Summary: There are several longstanding pieces of advice about how to succeed that may actually be holding you back from success.
You’ve grown up being told what you “should” do to become successful in this world. As though if you follow steps X, Y and Z, you’ll get to where you want to be in life. While some pieces of advice are true, some might actually be keeping you from success. The world is constantly changing and with that, the way that people do business and relate to one another is changing as well. To avoid being stuck in the rut of your old ways, here are five myths about success that are holding you back:
- Networking is everything. The concept of networking is completely dreaded by the introverts of the world, but has been forced upon us for ages as the way to work our way to the top. While it’s true that extroverts are often very successful with meeting new people and having that help them in business, it’s also just as important to build real relationships. If big events are too much for you, seek out a mentor or get coffee with someone who might be able to send you in the right direction.
- Follow the plan. We’re told as we grow up to get good grades, go to college, get the degree and then you’ll have a great job waiting for you once you have the credentials. While sometimes this does work out, especially for those who do well in school and get internships that help them move ahead, there are many successful people who never finished a college degree. If school isn’t for you, work hard and use your ingenuity to get to where you want to be.
- Never quit. We’ve been told to try, try again until we succeed, but what if it just isn’t working? It’s important to know the difference between when you’ve just hit a difficult barrier and when your idea isn’t right and it’s time to let go and start over on something new.
- Nice guys finish last. We’ve all heard that you have to be cut throat when it comes to business, but that isn’t always true. It’s important to be confident and assured in your decisions, but kindness, respect, and cooperation make for a good team and a successful business.
- Work more. Yes, working hard is important, but so is working smart. Use your time efficiently and then get out of the office to have some personal time as well. Down time to take care of yourself, your mental health, and your relationships will help you return to the office refreshed and recharged.