Influential people are quoted all the time and held up as examples of how we can learn from their guidance and achieve success. Steve Jobs is a prime example. This week alone many articles referenced Steve, his style, approach, lessons and words of wisdom.
Yes Steve Jobs, Rod Drury, Arianna Huffington, Kate Shepherd etc are impressive people. They achieved outstanding success in commercial terms, they changed industries and beliefs, re-designed and shaped the way we think, work and live our lives today. Their lessons are inspiring and we can learn a lot from them.
However in addition, I for one, would love to hear more real stories about the other 99% of the world who lead by example, change the world and drive high performance every day. The ones that, within their sphere, make days, weeks and months, workplaces and lives, better. These are the people that make the world go round. We can’t all be the next Steve Jobs, but we can all make a difference.
On a very personal note, the person that always inspired me and helped me develop my potential was my Dad. Sadly, he passed away late last year unexpectedly at 55 and not a moment goes by where I don’t miss him, and feel so grateful for the examples and lessons he taught me. Here are a few that I would like to share as they are tried and true lessons for living a happy, successful life.
Back yourself. It’s your job to have an unshakable belief in your goals, and your capabilities. Success is what you choose it to be. You have to make the choice to take the leap and trust it will work out, If you aren’t prepared to back yourself, how can you expect others to? Set yourself up for success on your terms, plan and prepare well. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and support you, and appreciate them!
Invest in yourself. Experiences, lessons, training and travel are all investments in your development – don’t hesitate to spend your resources here. You won’t get ahead if you wait for someone to tap you on the shoulder and ask if you’d like some training and development – seek it, ask for it, and invest in it for yourself.
It doesn’t matter how far you get off track, it matters how quickly you recognise this and get back on. I know, he might have borrowed this one, but over the years, this has been a wonderful piece of advice and for those “occasional” times I’ve headed off track, he always asked what the lesson’s beena and what’s needed to get back on track. We all get a little lost or distracted, or caught up in other things. We know when we have drifted and when we acknowledge it, draw the line in the sand, and head toward the right track as soon as you can.
Be nice to people. He used to say he was ‘too soft’ with people, especially difficult staff – he wasn’t, he cared and he liked to have great relationships with all kinds of people. He knew that really, business isn’t about a product. profit or a mission statement, its about people. I am so proud of this and grateful to have had it instilled in me also.
I’d love to hear who has inspired you, and what lessons they shared that have influenced you?
