You don’t have to be smart to be successful. You need to be wise. This contradicts some of what we’re pushing in our world right now. Smart is the ability to take tests; the emphasis is on memorization and production or output.
Wisdom comes from experience, risk taking, mistakes and being able to think – truly think and problem solve. It means diving into details, while not being consumed by them and pausing to take a look at the 10,000 foot view. When it comes to success, “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything” according to Warren Buffet.
This has been an ongoing practice for me (I even named my business YESS!, which shows how much work I have to do), as it requires evaluating your life and simplifying. Sitting down to determine the few non-negotiables (yes, only 2-3) that you will filter your decisions through. In order to do so, you must do a thorough, fearless, and challenging look through your calendar – how you’re spending your time – and also what brings you joy and energy.
No one can teach you this in a class. It’s too visceral and too personal. You must pay attention and absorb it. In a world that suggests more is better, we must be more discerning to distill life into those activities which are truly serving our highest and best use while reciprocally filling our tank by doing them. That’s what leads to success.
Categories: Sue's Daily Blog
