Interview: Business Leaders Layout The 7 Habits That Contribute The Most To Their Success

Well 2020 was quite something. 2021 seems to be that and some. This got me thinking. So, I reached out to a number of successful professionals and interviewed them on how to overcome obstacles and inner struggles.

I got to talk to them about their fears for the coming decade and their advice for you, the reader.

My intention was simply to reach out to people from different fields all of whom have a general focus in making the world a better place.

I had some great conversations, heard some amazing juicy nuggets and got some great guidance for readers.?

Here is what they have to say.

Be Positive

Number one was to be positive. And to be honest a great reminder for all of us. So what does being positive mean?

From a psychological standpoint, 90% of people make decisions from a place of moving away from problems. Only 10% actually move towards solutions, pleasure and happiness. And you get what you focus on which is more problems or more happiness. That choice is ultimately yours.

And this difference in decision making is also a telltale sign for your success.

“It can be hard to keep the faith sometimes. Especially so, when we have too much on our plate. Conquering obstacles can help.”

Eman Martin-Vignerte

Head of Political Affairs and Governmental Affairs at Bosch

Community and Connection

One I wasn’t expecting and completely makes sense to me is a sense of community and connection to others. Whether that be with your local church, your colleagues at work or family, it didn’t really seem to matter as much as your trust in that connection and having a place to do selfless acts.

“Believe in equality and diversity. Believe in doing good for others.”

Dwayne Kavanagh

CEO Business Hub

As I look back at my own life, this is so true.

There is also this premise in the personal development world that you are the sum of who you spend the most time with. I agree to a certain extent.?

The layer I would add to this is:

The importance of the who you are thinking about and associating with within your own head (for the purpose of this article) impacts your obstacles and inner struggles. You can also apply this to any project or anything that you are focused on in life.

For example, you are focused on a big important project yet are having an issue with your spouse at home and that is constantly in the back of your mind while focused on the project. Or Big project and thinking of role models in your life that have accomplished similar projects.

There’s a big difference between those two and will have a big impact in the effectiveness, quality, results and amount of time your project will take.?

The greatest needle mover on this one is to surround yourself with coaches, mentors and people that support the direction that you are going and will help you stay accountable.

“Hold on. Hope On. And Trust On.”

Dr. Lisa A. McConnell

Global Expert on Radicalization Prevention

Mental/Spiritual/Reflection Self-Care

Another important part of the interviewees lives was self-care. More specifically around being mentally and spiritually strong.

Everyone’s method for this is very different and at the same time was carefully structured into their lives.?

For the respondents it not only helped them feel better but allowed them to navigate life better.

Having the mental and or spiritual skills gets you better and better results, helps you reach new levels and triumph in your personal and career life regardless of the task at hand.

“You have permission to be human, to struggle and to forgive yourself. It’s important to learn that it’s ok to go through really tough times and triumph. It’s vital that we evolve.”

Elizabeth Lee Robinson

Co-Founder and President EvenPulse

Most seem to schedule between 1 to 2 hours per day for this. How much do you schedule in?

Values

Values came out as another secret to finding your way through obstacles and inner struggles.

Specifics like finding your true north and what you stand for.

Speaking of which, what do you stand for…

A better and more just society?

Creating a better world for the next generation?

Protecting the planet?

What principles do you have in your life that you just will not compromise on?

Honesty? Integrity? Respect?

Principles and values give you the edge to protect your boundaries, time, relationships and energy.

“We as a people share this community and we forget to understand each other and that it’s important to do the right thing.”

Jon Smedley

Senior Consultant

It is the fire for you to persevere regardless of what you are up against.

Figure out one thing that you stand for and post it in the comments section.

“You always have a choice. Go back to your values and the big picture, then move forward from there.”

Sarah Walker-Smith

Chief Executive

Move your body

Take some time to move your body. Sometimes a simple change of rooms can make a world of difference in your perspective on what you are focused on.?

Moving your body is also a great outlet for thinking things through and having great ideas come to mind. Not the mention the health benefits to your life.

“Running is my meditation. During a run I can process the day and think through all of the details I need to think through and create my plan of action.”

Ingrid Wilson

Senior Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Mindset Hacks

Overwhelmingly everyone applies some sort of mindset, life or personal hack into their situations.?

From gratitude, celebrating, reframes, breath work, reading or a daily thinking hour.

“Look at where you are today and where you’d like to be. The middle point is where you can be today. Take one step forward.”

Sat Manju

Business Leader

Discipline

Another great ingredient to add to this list is discipline.

Without discipline you will get distracted when uncomfortable things show up in your life. Chase shiny objects. Won’t admit mistakes. And lose sight of your focus.?

“Personal discipline is paramount. In the history of success you don’t hear about the burnouts. Fight through your issues and be happy at the same time.”

Peter Ashworth

CEO

FEARS

The greatest echo in the fears of the interviewees was tied to complacency, division and relevance.

Complacency was tied into the world’s attitude at large with the need for immediate gratification, feeling entitled and the lack of critical thinking.

Division. There seems to be significant concerns around the polarization of ideas, beliefs and groups and it growing every day.?

Relevance ties into the changing world and the economic viability of the labour force and their own positions, the growing discord between nature and humanity’s footprint along with Human rights with the distribution of wealth.

“ Live the best life you can and be the best person you can be to overcome what parts of us hold us back and keep us down.”

Pam Pew

Therapist

So I am giving you some work to do here to take away from this article. Answer the following:

How do I become more relevant?

What ideas or beliefs do I need to let go of to be more open minded?

Where are you being complacent in your life?

Take A.I.M. (Accountability, Implementation and Mastery).

Where do I need to seek out more accountability in making a difference in my life and the life of those around me?

What do I need to implement to safeguard my future and my today?

What skills do I need to learn to go forward through the obstacles and challenges that I face?

Why is it important

We all believe it is important to overcome obstacles and inner struggles but why?

I leave you with this: Why is it important to you? Please answer in the comments section.

“All success in life depends on it [overcoming obstacles] in personal, professional and in your relationships.”

DeAnn Campbell

VP Strategy

Leo Richard

Men’s Coach For Business Leaders Creating A New Chapter In Their Lives With Direction, Meaning, Authenticity and Self-Belief

Partnering with Senior Level professionals, C-suite Execs and Seasoned Entrepreneurs creating a new chapter in their lives to overcome obstacles and inner struggles so they can effectively recharge, destress and free up their time to prioritize more and scale.

*please note respondents were selected per my network and were intended to have no association with each other beyond this article.