"5 Steps to..." The Dumbing of America

From "5 Steps to a new life" to "10 Steps to Becoming a Superhero" (seriously),we are inundated with experts who can change someone's life if only they follow a handful of 5 to 10 brainless instructions. The problem with these postings is not only the fact that the writer usually has no idea what they're talking about, it's that less than 1% have actually tried the steps themselves. It's like seeking advice on becoming wealthy from a janitor (no offense to janitors). 

Let's clarify a couple things: 

• There is no easy, simple solution to success. It takes years of trial and error, hard work, dedication, and focus. It requires failing, risk taking, adjusting direction, self-assessment and personal sacrifice. It is not something that is going to come simply because someone takes '5 steps'. Ask Trump, Bloomberg, Jobs, etc. what 5 steps they took. Trump will say "You're Fired!". Sure there are the rare few that may appear to experience incredible success seemingly without much effort, but I guarantee they too give up things that people don't see.
• Everything a person needs to achieve success is already inside of them right now. Sadly however, the great majority have been kicked, beaten, belittled, screwed over, defamed, shamed, and trodden down so many times in life that they forget the amazing beauty and ability that they possess. And hey, if someone didn't capitalize on that pain then a multi-billion $ industry wouldn't exist. 

What makes these 5 step postings so popular (and dangerous) is that people are desperate to grow in a way that allows them an opportunity for success, peace of mind, acceptance, self-fulfillment, and the like. This is further compounded by the culture of instant gratification that has been promulgated over the past 20 years. People have been conditioned to believe that they will achieve their dreams very quickly if only they...(usually requires spending money on a system from an "expert" who likely still lives in their parents' basement). 

What people really need are actionable solutions that they can implement throughout their lifetime to help them move from one victory to another. I've been training some of the most accomplished sales teams in the country for almost two decades now. I've witnessed first-hand the personal growth and awesome achievement of hundreds of people when they finally "get it". One of the most rewarding things in life is to watch someone rise from the ashes of mediocrity once they find their true inner strength and beauty.

And guess what, I don't live in my parents’ basement and I wasn't born with a silver spoon. I actually had to work my way up from the bottom. Here's the first lesson: People have to earn what they get.

If you want a straightforward look at the realities of sales, then stay posted. I will not attempt to lure anyone with fruitless tactics that sound good, but offer no practical value. I will give you tips and feedback that works, and guess what else? I'll do it for free. Until next time, 

Expect Success