1.  Success is not genetic, but rather fueled by your mental energy.
2.  Success is not the WIN; it is doing the little things well that sets you up to Win.
3.  Success is a Strategy, not a destination.
4.  Success is more about function than it is of genius.

Today we see that...

“Beliefs that carried us here may be holding us back in our quest to go there.”
– Marshall Goldsmith

I remember a novice horse trainer who took his first two-year-old colt to break and train.  The colt easily grasped his ground work.  Over the next few months, the colt responded to its trainier progressing through the movements from ground work through to riding circles, figure-eights, reining, sidesteps, gates, lead changes and all the subtle queues used between rider and colt; building trust and consistency in the relationship.   Eager to show his work, the novice trainer took his colt through its paces as his mentor watched.  Knowing he had reached all the goals he had set for the colt, the novice turned to his sage mentor who grinned and said, “Nice work; be thankful for the ones that make you look good.” 

On the ranch, you learn early that the good ones make you look good, others make you work hard for the money with undistinguished outcomes.  It is a humbling process.  You are only as good as the last horse you trained, the last yield you harvested (whether in grain, grapes, wine, hay, cattle or foals) and the last deal you dealt. 

It was easy for me to translate that to the corporate structure.  One of my favorite books on coaching interpersonal relationships and success growth strategies is, WHAT GOT YOU HERE WON’T GET YOU THERE by Marshall Goldsmith.  Read it!

Goldsmith explains that while success builds our confidence, it can become delusional in terms of achievement, status and contributions.  Further, our delusions may become a serious liability as it relates to change.  When asked to change, we think… I do not have to change; who do they think I am?  Goldsmith breaks it down to a three part response:  1) We believe the other party is confused.  2) If they are not confused, they must be misinformed so the criticism does not apply to us.  3) When all else fails, we attack the other party.  After all, we are smarter than they.

According to Goldsmith, there are four key beliefs that help us become successful.  Each can make it tough to change:  (a) our confidence from our past performance, (b) our ability to influence our success rather than luck, (c) our optimistic belief that our success will continue, and (d) Our sense of control over our destiny (as opposed to being controlled by external forces). 

Thus is the paradox of success: “The beliefs that carried us HERE may be holding us back in our quest to go THERE.”

Suzy Graven is a Professional Speaker, Women’s Transformational Life and Business Coach. Her unique experiences provided a doorway to work and learn from amazing leaders, CEOs and entrepreneurs, to the sage and wisdom of those who work closest to nature. This perspective serves as a catalyst for women wanting to grow their professional and personal lives. It leads to a thinking (anchored in real possibility) that generates vision and translates into effective action. You will gain power in dealing with every-day issues, and be free to live a major league life.   For information on Suzy's coaching or to book a her as a speaker, send your requests to:  Suzy Graven .