Here is a simple formula to follow to put the odds for success on your side. Let’s just call it the “Five P’s to Success.” There are four obvious steps. The fifth part, being successful, carries its own set of challenges.
The P’s are: plan, process, performance, persistence and prosperity. These steps build on themselves like this.
1) Plan: This is a detailed, logical, flexible and workable description of the end priority or goal. After you read your completed plan, there should be no doubt about what you intend to accomplish.
2) Process: This is the systematic and measurable description of how you will carry out your plan. These are the action steps you must take to enact the plan. Work to keep the process as simple as practical. Make sure that the steps and your process are logical and build on each other. The completion of one part of the process leads into the next step. Also, have a specific way to measure both your progress and your final result. If you can’t measure what you want to accomplish, I believe you haven’t been clear enough with your plan or process.
3) Performance: How valuable is a very good plan and process if you do not act on them? Performance means to get started. It means to continue when faced with obstacles. It means to try to do all you can to insure your success. Performance is the daily doing of what must be done.
4) Persistence: This is often the most difficult part. Persistence continues when your body and mind wants to quit. Persistence is when, in the face of adversity, we refine our plan, adjust our process, and try again. Persistence is also continuing to work or serve when we begin to realize the success we want. We persist and lose the final pounds. We persist and make money instead of making a living. We build our empire, create our dream and share our wealth.
5) Prosperity: I have seen too many people either get to the edge of success and pull back. Or, once successful, they begin to neglect the plan, process, performance and persistence that got them there. Pulling back from success often has its roots in fear or a sense of being unworthy. If you experience hesitation at the door to success, examine it closely. Get professional help in dealing with it, if it lingers.
We can use this five-step approach in any part of our lives. Plan in detail, enact your plan with a systematic process, perform at a high level, and persist until and after you experience the prosperity you want. Have confidence, you can do it.
Tim O’Brien writes continuing-education courses and presents seminars on stress management.
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