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Success in Life and Business

Choice Not Chance Living to LEARN — 22 January 2013
Success in Life and Business

(Post by KAARINA DILLABOUGH)

In my previous post I asked you to do a little creative exercise to create a clear picture of what success looks like and feels like to you. If you haven’t had a chance to read that post, take a moment to do so…I’ll wait :)

The comments people made centered both on qualitative things, like Bill Dorman‘s “being happy in my own skin and not always wanting for more but making the most of what I do have“, Mark Harai’s “being a catalyst or resource that changes lives and fuels the success of others” and Lillian Leon‘s “being able to live my life as I choose” as well as quantitative, like Amber-Lee‘s “booking Summer Horseback Adventures in one of the most beautiful, untouched, precious places on earth” and Brian Meeks‘ “At this point in my life I have only one measure of success and that is book sales”.

What is your picture of Success in life and business?

After all, if you don’t have a clear picture of where you want to go…to quote from Lewis Carroll: “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there”.

But let’s assume that you’ve got that clear picture. What are the next steps to achieve Success, in life and business?

Decide2do. In the absence of a decision – a real, true, gut-check decision, nothing will happen. Oh, you might have many wonderful ideas rattling around in your head. You might say things like “I’ll try”, or “I’m thinking about it”. But those aren’t decisions. They’re lukewarm and feeble, lacking commitment and do not specify a course of ACTION to arrive at a desired result.

So step 1 in achieving success is Making a Decision.

Step 2 is identifying many possible ways of making the first step. This is the perfect time to do some brainstorming, mind mapping or simply writing the question “What if”, and writing down lots of answers. For example, “What if I start writing the book I’ve always wanted to, but then can’t find the time to continue?” By answering “What if” questions, you can distill back to answers that will allow you to take the first step.

Step 3…Step. Just step. Do something that starts the process, and don’t be afraid that it might be the wrong step. You’ll adjust if it is. You’ll be ready for the next step if it isn’t.

And because I believe that we’re not two people in one body: one that’s living a life and one that’s working in/on a business or job, these steps can be applied in almost any situation where you’re:

  • looking to make a change
  • start something new
  • change a habit
  • seeking to fulfill a dream/goal
  • leading a happier, healthier life

I could go on and on, but it’s up to each individual to decide for him/herself what Success means to them.

Decide. Identify and choose from options. Do.

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below your definition of success, and the steps you’ll now take to achieve it.

Kaarina Dillabough, Amaranth, Ontario

Kaarina is a business/life coach living in Ontario, Canada. For over 25 years her high-voltage energy, expertise and experience has inspired those she has worked with to reach beyond their grasp, to attain great things in business and in life. A former Olympic sports colour commentator and coach, Kaarina parlayed her coaching skills from the gym floor to the boardroom, working with business owners to improve their profitability and prosperity. In doing so, she has seen people grow both personally and professionally. Kaarina is known as an inspiring motivational speaker in areas such as branding, marketing, business growth strategies, and personal growth and prosperity. She is a passionate, seasoned coach and accountability partner with a proven track record, who loves nothing more than helping people achieve their goals in business and in life. Check out her Blog or follow her on Facebook or Twitter. Email contact: kaarina (at) kaarinadillabough (dot) com

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(16) Readers Comments

  1. January 22, 2013 at 5:09 pm

    How very timely for me. When I knew a business decision would change how I earned money, I knew I had to invest in more learning that would also be a financial investment, too. I did it; I made the investment in time and $ so I could grow as a business owner and learn new skills required to compete in the online world.

    Status quo is no longer acceptable. Boredom and laziness set in which beget tired and depressed.

    When you work solo as I do, there’s no one to lift my spirits but me; I have to reinvent all the time and conquer the challenges that distract me. When I do, I can again be calm and at peace.

    • January 22, 2013 at 5:16 pm

      You, my #RockHot friend are the queen of reinvention, smart risk-taking and never “settling”. I admire that:) And if we don’t invest in ourselves, why would we expect our customers to do so?f Continuous, lifelong learning…making decisions and taking action…expanding and growing based on our customers’ needs and wants…all good things in business. And hey!…when you need a spirit-lifter, you know where to find me:) Cheers! Kaarina

  2. January 22, 2013 at 5:17 pm

    Kaarina, I like the focus on making a decision and taking the next step. Making a decision is where a lot of people fail. They think, think, think and never decide. Once a decision is made your point about “do something” is well taken. We don’t have to wait until we have the perfect plan. Decide + Act = Momentum.

    • January 23, 2013 at 12:13 am

      So true Dan. Our thoughts create our reality, but only if we act upon them:) Cheers! Kaarina

  3. January 22, 2013 at 7:51 pm

    DO. I love your emphasis on taking action, Kaarina!

    As long as you’re taking action on your vision everyday and never give up, you’re destined to accomplish it.

    Most folks give up on their dreams… It’s just too hard, too much to endure.

    It’s too bad, so many quit and give up when they’re so close to experiencing breakthrough like they’ve always dreamed of.

    There’s only one thing standing in the way of attaining the life you’ve always imagined, YOU… and overcoming the mental barriers to living it.

