THE SUCCESS GENE

I don't know this woman well, but in the short time I've been acquainted with her she has impressed me tremendously. I even commented to a mutual acquaintance that she possesses "the success gene." It was one of those catchy phrases that actually made ME stop and think...What is the "success gene"? Exactly what am I saying about this very dynamic woman?

Well first of all, let's talk about what "it" (the success gene) isn't. First, it isn't inherited, although you can certainly be influenced positively by being around others who possess it. Second, it is not some complex, mysterious human genome-like set of traits that only a few are privileged or wise enough to decipher. Third, it isn't a single trait, but a cluster of inter-related characteristics that add up to much more than the sum of their parts.

Here are the characteristics that make up my list of "the success gene" behaviors. You may have some you'd like to add to the list; if so, please send them on. In the meantime check the list below and see how many you already possess and to what degree.

1) A passion for life. I've actually only spoken to this person over the phone, but even with the limits of that technology her passion and zest for life are apparent. It seems to ooze out of every pore, seep into the phone lines and infect me everytime I talk to her. It is perhaps the most noticeable quality about her. She talks with an energy that excites others. She laughs easily at herself and the absurdities of life. And the "fragrance" of her passion draws others to her like bees to flowers.

2) A bias toward action. She and I have been talking about Best Year Yet(TM), the goal setting and planning process I've worked with for nearly eight years. She is a walking advertisement for the power of positive goal-setting. She seems to know what she wants, where she's going, and how she's going to get "there" all the while never losing sight of the fact that this moment is all we're really promised. She is energy in motion. She makes things happen.

3) The big picture. She has faced trials...big ones...and knows that there is a power much greater than herself that is supporting her along life's path. While she has never spoken to me specifically about her spiritual beliefs, she doesn't have to. She is the embodiment of someone who lives her faith, putting it into action and continually looking for ways to contribute and give back.

4) Attitude of gratitude. You can always tell someone who knows that everyday is a gift. They never hesitate to express their appreciation, even for the little things in life. That gratitude spills over in all kinds of ways, from the handwritten thank-you to the sincere apology when something hasn't gone as planned. And that grateful attitude sparkles through her voice. When we talk on the phone I can see the smile on her face through the smile in her voice. Gratitude does that. Gratitude seems to affect her eyesight as well because she is someone who always sees the glass half-full rather than half-empty.

5) Follow through. This is a person who never waits for someone else to take the initiative. Without being pushy or aggressive, she graciously and consistently makes certain that the phone calls, paperwork and other details get handled. If she doesn't hear back from someone in a timely manner, she makes the phone call or sends the email. When she's made the commitment to a phone conversation or other communication whether face-to-face or virtual, she's there and fully present.

6) 100% responsibility. No shame, no blame, no excuses. Although as I mentioned above, I don't know her well (yet) I can tell she is someone who takes responsibility for what is hers. If something goes wrong, she accepts the responsibility for doing what she can to right it. Late for an appointment? No long, drawn out litany of traffic woes or that "last minute" phone call that went on too long. A simple, "I'm sorry I was late." How refreshingly rare and boy what a time saver!

There may be more qualities than those I've briefly described here. But one thing is for sure, if we took it upon ourselves to focus on one of these "success genes" weekly--a Success Gene Challenge--and intentionally looked for opportunities to grow more of it in our lives what a world we would create for ourselves and others! Imagine getting up tomorrow feeling passionate about life. Imagine choosing to take action even when "you don't feel like it." Imagine, always keeping the big picture in mind and knowing that you don't work alone...that the power of the universe stands ready to aid and assist you. Imagine being thankful all day everyday for whatever comes your way. Imagine being the one follow-up and follow-through; to iniate and not hesitate. Imagine giving up the shame, blame and excuses game. Wow!

Just writing about the "success gene" has me feeling excited and empowered about life, business and all the opportunities that await me. I hope reading this has done the same for you. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go follow up with my friend!

Quote of the Week:

"Let us, then, be up and doing
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait."

~~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"Transforming Your Potential into Performance!"
Betty Mahalik, PCC Life & Business Coach, Trainer bettym@dynamic-coaching.com www.dynamic-coaching.com	Dynamic Solutions 5240 Mustang St. Las Vegas, NV 89130 tel: 702 658-4425 fax: 702 658-5802 mobile: 702 443-0175
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