There is a general pattern of behavior that all successful people follow on their road to success and happiness. When you understand this pattern, you can follow it too. It has to do with setting goals, refining skills, work and persistence.

There are many self-made successes, people who did not start out rich or well connected but ended up living the life of their dreams. Here’s an example of one person’s success pattern.

John had a strong desire to be a writer of fiction books, but his manuscripts were always rejected by magazines and book editors. John didn’t give up, though. Writing was his dream and his pleasure. He loved to sit at his computer and give free rein to his imagination, knowledge and experience.

Sometimes the words, the thoughts would just flow from out of nowhere and take shape on the page. No number of rejection letters could destroy the satisfaction he received from writing. He felt that eventually something good would happen.

Sometimes a rejection letter would contain a specific comment or suggestion, usually unflattering, sometimes insulting. Instead of giving in to failure and giving up, he used this information to improve his skill. Eventually he had to take a day job to earn enough money, but continued to write, after work and on weekends.

Everything he did, his reading, his work, his observations of everyday human interactions, was integrated into his writing. He kept sending out manuscripts, persisting, making contacts. Eventually he broke through. Now he is a successful writer.

Does this story sound familiar? This is the story of hundreds of successful writers. It is the story of success in many other fields as well. Now I could have written about the actual life story of any number of well known, successful individuals but the point I’m making would be the same. And that point is there is a pattern to success.

When you have an understanding of this process and then go out and meet the challenge, the possibilities expand exponentially. So clarify what you really want, hang in there, take action steps each day, be persistent and always believe in yourself!

Now go make something happen,

Dana McManus

Tagged with: • •

Filed under: Personal Development

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!