Thought Of The Day

Thought for the Day

A FRIEND IS ONE WHO KNOWS ALL ABOUT YOU AND STILL RESPECTS YOU.

A true friend is a priceless gift. When we reveal our hopes, our dreams, and our deepest secrets to others, and they still like and respect us, such people are to be cherished. All too often, the only reason others wish to spend time with us-to be our friends-is because of what they perceive we can do for them, not the other way around. A real friendship is reciprocal, one in which each friend benefits equally. You can earn the friendship of others by being the kind of person who deserves respect from friends. When others look up to you, it should make you even more conscious of the responsibility you have to treat them with the same respect you would like them to afford you

HAPPINESS IS FOUND IN DOING-NOT MERELY IN POSSESSING.

It's true. Money can't buy happiness. Most of us are motivated by aspirations of the lifestyle we desire to ourselves and our families, not by the physical possessions-homes, vacations, automobiles, etc. When you recognize this fact, you will know that you must constantly "raise the bar" to encourage yourself to reach higher goals. Your goals should include the possessions that you desire, but as former Apple Computer chairman and CEO John Sculley said, "Success is a journey, not a destination. Make sure you enjoy the trip.

IF YOU MUST LET SOMEONE DOWN, BE SURE IT ISN'T THE FRIEND WHO HELPED YOU UP WHEN YOU WERE DOWN.

We all have short memories. We become preoccupied with our own interests and daily cares, and it's easy to lose track of friends. There will always be times when you must choose between what you wish to do and what you must do. When you are faced with such decisions, make sure you always remember those true and loyal friends who were there when you needed them, and never, under any circumstances, abandon them. When you let down a friend who helped you when you needed it most, you will not only adversely affect the friendship; you will seriously damage your own self-respect. When you fail a friend, regardless of how heavy your own burdens may be, you also fail yourself. If you absolutely cannot do what good friends would like, find another way to make it up to them

IF YOU WISH "ACQUAINTANCESHIP," BE RICH. IF YOU WISH FRIENDS, BE A FRIEND.

There is nothing like money to make you attractive and appealing to others. But, of course, the kind of people who are attracted to you only because of what you can do for them may be acquaintances, not friends. You may have many acquaintances if you become wealthy, but whatever your station in life may be, you will never have true friends unless you are a friend to others. Be very selective in your choice of friends. Choose to associate with positive people who like you for the person you are, who encourage you to be yourself and to be the best you can be

FRIENDS MUST BE GROWN TO ORDER-NOT TAKEN FOR GRANTED.

Your friends will be what you make them. If you are the kind of friend who freely gives of your time and always shows consideration for others, your friends will be generous and kind. If you are the kind of person who takes your friends for granted, neither giving nor expecting much in return, you will attract friends who exhibit the same qualities. In friendship, like attracts like. Assess your behavior occasionally to determine what kind of friend you are. Are you the kind of person you would like to have as a friend? Do you freely give more than you expect in return, or are you always asking and never giving? Do you take the time to stay in touch, to remember friends' special occasions? When you become so consumed with your own interests that you forget about your friends, you are well on your way to becoming friendless.

IF YOU CALL ON YOUR FRIENDS ONLY WHEN YOU NEED SOMETHING, YOU WILL SOON FIND YOURSELF WITHOUT FRIENDS.

There is a great deal of wisdom in the old saw, "If you want friends, be a friend." Friendship means giving without expecting anything in return. Busy, successful people are not searching for new friends. If you want to be their friend, you must make the effort to befriend them. Let them know that you are interested in them as people, not in what they can do for you, and you may find that you have made a true and loyal friend.

REMEMBER THAT NO ONE CAN HURT YOUR FEELINGS WITHOUT YOUR COOPERATION AND WILLINGNESS.

No one can cause you to have any kind of emotional reaction without your first giving them permission to do so. You alone are responsible for your feelings and emotions. When you know what you plan to do with your life, you will not allow annoying situations to deter you from your goals for long. If you set ambitious goals for yourself and work enthusiastically toward them, you will quickly realize that you don't have time to allow petty annoyances to upset you and keep you from your objectives.

THOSE WHO CAN'T TAKE DIRECTIONS GRACIOUSLY HAVE NO BUSINESS GIVING THEM.

If you are an irresponsible or argumentative worker who cannot accept instructions from others, you are destined to remain at the bottom of the workforce. Before you can ever hope to manage other people, you must learn to manage yourself and your relationships with others effectively, particularly with those in higher positions in the organization. Unless you can learn how to manage your relationship with your own boss or bosses, you will never be able to manage a relationship with your subordinates.

FRIENDLY COOPERATION ALWAYS PAYS OFF BECAUSE THIS SORT OF TEAMWORK CREATES A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE, WHICH DOES NOT RECOGNIZE OBSTACLES.

In any organized endeavor, obstacles are going to occur. Sometimes they appear in the form of technical problems; sometimes they are disputes between members of the team over which course is best to follow. If you have set an example of initiative and open communication, you will find that your team has the mental and spiritual resources to overcome these kinds of struggles. A group of people who trust their leader and one another don't waste energy jockeying for prestige. They know that they will all benefit from a solution, and they are motivated to find it by sharing the knowledge and ideas. From these many parts a skilled leader can create the necessary solution, but only if a spirit of friendliness and honesty prevails

FRIENDLY COOPERATION IS NEVER ANY PART OF THE DEVIL'S WORK. HE IS WORKING ON THE OTHER SIDE.

The most noble human relationships are those that have been formed in a spirit of cooperation and harmony. Cooperation, in many ways, is the physical manifestation of your care and concern for your fellow man. When you work with others in a spirit of friendly cooperation, you are conducting yourself according to the founding principles of most religions and all successful societies. Everyone occasionally feels pangs of jealousy or envy, usually accompanied by the urge to cause problems or difficulty for those we dislike. Truly successful people have learned to restrain such urges. They know that if they concentrate upon their own objectives and help others along the way, they will eventually reach their goals. It isn't easy to always be a friendly, cooperative person, but in the end you will find that it is worth the effort.

COOPERATION MUST START AT THE HEAD OF A DEPARTMENT IF IT IS EXPECTED AT THE OTHER END. THE SAME IS TRUE FOR EFFICIENCY.

In most large organizations, the amount of time and energy that is squandered in interdepartmental rivalry is enormous. Managers who compete with others inside the company waste valuable resources that should be directed at fulfilling the company's mission to serve its customers better. Worse, a negative, internal focus can cause the company to miss opportunities, the full effect of which may not be realized for months or even years. Whether you are the head of the department or the newest worker on the staff, you can help your company immeasurably by refusing to become embroiled in internal strife. Compete with yourself to do the best job you can do instead of competing with others

NO ONE CAN SUCCEED AND REMAIN SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT THE FRIENDLY COOPERATION OF OTHERS.

In today's interdependent society, it is virtually impossible in any business, profession, or occupation for an individual to achieve great heights of success without the help of others. The best way to get friendly cooperation is to give it. When you make it a practice to encourage others and to help them advance in their careers whenever possible, most will reciprocate when you need their help. Give generously, and you will benefit in kind.

FRIENDLY COOPERATION WILL GET YOU FAR MORE THAN UNFRIENDLY AGITATION IN ANY MARKET.

When you treat your competitors with the courtesy and respect you would like, most will respond in kind, and the result is a stable, productive, profitable industry. On the other hand, an industry or market that is composed of vicious, unethical competitors will soon destroy itself. When you are asked how your products and services compare with those of your competitors, speak respectfully and politely about your rivals, but use the question to shift the discussion to your company and your products. Acknowledge others' good points, and then move on. If you complain too much about the competition, prospective customers may wonder what they are missing and refuse to buy until they have compared your products and services with those of others.

TRY TELLING YOUR BOSS ABOUT THE THINGS YOU LIKE, AND SEE HOW WILLINGLY HE OR SHE WILL HELP YOU GET RID OF THE THINGS YOU DON'T LIKE.

In recent years, great strides have been made in overcoming the traditional adversarial relationship between workers and bosses. At last we're learning that when we focus on better serving our clients and customers, everybody wins. When you begin to focus on what's good in your company instead of what you don't like, you will be amazed how quickly you will have more responsibility, and soon you will be teaching your employees how to do your old job.

WILLING COOPERATION PRODUCES ENDURING POWER, WHILE FORCED COOPERATION ENDS IN FAILURE.

No civilization based upon the unjust treatment of its people has ever endured. A tyrant may force the cooperation of others for a time, but that power is never sustained. Only when people are accorded the respect they deserve do they willingly create and maintain successful organizations and societies. When you build a company or an organization based on fairness and justice for every member, you have built a power that will long endure. The best way to secure the commitment and unending cooperation of others is through the simple application of the Golden Rule. It is the most successful and long-lasting management theory ever developed. When you treat others as you would like to be treated were you in their situation, you will inspire loyalty and enthusiastic cooperation. Set high standards for yourself and others, treat them well, let them do their jobs, and they will perform miracles for you.

NO ONE IS CAPABLE OFGIVING DIRECTION UNLESS HE OR SHE KNOWS HOW TO TAKE DIRECTIONS AND CARRY THEM OUT.

An essential quality of leadership is developing the ability to persuade others to align their goals with yours and those of the organization. Until you, yourself, are able to join forces with others in the pursuit of a common objective, you will never persuade them to join your cause. Effective leaders recognize the value of working together, and they learn how to follow directions before being entrusted with the responsibility for the performance of others. Good leaders show by example how they expect others to behave. Even though the troops may be trained to follow orders unquestioningly, the officer always leads them into battle. You cannot push others to follow your example; you must pull them along with you. When you show by your every word and deed that you are a person of character, one who works for the greater good of the entire organization, your people will follow.

UNLESS YOU ARE AN ARMY OFFICER, YOU CAN GET BETTER RESULTS BY REQUESTS THAN YOU CAN BY ORDERS.

Armies spend endless hours training people to follow orders without question. It's an essential quality in a soldier. In everyday life, however, things don't work that way. Business, political, and civic leaders have learned that ordinary people will perform exceptional tasks when they are asked-not ordered-to do so. Even when you are managing other people, you will achieve far more if you convert every order to a request. Introductory phrases such as, "Would you mind . . ." or "Could I ask your assistance in . . ." or the always effective "Please . . ." will ensure success far more often than intimidating those who work for you. And when you need help from those whose paychecks you do not control, you will find them far more responsive to requests than to orders

IF LIFE HANDS YOU A LEMON, DON'T COMPLAIN, BUT INSTEAD MAKE LEMONADE TO SELL TO THOSE WHO ARE THIRSTY FROM COMPLAINING.

Wally Amos, the man whom many consider to be the father of the gourmet cookie industry, has turned lemons into lemonade so often in his life that in his official portrait he holds a pitcher in one hand and a glass of lemonade in the other. A perennial optimist, Amos refuses to acknowledge that obstacles are anything other than stepping-stones to success. In a career that has spanned several decades, he has made it to the pinnacle of success several times, only to lose everything and be forced to start over. But he's never lost faith. "You have to have the trust and faith to let go and not agonize," he says. "Don't waste your time worrying. Worry is not preparation. Analyze the situation and focus on solutions. There is always an answer."

DON'T BLAME CHILDREN WHO ARE BAD. BLAME THOSE WHO FAILED TO DISCIPLINE THEM.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once observed, "Our chief want in life is somebody who will make us do what we can." Although children doubtless do not recognize it at the time, they crave discipline, particularly during their formative years. Discipline defines boundaries for them, provides security, and is an active expression of a parent's love. Most important, it prepares them for the challenges of adulthood. If your childhood was less than perfect, you are in good company. Most of us have experienced difficulties at one time or another, and we all make mistakes from time to time. The good news is that while your environment as a child will have a profound influence upon the person you become, it is not the sole determinant. The person you choose to be is entirely up to you. Only you can decide who and what you will become in life.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOUR REAL FRIENDS ARE UNTIL ADVERSITY OVERTAKES YOU AND YOU NEED COOPERATION.

Everybody loves a winner, it has been said, but nobody knows you when you're down and out. One of the often unappreciated benefits of adversity is that it accelerates the process of identifying your true friends. Most of us have many acquaintances and associates, but we are indeed fortunate if we have a handful of real friends. You will very quickly identify yours when you ask them for help. The wise individual is the one who, when asked for assistance, recognizes that he may one day find himself in the same situation.

WHEN ADVERSITY OVERTAKES YOU, IT PAYS TO BE THANKFUL IT WAS NOT WORSE INSTEAD OF WORRYING OVER YOUR MISFORTUNE.

There are few things in life that are as bad as they seem at first. Dealing with adversity begins with analyzing and accepting your situation for what it is. When you realize that things are not nearly as bad as they might have been, you have taken the first step toward working your way through the problem. It is a truism that you will never be asked to carry a heavier load than you can bear, but it sometimes helps you better appreciate that fact if you volunteer some of your time to help those who are less fortunate than you are.

BEFORE OPPORTUNITY CROWNS YOU WITH GREAT SUCCESS, IT USUALLY TESTS YOUR METTLE THROUGH ADVERSITY.

Adversity provides the resistance necessary to develop the strength to overcome great obstacles. This strength consists of self-confidence, perseverance, and, very importantly, self-knowledge. For if you do encounter a setback, it is a clue to a personal weakness. You may have been hasty in judging a competitor, or you may have been too timid in your vision of what needed to be done. Let adversity be your guide to understanding where you misstepped and which qualities you need to cultivate. No one rejoices in disappointment, but if you are success-conscious, you can turn the situation into a chance for improving your character, an opportunity you otherwise would have missed.

IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHY YOU FAILED, YOU ARE NO WISER THAN WHEN YOU BEGAN.

There's an old adage that those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. So it is with our failures. Unless we learn from our mistakes, we are likely to repeat them until we learn from such experiences and correct our course-or give up and accept temporary defeat as permanent failure. Every setback you encounter in life contains valuable information that, if you study it carefully, will eventually lead you to success. Without adversity, you would never develop wisdom, and without wisdom, success would be short lived indeed. When you make a mistake, say, "That's good! I've gotten that out of the way. I will never do that again." You will no doubt make other mistakes, but they won't bother you nearly as much when you treat them as learning experiences.

YOUR FAILURE MAY PROVE TO BE AN ASSET, PROVIDED YOU KNOW WHY YOU FAILED.

There are a few occasions during our brief time on earth when most of us experience great flashes of insight, great moments of truth that forever change the course of our lives. Most of those experiences result from spectacular failures, not from outstanding successes. It is from the failures that so chagrined and dismayed us that we learn the most lasting lessons. When you are the unwilling recipient of a great moment of truth, extract the useful lessons and then put the entire episode behind you. Learn from your failures, forget about them, and move on to better things.

