Post | October 2016 | News | 5 min read
9 Signs You're Going to Be Successful in Whatever You Do
We all define success differently. We all should define it differently (and here's why). Yet, at the same time, highly successful people share a number of common traits and attitudes. They're willing to face vulnerability, emotional ups and downs, and the risk of public and private failure. They want to succeed on their terms-and they aren't willing to accept a cap on their success. Here are nine ways to know if you have what it takes to be successful:
1. You Enjoy Succeeding Through Others
Talent is obviously important, but the ability to work together, check egos at the door, and make individual sacrifices when necessary is the only way any team succeeds. That spirit can exist only when it comes from the top. And that's why successful people focus on the individual rather than the position, the team rather than the hierarchy, and most importantly, gaining happiness and success from the happiness and achievements of others.
2. You Don't Make Choices-You Create Choices
Most people simply choose from column A or column B. People on the path to success often skim through A and B and then create their own column C. As Jon Burgstone says, "Every time you want to make any important decision, there are two possible courses of action. You can look at the array of choices that present themselves, pick the best available option, and try to make it fit. Or, you can do what the true entrepreneur does: Figure out the best conceivable option and then make it available." And that's why entrepreneurs often accomplish the inconceivable-because to successful people, that word truly doesn't mean what everyone else thinks it means.
3. The Voice in Your Head Is Louder Than Every Other Voice You Hear
Others may doubt. Others may criticize. Others may judge and disparage and disapprove. You don't care. You see all those opinions for what they are: not right, not wrong, just data. So you sift through that data for the actual nuggets you can use. The rest you ignore. Why? You may respect the opinions of others, but you believe in your ideas, your abilities, your will and perseverance and dedication. You believe in yourself. And that makes you want to live your life your way, and not anyone else's way.
4. You Believe That How You Play the Game Really Is More Important Than Whether You Win or Lose
If you're on the path to success, you'd rather fail on your own terms than succeed on someone else's. You'd rather reach for your own future than have your future lie in someone else's hands. You feel it's better to burn out than to fade away. Sure, you want to win. You're driven to win. But, you want to change the rules, create your own playing field, and win the game you want to play-because winning a game when you're forced to play would still feel like losing.
5. You Don't Need to Be Disciplined, Because You Can't Wait to Do All the Things That Bring You Closer to Achieving Your Goals
Discipline often boils down to finding a way to do the things you need to do.Successful people can't wait to do the things they need to do. They have goals and dreams, and they know every task they complete takes them one step closer to achieving those things. That's why people on the path to success can have fun performing even the most mundane tasks. When there's a clear line of sight between what you do and where you want to go, work is no longer just work. Work is exciting. Work is fulfilling. Work, when it's meaningful and fulfilling, is living. And that's why.
6. You Don't Want to Simply Gain a Skill and Then Live a Routine
Some people work to gain a skill or achieve a position so they can relax, comfortable in their abilities and knowledge. They've worked hard and they're content. (That's not a bad thing; everyone's perception of accomplishment should be different.) People on the path to success hate the contentment an acquired skill brings. They hate the comfort an achievement affords. They see acquired skills as a foundation for acquiring more skills. They see achievements as platforms for further achievement. In short, they pay their dues, and they want to pay more dues. They look at themselves in the mirror and think, "OK, but what have you done for me lately?" And then they go out and do more.
7. You're a Fan of Other Successful People
Working for a large company is often a zero-sum game, because personal success usually comes at the expense of others. If you get promoted, someone else doesn't. If you get an opportunity, someone else doesn't. That's why it's really hard not to begrudge the success of others-it's hard to be genuinely happy for a co-worker when you're disappointed. On the other hand, successful people love when others thrive. They know the pie is big enough for everyone. (Forget the current pie; they're out there trying to make new pies.) Successful people see the accomplishments of others as exciting and inspirational, and as validation that creativity and hard work do pay off.
8. You're Willing to Start a Movement of One
We all like to belong, to feel we're kindred spirits, and that's why some ideas quickly gain a following and why great ones can become movements. Joining a crowd is awesome. But every movement starts with one person who dares to stand up, alone, unprotected, and vulnerable, and be different-to say what others aren't saying, to do what others aren't doing, to take a chance and accept the consequences. What makes people on the path to success so willing to take that risk?
