Secrets of Trailblazers You Can Use.
Through our company’s publication of the anthologies Dreaming Big, Being Bold that have both reached Amazon bestseller status, co-author Victoria Craig and myself have met and told the stories of an amazing group of trailblazers, visionaries and change makers.
These trend setters are counsellors, artists, authors, surgeons, musicians, health care professionals and educators among many others. Each person’s story is unique, and yet their courage crosses the borders of each chapter.
We took the time recently to analyze specific characteristics our super-achievers share in the hopes that it will inspire our blog readers to chart their own courses to success.
Here are six common traits trail-blazers share:
Number one: They work hard
You may have been expecting something more philosophical and less practical, but a reality of these trendsetters is that they are dedicated professionals who push themselves each and every day to take steps that move them closer to success.
They have all started businesses that work; then they have intensified their efforts and taken their companies to higher levels of achievement.
They build great teams, and they stand beside them, sleeves rolled up, shoulders squared, and their resolve visible in each step.
They find balance in their lives, but they still find minutes even on an off day to check their emails and make sure no client is left in the lurch.
They treat success like a wave, and as soon as one breaks over them, they are jumping on their boards to prepare for the next one.
Number Two: They want to make more than money
All of our super-achievers understand that for their business to be sustainable it needs to make a profit.
But as soon as you start to talk to them, it is evident that they want more out of their work than just to make money.
They want to make a difference. They want to fulfill their vision. They want to add value to the lives of their clients. They want to make the world just a little bit better.
This dedication to their ideals fuels their energy and passion and pushes them to their success.
Number Three: They do not persist without analysis
Our trailblazers are intelligent. If they try something and fail, they don’t just push on blindly hoping that if they do more of that same thing, they will succeed the next time.
They stop, analyze, and recalculate their course. They are like human global positioning systems (GPS) that hone in on their target and when they go off course, tell themselves whether they need to take a new exit or make a U-turn or abandon the route completely.
We marveled at the roads they have taken to get to where they are. Rarely were these straight-out-of-high-school or university destinations on a linear highway.
Their lives are lived encompassing the detours, the construction projects, and the wrong turns until they find their super-highways to success.
Number Four: They build great teams and connections
Not one of our trailblazers goes through life as an island.
They have team members, trusted advisors, loved ones, friends, and mentors. They appreciate the input of others and respectfully consider it.
They listen as much as they talk, to their clients, to their suppliers, and to their sales force.
Many give a great deal back to their communities through volunteer projects. As busy as they are, they are willing to reach out a helping hand to bring others along with them.
Number Five: They have no excuses
The dreamers and doers in our anthologies rarely had storybook childhoods or lucky breaks.
In fact, many had serious illnesses or endured the death of loved ones or betrayal of people they thought they could trust.
None of that shook their own sense of self-worth. None of those things became excuses.
They accepted life for what it is and adapted to new circumstances when they needed to.
At the same time, their understanding of the darker side of life often left them with a heightened sense of empathy that allows their clients to connect closely to them.
Number Six: They are open to change
Through their stories and through the times we worked together, we were consistently impressed at their ability to respond positively to change.
While others might reject new methods or philosophies, they listened with interest and considered whether new ideas would work within their lives and their businesses.
They were well-read in their fields and curious about other fields. They respected different points of view and considered them.
Paula Morand, CSP is a leadership building, revenue boosting, strategy expanding keynote speaker, author and visionary. This dreaming big and being bold leadership expert brings her vibrant energy, humor and wisdom to ignite individuals, organizations and communities to lead change, growth and bold impact. 23 years, 25,000+ clients, 19 countries, 13 books, former radio personality, 11x award winning entrepreneur and humorous emcee.
To check out Paula’s book, “Bold Courage: How Owning Your Awesome Changes Everything” go to Amazon http://ow.ly/i8yW307ix67
Speaking inquiries email bookings@paulamorand.com or call toll-free 1-888-502-6317.