FAILURE IS A BLESSING WHEN IT PUSHES US OUT OF A CUSHIONED SEAT OF SELF-SATISFACTION AND FORCES US TO DO SOMETHING USEFUL.

If you carefully study your own life and those of achievers whom you admire, it is an absolute certainty you will discover that your greatest opportunities often occurred during times of adversity. It is only when faced with the possibility of failure that we are willing to deal with radical change and take the risks that lead to great success. When you experience temporary failure and you know that it is temporary, you can capitalize on the opportunities adversity always brings.

A WISE MAN WATCHES HIS FAULTS MORE CLOSELY THAN HIS VIRTUES; FOOLS REVERSE THE ORDER.

We all have within us the potential for greatness or for failure. Both possibilities are an innate part of our character. Whether we reach for the stars or plunge to the depths of despair depends in large measure on how we manage our positive and negative potential. It is doubtful that, if left unchecked, your virtues will rage out of control. Unfortunately, the reverse is not true about your faults. Left unattended, faults have a way of multiplying until they eventually choke out your good qualities. The surest way to control your faults is to attack them the moment they appear.

REMEMBER THAT THE FAULTS OF HUMANKIND ARE PRETTY EVENLY DISTRIBUTED AMONG ALL OF US.

Why can we so easily overlook in ourselves the faults we are quick to spot in others? It is easy to be objective when it comes to criticizing our friends, family members, and business associates, but it is far more difficult to be honest about our own shortcomings. Only when we recognize that we are all human, with the same faults and failings, do we begin to develop that wonderful quality of tolerance that enables us to accept others as they are and ask nothing in return. Replacing faultfinding with "goodfinding" is never easy. But when you become one who always compliments instead of criticizes, you become the kind of friend we would all like to have.

HUMAN FAULTS ARE LIKE GARDEN WEEDS. THEY GROW WITHOUT CULTIVATION AND SOON TAKE OVER THE PLACE IF THEY AREN'T THINNED OUT.

Habits are formed so slowly that most of us don't realize what is happening until the habits are too strongly entrenched to be broken. Seldom can one pattern of behavior be eliminated without replacing it with another. It has been said that nature abhors a vacuum and will always find something to fill a void. The best way to thin out the "weeds," or faults in your character, is to identify those traits with which you are dissatisfied and replace them with their positive counterparts. If you have a tendency to lose your temper, for example, find a replacement for your anger. Neutralize it with a positive expression or affirmation such as, No one can make me angry unless I let them. I will not let anyone else control my emotions.

IF YOU HAVE NO MAJOR PURPOSE, YOU ARE DRIFTING TOWARD CERTAIN FAILURE.

Not having a major purpose for your life is like trying to navigate without a chart. You may eventually get somewhere you like, or you may drift aimlessly, always hoping-but never finding-the place where you would like to be. As you grow as a person, so will your major purpose. It is the natural order of things that, when you reach the top of one mountain, you will look around for higher peaks to climb. In life, either you are moving forward or you are going backward. When you plot your course carefully and thoughtfully, you can ensure that you are going in the right direction

FAILURE IS NOT A DISGRACE IF YOU HAVE SINCERELY DONE YOUR BEST.

We live in a competitive world that measures success by winners and losers, and insists that every victory creates a loss of equal dimension. If one person wins, it seems logical that someone else must lose. In reality, the only competition that matters is the one in which you compete with yourself. When your standard of performance is based upon being the best you can be-for yourself-you will never lose. You will only improve. Make it a practice to objectively review your performance from time to time. When you fall short, assess the situation and ask yourself: "Is there anything I would or could have done to change the outcome?" If the answer is "no," if you are satisfied that you've done your best, don't waste time reliving the past. Simply learn what you can from the experience, and then get into action again. If you consistently do your best, your temporary failures will take care of themselve

THE OTHER FELLOW'S MISTAKES ARE A WEAK ALIBI FOR YOUR OWN.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude." It's easy when you are part of a group to "go along to get along," but when you are able to maintain your own highest standards of integrity-regardless of what others may do-you are destined for greatness. When you have developed a carefully thought out code of personal conduct, you will never have to ask anyone else what the appropriate course of action should be. You will intuitively know

ISN'T IT PECULIAR THAT SOME PEOPLE ARE SO CLEVER AT INVENTING ALIBIS AND SO DULL AT DOING THE JOB THAT WOULD MAKE ALIBIS USELESS?

If folks did their jobs with half the effort and creativity they waste in a vain attempt to deceive others, they could achieve great success at anything. It is tempting at times to emulate those who seemingly get by without working very hard, but those who cheat the company by not doing what they are paid to do will eventually pay the price. They will pay with the loss of their most valuable possession: their reputation. The value of a reputation for honesty and integrity is the difference between a career filled with promise and a life of failure.

PEOPLE WHO GAMBLE FOR MONEY ARE POTENTIAL CHEATERS BECAUSE THEY ARE TRYING TO GET SOMETHINGFOR NOTHING.

Anyone who risks his or her wealth upon the fickle whims of chance is usually not the type of person you would like to have for a business partner. They are individuals who are most likely to yield to the temptation to cut corners on product quality, overlook unsafe working conditions, and generally fail to deliver on their promises. It is impossible to get something for nothing for a sustained period of time. The law of compensation is unforgiving in its demands that you get what you deserve. You may feel at times that you deserve better-and you may-but eventually your payback will be commensurate with your efforts.

THE ONE WHO TRIES TO GET SOMETHINGFOR NOTHING GENERALLY WINDS UP GETTING NOTHING FOR SOMETHING.

Those who think they can get by in life without providing the same amount of value for value received will eventually find themselves working harder than ever to deceive others and receiving very little in return. Life has a funny way of evening the score. In the long run, you will get in the same measure you give. Spend your time on productive, positive efforts; give generously of your time and talents, and you will stand out from the great multitudes whose primary goal in life seems to be to get something for nothing.

SUCCESS ATTRACTS SUCCESS AND FAILURE ATTRACTS FAILURE BECAUSE OF THE LAW OF HARMONIOUS ATTRACTION.

In physics, positives attract negatives and vice versa, but in human relationships the opposite is true. Negative people attract only other negative people, while positive thinkers attract like-minded individuals. You will find that when you begin to achieve success more successes will follow. This is the law of harmonious attraction. When riches begin to come your way, you'll be amazed how quickly they accumulate. Train your mind to visualize yourself acquiring a specific amount of wealth or achieving a certain goal-whatever you most desire. Then use self-suggestion to persuade your subconscious mind that you can achieve your goal, and put your plan into action. When you use the tools that you have at your disposal to prepare yourself for success and visualize yourself as having already reached your objective, you can achieve any reasonable goal that you set for yourself.

MOST FAILURES COULD HAVE BEEN CONVERTED INTO SUCCESSES IF SOMEONE HAD HELD ON ANOTHER MINUTE OR MADE MORE EFFORT.

When you have the potential for success within you, adversity and temporary defeat only help you prepare to reach great heights of success. Without adversity, you would never develop the qualities of reliability, loyalty, humility, and perseverance that are so essential to enduring success. Many people have escaped the jaws of defeat and achieved great victories because they would not allow themselves to fail. When your escape routes are all closed, you will be surprised how quickly you will find the path to success

THERE ALWAYS REMAINS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A NEW START.

Though it may not seem so when you first encounter a serious blow, you can never lose two of the most important assets you have. These are the power of your mind and your freedom to use it. Once you have turned them to understanding what laid you low, you can begin forming new plans. You may not have the money you once had; you may lack the allies you had cultivated. But you still have the benefit of a universe that eventually rewards honest effort, as well as gaining the experience of mistakes you will never make again. Remember, no matter where you are now, whatever you can conceive and believe, you can achieve. Protecte the most important thing you have

YOUR REAL COURAGE SHOWS BEST IN THE HOUR OF ADVERSITY.

Some setbacks are so severe that to give in to them means losing the whole ball game. When he assumed command of the Korean War, Gen. Matthew Ridgeway found his forces pushed far to the south, hard pressed by the invaders. Only a determined decision to hold the lines allowed the American forces to keep from being swept into the sea and to eventually regain all the territory they had lost. When a defeat strikes, you may not have the time to withdraw and contemplate your mistakes without risking further setbacks. Don't succumb to paralysis. It is important to know at that moment what it is you truly desire and to act to preserve your resources and your hope. If you crumble utterly, you will take a blow to your self-esteem that will be hard to repair. Instead, stick to your principles, and you will know, at the very least, that you have protected the most important thing you have.

THERE IS A VAST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAILURE AND TEMPORARY DEFEAT.

There is no such thing as failure, unless it is accepted as such. Every defeat is temporary unless you give up and allow it to become permanent. In fact, temporary defeat often makes us stronger and more capable. Each time we try and fail, we learn something that helps prepare us for eventual success. Only in the classroom is there a single correct answer for every problem. If you try an approach that doesn't work, try something else. When you view adversity as nothing more than a learning experience, your successes in life will far outnumber your failures.

SUCCESS REQUIRES NO EXPLANATION; FAILURES MUST BE DOCTORED WITH ALIBIS.

The surest way to achieve acceptance in any organization or in any line of work is to be successful. Unfortunately, life doesn't work that way. No matter how carefully you study a subject, no matter how rationally you make decisions, no matter how well prepared you are, you will occasionally make mistakes. Human beings always do. The important thing is to realize that temporary setbacks are not permanent failures. Successful people recognize that we all experience temporary setbacks that require us to reevaluate our performance and take corrective action to achieve success. They know that adversity is never permanent.

MOST OF US DON'T MIND BEING TOLD OF OUR FAULTS IF THE CRITIC IS GENEROUS ENOUGH TO MIX IN A FEW OF OUR VIRTUES AS WELL.

It's a normal reaction to defend ourselves and our behavior when someone criticizes us-even if we secretly recognize that what we're being told is correct. Those who achieve great success in life, however, are those who have learned to set aside their emotions and learn from others, even when the message is unpleasant. If you find yourself being evaluated by someone else, tell yourself that criticism of some aspect of your performance is not a personal attack. Control your emotional reaction and adopt useful ideas even though you may dislike the manner in which the information is delivered.

MAKING LIFE "EASY" FOR CHILDREN USUALLY MAKES LIFE "HARD" FOR THEM IN ADULTHOOD.

Del Smith, the millionaire founder and chairman of Evergreen International Aviation, has often said, "Thank God I was born poor; I learned how to work." Like many others who made it to the top on their own, Smith believes that the greatest gift that can be given to a child is to teach him or her the value of work. It is a gift that can never be lost or stolen. It's a natural desire of parents to give their children material things they didn't have as children. Such generosity, however, often deprives children of the greatest gift you can give them: confidence in their ability to take care of themselves. When you make life "hard" for your children by requiring them to learn the value of work, they will have a far greater likelihood of success as adults.

DRIFTING, WITHOUT AIM OR PURPOSE, IS THE FIRST CAUSE OF FAILURE.

Without a plan for your life, it is easier to follow the course of least resistance, to go with the flow, to drift with the current with no particular destination in mind. Having a definite plan for your life greatly simplifies the process of making hundreds of daily decisions that affect your ultimate success. When you know where you want to go, you can quickly decide if your actions are moving you toward your goal or away from it. Without definite, precise goals and a plan for their achievement, each decision must be considered in a vacuum. Definiteness of purpose provides context and allows you to relate specific actions to your overall plan.

THE AVERAGE PERSON WOULD HAVE QUIT AT THE FIRST FAILURE. THAT'S WHY THERE HAVE BEEN MANY AVERAGE MEN AND ONLY ONE EDISON.

Thomas Edison once observed that the reason most folks don't recognize opportunity when it comes knocking is that it is often dressed in coveralls and looks like work. Edison knew that anything worthwhile never comes easily; if it were easy, anyone could do it. Because he persisted far beyond the point the average person would consider reasonable and rational, he produced inventions that even the most learned people of the day considered impossible. Great advances in knowledge are often achieved by people with an almost fanatical devotion to finding the solution to a problem. Flashes of inspiration alone are not enough to ensure success; they must be followed by determined, persistent action.

EDISON FAILED 10,000 TIMES BEFORE PERFECTING THE INCANDESCENT ELECTRIC LIGHTBULB. DON'T WORRY IF YOU FAIL ONCE.

Arguably America's greatest inventor, Thomas Edison had an extraordinarily positive perception of life that greatly enhanced his ability as an inventory. When others might have been hopelessly discouraged after failing thousands of times in an attempt to develop an electric light, the great Edison simply viewed each unsuccessful experiment as the elimination of a solution that wouldn't work, thereby moving him that much closer to a successful solution. We could all take a lesson from Edison. Stories abound about inventors who quit trying and gave up too soon or miners who struck gold just a few feet beyond where someone else quit digging. There are few obstacles in life that will not succumb to consistent, sustained, intelligent, positive action. When you are discouraged after you've failed at something, remember Edison's 10,000 failures before he arrived at the solution that forever changed the world. d

UNLIMITED POWER MAY BE AVAILABLE WHEN TWO OR MORE PEOPLE COORDINATE THEIR THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS IN A SPIRIT OF PERFECT HARMONY FOR THE ATTAINMENT OF A DEFINITE PURPOSE.

A Master Mind alliance involves two or more people working together in perfect harmony toward the attainment of a common purpose. Such a partnership creates a superpower that enables each of its members to do far more than either would have been able to achieve separately. Choose your Master Mind partners carefully. Align yourself with people whose strengths complement yours. If you are a right brain person, for example, a logically-driven left brain person may be a perfect counterbalance to your creative bent. Above all, choose to associate only with people who share your positive values and your commitment to similar levels of achievement.

IF YOU MUST MEDDLE IN HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS, TRY TO BE A PEACEMAKER. YOU WILL FIND THAT YOU DON'T HAVE MUCH COMPETITION.

When faced with a conflict between others, most of us are more inclined to walk away from the situation than to become involved. If we do allow ourselves to become a participant, it is usually by adopting the position of one at the expense of the other. Of course, such behavior does little to resolve the dispute and may in fact exacerbate the problem. But when you make a genuine attempt to help resolve the situation, you should not be surprised if you're the only one. We are all complex individuals with feelings and emotions we often don't fully understand. Sometimes the mere involvement of a disinterested party is enough to help resolve the dispute. Make sure, though, if you are the one in the middle that you don't allow yourself to get into a position where you must choose between the desires of one person over the other. Work toward a compromise that best suits everyone's interests.ts

ALL ENDURING SUCCESS IS FOUNDED UPON HARMONIOUS HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS.