9. You Think, "Why Not Me?"
Regardless of the pursuit, success is difficult to achieve. That's why we all fail sometimes. And when we do, it's easy to decide events were outside our control. It's easy to feel depressed and wonder, "Why don't I ever get the opportunities other people get?" or "Why aren't my friends more supportive?" or "Why can't I catch a break?" In short, it's easy to think, "Why me?" Truly successful people ask a different question: "Why not me?" That's why an entrepreneur will open a restaurant in the same location where other restaurants have failed: "They didn't succeed, but why not me?" That's why entrepreneurs will start a software company with nothing but an idea: "They may have deeper pockets and a major market share, but why not me?" People on the path to wealth don't assume others possess special talents or a gift from the gods. They see successful people and think, "That's awesome, and if she can do that, why not me?" Good question: Why not you? If you think about it, there is no real answer, because when you're truly willing not just to dream big but also to try incredibly hard, there are no reasons why you can't achieve it-at least no reasons that matter to you.
By Jef Haden of Inc.
Related Posts
Connecting Cultures Event | 14 March 2024
| News
Interview with Tetyana Benzeroual on Dutchbuzz, Den Haag FM 92.0
| News
![On 5 June 2023, Volunteer The Hague Project Manager Tetyana Benzeroual sat down with Professor Lucas Meijs for a wide-ranging interview on volunteer culture in the Netherlands, how internationals living here can make the most of their time volunteering, and the interesting concept of "hyphen volunteering." The transcript of that conversation can be found below. Lucas Meijs is a professor of “Strategic Philanthropy” at the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), Erasmus University. His current research focuses on issues related to strategic philanthropy, volunteer/non-profit management, corporate community involvement, voluntary energy as a natural resource, and involved learning (life-long development by volunteering). Professor Meijs has been an appointed member of the Raad voor Maatschappelijke Ontwikkeling, the official policy advisory body for the Dutch government and parliament. He regularly publishes on management issues in the philanthropic sector, as well as on volunteer work. He served two terms as the first non-American co-editor in chief of Nonprofit and Voluntary Action Quarterly, the academic journal of the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA). Tetyana Benzeroual: What are the benefits of volunteering for internationals in The Netherlands? Lucas Meijs: Volunteering is a very easy way to get connected with new people. We usually think about volunteering as a long term commitment - that you go every week to the same place. But there are many more short term options too! Especially these are very nice if you want to connect to your neighborhood. For example, you could participate in a monthly volunteering activity for a few hours and discover new and interesting places in The Netherlands while meeting new people. I like to tell my students that volunteering brings you places where you usually would not end up going. It might be a place you never thought of going to, like a food bank, but it's good to experience it occasionally and reflect on it. Next time, you could participate in organizing a big barbecue for kids in the neighborhood, which can be a fun and rewarding experience. So it's important to think about creating a "hyphen volunteering," where you gain something from the experience. It's not transactional but rather finding a win-win situation. It could be as simple as enjoying good weather or exploring a new part of the city. It's about looking for ways to make volunteering align with your interests and comfort zone. Sometimes you might push the boundaries a bit, but if you're doing it with friends or even a group of strangers, it becomes more fun. T.B.: Could you please tell us more about what you mean by the term “hyphen volunteering”? L.M.: When it comes to hyphen volunteering, what I mean is that volunteering connects to something in your agenda; in other words, it builds on to the activities and commitments you already have. In the U.S., for example, there are organizations like "Single Volunteers of DC," where people combine dating with volunteering. So, if dating is already part of your regular activities, you can make it an icebreaker by volunteering together. Family volunteering is another option, where you involve your friends or family in the volunteering experience. Think about connecting volunteering to existing plans or interests. [So] instead of seeing volunteering as something added to my already busy agenda, you can ask yourself, "What am I already busy with and how can I connect volunteering to it?" For example, there's a concept called "plogging," where you combine jogging or running with cleaning up your neighborhood. It's about finding ways to integrate volunteering into your already busy agenda. T.B.: We've observed that our audience of international volunteers can be divided into two categories: Those who are already employed and those who are searching for work. How can volunteering benefit these two groups? L.M.: For those who are already employed, volunteering offers an easy way to get out of their working bubble, to step outside of their work environment. It allows them to break free from their routine and engage with a