What does it mean to become a super producer?

“You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.” Richard Branson

Not long ago I had the privilege of spending the day with Darren Hardy, President and CEO of Success Magazine™. Darren has interviewed the top producers on the planet from Sir Richard Branson to Donald Trump.

It was inspiring to hear of focus, drive, determination and a never-say-quit attitude. The truth is that anyone can adopt the habits of super achievers and become a super producer, regardless of the level of income.

Habits begin before results kick in. Ultimately, our habits shape our everyday existence.

If you want to shift what you are creating, then shift your habits—learn to mirror the habits of super achievers to become a super producer.

The principles of the Super Producers can be applied to anyone’s life right now. I encourage you to dive in, adopt these principles, and get ready to take your life to the next level. With this in mind, let’s take a look at how you, too, can become more productive and achieve greater results in your life starting now.

Super Producer Principles – What to Do to Become a Super Producer

   One Person – Huge Impact

Never underestimate the difference you can make on the planet. Every super achiever began as one anonymous person with a massive vision. At one point no one knew who Oprah Winfrey was. Steve Jobs was once just a kid tinkering with electronics.   Start by realizing that regardless of your career or field, you can make a significant impact.

   Find the Problem – Be the Solution

Nelson Mandela knew that apartheid was a massive problem. People were dying because of hatred, and cities were torn apart because of skin color. He decided, even while in prison, that he would be part of the solution.

Joel Osteen, the charismatic Christian minister, knew that people were losing their faith. By creating short television broadcasts, podcasts and easy-to-read books, he became the most watched minister on the planet. Where there is a problem, there is an opportunity. Super achievers take it upon themselves to be the solution or at least part of it.

  Contribute Without Expectation

Harvey MacKay, author of seven NY Times Best Sellers, was once a brand new author. At a chance meeting with media legend, Larry King, Harvey decided that instead of plugging his book, he would offer to contribute something to Larry. Harvey had been studying the publishing industry for a year and a half. He had learned some significant tips and offered to share those with Larry. Larry accepted the offer, and in return, he put Harvey MacKay on his show, catapulting his current book, Swim With the Sharks or Get Eaten Alive©, to number one on the NY Times Best Seller list. Super achievers know that when they offer to contribute to the lives of another it comes back to them ten-fold. Where can you let go of your agenda and simply contribute?

  Be Unfailingly Honest

If you don’t know something – admit it, own it, and move forward. Steve Jobs once said, “Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.” Super Producers are willing to own up to their mistakes, and they will usually let you know if they do not have the answer. They surround themselves with competent people who do have answers; they learn from failure and become stronger as a result. In my own business life, there are several things I do not know how to do, and truthfully, they are not things I need to know how to do. People will always respect you more if you are honest about your strengths and/or weaknesses.

   Learn to Say No

As a teacher, coach, and balanced living expert, the biggest challenge I find is assisting people in saying ‘no.’ Many people overcommit, saying ‘yes’ to everything only to wind up exhausted and resentful. Ask yourself what you have done in the last seven days that could have been done by someone else, was a waste of emotional energy, or was an area where you spent too much time. My mentor, Jack Canfield, used to say, “You have to say ‘no’ to the good so you can say ‘yes’ to the great.” To even further this point, multi-billionaire Warren Buffett was once quoted as saying, “The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say ‘no’ to almost everything.” Ideally, if something is not in alignment with our goals or our values, then ‘no’ is the first and only answer.

  3 Goals Maximum

In today’s busy world, with nearly everything at our fingertips in seconds, it is easy to get sidetracked. Often, we can have way too much on our plates, and we can be pulled in a multitude of directions. Super Producers, however, have a laser focus. When it comes to their careers and businesses, they usually only work with three goals at any one time.

In their book, The 4 Disciplines of Execution, Chris McChesney and Sean Covey explain the following: “Discipline 1 is about applying more energy against fewer goals because, when it comes to setting goals, the law of diminishing returns is as real as the law of gravity.” In other words, less is generally more. Take time to list out the top three goals that will propel you forward in your career or business. Write these out and keep them where they can be seen at least twice per day (the bathroom mirror is a good example). When we consistently see our goals, we are one step closer to making them reality. Commit to taking at least three actions per day, five days per week, on each of your three goals. Watch how fast the results show up with this level of focus.

I believe that we can truly have it all. There is nothing we cannot create with focus, desire, faith and sweat equity. I encourage you to go for it with passion and enthusiasm. Adopt the principles of Super Achievers and watch your results begin to soar. Lastly, as always – know that I believe in you. You can be, do and have anything you dream. Go for it!

Susan Sly is a best selling author, speaker and entrepreneur. She has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television and the CBN. Susan is the mother of five children and resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.