Your journey to success is just beginning! Over the years I’ve made it a point to observe why some people make it big while others just get by. What personal characteristics set them above the crowd? I finally figured it out: they all seemed to have true grit, that fierce determination to succeed.

I want to share some of my findings, so you too can obtain the same passion it takes to succeed. This is part one of my journey to success series, where I show you the key personal growth characteristics that will help you stand above the crowd and gain that all important competitive edge.

If you want to maximize your full learning and earning potential, I urge you to follow these guidelines with an open mind.

  • Goals — a goal casually set will usually be abandoned at the first obstacle. Clearly define what will make you happy, then go for it. A ship without a rudder will simply drift around and around. Develop your own goals and a plan of action that will help you lead a happy and successful life. Make sure you divide your goals personally, professionally and financially. Once you achieve your goals, keep making new ones!
  • Passion and Desire — success comes from your desire to want a better life for yourself and your family. To be the best will require you to develop a passion for wanting to reach higher levels of excellence in maximizing your full learning and earning potential. Without passion and desire, you will follow the crowd of mediocrity, watching your days go by without using them to achieve your own goals.
  • On Going Education — there is no speed limit to learning. The more you learn, the more you earn. On-going self improvement will help you create value in your self and in your skills. It will help you build self confidence. As you continue to learn and gain valuable experience, you will dramatically improve your self confidence and experience opportunities that you never thought possible. Knowledge is power only when it is obtained. Learn something new everyday. Remember: your road to success will always be under construction.
  • Powerful Communication Skills — lack of communication skills is one of the biggest causes of customer loss. By developing powerful people and communication skills, you will dramatically improve your client retention efforts. Are we not salesman trying to influence and gain the loyalty of our customers? Train yourself to become a talker and start practicing your own communication skills.
  • Perseverance — instead of saying “can’t” use the word “can” instead. Use adversity as an opportunity to get better, learn from your mistakes, and move on. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Never give up on yourself no matter how high the challenge.
  • Positive Attitude — always look for the good in people, your job, your boss, and in your personal life. If you look real hard you won’t see too many of the negatives. A winning attitude is a prerequisite for achieving success and happiness. You’ll be surrounded by negativity, but you don’t have to be a part of it!
  • Competitive Spirit — work hard to bring out the best in yourself. You will be competing with many other professionals. Work hard every day to challenge yourself to keep getting better. Learn to be a fierce competitor.

These are just the first clues to map your journey to success. Come back next week for part 2 of 3 to learn more about achieving success in your salon.