If you’ve ever browsed the non-fiction or self-help sections of your local bookstore, you’ve probably seen a multitude of titles that promise to teach you how to be successful. The pursuit of the American Dream has made this genre of reading material a booming industry in itself. It almost seems as if there are as many recipes for success as there are non-fiction readers!

I have discovered, though, that success is really comprised of three key elements. While many authors may add their own twists to the formula, any credible opinion will contain at least these three components. So put that book down! Save yourself some time and money by reading the following.

1.Have a plan
Big shocker there, right? It has become common knowledge anymore, but statistics show that still less than 20% of Americans use any kind of plan to achieve their personal or professional goals. What’s worse is that even less of us set any kind of goals to begin with.

The American population is basically divided into these four groups:

1.Those with no goals and no plan. We’ll call this group the wheel-spinners because they always seem to be bogged down by one thing or another. They just never really seem to get moving forward for any length of time.

2.Those with goals, but no plan. These are the dreamers. They have a great idea of what they want out of life and career, but in reality, they rarely achieve it.

3.Those who have a plan, but no goals. These folks are the nomads. They’ve figured out the process to get to where they want to go. The problem is they have no idea where they want to go, so they just wander aimlessly doing the same things over and over again.

4.Those who set goals, and make realistic plans to achieve them. These are the drivers. They have a destination and a road map, making their chances of success much greater than any of the other three groups.

Make sure you fall into the fourth group! Don’t be a wheel-spinner, a dreamer, or a nomad. Be a driver!

2.Be persistent
We live in a culture of instant everything, and this mentality has caused too many people to give up on their dreams much too quickly. Don’t be one of them. Stay the course, and weather the storms that will undoubtedly come (see James 1:2-4).

Don’t base your hope on just your talent or training either, because these will only take you so far. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Paul tells us that everyone who competes goes into strict training, but only one gets the prize. “Run in such a way as to get the prize.�

What usually separates the winners from the losers is where their focus is. Winners keep their eyes on the prize, but losers allow circumstances and setbacks to occupy their time, energy, and thoughts. Once they lose focus, they lose momentum, and eventually, lose hope. It is impossible to be persistent with a mentality of hopelessness.

3.Have faith
Faith is a motivator. What we believe, we do; and what we do, we become. We must have faith that God wants us to be successful. Peter the apostle is a great example of this truth. In spite of the many mistakes and bad decisions he made, Jesus chose him to lead His church because Peter wanted more and believed he could have it! For instance, when the other disciples were trying to overcome their fear of ghosts, he was trying to walk on water.

You must also believe in yourself. God made you exactly the way you are so you could be great! He never designed any one of us to be mediocre, and when you succumb to a belief that you aren’t good enough for whatever it is you desire, you are indirectly accusing God of not knowing what He is doing!

Don’t confuse confidence with arrogance or a lack of humility. Arrogance develops when you begin to see yourself as better than others, and a lack of humility is simply forgetting where your strength and ability come from. You can believe in yourself without going to these two extremes.

No matter whose advice you follow or which formula you choose, your success ultimately depends on you. If you put these three principles into practice in your lifeâ€"pick any areaâ€"I promise you will begin to experience victories in that area. Eventually, you will walk in consistent victory, and your testimony can help others!

Saemus Sutton is the author of Leaders Make Leaders, featuring the Wash, Rinse, Repeat mentoring model. You can view the model and download the book FREE at leadersmakeleaders.com

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