wider community. We have a notable example of a Japanese organization in Rotterdam that was thrilled to support very local philanthropic causes because it gave their employees a chance to connect with people outside their business level. So let's use volunteering to make this a real multilevel international experience. If the working individuals only confine themselves to their own bubble, their international experience becomes superficial in place of a more authentic and meaningful international journey. For those who are unemployed, the role of volunteering differs slightly. Here, volunteering can serve three purposes. Firstly, it offers an opportunity to meet new people who can help with job searching. Try meeting new people, as many as possible. We call this the network function. Engaging in volunteer work that allows you to interact with a diverse network can lead to potential job connections. Secondly, volunteering helps individuals explore various sectors and gain insights into the job market in the Netherlands. By volunteering in different areas such as sports, healthcare, or working with children, they can assess which field aligns best with their interests and skills. We call it the experimental function. The third benefit is skills development. We call it "functional volunteering." Unemployed individuals can use volunteering to sharpen their abilities in a specific area. For instance, if someone has expertise in sports or a related degree, they can search for a weekly volunteering position in a community sports center to demonstrate their capabilities to potential Dutch employers. Combined volunteering offers a "signal function," which shows employers that the prospective employee, engaged with a relevant volunteer role, possesses the necessary skills and commitment. So, the whole combination into the signal function can greatly benefit those seeking employment. Experimenting with different opportunities, understanding what suits them, showcasing their skills through volunteering, and making connections can help them secure suitable employment. It's important to remember that even if a volunteering experience reveals a strong personal dislike for a certain activity, it's still a successful outcome. Being able to determine what doesn't work for you is just as valuable as finding something that does. Ultimately, it's about gaining self-awareness and making progress in your life journey. T.B.: How is volunteering in The Netherlands different from other countries? L.M.: Hmm, I think what is important here is that internationals do not compare volunteering as they know it from their own countries to The Netherlands and instead think of an activity they enjoy greatly. Once they know what makes them happy, then they can try to find this activity in the volunteer environment. There are volunteers driving at primary schools and sports associations, volunteers cleaning up all kinds of places, painting houses, collecting for the food bank, and cooking for vulnerable individuals. Whatever you think is a paid job, you most likely can find someone doing it unpaid as a volunteer in The Netherlands. Of course, correct training is expected as, for example, one cannot drive a car as a volunteer without a driver's license. Neither can this person drive a car for a paid position without proper licensing. In former communist counties, for example, volunteering is perceived by the older generation as forced, whereas the new generation sees it in a similar way as Western people do. If you come from The Netherlands, Belgium, or the Northern states, you see volunteering as active belonging to a community rather than just unpaid labor. They see volunteering as a team effort and an opportunity to build connections within a group. It's not just about doing work; it's about being part of a community. Americans see volunteering more as unpaid work and a slot filling in an assembly line where volunteers are replaced by other volunteers in line. In The Netherlands, we see volunteering much more as a team that builds together a car. But getting into the (Dutch) team is a bit of a struggle. To use an understatement. T.B.: This probably explains why internationals need to interview for volunteer positions, which comes as a surprise to many of them. L.M.: In the States, volunteers will be interviewed to assess if they can do the tasks. The difference with The Netherlands is that the main purpose of the interview is to assess if volunteers fit within the team. In fact, volunteers in The Netherlands are not expected to perform the same task over and over again. They become valuable members of the team who can take up their own projects and steer the course of their volunteer organization. This can make it challenging for internationals to integrate into volunteering activities, as they need to fit into the existing team dynamics. However, once they become part of the team, volunteering in The Netherlands offers flexibility and variety in terms of tasks and activities. T.B.: Any last words of wisdom for our international volunteers? L.M.: For international volunteers seeking positions, it's important to consider that they have the opportunity to become integral members of the organization and something bigger. This aligns well with the desire for learning and belonging that many internationals seek. Volunteering can help them find that sense of belonging within a specific group or organization. It doesn't necessarily require a weekly commitment, as once you become part of the team, there is flexibility in how often you contribute. It can be on a monthly or intermittent basis, depending on the volunteer's availability and preferences. Ultimately, volunteering offers the chance to find your sense of belonging and connect with a community that resonates with your interests and values. It's a valuable opportunity to be part of something meaningful and contribute to a greater collective. T.B.: Thank you for sharing your insights and expertise on volunteering in the Netherlands!](https://ik.imagekit.io/deedmob/o-prod/6897/3073103_1690235569431@1378x776.jpeg?auto=format&w=352&h=198&fit=crop&q=90)
