A presentation I watched recently left me wondering why people succeed and how exactly we manage to reach our goals, regardless of if it’s down to luck as some people claim or if it’s due to the graft we put in to achieve them.
Whilst I cover a whole range of tips and techniques on my Accounting Exam Accelerator Programme, sometimes the academic side of things can be quite overwhelming and you need to reset your mind to ensure that you’re still on track for success.
The English language is great at providing us with a variety of uplifting words that spark productivity and other positive emotions without the need for a lengthy sentence.
Here are some of my favourite inspirational words that relate directly to success alongside some memorable quotes, all whilst doing so in a succinct manner.
1. Passion
“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living” Nelson Mandela
You might not be incredibly passionate about every subject or niche topic you come across whilst studying, but you will be passionate about passing your accountancy exams, so keep that in mind when you come across areas that you really don’t enjoy.
You should always have a passion for succeeding and reaching your goals, whether they be academic, personal or professional, and it’s important to remember this as your driving force in life.
2. Work
“I’m a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it” Thomas Jefferson
I found that I was far from being naturally gifted, so in order to achieve what I wanted, including passing my exams and climbing the career ladder, I had to work exceptionally hard.
Even in times of huge adversity, such as whenever I was knocked back, I continued working hard and maintained a good work ethic to ensure I met my goals.
3. Greatness
“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them” Aristotle
I believe that quotes can be a great reassurance, but you might be wondering how Aristotle’s speech on practising can relate to greatness.
It’s one thing to be good at something, but if you want to excel and achieve greatness then you will have to practise, practise, practise, a skill we are all capable of doing.
4. Focus
“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus” Alexander Graham Bell
By identifying any issues you may have, from short-term hurdles like procrastination to long-term issues such as struggling to see the bigger picture, you can then address these by focusing on them and ultimately move forward.
Perhaps the key is to focus on improving your weaknesses rather than procrastinating and improving your strengths.
5. Push
“Our fate is determined by how far we are prepared to push ourselves to stay alive – the decisions we make to survive. We must do whatever it takes to endure and make it through alive” Bear Grylls
Normally someone else pushes you and inspires you to reach your goals, like your relatives, partner or even your coach, but the most important person to push you is yourself.
Realise what motivates you and remind yourself why you are doing what you’re doing and what are your short and term goals!
6. Serve
“You need an attitude of service. You’re not just serving yourself. You help others to grow up and you grow with them” David Green
Sometimes the best mode of developing yourself is actually trying to help others, so help and teach people you know that are taking on the same challenge as you.
You could even benefit by learning aspects from them that you hadn’t previously assessed, so it works both ways.
7. Ideas
“Don’t be afraid of new ideas. Be afraid of old ideas. They keep you where you are and stop you from growing and moving forward. Concentrate on where you want to go, not on what you fear” Tony Robbins
To generate ideas you need to listen, observe, be curious, ask questions and try to solve problems.
Try thinking outside the box, especially in terms of mindset, motivation, learning and execution – don’t be afraid to use trial and error to identify what works for you.
8. Persist
“Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty and persistence” Colin Powell
Unless you persist and continue on the path you are on, you will never be able to achieve the goals you have set yourself.
If you give up at any point, you are preventing the productivity you could have achieved, and who knows, you could have been incredibly close to succeeding and you just didn’t realise it.