There is a popular Buddhist’s teaching saying, “You are what you think you are”. This saying would be true if those thoughts stem from one’s conviction, as such would influence and explain one’s behaviour and actions. Otherwise, thoughts that do not influence one’s behavior and actions are meaningless, have no effect and do not count. Beliefs are important and have a significant bearing in personal and business situations because of the effect of their influence on the behaviour and actions of the subject concerned.
I believe there are six important factors which if all true, would ensure, guarantee and fortify your success. In other words, I believe if these factors are true about you or your business, it is impossible for success to be elusive. Though they are my beliefs, I trust you may find something useful from them. By Nimroth Gwetsa, 28 February 2023.
As one of the witnesses to this life and its experiences, my sayings in this article are not fables, neither am I attempting to become a snake oil salesman. As a catalyst and fortifier for success, the six factors should be pursued all at once and all should always be true about you or your business. Otherwise, you would be deluding yourself ignoring some while relentlessly pursuing others.
The six factors in their foundational order are:
- Truth
- Morality
- Knowledge
- Beliefs
- Capability
- Reputation
TRUTH
By truth, I am referring to “that which is” about your business or personality. Lately, truth seems subjective, and it is not unusual seeing many social commentators referring to “one’s truth”. I have a problem with this because if truth is what we understand it to be, it should not be referred to as “your truth” or “my truth”. Truth is truth, and it is simply: “That which is”. That which is, is independent of the witness. It stands on its own, unshaken despite one’s view. Anything to the contrary cannot be truth. Saying that by “your truth” it is meant “to consider different perspectives”, goes against what truth is. That perspective no longer refers to truth, but one’s interpretation of the truth. One’s interpretation of the truth differs from the truth – “that which is”.
Without digressing, what is “that which is” about you or your business? What would be “That which is not” about your business? Trying to make yourself or business to appear as something else does not make you or the business “that thing”. You are who you are and your business is what it is. Do not make it something it is not. Similarly, what is “that which is” about your products and services? Pursue and stick to truth always.
MORALITY
I must admit, from a human perspective, morality is subjective and differs from one community to another. Though communities can be wrong, malleable and fickle, as we have seen with mob activities, that which unites and keeps communities at peace is not always wrong. Since no “man” is an island but a member of a community, what is justifiable in your community? Does that which is justifiable in the community or to you or your business break the golden rule that “…as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise”? You or your business cannot expect success doing that which is opposed by the affected community, more so the community you wish to provide services to.
Moral uprightness means being clear with everyone, able to walk without accusations of having left “skeletons” behind or in the closet. Always pursue morality even when unseen.
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge gives peace. Not knowing that which you ought to know and you know that you do not know it, is unsettling. Knowledge increases one’s confidence to pursue opportunities, tackle problems and make a difference in the lives of others. If you cannot acquire such knowledge yourself, is it possible to surround yourself with those in possession of such knowledge and leverage their knowledge? Ignorance is unhelpful, dangerous and can be fatal.
Ignorance of some things cannot be used as an excuse for lacking knowledge in those things. Likewise, what is known about you or your business? Can knowledge of your business or products or services be improved or shared widely? Ensure there is correct knowledge of your business and its primary offerings.
BELIEFS
Let us be honest, what would be the point of being in business if you do not believe in the market, or your business and/ or its offerings and prospects? Bad experiences will always occur and hinder progress. Such should not easily discourage us from pursuing our dreams and goals. What unshakable truths about you or your business, its offerings, the market, problems and opportunities can you hold onto, to press ahead despite setbacks you are experiencing?
By now, knowing what is true about you or your business, being morally upright within your community, possessing important knowledge crucial to ensuring your success, it should not be easy to be deceived and doubtful about your prospects and pursuing opportunities. Wrong and contrary thoughts will always attack your beliefs causing you to lose faith in what you are trying to do so you could give up on your dreams and goals. Do not allow discouragement to arise. Keep the faith and keep pushing though you may need to change course slightly from time to time to adapt to prevailing circumstances.
CAPABILITY
Experience is one thing but having the ability to do something is golden! Your abilities give you competence. Competence enables you to do and produce something worthy. Put it differently, without ability, you are somewhat “disabled”. With utmost of humility and consideration to those living with some disability, disability is undesirable. Your abilities are “the ticket to the game” enabling some doors to be opened, even if it is probationary.
Create and improve your chances by ensuring that you possess some capabilities that can be applied to solve some problems.
REPUTATION
As in capability, reputation is everything. In fact, it is easier for people to associate with you or distance themselves from you based on your reputation. Reputation is a key of life. Once it has been tarnished, chances of it being lost forever are enhanced. Likewise, once reputation has been gained, it is not easy to lose. Reputation speaks for you even when you are not promoting yourself. When decision-makers have bad experiences for a while without a solution in sight, it becomes easy for those known to you to seek your services. The current difficult economic situation necessitates that prudence be exercised. Good reputation will break barriers and secure you good opportunities.
CONCLUSION
You have an important role to play. Ensure that you can confidently declare full compliance in all the six factors outlined in this article. Do not be found wanting in any of them to ensure your enduring success. Neither should you let failure to comply discourage you. These factors are simply a guide about the foundation for success.
Be well.
