Commitment to taking personal responsibility for your success is one of the keys to career and life success that is part of my Common Sense Success System.  I discuss it in several of my books: Straight Talk for Success, Your Success GPS, and 42 Rules to Jumpstart Your Professional Success. 

If you want to succeed, you must commit to three things.  First, you must take personal responsibility for your success.  Only you can make you a success.  You need to be willing to do the things necessary to succeed.  Second, you must set high goals — and then do whatever it takes to achieve them.   Third, stuff happens; as you go through life you will encounter many problems and setbacks.  You need to react positively to the negative stuff and move forward toward your goals.

A while back I blogged about a book called The Luck Factor by Richard Wiseman who claims that you can learn to be lucky.  In fact, Dr. Wiseman even lists five steps for learning to be lucky.

First, don’t assume there is nothing you can do about any situation.  Make the decision to take control.

Second, do something now.

Third, make a list of various options.  Be creative.  Brainstorm.  Come up with as many ideas as you can.

Fourth, decide how you will move forward.  Consider every possible alternative.

Fifth, take action.  Be prepared to adapt your action as the future unfolds.

Richard Wiseman calls this a prescription for learning to be luck.  I call it committing to taking personal responsibility for creating a successful life and career.  Every one of the five steps above is a manifestation of your willingness to commit to taking personal responsibility for your life and career.

Let’s look at them again. 

First, deciding that you can control a situation is the first step in controlling it.  It’s like throwing a mental switch that puts you in charge and demonstrates your commitment to taking personal responsibility for your life and success.

Second, the mere act of doing something moves you forward.  You may not be successful the first – or even second or third time – but the fact that you try and keep trying is another manifestation of your commitment to taking responsibility for your life and career.

Third, thinking through your options puts you in control.  Often at first it may seem that your options are limited.  However, if you take the time to review everything you can do in a given situation, you’ll be able to come up some good ideas for helping you get on top of any situation you face.

Fourth, choose and option, put it into play and see what happens.  If it doesn’t work, choose another one.  If that doesn’t work, choose another one.  In this way, you are not only being systematic about creating your own success, you are demonstrating the resilience common to people who commit to taking personal responsibility for their success.

Fifth, be adaptable.  What works at first may no longer work as you move forward.  If you’re committed to taking personal responsibility for yourself and your success, you’ll change with the times.  You won’t sit back and bemoan the fact that things have changed.  You’ll be in charge, changing with the times – and even causing the times to change.

The common sense point here is simple.  Successful people commit to taking personal responsibility for their lives and careers.  You can demonstrate your commitment to taking personal responsibility for you success by doing five things.  1) Decide you are in control.  2) Do something to show yourself you are in control.  3) Think through all of your options in a given situation.  4) Choose an option and act.  If it doesn’t work, choose another option.  5) Be adaptable.  Change with the times.  In The Luck Factor, Richard Wiseman calls these five steps a method for learning to be lucky.  I say they are a recipe for demonstrating your commitment to taking personal responsibility for your life and career.

That’s my take on luck, personal responsibility and success.  What’s yours?  Please take a few minutes to leave a comment sharing your thoughts with us.  As always, thanks for reading.

Bud

Clarity of purpose and direction is one of the keys to career and life success in my Common Sense Success System.  I discuss it in several of my books: Straight Talk for Success, Your Success GPS and 42 Rules to Jumpstart Your Professional Success.  To develop your personal clarity or purpose you need to do three things.  First, define what success means to you.  Second, create a vivid mental image of you as a success.  Once you define what success means to you personally, I suggest that you develop a clear mental picture of you as a success.  This image should be as vivid as you can you make it.  Third, clarify your personal values. 

I remember reading Hamlet when I was in high school.  As Hamlet was setting off on his journey, Polonius gave him some advice.  As we got to this advice, the teacher stopped and said “This advice is timeless wisdom, pay attention.”  Here it is…

There … my blessing with thee!
And these few precepts hold in thy memory…

Look thou character.  Give thy thoughts no tongue,
Nor any unproportioned thought his act.
Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar.

Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,
Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel;
But do not dull thy palm with entertainment
Of each new hatched, unfledged comrade. 

Beware of entrance to a quarrel but, being in,
Bear it that the opposed may beware of thee.

Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice;
Take each man’s measure, but reserve thy judgment.

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,
But not expressed in fancy; rich, not gaudy;
For the apparel oft proclaims the man;
And they in France of the best rank and station
Are of a most select and generous chief in that.

Neither a borrower, nor a lender be;
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.

This above all: to thine own self be true,
and it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst be false to no man.

Farewell; my blessing season this in thee!

The final piece of advice – “This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night the day, thou canst be to no man” – is at the heart of clarity of purpose and direction.  It is much easier to be true to yourself when you are clear in your purpose and direction in life.  As Polonius suggests, if you are true to yourself, you can’t be false to others.  More important, you can stay on the course to career and life success.

Roy Blackman, my father-in-law was so enamored of this advice that it was his final words of advice to his first grandson as he went off to college.  Roy lived by these words.  They were his epitaph, displayed prominently on the program at his funeral.

The common sense point here is simple.  Successful people clarify their purpose and direction.  Then they conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with it.  Shakespeare, speaking as Polonius, offers some timeless advice on how to live in a manner that is consistent with your purpose and direction: “To thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night the day, thou canst be false to no man.”  If you follow this advice you’ll be living your purpose and you’ll be well positioned to create the successful life and career you want and deserve.

That’s my take on Polonius’ advice to Hamlet and how it is as important today as it was when it was written hundreds of years ago.  What’s yours?  Please take a few minutes and leave a comment sharing your thoughts with us.  As always, thanks for reading.

Bud

Competence is one of the four keys to career and life success in my Common Sense Success System.  I also discuss it in some detail in several of my books: Straight Talk for Success; Your Success GPS; and 42 Rules to Jumpstart Your Professional Success.  If you want to succeed you need to develop four basic, but important competencies: 1) creating positive personal impact; 2) becoming a consistently high performer; 3) dynamic communication skills; and 4) becoming interpersonally competent. 

There are four key competencies that will help you become a career and life success:

• You have to be able to create positive personal impact.
• You have to be become an outstanding performer.
• You have to be a dynamic communicator – in conversation, writing and presentations.
• You have to build strong, lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with the important people in your life.

Positive habits are an important key to outstanding performance.  Positive time management is an important habit to develop.  Habits are like muscles.  The more you use them, the stronger they get.

Here in Colorado, we are required to get our cars checked to ensure that they meet clean air emissions standards before we can renew our license plates.  It’s a good law, one that helps with the air quality in our beautiful state.  It’s also a pain in the butt.  It requires a trip to an emissions monitoring station and waiting in line for the test.  My plates renew in October, so yesterday I spent a couple hours getting my car tested.  It passed.

Cathy laughed at me as I was leaving the house with my briefcase, which had my cell phone, a couple of books and a bottle of water.  She said I would probably be the only one at the emissions testing facility reading a book.  That was OK.  I had just received a review copy of Gary Vaynerchuk’s new book Crush It.  I wanted to read it so I could review it on this blog – and to learn a few things.  By the way, Crush It is a great book – not just for entrepreneurs.  I’ll do a post on it next week.

Carrying a book with me is one of my time management positive habits.  Sometimes it’s a novel.  Most times it’s a business or inspirational book.  I am in the habit of using spare moments to read and learn.  Yesterday, I was able to read the first four chapters of Crush It while I was waiting for my emissions test.  I also took some notes — ideas that I plan on incorporating into my business.  Not a bad use of my time.

I read while waiting for appointment with clients.  I read while waiting for my dentist, or doctor – and you know how long those waits can be.  I read when I go to get my car washed.  I read before a movie if I’m by myself.  This is a small habit, but one that allows me to read at least two more books a month than I normally would.  That’s 24 books a year – and a lot of good ideas to help me grow my business.

