Behind every high achiever is another high achiever who has served as a Mentor. To achieve the same results, the “disciple” must come to know the Achiever’s thoughts, attitudes, and actions well enough to duplicate them. Role models provide the inspiration, style, example, and strategy for successful achievement. Based on studies of hundreds of successful achievers, here are 10 proven characteristics of a self-disciplined achiever.
1. A STRONG SENSE OF PURPOSE – You must know exactly where you want to go, where you are going and a strong commitment to take the necessary steps towards that destination. You will not allow anything to slow you down, stop you or change your direction.
2. LOOK FOR POSITIVE MENTORS – Inspirational role models provide examples of hard work and consistent effort (paying the price) to achieve the desired goal. They can also provide assistance and encouragement during the process for the disciple. Call them for advice and inspiration. Once you have achieved some success, become a role model for someone else. You will probably learn as much as they do in the process.
3. A RICH SENSORY VISION (IMAGINATION) – You don’t see things as they are and wonder ‘why’, but rather you visualize things as they can be and wonder ‘why not’. You visualize the result and how the achievement of the goal will be. You may find it easier to visualize your goals if you cut out the pictures from magazines and place them on poster board in front of your desk. Seeing them daily will lift you up and help motivate you.
4. POSITIVE SENSORY ORIENTATION – Failure is NOT an option, and NOT a recognizable experience. Your past “failures” just become an excuse not to try again. You must focus on a positive security that sees everything that is done as a movement towards the goal. If you can see it, it will be true to your mind and you will achieve it. Your mind does not know the difference between visualization and reality. That’s why your dreams at night seem so real.
5. BELIEVE IN GOD AND YOURSELF: You must have confidence in God, in yourself, and in your innate (God-given) belief of “I can do it” that seeks to find ways in which any given task can be accomplished. If you think you can do it, it will only be a matter of time before you do. If you feel like you can’t do it alone, ask for help.
Friends, family, college, and prayer have always worked for me.
6. ABILITY TO PLAN AND ORGANIZE – Set your priorities. See your goals not only for making money, but also what you want to do with that money. Take a methodical approach by breaking it down into a step-by-step process, with a detailed game plan. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!! Check your progress regularly to make sure you’re on the right track.
7. ABILITY TO ACQUIRE NECESSARY LEARNING AND SKILLS: You must have a commitment to educate yourself (equip yourself) with the necessary knowledge and applications related to goal achievement. Your education and experience will never stop. Continue to gain more knowledge daily. Take 30-60 minutes out of your schedule every day for self-improvement.
8. KNOW THE VIRTUE OF PATIENCE – Don’t be intimidated by time. He realizes that time is immaterial, not an enemy, but an ally, a friend. Achieving your goals is more than half the fun! Enjoy the process of successes and setbacks. Learn from each of them. Take the time to enjoy your small achievements. This will go a long way in keeping you going long-term and help you achieve your goals.
9. PERSISTENCE – Perseverance! Don’t give in to persecution or setbacks. You need to develop perseverance despite rejection or negative opinions. Be slow in pursuit of the goal. Have a stubborn determination despite all the odds.
10. SENSE OF PLEASURE / PLAY IN RELATION TO WORK – Being genuinely excited about your goals. Be interested in learning. Have a primary source of pleasure on the journey toward goals, with appropriate rewards for reaching certain milestones along the way. It has to have the element of fun to give it importance and lasting meaning. Don’t take yourself too seriously. You’ll wear yourself out too quickly. Remember that this is a lifelong change.
