By Nikki Stone
Author of When Turtles Fly: Secrets of Successful People Who Know How To
Stick Their Necks Out
As a
motivational speaker for Fortune 500 companies and an Olympic gold medalist, I
have seen what makes an individual most successful in the boardroom and on the
slopes. Over the last five years, I have researched the similarities of forty
different highly-successful individuals -- including the likes of Tommy
Hilfiger, Prince Albert of Monaco, Dr. Stephen Covey, Shaun White and many
more. And no matter the field or endeavor, I have found The Turtle Effect
philosophy at the core of everyone's success.
This philosophy was taught to me by my mother, who told me that I could achieve
anything I wanted. I always held it close and adapted it to every situation I
encountered. I'd like to help people breathe in this confidence and share the
secrets that are common to those at the top of their given field.
1. Have a Soft Inside -- let your heart drive your actions
Find Your Passion: Do the things you hate first so you can truly get pleasure from
the parts of your job and day that you are most passionate about. First
thing in the morning write down five things you don't like to do. Do each
before 11:00 a.m., and check off that you've done them. Doing the thing you
hate most will allow you to spend the rest of the day or week focusing on the
things you enjoy the most.
2.
Develop Your Hard Shell -- stay strong against life's challenges
Enhance Your Focus: Try to complete a task or project today as well as
you can -- without looking at others for approval. Can you bring something to
fruition without worrying about the outcome? If you do feel you have to
see your "results", compare them to your own past efforts rather than
to what someone else has achieved.
Be Committed: Either give yourself a challenge or challenge a
colleague, teammate or friend to decide on a certain goal with you. Write the
challenge down on an index card and tape it to the wall to remind yourself of
your goal. This commitment will make you accountable to your goals and
responsible for your actions.
Overcoming Adversities: Ask yourself, "If I knew I couldn't fail,
what would I try?" After you answer this question, ask yourself why it
would be so awful to fail at the task or activity. We learn much more from our
failures than we learn from our accomplishments.
3. Be Willing to Stick
Your Neck Out -- put
yourself out there and find the support to make sure you follow through
Build Your Confidence: We all have our strong points and we need to remind
ourselves of these attributes. Create a list today of all the personal traits
that give you confidence. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and knowing
your strengths will help you compensate for your shortcomings.
Start Taking Risks: We can't be afraid of failure. If you don't
try, you have already failed. Why not give yourself the chance to succeed? Pick
something that scares you a bit, and decide you are going to take the risk to
follow through with it today.
Find Your Teamwork: A support system is crucial in helping you
develop a strong character. Go out today and ask a few close friends how they would
describe you. If they define you only in terms of your accomplishments, take
the time to show them who you are in terms of your relationships. Think about
the things you may be doing to project a title rather than a personality, and
correct that.
I find
that the same factors work to put someone at the top of their game, whether you
are a triumphant athlete, Fortune 500 CEO, an accomplished politician,
successful educator, or even an effective parent.
I hope these tips help you find your Turtle Effect and encourage you to strive
for levels once thought impossible.
©2010 Nikki Stone,
author of When Turtles Fly: Secrets of Successful People Who Know How
To Stick Their Necks Out
About Nikki
At the Olympic
Winter Games in
Nikki is also a magna cum
laude graduate of
For more information, please visit www.WhenTurtlesFly.com