Reading spurs ideas.  These ideas give me inspiration for this blog.  They help me make decisions about my business.  They help me clarify my thinking on my passion – helping others create the career and life success they want and deserve.  Reading in spare moments is one of my most positive habits.  What is your most positive habit?  If you are thinking that you don’t have many positive habits, I suggest you check out Dan Robey’s site www.thepowerofpositivehabits.com.  There’s a lot to be learned there. 

The common sense point here is simple.  Successful people are competent.  They set high goals and achieve them.  Positive habits will help you reach your goals – but only if you take the time to develop them.  Reading in “found moments” – the time I spend waiting is one of my positive habits.  I’m amazed at how much I can learn just by always having a book with me.  Today I learned a lot about personal branding by reading the first four chapters of Gary Vaynerchuk’s book Crush It.  Take the time to develop some positive habits of your own.  You’ll be surprised at how much they help your productivity.

That’s my take on reading as a time management positive habit.  What’s yours?  What are some of the positive habits that have served you well over the years?  How did you develop them?  Please take a minute and leave comment sharing your thoughts and ideas with us.  As always, thanks for reading.

Bud

Competence is one of the four keys to career and life success in my Common Sense Success System.  I also discuss it in some detail in several of my books: Straight Talk for Success; Your Success GPS; and 42 Rules to Jumpstart Your Professional Success.  If you want to succeed you need to develop four basic, but important competencies: 1) creating positive personal impact; 2) becoming a consistently high performer; 3) dynamic communication skills; and 4) becoming interpersonally competent. 

There are four key competencies that will help you become a career and life success:

• You have to be able to create positive personal impact.
• You have to be become an outstanding performer.
• You have to be a dynamic communicator – in conversation, writing and presentations.
• You have to build strong, lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with the important people in your life.

Resilience is an important component of becoming an outstanding performer.  High goals are great, but you need to do whatever it takes to meet those goals.  Sometimes, it will appear as if the fates are conspiring against you when it comes to achieving your goals.  That’s where resilience comes in.

In The Power of Resilience, Robert Brooks and Sam Goldstein list eight characteristics of resilient people.  Here they are, with my take on each of them.

1. Resilient people have large networks.  They stay connected.  Last week, I did a post on mastermind groups and how they can help you perform better.  Mastermind groups are a way to build a supportive network.
2. Resilient people are optimistic.  If you read this blog with any regularity, you know I am an incurable optimist.  You need to be so too.  Check out a post I did last week on The Optimist Creed.
3. Resilient people are spiritual.  Mssrs. Brooks and Goldstein equate spirituality with religion.  I don’t.  I think there are many ways to be spiritual – meditation, conversations with your higher power, a walk in the park, or my favorite, a long bicycle ride on a nice day.  Regardless of your take on the spirituality/religion equation, you need to remember one thing.  The more spiritually centered you are, the more resilient you’re likely to be.
4. Resilient people are playful.  They enjoy themselves.  They are willing to laugh at themselves and at life.  They see the humor in even the most difficult situations.
5. Resilient people are givers.  I have long advocated that giving with no expectation of return is the best way to build strong relationships.  That’s why I’m always willing to help anybody in any way I can.
6. Resilient people focus on what they can control.  As the serenity prayer says: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.”  I’ve found that the one thing I can control is my response to people and events.  I try to choose to respond positively the negative people and events in my life.
7. Resilient people are healthy.  It’s easier to deal with upsets and distractions when you are in good physical and mental shape.  That means eating right and exercising.  I find that things always look a little brighter after one of my bike rides.
8. Resilient people see problems and setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.  Any time you fail, look for the lesson.  What will you do differently the next time you encounter a similar situation?  File away this information.  You’ll need it sooner or later.

Here are some affirmations to help you become more resilient.  Repeat them often and you’ll become a more resilient person.

• I am a positive and upbeat person.
• I am able to deal with high levels of ambiguity and uncertainty.
• I adapt well and quickly to new situations.
• I find the humor in difficult situations.
• I learn from my experiences and the experiences of others.
• I am good at solving problems.
• I am strong and durable.
• I am able to convert misfortunes into something positive.

