10 Greatest Secrets To Success

Finding out what you love to do, developing the skills to do what you love very well, planning how to utilize your enthusiasm and skills, setting specific goals, working well with people and working hard are crucial to attaining success. However, many people who do all those things don't maximize their potential. You can reach your potential by learning successful people's secrets to success.

Saving Time

One of the greatest secrets to success is to accept good enough. This strategy is in "How to Make Better Decisions in Less Time," an essay by Swarthmore (Pa.) College psychology professor Barry Schwartz that was reprinted in the "Bottom Line Year Book 2006." Many people spend too much time, for example, trying to sell inexpensive products C and D to clients after selling them expensive products A and B. You need to accept that selling A and B was good enough and use your time more efficiently.

A second secret to success is to know when to second-guess yourself. You can make the world's greatest sales pitch and sell nothing. You need to know when you did something wrong and make the appropriate corrections, and when to spend minimal time reviewing your performance.

Another secret to success is to eliminate small obstacles, a recommendation by "Chicken Soup for the Soul" co-author Jack Canfield in "Seven Principles of Success and Happiness," an essay in "Bottom Line Year Book 2006." Canfield recommends listing problems and fixing the easiest ones first.

Seeking Help

A fourth great secret to success is to find successful people who want to assist you. "When you realize that someone isn't interested in helping you, don't waste any time and energy arguing," writes best-selling author Robert Ringer in "Secrets to Getting Things Done," an essay in "Bottom Line Year Book 2006."

Another secret to success is to ask for a challenging assignment that will give you an opportunity to showcase your skills. Ask as many pertinent people as possible. "One yes can cancel out 100 no's," writes Ringer.

A sixth secret to success is to ask as many influential people as possible for ideas and information. You might want to start a business. You think your idea will work, but knowledgeable people can tell you what products or services you should focus on, improve your business plan and help you attain financing.

A seventh secret to success is to ask successful people to help you attain your dreams. Networking is crucial for long-term success. "The people who will be able to help you in 10 years are not there (helping you) now," Alan Atkinson, the University of Delaware's Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships' Entrepreneur in Residence, told Delaware students on May 6, 2010.

Improving Yourself

An eighth greatest secret to success is to spend twice as much time listening as speaking. "You lose leverage if you monopolize the conversation," writes Martin Latz in "Get What You Want: Secrets from a Former White House Negotiator," an essay in "Bottom Line Year Book 2006."

Another secret to success is to tell people how much you appreciate their helping you. A letter can be more meaningful than a verbal compliment. "People are more likely to help you achieve your goal if they believe that you appreciate their efforts," writse Canfield.

A tenth secret to success is to learn more about one important topic each year. You need to be willing to take courses, even if your classmates are half your age. You can also teach yourself by studying and practicing something, such as how to use audio and visual presentation tools and software.