What is the secret to success? Ask 10 different people that question and you’re likely to get 10 different answers. We can’t even agree on the definition of success, let alone what it takes to achieve it. In a recent post entitled “A Little Help,” I mentioned that the success literature that exists out there today is full of various “secrets” and short-cuts to reaching your dreams. I also wrote about the common suggestion of surrounding yourself with other successful people. Today I want to build on that idea by looking at models. No, not the runway supermodels you see in magazines and fashion shows. I’m talking about the concept of learning from those who have accomplished the things that we are dreaming of. One of the ways to shorten a learning curve, regardless of the task or endeavor, is to study those who have already done it. See what you can model from their behavior and learn from their mistakes. This concept is extremely popular in sports, but for some reason the business world has been slow to catch on.
Do you know a successful person who would share their journey with you? Maybe they would become mentor for you. If not, you can find other ways to get this information. One is to read biographies of highly successful people. Who are your business heroes? Someone has probably written a book or at least an article on them. Find it and see what you can learn from it. Even if the person you choose to read about is not in your industry, that’s ok. The qualities of a successful person are not industry-specific. I don’t build cars but there’s a lot I could learn from Henry Ford. Get the idea? If you’re lost with where to turn, ask others for their suggestions. Ask for an introduction if the person you want to meet is local. Take some time to peruse the local bookstore for an inspiring read. Search the web. Whatever it takes to find the info so you can learn from someone who has been there and done that. Remember, some people dream of success, others wake up and work at it.