The common sense point here is simple.  Successful people are competent.  Competent people set and achieve high goals.  You need to be resilient in order to achieve your goals.  Here are a few tips for becoming resilient: build your network; become an optimist; exercise your spirituality; be playful; give back; focus on what you can control, not what is out of your control; stay healthy; learn from adversity.

That’s my take on resiliency and success.  What’s yours?  Please take a few minutes to leave a comment sharing your thoughts with us.  As always, you have my deepest and most sincere thanks for reading.

Bud

This is my second post today, and as you know, I rarely do two posts in one day.  However, I wanted to alert you to a great new book and wonderful offer from my friend Peggy McColl.  If you purcahse "attract the Abundance You Deserve" tomorrow — May 1 — you’ll not only get this great book, you’ll get tons of bonuses.

Check out this letter from Peggy’s publicist…

Why do we live without the things we desire most?

It’s incredibly sad to think that the majority of the population lives in “lack”.  It doesn’t have to be that way.  Abundance is available for everyone.  It is certainly available for you.  Did you know that you were born rich?  Well, it’s true and Peggy McColl will reveal this shocking truth to you.

New York Times Best-Selling Author Peggy McColl has just released a powerful and revealing new book 21 Distinctions of Wealth with the appropriate subtitle: “Attract the Abundance You Deserve.”

This is a breakthrough book that can change the way you feel about money and help you engage in the powerful force that is already inside of you to draw to you that which you desire. 

Is it really that simple?  Let Peggy McColl give you these profound 21 Distinctions of Wealth and you’ll discover for yourself just how simple it really is.

This means that no matter what your present financial situation, and no matter what has occurred in the past, the opportunity for you is right now – NOW you can make positive adjustments to help you turn your financial situation around for the better.
http://promos.hayhouse.com/mccoll/050108email/

Imagine what it would be like to be rich; to have no money worries!  Can you imagine it right now?  What would it be like for you to feel and enjoy unlimited abundance?  What does it mean to your family?

It feels good!  And, I can tell you, your family would enjoy it, too.

This is a huge breakthrough in wealth consciousness. That’s why when I took at a look at this, I exclaimed, "Oh my! This will change the world."

This book is destined to become a classic and quite likely will appear on every desk… in every office…every school…every nightstand. It should also be in the hands of everyone you know.

You see… author Peggy McColl has created a simple system for you to attract more abundance into your life—starting immediately. 

Do you want to know the secret to attracting more abundance?  Peggy McColl has the answer for you in 21 Distinctions of Wealth.

Up until now, most books on wealth creation have overlooked the powerful forces available inside each of us that you can use to manifest all that you desire. 

In 21 Distinctions of Wealth, Peggy clearly explains time-tested principles for creating wealth, providing guidance on how to alter your behaviors and emotions to actually change the nature of your relationship with the powerful stream of abundance that you can tap into at any time.

As Peggy McColl demonstrates in her new book, you can actually transform your energy vibration and send a clear message to the Universe that you’re ready to claim your financial birthright.

Best of all— the Universe’s response to the modifications you make internally can be startlingly quick!

It’s not enough, though, to simply understand what sets those who are already enjoying a rich and plentiful life apart from those who are weighed down by a feeling of lack.  Peggy offers you practical and proven advice on how to apply these 21 Distinctions of Wealth and become a money magnet—starting now!

I’m so convinced that this book can change your experience with money in the most glorious of ways! 

http://promos.hayhouse.com/mccoll/050108email/

When you invest in one copy today, you will receive…

* Immediate access to the downloadable version of Peggy’s double CD program called Magnet for Money

* A 3-minute video you can play on your computer to rewire your brain for more abundance

Plus, a plethora of valuable wealth-related bonus gifts AND you get the chance to win some amazing prizes!

This is more than a book!

As a goal-achieving coach, Peggy realized that having wealth is an important goal for many people.  She wanted people to learn and understanding how to attract wealth into their lives because everyone deserves it— and that includes YOU!

