The Perfect Success Journey

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing more to take away. ­– Antoine de Saint-Exupery

I recently saw a video that tries to teach footballers how to take the perfect penalty. Out of curiosity for the word “perfect” I gave it my attention. Interestingly, it taught, in four minutes, what I consider pillar-principles that lead to success in any success journey. I felt I should share these principles here as you look to making significant progress in your success journey.

The first principle is practice. I often tell my students to learn as much examples as there can be in any subject because all examples are examination questions solved out. When you get extremely familiar with the examples the examination will not be a problem. The habit of practice is one of the biggest gift you can offer your success journey. Martin Perry, a confidence coach, says, “It's through preparation that you create the outcomes you want; through preparation you create future history.” I like the choice of his well-spoken words.

The second principle is simulating pressure. When demand is made of you it will not be made in the comfort of your room – reading table and cup of coffee setting. It would be made under the scrutinizing – sometimes pessimistic – eyes of skeptics. If you would produce great results irrespective of the environment you must learn to concentrate in chaos. Your perfect environment will not be so you must learn to do your stuff anyway and do it well. You can do this by introducing noise or distractions. To meet my goal, for example, of four outstanding articles every week for this blog I sometimes have to write in very noisy environment where I am distracted every five minutes. Introducing a deadline is another way of putting time-pressure on yourself as you practice.

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The third, and Finally you produce outwardly what you have captured inwardly. If you can see it within you can produce it without. Learn to visualize the outcome you desire. I visualize virtually every assignment I have – including this article. If practice is outward preparation, visualization is inner preparation. When you visualize the positive results you desire you program your system to attract them.