Most of us are incapable of "going it alone." Whether it is in our careers, our personal relationships, or in life, we all need others if we are to achieve the level of success we desire. Besides, what's the point of having it all if we have no one we care about to share it? You may choose to work with others, you may ignore them, or you may choose to work against them, but the greatest successes in life come to those who work harmoniously with others. When your personal goals coincide with those of another, not only does the power of your combined labors benefit you, but such cooperation also creates a synergistic effect that allows you to achieve far more than the simple sum of your individual efforts.know that friendship freely given and gratefully received is one of life's greatest gift

THOSE WHO CREATE GOOD FELLOWSHIP AMONG OTHERS WILL NEVER BE SHORT OF FRIENDS.

If you have a friend who goes out of his way to help cement friendships between others, consider yourself fortunate indeed. In today's frantic, mobile, throwaway society, such individuals are exceedingly rare. With the demands placed upon us by our careers, our families, and the hectic pace of daily life, most of us have little time for ourselves, and even less for our friends. Yet we know that friendship freely given and gratefully received is one of life's greatest gifts.

A GOOD FISHERMAN GOES OUT OF HIS WAY TO BAIT HIS HOOK WITH WHAT THE FISH PREFER-WHICH MIGHT NOT BE A BAD TIP FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO SUCCEED IN HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS.

Just as in a conversation it's a good idea to listen more than you talk, it is also wise in relationships to think about the well-being of others more than you think about your own wishes and desires. When you constantly strive to treat others in the same way you would like them to treat you, you become a person whom others like to be around, one who commands their respect, confidence, and loyalty. When you learn to manage emotions and your ego, and when you learn to always consider the needs and desires of others, it is inevitable that you will "bait your hook" with kindness and consideration, and catch more friends than you can coun

MUTUAL CONFIDENCE IS THE FOUNDATION OF ALL SATISFACTORY HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS.

Most of us have two basic questions about others when we enter into a relationship. They are: Can I trust you? And Do you really care about me? Depending upon our previous success in partnerships with others-personal or business-the answers may be slow in coming. Confidence in another is often developed gradually as those involved in the relationship commit themselves to each other's success and happiness. Although trust and confidence are the basic underpinnings of all successful relationships, they are fragile. A relationship that has endured for months or even years can be irreparably damaged by a few unkind words or a single thoughtless act. Don't allow yourself to act in haste or to lose control of your emotions in important relationships.

REMEMBER, IT TAKES AT LEAST TWO PEOPLE TO CARRY ON A QUARREL.

It's difficult to remember in the heat of a disagreement that it takes two to quarrel. It may help to remember that no one can disagree with you while you are agreeing with them. This is not to suggest that you should compromise your principles. It is possible, however, to remain true to your beliefs while simultaneously searching for common ground that will enable you to work productively with others who may at first disagree with you When others are upset with you or with a situation that involves you, let them know that you understand how they feel. Examine the problem from their point of view. What is the source of the conflict? How could it be resolved in a manner that would satisfy the interests of all involved? How have you contributed to the problem? When you try to find solutions instead of attempting to affix blame, others will almost always respond in kin

IF YOU CANNOT AGREE WITH OTHERS, YOU CAN AT LEAST REFRAIN FROM QUARRELING WITH THEM.

When you are involved in a dispute with someone else, it may be the only time doing nothing is better than doing something. There's a practical reason for this: When you quarrel with others-even if you win the argument-you place a great deal of unnecessary stress upon yourself. It is impossible to maintain a Positive Mental Attitude when you allow negative emotions such as anger or hate to dominate your thoughts. No one can upset you or make you angry unless you allow them to do so. Instead of arguing with others, try asking non threatening questions such as: "Why do you feel this way? What have I done to make you angry? What can I do to help?" You may find that the entire situation has resulted from a simple misunderstanding that can be quickly rectified. Even if problems are more serious, your positive behavior will go a long way toward helping resolve them.

FRICTION IN MACHINERY COSTS MONEY. FRICTION IN HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS IMPOVERISHES BOTH THE SPIRIT AND THE BANK ACCOUNT.

Discord in any relationship often has unpleasant financial implications, but it is far costlier in human terms. When you are involved in a fractious relationship, physical and mental energy that could be directed toward positive achievements is dissipated needlessly, squandered upon stressful, unproductive activities. Unfortunately, whatever the cause of friction between individuals, it adversely affects each person involved. When you find yourself in a contentious relationship, there are few acceptable alternatives. You can work out your problems or leave the team. Only you know which is the best solution for you, but if you objectively evaluate your reasons for becoming involved and find that they are still valid, your best course of action may be to swallow your pride and find a solution that is acceptable to everyone involved. If you cannot do this, perhaps it's time to get out of the partnership and find another course toward your objective

THERE IS HARMONY THROUGHOUT THE UNIVERSE IN EVERYTHING EXCEPT HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS.

Our universe is characterized by order and harmony, yet we human beings must constantly struggle to achieve the same characteristics in our relationships. In fact, human beings seem to find it unnatural to cooperate with others. Successful individuals are those who have learned to swim against the current, to do the things that others refuse to do. They have learned how to work together for the benefit of the entire group. Achieving harmony in any relationship-business, personal, or professional-requires work. Take comfort in the fact that you'll accomplish far more working with others than working against them.

REMEMBER THAT THE TONE OF YOUR VOICE OFTEN CONVEYS MORE ACCURATELY WHAT IS IN YOUR MIND THAN DO YOUR WORDS.

In a moment of conflict, a suggestion or compromise can salvage a threatened working relationship. A discouraged employee can be motivated again through a few carefully chosen words. In situations like these, a good manager is looking beyond an immediate situation and acting to preserve a future benefit. But if your voice betrays your own anger, fear, or despair, that emotion, not the wisdom you offer, will be what others remember. Those who rise to the top in any organization are those who have learned to control their emotions. When you have a leadership position, others will watch you closely for the signals you send. You must learn to manage yourself and all the ways in which you convey messages to others if you want to inspire them and demonstrate that you care about all the members of your team.

WHEN YOU ASK ANOTHER PERSON TO DO SOMETHING, IT MAY HELP BOTH HIM AND YOU IF YOU TELL HIM WHAT TO DO, WHY HE SHOULD DO IT, WHEN HE SHOULD DO IT, WHERE HE SHOULD DO IT, AND HOW HE MAY BEST DO IT.

We are all influenced by our background and experience. We perceive instructions in the context of our education, experience, heritage, the culture of our organization, and a number of other variables. Good managers know this, and they make sure that their instructions are clear, concise, and well understood. They also know that they must walk a fine line between conveying adequate instructions and killing worker's incentive by not allowing them sufficient latitude to do their jobs. You may strike the right balance between instruction and motivation by encouraging employees to participate in setting objectives for themselves and their team, helping them develop a plan for achieving their goals, and by making sure that each individual clearly understands the team's mission and his or her role in achieving it. Suggest that team members check in occasionally to report their progress, then get out of their way and cheer them on to victory.

A GOOD FOOTBALL TEAM RELIES MORE ON HARMONIOUS COORDINATION OF EFFORT THAN INDIVIDUAL SKILL.

Teamwork is a "cooperative effort by the members of a team to achieve a common goal." The key words in the definition are cooperative effort. Without the support of the entire group, no team can long endure. Football players quickly learn that no member of the team can be a star in every play. Most moments of glory are built upon a long series of plays, each won by committed, determined, bone-jarring blocking and tackling. A winning team is one whose members recognize that when one member of the team is successful, the entire team wins. Conversely, a sure way to develop a losing formula is to create an environment in which team members compete with one another instead of the opponent. When all members give their best in every situation-whether they are carrying the ball or clearing the way for someone else-the team wins and so does each individual member of it

FRIENDSHIP RECOGNIZES FAULTS IN FRIENDS BUT DOES NOT SPEAK OF THEM.

True friendship acknowledges imperfections, accepts them as part of our individual makeup, and focuses on our positive aspects instead of expounding upon our faults. Your friends don't like you to comment upon their failings any more than you like them to criticize you. When your friends are discouraged or disappointed in themselves, a word of encouragement will serve much better than a sermonette. To be the kind of friend you would like to have, be a good listener, offer advice when you are asked for it, and treasure the trust that your friends have placed in you. Praise them for their achievements and sympathize when they fall short, but avoid offering "constructive criticism" or playing devil's advocate. Most of us expect more from ourselves than anyone else ever would, and we are painfully aware of our shortcomings. We don't need to be reminded of them by our friends

FRIENDSHIP NEEDS FREQUENT EXPRESSION TO REMAIN ALIVE.

We are all human with frailties, foibles, and insecurities. We each need to be appreciated for the uniqueness that makes us individual, and we need to be told that we are appreciated. Maintaining friendships requires effort and persistent expression, both in word and deed. Tell your friends often how much you appreciate them. Remember occasions that are important to them. Congratulate them upon their achievements. Most important of all, let them know that you are there for them whenever they need you.

A FRIEND IS ONE WHO KNOWS ALL ABOUT YOU AND STILL RESPECTS YOU.

IF YOU MUST LET SOMEONE DOWN, BE SURE IT ISN'T THE FRIEND WHO HELPED YOU UP WHEN YOU WERE DOWN.

IF YOU WISH "ACQUAINTANCESHIP," BE RICH. IF YOU WISH FRIENDS, BE A FRIEND.

FRIENDS MUST BE GROWN TO ORDER-NOT TAKEN FOR GRANTED.

Your friends will be what you make them. If you are the kind of friend who freely gives of your time and always shows consideration for others, your friends will be generous and kind. If you are the kind of person who takes your friends for granted, neither giving nor expecting much in return, you will attract friends who exhibit the same qualities. In friendship, like attracts like. Assess your behavior occasionally to determine what kind of friend you are. Are you the kind of person you would like to have as a friend? Do you freely give more than you expect in return, or are you always asking and never giving? Do you take the time to stay in touch, to remember friends? special occasions? When you become so consumed with your own interests that you forget about your friends, you are well on your way to becoming friendless.

IF YOU CALL ON YOUR FRIENDS ONLY WHEN YOU NEED SOMETHING, YOU WILL SOON FIND YOURSELF WITHOUT FRIENDS.

REMEMBER THAT NO ONE CAN HURT YOUR FEELINGS WITHOUT YOUR COOPERATION AND WILLINGNESS.

THOSE WHO CAN'T TAKE DIRECTIONS GRACIOUSLY HAVE NO BUSINESS GIVING THEM.

FRIENDLY COOPERATION ALWAYS PAYS OFF BECAUSE THIS SORT OF TEAMWORK CREATES A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE, WHICH DOES NOT RECOGNIZE OBSTACLES.

FRIENDLY COOPERATION IS NEVER ANY PART OF THE DEVIL'S WORK. HE IS WORKING ON THE OTHER SIDE.

COOPERATION MUST START AT THE HEAD OF A DEPARTMENT IF IT IS EXPECTED AT THE OTHER END. THE SAME IS TRUE FOR EFFICIENCY.

If you try and fail, make another effort, and still another, until you succeed.

TRY TELLING YOUR BOSS ABOUT THE THINGS YOU LIKE, AND SEE HOW WILLINGLY HE OR SHE WILL HELP YOU GET RID OF THE THINGS YOU DON'T LIKE.

WILLING COOPERATION PRODUCES ENDURING POWER, WHILE FORCED COOPERATION ENDS IN FAILURE.

UNLESS YOU ARE AN ARMY OFFICER, YOU CAN GET BETTER RESULTS BY REQUESTS THAN YOU CAN BY ORDERS.

WHEN YOU CLOSE THE DOOR OF YOUR MIND TO NEGATIVE THOUGHTS, THE DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY OPENS TO YOU.

It is the nature of opportunity that it simply refuses to attach itself to negative thinkers. Negative minds cannot conceive exciting new business opportunities, invent innovative new products, solve difficult problems, or create beautiful music or works of art. All of these activities require a positive belief in yourself and your abilities. When you approach every challenge with a Positive Mental Attitude, you will always discover opportunities that others have overlooked. Relish your achievements and recall them when the going gets tough. Take comfort in the knowledge that you have succeeded in the past and you can do it again. You can do it if you think you can!

ABILITY IS GREATER THAN MONEY BECAUSE IT CAN BE NEITHER LOST NOR STOLEN.

If you study the lives of very successful people, you will find that they rarely climb to the top of their business or profession and stay there. They often climb to the top and fall to the bottom several times during their careers, but they know that the one thing that got them where they are - their ability - is always there to help them reach the top again. Your ability is the one things that you own exclusively; no one can ever take it from you.

YOUR JOB WILL DO NO MORE FOR YOU THAN YOU DO FOR IT.

Any job contains opportunities for personal growth if you approach it as a positive learning experience. Just as every business is required to adapt to new technologies, new competitors, and countless other changes that routinely occur, so is every individual. If you are not learning and advancing in your job, you are stagnating and falling behind. It is impossible to stand still. View each day as an opportunity to learn something new, to improve yourself, and then do one thing better than you have ever done it before. In a dynamic organization, it is impossible to master every task; just when you think you have everything figured out, things change. Accept such changes as a necessary aspect of business, one that makes life interesting and exciting. You will find your job much more enjoyable when you do, and you will indeed find that it does more for you than you do for it.

DON'T OVERLOOK SMALL DETAILS. REMEMBER THAT THE UNIVERSE AND ALL THAT IS IN IT ARE MADE FROM TINY ATOMS.

There is an old expression that says, "If you take care of the little things, the big things will take care of themselves." It's another way of saying that every job is composed of many small details, any one of which, if overlooked, can create big problems later. If you have trouble dealing with details-paperwork, expense accounts, and other annoying details-set aside a time during your work cycle (daily, weekly, or monthly) to deal with such unpleasant tasks. Prepare yourself mentally to deal with those tasks, and you may find that you dispense with them quickly and efficiently. You may even find that the job wasn't nearly as unpleasant as you expected it to be.at has the greatest likelihood of success.

MANY SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE HAVE FOUND OPPORTUNITIES IN FAILURE AND ADVERSITY THAT THEY COULD NOT RECOGNIZE IN MORE FAVORABLE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Samuel Johnson once observed that the prospect of being hanged wonderfully focuses the mind. You yourself may have found that your mind seems sharpest when you are faced with the greatest difficulties. Desperation often proves you really are better than you think. But with the exception of an immediate threat to your life or health, there are few situations that require instantaneous action. When the world seems to be conspiring against you and nothing is working out right, pause for a few moments to think the situation through-then develop the most appropriate plan of action, the one that has the greatest likelihood of success

SHOW ME HOW TO SAVE A THIN DIME ON ANY OPERATION IN THE PLANT, AND I'LL SHOW YOU HOW TO GET QUICK AND ADEQUATE PROMOTION.

