I’m Rashid Kotwal.
In almost two decades consulting to business owners I’ve come to realise all successful business owners and leaders exhibit certain traits that lead them to success. Now while this is by no means the definitive list, here’s my take.
It’s who you are, not what you do. Do you have a big heart? Are you truly there to help other people succeed or do you only take action because of what’s in it for you?
Do you have a vision? Something that drives you. Notice I didn’t say goals. While goals are important – they’re just milestones along the way. A vision is something bigger – maybe bigger than you can achieve in your lifetime.
Have you got a strategy? We’re all constrained by time, money and resources. Figuring out a path and sticking to it will stop you chasing bright shiny objects and going down rat holes.
Will you do the work? There is no such thing as a free lunch. Everything takes work and trust me, the bigger the vision, the harder you’ll need to work. But remember, you can be smart and leverage your time and effort.
How resilient are you? Will you quit at the first obstacle or rejection?
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks. And there will be many along the way. The only true failure is not getting up again. Remember, there is really no such thing as an overnight success. Look at any successful person be it in business, the arts or music and you’ll see someone who has paid their dues slogging it out.
Are you teachable and coachable? This is a biggie. Unless you’re willing to expand by getting out of your comfort zone, learn and try out new ways of thinking and operating, you’ll fail. If your attitude is, “Yes, but”, or “That’ll never work here”, forget it.
Realise when you need to be flexible and change, and when you need to stand your ground.
And finally, will you invest in yourself, even when you don’t have the money or feel you can’t afford the time?
One client recently said to me, “Rashid, we can’t afford you anymore”. Another said, “I don’t have the money, but I know I need your help so will do whatever I can to continue.”
Who do you think will succeed in the long term? This is not about me and what I can help with – it’s about their attitude that they’ll do whatever it takes.
Ultimately, success or failure is an inside job. Every one of us is capable of changing and improving. But you have to want to do so.
So if you’re not happy with your life and your business, rather than looking outwards, first look at yourself. Ask “Who do I need to become” then take the steps required.
And of course if would like external help and accountability because that is something that we have found will make a difference to success. I’m here give me a call.
Till next time, this is Rashid Kotwal.
