At some point in your life, you probably adored a celebrity or someone with an established and notable socio-economic status. Having idols or celebrities you look up to can be extremely beneficial to your individual growth because it can help you to see the reality of achieving your goals, needs and wants. The stories of legends like Oprah, Colonel Sanders, Jeff Bezos, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion amongst others all have similar characteristics. Many times, we look at the end product which is typically success, but not the journey to success. What holds great value and can serve as lessons and reminders for you and your development is reviewing the actual pathway to success.
Humanizing these celebrities can help you realize that your dream house, dream car and dream lifestyle is achievable. Just like you and I, these individuals sleep, eat and breathe. They have parents, siblings and friends. They have likes and dislikes. They have faced hardships and probably ask themselves the same questions we ask ourselves. "How can I become successful?" In my opinion, accepting that these individuals are people just like you can help to remove the halo effect they have on us and largely society. We can strive to look at their journey and use it as inspiration and motivation to achieving our goals rather than thinking of them in a superior light. Whatever goal you have you can achieve it, all it takes is some Hard work, dedication and consistency. You never really know when your big break will come or how it will happen. The most important thing is to keep an open mind and never lose your zeal. Try to understand and accept that everyone walks a different path in life especially when it comes to what they consider to be "Success".
If you have a goal of one day buying your dream car or even living a life similar to that of someone you look up to. Think about them as a mentor, what are some important characteristics that they have that you think you can work on for yourself. This could be innovation, problem solving skills, being more open minded or even learning to accept Failures and then moving on from them productively. It is normal to admire someone in a positive light, their bulb shines on them for a reason. Let’s think about how you can install a socket, screw in a light bulb and then turn YOUR light on so that it can shine on you.
How can you work on your own journey to success , overcoming your struggles, chasing your dreams and being the best version of YOU?
Remember on this site, SELF stand for Success through Empowerment, Learning and Facilitation. Never take other people’s story for granted, never underestimate your potential, power and the successes you can achieve in life. The most important thing is to never stop working on yourS.E.L.F.
Here are some tips to jumpstarting your journey...
Meditate on the things you want to achieve in life.
Meditation can be hard especially if you get distracted easy. But meditation is not necessarily humming and repeatedly saying what you want. It can be finding your version of peace whether sitting in a park alone, reading a chapter from a book you like and then reflecting before going into you wants for yourself. Talk to yourself (or write) about the things you want.
Devise a plan of action
If anything, Covid-19 has taught us that things do not always go as planned. However, having a plan of action can serve as a good reminder for yourself as to what you want your goals to be. I would recommend removing a timeline just so that you don't feel overwhelmed by not meeting your deadlines.
Talk to/Find a circle
Having a trusted circle can help your journey if they are people who you love and trust to hold you accountable and provide constructive criticism to your actions. These individuals can be likeminded associates, friends, your parents or even your siblings. From my own experience, I can genuinely say that having people who understand you and your goals helps to make a difference especially when you are facing a failure.(say it with me)
YOU NEVER HAVE TO FACE FAILURE ALONE NOR SHOULD YOU BE EMBARRASSED BY IT.
Manifest it!
Not everyone believes in manifestation and if you don't that is ok. Manifesting your goals and dreams can have a positive effect on your mood and your overall attitude. Remind yourself that you are deserving of all that is fruitful and positive.
Adjust your attitude
Let’s develop some GRIT. Grit is defined by the Online Merriam Webster dictionary (2021) as being courageously persistent. We all face disappointments in life. But what is most important is what you do after the disappointment. No matter how many times you get knocked down. NEVER stop getting up.