Success—How High Achievers Accomplish Their Goals
By Ahmed Saadi (PhD, MBA, CEng)
15.11.2023
Accomplished individuals attain their objectives not due to their identity but owing to their actions.
Have you ever wondered why you are able to accomplish certain goals effortlessly, yet struggle with others? If this puzzle seems familiar, you are not alone. The common belief that our inborn talents solely drive our success is only a fragment of the bigger picture. In truth, decades of research indicate that the success in reaching goals lies not just in who we are but more critically, in our actions. Here is a distilled essence of various psychology studies offering four practical tips to set and achieve your objectives effectively.
It is not enough to have a vague idea of what you want to achieve. Specificity is key. For instance, a general goal to improve effective communication skills lacks clarity. Instead, aim for something concrete like, “I will respond to every email within one-working day.” This leaves no ambiguity about what you need to do and lets you easily track your progress.
In our busy lives, juggling numerous goals can lead to missed opportunities and sometimes a sense of overwhelming. The solution lies in meticulous planning. Do not just hope to find time; create it. For example, you might decide to dedicate 30 minutes at 9:00 AM. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for researching new sales leads. Studies have demonstrated that such planning can enhance your chances of success by up to three folds.
Many believe that intelligence and talent are fixed traits. This mindset can trap us in a cycle of trying to prove ourselves instead of developing new skills. Shift your focus to a ‘get better’ mindset. Concentrate on developing abilities rather than striving for unattainable perfection.
The more we try to suppress a thought, the more it dominates our mind. This principle applies to behavior as well. Instead of focusing on what not to do, concentrate on what to do. For instance, if you’re working on controlling your temper, make a plan like, “When I feel angry, I will take three deep breaths.” This approach can gradually erode the bad habit.
Remember, you do not have to transform who you are to become more successful. It’s your actions that define your success, not your inherent qualities. By focusing on these strategic actions, you can steer yourself towards achieving your goals more effectively.
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