Sometimes, it’s easy to put limitations on ourselves. We think that because of this or that circumstance, we’ll never reach our goals. Why think like that? Is that helpful? Of course not.
The truth is, ordinary people can do extraordinary things. But it’s not just what they choose to do that matters, it’s what they refuse to do that matters as well.
Let’s take a look at some things enormously successful people refuse to do.
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1. They refuse to dwell on their success
Imagine you’ve done something and seen some success. Maybe you started a business and are making decent money. Perhaps you built something nobody has ever built before. You might have even landed your dream job.
It can be tempting to dwell on success to the point that innovation comes to a screeching halt. After all, you’ve made it, right? Well, not quite yet. If your goal is to be enormously successful with your finances, it’s best to take this advice from Steve Jobs:
I think if you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else wonderful, not dwell on it for too long. Just figure out what’s next.
The founder of Apple certainly lived up to his advice. He also built an incredible team at Apple that was motivated to work on the something new all the time – motivated to innovate and not settle for even for the great success they discovered.
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2. They refuse to let disappointment destroy their dreams
When you are disappointed, do you feel like giving up? Probably. Should you feel that way? No way!
Let disappointment encourage you to try harder at becoming successful.
Jerry Seinfeld has been said to have been booed off stage the first time he walked out in front of an audience at a comedy club. Imagine that! This is Jerry Seinfeld, someone who today is enormously successful because he refused to give up. Amazing.
What are your dreams? What would you love to do in your life? Chances are, you can think of a couple of disappointing circumstances that might discourage you from reaching your goals — but why let them weigh you down?
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3. They refuse to become disorganized
Look around at your office right now. Is it organized? Is it nice and tidy, or is it a mess?
Organizing your office space – and your home – can help clear your mind and allow you to focus on reaching your ultimate goals.
Think about it. When you sit down to write a masterpiece, are you distracted by clutter? The truth is, when you have a pile of papers on your desk or your email inbox is a mess, it’s difficult to focus on the things that matter most.
You might be wondering why it’s difficult to focus when you’re surrounded by clutter. Good question.
You see, if you’re thinking to yourself that you should really be cleaning up the clutter or you’re wondering what that stack of papers on your desk means (because it might represent unknown work to do), it’s going to be tremendously difficult to push those thoughts aside and focus on the task at hand. They’re distractions.
In other words, you need mental space to think.
David Allen, author of “Getting Things Done,” often talks about the importance of capturing everything on your desk and in your mind that needs attention and organizing it. Many successful entrepreneurs have followed this advice and found success. You probably would too.
4. They refuse to sacrifice quality for speed
Apple, here, is another good example. They were not the first to come out with a smartphone. Remember BlackBerry smartphones?
You see, Apple could have seen other companies in the smartphone market and felt in a rush to create something for their customers. They could have whipped something together in a flash. Did they? Oh no.
Instead, Apple took quite a long time to craft their smartphone. They wanted something that was easy to use and fun. They wanted something that would themselves enjoy using. Then, they made it: iPhone.
Yes, in order to be financially successful as a businessperson, you eventually have to put your product or service out into the world, but you should never do so because you feel pressure. Instead, take the time necessary to make something great. Make something that sells itself. You’ll be really glad you did.
5. They refuse to let their current knowledge be good enough
You have access to knowledge at your fingertips. Why not use it?
One common trait you’ll find in those who are enormously successful is that they want to learn everything they can about their business and beyond. They are lifelong learners and thinkers. They believe that they can do incredible things with their minds.
Tim Ferriss is one of those amazing entrepreneurs who has a passion for learning. In fact, Tim not only believes in learning, he practices accelerated learning. He has been able to learn how to dance, cook, and so much more. He has even written on how to learn (but not master) any language in one hour. Crazy amazing.
Tim took his love for learning and created a business teaching others how to do the same thing. He refused to let his current knowledge be good enough and pushed himself to the max. Why not try something similar?
6. They refuse to continue tradition without questioning it
Have you heard of John Legere? He’s the CEO of T-Mobile USA.
Under his leadership, he has truly shaken up the cellular service industry with new plans and unique offerings. T-Mobile no longer has two-year contracts and abolished overage fees. Amazing.
Still, other carriers have good offerings, but T-Mobile has truly questioned the traditions of carriers and given customers something different to consider.
What can be learned here? If your business is struggling, why not question the traditions and processes that have been put in place and see if you can discover something new? It doesn’t hurt to try, and it might just make you enormously successful.
7. They refuse let fear hold them back
Fear. It’s what can hold you back from a successful, prosperous life.
There are so many things to be afraid of, folks. I don’t need to remind you of them. But you know what? It’s unlikely that most of your worries and concerns will ever happen. Don’t be afraid.
One way to get past fear is to write down your fears on a piece of paper, put it in an envelope, and write on the front: “Do not open until [year from now].” Then, put it somewhere safe where you’ll remember to take a look.
Then, for the next year, attack your fears. Do those good things you ought to do. Strive for success. When the year is over, open the letter and see if any of your fears came true. You’ll probably be surprised to find that not many of them did come true – if any of them at all!
Remember: It’s not just what you do that matters, it’s what you refuse to do that matters as well. Learn from those who are successful. Take them out for lunch. Read their material.Develop some grit. You’ll be better off for it.