When you search for ways to save money for your company, you are thinking like a manager or owner. Every manager worth his paycheck knows that in a high-volume manufacturing operation a savings of a few pennies on any process will quickly add up to thousands of dollars. And an individual who figures out a way to save the company thousands of dollars is marked for advancement; he or she is simply too valuable not to promote. The best person to improve productivity in your job is you. No other person knows your job as intimately as you do. Motivate yourself to improve continually by competing with yourself. As you perform a specific task, look for shortcuts that will help you finish it faster. Use the time you save to analyze other parts of your job, volunteer to help others with difficult or time-consuming tasks, or to tackle a new, more rewarding assignment.

HENRY FORD IS REPORTED TO HAVE OFFERED $25,000 TO ANYONE WHO WOULD SH0W HIM HOW TO SAVE A SINGLE NUT AND BOLT ON EACH AUTOMOBILE HE MADE.

Without Henry Ford, our country would not be the America we know today. His obsession with reducing costs and improving productivity allowed him to build the first automobile that ordinary people could afford and led to the construction of a vast network of roads and highways that gave birth to today's mobile society. It also set the stage for total quality management and continuous improvement programs that are prevalent in the automotive industry today. We would all be well advised to take a page from the lessons that the automotive industry has learned in recent years. An obsessive focus on the needs and wants of our customers allows us to become an indispensable part of their lives, but nothing is forever. Continuous improvement is expected in virtually every industry, and quality is the minimum requirement in today's global economy. Leaders are those who significantly outperform the competition in every aspect of the business.

BEFORE WORRYING ABOUT HOW TO GET MORE PAY, TRY THINKING HOW YOU CAN DO A BETTER JOB AND YOU MAY NOT NEED TO WORRY.

When you devote your time and efforts to doing your best at every job you do, instead of developing persuasive arguments why you should be paid more for what you do, the pay raises will take care of themselves. When you approach every job enthusiastically in a spirit of friendly cooperation, you distinguish yourself from the vast majority of people whose primary concerns include breaks, benefits, paychecks, and quitting time. Don't complain about your status or your pay to anyone, not even to your best friend. Word will eventually get back to the boss. Which type of worker would you rather have on your team: one who complains constantly or one who is always helpful, cheerful, and reliable?

NATURE YEILDS HER MOST PROFOUND SECRETS TO THOSE WHO ARE DETERMINED TO UNCOVER THEM.

The field of science is perhaps the best illustration of how success always seems to come to those who apply the principle of accurate thinking in a persistent, determined effort. America's great inventor Thomas A. Edison is said to have failed 10,000 times in his attempt to develop a workable electric lightbulb. He learned from each failure and refused to quit until he succeeded. Breakthroughs occur every day because a determined person continues to search for solutions to complex problems long after everyone else has given up and gone home. You may not invent the lightbulb or the next supercomputer, but you can find creative solutions to old problems if you apply the proven principles of success consistently and persistently.

VICTORY IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE FOR THE PERSON WHO REFUSES TO STOP FIGHTING.

Julius Caesar had long wished to capture the British. He sailed to the British Isles, quietly unloaded his troops and supplies, and gave the order to burn the ships. He then called all of his men together and said, "Now it is win or perish. We have no choice." With that single order, he guaranteed the success of his campaign. He knew that people who have no other alternative-or will accept no other-always win. If you find yourself in a situation where victory seems impossible, you may benefit your cause by developing an alternate course of action. If your objective won't yield to a full frontal assault, try an oblique approach. There are very few problems in life that are impossible to solve, and few obstacles that will not eventually give way to a determined, motivated person with a plan that is flexible enough to cope with changing condition.

THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT A POSTAGE STAMP IS THE PERSISTENCE WITH WHICH IT STICKS TO ITS JOB.

The tiny, insignificant postage stamp is a good example of what it is possible to achieve if you stick with the job until it is finished. Inconspicuously stuck on the corner of the envelope, it provides the impetus to keep moving until the entire packet reaches its ultimate destination. The influence you may have upon your company, your church, your family, or any organization is incalculable if you have the persistence to pursue your goal until you achieve it. It is an absolute certainty that you will encounter obstacles in any worthwhile endeavor. When you do, remember the inconsequential little postage stamp and stick with the job until it is finished.

MOST MISFORTUNES ARE THE RESULT OF MISUSED TIME.

The only luck in the world is the luck you create for yourself. Only in the casino are the odds in favor of the house In real life, the odds always favor those who use their time wisely to pursue their goals constructively, to fill every day with a full measure of honest work. Bad luck befalls those who waste time and mental energy hoping for the big break that will propel them to greatness. We all have the same twenty-four hours available to us in each day. Most of us spend eight hours working and eight hours sleeping . What you do with the remaining eight hours will have a tremendous influence on the level of success you achieve in your life.

MOST MISFORTUNES ARE THE RESULT OF MISUSED TIME.

LIVE EACH DAY AS IF IT WERE YOUR LAST, AND YOU'LL DEVELOP A KEEN RESPECT FOR OPPORTUNITY.

If you had only one more day on this earth, how much sharper your senses would be. The beauty of nature, the simple pleasures of life, would be indescribably wonderful, and every moment would present an opportunity to spend quality time with your family and strengthen relationships with friends, acquaintances, and business associates. Every thought would be laser-sharp in that highly focused state. Well, today is the last day on earth for today's opportunities. Don't let them pass you by.

JUST WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR AND WHY ARE YOU WAITING?

Far too many people spend their entire lives waiting for that glorious day when the perfect opportunity presents itself to them. Too late, they realize that each day held opportunity for those who sought it out. If you have not formulated a plan for what you would like to accomplish in your life, don't waste another minute. When you have Definiteness of Purpose fueled by a burning desire to reach your objectives, nothing can stand in your way. Don't wait around waiting for life to happen to you. When you know what you want and how you expect to earn it, life will agree to your terms, not the other way around.

DON'T ASK YOUR EMPLOYER WHY YOU ARE NOT PROMOTED. ASK THE PERSON WHO REALLY KNOWS BEST-YOURSELF

There is only one person who is in charge of your career progression, and that person is you. Lee Iacocca is said to have written his entire career plan on the back of a business card. On it were the promotions he expected to earn and the dates he expected to receive them-until he was named CEO of the company. Successful people know that they must create their own opportunities and be ready for them when they arrive. Some organizations have clearly defined career paths while others are more informal in their approach, but if you study the senior people in the company, you can quickly identify the kind of education and experience you need to advance. If you are with the right company, one that excites and enthuses you, identify the career moves you'd like to make and get to work making yourself qualified for the job you want.

A LITTLE JOB WELL DONE IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARD A BIGGER ONE.

Success is more of a process than an event. Great success is achieved after a long string of small successes. Most of us earn our stripes one step at a time, and we work our way up through the ranks. When we begin our careers, we are given assignments that are commensurate with our skill and experience. As we prove our worth to the organization, we are gradually entrusted with more responsibility and increasingly larger projects. As you assume responsibility for one position, do so with an eye toward the next one. Do your absolute best every day in your job, but always plan for the future. View each day as an opportunity to learn something that will make you more valuable to the company or organization so that when the time arrives for promotions, your name will be the first one that comes to your boss's mind.

THERE ISN?T MUCH ONE CAN DO FOR THE INDIVIDUAL WHO WILL NOT TRY TO DO SOMETHING FOR HIMSELF.

One of the keys to success is Personal Initiative. Most people-including those who will play a key role in the level of success you achieve in your life-will not give you their full assistance and support unless you first take the initiative. If you see something that needs to be done, just do it. Wendy's founder, Dave Thomas, says, "A little initiative will improve your luck nine days out of ten."

ARE YOU WAITING FOR SUCCESS TO ARRIVE, OR ARE YOU GOING OUT TO FIND WHERE IT IS HIDING?

If you are waiting for success to seek you out, you are headed for a big disappointment. Success is rarely forced upon anyone, and it will never overtake you unexpectedly. You must prepare for it and actively seek it out if you ever plan to achieve any measure of success in your life. Constantly be alert to changes in your business or profession. Subscribe to trade magazines and professional journals, join industry associations or professional societies, and get to know the experts in the field in order to keep abreast of new developments

OPPORTUNITY NEVER SNEAKS UP ON THOSE WHO STRADDLE THE FENCE OF INDECISION.

Successful people are decisive people. When opportunities come their way, they evaluate them carefully, make a decision, and take appropriate action. They know that indecision wastes time that could be spent on more productive tasks. They also avoid unnecessary risks by implementing their decisions gradually. They don't attempt to make every decision at the beginning. Each action is contingent upon the success of the one that preceded it. Benjamin Franklin, one of America's wisest men, is said to have used a simple method to make difficult decisions. He drew a line down the center of a sheet of paper, and on one side he listed the "pros" of the decision; on the other, he listed the "cons." In addition to simplifying the decision-making process, the list also served as a graphic illustration of the advantages and disadvantages of any decision, regardless of its complexity. The impact of the decision could then be quickly and easily assessed

OPPORTUNITY LETS YOU PUT YOUR FOOT INSIDE THE DOOR OF SUCCESS, BUT IT DOESN'T BREAK THE DOOR DOWN FOR YOU.

Opportunities are not windfalls. Winning a sweepstakes makes you instantly rich; encountering an opportunity means you will have to go to work. When you have attuned your mind to recognize opportunities, you will understand that most often they involve the exploitation of some potential, such as providing a new or better service, streamlining production, or reaching a new market. This is why the habit of initiative is so important. You must be prepared to act as soon as you recognize an opportunity. The action may be simply further investigation, or it may be making an instant sale. Most often, however, an opportunity takes time and perseverance to develop

THOSE WHO WILL NOT TAKE A CHANCE SELDOM HAVE ONE THRUST UPON THEM.

Success always involves risk. You must take a chance by investing your time, money, and effort. It pays to be thoughtful and deliberate in your analyses of opportunities, but don't let timidity hold you back. Because you have worked hard to develop those things you must risk, it is natural for you to place a high value on them. But what use are they if you do not put them to use? You will recognize opportunity only to the extent that you are willing to consider risking your time, money, and effort. Being confident gives you the courage to face risk and act when opportunity arises. No one on earth is going to force success upon you; you will find it only to the degree that you actively seek it out.

OPPORTUNITY WILL NOT INTEREST ITSELF IN THE PERSON WHO ISN'T INTERESTED IN IT.

In a free and democratic society, the number of opportunities for achievement is virtually limitless. In every business or profession, there are innumerable opportunities to invent new products, to improve manufacturing and administrative processes, and to offer better service than the competitor down the street. But every opportunity will soon drift away unless someone seizes it and puts it to work. Anytime you are faced with a difficult problem, stop for a moment and ask yourself: "What is the opportunity hidden in this problem?" When you find an opportunity, you will be far ahead of your competitors.

OPPORTUNITY WASTS NO EFFORT LOOKING FOR THE PERSON WHO IS WASTING TIME THROUGH IDLENESS OR DESTRUCTIVE ACTION.

Opportunities somehow always seem to gravitate toward busy people who can hardly keep up with those they already have. Logically, it would seem that opportunities would make an effort to seek out individuals who have an abundance of time available, but instead opportunities appear for those who have goals and dreams and a plan for achieving them. We often think of opportunity as a living, moving thing, something that actively seeks out a willing recipient. In face, the reverse is true. Opportunities are ideas or concepts that exist only in the minds of those who recognize them. When you have no goals or plans, opportunities mean nothing to you. They become opportunities only when you recognize them as ideas that you can implement to help you move toward your goal.

A RESOURCEFUL PERSON WILL ALWAYS MAKE OPPORTUNITY FIT HIS OR HER NEEDS.

The ability to recognize opportunities is a critical element of success, but it is only the beginning. An idea is valuable only if it can be put into practice-by you. Highly successful people know that there are many ways to capitalize on an opportunity. They evaluate and shape it to fit their capabilities, or they put together a team composed of people with the skills necessary to take advantage of it-whatever it takes to make it work. Seldom is there any single right answer in business. Often there are any number of right answers

OPPORTUNITY OFTEN KNOCKS-ONLY TO FIND NO ONE IN.

The world is filled with unfortunate souls who didn't hear opportunity's knock at the door because they were down at the convenience store buying lottery tickets. They have never learned that, as Branch Rickey, general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1942-50, once observed, "Luck is the residue of design." You will be surprised how much your luck will improve when you make sure you are prepared to take advantage of opportunities. How many times have you had a great idea that you failed to act upon, only to discover later that someone used the same idea to start a business, get a promotion, or find a better job? Resolve now to get into action when you have a good idea. Don't wait for something to happen-make it happen

IF IT ISN'T YOUR JOB TO DO IT, PERHAPS IT IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY.

Someone once observed that the reason we often fail to recognize opportunities is because they come disguised as problems. When a customer, a colleague, or your boss has a problem, it may create a valuable opportunity for you. It isn't important to the person with the problem how your company is organized or whose responsibility it is to solve the problem; he or she only wants the situation resolved. The next time a customer, a colleague, or your boss asks for your assistance in something that falls outside your area of responsibility, instead of referring them to someone else, offer to help. Look at the situation from the other person's point of view. How would you like the situation handled if the roles were reversed? Take the initiative to find the answer, solve the problem, or keep the project moving forward

DON'T EVER ADMIT THAT THE WORLD HAS NOT GIVEN YOU AN OPPORTUNITY.

Opportunities are never just handed to you; they must be created. Opportunities abound for every individual in every walk of life. They may not be the opportunities that you prefer, but each opportunity of which you take advantage leads to bigger and better opportunities. Physical and mental handicaps may mean that you have to explore territories unknown to others, but they also mean you have opportunities those others will never find. Think of Stephen Hawking's brilliant research on the nature of the universe despite the fact that a crippling disease makes writing and speaking, as we know it, impossible for him. Those who approach their jobs and careers with enthusiasm always find plenty of opportunities, while those who complain about no one ever giving them a chance are merely observers of life. When you are determined that you will not allow others to determine your future for you, when you refuse to allow temporary setbacks to defeat you, you are destined for great success. The opportunities will always be there for you,ons that you cannot overcome,capitalize upon them

THOSE WHO ARE QUICK TO SEE THEIR LIMITATIONS GENERALLY ARE SLOW IN SEEING THEIR OPPORTUNITIES.

Movie producer Michael Todd once said, "Being broke is temporary; being poor is a state of mind." So it is with opportunity. Whether you see opportunities or limitations is entirely within your control. How you view the world is a reflection of your mental attitude. If you focus on your inadequacies, you will be plagued by fear, doubt, and failure, but when you focus on your strengths, you will find courage, confidence, and success. Self-confidence can replace self-doubt only by deliberate, planned effort. When you start to doubt your capabilities, pause to review your previous accomplishments. Identify every experience that might be helpful to you in your present situation. When you apply the knowledge and wisdom you have accumulated, there are few limitations that you cannot overcome capitalize upon them.

