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The Key to Success

Disclaimer: Elise Ho, aka “Dr. Ho” is a Holistic Health & Life Coach. Dr. Ho is NOT a medical doctor, licensed therapist, lawyer, or a bevy of other things. Products or services that Dr. Ho believes in are the only ones that she recommends. Dr. Ho may receive compensation, product, or an affiliate commission on anything you see on this site. This is a personal Website solely reflecting Dr. Ho’s personal opinions. Statements on this site do not represent the views or policies of any organization with which I may be affiliated.

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keytosuccess

We all want to know the key to success, so let’s first start with the dictionary definition.

 suc·cess – noun \sək-ˈses\

: the fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect, or fame

: the correct or desired result of an attempt

Personally, I like the second option better. I mean do not get me wrong, wealth is terrific, respect is incredibly important but fame…. well that one really depends on what your goal or desired result is. One thing that we all can agree on is that:

Success is something that we all want to achieve whether in our work life, our home life, our marriage or our exercise and eating habits.

But how can we be successful? What does it look like? What does it feel like? How will we know when we have achieved it?

Success is something different to everyone.

There is not one magic formula.

Success can include many things and it is an ever changing landscape. To an actress it may be being well known and respected on Broadway, but to a landscaper it may be a beautifully manicured lawn. A parent may feel successful when their children are well behaved, well adjusted and having fun. For (now President) Donald Trump it is a whole different story, the man even named a cologne, “Success“.

To achieve success you must work hard, you must be honest with yourself and you also must work hard and be honest with yourself.

Did you catch that?

I know that I said it twice. This was done because it bears repeating. In order to become a successful person, whether in your work life, your married life, or your family life, many things are required.

Success requires showing up.

Mark Zuckerberg invited 5 people to his college dorm room to discuss an idea that he had, but only two showed up. Those two boys who showed up are now multi-millionaires.

Success takes picking yourself back up after every failure and every disappointment.

If you truly want to be successful, when something has not worked out quite the way you wanted you must brush yourself off, put on your big girl panties and try again. Perseverance is key.

Success is only one step beyond failure.

To turn a failure into a success, you need to keep working at your pursuit and continually reevaluate what exactly failed AND why. Consider how you can change the disaster into a victory.

How can you turn the key to success and unlock the door?

Perhaps your original idea needs to be adjusted slightly. You may need a bit of outside help for it to grow and to flourish. Perhaps a part of your idea needs to be left behind so you can achieve your goal. To determine if this is the case, you should also look at the other side of the coin.

Namely, “What worked?”

Look closely at the successful parts of your idea. I understand you may be disappointed that everything did not turn out exactly as you had seen it in your mind’s eye, but that does not mean you are a failure.

Push past the disappointments and you will find what you are looking for.

Success is waiting for you!

Please share your stories of success and those ideas that fell short. I also love success quotes and have shared a few of my favorites below. I would love it if you did the same.

Until next time… Elise

The Key to Success - Elise Cohen Ho The Key to Success - Elise Cohen Ho The Key to Success - Elise Cohen Ho The Key to Success - Elise Cohen Ho The Key to Success - Elise Cohen Ho The Key to Success - Elise Cohen Ho

 

originally published October 21, 2013 in Inspiring Women Magazine

 

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Naturally Yours,
Elise Ho
Ph.D., D.N. Psych.
Behavioral & Mental Health Specialist

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12 thoughts on “The Key to Success”

  1. Success is something that is created by the person that you become. Success is 90% mindset and about 10% skill. People spend 90% of their time on the skills and 10% of the time on mindset. This is why it takes longer than most people hope.

  2. OMG Elise…AMEN sister! High fives to all you said.

    I’d love to share all the quotes that inspire me every day. However, I’ll save you from that – haha.

    Most recently, I realized that you can choose to change the course of your life and follow your passions to “success” at any age. I think society has people all brainwashed that if they don’t have the marriage, house, 2.5 kids with a dog by a certain age, then they’re a failure. I’m done with that nonsense! Haha.

    The quote that inspired this revelation was from Julia Child…
    “I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate.”

    Brings a smile to my face just typing it! Look at Julia! She was certainly a “success” by society’s standards and she didn’t even start until her early 30’s! (RIP Julia!)

    So, here I am…back to following my dreams (at age 32 too). I hope to make Julia…and myself proud!

    🙂 Anna

    1. I love that you have given yourself permission to reach for your dreams. Julia child had it right. She did not let her age, her naysayers or even any knowledge that she was lacking to get in her way. She simply persevered, learned what she needed to and followed her heart.

  3. It’s funny, you started your post the same way I often do, with defining terms! That’s the writer and educator in me!

    It seems that this is a theme going around among bloggers, including me, with discussions of how to live more successful and victorious lives. My new morning affirmation and prayer is about gratitude for another day to live victoriously.

    One quote I recently used in a blog post (from one of my favorite sites for inspirational quotes, http://www.LiveLifeHappy) was this one:

    “Every day is a new beginning. The mistakes from yesterday are now just lessons learned. Absorb the energy and possibility of today, acknowledge the simple beauty that can so easily be taken for granted, and look forward to another new beginning tomorrow.”

    1. Thank you for the quote that you shared. It really is quite profound. You may like the post I attached here, as well.

      I think perhaps we are writing about success because we feel very happy and we want to sahre that happiness. At least, I know that much of my motivation is simply in wanting other people to feel joy.

  4. In order for success to happen, you have to have an open mind. You have to welcome new ideas, be open to change, and know that when you fail, it is a chance to perfect what you started. Nice blog!

    1. Tami, That is beautifully stated. I especially like what you pointed out about failure being “a chance to perfect what you started.” Thank you for visiting and thank you for the compliment.

  5. Attitude really changes everything. I’ve seen attitude snatch victory from the jaws of defeat – and vice versa. But do you know what will stick with me from your post? The three students who never showed up at Mark Zuckerberg’s dorm room – what became of them? Did they let that failure define their lives or did they move on to a different kind of success? It would be great to find out!

    1. I think about those students too. I wonder what they were doing that evening. Were they studying? Goofing around? or maybe they “just didn’t feel like it.” It is something that we should think about the next time we are deciding if we want to attend an event.

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About The Author

Dr. Elise Ho

Dr. Elise Ho

Dr. Elise Ho is a Holistic Health & Life Coach with a special interest in emotional health, life alignment, and energy flow.

Elise will partner with you to align your mindset, your energy, your home and your career so that you can live your life's desire with freedom and love.

Elise offers 30 years of experience and multiple certifications and degrees including a Ph.D. in Natural Health and a doctoral degree in Naturopathic Psychology.