Description

Introduction

Thomas Erikson’s journey to success is a testament to his perseverance. For 20 years, he faced rejection after rejection from publishers, accumulating a thick file of dismissal letters. Despite this, he continued to refine his work, incorporating feedback and staying committed to his vision. His determination paid off when his first book, “Surrounded by Idiots,” was finally published and became a massive success, selling over 3 million copies.

Erikson’s story offers valuable lessons for anyone pursuing their dreams. His experience shows that setbacks and rejections are a natural part of the journey to success. By learning from his approach, you can discover the secrets to staying motivated and focused on your goals, even in the face of adversity. Erikson’s books, including “Surrounded by Setbacks,” provide practical guidance on overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

One

It’s time to take full responsibility for your life. Think about the complaints you share with colleagues over lunch. We all have concerns and wishes for change, but worrying and complaining won’t make a difference. Action is what changes lives, specifically your actions. Most people live in a comfortable but unfulfilling routine, talking about making changes but never taking steps towards their dreams.

You might be living in a similar state, knowing you want things to be different but not taking action. Distractions, obligations, and excuses hold you back. Blaming external circumstances or others for being stuck won’t help. The truth is, you’re 100% responsible for your decisions and reactions. This realization can be empowering, as it means you have the power to change your life, regardless of circumstances.

Facing your fears and dealing with setbacks is crucial to making progress. By taking responsibility and acting on your goals, you can break free from the status quo and create the life you want. It’s about making conscious choices and being proactive, rather than waiting for someone else to make things better.

Two

Facing your fears and confronting problems head-on is crucial to personal growth and success. Often, we have a gut feeling that something is wrong, but we ignore it due to fear. This fear can paralyze us, keeping us stuck in a familiar but unfulfilling situation. However, fears are a natural part of life, and confronting them can lead to positive change.

To start, identify something in your life that you’re concerned about but ignoring. Write down three actions you can take to deal with the problem. Begin with small steps, like addressing a health concern or speaking up at work. As you practice confronting problems, it becomes easier. Others may be uncomfortable with your newfound assertiveness, but addressing issues directly will ultimately improve your relationships.

Confronting problems and setbacks is essential for growth and learning. By facing your fears and taking action, you can break free from limitations and create a more fulfilling life. This approach may lead you to reevaluate relationships and surround yourself with people who support your growth.

Three

Big change often requires a gradual approach. Consider Harry, a former college football player who had spent 20 years in a sedentary lifestyle, eating junk food and feeling exhausted. When he decided to make a change, he embarked on a radical life overhaul, waking up at 5 a.m. to bike to work and hitting the gym six nights a week. However, after a few months, Harry’s motivation waned, and he struggled to see any progress. Feeling tired and achy, he eventually gave up and returned to his old habits.

Harry’s failure can be attributed to unrealistic expectations. Trying to change overnight after 20 years of unhealthy habits was unsustainable. A more effective approach would have been to start with small, achievable steps, like going to the gym once a week, and gradually adding more changes to his routine. Additionally, Harry lacked a clear goal, which made it difficult to maintain his commitment. Having a specific, well-defined objective would have helped him stay focused and motivated.

The key takeaway is that big change comes in small steps. By setting realistic goals and taking gradual, incremental actions, you can achieve lasting results. Clarity about your goals and motivations is also essential for maintaining commitment. By starting small and building momentum, you can create a more sustainable path to success and avoid the disappointment of unmet expectations.

Four

Understanding your personality type can help you identify weaknesses in your approach to problem-solving. The DISC model categorizes personalities into four main types, each with distinct motivations and needs. By recognizing your type, you can gain insight into your natural reactions to adversity and develop strategies to improve your response.

The four personality types can be represented by colors: Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue. Reds are extroverted and task-oriented, thriving on challenge and confrontation. Yellows are relationship-focused and optimistic, exceling at communication and finding creative solutions. Greens are introverted and community-oriented, prioritizing group harmony and cooperation. Blues are analytical and logical, approaching problems with a rational and systematic mindset.

