While it’s true that there is no fixed path to success and each person’s path may differ from another’s, there are certain traits that have proven to be an undeniable catalyst to success. Sanjana Parikh finds out what these are

In competitive times like today, there is no straight line to success. Unforeseen circumstances, changing economic climate and dwindling demands have made the path to success laden with twists and detours. So in order to achieve success, hard work, although important, is no longer enough. A combination of intelligence, determination and destiny is required to make the magic happen Goal setting

It may seem like a no brainer, but setting goals is the primary step on the path towards success. Just having a goal in mind is no good. Experts suggest that one should clearly define their goals and note them down on a piece of paper. No matter how large or small your goal, it is advisable to jot down each and every goal and place it at a visible location. This way, you will be reminded of all the things you want to achieve every day.

Social Media: Boon or Bane?

Social media is a double edged sword. On one hand it can throw up creative ideas that can inspire you and on the other hand, it can lead to unfair comparisons. Due to instant access to a stranger’s life, we are constantly in competition with people who could be on a totally different path than ours. Social media only highlights achievements and successes but fails to show the tough journey behind it. It can also be an unnecessary distraction that leads to wastage of time.

Start Early

Every successful entrepreneur begins their day at the crack of dawn. Early risers have been proven to achieve a lot more than late risers as they take advantage of the positivity an early morning brings. It keeps the mind fresh and active and can be used to get in some exercise as well. After all, early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.

Pareto Principle

One of the most useful principles for success is the Pareto Principle. It is based on the fact that most things in life are unevenly distributed, thus striking the right balance will lead to success. The principle states that 80 per cent of the wealth of a nation is contributed by 20 per cent of its population. Likewise, 20 per cent of input generates 80 per cent of the output so the focus should be on the 20 per cent that gives value. This principle can be applied to every businessman in any field as it helps him focus on value and not get caught up in mundane details.

Read Read & Read

Knowledge is truly power and the best way to amass knowledge is through reading. No matter what your field is, it’s important to have thorough knowledge regarding current events, industry news and future prospects. Armed with knowledge, you can easily navigate the direction of your journey and achieve your goals. Microsoft founder Bill Gates is known to have set aside 1 hour per day before his bedtime exclusively for reading. Albert Einstien and Barrack Obama have also been known to be book lovers.

Heart over Head

The legendary battle between head and heart has polarized crowds for a long time. At some point in the arduous journey to success, the mind shuts down and heart needs to take over. A successful individual is one who is able to make the decision to either follow logic or trust their gut instinct and end up achieving their goals.

Build a Network

Fast paced times call for collaboration over competition. A successful person is one who understands that every person he/she meets has something new to teach and will try to glean knowledge from them. Successful people make space in their calendars for networking events, community initiatives and other social programs so that they can expand their networks and build a community.

Prepare for Failure

Just like the sun cannot exist without the moon, there cannot be success without failure. An indispensible roadblock to success, it’s how you handle failure that defines the extent of your success. History has been peppered with examples of entrepreneurs who have encountered failure after failure but their grit and determination has kept them going resulting in becoming world famous individuals in their respective fields. A good rule of thumb is, “Never take failure to your heart and don’t let success get to your head.”

Take Risks

No great invention, no great business or no great accomplishment has ever been achieved by playing it safe. For any individual to be successful there has to be some risk involved. Only an enterprising, dynamic individual with the capability of tackling challenges will make it big. It’s as simple as the saying, greater the risk; greater the reward

Exercise

No amount of intelligence, hard work or talent can pay off if the body is not healthy. In order to maintain a healthy body, exercise is a must. Experts suggest that daily exercise releases endorphins which trigger positive feelings in your brain. This will help maintain a productive mindset while keeping diseases and ailments at bay. It is advisable to set aside minimum 30 minutes per day for any form of exercise.