Have you ever wondered how two seemingly successful people can be different in how they get to and stay at the top?

One person almost struggles, day after day, and claws his way to the mountaintop of success while another seems to stroll along his path, enjoying the view as he goes.

What makes the difference?

The first one, despite putting in more hours at work than the other, is still not able to achieve much and is always anxious and stressed while the other achieves much more in lesser time. The first one just takes action after action, without clear objectives and direction but the second one does each action with a clear focus and purpose.

Most of the young people suffer like the first type. Everyone wants progress and thinks that by increasing activity, he can achieve it. But action alone does not result in progress. Doing activities during the day without purpose and perseverance is like driving a vehicle without a steering wheel. That exactly is the difference between the two types of successful people we talked about in the beginning.

Most of us wish to be successful in whatever field we are working, but do we have a clear purpose and process to follow it?

Remember the three P's:

1. Purpose of the action
2. Procedure to act upon it
3. Perseverance to see the action through


1. Purpose of the action

Many times after having done something, you realise it is not what you were supposed to do. So you have to start all over again. This of course will lead to your using more time and reducing your overall productivity. Before embarking on any project or work, have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, what will be the output of that project and whether it aligns with what you are supposed to do. Have meaningful discussions with the users and your team members to assess their needs.

2.Procedure to act upon it

After defining your objective, the next important step is to identify and define the appropriate process you need to follow to achieve what you set out to do. Establish some milestone posts and check periodically whether you are in the right direction of reaching your destination. It is much easier and faster to correct if you find out earlier that you were on the wrong track.

3.Perseverance to see the action through

Perseverance or the ability to rise again after a pitfall and continuing with renewed vigour is the key to successfully complete your project. Nothing succeeds without having gone through failure, so persevere in your concerted efforts and keep an optimistic attitude.

For a worthwhile and satisfied life, both at work as well as at home, all our actions (and inaction for that matter), should be motivated by a clear purpose, followed by the appropriate procedure and perseverance. Careful deliberations and rational thinking should support them. Then only can we enjoy the journey as well as the fruits of our labour on the path of success in all our endeavours.

About the Author Article by Dr Alka Prakash, an author and educator specialising in life skills. She coaches in effective conversation and communication skills. E-mail: prem.prakash@pacific.net.sg