How to win in the business world
Winning in the business world requires a combination of passion, unwavering commitment, strategic planning, and building trust through consistency. Success hinges on adopting a growth mindset to overcome challenges, conducting thorough market research, fostering innovation, and building a strong, values-aligned team. Megan and Coleem decided to collaborate on this article – the following principles initially introduced in one of his recent social media posts. All of which fall into the category of “simple but not easy.” Here are ten simple truths everyone needs to know about winning in business and life in general:
1 – The person on top of the mountain didn’t land there by accident.
We have a tendency to celebrate the monumental successes of others with a healthy blend of admiration and mild jealousy while conveniently overlooking the pain and suffering they endured while translating their effort into accomplishment. As Bruce Lee famously said, “Do not pray for an easy life. Pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” Pay your dues.
2 – Most people overestimate (AND underestimate) what they can achieve.
Bedros’ philosophy is that people often overestimate what they can accomplish in a given year, and underestimate what they can achieve in five years. Plans often look better on paper than when they come under fire. And “no plans survives first contact with the enemy.”
Preparation and planning for contingencies can be far more valuable than the initial plan itself. The road to success is often peppered with detours and potholes which force timelines and game plans to be adjusted based on the setbacks that you’re sure to encounter. Like anything worth pursuing in life, you must put in the time, pay your dues and do the work.
3 – Leadership is always the problem, yet always the solution.
Leading in the dynamic and volatile world of modern business (and life) is challenging enough –now more than ever in this current environment of complexity and ambiguity. In SEAL training and combat, we learn quickly to adapt in dangerous high-stress situations. And while the world of business and entrepreneurship may not always be life and death – though it feels like it sometimes – it ALWAYS comes back to leadership, which can be categorized in two simple ways: effective and ineffective. You’re either accomplishing the mission, or you’re not.
4 – The two most significant factors to success or failure are Thoughts and People.
We are the architects of our own beliefs, the actions we take (or don’t), and the results those decisions deliver. But the two most profound elements impacting our success, or lack thereof, are the thoughts we allow to consume us, and the people we surround ourselves with. The good news is that both are completely within our control.
And since we know that our actions are influenced by our thoughts, then it makes sense to assume that negative news, gossip and external factors can have significant power over us, if we allow them to. That also goes for the people that you surround yourself with. Make no mistake about it, negative people will fill your mind with thoughts of doubt and failure. So, eliminate them. Not literally. You know what I mean.
5 – Mind and body are intimately connected.
According to Bedros, our bodies are a direct reflection of the thoughts coursing through our minds. Hence, number four above. I completely agree. Mental and physical wellness have a direct impact on our ability to make levelheaded decisions, increase productivity, manage stress and anxiety, and lead ourselves and others. Not to mention fitness and clean living are powerful tools for developing mental fortitude and discipline. And discipline paves the way to happiness and fulfillment. Why? Because disciplined people achieve more of their goals, make time to serve others, and don’t waste time on activities that don’t align with their values.