Expect Success!

You control your own destiny

I recently met with one of my son's teachers, who has a unique motivational approach.

He said: "In my classroom, I expect everyone to work to the 'A' level. I expect their best. I don't get after them to attend class, or do their homework. It is their responsibility. I am not their mother or father. They know success is expected, and if they don't measure up, they may be expelled from my class."

His teaching philosophy seems severe but when I investigated, I discovered the class was the best-attended, highest-achieving class in the school. His students really perform. They do everything possible to meet his expectations.

I contrast the success of this teacher and his students to comments I often hear about the lack of success. People blame their backgrounds, their lack of education, their economic status, their "dead-end" jobs, their families, and a whole list of other problems. They've been told they won't succeed—and they believe it.

Look again at what this teacher is saying. He tells his students they will succeed. From the first minute in his classroom, they are filled with positive expectations about themselves. They know his class is tough but they know his students are school leaders who graduate well-prepared for success.

Our independent dealer consultants are the same. They come to our company filled with the promise of the opportunity that's central to our sales philosophy. They know success is attainable and know that others have achieved success.

The only obstacles to success appear when consultants don't have positive expectations about themselves, or aren't comfortable with the idea of being successful. They need to be reminded often to expect success.

Everyone has great potential and all they need to do is look beyond setbacks and steer themselves back on target.

Here are some questions my son's teacher offers his students:
What are your expectations?
Do you honestly expect to succeed?
Why have you not yet reached your potential?
Could your thoughts be holding you back?

If your thoughts are holding you back, change them! It is never too late. Consciously decide that you will succeed. Develop a plan with your manager and then implement it. Stick to it long enough that you have more success than failure. Get comfortable with your potential for success.

It all begins with you. You are worthy of success. It is your destiny.

Ghostwritten for CEO.