She was inspired to write 21 Distinctions of Wealth because she personally found it extremely helpful for her own success to work with a “system” to embed these powerful beliefs into every fiber of her being….a way to make these distinctions a part of everyday life.  Therefore, Peggy has delivered a unique way to have YOU experience these distinctions every single day with her unique system.

and to make you even more “rich”…

…More than 100 authors and new thought leaders will give you wealth-related bonuses that support you having a wonderful, rich life of abundance and peace. (These alone are valued at more than $3000!)

Through these additional resources, you will understand how to be richer and raise your level of abundance from so many perspectives that it would be nearly impossible for you not to radically improve your life!

Order your book right now by going to:

http://promos.hayhouse.com/mccoll/050108email/

Are you ready to be richer?

I am absolutely convinced of the power within this book. I hope my passion, sincerity, and conviction comes through in this letter. I hope you grab this opportunity to add more abundance in your life—for so few dollars right now.

Take that step, and order your own personal copy of Peggy McColl’s 21 Distinctions of Wealth and come back to enter the prize drawing and to claim your additional resources.

http://promos.hayhouse.com/mccoll/050108email/

Be sure to thank whoever may have forwarded this e-mail to you – and forward it to YOUR friends, too.  And do write Peggy and me about your experiences with 21 Distinctions of Wealth.

To Your Abundant Future,

Margarete Nielsen
Director of Marketing
Hay House, Inc.
Zealous fan of 21 Distinctions of Wealth

P.S.: Here are reviews from 13 people you may recognize:

"It’s time for you to attract all the wealth you want now by reading this great book and activating Peggy’s perfect ‘demandment’."
— Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling series Chicken Soup for the Soul®

"Abundance is your birthright … however, awareness is the key to attraction. I have watched Peggy McColl study, manifest and teach this information for 25 years. If you want abundance, she can sure show you how to get it."
— Bob Proctor, best-selling author of You Were Born Rich

"Peggy McColl has done it again! 21 Distinctions of Wealth seizes the essence of universal principles in a way that makes manifesting abundance simple, exciting, empowering, and not only possible but probable. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a more prosperous future!"   
— Crystal Andrus, best-selling author of Simply…Woman!

"The 21 Distinctions of Wealth can help you to attract the abundance you deserve in your life, just as the subtitle says. Every one of us has the capability of creating a life of prosperity, abundance, happiness, and fulfillment. Peggy McColl’s clear writing shows us the way. Read it carefully, work and play with it in your life — and prepare yourself for some truly remarkable results! "
— Marc Allen, author of The Millionaire Course and The Greatest Secret of All

"In this brilliant book, Peggy McColl reveals the wisest and most profound principles to help you bring more wealth into every area of your life. Apply these principles today and be ready for an avalanche of abundance." 
— Marci Shimoff, the #1 New York Times best-selling author of Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul and Happy for No Reason, and featured teacher in The Secret

“Peggy McColl’s 21 Distinctions of Wealth offers truly inspiring advice on how to achieve real abundance in every arena of your life.  You’ll find yourself turning to it again and again for its practical techniques, life-altering insights, and motivating affirmations. This book will surely turn your energy around!”
— Sandra Anne Taylor, New York Times best-selling author of Quantum Success

"This book is an instant classic! Simple, powerful and brilliant. Peggy McColl teaches us how to bring more abundance into our lives, our relationships, and our world. I love this book."
— Kurek Ashley, international best-selling author of How Would Love Respond?

