Bruce Lee’s success as an actor and renowned martial artist is legend. His tenacity, personal belief and work ethic opened a new chapter for Asians in the entertainment industry. These 7 personal laws are just a few pillars of his success.
Growing into a successful person is no overnight job. As Benjamin Disraeli said – “Beware of endeavoring to become a great man in a hurry. One such attempt in ten thousand may succeed. These are fearful odds.”
Time, patience and staying the course will get you there. And keep you there.
So here’s 7 Laws of Success from master Bruce Lee:
(1)
BE THE ONE AND ONLY YOU
“Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.”
Be a first rate you. Not a second-rate knock off of someone else. Yes, learn from successful people. But create your own style, voice and credo.
Consider Seth Godin – bald, bespectacled and bold. His credo – go make something happen. He’s not trying to be another Anthony Robbins. He uses his unique image and passion for counter-establishment to appeal to his ‘tribe’.
(2)
WORK RELENTLESSLY
I fear not the man who has practiced 10 000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10 000 times.”
Wake up each day knowing you’ll make this day better than yesterday. Pick one thing, work on it. Start small. Work on increasing your strengths instead of improving your weakness.
(3)
TAKE DELIBERATE ACTION
“Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”
You’ve probably heard of or know someone who’s always taking courses. But not taking action. While it’s necessary to improve and learn you must take it to the next level. ACTION.
There’s all kinds of reasons we may not ‘just do it’. Fear of failure. Not feeling confident. Lack of time, connections or funds.
Regardless – you need to step out of your comfort zone. Take baby steps. Make the first call, send the first e-mail to a prospect. Spend 10 minutes a day laser focused on what you need to do next to move forward.
(4)
GO PROACTIVE
“To hell with circumstances, I create opportunities.”
Don’t wait for the right time, make the right time. Either find a way or make a way to grow yourself, your business or your passion in life.
Talk to people in similar situations and challenges who have succeeded. What worked for them. Seek mentors.
Put yourself out there and good things will happen. Practicing the law of sowing and reaping daily.
(5)
GET CRYSTAL CLEAR ON YOUR PURPOSE
“The possession of anything begins in the mind.”
Know where you want to go. You don’t have to know all the steps. Just set a laser focus on the outcome.
Take Jim Carrey for example. His crystal-clear purpose was to be an actor. As a youngster he would visualize directors and actors telling him how much they admired his work.
Add to that – at age 28 as a struggling comedian – he wrote himself a 10-million-dollar check for services rendered in his first movie. Dating it for 5 years in the future. Within 5 years he signed a contract for his role in Dumb and Dumber. The amount – 10 million dollars.
(6)
STAY FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE
“Obey the principles without being bound by them.”
Black and white thinking is a growth killer. Yes, you do need to know where to draw the line. However, your views should never be so rigid and inflexible with new ideas, thoughts or people that you can’t see past your nose.
Keep up with new innovations in technology. Stay current through social media. Learn the latest lingo of your industry.
Have a soul bearing session with family or friends. Ask them how you can be a better mother, father, sister friend to them. Get feedback from clients and act on what you can. You’ll end up surprising yourself with how adaptable you can be.
(7)
PAY IT FORWARD
“Real living is living for others.”
Does this mean you don’t have a life of your own? You can’t put yourself first? Of course not. If you’re not happy and fulfilled it’s tough to pay it forward. But living for others doesn’t have to be complicated. You can do it in many ways.
Mentor a newbie. Give a genuine compliment. Paying for a strangers’ coffee. Offer your expertise to a struggling newcomer – for free. Volunteer a couple of hours a week of your time to a good cause. Smile at five strangers.
Comment on great service when you receive it. Are you on LinkedIn? Write a commendation for a co-worker or endorse a connection.
In conclusion
These “laws” or guidelines will serve as a compass on your journey to a better you. See them as a rock solid 7 pillar foundation for your future happiness. Here’s a parting thought to keep in mind. “It’s not what we leave behind that matters, as much as how we live our lives now.” Best of success to you!
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