OPPORTUNITY HAS A QUEER WAY OT STALKING THE PERSON WHO CAN RECOGNIZE IT AND IS READY TO EMBRACE IT.

It is a curious quirk of human nature that some people can see opportunities, while others only see problems. When you train your mind to seek out opportunities, you will find that every day literally presents you with more opportunities than you can take advantage of. They will be all around you. Instead of your seeking opportunities, they will seek you out. Your biggest problem will be choosing the best ones. The first step in making sure you are ready to recognize opportunities when they occur is to make sure you have a clear understanding of your own core competencies. Realistically assess your strengths and weaknesses as though you were reviewing the credentials of a total stranger. Identify what areas you're best in and those where you need improvement. Work on your weaknesses and build upon your strengths so that when you recognize opportunities you are prepared to capitalize upon them.

IT'S A SURE THING THAT YOU'LL NOT FINISH IF YOU DON'T START.

An ancient proverb says, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." You have probably known people nearing the end of their life's journey who looked back and said, "If only I had done things differently . . . . .If only I had taken advantage of that opportunity when it came along." Unfulfilled lives are filled with "if only"s. They are the refrain of the timid souls whose lives were finished before they ever really got started. Life is filled with many opportunities-for great successes and spectacular failures. It is up to you to seize the initiative, to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. You are condemned to a life of mediocrity-unless you get into action. Don't delay; do it today

THE WORLD STANDS ASIDE AND MAKES ROOM FOR THE PERSON WHO KNOWS WHERE HE IS GOING AND IS ON HIS WAY.

When you have a vision for what you wish to achieve in your life, not only will others stand aside and let you pass, but they will join you in your quest as well. They will instinctively recognize your enthusiasm and zest for living. When you speak of your passion in life, your definite major goal, they will see the intensity of your desire, and they will respond with encouragement and assistance or they will stand aside. It will be apparent to all who know you that you will succeed. .

LIFE SAYS, "MAKE GOOD OR MAKE ROOM, BUT DON'T MAKE EXCUSES."

In today's management parlance, "Lead , follow, or get out of the way." When you are actively working toward a goal, there are no failures; there are only degrees of success. Choose to be a leader. Take the initiative. When you are faced with a problem or a difficult decision, don't waste endless hours agonizing over the solution. If you analyze the situation objectively, you will always find an answer. Don't focus on the problem; focus on the solution. Then get into action. As W. Clement Stone has often said, "The emotions are not always subject to reason, but they are always subject to action!"

NEVER MIND WHAT OTHERS DIDN'T DO. IT'S WHAT YOU DO THAT COUNTS.

If you depend upon others for your success, you are doomed to a life of failure and despair. It is a sad fact of life that few people consistently deliver what they promise. Instead of lamenting what someone else should have done to help you, focus on what you can do to help yourself. The best plan of action is one that provides opportunities for others to benefit if they wish to work with you toward the accomplishment of your goals but that does not depend upon these people for success. .

GOOD INTENTIONS ARE USELESS UNTIL THEY ARE EXPRESSED IN APPROPRIATE ACTION.

Good intentions may be an appropriate starting point for achievement, but they will go nowhere unless you follow through with action. Many people confuse intentions with achievement; after all, it is the idea that is most important, they reason. In reality, the most mediocre idea acted upon is far more valuable than a flash of genius that resides only in your mind. Developing the habit of action may be difficult at first, but the more you practice it, the easier it becomes.

THE INDIVIDUAL WHO ONLY DOES ENOUGH WORK TO GET BY SELDOM GETS MUCH MORE THAN "BY."

There is a cause-and-effect relationship between your actions and the rewards that accrue to you. When you put more of yourself into your career, your personal relationships, your religious faith, and any other aspect of your life, you get more out of it. If your ambitions are greater than simply "getting by" in life, you will never be truly happy with your company, your job, or yourself unless you do your best every day. Your harshest critic and your toughest competitor should be you.

THE MAN WHO DOESN'T REACH DECISIONS PROMPTLY WHEN HE HAS ALL NECESSARY FACTS IN HAND CANNOT BE DEPENDED ON TO CARRY OUT DECISIONS AFTER HE MAKES THEM.

There is no one right answer-but an endless number of right answers-to most of life's problems. Usually, your options are many and varied; the difficulty lies in choosing the best alternative from among many, all in a reasonable time frame. If you devote yourself to making small decisions promptly, you will find it much easier to be decisive when the stakes are much bigger. Most important, you'll find making decisions and acting on them far easier if you act promptly.

IF YOU WANT A JOB DONE PROMPTLY AND WELL, GET A BUSY PERSON TO DO IT. THE IDLE ONE KNOWS TOO MANY SUBSTITUTES AND SHORTCUTS.

Most of us will never know our true capacity for achievement because we never challenge ourselves to perform at our best every day. This truism becomes apparent when you are presented with an opportunity that really interests you. No matter how busy you may be, somehow you will find the time to pursue it. Conversely, duties that have little appeal for you are easily postponed and eventually forgotten. Busy people are not procrastinators. They know that life, as John David Wright once observed about business, "is like riding a bicycle. Either you keep moving, or you fall down." The most effective people have a sense of urgency. They set deadlines and force themselves to establish priorities. Even if your activities don't usually require strict deadlines, set them for yourself. You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish in a short time-if that's all the time you have.

WATCH THE ONE AHEAD OF YOU, AND YOU'LL LEARN WHY HE IS AHEAD. THEN EMULATE HIM.

One of the surest ways to achieve success is to observe the actions of successful people, determine what principles they regularly employ, and then use them yourself. The principles of success, as Andrew Carnegie said, are definite, they are real, and they can be learned by anyone willing to take the time to study and apply them. If you are truly observant, you will find that you can learn something from almost everyone you meet. And it isn't even necessary that you know them. You may choose great people who are no longer alive. The important thing is to study their lives, and then learn and apply in your own life the specific principles these people used to achieve greatness.

THE RIGHT SORT OF ACTIONS REQUIRE NO EMBELLISHMENT OF WORDS.

One of the most common mistakes is making excuses to explain why we do not succeed. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people in the world-those who do not succeed-are excuse-makers. They try to explain their action, or inaction, with words. When you succeed, accept the congratulations of others with good grace; when you fail, take responsibility for your actions, learn from your mistakes, and move on to more constructive things. When your actions are appropriate in every circumstance, you will never feel the need to explain them with words. Your actions will say all that needs to be said.

EVERYTHING YOU CREATE OR ACQUIRE BEGINS IN THE FORM OF DESIRE.

In order to act, you must have a purpose. If you want to act successfully in all but the most mundane affairs, you must embrace that purpose with a burning desire. Many people think they want to be successful, but since they do not back that thought with an intense drive, they never achieve success. Cultivate your desire. Feed it with thoughts of yourself enjoying whatever it is you seek. It's like stoking the furnace of a steam engine. You need to build up enough pressure to carry yourself over hills; if your desire doesn't burn hotly enough, you'll find yourself stalled and rolling backwards. The secret to action is a red-hot desi

IF YOU APPRECIATE THE KINDNESS SHOWN YOU BY OTHERS, SAY IT WITH ACTIONS AS WELL AS WORDS.

The people who enjoy the greatest financial and personal success in life are those who build lasting relationships-with business associates, friends, co-workers, and others. They take the time and trouble to stay in touch, and they make sure that when someone does a good deed for them, they respond in kind. Build your network of personal and professional friends by taking the initiative and being a friend.

FAITH IS A COMBINATION OF THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS.

When you apply your faith in yourself, your faith in your fellow man, and your faith in God, the result is a positive course of action that when persistently followed will almost always lead to success. When you believe in your ideas and in your abilities, and you trust in the Infinite Intelligence of the universe, you know that your thoughts and deeds will ultimately lead to a successful conclusion. You cannot fail.

THE WORLD PINS NO MEDALS ON YOU BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU KNOW, BUT IT MAY CROWN YOU WITH GLORY AND RICHES FOR WHAT YOU DO.

Knowledge is an important component of success in any field. To accomplish anything worthwhile often requires years of study. But knowledge alone is not power; it becomes powerful only when it is applied through positive action. Study after study of successful people reveals that they have a bias for action. They gather the appropriate facts, relate them to their knowledge about the subject, develop an implementation plan, and then get into action. When in doubt, it's far better to act too soon rather than too late

IT'S NOT THE EPITAPH ON YOUR TOMBSTONE BUT THE RECORD OF YOUR DEEDS THAT MAY PERPETUATE YOUR NAME AFTER DEATH.

Alfred Nobel had an opportunity afforded to very few. When his brother died, the newspaper confused the two and published Alfred's obituary instead of his brother's As he read his own obituary, Alfred realized that the world would remember him for his invention of dynamite-an instrument of destruction. It was because of that experience that he decided to fund the Nobel Prizes. Today, most of the world knows his name in connection with humankind's greatest achievements. Good deeds live on in the minds of others. When you do a kindness for someone else, you set in motion a force for good that will remain long after you're gone.

OFFER RESULTS, NOT ALIBIS.

There are many people who-perhaps with the best of intentions-make promises they somehow never get around to keeping. These folks have usually developed a number of perfectly plausible explanations for not meeting their commitments; they have become experts at explaining away their failures. Successful people, though, are those who accept responsibility for their lives. They know that talk is cheap; actions are all that really matter. The world is waiting for men and women who seek the opportunity to render real service-the kind of service that lightens the burdens of their neighbors, the kind of service that 95 percent of people do not render because they do not understand it. When you provide a truly useful service, enthusiastically and in a spirit of genuine helpfulness, success will automatically follow. The world seeks out such individuals and rewards them accordingly.

IF YOU THINK YOU CAN BUY YOUR WAY INTO HEAVEN WITH MONEY ALONE, YOU MAY REGRET THAT YOU DIDN'T CONVERT IT INTO GOOD DEEDS INSTEAD.

If through some terrible, unforeseen tragedy you should die tomorrow, how would your epitaph read? What would others remember about you? In the final analysis, you will be remembered for your good works, not for the money you have accumulated during your lifetime. Your wealth may be little more than the cause for disagreements among your heirs, while your good deeds will be remembered long after you are gone. As you accumulate wealth, devote a portion of your money and your time to causes that benefit those less fortunate than you

BY ALL MEANS TELL THE WORLD HOW GOOD YOU ARE-BUT

You should let others know of your achievements, with these provisions: Do it with your actions first and make sure you share the credit with others who helped you along the way. A fundamental principle of leadership that has not changed over the centuries is: Share the credit for success with others, but take the blame for failures alone.

WASTE NO WORDS ON A MAN WHO DISLIKES YOU. ACTIONS WILL IMPRESS HIM MORE.

Some people think they can talk their way out of any situation, and for a time they may be right But if someone already dislikes you, either because of a simple misunderstanding or an error in judgment on your part, he or she will be especially difficult to persuade with words. Their emotions will always get in the way of their ability to think logically and reasonably. Consistent actions over a sustained period of time, however, will usually persuade even the most devout skeptic. If you constantly demonstrate that you are a generous, kind, and caring person, it will be very hard for even your enemies to dislike you. In any case, you will become a better person for having made the effort

THE SAFEST AND BEST WAY TO PUNISH ONE WHO HAS DONE YOU AN INJUSTICE IS TO DO HIM OR HER A KIND DEED IN RETURN.

People will always respond in kind, even in greater measure than that which is delivered to them. This commonplace need for retaliation can be replaced with a response designed to convert an enemy into a friend. If you get rid of the millstone of pride, you can respond to an injustice with a kind deed. It may take time to make this work, but if you treat those who dislike you with unfailing kindness, they will eventually succumb to your influence and "retaliate" in kind. As Napoleon Hill said, "The hottest coals of fire ever heaped upon the head of one who has wronged you are the coals of human kindness.

IF YOU REALLY ARE SMARTER THAN OTHERS, SHOW THEM WITH YOUR ACTIONS.

It is a natural human reaction for you to wish to correct others when you see them making a mistake or doing something differently than you would have done it. It is far more difficult to control the impulse to show them how much more intelligent you are. The ability to recognize and control such impulses marks the beginning of the development of wisdom. A wise person knows that when he shows his intelligence with the actions he takes, others learn a far more valuable and lasting lesson. If you see someone who could benefit from your advice, you can gently lead him to a more appropriate conclusion by asking open-ended, nonjudgmental questions. Let others find the flaws in their reasoning by leading them logically through the process. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "The secret of education lies in respecting the pupil."

THE VALUE OF ACTIONS DEPENDS ON THE COURAGE THEY REQUIRE.

Ordinary people who do extraordinary things for others are those we later call heroes. When asked why they performed as they did, they often say, "It was nothing anyone else wouldn't have done in the circumstances." Perhaps that's their way of saying we all have the capacity for greatness. It is only when we are severely tested that we rise to the occasion and perform at the highest levels of our competence. You become a person who does the right things when presented with great opportunities the same way you achieve success at anything: through force of habit. If you make it a practice to take the appropriate action even when it seems unimportant and insignificant, you will do the right thing-without thinking-in important situations. If you let your actions speak for you, you will never have to worry about others recognizing your contribution

ACTIONS, NOT WORDS, ARE THE GREATEST MEANS OF SELF- PRAISE.

There are times when you will be asked to put yourself forward, to compete for a position or a contract, and you will have to speak about your accomplishments. Naturally, you will want to put the best foot forward. Be certain, however, that when you do so, you are confident that honest inquiry will support what you say about yourself. If your actions have been wise and responsible, the record will show this. Leaders in any organization are those who say, "Let's get going. Let's do something rather than wait around to see what happens." When your past actions demonstrate that you are a person who accepts responsibility and shows others the way, your career and relationships will benefit you accordingly

WHEN YOU HAVE TALKED YOURSELF INTO WHAT YOU WANT, STOP TALKING AND BEGIN SAYING IT WITH YOUR ACTIONS.

Persuading yourself that you can do something is a strong beginning. Next develop a sound plan and get into action. The longer you delay, the harder it will be to begin. Seldom is a plan perfect. If you have a clear vision of your goal and a plan that is flexible enough to allow you to deal with unexpected obstacles or take advantage of unforeseen opportunities, don't delay another minute. Just getting into action-even if you do have to make adjustments later-will help focus your mind and channel your energies in the direction of your objective

THE ONLY SAFE WAY TO BOAST IS BY CONSTRUCTIVE ACTIONS.

It has been said that it's not boasting if you can really do it. This may be true, but a far more persuasive argument is made when you do it first and talk about it later. Besides, good things that are said about you always carry more weight when they are said by someone other than yourself. When you find yourself tempted to wax eloquent about your achievements, force yourself to pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and ask someone else about their achievements.

MEDALS AND TITLES WILL NOT COUNT WHEN YOU GET TO HEAVEN, BUT YOU MAY BE LOOKED OVER CAREFULLY FOR THE SORT OF DEEDS YOU HAVE DONE.