"Inspiring! In this great book, Peggy leads you through an easy process to experience more abundance in your life starting today! This may become your bible as you carry it with you everywhere and prosper in unimaginable ways."
— Dr. Joe Vitale, author  of The Key and The Attractor Factor

"Put these 21 Distinctions of Wealth to work in your life, and watch the effortless, positive transformation begin to flow." 
— Gay Hendricks, Ph.D., author of Five Wishes: How Answering One Simple Question Can Make Your Dreams Come True

"Lots of people complain about a lack of wealth. Peggy McColl has done something about it. She has cut through the clutter and identified 21 Distinctions of Wealth that are available to each and every one of us. If you faithfully follow her plan, scarcity will melt away and you’ll start attracting the abundance in your life that is your true destiny."
— Steve Sanduski, New York Times best-selling author of Avalanche: The 9 Principles for Uncovering True Wealth

"Peggy McColl has created a phenomenal work that combines spirituality with a practical system to create and manifest wealth in your life. Her underlying philosophy penetrates our core and provides an enlightened view of success and wealth." 
— David Riklan, founder of SelfGrowth.com: The # 1 Self-Improvement Website on the Internet

"New York Times best-selling author Peggy McColl has written a new book, 21 Distinctions of Wealth, that is an essential resource for anyone who wants to wake up to experience the joyful abundance our world has to offer."
— Robert McDowell, author of Poetry as Spiritual Practice

“If it’s wealth you desire, read this book. Peggy McColl is an inspiring teacher and a self-made woman who is uniquely qualified to set you on the path to greater abundance in all areas of your life.”

— Debbie Ford, the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Dark Side of the Light Chasers and Why Good People Do Bad Things

http://promos.hayhouse.com/mccoll/050108email/

Today is Friday.  Normally, I would be doing a post on interpersonal competence today.  However, I have a special announcement, so I won’t be posting on interpersonal competence until Friday, October 19.

I have created Use Your Common Sense Day.  It is an annual event, held on November 4.  Because you read this blog, you know that I believe in the power of applied common sense.

The key word in the preceding sentence is applied.  Most people know what to do in most situations — their common sense tells them.  However, many people don’t actually follow their common sense.  That’s why I’ve created Use Your Common Sense Day.  I want to encourage people to use their common sense — in business and in life – for one day at least.

I’ve chosen November 4 as Use Your Common Sense Day because it is Will Rogers’ birthday.  Will, a great American humorist, would have been 128 years old this November 4.  Among other things, he is famous for his saying "common sense ain’t all that common".  I think it’s more like "applied common sense ain’t all that common". 

Thomas Edison once said "many people miss opportunity because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work".  I think the same is true of common sense.  Most people know what to do in most situations — their common sense tells them.  However, I have found that a lot of people don’t use their common sense — because it’s too much work, or it’s too difficult emotionally, or it’s too time consuming, or for any number of reasons.  Let’s break that cycle!

I am on a crusade to get people to use their common sense.  That’s why I’ve created Use Your Common Sense Day.  And, I’ve decided to run a contest!

Send me the best examples of where you’ve seen common sense in action – or better yet, where you’ve used you’re common sense with good results.  Post these ideas in the comment section of this blog, or send them to me at Bud@BudBilanich.com.  If you e mail, please put “Common Sense Contest” in the subject line.

Cathy, my wife – who has more common sense than anyone I know — and I will choose three winners on November 2, and announce them at the Know More Media booth at the Blog World Expo in Las Vegas.  And unlike most things that happen in Vegas, this will not stay in Vegas, I’ll share all of the entries and the winners on this blog.

These three winners will be entitled to a free hour of my common sense coaching time, a $500 value, on one of three subjects: leadership, entrepreneurship, or career and life success.  Everyone who submits an entry will receive a .pdf of my two ebooks: 4 Secrets of High Performing Organizations, and Star Power: Common Sense Advice for Career and Life Success.

So send me the best examples of common sense in action that you have. You’ll be helping out others who are struggling to find a way to use their common sense, and you will win something.

I can’t wait to see what you folks come up with!

That’s it for today.  Please log on to my other blog www.CommonSenseGuy for common sense advice on leadership and running a business, or www.CareerSuperStar.com and www.SuccessCommonSense.com for common sense advice on becoming the career and life success you are meant to be.

I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

Bud

PS: Speaking of Alex’s Lemonade Stand — my fundraising page is still open.  Please go to www.FirstGiving.com/TheCommonSenseGuy to read Alex’s inspiring story and donate if you can.