Success is a state of mind. Our tangible achievements, goals reached, certificates earned, or talents developed are the result of our thoughts. And if thoughts lead to actions, actions lead to habits, and our habits are what determine our eventual character and destiny – would this logic not suggest that in order to accomplish big things, we must first develop the ability to think big? And yet, thinking big is not enough. We also need to think differently, talk big, believe more, act big, act now, and act consistently in order to become great and accomplish our goals and dreams in life.

It is important to remember though that thinking big is not the same as dreaming big; in fact, I would argue that they are quite different. (more…)

What are your dreams? We each have them, and they literally shape our thoughts and hopes. But, do you actually believe your dreams are possible? The unfortunate reality for most of us is that our dreams remain only as thoughts and wishes and never convert into actions. Ask yourself this important question – are you planning on making your dreams a reality someday … or are you actually doing something now to accomplish them?

The great Og Mandino said it so well when he wrote: “My dreams are worthless, my plans are dust, my goals are impossible. All are of no value unless they are followed by action.” Sadly, the majority of ‘dreamers’ fail to accomplish their dreams because (more…)

Who determined that pancakes have to be round? Seriously – have you ever thought about that, or do you make them round just because everyone else does? I certainly realize that pouring the batter into a circular shape is much easier than making a pancake into an octagon, and mom probably raised you on circular pancakes; but does that necessarily mean that pancakes must continue to be round? Now, what are the other ‘pancakes’ in your life that you consciously (or unconsciously) continue to do simply because the majority, the culture, or even your parents do it that way? Or, do you persist in doing these ‘pancakes’ simply because they are easier? And do you realize that the accomplishment of your dreams and goals often entails making ‘pancakes’ a different way?

I know, the analogy of a pancake seems silly, right? Actually, it has incredible application to our goals and dreams in life. (more…)

People everywhere have incredible ideas, reachable goals, and untapped potential – but they are far more scared of actually accomplishing their dreams than they are of failing to achieve them. The reason is because being average or just good is certainly easier than the work required to become great or successful in anything. And yet, usually it is not the work and effort that most frightens us, it is the lack of belief in ourselves and that our dreams are possible that dictates our decisions of not taking action, never taking risks, and becoming content with mediocrity. Resultantly, our potential is thus never realized because we don’t believe we possess, or can develop, the necessary knowledge and abilities in order to achieve such potential, accomplishments, and success.

In order to achieve success – in anything in life – we must first (more…)

Our thoughts and dreams, plans and goals, ideas and knowledge, and even our beliefs and desires are worthless and of little consequence unless they are combined with persistent actions. In fact, most often, the difference between those who do or do not achieve success is usually not determined by ability or brains, but by effort, risks taken, opportunities seized, and consistent action. For success to be obtained and our goals and dreams to be realized, we must take action, do it consistently, and do it now!

Of all the necessary principles required for success, it is consistent daily action that is perhaps the most difficult. Desiring, thinking big, believing, completely committing, overcoming fears, and even setting goals are relatively easy steps compared to the effort required in the step of daily action. Consider the personal application in what Cecil Selig taught when he said: “when the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, it may be that they take better care of it there.” How often do we dream big, desire, hope, set goals, believe, compare, or wish we had the ‘greener grass’ on the other side of the fence – but then we are unwilling to put in the work necessary to achieve that hope, dream, goal, or ‘grass’?

In life, opportunities to achieve success always come before we are prepared and leave before we realize it. And yet, even if and when we do realize those opportunities, the majority of people (more…)

The majority of personal successes in life are usually accomplished only after the individual determines to not give up when they experience failures, mistakes, loses, or challenges. Never forget that success requires persistence, accomplishment accompanies perspiration, and dreams realized entail consistent effort. Rarely is success an event – it often is many small events and efforts occasionally interrupted by set-backs and temporary defeats. The victory is won, dreams are realized, goals are achieved, potential is reached, and success is obtained only by those who do not become discouraged by the necessary and inevitable failures that lie along the path of success. It is these failures, road blocks, and challenges that cause others to quit and the successful individual to persevere.

The Japanese proverb of ‘fall seven times, stand up eight’ should not be interpreted to suggest that the victory and success will be realized on the eighth time you get up after you fall (or fail). This is the great secret that all successful people can agree on – that in pursuit of their goal and dream, (more…)