It is a fundamental principle of Christianity, and many other religions, that in the afterlife the only real measure of success will be how you have lived your life, not how much money you have accumulated. Whatever your faith may be, a good rule of everyday behavior is to live your life so that when it is over you can take pride in the knowledge that you have made a difference in the lives of those who have known you. It's easy in the crush of everyday life to lose sight of the true riches of life, the things that really matter. Psychologist Ilona Tobin defines true success as "giving and receiving love, having physical and mental health, enough wealth to provide you with options, and the time to enjoy them all." Whatever your personal definition of success may be, make sure that it includes a healthy measure of the truly important things in life

COUNT THAT DAY LOST WHOSE DESCENDING SUN FINDS YOU WITH NO GOOD DEEDS DONE.

It is well known among those who make it a practice to help others that doing a service for another benefits the giver as much as-if not more than-the receiver. When you do a good deed for someone else, you become a better person. The positive effect that your good deed has upon you will endure long after it is forgotten by the recipient. Good deeds need not be large or costly. The greatest gifts are gifts of your time and yourself. A kind word or small courtesy will be remembered and appreciated.

IF YOU ARE REALLY GREAT, YOU WILL LET OTHERS DISCOVER THIS FACT FROM YOUR ACTIONS.

In the final analysis, all that really matters are your actions. You may talk a good story, but no matter how good you are at selling others on your capabilities, eventually you have to perform. It is true that people are generally forgiving and will overlook an occasional failure to deliver upon your promises. Ultimately, though, you must live up to your promises to others if you ever expect to make a lasting impression on them. Make it a habit to demonstrate your abilities before talking about them. Seldom is anything worthwhile achieved without the help of others, and nothing is ever achieved without some form of action. The road to failure and despair is littered with the dreams of those who failed to act upon them.

IF YOU HAVE NO MAJOR PURPOSE, YOU ARE DRIFTING TOWARD CERTAIN FAILURE.

In achieving the goals you have set for yourself, there are only two alternatives: Either you are moving toward your goal, or you are drifting away from it. Choose your purpose in life and attack it with a vengeance. When you have the courage of your convictions, when the choice is one you've made for yourself, you will have the strength to persevere until you succeed.

LIVING WITHOUT A DEFINITE MAJOR PURPOSE PROMISES NOTHING BUT A SCANT LIVING.

You may get by in life without a Definite Major Purpose, but you will never get ahead. Definiteness of purpose is the starting point of all achievement. Financial goals in particular should be specific, definite, and measurable. You should know what you plan to earn, by when, and how you plan to do so. The greatest advantage of financial security is the peace of mind that comes from knowing that, whatever challenges life brings, you are equipped to deal with them. You will be better at whatever you choose to do because you can focus on opportunities instead of struggling to eke out a living.

A RUDDERLESS SHIP AND A PURPOSELESS PERSON ARE EVENTUALLY STRANDED ON DESERT SAND.

The goals you set for yourself-like the rudder of a ship-will guide you toward your destination, and without them, like a ship without a rudder, you'll find it impossible to stay the course. Make goal-setting a habit in your life. If you sometimes have trouble staying focused, set small, attainable goals and stick with the job until it's done. Examples might include finding a faster, more efficient way to do a routine job. Or taking the most difficult jobs first when you have the most energy and your concentration is at its highest level. Save the easiest jobs for last. A few small successes will inevitably lead to bigger achievements

WILLPOWER IS THE OUTGROWTH OF DEFINITENESS OF PURPOSE EXPRESSED THROUGH PERSISTENT ACTION, BASED ON PERSONAL INITIATIVE.

Envious people sometimes attribute success primarily to luck. Nothing could be more wrong. As coach Darryl Royal once observed, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." Success occurs when you have a definite purpose for your life and you take the initiative to follow through with action. You may make mistakes occasionally-everyone does-but any action is far better than doing nothing.

A BURNING DESIRE TO BE AND TO DO IS THE STARTING POINT FROM WHICH THE DREAMER MUST TAKE OFF.

Many years ago, the commencement speaker at a prestigious university asked all members of the graduating class who had a definite plan for their lives to hold up their hands. As he looked around the room, only three hands were raised. Twenty-five years later, when the class held a reunion, the combined net worth of those three individuals exceeded that of the remainder of the class. People who know where they are going always achieve far greater levels of success than those who merely drift through life, expecting circumstances to create opportunities for them. Successful people create their own opportunities by focusing on goals with an intensity that borders on obsession. In this way, every action moves them toward their goal.

THIS IS A FINE WORLD FOR THE PERSON WHO KNOWS PRECISELY WHAT HE OR SHE EXPECTS FROM LIFE AND IS BUSY GETTING IT.

We are happiest when we are striving to achieve a goal. When we achieve one goal, it's a natural human tendency to set another, usually bigger, one. W. Clement Stone calls it inspirational dissatisfaction-the letdown one experiences after a goal has been achieved and before the next step toward a new one has been taken. When you begin to experience that nagging feeling, it's time to get into action! Make sure you have a long-range plan in place so that when one short-term goal has been achieved, there is a natural progression toward the next.

IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, DON'T SAY YOU NEVER HAD A CHANCE.

The people who complain the loudest about never having an opportunity in life are usually the ones who always have a ready excuse for their failures. Nothing is ever their fault; they are victims of their heritage, their environment, insufficient education, or any number of other factors that they perceive as placing them at a disadvantage. If you look hard enough, you can always find reasons for not attempting something or not sticking with the job to the end. Successful people, though, are not excuse-makers. They take responsibility for their actions, they set goals, and they assume responsibility for their achievement. Where others see despair, they see hope. They approach every situation with enthusiasm, confident in the knowledge that nothing is impossible for those who have a Positive Mental Attitude.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO AIM HIGH WHEN CHOOSING YOUR LIFE'S GOAL, FOR NO MATTER HOW HIGH YOU AIM, YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS MAY FALL BELOW IT.

Many businesses today advocate "continuous improvement" as part of their quality programs. They have realized that to remain competitive in today's global economy they must constantly strive to improve every aspect of the business, otherwise they will be overtaken by the competition. The same ethic applies to individuals. All of life is a continuous learning experience. Every success and every temporary setback only serve to prepare you for the time when you will eventually prevail. Your short- and medium term goals should be realistic and achievable, but your long-term goals should always far exceed your present capabilities. As the Roman poet Virgil said, "Fortune sides with him who dares

WISDOM CONSISTS IN KNOWING WHAT NOT TO WANT AS WELL AS WHAT TO WANT.

Your goals should also be designed to create rewards that are most important to you, not to someone else. Some experimentation may be required, particularly during your early years, to find what you really like and what you're best at. Career and financial goals should be balanced with personal goals such as maintaining relationships with people who are important to you. Your plan for your life should also include some fun goals, doing something simply because you enjoy doing it. Spiritual development is also important in becoming a happy, well-rounded person. Make sure you allow time for all important aspects of your personal development

EXAMINE MOST CAREFULLY THE THINGS YOU DESIRE MOST.

Far too many people spend more time planning their weekends than their lives. Then they suddenly realize that life has passed them by and they weren't even aware it was happening. When you intently study what you most desire in life, you begin to focus your mind and concentrate your energy upon that which you wish to achieve. One of the great advantages of having a definite goal for your life is that it helps you prioritize your activities. When your major purpose is clear in your mind, it is unnecessary to analyze each individual situation. You know automatically whether your actions will move you toward your goal or away from it. You can then use all of your resources-time, money, and energy-to best advantage

BE SURE ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT FROM LIFE AND DOUBLY SURE OF WHAT YOU HAVE TO GIVE IN RETURN.

Examine the lives of successful people, and you will find that they have paid a price that is in direct proportion to the amount of success they have earned. Close examination will almost always reveal years of study and preparation before great success is achieved. This principle is consistent in virtually every field of individual achievement-in the arts, medicine, science, or business. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easily. As you consider your own goals, also consider what you are willing to sacrifice for what you expect to receive. You should be prepared to give generously of your time and talents long before expecting a return on your investment. Many "overnight successes" labored in obscurity for many years before they were finally recognized for their achievements.

IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU WANT FROM LIFE, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WILL GET?

The great majority of people in the world drift through life, never realizing that their future will be the one they create for themselves. The minority who achieve great success are people who know what they want and have a plan for realizing their objectives. They know what they want and how they are going to get it. Your goals should be specific, they should be measurable, they should have a deadline for their achievement, and they should be divided into manageable pieces. Know exactly what you plan to achieve, when you plan to achieve it, and how. Review your progress regularly, correct your course when necessary, and never, never give up

NEVER TEAR DOWN ANYTHING UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO BUILD SOMETHING BETTER IN ITS PLACE.

This rule applies to both individuals and things. It's easy to criticize other people thoughtlessly for their shortcomings, and equally easy to find fault in their work or in situations that are not to your liking. It is far more difficult to be a builder of people and to create works of art, useful products, or profitable businesses. Make sure you are a builder, not a destroyer of people and things. When you criticize the actions or work of others-your children, your employees, or others for whom you are responsible-make sure your criticisms are positive and directed at the act, or the opportunity for improvement, not the individual. Include specific suggestions for their application and focus on the potential for success.

WHERE WILL YOU BE TEN YEARS FROM NOW IF YOU KEEP ON GOING THE WAY YOU ARE GOING?

Many people fail to realize that big success is the result of little successes achieved, often over a very long period of time. Truly successful people are long-term thinkers. They know that they must build upon each achievement and constantly learn new and better ways of doing things. A regular review of your progress is an essential part of goal-setting. A goal is little more than a wish unless it has a timetable for completion. Make sure your plan for your life includes short-, medium-, and long-term goals. Revise your goals as circumstances dictate, check them off when they are completed, and set new and bigger goals for yourself as you grow. And take time to reflect often to make sure you are on the right course-for you

WHO TOLD YOU IT COULDN'T BE DONE, AND WHAT GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS HAS HE PERFORMED THAT QUALIFIED HIM TO SET UP LIMITATIONS FOR YOU?

You will find as you go through life that those who give advice most freely are precisely the individuals who are least qualified to do so. Busy, successful people don't have an interest in telling you how to live your life. They are busy living their own. Failures or mediocre people have all the time in the world. They also delight in seeing you fail, and are quick to say "I told you so" when you experience a temporary setback. If someone tells you that what you are attempting to achieve is impossible or not worth the effort, take a close look at them and what they have accomplished with their lives. The chances are good that you will find they haven't done much. Successful people are optimistic people. They have the habit of success because they learned long ago to listen to themselves and not to those who would like to see them fail.

MIGHT THROWS ITSELF ON THE SIDE OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN RIGHT.

We human beings are the only creatures on earth who have the capacity for belief. That capacity, combined with our almost innate capability to distinguish right from wrong, provides us with a formidable power in our quest for a richer, more rewarding life. When you set goals for yourself, make sure they are based on doing the right thing for your family, your friends, your employees, and yourself. When others see that you are fair and just in your dealings with them and that you are a generous, principled person, they will move heaven and earth for you

IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE IT YOURSELF, DON'T ASK ANYONE ELSE TO DO SO.

It is virtually impossible not to transmit your doubts and insecurities to others through body language, tone of voice, inflection, word choice, and other subtle characteristics. When you show by your actions that you lack self-confidence, other people also begin to doubt your ability to perform. You can gain the respect and confidence of others. Begin by making a list of all the things you like about yourself and the things you would like to change. Make a conscious effort to build upon your positive strengths and correct your weaknesses. It may not be easy, but if you assess yourself objectively and persevere in your efforts, you will eventually prevail

YOU COME FINALLY TO BELIEVE ANYTHING YOU TELL YOURSELF OFTEN ENOUGH-EVEN IF IT IS NOT TRUE.

If you repeat something over and over to yourself, your subconscious mind will eventually begin to accept it as fact. When something has been accepted as truth by your subconscious mind, it will work overtime to transform the idea into physical reality. You can take advantage of this by programming your mind to think positive thoughts. Use self-motivators or affirmations to persuade your subconscious that you are capable of doing anything you wish. Repeat the self-motivator several times a day until it becomes an automatic reaction to recall a positive phrase whenever you begin to doubt yourself. Replace "I can't" with "I will!

YOU CAN DO IT IF YOU BELIEVE YOU CAN.

It's called a "self-fulfilling prophecy" when something occurs because we believe it will. The mind is constructed so that it constantly seeks to bring into physical reality the things it thinks about most. Most of us will never realize the tremendous potential we possess-because we are unwilling to believe that we can accomplish things that others believe are impossible. "Impossible" jobs require more effort and greater concentration, but when they are completed, the rewards-both financial and psychic-are commensurate with the effort required. You may not be able to achieve everything you?d like, but you won't accomplish anything unless you believe you ca

CHANGE YOUR MENTAL ATTITUDE, AND THE WORLD AROUND YOU WILL CHANGE ACCORDINGLY.

Your world will become what you choose to make it. You can reach great heights of success, or you can settle for a miserable life that is devoid of hope. The choice is yours. When you choose a positive course, you set in motion an unstoppable force that will allow you to have a fulfilling career, the love of your family and friends, good physical and mental health, and all of the other true riches of life. To change your world, you must change it from the inside out. You must begin with yourself. When you choose the course that puts your life on a positive track, you will change your life for the better, and you will also positively influence the people with whom you come in contact.

KEEP YOUR MIND FIXED ON WHAT YOU WANT IN LIFE, NOT ON WHAT YOU DON'T WANT.

We have just begun to explore the inner workings of the mind, but we have long been aware of the effects of our thoughts. When you focus on not missing the target instead of on hitting the bull's-eye, the results are often disastrous, for it is impossible to think negative thoughts in a positive way. Ask any golfer who has tried not to miss a putt or a bowler who has struggled not to miss a strike. Make sure your goals are specific and precise. "Making a lot of money" or "earning regular promotions" are wishes, not goals. State exactly how much money you expect to earn and when, and the specific promotion you want, how you plan to earn it, and when you expect to do so. As Carlson Companies chairman Curt Carlson once noted, "Obstacles are those frightening things you see when you take your eye off the target.

A MIND ILL WITH NEGATIVE ATTITUDES IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN A SICK BODY, FOR ITS SICKNESS IS ALWAYS CONTAGIOUS.

Experts in human behavior have discovered that it is virtually impossible for an individual member of a group not to be affected by other members. Likewise, the group itself is only as strong as its weakest link. It is rarely possible for the entire group to raise itself to higher levels of achievement than that of which the weakest member is capable. It is only possible for individuals who break out of the group to exceed the potential of the group as a whole. Don?t associate with those who are afflicted with the mental sickness of constant negative thinking. Associate with happy, positive, productive people. Your time is an asset to be managed more carefully than your money; spend it with people who share your desire to succeed and your commitment to maintain a Positive Mental Attitude

YOUR OWN MENTAL ATTITUDE IS YOUR REAL BOSS.