    Great guest post, Kaarina! : )

    • January 22, 2013 at 7:58 pm

      Thanks Mark:) If we actually did all the things that rattle around in our minds in to-do lists fashion (which you know I don’t believe in…I believe in WILL-do lists, because to-do lists never get tuh-dun!), we’d be in action all the time. However, most people only think of what needs to be done, without taking that first step toward its accomplishment.

      Always great to see you my friend:) Thanks for dropping by: your comments are always gold. Cheers! Kaarina

  4. January 22, 2013 at 8:51 pm

    Well, I don’t know for sure, but I certainly feel as if I am at step 3… again? Still?

    I have put myself out there in a way I haven’t yet, as a blogger and as the blogger FOR Pioneer Outfitters. I can certainly relate to Jayme, in that it is just me. The only bottom line I am to answer to is : “Is it making money?” Period. Nothing about the creation of a respectable website, and the mind-boggling, never ending maintenance and adjustments to it. Nothing about creating and publishing My Identity Crisis. Nothing about Alaska Chick’s Blog, our presence on PF, LinkedIn, G+, Twitter or Pinterest. Indeed, I am not sure that anyone related to Pioneer Outfitters, has read anything ON the website or anywhere else on the world wide web in over a year. I am truly on my own, following my own instincts of where technology is leading us.

    It is up to me… to prove this has (Our presence on the internet) deserved the absolute and incredible amount of time, astonishing effort to learning from two feet below dirt-ground level to the constant, STILL endless learning, listening, observing and struggling to adapt and put into practice…. yeah, I know. It all comes from me and down to me.

    Alaska Chick’s Blog’s 3rd Birthday is January 31st.

  5. January 23, 2013 at 12:18 am

    How wonderful that your 3rd birthday is just around the corner: may I be the first to say, Happy Birthday!

    You have invested an incredible amount of time, energy and resources, not to mention your indomitable spirit and soul into all you’ve done online, and with your book. At the end of the day, it’s all about answering the question: is this activity resulting in results?

    The online world is like a huge vortex that can suck us into its amazing, wild ride…we meet wonderful people, we learn, we contribute, but in the final analysis, we do have to ask ourselves: is it all worth it? What significant, beneficial difference am I making in the lives of my “customers”…how are they better having experienced what I have to offer than before?

    You know where to find me if you ever want to chat. Cheers! Kaarina

  6. January 23, 2013 at 10:53 pm

    Sales can be fickle like social at times, but right now I’m feeling pretty successful. However, it’s best to stay even keeled because along w/ the victories come defeats and disappointments as well. I’ve had some defeats that hurt me to the core but I have been able to do a good job of compartmentalizing the disappointments and moving on in search of the next opportunity.

    It’s the same in my personal relationships; I want to be positive and bring value to the interaction. I want people to feel good after they have been with me. It’s how you make them feel is what they will remember, right?

    Yes, I know people with more money, more friends, more this and that, but deep down I’m content and blessed and feel like if this is what success looks like for me then I’m perfectly ok with it.

    • January 23, 2013 at 11:25 pm

      “Sales can be ficklet like social at times”…so true. But you’ve made moves that have been best for you, online and off, and you are indeed a success. I do miss the banter however, Agent 86, and I hope that when I call the next #TeamBlogJack, you’ll find time to jump in and participate.

      I’m with you: I always say I lead a blessed life, despite and through the ups and downs, twists and turns. So many people keep their dreams in their heads, afraid to take that first step. Let’s keep stepping…me, in Snowshoes:) Cheers!

  7. January 24, 2013 at 5:32 am

    Thanks so much Kaarina! this is perfect. I facilitate a goal setting workshops for job seekers and I will be quoting you.

    • January 24, 2013 at 2:55 pm

      Nice to meet you Darlene, and thanks for your kind words. I post here monthly, so hope to see you here again. And if you’re so inclined to check out my blog and other social sites, they’re noted above. Cheers! Kaarina

  8. January 26, 2013 at 5:03 pm

    Your posts are always so precious to me, Kaarina. I always aim to be better this year than the previous year, and qualify as well as quantify it to make me accountable to myself and my family. My folks are great at bugging the ‘eck out of me if I tell them I have a deadline and I just love the way they do it. And so, I have a list of must-do’s for this year that align with my personal and professional life. I consider it just as important to let go of certain things, as add new ones to maintain the balance and keep my motivation levels high. For this year, I have certain specific absolutely must-achieve goals and I am happy to say I am on track.

    Thank you so much, as always, for being a great inspiration to me. Love, Vidya.

    • January 26, 2013 at 9:18 pm

      Thanks so much Vidya, for your kind words and for stopping by. I’ve been quite remiss in getting by to your site lately, but it’s not for lack of interest. Seems that it’s a time of juggling right now, as I pare down my priorities, decide and do. Looking forward to the Spring when we will meet in person…yay! Cheers! Kaarina

  9. January 26, 2013 at 6:34 pm

    Love! “Decide. Identify and choose from options. Do.” It’s not any more complicated than that but we are so often befuddled and bamboozled by the idea of setting goals, making changes and figuring out what to do next. Wait, it’s not just me, right? I’m hanging that one on the wall over my desk!

    • January 26, 2013 at 9:20 pm

      I’m delighted that you found my “Decide.Identify and choose from options.Do” to be of benefit. And once you’ve got that reminder hanging on your wall over your desk, how about taking a photo of it and sharing it with me? I’d love to see it. Cheers! Kaarina