If you are like me you have already listened to many audio programs and read many books on the subject of becoming successful.

The definition of being successful is different for each one of us.

We all want to be successful regardless of where we came from, our age or education levels. We want this so that we can live a comfortable life and to have financial freedom.

Over the years I have done many things, some very successful and other not so successful.

The one thing that I learnt is that it is not about how much money or possessions that you have, it is about who you are as a person.

I would like to share with you a few of the things that have helped me.

I was taught as a teenager to stand up for what I believed in.

It took me some years later to fully understand what my core values and beliefs in life were, and to be willing to stand up for them. This taught me to live my life to my expectations and not someone else’s.

I realised that I had a lot to learn in this life. ‘My father told me that I was given two ears to listen with but only one mouth to speak with. So learn to listen more than you speak.’

Be willing to learn new skills, listen and learn from others, have a mentor.

Another great factor is change, the world changes continually and if we want to be part of this changing lifestyle, we must be open to change. Machines don’t change, they just become obsolete.

I was also taught as a child to respect other people, to treat them as I would like to be treated. If I made a commitment- to stand by it; your word should be your bond.

Having this belief and understanding helped me when I worked in my own business. People could rely on me to do the right thing.

I loved to try new things, whether they were crafts, writing, a different occupation, or Toast Masters to name a few.  Putting myself out of my comfort zone was not easy, so I had to learn to think positively about my new project.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Henry Ford.

If you want to try something new, give it your best shot. Keep things realistic and own up when you make a mistake. Accept constructive criticism, and learn from it.

I found that doing these things have helped me to achieve many things that others thought I wouldn’t be able to.

I have always tried to act and focus what I believe to be right, and not to act simply to please.

Being successful to me is about how I feel and what I have done to enhance the lives of others. It is about what I would like others to remember me by.

– Nancy