While your time and your labor may be subject to the demands of your employer and others, your mind is the one thing that cannot be controlled by anyone but you. The thoughts you think, your attitude toward your job, and what you are willing to give in exchange for the compensation you are paid are entirely up to you. It is up to you to determine whether you will be a slave to a negative attitude or the master of a positive one. Your attitude, your only master in life, is entirely within your control. When you control your attitude toward events, you control the eventual implication of those events

IT YOU HAVEN?T THE WILLPOWER TO KEEP YOUR PHYSICAL BODY IN REPAIR, YOU ALSO LACK THE POWER OF WILL TO MAINTAIN A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE IN OTHER IMPORTANT CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CONTROL YOUR LIFE.

A Positive Mental Attitude is not developed in a single decision to replace negative thoughts with their positive equivalent. It is a sustained commitment that requires personal discipline, the same kind of discipline that is required to stay in shape and maintain your physical health. It is a commitment that must be reinforced daily, or it is soon forgotten and cast upon the scrap heap of good intentions. When you take charge of your fate and determine that you will live positively in every aspect of your life-physical and mental-you will receive an extra benefit. Positive physical conditioning will reinforce your Positive Mental Attitude, and your positive attitude will help you stay in better physical condition.

IT ISN'T DEFEAT, BUT RATHER YOUR MENTAL ATTITUDE TOWARD IT, THAT WHIPS YOU.

There are many things in life that you cannot control, but you can always control your attitude toward them. Defeat is never permanent unless you allow it to be so. When you have a positive attitude, you will recognize failure for the impostor that it is and realize that it is really a learning experience, a valuable lesson that will help you succeed with the next attempt. Ask yourself: What could I have done differently that would have altered the outcome? What can I do in the future to minimize problems and mistakes? What did I learn from this experience that I can put to good use next time? If you approach obstacles and setbacks with a positive attitude, you will be surprised how quickly you can turn defeat into victory

INDIVIDUALS WITH POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDES ARE NEVER FOUND IN A RUT.

Individuals with a positive attitude are those who somehow always manage to find something new and interesting even in the most mundane tasks. They don�t allow themselves to be bored, because they are always seeking ways to do things faster, better, and more efficiently. If you make it a practice to find better ways to do the same old things, you will soon be marked for advancement. You will be supervising others who are performing your old job because you�ve proven that you are a person who can be counted on to take the initiative and do what needs to be done without being told.

IF YOU ARE SURE YOU ARE RIGHT, YOU NEED NOT WORRY WHAT THE WORLD THINKS.

If you are ever to achieve noteworthy success in your life, you must be willing to stand apart from the crowd. Success is something that is achieved by the minority, not the majority, of people. You will also discover as you climb the ladder of success that there are many who, out of jealousy or envy, will belittle your achievements. Nevertheless, if you have the courage of your convictions, nothing can deter you from your course. You develop confidence in your beliefs by doing your own thinking and by constantly testing and revising your knowledge. Use W. Clement Stone�s R2A2 Principle to Recognize and Relate, Assimilate and Apply information from any field to help solve your problems and direct your thinking.

MOST ILLNESS BEGINS WITH A NEGATIVE MIND.

It�s been proven again and again. Hypochondriacs, people who are convinced that they are sick even though nothing is wrong with them, experience the exact symptoms of the actual illness. For them, the illness is just as real as if their bodies were ravaged by disease. It is also possible to make yourself ill through constant worry and fear of failure, because the mind constantly strives to turn into reality the things we think about most. Protect your mental health with the same care you give your physical body. Just as your body requires healthy, nourishing foods, and a balanced diet, so does your mind. Make sure you feed it plenty of positive thoughts

REMEMBER, YOUR MENTAL LIMITATIONS ARE OF YOUR OWN MAKING.

For years, athletes attempted to run a mile in four minutes but it seemed to be a barrier that no one could overcome. Then on May 6, 1954, a British runner named Roger Gilbert Bannister ran a mile in 3:59.4 minutes to establish a world record. Soon afterward, other runners broke Bannister�s record. Too often, we accept conventional wisdom as fact. Make sure you set your goals high enough. Don�t settle for less because of limitations you place upon yourself. Most of us never really reach the level of achievement of which we are capable because we don�t challenge ourselves to do so. Perhaps Robert Browning said it best: "A man�s reach should exceed his grasp,/Or what�s a heaven for?"

A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE IS AN IRRESISTIBLE FORCE THAT KNOWS NO SUCH THING AS AN IMMOVABLE BODY.

Time and again we hear stories about ordinary people who do seemingly impossible things when they find themselves in an emergency situation. They perform herculean feats of strength and endurance, things they never dreamed they were capable of doing. Wouldn�t it be wonderful if you could harness that strength and make it available anytime you need it? You can-if you believe you can. No doubt you can remember a time in your life when you were exceptionally focused on your objective, a time when you achieved more in less time than ever before. Perhaps it was an impending vacation that motivated you to get everything done before you departed, or perhaps it was a "must pass" exam that helped you focus your concentration. The intensity that you developed in those situations is always available to you when you have a Positive Mental Attitude

IT DOESN�T PAY TO LOOK AT OTHERS THROUGH A FOGGY MENTAL ATTITUDE.

You must keep your mind sharply focused on your goals, and you must have a grounding philosophy that sustains you when the going is tough. When you apply the principles of success consistently until they become a part of you, no longer will you have to stop and think about what you should do in any given situation. Your positive response will be automatic. Make sure you spend time in reflection and study. Clearly establish your goals and develop a plan and timetable for their achievement. Read the works of motivational writers and the great philosophers, and use the knowledge you gain to develop your own code of conduct. Establish your own philosophy of success that you can stick with-day in and day out-regardless of what the rest of the world does

CHARACTER IS ACCURATELY REFLECTED IN ONE�S MENTAL ATTITUDE.

Without a strong foundation built on positive character traits, success will not long endure. It is virtually impossible to fake good character. Phonies are quickly spotted because they haven�t the substance and determination to maintain the charade. Developing good character begins with a positive attitude. Your desire to be a good, decent, honest, considerate person must first take place in your mind. When you make the decision to become a person of character, you will also find that you are much more willing to do the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do

THE BEST RECOMMENDATION IS THE ONE YOU GIVE YOURSELF BY RENDERING SUPERIOR SERVICE-WITH THE RIGHT MENTAL ATTITUDE.

What others think of you is important, as long as it coincides with what you think of yourself. If you are recognized by others as a positive person who always makes an important contribution, you will be in demand, for there are never enough such people in any organization. Your co-workers will value you, your customers will appreciate you, and your boss will recognize and reward you if you stick with it. You may not become an overnight success, but neither will you fail instantly and permanently. Make it a habit to go the extra mile with a Positive Mental Attitude

BEFORE TRYING TO MASTER OTHERS, BE SURE YOU ARE THE MASTER OF YOURSELF.

When you develop a Positive Mental Attitude, you immediately set yourself apart from the crowd. You become a leader because positive thinking leads to positive action, while negative thinking leads to apathy and inaction. When you take the initiative in any situation, others will follow simply because they like to associate with people who know where they are going. In order to lead, however, you must first be willing to discipline yourself. The first rule of leadership is never to ask others to do what you are unwilling to do yourself. You can lead only by example. Being a leader requires you to work harder and longer than the others and proving you are the master of your own destiny.

IF YOU HAVE MORE ENEMIES THAN FRIENDS, IT�S TIME TO EXAMINE YOUR MENTAL ATTITUDE.

When your enemies outnumber your friends, the answer to the problem most likely resides within you. Ask yourself, Am I the kind of person I would like to have as a friend? Do I consider the feelings of others, or do I think only of myself? Do I try to find the good in others, or am I always finding fault? When something goes wrong, do I search for a solution to the problem, or do I look for someone to blame? In the answers to such questions, you may find the answer to the question: Why do I have more enemies than friends

NO ONE COULD RIDE A HORSE IF THE HORSE DISCOVERED ITS REAL STRENGTH. THE SAME THING IS TRUE FOR PEOPLE.

Horses are massive, gentle creatures who are by far larger and stronger than the men and women who handle them, yet they docilely obey the commands they are given. It doesn�t seem logical that a large, powerful animal would allow itself to be mastered by a human being, yet we have been able to use our intelligence to dominate the animal kingdom. You can use these same forces to allow the positive side of yourself to dominate the negative. A Positive Mental Attitude allows you to tap the source of great power that resides within you, enabling you to accomplish things you never before believed were possible

INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING ABOUT WHAT YOU DON�T LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB, START COMMENDING WHAT YOU DO LIKE AND SEE HOW QUICKLY IT IMPROVES.

It�s easy to find fault with any job. Whatever your occupation or profession, there are always some unpleasant and mundane tasks you would rather omit. It is also easy to allow the things you dislike to dominate your thoughts and for you to overlook the fact that the things you dislike about your work are really a very small percentage of the overall job. Make it a point to find something good in your job every day. It need not be a big, important event; simply finding joy in doing one thing particularly well will suffice. Then, instead of looking forward to the end of the day, you will find yourself actually looking forward to going to work

YOU EITHER RIDE LIFE OR IT RIDES YOU. YOUR MENTAL ATTITUDE DETERMINES WHO IS "RIDER" AND WHO IS "HORSE."

There is no compromise or negotiation when it comes to who will run your life. Either you take charge and live a productive life of your choosing or you allow yourself to be ruled by circumstances. But there will inevitably be setbacks. In the old West, a cowboy expression went: "There never was a horse that couldn�t be rode, and there never was a rider that couldn�t be throwed." Like everyone else, you will have days when everything goes right and you are on top of the world. Relish those days, enjoy them, and remember them. Recall the euphoria that accompanied them when you need an extra measure of positive thinking to get back in the saddle after you�ve experienced an embarrassing and painful fall

IT IS ALWAYS SAFE TO TALK ABOUT OTHERS AS LONG AS YOU SPEAK OF THEIR GOOD QUALITIES.

The old adage "If you can�t say something nice about someone, don�t say anything at all" is especially valid today. In any organization, regardless of size, the rumor mill works overtime when it comes to negative gossip. And you can be sure that unkind things you say about others will very quickly find their way to them, for it is also a truism that those who talk about others to us talk about us to others. Not only should you not speak badly ofothers-you should not participate in conversations in which others do. Spend your time with those who focus on important things, and you will never have to apologize for an unkind word uttered in a moment of weakness

IN A WELL-MANAGED BUSINESS, ALL PROMOTIONS ARE SELF-MADE. THE EMPLOYER�S ONLY PART IN THE TRANSACTION IS TO CHECK CAREFULLY TO MAKE SURE THE PROMOTION WAS EARNED.

The perfect formula for destroying morale in any organization is to create a working environment that leads employees to believe that the only way to get ahead is by playing politics. The best-managed businesses are those in which every promotion is earned and every qualified person has an equal opportunity to compete for it. If you�re a manager, weigh all decisions involving your employees on the basis of fairness. And if you aspire to be a manager, choose to work for a company that is fair in its treatment of workers. When you�ve earned your position, through skill and effectiveness, you have the best job security

THE GREATEST CURE KNOW FOR LONELINESS, DISCOURAGEMENT, AND DISCONTENTMENT IS WORK THAT PRODUCES A HEALTHY SWEAT.

Emotions are sometimes strange, volatile, and unpredictable. They do not always respond to logic and reason. They do, however, respond to action. If you have occasional feelings of loneliness, discouragement, or discontentment, the best way to kill such negative emotions is to work them to death. Almost nothing is as bad as it first seems, and there�s nothing like a hard day�s work to put everything in proper perspective. When you begin to feel negative emotions, dwelling on your misfortunes only makes you feel worse. Do your best to put them out of your mind and think about more positive, constructive things. Physical labor can help. Choose a task that doesn�t require a great deal of concentration, and then focus on accomplishing the task at hand

SAVE EXPENSE FOR THE COMPANY, AND THE COMPANY WILL SAVE MONEY FOR YOU IN PROPORTION.

The rewards may not come today, next week, or even next year, but they will come. When you make it a practice to look after the company�s assets as you would look after your own, you have shown that you are worthy of the trust of your employer-and your fellow employees. You are destined for bigger and better things. The savings need not be large. It�s the habit of eliminating waste and searching for opportunities to save money that�s important. Make it a practice to examine everything you do to see how it could be done more economically, and it is inevitable that you will soon find yourself in charge of larger budgets and more people

FIND OUT HOW TO GET PRODUCTION UP, AND IT WILL DRAG YOU AND A BIGGER PAYCHECK ALONG WITH IT.

It�s common knowledge that the person who knows the most about how to improve the productivity of any job is the person who holds that job. Why is it, then, that we are often reluctant to offer suggestions for improvement? Perhaps we�ve seen too many layoffs and reorganizations to trust the cracker-barrel wisdom that our goal should be to work ourselves out of a job-so that we can move on to a bigger and better position. Nevertheless, the old wisdom is still sound. If you find a way to do things better, faster, or cheaper, you increase your value to your employer. You will be asked to participate in planning sessions and quality circles because you�ve demonstrated that you know how to make things work more efficiently. It�s inevitable that you will be promoted, because you will become one of those exceptional employees who are too valuable to lose

THE TWO KINDS OF PEOPLE WHO NEVER GET AHEAD ARE THOSE WHO DO ONLY WHAT THEY ARE TOLD AND THOSE WHO WILL NOT DO WHAT THEY ARE TOLD.

It�s hard to say which would be more discouraging: drifting from job to job because you�re always the first to be laid off, or laboring in monotonous obscurity at the same job. The first results from not doing what you are told to do, the second from doing only what you are told to do. You can "get by" for a time following either approach, but you will never get ahead. Personal initiative is more important in today�s enlightened, high-tech workplace than it was during the Industrial Age, when the ability to follow orders was a critical skill. As technology makes many supervisory functions obsolete, every one of us is expected to do more with less, determine what needs to be done, and do it. Don�t wait to be told. Know your company and your job so well that you can anticipate what needs to be done-then do it! Stop explaining and start doing

THE HABITUAL PROCRASTINATOR IS ALWAYS AN EXPERT CREATOR OF ALIBIS.

If you are so inclined, you can always find dozens of reasons why something can�t or shouldn�t be done-and precious few why it should or could. It is far easier to rationalize that it�s too difficult, too expensive, or too time-consuming than to accept the idea that if we are willing to work hard enough, smart enough, and long enough we can accomplish anything. Instead of making a commitment, we make up an alibi. If you find that you frequently invent excuses for why you didn�t do something or have a million reasons why something didn�t work out as planned, it�s time for a reality check. Stop explaining and start doing

YOU DON�T HAVE TO DO MORE THAN YOU ARE PAID FOR, BUT YOU CAN PUSH YOURSELF AHEAD MIGHTY FAST BY DOING IT VOLUNTARILY.

