How to Become More Successful in Business and Life

How to Become More Successful in Business and Life

By Mark Wager

As a Leadership Coach, my role is to help people achieve their own version of success. This could mean earning a promotion, launching a new business, or simply building confidence. Success has many faces, and each individual’s journey is unique, requiring tailored guidance and strategies. However, some principles apply universally. In this article, I will share these insights with you, offering practical steps you can take to become more successful in both business and life.

Tip 1: Don’t Live Half a Life

Theodore Roosevelt once said:

“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”

This quote serves as a reminder that it’s better to live a life filled with ambition, dreams, and the risk of failure than to settle for a life of mediocrity and comfort. We often deceive ourselves into thinking we’re maximising our potential when, in truth, we may be holding back. Fear of failure or discomfort keeps us in our comfort zone, where everything is familiar but unchallenging.

To break free from this, you must be willing to pursue goals that stretch you beyond your limits. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what you think is possible. For example, if you have a business idea that excites you but also scares you, that’s often a sign you’re on the right path. Don’t live a half-life, waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment—embrace the possibility of failure, learn from it, and grow stronger because of it.

Tip 2: Get Specific, Very Specific

Lawrence J. Peter wisely noted:

“If you don’t know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else.”

Imagine planning a trip without a destination—your journey would be aimless. The same principle applies to success. When you set vague goals like ‘I want to be successful’ or ‘I want to be more confident,’ you lack a clear direction. Instead, break down your ambition into tangible, measurable goals. For instance, if you’re aiming for a promotion, ask yourself the following questions:

• What are the job responsibilities?

• What skills and qualifications are required?

• What experience do I need to gain?

• Who can I connect with in the company to better understand the role?

The more details you have, the clearer your strategy will become. Visualise the end goal as vividly as possible. If you’re starting a business, picture your product, your ideal customer, and the value you’re offering. Make the goal so specific that when you describe it, it feels like it’s already within your grasp.

Consider writing down your goals and breaking them into smaller, actionable steps. This exercise not only provides clarity but also gives you a roadmap to follow. Research has shown that those who write down their goals are significantly more likely to achieve them than those who don’t. When your goals are specific and structured, you move from wishful thinking to actionable planning.

Tip 3: Establish Real Consequences

Napoleon Hill said:

“Every person who wins in any undertaking must be willing to burn his ships and cut all sources of retreat.”

It’s human nature to take the easiest route when given a choice, but success is rarely found on the easiest path. The path to greatness is often difficult, filled with obstacles like failure, self-doubt, and setbacks. Those who achieve great things are willing to take the harder route because they know it leads closer to their ultimate goal.

The key to staying committed on this challenging path is creating real consequences for failure. A lack of consequences can lead to complacency, and complacency is the enemy of growth. Ask yourself: “What happens if I don’t reach my goal?” If the answer is nothing, it’s time to create stakes. One effective way is to make a public commitment. Tell others what you intend to achieve—this could be a friend, a mentor, or even on social media. By doing so, you create a sense of accountability. Knowing that others are aware of your goals motivates you to follow through.

Another strategy is to set up rewards and penalties for yourself. For example, if you don’t achieve a daily goal, you could donate to a charity or forgo a leisure activity you enjoy. Conversely, if you do meet your targets, reward yourself in small ways to reinforce positive behaviour.

Tip 4: Focus on the Small Steps

Michelangelo said:

“The great danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.”

Success is often perceived as a big, grand achievement, but it’s really the accumulation of small steps over time. When the end goal feels overwhelming, breaking it down into smaller tasks makes it manageable. For example, if you want to write a book, instead of focusing on the daunting task of writing 50,000 words, set a target to write just one page a day. Small, consistent actions accumulate and create momentum.

In my experience, the most successful people focus less on the outcome and more on the process. They understand that the journey, not just the destination, is where growth occurs. Reflect on your own goals and ask yourself: “What small step can I take today to move closer to my goal?” It might be as simple as making a phone call, sending an email, or reading a chapter of a book. Each small step, when taken consistently, adds up to significant progress.

Tip 5: Build and Sustain Momentum

Tony Robbins emphasised:

“The most important thing you can do to achieve your goals is to make sure that as soon as you set them, you immediately begin to create momentum.”

Momentum is the fuel that powers success. It’s easier to keep moving once you’ve started, so the key is to take action right away. As soon as you set a goal, identify the first step and take it immediately. Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ moment—start now.

Momentum works both ways: it can push you toward success, or it can hold you in a pattern of stagnation. Think of it like a sports team; teams that win consistently build confidence and continue to perform well, while teams that struggle to win often find it hard to break their losing streak. The principle is the same for individuals. If you let too much time pass between actions, you lose motivation. However, when you commit to taking action every day, you build habits that propel you forward. Even when the progress feels slow, remember that any movement is better than none.

Tip 6: Surround Yourself with the Right People

The people you surround yourself with have a significant impact on your success. Motivational speaker Jim Rohn famously said:

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

Evaluate your circle. Are the people around you supportive of your goals, or are they holding you back? Seek out mentors, colleagues, or friends who inspire you and encourage your growth. Positive, successful people create a powerful support system that helps you maintain motivation and momentum. On the other hand, negative influences can drain your energy and derail your progress.

If you find it difficult to connect with like-minded individuals in person, consider joining online communities, attending seminars, or seeking out mentorship. The right environment can make all the difference when you’re striving for success.

Take Action Now

Success requires more than just ambition; it requires action. If you have a goal, don’t wait—begin today. Avoid the ‘grey twilight’ that Roosevelt spoke of and commit to a life of purpose, challenge, and growth. The first step is always the hardest, but once you take it, you’ll find that motivation follows.

Whether it’s making that call, sending that email, or writing that first page—act now. Every moment you wait is a moment you could have used to move closer to your dream. Success isn’t a distant destination; it’s the result of the small actions you take every day.