Phoenix84
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 17, 2011 21:42:35 GMT -5
Posts: 10,056
|
Post by Phoenix84 on Jul 22, 2013 15:59:55 GMT -5
It's no secret that we have many wildly successful posters on this message board. So let's share your secrets to success. How you have been successful at life and how did you obtain that success?
I'm particularly interested in hearing from our very successful posters, such as wrongsideof30, Swamp, Archiethedragon, MidJD, Miss Taquila, and Apple.
|
|
thyme4change
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 13:54:08 GMT -5
Posts: 40,763
|
Post by thyme4change on Jul 22, 2013 16:03:35 GMT -5
You didn't call me out, but I will say that my number 1 factor in being successful was luck. I was born into the right family, who instilled education and a certain work ethic. And I just happen to be good at a field where it is easy to make a decent living. On top of that, I happened to fall in love with, and marry a guy who ended up in a field where it is easy to make a decent living. And that is why we have a higher than average income.
|
|
Phoenix84
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 17, 2011 21:42:35 GMT -5
Posts: 10,056
|
Post by Phoenix84 on Jul 22, 2013 16:07:24 GMT -5
"You didn't call me out"
Damn, you're right. I meant to, but the list was getting pretty long.....
|
|
mrsdutt
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 12, 2012 7:39:38 GMT -5
Posts: 2,097
|
Post by mrsdutt on Jul 22, 2013 16:09:58 GMT -5
Removed as response was unsolicited.
|
|
Phoenix84
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 17, 2011 21:42:35 GMT -5
Posts: 10,056
|
Post by Phoenix84 on Jul 22, 2013 16:10:59 GMT -5
My success at work, such as it is, is mostly due to being willing to move, and luck. I think getting a good job is about being in the right place in the right time, as well as preparation.
Anyway, I think being willing to move across the country to pursue opportunities has been key. Lot's of people won't move away from their hometown, where job opportunities may be limited. Even if you live in a large city, job hopping and moving around is the best way to get raises and promotions.
|
|
Phoenix84
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 17, 2011 21:42:35 GMT -5
Posts: 10,056
|
Post by Phoenix84 on Jul 22, 2013 16:12:16 GMT -5
Wow, how did I make this list? We're not high earners. This will be our first year that we hit 6 figures. I have a successful home life. I chose a really good man to marry and he's an awesome father. We are very family focused and spend a lot of time together. Happiness at home is the most important thing to us. You made the list because success is measured by more than dollars and cents, it's measured by being a good person, and a good mother.
|
|
thyme4change
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 13:54:08 GMT -5
Posts: 40,763
|
Post by thyme4change on Jul 22, 2013 16:17:28 GMT -5
I guess I better delete my post.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 6, 2024 18:32:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2013 16:21:29 GMT -5
some luck, some perseverance
my first real boss other than my dad, and trainers, was an E9 at the Air Force base in Riverside California
i will never forget him...short stubby son of a gun by the name of John Williams....
Made me look at life differently.....(i was 19 and thought i knew it all....dont ya know....lol)
He was the first of many to set really high standards.....and take no excuses
But he really changed my life....and all for the better
I learned more from him than any other person in my life.....other than my family (dad and grandpa especially)
Had a good upbringing....taught me the basics.....and made me realize that if i wanted something in life, it was possible....you just have to work like hell to get it
|
|
midjd
Administrator
Your Money Admin
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:09:23 GMT -5
Posts: 17,720
|
Post by midjd on Jul 22, 2013 19:30:49 GMT -5
Now I'm really wondering how I made the list My only remarkable traits are an almost pathological fear of failure and an ability to identify everything that could possibly go wrong. I've avoided a lot of bad situations by having a Plan B and C and D for when Plan A backfires. The rest is mostly luck. I was fortunate to be born with a decent amount of intelligence and good physical health. My parents didn't have much money but really emphasized education - I always had a ton of books and they never turned down a ride to the library. Not going to college wasn't an option. My boss always scolds me when I talk about how lucky I was to get my current job - he says I earned it - but luck played a big part. I don't doubt that they would have just let my fellowship end without fanfare if I was a substandard employee, but nabbing it in the first place was mostly a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
|
|
Knee Deep in Water Chloe
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 21:04:44 GMT -5
Posts: 14,243
Mini-Profile Name Color: 1980e6
Member is Online
|
Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Jul 22, 2013 19:40:03 GMT -5
I think it's interesting that you named the people you wanted to hear from.
