Winning Ways
Winning Ways – John Carter
In view of the title of our business and this series of articles, it’s only right and proper that the first few words should be on the subject of achievement.
One of the many perks of working in training and development is the fact that we meet, get to know and work with some people who display outstanding personal attributes that have clearly led (or will lead) to excellence, success and high achievement.
Regardless of their gender, education, social background, race or the sector that they operate in, I’ve observed over the years that this group share many of the same traits. We’ll call them ‘winning ways’.
I don’t want to simplify this; there are clearly many paths that can be taken to achievement and, of course, ‘achievement’ means different things to each of us. However there are five common ‘winning ways’ that I’d like to share. They are interlinked and dependent on each other; so think of them like the circles on the Olympic flag. Add skills and knowledge (which is where Training to Achieve (UK) Ltd really comes to the fore) and long-term ’success’ beckons.
So here’s my personal take:
Goals - The high achievers all know where they are going and how they are going to get there, and in quite specific terms. Their goals are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-based – and create a context to their activity. They ‘build a bridge’ between their goal and their use of time. In our time management and workload juggling courses we promote the use of structured goal setting; however some are naturally strong in this area.
Desire and Passion – That said in some ways having the goal is the easy bit. Everyone has goals. It’s easy to decide that we’d like to lose weight or have a holiday home in Barbados. I’d quite like to be an Astronaut and/or win the 100 metres at the 2012 Olympics. But for us lesser mortals they are little more than day-dreams and nice-to-have’s. Do we bust a gut to achieve them? Usually not. If they happen then great – and if they don’t? Well, we’ll meander on. Whereas the high achievers have that inner desire, passion and focused determination to achieve their targets.
Work Ethic - The natural product of having the goal and the desire is a strong work ethic. Self-disciplined, self-motivated, when they are at work they work, and with a consistent high intensity.
Coping with setbacks and failure - However, no one enjoys unbridled success, day after day. We all have setbacks, failures and disappointments. That’s just part of life. The trick is in how we deal with them. I have a one-year old toddler who constantly gives me clues in how best to approach setbacks. Each day he falls over and takes a tumble, but he gets back on his feet and keeps going – and, day by day, he tumbles less often. High achievers have a similar approach. They view setbacks as no more than a temporary blip; their eyes are on the goal not the obstacles in the way.
Self-Belief - Finally, what certainly helps in dealing with setbacks is an unshakeable self confidence and self belief. The high achiever never loses that inner strength no matter what happens.
I present my five winning ways as no more than personal observations and food for your thought – but I for one try to benefit from my findings and follow the impressive qualities I see in others.
Certainly if there was a sixth winning way it would be a never-ending thirst for improvement. . They want to keep getting better and that is the perfect building block for learning. Which, rather conveniently, leads us full circle; because the main goal of Training to Achieve (UK) Ltd is to impart skills and knowledge so that a whole range of people and clients are helped to achieve what they want to achieve, both in and out of the workplace.
Copyright: John Carter
Training To Achieve (UK) Ltd.
Lansdowne House, 273 London Road, Stanway,
Colchester, Essex CO3 8LU
0845 165 6269 / 07739791242
© Training to Achieve (UK) Ltd
Did you like this?
March 10th, 2010 at 10:32 am
I really like when people are expressing their opinion and thought. So I like the way you are writing
March 10th, 2010 at 10:32 am
I am reading this article second time today, you have to be more careful with content leakers. If I will fount it again I will send you a link
March 13th, 2010 at 9:43 am
How you find ideas for articles, I am always lack of new ideas for articles. Some tips would be great
March 16th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Hi thanks for the feedback, we take a chance with our articles and if someone thinks it is good enough to inspire their copy then great! We’re flattered.
Winning Ways is all about the desire to win hence our article; we have a wide range of courses and personal development tips available on our site if you have a look around.
In terms of what ParchdoXa was saying the other day, we cast far and wide for ideas for articles, a wide reading list and some creative thinking is the answer for us!
Glad you are enjoying the blog, at Training to Achieve we are happy to help.
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Bye!
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Hi – It’s good to find such interesting stuff on the Web as I have been able to discover here. I agree with much of what is written here and I’ll be coming back to this website again. Thanks again for publishing such great reading material!!
April 27th, 2010 at 6:48 am
I really like when people are expressing their opinion and thought. So I like the way you are writing
April 27th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Greetings
Well, I was wondering but I guess the picture is complete now. Thanks God for your blog and the world wide web. Best Regards, Verderame Essie
So long!
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Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now. Keep it up!
And according to this article, I totally agree with your opinion, but only this time!
April 28th, 2010 at 8:41 am
Greetings
Well, I was wondering but I guess the picture is complete now. Thanks God for your blog and the world wide web. Best Regards, Verderame Essie
So long!
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