I have had an “AHA” moment I wanted to share with you. I don’t know about you but FEAR and DOUBT tend to hit me this time of the month. No, it isn’t “my time” of the month. As the end of the month draw nears, some of us in direct sales tend to worry. Maybe our numbers aren’t where we want them to be. We begin to focus on all of the “wrong things” instead of seeking out the positives. Let’s see a show of hands for those in direct sales who feel the same way…
Do you know why two women, similar in background and talent, yet one excels while the other seems to do just alright? Or have you wondered what the difference was between average results and spectacular ones for these same women?
On the surface, it doesn’t make sense, right? It is only when we dig a little deeper – and listen to the differences in how they speak and think – you’ll find the clues to the difference.
Every year, Thirty One offers a Leadership Incentive Trip. Every year, I TALK about earning it. I say I am working towards the goal yet fear and doubt always creep in. I was working my business like a hobby, not real sure it could or would be a success. As a result, the results I got were average. This year, I set the same goal. Almost halfway through and I was having doubts. Then I got a “SMACK” on the head from God. I looked at my goal sheet and started to figure out what I needed to earn the trip and WHAM… it from doubtful to doable. Why? Because I thought differently.
I read an article and here are the three big differences:
1. Successful woman explain their successes and failures in a distinct and empowering way.
They attribute their successes to personal traits and see them as repeatable. They attribute failure to changeable factors and see them as isolated incidents.
This quote was an eye opener for me. I need to look at today’s failures as lessons on the road to future successes instead of personal flaws. An optimistic person predicts success, and explains successes by attributing it to their own efforts. They believe it will spill over into more success in other areas of their life. A pessimistic person tends to explain success as luck, seeing it as an isolated incident which may not happen again. Which kind of person are you?
2. Successful women don’t underestimate themselves.
Where would you rate your worth right now, on a scale of 1 – 10? With 10 being the highest. On any given day, I would rate myself as a 5 or below. Research shows most women underestimate themselves and their worth. I am sure I am not alone. Chances are we believe we aren’t ready for opportunities which we are probably qualified for. When was the last time you negotiated for your raise or spoke up with your own great idea or opinion?
Successful women recognize their potential is greater than they know. As a result, they are willing to risk failure to go for it. We need to adopt a “growth mindset,” where your current success is just a starting point. We stay stuck because of a “fixed mindset” where we believe our talent and intelligence are set. Which one do you have? We need to adopt a growth mindset so our current talent and intelligence can expand. Don’t be afraid of opportunities BUT allow yourself to learn and grow into potential the opportunity offers.
3. Successful women consider happiness a success strategy.
This one is HUGE. Successful women don’t pursue success to become happy, they realize happiness causes success. They pursue what brings them joy, knowing the rewards will follow. Consistency and patience are part of this – definitely not a strong point for me BUT I am working on changing…. what about you?
Research shows happier people are more likely to get promotions and raises, take action towards their goals, have stronger relationships, fight illnesses better and even live longer. Start with happiness and success will follow.
If you are underestimating yourself – STOP! You are capable of far more than you know.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 