Too many people go through life like they’re playing the Mega Millions. They make a small investment, and then sit back hoping to hit the jackpot. More often than not, they’re left disappointed and defeated, because the luck they expected to swoop in and change their lives, never showed up. Success is not a matter of chance. It's not something you just bump in to and obtain overnight.Beyonce didn't just wake up one morning and choose to be a singer. Serena didn't just decide to play tennis, and Lebron didn't just happen to be good at basketball. Sure, they make it look easy on TV, but don't be fooled. Their success was earned as a result of a strategic and well-executed takeover. They had a plan. They put in the work. They got the right people around them. They practiced when others were sleeping. They ignored the haters, and stayed focused on their ultimate goal...to be successful enough to live out their dreams.Success is not guaranteed to anyone. It's not something you get, just because you think you deserve it. You have to want it, breathe it, live it, plan it, and dedicate yourself to it. Here are four personal brand principles that separate those who dream about success from those who actually achieve it.1. I am where I am, because of how I am. Meaning, if I'm not rich, if I'm not successful, if I'm not happy, if I don't have the things I want in my life, then it is up to me to take responsibility for my situation. I have to make adjustments in my life, step my game up, and pound the pavement even harder until I get the results I want. Instead of complaining, look inside yourself and evaluate why you're not where you want to be. It’s important to take responsibility, and make sure you're putting in the work to change your situation.2. It’s not the will to win that matters, everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters. –Paul Bryant You can't do the same thing everyone else does and expect to stand out and get noticed. If you really want to have success, you have to plan your path and be willing to take the less desirable road. Again, if success was easy to get, then everyone would have it. Show how much you want it by putting in the blood, sweat and tears to prove it. If you're serious about reaching your goal, you won’t hesitate to dedicate the hours, days, weeks, months, years, and whatever else it takes to reach your goal.3. I will not be outworked. Period. –Will Smith Don't be afraid or too cool to work harder than everyone else. Even after you achieve success there is always someone waiting to take your spot, so you have to keep putting in the work to stay on top. Actor, Will Smith, often says he’s willing to die on the treadmill, because he will not be outworked. His determination is a reminder to push harder even when you think you’re already giving 100%. When you push beyond your self-imposed limitations you force yourself to grow and discover new possibilities for your life.4. I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. –Thomas Edison. Too many people want success right away, and quickly give up when the road gets tough. Keep taking risks and stay motivated even in difficult times. Roadblocks are often the best teachers, because they recruit your creativity and ingenuity to help you navigate around them. Don’t be afraid to stumble. As long as you’re willing to learn the hard lessons on your path…your rise will be greater than your fall.Only you are responsible for whether or not you achieve success. No one can do it for you, and no one else is to blame if you fall short of your goal. It takes an extraordinary effort to reach higher than those around you. Stretch yourself to discover all that you’re capable of being. Don't limit yourself by taking the easy route in life. Put forth the extra effort to be your personal best. The world needs you!
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