Forging a path to quiet success is one thing — you might pull that off by yourself. Forging a path to being exceptional is another. You may need to take lessons or inspiration from leaders who have gone before you. Leaders like…
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN: Define Who You Want to Be
This famed statesman, inventor, author and multitalented visionary achieved much in his life. In part that is perhaps because he defined his ideal character early on. At the tender age of 20, in 1726, he penned a list of 13 Virtues, including Resolution — “perform without fail what you resolve” — and Frugality — “make no expense but to do good to others or yourself.1”
Follow in his footsteps and make a list of the qualities you want to develop, and you will always have a personal benchmark of excellence to return to.
JACK MA: Focus on the Goal
If you have a dream to work towards, you can survive any nightmare. Nobody knows that better than the inspirational leader and billionaire co-founder of Alibaba, Jack Ma. As he said in a 2017 keynote speech, “As entrepreneurs, today is very difficult. Tomorrow is even more difficult. But the day after tomorrow is very beautiful.” The message: keep your eye on the future you want to build. If that goal is important enough to you, you will have the willpower to make it real.
Keep a List of Your Own Greats
The above are just two examples of role models. As a prudent and proactive agent of your own success, you probably come across wisdom every day: in the stories you read, and through the people you meet. And yet you probably forget them quite quickly, because you don’t store them somewhere.
Try this: carry a notebook, or create a digital notepad, where you scribble quotes and pieces of advice you want to preserve. That way, you can consult this list of wisdom whenever you want.
Seek Out More Expertise
At Standard Chartered, we know the importance of having someone you can go to for advice. In fact, as our 2017 Emerging Affluent report shows, 38% of Singaporeans say their main sources of information used to help plan finances are friends and family.
And while advice from someone in your circle is valuable, there is no substitute for a professional view. If you want information from a seasoned professional, get in touch with Standard Chartered Priority Banking. Our dedicated relationship management team is here to offer solutions tailored to your unique priorities. With our recommendations, exclusive seminar invitations and updates that help you seize investment opportunities, your path to greatness will look more secure than ever.
This article is brought to you by Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited. All information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as advice or an offer for any product or service. Standard Chartered is not liable for any informational errors, incompleteness, delays, or for any actions taken in reliance on information contained herein.
1Page source: US Department of State website, https://www.state.gov/m/a/os/64663.htm