|
|
swamp
Community Leader
THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 16:03:22 GMT -5
Posts: 45,617
|
Post by swamp on Jul 22, 2013 19:43:43 GMT -5
You didn't call me out, but I will say that my number 1 factor in being successful was luck. I was born into the right family, who instilled education and a certain work ethic. And I just happen to be good at a field where it is easy to make a decent living. On top of that, I happened to fall in love with, and marry a guy who ended up in a field where it is easy to make a decent living. And that is why we have a higher than average income. That's about it. I also learned how important it is to,play nice in the sandbox. ETA: I grew up in a small town where my parents are respected and know to be decent and hard working,people with a pile of common sense to make up for their lack of formal edication. If I did anything the reflected badly on them, they would have jacked my ass into tomorrow. I got several jobs, including my first z"real job" as an Asst DA because the DA knew my family and was friends with the older siblings of one of my friends. My ability to play nice got me all the public appearance jobs in the DA's office that did not require the DA himself. I mets lots of people that way.
|
|
Formerly SK
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 27, 2011 14:23:13 GMT -5
Posts: 3,255
|
Post by Formerly SK on Jul 22, 2013 19:53:28 GMT -5
You didn't name me and I don't have a career but I'm going to respond anyway because I consider myself very successful in that I didn't end up an addict with drama/destruction all around me like everyone else in my family. I attribute it to a man I worked for in my 20s. He was an old Italian who was the pillar of his community/church/family. Being around him for the four years I worked for him taught me that there was actually another life out there with no addictions/drama/abuse. Because of him, I valued myself enough to marry a wonderful guy and create a nice, boring, loving family and life.
Having an autistic son, while obviously difficult, has taught me so much about love, strength, character, and the importance of the small things. He has made me a better person than I ever considered being as I was pretty bitchy and condescending before I had him. I'm so grateful for that.
Words cannot express how grateful I am for my life.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 6, 2024 18:32:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2013 20:03:13 GMT -5
Honestly, and I may be mistaken, but I think gratitude plays a big part in success. Maybe it's an outlook thing, maybe its a satisfaction thing, but I think being aware of what you have, is no little thing.
|
|
Knee Deep in Water Chloe
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 21:04:44 GMT -5
Posts: 14,243
Mini-Profile Name Color: 1980e6
Member is Online
|
Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Jul 22, 2013 20:14:48 GMT -5
I guess I better delete my post. Yeah, I just decided I better not respond to the actual request. Instead, I shall judge Phoenix for making a list of those from who he wanted to hear and pout. I'm good successful at taking things personally and then pouting.
|
|
Phoenix84
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 17, 2011 21:42:35 GMT -5
Posts: 10,056
|
Post by Phoenix84 on Jul 22, 2013 21:44:54 GMT -5
I think it's interesting that you named the people you wanted to hear from. It was honestly a (perhaps poor) attempt at humor more than anything else. I knew I'd get the "what, me?" reaction, or "you left me off the list" reaction. Either way, it stimulates discussion. Anyway, don't take it personally, it's not intended as such. The truth of the matter is I admire way too many posters to list by name.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 6, 2024 18:32:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2013 23:47:27 GMT -5
My secret: I never waste time on internet message boards.
|
|
Sum Dum Gai
Senior Associate
Joined: Aug 15, 2011 15:39:24 GMT -5
Posts: 19,892
|
Post by Sum Dum Gai on Jul 23, 2013 1:32:54 GMT -5
I'm bookmarking this thread and if I'm ever successful I'll come back and let you know what weird fluke allowed it.
|
|
Otto the Orange
Well-Known Member
Go Orange!
Joined: Aug 23, 2012 4:20:52 GMT -5
Posts: 1,284
|
Post by Otto the Orange on Jul 23, 2013 4:10:13 GMT -5
spend less than I earn
look for opportunities instead of whining about how unfair things are
|
|
Regis
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 12:26:50 GMT -5
Posts: 1,415
|
Post by Regis on Jul 23, 2013 6:02:22 GMT -5
Relationships. When you break down pretty much every single career, it comes down to relationships with others. Hardly anybody ever gets to the top by themselves. Treat them the way you want to be treated and you'll be successful (unless you have no self-respect and treat others with no respect - then you'll most likely fail miserably).
And I disagree that random luck has much to do with success. As was once said, "the harder I work, the luckier I get".
|
|
wvugurl26
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 15:25:30 GMT -5
Posts: 21,880
|
Post by wvugurl26 on Jul 23, 2013 6:10:54 GMT -5
I think hard work can put you in a position to get lucky.
For example it was my hard work that allowed me to qualify for and compete for a full ride scholarship for undergrad. I wasn't selected in the first round. I do feel lucky that they did a second round and I received one. They hadn't normally done a second round in the past but after doing the trust tax return they discovered they needed to spend a lot more money or pay taxes. I guess I was lucky the market did well for them?
