Success Advice
7 Skills You Need to Master Before You Can Achieve Success
As a hardworking entrepreneur, I need to regularly remind myself to look up and out. In the world of business and technology, reality often changes before I can put a coherent thought together. I try to stay on top of my social media accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The list seems endless, yet, I must continue to learn, grow and change as my mediums do.
There are podcasts, personal blogs, guest blogging, online courses, dream boards, interviews, strategy sessions and mastermind groups. Sometimes it’s overwhelming to think about all the opportunities and challenges of today’s fast-paced, global society.
What I learned about success running a brick and mortar business holds true for new challenges in the world of digital marketing. To be successful, I need the right tools in my toolbox. With the basics, I can create a strong foundation on which I will build my business and life. Success occurs when I stay focused on developing the character traits and skills necessary to thrive.
Here are the 7 skills you must develop to achieve success:
1. Belief
Do you believe in yourself and your dream? Do you believe you are capable of making it happen? Is your belief strong enough to knock down the walls you’ll inevitably face while pursuing your objective? If so, you’ll be a winner because winners develop an ability to push aside distractions while staying intensely focused on the end goal. The passion necessary to do so is fueled by an unwavering belief in yourself and your capabilities.
2. Communication
One trick of communication is learning the what, who and how of the process. First and foremost, you must determine the information you actually need to communicate. What do you need to say, and what is to be kept private? Who do you need to convey the information to? For some of us, a chain of command must be followed thus one must communicate with the right people in the correct order.
How do you do so, and what’s the best method of delivery? It is imperative to get this right. Have you ever seen the fallout from a relationship damaged by a simple message conveyed through the wrong medium, such as a text?
Mastery of basic communication skills is crucial for everyone, not just entrepreneurs. You absolutely must make the development of this skill set a priority.
The best rule to follow when it comes to conveying information is if it is an important message, deliver it personally, in person or by phone, not through email or text.
“Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.” – Plato
3. Courage
Fear is powerful and it can stop you in you in your tracks. Fear makes you think you need to turn around when you don’t, and it has the potential to rob you of your dreams. A dedicated entrepreneur finds the courage necessary to bust through fear. As an example, I am fearful of public speaking, yet it is often necessary. If I take time to practice in front of my family or small group of friends, I gain valuable experience and greater confidence in myself. The best way to beat fear is by summoning the courage to walk through it.
4. Flexibility
Flexibility is one of your most important skills. The key is learning to flex without breaking. Whether an owner, manager or employee, you will be asked many times throughout your life to be flexible with your availability, your attitudes, and your management of self and others. In order to achieve maximum flexibility, you must first define your limits and boundaries. In businesses large and small, and in life, flexibility is a critical skill to master because even the strongest of us can snap when we are stretched past our breaking point.
5. Integrity
Integrity is honesty. Integrity helps you identify your strengths and character defects. It helps you make an honest assessment of who you are and what you are capable of. We need integrity to draw and keep the right people, both employees and customers. When people look to their leaders, they respect the person whose words match their actions. Integrity binds us together.
6. Mentorship
When you allow yourself to be mentored by someone, you tap into a wealth of information, communication and conversation. Due to the nature of the relationship, a mentor can tell you the truth about yourself or your business as the right mentor already walked the path you are now on. Out of their experience, a mentor informs you of the pitfalls you might face and can teach you how to approach and conquer challenges.
“My mentor said, ‘Let’s go do it,’ not ‘You go do it.’ How powerful when someone says, ‘Let’s!’” – Jim Rohn
7. Willingness
Are you willing to do whatever it takes, as long as the “it” is ethical? Will you work 12-hour-days for weeks, with no paycheck? Will you clean toilets, sweep floors and empty trash? Are you willing to forgo material pleasures while building your dream? Can you ask for help? Are you willing to listen to constructive criticism? Will you set aside your ego and accept opportunities for growth as they come? Will you commit the time to continually expand your knowledge base?
Growth requires education and dedication. You must be willing to go the extra mile and be able to see success before it materializes. You must work like no one else to succeed like no one else. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a basic skill set you need to start strong, maintain focus and achieve success. New tools will be added to your toolboxes as you move forward.
When one of your tools is no longer useful, give it to a new entrepreneur. It’s important to pass knowledge on to keep growing yourself. Sharing with one another is how we all succeed.
Which one of these skills has helped you most in life so far? Let us know in the comments below!
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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.
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:
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Research your topic at night.
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Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).
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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.
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A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.
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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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