Recently I had the sincere pleasure of interviewing Bob Burg on The Inside Success Show. We discussed the topic of his new booklet called, “The Success Formula: Three Principles That Will Turbocharge Your Success and Dramatically Improve Your Life.”
Bob is what I call a ‘turbocharged speaker’ and I believe he’s destined to become a household name like Zig Ziglar. I say household, because I know several people who say they’ve listened to Zig’s tapes so many times that not only they can repeat what he said verbatim, so can their kids.
Bob is also a person, whom I consider to be a Proactive Superstar, because he exhibits a high level of all 5 of the keys ways of thinking that make up Proactive Thinking (i.e. Future Thinking, Positive Thinking, Smart Thinking, Systems Thinking, and Spiritual Thinking). He also walks the Proactive Success pathway to Authentic Abundance (i.e. Discovering, Choosing, Believing, Acting, Persisting, Growing, and Reaping).
All of the people Bob surveyed, who enjoyed a high level of success in their lives, put common actions and principles to work. And, when others emulate them, will produce the same high results.
Bob identified three universal core principles that he says can be observed at every period of time and in every cultural. Each principle, on it’s own, will yield some positive results; but when used together, like a braided rope, they marshal a tremendous power to bring success to any aspect of your life.
He calls them “The Success Formula.” I believe Bob is absolutely correct. They will bring about dramatic self-improvement, and I would like to provide a reason why, by looking at them from the proactive mountaintop, so you can see “the big picture.”
Principle #1 – Seek Out and Find
‘The System’
Bob starts out with the premise that you know your core desire (a.k.a. purpose, mission, calling, etc.) and that you believe it with all your heart. This in itself requires a high level of Positive and Future Thinking, for you must believe you are special and that you have control over your destiny. It also starts you onto the Proactive Success path, because you must intentionally discover and choose your path, and then firmly believe it is right for you.
For the first principle, Bob suggests that whatever it is that you are attempting, others have been there before (walked the path before you) and so you should seek out the system that they used to achieve success. This obviously requires a high level of Systems Thinking.
Bob provides a wonderful definition of a system, which I would like to quote. “The process of predictably achieving a goal based on a logical and specific set of how-to principles.”
Principle #2 – Apply the Information Immediately
Knowing the system is just a start and Bob rightly says, “you’re only positioned for success, now you have to move.” And, the best time to start is right away. Successful people do it now and learn from their mistakes, which requires a high level of Smart Thinking.
Sitting on your newfound knowledge will only take the life out of it through what Bob says is “The Law of Diminishing Returns.” Which states, “The longer you wait to do something you know you should do now, the greater the chances are you’ll never actually do it.”
In order to stay on the Proactive Success pathway (after choosing and believing), you must take action. Stepping out in faith and confidence is being proactive. Don’t wait for the right environment, start now and create the right environment.
Principle #3 – Be Persistent, Outlast the NOs
Bob is not being negative when he predicts, “you will fall down along the way.” There is a learning curve, even when we have learned the system, it will require some trial and error to make it our own system. This is a part of gaining wisdom.
Being persistent requires a high level of Smart Thinking, because as you learn you fit together all of the things you’ve learned using cause and effect and other universal laws.
I believe persistence also requires Spiritual Thinking. This holds the premise that all things must work together, you need to forgive yourself (and others) for mistakes, and you need to be grateful for everything (the good and the bad), because it all happens for your benefit and so you can accomplish your purpose.
Let me also suggest that persistence is what is required for growth, both of your character and whatever it is that you want to manifest. Take a lesson from the bamboo plant. You must be persistent and continue watering it even though it remains a small chute for 2 or 3 years. At the right time it dramatically grow, just like you will.
In conclusion, the beginning of the Proactive Success pathway is discovering, choosing, and believing your true purpose. Then Bob’s ‘Success Formula’ kicks in. 1) Seek and find the right system; 2) Put it into action right away; and 3) Be persistent. When you do those three things, the end of your Proactive Success pathway will always be the reaping of authentic abundance, happiness, and success.
Randy Gilbert is the best-selling author of Success Bound: Breaking Free of Mediocrity
http://www.Success-Bound.com
Host of “The Inside Success Show” the most talked-about Internet talk show
http://www.TheInsideSuccessShow.com
Creator of “Proactive Success: The True Pathway to Authentic Abundance”
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