While I'm a big believer in hard work, I do think I've gotten some lucky breaks along the way.
|
|
mrsdutt
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 12, 2012 7:39:38 GMT -5
Posts: 2,097
|
Post by mrsdutt on Jul 23, 2013 6:53:18 GMT -5
You didn't name me and I don't have a career but I'm going to respond anyway because I consider myself very successful in that I didn't end up an addict with drama/destruction all around me like everyone else in my family. I attribute it to a man I worked for in my 20s. He was an old Italian who was the pillar of his community/church/family. Being around him for the four years I worked for him taught me that there was actually another life out there with no addictions/drama/abuse. Because of him, I valued myself enough to marry a wonderful guy and create a nice, boring, loving family and life. Having an autistic son, while obviously difficult, has taught me so much about love, strength, character, and the importance of the small things. He has made me a better person than I ever considered being as I was pretty bitchy and condescending before I had him. I'm so grateful for that. Words cannot express how grateful I am for my life. You are a lady I would be honored to stand next to and call friend.
|
|
spartan7886
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 7, 2011 14:04:22 GMT -5
Posts: 788
|
Post by spartan7886 on Jul 23, 2013 6:58:37 GMT -5
You didn't call me out, but I will say that my number 1 factor in being successful was luck. I was born into the right family, who instilled education and a certain work ethic. And I just happen to be good at a field where it is easy to make a decent living. On top of that, I happened to fall in love with, and marry a guy who ended up in a field where it is easy to make a decent living. And that is why we have a higher than average income. I mean, I agree that hard work is necessary as well, but if I hadn't had parents who were successful enough to pay for my college, I would have gone to the perfectly acceptable state school, not the small private one in Houston, and I would have gone down a career path that would have me making half what I do now, because the local state school is 8 hrs from the nearest oilfield. Would it still be enough? Sure, I'd make it work, but I wouldn't be anywhere near my current net worth.
|
|
mmhmm
Administrator
It's a great pity the right of free speech isn't based on the obligation to say something sensible.
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 18:13:34 GMT -5
Posts: 31,770
Today's Mood: Saddened by Events
Location: Memory Lane
Favorite Drink: Water
|
Post by mmhmm on Jul 23, 2013 7:07:32 GMT -5
I don't think Phoenix meant to pinpoint just those he named, since he did say "such as", so I'll answer, as well. I think, first of all, a lot depends on what you mean by "successful". If you're happy, and doing what you've chosen to do with your life to the very best of your ability, I'd say you're successful. To me, many factors play into that success. Hard work, forward thinking, getting along with others, looking for answers instead of complaining about problems, loving and being loved, giving more than you take, being fortunate enough to have good health and a good mind ... those are all a part of success.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 6, 2024 18:32:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2013 7:07:33 GMT -5
A good example and good values at home- Dad was the first person in his family to attend college, parents lived on less than they made, Dad started investing early and talked to me about it.
I'd also chalk it up to an ability to handle failure. I've heard those motivational speaker wannabes do their "Failure is not an option" speeches. Well, yes, it is. If you test your limits and take risks, you're going to fail. You better learn how to pick yourself up, figure out what you learned from it, and go on. My Ex was let go from a company he'd worked for his entire career (19 years at the time) and he never really recovered. He spent a lot of time lamenting about the glory days "when I was running the refinery". It was really sad. I've seen DS, on the other hand, bounce back after applying for internal job moves within his company and being rejected, talk to me about what he might have done better and what feedback he got, then go for another position. He's made 3 good moves with them but he hasn't gotten everything he's gone for. I've told him how great that is.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 6, 2024 18:32:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2013 7:19:07 GMT -5
It is nice to be recognized for my success. My secret is to read a lot of posts and be very selective about the ones I respond to. I only respond to posts which I feel I can answer with an equal mix of humor and truth. I like the humor be upfront, but then the truth comes through in the back end. I also like to keep my responses succinct. My responses have been called "one liners" but I consider that a crude description of my posts in which every word is chosen carefully and I try not to include any fluff. And that's how I have become a successful YM poster. (That is what we are talking about, correct? I am not sure there is much else I have been successful at in life.)
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 6, 2024 18:32:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2013 8:42:19 GMT -5
We're supposed to think about what we type before we post?!?
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 6, 2024 18:32:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2013 8:54:04 GMT -5
i thought the board rule was "open mouth, insert feet, twist vigorously" that isnt what everyone else does?
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 6, 2024 18:32:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2013 9:26:14 GMT -5
Did not make list..
|
|
zibazinski
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 16:12:50 GMT -5
Posts: 47,910
|
Post by zibazinski on Jul 23, 2013 10:17:24 GMT -5
Marry well, divorce better? JK
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 6, 2024 18:32:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2013 10:31:35 GMT -5
I'm bookmarking this thread and if I'm ever successful I'll come back and let you know what weird fluke allowed it.
|
|