Winning at Winning

Act like you’ve been there before.

Most of us eventually achieve a big “win” in our business or personal life. A great success, a milestone worthy of note and recognition from your employer, your teammates, your family or even the general public.

What you do, and how you act, at those moments can have a direct impact on your ability to have additional success in the future. “Success breeds success,” you’ve undoubtedly heard that old maxim many times. But success in the future is largely dependent on what you have done with your previous success.

“Use your past successes as a trampoline, not an easy chair.”
~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

So, when it’s your turn to celebrate a big win, what should you do? Here are a few suggestions:

Act like you’ve been there before

• You hear this frequently in the context of sporting contest victors and major championship winners. There’s no value in showboating, gloating or reveling in your success to the point that it diminishes or humiliates others. In fact, it will likely reduce your chances for future accolades as few people are inspired or motivated to provide recognition and new opportunities to an arrogantly condescending, entitled jerk.

Heighten your situational awareness

• Consider the position into which this good fortune, hard work, or both have thrust you. Be aware of the atmosphere in which you find yourself. Be cognizant of the attitude in the room or the mood of the family. Even in success, it’s not all about you. Others are working hard, have impending deliverables or family responsibilities to attend to. Celebrate your win, but be inclusive and considerate of everyone else as well.

Be aware that simple mistakes are now more visible

• Maybe it’s not “fair,” but with success comes inevitable additional scrutiny. Your actions and behavior are more in the fore, your attitude and words more closely followed. If they’re not water-tight already, at least for the time-being, you’ll want to tighten up on your deliverables for accuracy and effectiveness. The accuracy and effectiveness of your emails, presentations and personal interactions will be more closely watched and evaluated than ever before.

But most of all…

• Always stay humble and kind. Never lose track of your humility or your humanity. Future success is more likely if you are able to keep this “win” in proper perspective and context. Learn from what went well, and, more importantly, what did not. There will always be room for improvement; recognize your opportunities at the same time your celebrate your achievement.

You most likely didn’t arrive at this point on your own. It’s important to recognize and appreciate those around you. Your success can catapult your career forward, but it can also be a springboard for others. Every time you’re successful, remember to turn back around and help the next one in line.

—

This post was previously published on MEDIUM.COM.

***

From The Good Men Project on Medium

What Does Being in Love and Loving Someone Really Mean?

My 9-Year-Old Accidentally Explained Why His Mom Divorced Me

The One Thing Men Want More Than Sex

The Internal Struggle Men Battle in Silence

—

Photo credit: iStock.com