Three Keys to Success

Success means different things to different people. Maybe it means being rich and buying whatever you want, getting the grass cut, or just making it through the day. Whatever your definition is, there are three keys that will make any project, big or small, be successful. The keys are being moderate, methodical and positive.

• Moderate

Moderation is the first key to success because it is the most important. After I learned about these keys and started mindfully practicing them, I thought the keys were of equal importance. Sometimes, I couldn't understand why a task, no matter how big or small, would fail. It turned out that the keys are not of the same importance and my method just wasn't moderate enough. I thought about this for a while and realized that moderation should overrule the method. If the method is not moderate then the method should be tossed and a new one planned as soon as possible. How do you know if your method isn't moderate? If your task seems unnecessarily difficult or complicated it's method should be reconsidered.

• Methodical

However, method is important or it wouldn't be considered a key to success. An appropriate amount of time must be allowed to determine the best method for completing any task. Thinking of a moderate method is actually the first step after your task has been defined. I remember a plumbing job that needed doing in one of my bathrooms. I had never done any plumbing before and it seemed daunting to me. This task required digging into the walls and replacing all water pipes for the taps, sink and toilet. For me, deciding on the moderate method to do this took a very long time. Many thought experiments were considered and mental notes were taken before any work began and throughout the process. Once the method was determined the actual work could begin. The outcome was very successful. Another example, was the time I needed to do some very tricky and time sensitive work with my passport. This task required several weeks to determine exactly what methods were needed, and then several months to actually get it done. It was a rough year, but all accomplished with the least amount of expense and inconvenience.

• Positive

Accomplishing a task can be daunting. Therefore, the third key to success is being positive. Usually, I think I am a, somewhat, negative person. But when I can foresee a task that needs solving, I actively try to quickly become positive about it. This positive emotion replaces the sense of impending doom that accompany some tasks and seems to be a fuel for the method and moderation and motivates me to crack on with the project. Positive quotes such as "a job started is a job half done" are excellent motivation in times of peril and really give needed power.

With these three keys in the driver seat, I can enjoy the ride and be confidant that the outcome will be very satisfactory.

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