Everyone likes a winner and every person also wants to be a winner. This is true in all areas of life, including athletics, and in the workplace. Some may say that winning is over emphasized and overrated.

However, being a winner as an individual or as a part of a team is exhilarating. It is at the top of the list of fulfilling activities. Winning can be by a landslide or a thin margin.

Necessary traits to be a winner include the 3 P’s:

• Perseverance

• Patience

• Persistence

It involves never giving up. Winning is fun but people need to learn how to win gracefully as well as how to behave when you are the loser. Actions following a loss or victory reveal a lot about a person.

Following are some practical tips to becoming a winner in life.

• Set goals — Setting stretch but realistic targets is healthy. Don’t just aimlessly float along.

• Stay focused — Focus on what you are trying to achieve. Keep your eye on the goal. Don’t be a slacker.

• Become an effective communicator — Challenge yourself to speaking up, being conscientious, courteous and friendly in all interactions. Be aware of body language, eye contact and tone of voice.

• Don’t waste time — Don’t waste time fighting against changes, Don’t moan and complain over things beyond your control. Avoid distractions.

• Form winning habits — Face up to challenges by looking at things from a different perspective. Try to do something everyday you have not done before.

• Take responsibility for your actions — Stop blaming others for your mistakes. Become self-aware of your shortcomings and work to change for the better.

• Don’t be afraid to fail — Accept your failures as learning opportunities. Turn obstacles into chances for success and take action to turn things around. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty encountered.

• Be eager to learn from others — You can learn from people who are older or younger, experienced or inexperienced. Several heads are better than one. New, usable ideas often come from the youngest and newest employees on staff. Be open to new ideas.

• Become a risk taker — Being overly cautious can prevent you from trying new things which could lead to success. Do a the risk/reward analysis.

• Work smarter not just harder — The more effort you put in the better your results will be.  Prioritize tasks and delegate to other team members. Aim to produce more with less effort and you will be happier and more successful.

• Don’t procrastinate — Procrastination is often the reason for failure. Winning starts with beginning. Procrastination not only affects you but also has a negative impact on others.

• Be disciplined — Being disciplined in planning , preparation and practice will help you achieve your goals.

• Be committed — The main difference in winners and losers is that winners are committed to do whatever it takes to be a winner. Remain dedicated in spite of setbacks.

• Have a winning attitude — Plan to win. Prepare to win.  Expect to win. Have the courage to press on.

Paul “Bear” Bryant said. “If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride — and never quit, you’ll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards.”

Attitude can outweigh your skills, experience, education. Being resourceful and motivated will take you in the right direction along with developing a good network. Recognize your God-given talents and abilities. Don’t waste them. Remember that it is not a sprint but a marathon.

Becky Vaughn-Furlow retired from Trustmark Bank as executive vice president and human resources director. She can be contacted by emailing bvaughnfurlow@gmail.com.