognize several precursors of failure:

• Do not confuse being efficient with being effective or keeping busy with being productive. An e-mail may be efficient, but a conversation could more effectively resolve issues without extended “replies and clarifications.” Leaving a note to tell someone where you have gone might be efficient but calling to give a personal explanation could be much more enlightening. A person may appear busy but unless a concrete objective is accomplished exhibiting a sense of urgency linked to the completion of a stated goal, the activity is no more meaningful than dust in the wind. Effective people make sure that every investment of time and/or energy has a direct and measurable impact, minimizing the need to repeat or clarify later.
• NEVER believe you are irreplaceable. When someone feels they could NEVER be replaced because nobody else could EVER fill the void should they leave, that person has probably limited what he or she could ever accomplish because if nobody else can do what you do, then you will never have time to expand beyond your assigned tasks. Individuals who believe they are “critical’ within a limited and specialized role (whether it be a personal or a professional role) typically reinforce stagnation (in in themselves) and/or accept mediocrity (in others). It is difficult to grow or be important to anyone else when one becomes self-absorbed and self-satisfied in him or her self.
• Do not fool yourself into thinking you know all the answers. One must always be open to new ideas, techniques, and ways of doing things in order to grow. Innovation and resolution-based problem solving comes from applying new ways of doing things to accomplish existing tasks.  One can truly contribute ONLY after identifying the limitations of current systems, policies and procedures, asking questions as to how they might be improved then moving forward towards the adoption of more effective resolutions.  People who know all the questions are often more valuable than those who feel they know all the answers.
• NEVER forget (or refuse) to give credit to others. People recognizing and acknowledging the ideas and actions of those who make things happen will win loyalty, be recognized as leaders, and become vital contributors to the activities around them. When one assigns the responsibility AND holds others accountable for results – providing the opportunity to learn from and rectify mistakes should they occur – leadership is clearly established. Think about how much one could accomplish in life if it did not matter who received credit for doing things.

A delicate blend of “me first” and “I am right behind you” is needed to create credibility and gain the confidence of others. A person is measured more by actions than by words…one can say all they want but only what is seen is often remembered. When considering a change in course or direction in life, take time to plan where you are going, think about what must be done to get there, then monitor progress (and adapt as needed) along the way. Learning from the failure of others is often easier but acknowledging and moving forward from our own shortcomings is somehow much more effective. One succeeds by identifying and nurturing “the possible” in life rather than accepting and hiding within “the probable” AND by avoiding some of life’s self-imposed distractions.