Initiative is that exceedingly rare quality that prompts-no, impels-a person to do what ought to be done without being told. It�s also a commodity upon which the world places great value. Initiative will immediately set you apart from the competition, whether you are an entrepreneur, a professional services provider, a corporate staffer, or an hourly worker. Your boss, your clients, or your customers will notice you and come to depend upon you because you have shown yourself to be a person who can be counted upon always to do the right thing

IF YOU BECOME DISCOURAGED, THINK OF HELEN KELLER, WHO, THOUGH SHE WAS DEAF, DUMB, AND BLIND INSPIRED HER MORE FORTUNATE CONTEMPORARIES THROUGH HER BOOKS.

The life of Helen Keller is an outstanding example of the triumph of the human spirit over a physical handicap. Even today, decades after her death, her life stands as a beacon of hope for those who must constantly struggle just to perform routine tasks that most of us take for granted. Whenever you feel fate has been unkind to you, all you must do is look around you and you will begin to appreciate how fortunate you are. Make sure your life�s plan includes giving something back to the community without expecting anything in return. Giving time and effort, not just money, reinforces your connections to your community, provides you with concrete proof of the effectiveness of deliberate action, and reminds you of the inspiring power of determination in human endeavor

IF YOU START AT THE TOP, YOU CAN MOVE IN ONLY ONE DIRECTION-DOWNWARD.

Perhaps the worst thing that might have happened to you would be to have been born with the proverbial silver spoon in your mouth. For had you been born into privilege, you would have been deprived of one of the world�s greatest gifts: the opportunity to reach the highest levels of success of which you are capable, solely on the basis of your own merit. If you were born with less than most, don�t resent others who seem to have more advantages. In truth, the real advantage is yours, for you will develop the self-confidence that comes only from meeting life�s challenges on your own terms. As you progress, you gain the strength and knowledge necessary to assure your enduring success, things that cannot be given to you, but must be earned

PROCRASTINATION IS THE BAD HABIT OF PUTTING OFF UNTIL THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE THE DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY.

For an achiever, perhaps the most dangerous, most destructive habit of all is procrastination, for it robs you of your initiative. When you put things off once, it�s easier to put them off again, until the habit is so firmly ingrained that it cannot be easily broken. Sadly, the effects of the habit of procrastination are also cumulative. Its cure is obvious-action. You�ll be surprised how quickly you begin to feel better about yourself and your situation when you get going on something-anything. As British prime minister and author Benjamin Disraeli said, "Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.

A BLIND BOY PAID HIS WAY TO A MASTER�S DEGREE AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY BY TAKING NOTES ON CLASS LECTURES IN BRAILLE, TYPING THEM, AND SELLING COPIES TO CLASSMATES WHO HAD STRONGER EYES BUT WEAK AMBITION.

One of the great mysteries of life is why some people who seem to have all the advantages-the right connections, education, and experience-never seem to amount to much while others who have had to struggle for everything they have reach incredible heights of success. It hinges on determination. If you have the will to succeed, you will somehow find a way, regardless of the obstacles you encounter. Do you use all of your assets to achieve your goals, or are you handicapped by your lack of ambition? No other person can create in you a desire to succeed. With enough motivation, you will see things all around you that will help you reach your objectives, things that you may have overlooked many times before

LOAFING ON YOUR JOB HURTS YOUR EMPLOYER, BUT IT HURTS YOU MORE.

Some people expend far more energy getting out of work than they would spend doing the job well. They may think they are fooling the boss, but they are only fooling themselves. An employer may not know all the details of every job or every task an individual performs, but a good manager knows the results of effort. You can be sure that when promotions or plum assignments become available, they won�t be offered to loafers. If you do your job cheerfully and well, not only are you more likely to be recognized and rewarded, but you also learn how to do your job better. As you become more proficient, you become more valuable to your employer. You also acquire the most valuable of all assets-the confidence that comes from knowing you possess skills that will increase your value to any organization

DON'T COVET THE OTHER FELLOW'S JOB IF YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT GOES WITH IT.

How often do you look at those around you and say, "I could do any of their jobs better than they can if I only had the opportunity," never realizing the price they have paid and the knowledge they have accumulated to earn the right to hold that position? It's easy to be a Monday-morning quarterback and second-guess the actions of others. But it's far more productive to recognize the contributions of others and give them the credit for a job well done. If you aspire to a higher level of recognition, demonstrate to others-your peers as well as your superiors-that you can be counted upon. The world's greatest rewards accrue to those who always deliver on their promises

YOU WILL NEVER BE GREATER THAN THE THOUGHTS THAT DOMINATE YOUR MIND.

If it�s true that you become what you think about most, it follows that the quantity and quality of success you achieve in your life will be in direct proportion to the size of your thoughts. If you allow your mind to be dominated by trivial matters, your achievements are likely to be unimportant. Discipline yourself to think about important things. Keep up with what�s new in your field and with what�s going on in the world. Make a list of good ideas that you can use anytime you are searching for a creative solution to a problem. Remember, small minds think about things; great minds think about ideas

CONSTANCY OF PURPOSE IF THE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF SUCCESS.

It is critical to your success that you have a well-thought-out plan for your life and that you stick with it regardless of what others may say and the obstacles you encounter. There will always be faultfinders and those who attempt to persuade you that your goals aren�t worth the effort you put into achieving them. Those people will never go far, and they will be the first to ask for your help after you have passed them by. Virtually every successful person has considered giving up at some point in his or her struggle to reach the top. And many breakthroughs occurred soon after those same people rededicated themselves to their purpose. There is no known obstacle that cannot be overcome by a person who has constancy of purpose, a Positive Mental Attitude, and the discipline and willpower to succeed

THE PRIVILEGE OF BRINGING CHILDREN INTO THE WORLD CARRIES WITH IT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TEACHING THEM THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SOUND CHARACTER.

One of life�s greatest joys is the sense of wonder that accompanies the arrival of a tiny new human being into the world. But that joy is accompanied by a tremendous responsibility that perfectly encapsulates the need for personal initiative. You can provide children with all the physical advantages of a good childhood, but unless you strive to set a good example for them to follow, you will know only dismay as they reach adulthood and blossom into purposeless drifters. Your personal initiative, whether or not you are raising a child, must always incorporate exemplary behavior. You cannot take ethical shortcuts, big or small, without other people observing them and assuming that this behavior is something you wouldn�t mind having turned back on yourself. Certainly you will make mistakes, but if you have always striven for the best course, others will remember it and treat you accordingly

BIG PAY AND LITTLE RESPONSIBILITY ARE CIRCUMSTANCES SELDOM FOUND TOGETHER.

It is possible to go through life without ever accepting any responsibility, but such freedom from the cares of the world comes at an enormous financial cost. If you make it a practice to go out the back door when responsibility walks through the front, you will also miss out on the opportunities that always accompany responsibility. In almost any vocation, profession, or calling, your remuneration is directly proportional to the responsibility that accompanies your position. Make it a practice to volunteer for more responsibility or simply to assume it. There are times when you must get on with the task at hand without ever being formally told you�re in charge of it. If you demonstrate that you are a can-do kind of person, responsibility and the higher pay that accompanies it will come to you

KNOW YOUR OWN MIND, AND YOU WILL BE AS WISE AS THE SAGES.

When you take charge of your mind, you take charge of your life. When you understand your thoughts, feelings, emotions, and desires, you can direct them to any end you choose. Wisdom comes from taking the time to study yourself, to know why you are the person you are. Taking charge of your mind is a thoughtful, reflective, solitary process. Only you can come to understand the complex inner workings of your own mind, and you must be willing to spend the time and effort that gaining such insight requires.

THE MIND NEVER BECOMES TIRED, BUT SOMETIMES IT BECOMES BORED WITH THE "FOOD" IT GETS.

Computer experts use the acronym GIGO- garbage in, garbage out-to illustrate the fact that the computer can process only the information it is given. The same is true with your mind. If you feed it healthful, nourishing "food," it will grow strong and agile, but if you restrict it to a regular diet of mental "junk food," your mind will become unhealthy, negative, and unproductive. It will return to you what you put into it. Feed your mind a balanced, nourishing diet. Study information from a variety of fields to help you keep up with the latest trends. You may find that the best ideas for your business come from a totally unrelated area

CONTROL YOUR OWN MIND, AND YOU MAY NEVER BE CONTROLLED BY THE MIND OF ANOTHER.

The mind is the most powerful weapon known to man. It simply cannot be controlled or contained by an outside force, however formidable that force may at first appear. Throughout history, tyrants have tried to control those who opposed them, but eventually these rulers discovered the power of the imagination was far greater than the threat of the sword. As Victor Hugo said, "An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come."

A QUICK DECISION USUALLY DENOTES AN ALERT MIND.

Successful people are decisive. They don�t agonize over decisions and thereby miss out on a great opportunity. They gather the relevant information, discuss alternatives with advisers whose opinions they respect, and then make a decision and get on with it. Indecision creates the worse kind of paralysis and, left unattended, can permanently damage you and your organization. If you have trouble making decisions, remember that there are few decisions that are irreversible. If you later discover that you were wrong, correct your course and move on

TAKE POSSESSION OF YOUR OWN MIND. AND YOU MAY SOON MAKE LIFE PAY OFF ON YOUR TERMS.

Your mind is unquestionably your most valuable possession. You may lose every material thing you own, but knowledge can never be taken from you. With it, you can earn a new fortune, build a new home, and buy anything you truly desire. No one else can control your thoughts; even the cruelest tyrant cannot force you to think about something you refuse to accept. When you make a deliberate decision to take control of your mind and feed it positive, constructive thoughts, you are on your way to taking control of your life. The thoughts you allow to dominate your mind will determine what you will get from life

A CLOSED MIND STUMBLES OVER THE BLESSINGS OF LIFE WITHOUT RECOGNIZING THEM.

To the untrained eye, a geode looks pretty much like an ordinary rock. But a trained geologist knows that inside the geode there is a beautiful crystal lining. The story is the same for those who refuse to examine new possibilities because their minds are closed. Life�s greatest opportunities, like the geode, often come in ordinary packaging. Do not allow yourself to become such a creature of habit that you simply go through the motions and let life happen to you. Just taking a new route to work, putting together a jigsaw puzzle, reading a newspaper instead of watching television, or visiting a museum at lunchtime will stimulate your thought processes and may help you open your mind to new possibilities

BEWARE OF HE WHO TRIES TO POISON YOUR MIND AGAINST ANOTHER UNDER THE PRETENSE OF HELPING YOU. THE CHANCES ARE A THOUSAND TO ONE HE IS TRYING TO HELP HIMSELF.

South African poet and painter Breyten Breytenback tells of a Black man named Freedom who was the property of a one-legged slave owner in the days before the abolition of slavery. Whenever the owner bought a new pair of shoes, he gave the left one, which he couldn�t use, to Freedom. Eventually, wearing two left shoes deformed Freedom�s right foot, and he was permanently crippled by the "generosity" of his master. Don�t be fooled by people who attempt to further their own interests under the guise of helping you. Listen to advice from others, thank them for their interest, and make up your own mind about what is best. Follow their advice if it fits with your plan for your life, but don�t hesitate to discard it if it doesn�t. In all the world, there is only one individual who knows what is best for you, and that person is you

THE MIND GROWS ONLY THROUGH USE, AND IT ATROPHIES THROUGH IDLENESS.

Just as the physical body becomes strong through regular exercise, so does the mind require regular use to remain strong. Make sure that your personal development plan includes plenty of mental stimulation. One of the best ways to develop your imagination and visualization skills is through reading. As you read, your mind translates the words into images that help you better understand the concepts about which you are reading. Become a voracious reader. Read newspapers, trade magazines, self-help books, and novels; all will contribute to your store of knowledge and to your ability to visualize and more effectively use your imagination

YOUR JOB WILL NEVER BE ANY BIGGER THAN YOUR IMAGINATION MAKES IT.

Daniel Burnham, the turn-of-the-century architect and civic planner whose plan for the 1893 Chicago World�s Fair had an enormous influence on contemporary civic design, was quoted as saying, "Make no little plans." He knew that to achieve great things we must have grand ideas. If you can imagine it, you can create it. And if you can create in your imagination the job that you would like to have, it is possible to create it in the real world.

THE IMAGINATION IS THE WORKSHOP OF THE SOUL, WHERE ARE SHAPED ALL THE PLANS FOR INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT.

Before you can build anything worthwhile, you must first create it in your mind. Your mind is not constrained by physical limitations or boundaries. In the workshop of your mind, you can visualize things that have never been. It is said that Albert Einstein visualized how the universe might look if he were riding astride a beam of light through infinity. Then he worked out the mathematics to support his theory of relativity. You can use the power of your imagination to visualize solutions to difficult problems, to develop new ideas, and to see yourself achieving the goals you have set for yourself

YOU MUST GET BUSY DOING SOMETHING ABOUT GOING THE EXTRA MILE.

It�s well and good to feel as though you have changed the attitude with which you render extra service, but if that service is in truth no more than anyone else�s, then you aren�t doing yourself much good. You need to examine your co-workers and competitors to understand just what it is that will make you stand out. If there are job performance standards, exceed them. If you�re fulfilling a contract, make sure you offer more than you promised. You cannot confine extra-mile service to your work alone. You must make it part of your philosophy for dealing with every person you encounter. Imagine how others will be delighted to find that you are the type of person who not only does what is promised but even delivers more. The true benefit of going the extra mile is in teaching yourself to strive always for better and greater achievement in all that you do

THE MAN WHO DIPPED A CHUNK OF ICE CREAM IN CHOCOLATE AND CALLED IT ESKIMO PIE MADE A FORTUNE FOR THE FIVE SECONDS OF IMAGINATION IT TOOK TO CREATE THE IDEA.

We are just beginning to understand the mysterious ways in which the mind works, but successful people have long known how to use the power of creative vision to their advantage. Many "new" ideas are really nothing more than a new combination of two well-known products or ideas. Nevertheless, great fortunes have been built upon such combinations when they are supported by a clever name and marketing campaign. There is a definite process that you can use to tap into your imagination. In his book A Technique for Producing Ideas, James Webb Young identified five steps: 1. Gather the appropriate information. 2. Work the information over in your mind. 3. Incubate the idea in your subconscious. 4. Recognize the "Eureka!" stage when the idea is born. 5. Shape and develop the idea for practical application. The technique works. Give it a try the next time you�re searching for a creative solution to an old problem

Please visit Napoleon Hill Foundation for more details.

HOME