Introduction
When you want something badly, you pursue it with energy and intensity. You want to accomplish your goal so much that you almost (almost!) don’t care about the obstacles and people in your way. I’m a fan of that attitude toward success. We all have an amazing path to success and opportunity in front of us.
The only thing separating us from our goals is ourselves — second-guessing, naysayers, etc. Some people seem to achieve their goals effortlessly while others constantly put themselves down or have a constant stream of self-doubt flooding through their minds.
Here are three rules to live by that have guided my success and the success of several others who are on their way to becoming successful entrepreneurs too. This article will also tell you what’s missing.
Rule #1: Have a powerful “why”
If there’s one thing that separates successful entrepreneurs from the pack, it’s their ability to motivate themselves. When you have a powerful “why” that drives your business, you will be able to overcome any obstacle.
In his best-selling book, “The Lean Startup,” Eric Ries describes a powerful technique for starting or growing a startup called ‘Build-Measure-Learn’. The idea is that you should build something quickly (with a minimum viable product), measure its performance against your goals, then learn and adapt based on what you learn.
Section: Rule #3: Don’t let the naysayers get to you.
Business is tough, but it’s even tougher when you let other people get under your skin. There will be times when people tell you that what you’re doing won’t work, or that they don’t like your product or service. They may even try to discourage you from pushing forward with your idea. But don’t listen to them!
Rule #2: Keep promises, especially to yourself
You’ve probably heard the saying, “A man is only as good as his word.” It’s true. People who are honest and reliable are much easier to trust than those who aren’t. And when you break a promise, even if it’s just a small one, people will lose confidence in you.
The same goes for your business: If you tell customers or investors that they’ll get something by a certain date and then fail to deliver on time, they’ll be disappointed—and maybe even upset enough to take their business elsewhere next time around.
Rule #3: Don’t let the naysayers get to you.
Business is tough, but it’s even tougher when you let other people get under your skin. There will be times when people tell you that what you’re doing won’t work, or that they don’t like your product or service. They may even try to discourage you from pushing forward with your idea. But don’t listen to them!
Takeaway
It’s hard to be successful when you’re busy chasing success. Entrepreneurs who are continuously trying to think up the next great idea, or who are always looking for ways to improve their business, often get stuck in a perpetual cycle of never finishing what they need to finish in order to have time to work on their projects and new ideas.
Take the time while things are quiet to set aside what needs to happen this week. Then take the time after that when you’re done with your list. The world will still be there waiting for you when it’s time.
