Contents  Career I  >  Career II
December, 2004



by Deborah Brown-Volkman

Are you waiting for career success? Do you believe thatif you wait long enough sooner or later your dreams ofsuccess will come true?

When it comes to success, you are better off spendingyour time working towards being successful than losingprecious moments waiting for it to happen.

What are the traits of successful people? They havedrive and a belief in themselves. They are confident.They seem to have the Midas touch. But instead oftrying to emulate the qualities that made themsuccessful, we sometimes assume that "they must knowsomeone." Or, "they were lucky." We forget that theyworked hard to get where they are today. We didn't seetheir struggles. We just see the end result, and wewant what they have, NOW.

Career success is not just for the lucky. It's forthose who want it and work hard to get it. There's nomystery to the process. Follow certain steps and youwill be successful. Deviate from these steps andsuccess will take longer.

So How Do You Grab Career Success? Follow These StepsBelow:

1. Believe That You Will Be Successful
Self-belief is such a crucial element; one that issometimes overlooked. You have to believe that successis within your reach. If you do not believe it, whowill? The clients that I coach who make their careerdreams come true are those who believe in their goals.How can you become a believer? Sit down with a piece ofpaper in front of you. Write away without editing yourwords. Create your ideal career and life. Create apicture you can look at every day. What does yourpicture look like? Does it inspire you? Does it bringexcitement into your mind? Belief comes from within.You just have to dig it out every once in a while.

2. Get The Facts
Once you are a believer, back up your beliefs withfacts. Find out specifically what steps you need totake to make your picture real. This way you will becomfortable taking action. For example: you want toexpand into another industry. What facts do you need?Do you need more training? Is the cost of trainingwithin your reach? If you make the investment will itput more money in your pocket when you are done? Do youcare about money or are you more interested in a betterquality of life? Write down your questions and get youranswers. Then you will be ready to act.

3. Commit To Your Success
Successful people say "I will" versus "I'll try" or "Imay someday." There is something powerful about makinga commitment. First of all, the decision to besuccessful is made and the back and forth is done.Second, you have focus and direction that transformsyour outlook and gives you purpose. As human beings wedo not always like to make commitments. We feel that weneed to keep ourselves open to all opportunitiesbecause we are afraid that we may walk away fromsomething better. Yes, you are walking away fromsomething and that "thing" is confusion. Commitmentgives you something greater. A reason to get out of bedevery day.

4. Put A Plan In Place
Once you are committed, map out how you will besuccessful. Use the facts you gathered in step two('Get the facts") to guide you. Break down your successplan into smaller pieces. Put these smaller pieces intoyour calendar. Make to-do lists. Manage your prioritiesand only say yes to those things that will bring youcloser to being successful. Delegate and eliminatethose tasks that take up your time. And if you getsidetracked, or distracted, use your plan to get backon track.

5. Keep Moving No Matter What
There may be days when you do not want to do the workor you do not believe the effort you are putting inwill be worthwhile. This is normal. There will be up'sand down's in your journey. Success comes to those whokeep moving. It's ok to have doubts. Keep taking actionanyway. Take small steps everyday no matter what. Smallsteps today leads to big dreams achieved tomorrow.

So what do you say? You only have one life to live soit might as well be a life you love!

About the AuthorDeborah Brown-Volkman is the President of Surpass YourDreams, Inc. a career and mentor coaching company thathas been delivering a message of motivation, success,and personal fulfillment since 1998. We work withSenior Executives, Vice Presidents, and Managers, whoare out of work or overworked. Deborah is the author of "Coach Yourself To A New Career: A BookTo Discover Your Ultimate Profession," that canbe found on amazon.com. To Learn More Visit:send an e-mail to
info@surpassyourdreams.com
or call (631) 874-2877.
Deborah Brown-Volkman's book, Coach Yourself to A New Career:  A Guide for Discovering Your Ultimate Profession is more than "just another career book".  It is a hands-on workbook style book that will walk you through the process of finding the career that's right for you.
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11 Ways To Stop Procrastinating and Get Motivated
by Peter Murphy

Do you spend more time procrastinating than you do accomplishing? The keys to success in overcoming procrastination are to determine the reasons you lack motivation in the first place, to create a plan for success, and follow the plan to the letter.

You can follow some practical steps and make permanent changes in your life. Start living up to your true potential by rising to a new level of motivation, energy, and dedication.

There are at least 11 important points to consider...

1. People procrastinate for different reasons ranging from fear of failure (or success) to just plain lazy. By first identifying some of the reasons you procrastinate, you can develop a plan to end your frustration, finally get motivated, and stay motivated.

2. A major component of motivation is self-confidence. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, and feeling unworthy or undeserving are common reasons people procrastinate.  Taking steps to improve your self-esteem will go a long way in helping you get motivated.

3. Two things in particular motivate human beings: pleasure and pain. Make a list of the pleasure you'll get from accomplishing your goals. Also list the consequences you'll suffer by procrastinating.

4. If you keep the reward in mind it will be easier to stay focused. Evaluate your life and do some soul searching. Overcoming irrational fears and phobias are critical steps in becoming self-confident and motivated.

5. The act of procrastinating itself causes your self-esteem to suffer. Feelings of guilt, stress, and anxiety only lead to unfulfilled goals and dreams. If you dislike yourself because you lack the courage to pursue your dreams, then you set yourself up for failure.

6. Take a good look at your personal issues and make your plan. Give your goals and daily tasks your full attention and strive to complete everything on your list, each and every day.

7. Procrastination is a habitual behavior. Once you start procrastinating the harder it is to break the habit. It takes time and dedication to develop new habits. If you understand what causes you to procrastinate, you can take steps to change.

8. Improving your self-esteem and breaking old habits will put you on the path to success. Reward yourself for small accomplishments and keep in mind the end result of reaching your goals.

9. Procrastination can be overcome if you make a plan to change and follow it closely. If you fail to complete a given task, then don't take the reward. Realize that there are consequences for every action you take.

10. There is connection between physical and emotional well being. Taking steps to better your health will help you to stay motivated and stop procrastinating. Exercise,
maintain a healthy diet, and concentrate on good health habits as well as good mental and work habits.

If you are feeling bad, whether emotionally or physically, you accomplish less, which makes you feel even worse.

11. Overcoming procrastination is perhaps one of the most important steps you can take to improve your life and become the motivated, successful person you are capable of being.

You have to let go of your old personality and ways of doing things to change, quit procrastinating and get motivated!

About the Author
Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert.  He recently produced a very popular free report that reveals how to crush procrastination and sustain lasting motivation. Apply now because it is available for a limited time only at:
www.getmotivatedstaymotivated.com
Try! A Survival Guide to Unemployment
These techniques are a down to earth work search approach that is motivational and inspirational. She outlines a health schedule for the day for both the body and mind. A step-by step practical guide that covers the emotional part of being without work or looking for work. "Try!" has an honored placement on Bookmarket.com Hall of Fame.