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Success Advice

3 Important Skills You Need to Acquire in Order to Become Successful

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Why do some people seem to travel up the success ladder at warp speed, while you’re still stuck where you are? As frustrating as this can be, the good news is success in work and in life is not some random game of chance. Granted, getting a promotion or successfully launching your business is far from a 100% exact science, but there’s plenty you can do to tip the scales in your favor.

Investing effort to develop the following 3 skills should help you in your journey:

1. Creativity

You may not think of yourself as a creative person. But, as it turns out, things are probably not so black and white. Despite what you may have been led to believe, creativity is not a gift that nature randomly either assigns or denies you. It’s a skill that can be developed.

For example, I’m sitting in my garage as I write this article. As I look around I see a barbecue grill and a bicycle. If I combine those two items into one idea I come up with the possibility of some type of delivery service that instead of providing Chinese or pizza, delivers fresh barbecue to your door.

If I look around a little further I see Christmas lights. If I add that to the mix, I come up with the idea of helping the brand stand out by decorating the delivery vehicles with colorful, neon lighting. Is that the best business idea ever? Maybe, maybe not.

But, by strategically synthesizing different things into one idea, I’ve thought of a new potential business in about two minutes. Using the strategy of synthesizing, I could come up with several ideas every day. Eventually, I’m bound to come up with a winner.

With practice, you might be able to do something similar. This strategy could be used to synthesize new ideas for products, marketing campaigns, and management strategies. Just try combining multiple ideas, items, or strategies into one and see what you come up with.

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” – Scott Adams

2. Public Speaking

Although terrifying to some, there are few activities that have more potential to enhance your success than public speaking. There’s no doubt about it, getting on stage in front of a large group of people is hard, especially when starting out.

However, when you think about it, even famous motivational speakers like Tony Robbins or Zig Ziglar were once beginners. And chances are, they were pretty nervous back then too. If they could overcome their fear, then so can you.

Several years ago, my father shared something with me that changed the way I thought about public speaking. He taught me that pretty much anyone could give a 10 minute (or even longer) speech, because everyone has at least one thing that they could talk about for that long. It might be your field of study, a great book, a new video game or your favorite soap opera.

Whatever the topic, chances are there is something that you would gladly talk about for hours, given the chance. The major difference with public speaking is that you’re talking to a group instead of an individual.

Public speaking can be an outstanding way to build authority for your brand and increase your income. So, how do you take advantage of that? First, you make a commitment to not let fear hold you back from achieving success in life. Next, educate yourself on a relevant, useful topic to such a degree that you could talk about it all day long. Finally, start practicing.

Take some time to study and familiarize yourself with a few basic public speaking techniques. Then, start small. (You could even start practicing in front of the mirror if you want.)

For example, try to be more vocal and contribute more in meetings. Consider offering to give a presentation at work. You could also try inviting a group of friends or colleagues to a get-together during which you give a speech or lead a discussion on a relevant topic.

As you gain experience, you’ll probably feel more comfortable. When that happens, you can try working your way up to larger and larger audiences. Eventually, you may find that you’re a highly sought after speaker with a top-notch income.

3. Listening

As simple as this one sounds, it might actually be the most important. It’s no secret that a major part of success is networking. At the heart of networking we find relationship building. At the heart of relationship building we find the ability to make others feel important, special, and well-liked. Being a great listener can do just that.

Among my acquaintances, I seem to be known as someone who connects easily with different types of people. My secret is actually quite simple.

Remember how I said just about everyone has something that they will gladly talk about given the opportunity? I just try to give them that opportunity. I ask questions until I discover something that they seem to enjoy talking about. Then, I listen, ask more questions about the subject and offer my own input as appropriate.

In my experience, this is a powerful strategy for building good relationships, even with people I’ve just met. Subjects I ask about in order to discover a topic that they enjoy talking about include:

  • Job
  • School
  • Hobbies
  • Entertainment
  • Goals
  • Family

“To be interesting, be interested.” – Dale Carnegie

Even though some people do seem to rise to the top through pure luck, I prefer to not leave things to chance. If luck doesn’t find you, then I suggest you create your own luck.

These three skills can help enormously on your journey to success. I suggest you choose one of these abilities and begin investing time and effort throughout the next week to start developing some mad skills. I think you’ll enjoy what follows if you do.

Which one of the above three skills do you need to work on most and why? Please comment below as we all want to help one another.

Image courtesy of Twenty20.com

Seth Coyne is a copywriter and branding consultant. Click here to download his Innovation Cheatsheet with 9 hacks to creating an endless stream of brilliant ideas for entrepreneurship, business growth and career advancement. You can follow him here on Twitter.

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Success Advice

11 Mark Manson Lessons That’ll Redefine Success in the Digital Age

Success in the digital age isn’t about hacks, it’s about the raw, real lessons Mark Manson actually lives by.

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Mark Manson life lessons on success
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In 2016, Mark Manson released The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, a brutally honest, thought-provoking book that redefined self-help for a new generation. (more…)

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Change Your Mindset

The Secret Daily Routines Behind History’s Most Brilliant Thinkers

Uncover the daily rituals and hidden habits that powered history’s most brilliant minds to success.

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productivity habits of great minds
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Why Daily Rituals Matter

Every great achiever has one thing in common: discipline. Behind the novels, inventions, discoveries, and masterpieces are small, consistent habits repeated daily. (more…)

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Did You Know

How to Turn a Simple Link-in-Bio Into a Powerful Brand Hub

Transform your forgotten bio link into a high-impact gateway that fuels engagement, clicks, and conversions across every social platform.

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Social media is one of the greatest marketing tools in 2025. According to a recent study, some 86% of marketers globally use platforms like Facebook and Instagram for advertisements, while 94% use it for content distribution.  (more…)

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Personal Development

These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident

Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

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Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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