How to become a visible achiever
William J. Bond

There are millions of skilled people worldwide working hard, delivering results in work and in their fields without getting noticed and getting the recognition they deserve. You, yes you, might be one of them. These people are postponing their success because they are too shy to tell others about the high quality of their work. They take the difficult jobs at work, the work that most members in their department avoid, and they turn out in record time and high quality.

These workers are called invisible achievers because they perform at a higher level without getting any recognition, or the proper payment for their work, and unfortunately they never take the time to evaluate themselves. Here are new ideas to become a visible achiever:

Make a detailed list of your skills. What is your top skill? Why? Are you able to use this skill at work? Do you enjoy working with people or with computers and machines? Find out what makes you happy, and take a position that will use all your skills. You are the manager of your achievement. Never leave this responsibility to another.

Be willing to add skills which will help you move into a supervisory or management position in your organisation. If you can work well with others and motivate people, you can move into the management level. For example, Anita, a customer service specialist who wants to become the inside sales manager of her company, is now taking specialised courses in management studies. You can do the same.

Look at your working life as a career and not just as a job. You sell your skills, time experience and knowledge for your yearly salary. You are the manager of your career. Just like a business needs additional income to grow, so do you. So aim for promotions and salary increases.

Promote yourself by letting others know more about you. When you get a raise at work, or receive an award for outstanding achievement at work in your community, let other know about it.

Keep improving upon your skills, and learn new ones. You are a student for the rest of your life, no matter what your age is right now. Keep reading, taking classes, seminars, and asking questions to stay sharp in your field.

Strive to become the very best in your field and in your life. Become the very best in your field in the world. So good that when you go to a bookstore, you can find a book in your field, and find your name in the index of the book. Shoot for the moon, if you miss, you will reach the stars. Life is to be spent on your skills, not to be saved for another time.

Stop complaining about how difficult it is to become a success. Stay positive about yourself, and visualise yourself succeeding in all areas of your life. Success comes before work only in the dictionary. Successful people keep learning new ways to succeed, and stay positive about reaching their success.

Never take your skills and abilities for granted. You can become a visible achiever and reach your goals. You have a right to success. You need a success plan and the ability to focus on your long-term success. Never compare your success with that of others. You are unique with special gifts and talents that can make you the best. You can do it. Just try.

Is what’s happening in your favourite soap more important to you than what’s in the news? Try this quiz to find out if your life has been taken over by the magic box.

a. Rush next door to finish watching your programme?

b. Not notice for a few days?

c. Arrange for the repair man to come as soon as possible?

a. Pack a good book?

b. Take along a portable TV?

c. Make sure when you book that the cottage has a television, DVD player and satellite dish?

a. None

b. One or two

c. Three or more

a. Always

b. Sometimes

c. Never

a. Accept — but record the programme so that you can watch it later?

b. Say you can’t come?

c. Accept, and miss the programme?

a. After settling down every evening, switch on and look at a programme guide to make your choice?

b. Only look to see what is on television if you can’t find anything else to occupy your time?

c. Check the newspaper to see if there is anything you particularly want to see?

a. Sit down for a while and relax while you plan your evening?

b. Cook an instant meal and sit down if front of the TV?

c. Get changed and go out to meet friends?

a. Refuse to answer the door-bell?

b. Ask them in, but leave the TV on so that you can keep an eye on what is happening?

c. Turn off the TV and ask them to stay for coffee and a chat?

a. One to two

b. Three or more

c. Less than one

a. Never

b. Occasionally

c. Nearly always

What your score means:

0-20: You certainly don’t let TV rule your life and you really can’t understand why lesser mortals are so hooked on it. But have you taken the time to look through the programme guide carefully — you may be surprised to find some programmes that are both informative and entertaining. Television can stimulate ideas as well as provide entertainment and relaxation.

25-65: You enjoy TV, but don’t let your life be ruled by it. Take a few minutes to see if you are getting the most out of your TV. Look through the programme guide and plan your viewing rather than just switching on the set.

70-100: You are a telly addict. You need to get out and experience life rather than watch it go by before your eyes on TV. Try being more selective about what you watch.— AF