The Most Important Trait for Success
I recently read an article in Forbes about what was considered the most important trait a person needed in order to be successful. The trait was trustworthiness.
The article was interesting because it pointed out that appearance can be just as important as fact. Machiavelli made this observation 500 years ago and it was as true then as it today.
The author, Heidi Halvorson made the point, "If you want other people to believe that you are trustworthy, you should be aware that you may be seriously undermining that belief if you appear to lack self-control."
How do you appear to lack self-control? There are behaviors like overeating, smoking, impulsive spending, being late, disorganized - all are part of non-verbal cues you broadcast about who you are. Ms. Halvorson says that you have to conquer these trust saboteurs if you want to be trusted.
Correcting these behaviours requires discipline and will power. She says that if you want to build more will power, start by picking or avoiding an activity that fits with your life and your goals. Then add this to your daily routine so it requires you to override an impulse or desire again and again.
Self-control can be developed, but like muscle memory for any skill it has to be developed over time. If you would like to read Heidi's complete article, follow this link.
The article was interesting because it pointed out that appearance can be just as important as fact. Machiavelli made this observation 500 years ago and it was as true then as it today.
The author, Heidi Halvorson made the point, "If you want other people to believe that you are trustworthy, you should be aware that you may be seriously undermining that belief if you appear to lack self-control."
How do you appear to lack self-control? There are behaviors like overeating, smoking, impulsive spending, being late, disorganized - all are part of non-verbal cues you broadcast about who you are. Ms. Halvorson says that you have to conquer these trust saboteurs if you want to be trusted.
Correcting these behaviours requires discipline and will power. She says that if you want to build more will power, start by picking or avoiding an activity that fits with your life and your goals. Then add this to your daily routine so it requires you to override an impulse or desire again and again.
Self-control can be developed, but like muscle memory for any skill it has to be developed over time. If you would like to read Heidi's complete article, follow this link.
Posted by The Health Underwriter at 10/10/2011 9:15 AM 
Categories: Better Living
Tags: Success will power
Categories: Better Living
Tags: Success will power
Comments