If you're wondering what the secrets of success are, they have a lot to do with being uncomfortable...

So, if you haven’t realised by now, we’ll rip-off the band-aid for you: Life is really hard. It’s filled with things that go wrong or never come right, that are broken or that break, that are difficult and unfair, and basically just not as fun as your Facebook friends would have you believe.

But, there’s a secret. Well, actually a few secrets that will make the next 365 days a year a lot more rewarding.

Secret One:

You will only succeed when you force yourself to do things that make you uncomfortable. Stop declining new to opportunities because they seem too hard. Get over yourself and say yes.

Secret Two:

You will only succeed once you realise that bad times are inevitable and become okay with that. While happiness is short-lived, so too is sadness. You will see-saw your life in and out of tough and happy times and this is normal. So don’t ever fall too deep into the pit of self-pity.

Secret Three:

You will only succeed once you realise it’s okay to fail. And you will fail, repeatedly. Just like all the successful people failed before you. It’s actually really healthy because it’s how you learn and do better next time.

Secret Four:

You will only reach your highest goals once you come to terms with the uncompromisable fact that you’ll have to make a few sacrifices. For what will seem like a long time, you will have to do what you need to do and choosing it above the things you want to do. Prioritise: it’ll be worth it.

Secret Five:

You will only reach your highest goals once you push yourself to:

• accept compliments gracefully
• handle conflict maturely
• give and handle constructive criticism maturely
• network and engage in small talk
• learn to work with data
• never ever ever ever stop learning

Not-So-Secret Six (but essential to achieving success): 

Exercise! It’s true, it’s science, it’s a fact, it makes you feel better by releasing endorphins, making you feel healthier. Find an activity you enjoy and consider it as essential as brushing your teeth.

Remember that outside our comfort zone is where we grow, learn, and develop in a way that expands our horizons beyond what we ever thought we were capable of doing. Take the first step out of your comfort zone by growing your skillset, applying for that promotion, climbing the corporate ladder, leaving the job you hate,  and by finding better opportunities in other companies.