At this point, you already have your foot in the door. You got the job, things are happening for you, and you want them to continue. You are worried of getting stuck. You may be struggling to keep from falling back into old habits and into your old comfort zone. But successful professionals know that life begins at the end of their comfort zones. The question is–what do you do to get from where you are to the next level?
Here are twelve secrets that all successful
professionals know lead to higher achievement
1. Seek Balance. Set goals for all the facets of your life. Focus on health, wealth, and relationships. Balance mental, emotional, financial, personal, and family activities. Master Networkers know that happiness is not achieved by working all the time or by spending all your time with family and friends. They set a balance with time allotted for each part of their lives.
2. Set Goals. The Master Networker is always setting and adjusting their goals. In order to keep progressing, set immediate (30-day) goals, Quarterly (3-month) goals, and six-month, 1-year, and 2-year goals. Your overall strategic plan should be based upon a 5-10 year schedule.
3. Put yourself on a schedule and stick to it. This is the single most efficient way to ensure you make progress. Especially when comes to physical and financial goals. The Master Networker realizes that you must cultivate your network like you tend to your garden. Schedule time for calls and visits to your associates and allies.
4. Think like a chess player. Life is a game of chess, not checkers. The Master Networker plans their moves 3 to 4 moves ahead; they have faith in their plans and are ready when the opportunity presents itself.
Natasha Harris, CEO, Broken Wings Literacy Center, states, “the Urban professional has an opportunity to present innovative ideas, new services, products, research, policies, and campaigns for injustices, provide team building and think tank experiences that include thousands of years of expertise, collectively and collaboratively.” 5. Tap your inner power. The Master Networker makes it a daily habit to pray, visualize, affirm and meditate. This is how you keep your goals in front of you and fuel your motivation. Spiritual power is supernatural power.
6. Tap your outward power. The Master Networker exercises physically; this not only provides strength and endurance but mental well-being as well.
7. Create your own tribe. All Master Networkers develop their own mastermind group. They recruit allies and advocates to actively assist them in pursuing their goals. Dr. Consir Thot states, “think group economics…entrepreneurs linked together for a common purpose.”
8. Lead. Being a leader has many moving parts, they include:
a. Decide what YOU want (first). The Master Networker ensures their actions align with their goals. Many people get involved with initiatives and help other people achieve their goals yet make no progress on their own. They expected the OTHER PERSON to figure out what they wanted and give it to them. The Master Networker knows you always should have your own plan and your agenda. You can align yourself with others but never neglect your own strategic plan.
b. Command the situation. Master Networkers analyze the situation. They get input and feedback, and only then do they develop the plan.
c. Utilize your team(tribe). They include the team in planning and implementation.
d. Act with purpose on purpose. Master Networkers are always intentional; focused… “Greatness comes from purpose.” Be Magnificent – Exceed Your Expectations
e. Use Momentum (Be timely). Master Networkers seize opportunities as they come their way. You can only take advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime during the lifetime of the opportunity.
9. Create rituals. Master Networkers develop repetitious behaviors; and systematically create habits that productively change their lives.
10. Take massive action. Master Networkers realize that now is not the time to hesitate or be shy.
Be powerful. Seek amazing results. Create faith.
11. Let go of bad, unhealthy habits and people. Master Networkers know you need to pour out the beer before you fill your glass with champagne.
Your associates determine how far you will go in life. If you anchor yourself to people who weigh you down–you will sink. If you hook yourself to people who are soaring, you will fly.
12. Expand your horizons. The Master Networker is always seeking to expand their inner circle by stepping outside their comfort zone. Get out of the city. Take your show on the road. Meet new people and make new friends. The people who truly appreciate you may be just outside the city limits. Your new job, new partners, next significant other, and destiny await you. Go for it.
In conclusion, these 12 secrets will take you to places you have never been and have you doing things you have never done. Remember, these are action steps. The ultimate secret is “Action equals Outcome.” You have to do them in order for them to work for you.
Michael Rice is an award-winning social innovator and author of the transformational guide, Be Magnificent! Exceed Your Expectations. He is the publisher and editor of “The ConnectorLive,” a weekly internet video blog on the New Urban Network on YouTube. He touches thousands of individuals and organizations with his insights, commentary, and suggestions for achievement and positive outcomes.
He is the founder of Community Partners In Change, www.communitypartnersinchange.org, an organization dedicated to providing capacity-building workshops and strategic planning to local communities. He is also a trainer, community strategist, and motivational speaker. He is available for speaking engagements (both large and intimate), including educational institutions, faith-based organizations, conferences, and workshops. Contact: theconnector@verizon.net or call 267-303-0653.
