4 Ways to Let Success Find You.

“It seems so easy for you.”

“I’m sure that doesn’t happen to you.”

“Nothing seems to bother you.”

“You must just be built that way.”

Successful people seem to have it all. The confidence, the markers for success. The knowledge to make it happen. They just write that goal on their to-do list and BAM! It lands in their lap.

At least that is what it looks like.

But success is not a game of hide and seek. Success is a lifestyle, borne out of habits. The truth is, everyone can choose to act in accordance with their best life. I’m not sure it’s all that hard, but it takes some intentional focus to position yourself so success finds you. Here’s four habits to begin with:

Be offensive, not defensive.

It’s so easy to focus in on what you are losing. Who is getting their grimy hands on what is yours. Your time, your opportunities, your best life! Success cannot, I repeat CANNOT, come to the defensive. Why?

Because defense cannot create.

Everything you have ever dreamed of is yours for the making. I know it might seem like the ramblings of a suburban prima-donna but I see abundance everywhere. What do you want to create? What do you see around you that is begging for a solution? Step away from correcting and protecting and use your purpose to put something good out into the world.

Finish what you start.

Imagine a funnel of opportunity. At the largest end are all the people with ideas. They talk about what they want but never quite get there. As an entrepreneur enjoying my 11th year of adventure, the starting is where most get stuck. But at the next level of the funnel there is another group of people. They have started their journey and reached a few roadblocks. Maybe they think the difficult is a sign they shouldn’t go forward. But success cannot reach those who can’t make it past this stage of the game. Why?

Because success thrives on results, not ideas.

I love starting things. The shiny new object will hold my attention for a while, but the gold is at the finish line. Hanging in there until the end is where you learn the lessons, find resilience and build confidence. The road to the finish line is where you become savvy and discerning. Finish what you start not only to get the satisfaction of the end result, but also for the irreplaceable growth you will experience along the way.

Be excellent in all you do.

The bell curve is a natural part of education. Only so many people can get an A, and then a few more can get a B and bulk are supposed to receive a C. Then it tapers off again, with hopefully a few less getting a D and finally a few failing the course. Somehow, I think we mistakenly believe that same bell curve exists for us in success. As soon as someone achieves more than us, we start to believe there is less success for others to go around. But success can’t reach those that think this way. Why?

Because success thrives on aspiring, rather than grabbing.

Do you get the difference? When you reach for your best effort, the most excellent action in that moment, you are aspiring. You have no idea how great you can be but you are hoping to find out. When you grab, you are looking downward. What can I get and how quickly can I get it. In this mode, you believe there is only so much to go around and you have to act fast. The statistics state only so many succeed, but not because there isn’t enough, but rather because people aren’t willing to dig into their own abilities and talents and see what they can do.

Be happy for others.

It’s all kind of the same bowl of spaghetti. Focusing on what you can create in your best life but it’s worth stating: there is a never-ending stream of good energy that will come when you can be truly happy for others success. It’s not that you won’t have moments of jealousy. Most of us do. But success can’t reach those that can only be happy when life is going according to plan. Why?

Because success can’t fully thrive when you focus on what you don’t have.

It can feel like a tall order—to be joy-filled for another human being when

life seems easier for them.
that person is experiencing or achieving what you want.
that individual doesn’t “deserve” the success based on their behavior.

It’s just not fair. Just remember, there will always be the option of success in your own life. You just have to find the tail-end of it and start pulling. I don’t know how much work it will take, or how far you will have to travel to achieve it but if you can see it, it’s yours.

And in the meantime, open your heart and fill it with joy. Clap and yell and smile for the success you see around you. Two reasons: first, there’s more energy in joy and second, it’s likely that person you just celebrated will throw you a line when you need it. It’s a strange fact: being happy for others raises the chances for your own success.

Seize this moment!

As I was running today, in the early morning breeze along the Ohio River, I was struck by the privilege of it all. To wake up to breath air into my lungs, to think about yesterdays lessons and plan big things for the days I have left. Success isn’t big bank accounts and names in lights. It’s not championship trophies and bragging rights.

Success is experienced when purpose is found, chances are taken, effort is put forth and blessings are received. Don’t wait until all is perfect, tap into the opportunity for success right now. And by the way, let me be the first to congratulate you.

Hey, I’m Liz Nead.