Take initiative: Volunteer for new assignments that no one wants to do. Don’t be afraid to do work that seems beneath. Taking initiative lays a strong foundation for success.
Work hard: Perseverance is the key to moving forward. Those who keep working — despite trials, difficulties and stress — eventually achieve what they’re working towards. As Abraham Lincoln once said: “Things may come to those who wait, but only what’s left behind by those that hustle.” Work hard and create your own opportunities.
Create success: Determine what success means to you and go for it. Be a learner, be inquisitive, find new ways to solve problems. Here’s a great three minute video by motivational speaker Earl Nightingale that describes why people succeed.
Iterate: No matter how much initiative we take or how hard we work, difficulties will arise. Don’t stop, don’t get discouraged. Reset and keep moving forward.
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The Product Management Perspective: Product managers almost always have more work than hours in the day to do it all, yet the pressure to release quality, market-driven products on time never ceases. To have enduring success as a product manager, incorporate the actions mentioned above to drive your product direction.
August 7, 2011 at 1:41 pm
The link for the video seems to be broken. can you repost please.
August 7, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Rob, thanks for letting me know. I’ve reposted with the correct link.
– Michael
August 23, 2011 at 11:48 pm
Enduring success should be everyone’s goal, not just a one-time blaze of glory. Being able to sustain success does take a lot of work and you need to keep looking for opportunities everywhere.