The Seven Foundations of Success

Success, that fleeting thing that so often seems to be within our grasp, yet slips through the fingers.

To aid me in my pursuit of success that would provide me with financial security, but also make me truly happy, I came up with seven foundations.

Soul

I have worked in education in for fifteen years and I am an excellent teacher. Some years back I was after promotions, with the view of becoming a deputy head, but I never got those promotions. I wondered why. I was at least as good as others who got promoted.

It wasn’t until a cancer diagnosis forced me to take a break from teaching, that I realised why. I didn’t want it with my soul, and I’m sure my head teacher felt it and gave the promotions to those more passionate about education.

To find success that lasts and makes you happy, your goals need to come from your soul. When you do what you love, it shows and success will follow.

Universe

You got to have faith in the universe. Believe that pieces will fall into their right places if you have the courage to listen to your soul’s calling.

You know those moments when you wanted something to happen, but it didn’t. And later, days, weeks, months or even years later you came to realise that it was for the best. That the universe was working for the best outcome for you.

So have faith and know that if you are putting in the work, the universe will provide you with the right opportunities at the right time.

Commitment

Some years back I heard a joke about a man who kept asking God for a lottery win. However much he prayed his wish was never granted. Until one day God spoke to him. He said, “If you want to win, buy a lottery ticket.”

I realised I used to be like the man in the joke. I wanted to be a writer, but I wasn’t committing my time and energy towards the goal. Somehow, miraculously, I expected it to happen to me.

Nothing will happen without the proper commitment. Sometimes that means juggling the day job with the soul ambition, but it’s got to be worth it.

Your goal will not materialise by some miracle alone. You need to commit to it.

Creativity

If you want to succeed, you need to get creative. You won’t find success by offering the same as others.

First, identify what you love to do. Then do your research and identify a gap in the market that you could fill with your talents. Offer something nobody else does. Or find a fresh way to offer something others already do.

Get creative to stand out from the crowd.

Energy

Learn to choose where you put your energy. With life pulling us in so many directions, focus your energy on what you want to achieve. It might mean learning to say no when others ask you to do something for them. It might mean saying no to invitations that take time away from your goal.

But this is not limited to physical energy and your actions. You also need to focus the energy of your thoughts, words and feelings towards what you want to manifest in your life.

Support

How do people around you react when you tell them about your goals? Do they support you or doubt your chances of success?

Surround yourself with people who stand behind you and support you one hundred per cent. Find like-minded people who have their own goals and support each other.

This may sound harsh, but you cannot give your time to people who doubt your ability to succeed. People with negative energy will bring you down, whereas those who believe in you will lift you up.

Shout

Do people know what you offer? Are you making yourself visible in every way available to you?

People will not magically find you. You need to be actively telling everyone what you are offering. Put yourself out there and don’t be afraid to approach people who can help you achieve your goals.

Shout about your unique offer and talents on social media and enlist friends to help you. Collaborate with others to gain wider attention. You might have the best product or idea to offer, but it will not get off the ground unless you market it.

In conclusion. Use the seven foundations to help you achieve your goals.

• Soul - Do something that makes your soul sing.
• Universe - Trust that all the pieces will fall in place at the right time.
• Commitment - Dedicate time and energy to achieve your goal.
• Creativity - Get creative with your options and what you are offering.
• Energy - Direct your actions and thoughts towards achieving your goal.
• Support - Surround yourself with people who give you positive energy.
• Shout - Tell people what you offer in every way you can.