As I look back on the clients that I have coached over the past years, I often wonder what the core characteristics are of those who have achieved success in their personal and professional life. There seems to be a common mindset and approach to life that is foundational to their achievement of the things that matter to them.

Let’s take a look at 5 essential questions to ask yourself in order to create the type of focus needed for achieving what you desire in life.

1) “Do I have a laser-focused desire to succeed?”

This question has to do with having the passion and desire that is necessary to succeed: Do you have a passion to:

~ Develop more self-confidence?
~ Become a better public speaker?
~ Identify and overcome any fears that hold you back?
~ Develop a new product or service in your business?
~ Build better personal relationships?
~ Write an article or book?

What would it take to create this kind of laser-focus in order to achieve your dreams? Seeking out a course or a Coach/Mentor can become an important part of achieving the type of passion I am describing. Take charge by seeking out guidance.

2) “Do I expect excellence out of myself?”

~ Do you expect GREAT things in your business and personal life?

~ Do you act like the person that you want to be?

~ Does your commitment to excellence show itself in ALL aspects of your life (health, spiritual, business, family)?”

3) “Do I Create and Seize Opportunity?”

Avoid taking the easy way out or settling for safety. Accept and create challenges and opportunities. Fear of a challenge will paralyze you into failure and mediocrity. Challenge yourself to engage your full potential.

Commit to extending beyond your ‘comfort zone’ or your self-imposed limits. Dare to be different than your business competition. Create uniqueness in all areas of your life.

4) “Do I Practice Perseverance?”

Avoid the 4 obstacles to perseverance:

1. A lack of consistent commitment to your passions and goals on a daily, even hourly, basis
2. “Talking” instead of “Doing.” Is your talk always followed by ACTION?
3. Waiting for the ‘perfect’ time.  “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” – Ecclesiastes 11:4
4. Fear of rejection/failure. Do you give up too soon?

5) “Do I Cultivate Optimism & Confidence?”

Do you ever feel like the pessimist who said, “Life is just one long process of getting tired?” Well, success in life has NO ROOM for: “I can’t…It probably won’t work out…I’ll probably never create a great business…I failed so it will probably happen again…That’s just the way I am.”

Adopt and live by the attitude of expecting the best possible outcome. Focus on the most hopeful and positive aspects of a situation or experience in your life. Communicate a confident attitude:

~ Is your self-talk positive and confident or are you negative and unsure of yourself?

~ Does your posture, handshake, eye contact and dress express confidence?

~ Are you other-centered and a good listener while building up those around you?

~ Do you have a positive business image, with your web site and all printed materials conveying confidence? Do you write articles and market yourself in a confident way, letting the world know what a wonderful product or service you have to offer?

It has been said that we either live up to or down to our expectations. Commit to letting your attitude and expectations set a positive stage for success as you go after the things that truly matter to you in your life.

Question: Which one of the above 5 attitudes, if you acted on it, would make the single biggest difference in your life or business? I’d love your thoughts on this. You can leave a comment by clicking the Comments box above.

The post Creating a Positive Focus for Success – 5 Essential Questions first appeared on Dr. Nick Lazaris.