Achieving the objectives or goals in your career can be extremely difficult if proper attention is not paid to some of the factors that are critical for success. These factors are to be carefully cultivated for accomplishing our missions in life:

1. Knowledge

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest” – Benjamin Franklin

For success in life make a priority to increase your intellectual capital. You will be able to increase your value with the habit of continuous education and pursuit of knowledge. Think of education as an investment that will increase your ability to contribute and in return that will increase your earning chances. With a penchant of learning you make your way up the business ladder. As it is said, ‘To earn more, learn more’.

2. Aquire New Skills

Another name for success is skills. For increasing your value at your job concentrate on developing and acquiring new skills. One single skill that you master may take you to the heights of success. In these competitive times the half life of your business is only 2-3 years. The whole pattern of doing business changes within this short a period, so to remain ahead of others you need to sharpen your saw or acquire new and better skills. In the words of Jim Rohn “Don’t wish for less problems, wish for more skills”.

3. Networking

Networking skills are one of the biggest requirement for success. Always work to develop and increase your circle of contacts. Many people get this wrong, to make long term contacts rather than focusing on what you can get, think what you can give. Whenever you meet someone new, try to do something for them first without expecting anything in return and you will be able to develop some of the best all season contacts. Remember networking is not about contacts but developing relations.

4. Money

One of the best rule for success is to save money. Money gives you freedom to pursue what you desire and when opportunities present them you will be able to take advantage of them. Though this is true that money rarely leads to success but without money also you will loose out on various opportunities. Consider money as an instrument for achieving your objectives.

5. Work Ethics

We are a final product of our habits. Good habits will do wonders for you whereas bad habits will hurt your success. They will grow into a lifestyle that will take you away from growth trajectory. Good working habits like setting goals, managing your time, taking control of emotions or writing your work reports seems very simple but they go a long way in creating a life you want to create. They will increase return on time you invest. Develop good habits to think before acting, setting priorities and always make your plans in advance. To reiterate the importance of good habits remember what Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.”

6. Mindset – Think Positive

Time and again we have heard ‘you become what you think or do.’ Importance to carry a positive mental attitude can never be under estimated. Always interpret situations positively and rather then finding problems look for solutions. Make a shift in making your beliefs more enabling and you will be able to find answers to most complex issues. Your optimism will motivate you towards success.

7. Positive Self Image

For success in business or personal life your positive self image in your own eyes as well as in the mind of others is vital. How you perceive yourself, what you think and feel about or how you evaluate yourself seems to have a direct connection with success. People with positive self image will have more career satisfaction and fulfilling life. In other’s eyes though not only your confidence  or efficiency, your appearance is also critical because people see you externally. So you need to take care of both your internal and external personality.

8. Innovation

Companies that do best in long term are those which always strive to innovate. Same hold true for individuals. For achieving your toughest goals, to come out of difficult situations you need to think out of the box. One good idea can transform your career. Phenomenal success can be yours if you combine hard work with creativity.

9. Character

In the end your career will be outward reflection of what you are on the inside. Your character traits of self discipline, honesty, integrity and trust are the foundation of any worthwhile success. As Theodore Roosevelt once wrote in The Outlook “Bodily vigor is good, and vigor of intellect is even better, but far above both is character.”

To give yourself a better chance at success take care to integrate these success factors in your life.

Related article: 8 REQUIREMENTS TO BE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL