10 life principles come from some of the best motivational speakers

Madison Dwyer — Though every motivational speaker is unique in his or her own way, they all have a certain set of key principles. The ones who prospered the most made a dedicated effort to learn, adopt, and apply those principles to their own lives. Ten of those are outlined here, and they all serve as lessons that anyone can use to achieve success, no matter his or her niche.

1. Stay Motivated

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily,” said Zig Ziglar. The most successful people do things to stay motivated daily. They listen to motivational recordings, read motivational books, and surround themselves with people who encourage them to stay motivated.

2. Educate Yourself

Some people think education stops once you graduate from school; but for the most influential people, education is a continual process. No matter what your profession is, you should seek to become an expert in your field. Take classes after college or even graduate school. Network with others who can teach you and guide you.

3. Establish a Purpose

Wayne Dyer said, “Having a sense of purpose in your life is the most important element of becoming a fully functioning person.” Any successful person will tell you that purpose is one of the most important ingredients for success. It’s the difference between doing just enough to get by and living your life in a way that everyone can see the conviction behind what you do. For example, Susan O’Malley, the former president of Washington Sports and Entertainment, is the first female president of a professional sports franchise, and she speaks about her sense of purpose as a leading businesswoman in a male-dominated field.

4. Be Generous

In the words of Tony Robbins, “The secret to living is giving.” The fastest way to get what you want in life is by helping others get what they want first. Many motivational keynote speakers don’t just give speeches for a living. They coach people on things like how to become a better speaker and how to motivate others. Sometimes, you have to be willing to give away a few of your secrets. When others are motivated, they are more likely to succeed. Famed NBA coach and public speaker Pat Riley knows from managing teams that it is important to encourage and support every team member so they feel valued.

5. Develop Good Habits

In his popular book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven Covey argues that to be effective; you must decide to take serious actions toward your goals. In order to do so, you must develop habits and do away with hindrances — habits like being proactive, prioritizing and planning and listening with empathy.

6. Take Action

Taking action is a critical step on the path toward success. Successful speakers became so by working toward their goals. Take what you learn from speakers, books and conferences and try to apply those principles in action. Leroy Chiao speaks about how he committed to working toward his goals and eventually achieved his dream of becoming an astronaut.

7. Accept Responsibility for Your Life

Rather than blaming others, recognize your limited circumstances and focus your efforts on turning things around. Motivational speaker, state legislator, and author Les Brown, was abandoned by his parents at birth and labeled mentally disabled by his schoolteachers. He didn’t let that stop him from becoming successful. Realize that, despite your circumstances, your future is in your hands.

8. Don’t Ever Give Up

If you’re committed to achieving your goals, then giving up is not an option. If the greatest motivational speakers in the world had abandoned their dreams, they would not be where they are today. For example, public speaker and human rights activist Gerda Weissmann Klein tells the powerful story of how she survived the Holocaust and never gave up even in the most difficult of circumstances.

9. Think Positively

No one likes to be around people who think negatively. Not only is positive thinking more attractive, it allows you to envision more possibilities. Negative thinkers miss opportunities because they are unable to see the bigger picture.

10. Balance Is Business

In the words of Zig Ziglar again, “You can’t truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles.” To be successful, you must learn to achieve balance in all areas of your life. Successful people are often described as “having it all.” Having it all would not be possible without a balanced lifestyle.

About the Author

Madison Dwyer is a freelance writer and former corporate event planner turned life coach. In her career, she has worked with many a speakers bureau and observed the techniques of the most successful speakers.