By understanding your personality type, you can identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to overcome challenges. Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses can help you respond more effectively to adversity and achieve your goals. Take a moment to reflect on your personality type and consider how you can leverage your strengths and work on your weaknesses to improve your problem-solving approach.

Five

Building a strong support network is crucial to achieving success. By recognizing your personality type’s strengths and weaknesses, you can identify areas where you need support and find others who complement your skills. The DISC model highlights the unique challenges each personality type faces: Reds tend to be impatient and struggle with teamwork, Yellows lack attention to detail and struggle with criticism, Greens are too accommodating and need to develop assertiveness, and Blues get stuck in perfectionism and resist taking action.

To overcome these challenges, it’s essential to surround yourself with people who balance out your weaknesses. For example, Yellows can benefit from partnering with methodical Blues who can help with planning and attention to detail. Red-Green partnerships can be successful, as Greens can help Reds develop patience and teamwork skills. By working with others who complement your strengths and weaknesses, you can create a support network that helps you achieve your goals.

The story of Dagny Carlson, who wrote her first blog post at 100 and made her film debut at 104, is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to start pursuing your dreams. By understanding your personality type and building a support network, you can overcome obstacles and achieve success. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and find others who can help you fill in the gaps. With the right support, you can accomplish more than you thought possible.

Six

Success is often misconstrued as a perfect image presented on social media. However, true success is about defining what it means to you personally. In today’s world, the concept of success has become multifaceted, encompassing not just career achievements but also personal fulfillment, relationships, and overall well-being. The pursuit of an idealized life, often showcased on platforms like Instagram, can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

To truly understand success, it’s essential to look beyond external validation and focus on what it feels like to you. Ask yourself specific questions: What does success mean to me? How will I know when I’ve achieved it? What impact do I want to make, and how will I measure it? By exploring these questions, you can create a personalized definition of success that aligns with your values and aspirations.

Celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, is also crucial to feeling fulfilled. Take time to reflect on your accomplishments and write down 100 things you’re proud of. This exercise can help you appreciate your progress and recognize the successes that have brought you to where you are today. By focusing on your own definition of success and acknowledging your achievements, you can cultivate a more meaningful and satisfying life.

Seven

Staying on course is crucial to achieving your dreams. Imagine a pilot whose plane drifts off course by just one degree, resulting in a significant deviation from the intended destination. Similarly, when pursuing your goals, even small deviations can lead to significant setbacks. To stay on track, you need to cultivate persistence and adaptability. Remind yourself why your goal is important, reward yourself for your efforts, and surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and hold you accountable.

Successful people often possess these qualities. For example, a woman who wanted to quit smoking enlisted her entire company to support her, using a public display of her progress to stay motivated. Another example is Netflix, which adapted its business model from mailing DVDs to pioneering streaming services. By being open to change and willing to update your approach, you can navigate challenges and stay on course.

By combining persistence and adaptability, you can chart your own path to achieving your dreams. It’s essential to stay focused on your goals, be receptive to new information, and adjust your approach as needed. With the right mindset and support, you can overcome obstacles and create a life that aligns with your aspirations. Celebrate your successes along the way, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Conclusion

The key takeaway is that you are 100% responsible for your life. While bad things may happen, you have control over how you react to them. By facing your fears and confronting problems head-on, you can achieve your dreams through small, persistent actions. To stay motivated, define your personal goals and clarify what success means to you.

To put problems into perspective, consider the obstacles you’ve overcome in the past. Make a list of setbacks you’ve faced, ranking them by severity. This exercise can help you recognize your resilience and gain a broader perspective on current challenges. By focusing on your strengths and past successes, you can develop a more positive and empowered mindset.

About the author

Thomas Erikson is a renowned behavioral expert and best-selling author known for his insightful books on human behavior and communication. His book “Surrounded by Idiots” has been a massive success, selling over three million copies worldwide and translated into numerous languages – close to 70, to be precise. This book is part of his popular “Surrounded by” series, which explores different aspects of human behavior and relationships.