If you have watched the movie Pursuit of Happyness, then you know who Chris Gardner is. The inspirational movie was based on his life, a man who is the definition of determination. He now specializes in speaking engagements and helps others reach their full potential. This clip is a summary of Chris Gardner’s Top Ten Rules for Success. This video is a compilation of talks done by Chris and was created by Evan Carmichael, who runs a popular website for entrepreneurs.
If you missed parts 1-4 of the week-long motivation series, you can catch up with the following links:
Motivational Picture Quotes – Week-long Motivation series part 2
Les Brown’s 11 Keys to Motivation – Week-long motivation series Part 3
30 Inspirational Jim Rohn Quotes – Week-long Motivation Series Part 4
Once homeless, he is now extremely successful. He shares with others what steps help you get there.
Chris Gardner’s Top Ten Rules for Success
Step 1: Commit to Plan A
We all have dreams and goals, but what is your plan? He talks about the C5 complex of a plan and how it has to be clear, concise, compelling, consistent and committed. I love when he points out that when you are trying to do something that you are truly passionate about, there is no Plan B. Plan B sucks. So true Chris, so true.
Step 2: Put family first
He puts it simply this way, family comes first. He talks about the meetings and conference calls that can be rescheduled but that your son will only have that one first baseball game. Chris stresses that in a tie, family wins.
This reminds me of the funeral scene in The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People by Steven Covey. There is a powerful example in the chapter, “Begin with the End in Mind” where he has you visualize seeing yourself at your own funeral. What do you want to be remembered for? Who do you want to be there? It really helps put things in perspective.
Step 3: Decide to be world-class
Strive to be the best you can be in what you are doing and be persistent.
Step 4: Have self-worth
Never confuse your net worth with your self-worth. Your net worth can fluctuate up and down but your self-worth should not. Who you are and your values, should never be negotiable, compromised and should never settle.
Step 5: Keep your team motivated
How do you motivate key employees? You have to respect them, let them grow and trust them. Then, you have to leave them alone. You also have to show them how they could make more money than they have ever made in their lives. By helping them believe in themselves, by igniting passion and determination, you can help them reach an incredible amount of personal development leading to success.
Step 6: Change is necessary
Change is scary. With status quo, you know what you’ve got. With change, you don’t know what you might end up with. There is however, two true things about change: it is absolutely necessary for personal growth and it’s going to happen. Either you pick the time to instigate change in your life, or time and change will pick you.
Step 7: Baby steps count
Baby steps count as long as you’re going forward. Keep going forward and one day those added baby steps may surprise you.
Step 8: Follow your passion
Life is short. What are you going to do with the rest of your life? If you are doing something that you are not fully committed to, if you are doing something you are not passionate about, you are compromising yourself every day.
Step 9: Do whatever it takes
If you have a goal, if you have a dream, go after it. Don’t let anything stand in your way. You may get tired, you may get frustrated, you may get discouraged, but do whatever it takes to keep going towards your goals.
Step 10: Start where you are
Create an opportunity where your skills and talents can be transferable. Find something that you are so passionate about that you cannot wait for the sun to come up so you can continue working on it. Where do you start? Start from where you are and take those necessary steps to help you live your passion.
Which step is your favorite? Share your thoughts below.
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