Finding success

CEBU, Philippines - Another batch of young people has just graduated college. Many of them are now trying to join the workforce. And all of them – those already looking for jobs as well as those who feel they still need some time to relax their minds – need to know what it takes to succeed in this day and age.

Parents and grandparents often tell the young that “times have changed”. And they’re right – although they mean differently, which is that today’s generation is losing the cherished values of its elders. But, really, times have changed. The competition in the job market today is much fiercer than in the time past.

Sadly, today’s young graduates seem to lack the assertiveness and determination to get a job, unlike in the generations past. Those that are able to find work don’t prosper quickly enough or don’t even stay long enough to grow in their positions. Many of them do not have the conscientious attitude to grow in their professions.

Perhaps the new graduates will benefit in taking to heart the following tried-and-tested “success” pointers:  

Have a sense of urgency. Do not dilly-dally on what you dream for in life. Time and opportunity will never wait for you. If you are slow, the go-getters will pass you by and grab the chance before you can even set your eyes on it.

You may feel you’re still young and have a lot of time before you. True – but you’re not the only one who’s young. Besides, you won’t get yourself somewhere better with that kind of mindset. The other, more assertive young people will get to the finish line before you can even get on your feet.

So get up now and get going.

Give your job your best. If you’re lucky to get yourself a job, do it like you’re life depended on it. Master it before even thinking of what you’re getting out of it. At this point in your professional life, you’re still a bud, and it still takes some time before you can expect to bear real fruits. 

This job is still very much part of your process of education. Keep learning, for this is now the real thing. Learn proper work ethics; learn how to do the job better, faster.  Prove to yourself – and, well, to your employer too – that you are the right pick for the job.

Keep this kind of attitude towards your work, no matter how high in the professional ladder you reach. It will keep you moving upwards, always.

Relish every success attained. So long as you did not unjustly grab the chance from anyone, you deserve every success you have attained. No matter how slight the accomplishment, think that you may not have made it if you didn’t do anything. You don’t have to brag about it, though; as you don’t have to apologize for it, either.

Acknowledge and feel good about your every success. It is going to work like fuel to fire you up in your upcoming endeavors. And you are likely to succeed more and bigger.

Even if you had to compete with others in order to attain something, do not feel guilty for winning. If you played a fair game and played it well, so that’s the way it is. Let the others gain by emulating your example. And so your rising tide will raise all boats.

Pay yourself first. Allocate a portion of your income into investments or saving accounts before it goes to other things. Instead of settling only with leftovers after all other expenses have been covered, put away your savings first.

Your financial equation should be: income – savings = expenses. Expenses have a naughty habit of claiming whatever money is there. So, money for savings should be tucked away fast, before expenses could set its eyes on it.

And your savings should be touched only in matters of life and death. Once it’s stashed away, forget like it wasn’t there in the first place.

Take care of yourself. You don’t have to lose yourself in the love of family and friends. You need to personally look after your wellbeing, especially your health. Your being in top shape is your best gift to your loved ones.

Have a regular schedule for physical exercise. Live a healthy lifestyle. Do not take personal ailments for granted. Treat yourself every now and then, whether alone or with dear company.

And always have some money for an emergency. Try not to over-stress yourself in the event when you badly need to take care of something and there’s no money to allow you act. Have a plan for the unexpected.

Know whom to listen to. There are times when you need a sounding board for your thoughts or a source of sound advice. Surround yourself with people who you can count on. Have people with the integrity and wisdom to deal with you honestly.

It means you need to have true friends. It is said that friends are people who don’t want to displease you and tell you only what you want to hear. But true friends are people who are willing to risk your friendship by telling you the truth.

True friends are indeed hard to come by. Often you need to be one to find one.

Learn to handle criticism well. No matter how much you try, you can hardly please everybody. There are always those who read you the wrong way. And it’s not easy dealing with criticism.

When criticisms are hurled at you, think that your critics may only be expressing their uninformed opinions of you.  Or think that those harsh words are not really about you – but about them. For it could be that your critics are just jealous souls who agonize over every bit of blessing that go to others.

Know yourself well, and you won’t need others to tell you who or what you are.    

Keep learning. The education you get at school is only the beginning. It is intended to launch you into the bigger learning arena called life. Learn to improve your performance on your job, attend a seminar, read good books, listen to wise men, be observant of life around you.

And listen to your inner voice. It is the source of all wisdom, but is seldom heard amid the ‘noise’ of living. Relax, be quiet, empty your mind – and just listen. You will hear more in silence than in listening to the voices of the world.

Most of the moments of great illumination known to mankind have occurred in silence. So find a time to be still and listen well. Enlightenment might just be one quiet moment away, for you. (FREEMAN)