I love sharing the “behind-the-scenes” secrets to success here on my blog. This week is no different.

See, I’m very passionate about this because I think most personal development seminars miss out a key message. Success and the journey to it is often NOT a bed of roses. It’s hard, it’s tough, it’s messy and sometimes you just need to hang in there.

If you imagine the road to success to be one paved with perfume, sunshine and butterflies, you’re in for a rude awakening. I discovered that the hard way as I journeyed from my humble beginnings to where I am today. It’s been tough, challenging – but fun and amazing, too. That, I feel, is a more balanced and truthful take on success.

On that note, this week I want to talk about an “O” word no one talks about.

That word is OBSESSION.


I have found that most incredibly successful people possess this single trait - the ability to be totally obsessed with whatever field they are in. They aren't driven by money, fame or success. They are driven by the obsession to be the absolute best in whatever they do. Simply put, they do it so they can be the best at doing it.

They are willing to sacrifice sleep, social life and just about anything to get good. Look into their eyes and you see a laser beam - sharp and focused. They think, live and breathe this obsession 24/7 - even when they eat, sleep and shower. You can bet this is the last thought they have before they sleep, and first thought when they wake.

It is this singular obsession, I credit, as the primary reason for their success.

This is in contrast to the paradigm most other people have in society - an easily-distracted, come-and-go attitude. Most people who don't achieve success are weekend warriors. They do it because the initial phase is fun, but they quit when it gets hard. Also, they have so much going on and they are so "busy" - they abandon something just as quickly as they start. As the saying goes, "easy come, easy go." This is why many people can "try" dozens of hobbies, sports and activities - and become master of none. Sure, it's all a big ball of fun but in the end, they don't have much to show in any area.

Now, if you're reading this, you are a success-minded person and my suggestion if you want to fast-track your way to success is to find a SINGLE area you want to get good at and make it the sole centre of your universe.

Study it, be the best at it and for crying out loud - STICK TO IT! Resist the newest, latest shiny object that pops up. Stay on task, keep on track until you achieve total absolute mastery.

If you do this, you will finally achieve the lasting success you so badly want. And you will join an elite group of giants of industry. Every single person who possesses extraordinary mastery got there because they were totally obsessed with what they pursued. It's that simple.

At the end of the day, success is really simple. Now it's your turn.

Visit Yana Fry Coaching page to find out more about Yana's work.  

_{This post was first published on www.yanafry.com and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.} 

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