You Can't Be A Success Without Knowing What You Really Want

Some people seem to achieve success very easily. There are many different reasons for this. One reason is that these people understand what makes them happy. As simple as it sounds, a person who recognises their own wants and needs has a terrific insight into what motivates them. This is an enormous advantage, whatever the task at hand.

If you've ever been in a position of having to encourage a co-worker to put in a few extra hours, or to get your child to take some unpleasant medicine, you'll understand this: it's much easier to motivate someone that you know well. You understand what appeals to them. You know what "buttons" to press to get the result you want.

But do you understand yourself and your own motivations well enough? Or are you limiting your chances of success because you haven't spent any significant time looking at your inner driving forces? Where does your self motivation come from?

All of us (at least occasionally) have to do something that really doesn't appeal to us, yet we know it has to be done. Someone who knows themselves well can create a mental picture of what the end result will mean to them. This allows them to see past the immediate unpleasantness of the task at hand (getting up early to exercise, or devoting an extra hour's preparation to polishing up a presentation) and look forward to reaping the rewards of the effort they need to put in.

Are you among the great majority of people who just don't understand themselves all that well? These are people who might be doing reasonably well in a career but lack the "push" to reach the top of that profession. People who find it hard to get fired up about just about anything. Even things that could significantly improve their personal situation. Often, they are simply too busy with their work or looking after their kids or their aging parents. And they haven't taken time out to assess their own situation. They can't see where they are unconsciously heading. It's probably not where they would want to go, if they actually spent any time thinking about it.

If any of this sounds like it might fit you - ask yourself a few simple questions. And write down the answers.

1. Are you happy with your life, right now?

Seriously, take a moment to ask yourself the question and write down the answer before you read on. Then I'll give you what I think is a pretty good answer.

Whatever your circumstances are, look for the good stuff, however deep it's hidden. Then at least you can say "I'm happy about ..." This is very important. You see, believing you are happy, even if only about one small part of your life, can increase your overall happiness. Too often, we take for granted what we really should appreciate and celebrate. Good health, friends, a place to call home, an unexpected kind gesture from a stranger .... I really do recommend you take the time to look for these little joys in your life. Counting our blessings is perhaps the best way we can spend our odd spare moments.

2. Are you happy with your appearance?

Again, first think about what you are happy about. Then you can go on to consider what you might like to do if you want to make yourself more attractive. The purpose of this exercise is that if you can see yourself as attractive, it can be a great boost to your confidence. And self confidence is a real asset, whatever you are trying to achieve. But while you're at it, if you have a leaning to lose some weight or tone up a bit, take a moment to form a plan to make that happen.

2. What do you really want to have, be or do?

This is the biggie. "What do you want to do when you grow up?" We ask children this all the time. We encourage their hopes and dreams. But do we give ourselves the same encouragement, or even the opportunity to think about it, then actually answer the question? The thing is, you set your own limits. The world is your oyster. Will you give yourself a chance to find a dream - and follow it?