We chat to Amanda Dewinter, author of The Success Code.
Can you tell us about your book?
The Success Code is not your usual book about success. Yes, it includes all the things you’d expect from a book on success, such as how to visualise a bright future, set SMART goals, how to focus, develop good habits and good time management but it has so much more. The Success Code gets you to think deeply about your own success, what you want out of the next stage of your life, what does success really mean to you. It helps you find your ambition, raise your aspirations and have higher expectations of yourself, even when those around you may try to keep you small. It gives you the tools and skills to bridge the gap from where you are now to where you want to be, including what to learn next, how to prioritise your wellbeing, strengthen your resolve and more feel motivated. This will enable you to develop not just the right mindset for success but also the right values and empower you to achieve your full, magnificent potential. I’ve brought together vast amounts of research on success from psychology to neuroscience, I’ve applied it using my expertise gained over thirty years and put it into this easy to read guide for you.
Who is it for?
The Success Code is for anyone who wants to get more out of life, whether you feel stuck in a rut, dissatisfied, overwhelmed by stress or simply that life is passing you by and something is missing. Whether you’re early in your career, a student, looking to change career, transitioning to a new stage of life or have unfulfilled dreams and ambitions, this book is for you.
What is your definition of success?
Everyone’s definition of success is unique and can change with time and as you’d expect, I think deeply about what success means to me and how I define it. For me, at this stage of my life, success is: nurturing my incredible family where we look out for each other and enjoy being together; developing my new career as a respected author; and being the best version of myself, with particular emphasis on health and fitness.
Is there one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out in their career?
Yes, for sure: keep learning! Think of your career, especially its first ten years, as an extended training period. Do whatever you can to learn new skills, gain new experience, practice and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Take every single training course offered, find mentors, ask to learn from people more experienced, shadow people you work with, take your own training courses, read books, watch video content, all designed to build your knowledge and skills. The more you learn, the more you’ll have to offer to get a promotion or to move on to other opportunities, and the more engaged, motivated and fulfilled you will feel – a win, win!
Who are your icons, and why?
One is young and wise beyond her years, Malala Yousafzai, aged 24, because of her determination to get an education and her campaigning to ensure all girls around the world receive an education, knowing this is the key to a brighter future.
The other is old and wise, The Queen, aged 96, for committing to a vision for her future at the age of 21 and never wavering from it; showing the most remarkable resilience, through thick and thin, continuing to learn, work and be engaged with the world.
What or who is your favourite book or author?
For non-fiction, Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway, Susan Jeffers; this was the first self-help book I ever read and its title has become a mantra I live by. For fiction, Presumed Innocent, Scott Turow.
Amanda Dewinter’s The Success Code is out now.
