The journey towards success is a path met with choices, challenges, and celebration. You don’t simply stumble upon your goals by accident waiting to hit your “lotto numbers”. Rather instead focus on what you want as well as on what you can control, and you can achieve anything.
As children, we are told that we can do anything, be anyone, and that the deck of life is full of possibilities. Then as we grow up we are faced with rejection and obstacles that make us question our worth and abilities. Don’t succumb to the self-doubt, and instead channel that energy towards a plan for the future.
If you truly want success and happiness, you need to put the best possible plan in place, and do it with intention. But keep in mind that a good plan is elastic, with a fundamental component of flexibility allowing for adaptation to the roadblocks that lie ahead.
While it can be challenging to fully digest the concept of structured fluidity it is critical to long-term success. Along the way, we are going to make mistakes and fail at times. That’s okay. Don’t harp on the results, concentrate on the process. Don’t allow negative thoughts to crowd your mind, recognize the feeling, and shift your thoughts. Don’t get angry at the rain, grab an umbrella!
The same concept for success in poker holds true in life as it does in your personal and professional lives. Those components are managing your resources and emotions. To that end, you need to have a solid strategy because you only have so many chips in front of you, and you need to choose which hands to play. You will also need to decide how to play those hands, and you will have to manage your negative emotions when the cards don’t fall your way.
You have to ask yourself, what are you willing to commit to? Are you going to go for it, or are you going to walk away? What are your goals? What is your purpose? As I mentioned above, this is a process. Have a clear vision and desire in mind, and be willing to pivot when necessary.
Because the plan for success is dynamic which may sound daunting, I’m going to share the Personal Success Equation as offered by the Napoleon Hill Foundation. It has been one of the most valuable things I have learned, and should get you off to a strong start.
Success = (P)assion + (T)alent x (A)ssociation x (A)ction + (F)aith
PASSION and TALENT. First, do what you love, and do what you’re good at. That may sounds cliché’ at first, but the reality is when you are playing in the game you want to play the way you play it, you’re in a position to be your best. It’ll also help you keep going when things get tough, as well as make victory sweeter and sustainable. If you’re at a point in life where your passions and talents are unclear to you, please do what was suggested to me. Find some quiet time, and write them all out on a piece of paper. It’s good to give yourself credit!
ASSOCIATION. Once you have a clearer understanding of where your passions and talents lie, begin to think about what type of associations can amplify those passions and talents. Start to figure out who to connect with. They say you will be no different in 5 years than you are today except for 2 things, “the people you associate with most, and the books you read.” I personally believe that books are a metaphor for all of the things you learn. The help of coaches was invaluable to sharpening my game. Once you figure out what you want to do, find someone who has done it, learn as much as you can from them, and incorporate it into your style.
ACTION. This is where your plan really begins to develop. Use your passion, your talent, and your associations to take action whether that is a step of a business plan, or sitting down at a poker table, do something! Apply it, get feedback, and try again!
FAITH. Continuing to believe in yourself and your mission when faced with problems is where many people give up. If you’re going to do something, make a conscious decision to commit to it 100%. Don’t allow fear or temporary defeats to stop you, let it empower you. Channel that energy back into the fluidity of your plan. In the game of poker, business, and life you are faced with tough decisions. Sometimes you can do everything right and still lose. Don’t let this frustrate you, just realize it’s part of the game. Prepare yourself for the possible risks, continue learning, and keep going ALL IN!
The crucial takeaway here is that in order to achieve and sustain success, you need to have a sound strategy that allows for flexibility of that plan. Implementing this idea is easier said than done, but if you can keep a level head while working towards your goals you will be happier and even more successful than you already are.