![On 5 June 2023, Volunteer The Hague Project Manager Tetyana Benzeroual sat down with Professor Lucas Meijs for a wide-ranging interview on volunteer culture in the Netherlands, how internationals living here can make the most of their time volunteering, and the interesting concept of "hyphen volunteering." The transcript of that conversation can be found below. Lucas Meijs is a professor of “Strategic Philanthropy” at the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), Erasmus University. His current research focuses on issues related to strategic philanthropy, volunteer/non-profit management, corporate community involvement, voluntary energy as a natural resource, and involved learning (life-long development by volunteering). Professor Meijs has been an appointed member of the Raad voor Maatschappelijke Ontwikkeling, the official policy advisory body for the Dutch government and parliament. He regularly publishes on management issues in the philanthropic sector, as well as on volunteer work. He served two terms as the first non-American co-editor in chief of Nonprofit and Voluntary Action Quarterly, the academic journal of the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA). Tetyana Benzeroual: What are the benefits of volunteering for internationals in The Netherlands? Lucas Meijs: Volunteering is a very easy way to get connected with new people. We usually think about volunteering as a long term commitment - that you go every week to the same place. But there are many more short term options too! Especially these are very nice if you want to connect to your neighborhood. For example, you could participate in a monthly volunteering activity for a few hours and discover new and interesting places in The Netherlands while meeting new people. I like to tell my students that volunteering brings you places where you usually would not end up going. It might be a place you never thought of going to, like a food bank, but it's good to experience it occasionally and reflect on it. Next time, you could participate in organizing a big barbecue for kids in the neighborhood, which can be a fun and rewarding experience. So it's important to think about creating a "hyphen volunteering," where you gain something from the experience. It's not transactional but rather finding a win-win situation. It could be as simple as enjoying good weather or exploring a new part of the city. It's about looking for ways to make volunteering align with your interests and comfort zone. Sometimes you might push the boundaries a bit, but if you're doing it with friends or even a group of strangers, it becomes more fun. T.B.: Could you please tell us more about what you mean by the term “hyphen volunteering”? L.M.: When it comes to hyphen volunteering, what I mean is that volunteering connects to something in your agenda; in other words, it builds on to the activities and commitments you already have. In the U.S., for example, there are organizations like "Single Volunteers of DC," where people combine dating with volunteering. So, if dating is already part of your regular activities, you can make it an icebreaker by volunteering together. Family volunteering is another option, where you involve your friends or family in the volunteering experience. Think about connecting volunteering to existing plans or interests. [So] instead of seeing volunteering as something added to my already busy agenda, you can ask yourself, "What am I already busy with and how can I connect volunteering to it?" For example, there's a concept called "plogging," where you combine jogging or running with cleaning up your neighborhood. It's about finding ways to integrate volunteering into your already busy agenda. T.B.: We've observed that our audience of international volunteers can be divided into two categories: Those who are already employed and those who are searching for work. How can volunteering benefit these two groups? L.M.: For those who are already employed, volunteering offers an easy way to get out of their working bubble, to step outside of their work environment. It allows them to break free from their routine and engage with a wider community. We have a notable example of a Japanese organization in Rotterdam that was thrilled to support very local philanthropic causes because it gave their employees a chance to connect with people outside their business level. So let's use volunteering to make this a real multilevel international experience. If the working individuals only confine themselves to their own bubble, their international experience becomes superficial in place of a more authentic and meaningful international journey. For those who are unemployed, the role of volunteering differs slightly. Here, volunteering can serve three purposes. Firstly, it offers an opportunity to meet new people who can help with job searching. Try meeting new people, as