6 mantras of success

There are many attributes that assist people on their path to success.

Some of these necessary skills include determination, persistence and just plain working hard.

But equally important is the ability to think positively – even in the face of what you may perceive as failure.

In fact, mental toughness is a pre-requisite for success.

1. Don’t over-analyse failure

The most successful people in every field (including real estate investing) don’t consider failure to be a particularly painful experience – because they think about it differently.

Successful people transcend failure because their self-esteem, rather than depending on whether they win or lose, is based upon their own sense of value.

Humans are wired to experience fear, and, unfortunately, there are many fears that can hinder success.

Fear of failure holds many people back but where some people see impassable barriers and give up, others will see obstacles, which can be overcome.

Learning how to master fear is an essential attribute for success.

Learning to act in spite of fear — and not take failure personally or to over-analyse it — is just one way you can become a success.

2. Don’t give in

There are numerous people in history whose persistence is the key to their success.

Even when faced with rejection after rejection, their self-belief and determination ensured that they didn’t give in. 

Perhaps one the most famous people in relatively recent history to use this mindset was Winston Churchill, the prime minister of Great Britain during World War II.

In a speech to the House of Commons in 1940, he said, “We shall go on to the end… whatever the cost may be… we shall never surrender.”

And aren’t we all glad that they did?

But for many people it’s easy to give up and let obstacles or rejections prevent them from achieving their dreams.

The first step on the journey to success is to reject rejection and not let it damage your confidence or your self-worth.

Don’t give in and don’t give up.

3. Become an active listener

The ability to listen actively is one of the skills successful people must cultivate.

This will allow you to best devise strategies to fix problems and most importantly not to jump to conclusions.

One of the 20^th century’s most influential writers, Ernest Hemingway, believed in this mantra wholeheartedly.

He said in 1949, “When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.”

Listening and truly hearing what someone is saying is a formidable way of impressing and influencing others.

4. Sometimes no is a good word

Learning to say no and saying no in the right way is a crucial skill for success.

This allows you to focus on what really counts and to keep your eye on the main prize.

Successful billionaire investor Warren Buffett agrees with this idea.

In fact he believes that sometimes it’s best to do nothing.

Yet many investors get itchy feet and want to do more, put another deal together or buy another property.

One of his great quotes is:

“The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say no to almost everything.”

Being able to say no is about respecting who you are and being realistic about your availability as well as your wants and needs.

You also need to learn how to say no decisively and confidently, especially when saying yes will just mean being dragged into something that’s no good for your productivity or may hinder your path to success.

5. What do you believe in?

Being clear about what you believe in and communicating that to others is one of the keys to success as well as an opportunity to share your passion.

But, remember, it’s not about “telling” people what to do; rather it’s about enticing them in so it becomes a shared passion.

To be successful and to be able to influence others, you have to start by searching inwards.

If you can answer the question of what you believe in, it can help you along the path to success so you are the creator of your own destiny.

6. Nothing is impossible 

Many of our greatest athletes are the epitome of success because they never gave up and they believed that nothing is impossible.

Muhammad Ali believed this mantra through and through and once declared:

“Impossible isn’t a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible isn’t a declaration.

It’s a dare. Impossible is potential.

Impossible is temporary.

Impossible is nothing.”

The path to success can be rocky but it’s up to you to overcome any obstacles.

When the going gets tough, you need to remember that nothing is impossible, continue to do your very best and never give up.

About Michael Yardney Michael is a director of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He's once again been voted Australia's leading property investment adviser and one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.