many as possible. We call this the network function. Engaging in volunteer work that allows you to interact with a diverse network can lead to potential job connections. Secondly, volunteering helps individuals explore various sectors and gain insights into the job market in the Netherlands. By volunteering in different areas such as sports, healthcare, or working with children, they can assess which field aligns best with their interests and skills. We call it the experimental function. The third benefit is skills development. We call it "functional volunteering." Unemployed individuals can use volunteering to sharpen their abilities in a specific area. For instance, if someone has expertise in sports or a related degree, they can search for a weekly volunteering position in a community sports center to demonstrate their capabilities to potential Dutch employers. Combined volunteering offers a "signal function," which shows employers that the prospective employee, engaged with a relevant volunteer role, possesses the necessary skills and commitment. So, the whole combination into the signal function can greatly benefit those seeking employment. Experimenting with different opportunities, understanding what suits them, showcasing their skills through volunteering, and making connections can help them secure suitable employment. It's important to remember that even if a volunteering experience reveals a strong personal dislike for a certain activity, it's still a successful outcome. Being able to determine what doesn't work for you is just as valuable as finding something that does. Ultimately, it's about gaining self-awareness and making progress in your life journey. T.B.: How is volunteering in The Netherlands different from other countries? L.M.: Hmm, I think what is important here is that internationals do not compare volunteering as they know it from their own countries to The Netherlands and instead think of an activity they enjoy greatly. Once they know what makes them happy, then they can try to find this activity in the volunteer environment. There are volunteers driving at primary schools and sports associations, volunteers cleaning up all kinds of places, painting houses, collecting for the food bank, and cooking for vulnerable individuals. Whatever you think is a paid job, you most likely can find someone doing it unpaid as a volunteer in The Netherlands. Of course, correct training is expected as, for example, one cannot drive a car as a volunteer without a driver's license. Neither can this person drive a car for a paid position without proper licensing. In former communist counties, for example, volunteering is perceived by the older generation as forced, whereas the new generation sees it in a similar way as Western people do. If you come from The Netherlands, Belgium, or the Northern states, you see volunteering as active belonging to a community rather than just unpaid labor. They see volunteering as a team effort and an opportunity to build connections within a group. It's not just about doing work; it's about being part of a community. Americans see volunteering more as unpaid work and a slot filling in an assembly line where volunteers are replaced by other volunteers in line. In The Netherlands, we see volunteering much more as a team that builds together a car. But getting into the (Dutch) team is a bit of a struggle. To use an understatement. T.B.: This probably explains why internationals need to interview for volunteer positions, which comes as a surprise to many of them. L.M.: In the States, volunteers will be interviewed to assess if they can do the tasks. The difference with The Netherlands is that the main purpose of the interview is to assess if volunteers fit within the team. In fact, volunteers in The Netherlands are not expected to perform the same task over and over again. They become valuable members of the team who can take up their own projects and steer the course of their volunteer organization. This can make it challenging for internationals to integrate into volunteering activities, as they need to fit into the existing team dynamics. However, once they become part of the team, volunteering in The Netherlands offers flexibility and variety in terms of tasks and activities. T.B.: Any last words of wisdom for our international volunteers? L.M.: For international volunteers seeking positions, it's important to consider that they have the opportunity to become integral members of the organization and something bigger. This aligns well with the desire for learning and belonging that many internationals seek. Volunteering can help them find that sense of belonging within a specific group or organization. It doesn't necessarily require a weekly commitment, as once you become part of the team, there is flexibility in how often you contribute. It can be on a monthly or intermittent basis, depending on the volunteer's availability and preferences. Ultimately, volunteering offers the chance to find your sense of belonging and connect with a community that resonates with your interests and values. It's a valuable opportunity to be part of something meaningful and contribute to a greater collective. T.B.: Thank you for sharing your insights and expertise on volunteering in the Netherlands!](https://ik.imagekit.io/deedmob/o-prod/6897/3073103_1690235569431@1378x776.jpeg?auto=format&w=352&h=198&fit=crop&q=10&blur=200)
Exclusive Interview with Professor Lucas Meijs on Volunteering for Internationals & More
| News