Believe and Achieve

1. Cultivate a Positive Mental Attitude for Success

"What the mind of man can conceive and believe, the mind of man can achieve for those who have PMA."

The power of PMA. A Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) is the cornerstone of success in any endeavor. It involves maintaining optimism, faith, and integrity in the face of challenges. PMA allows you to see opportunities where others see obstacles, and to persist when others would give up.

Practical application. To develop PMA:

• Replace negative thoughts with positive ones
• Focus on solutions rather than problems
• Surround yourself with positive influences
• Practice gratitude daily
• Visualize success in your endeavors

PMA is not about ignoring reality, but about approaching challenges with a constructive mindset. It's a choice you make every day, in every situation.

2. Define Your Purpose and Set Clear Goals

"Definiteness of Purpose is the starting point of all achievement."

The power of purpose. Having a clear, definite purpose gives direction to your efforts and motivation to persist. It helps you prioritize your actions and make decisions aligned with your ultimate objectives.

To set effective goals:

1. Write them down clearly and concisely
2. Make them specific and measurable
3. Set a definite timetable
4. Review and revise regularly
5. Develop a burning desire to achieve them

Successful people like John F. Kennedy and Lee Iacocca used goal-setting to achieve remarkable results. Your goals become the roadmap for your success journey.

3. Go the Extra Mile in All Endeavors

"If you do more than you are paid to do, it is inevitable that you will eventually be paid for more than you do."

The principle of reciprocity. Going the extra mile means consistently doing more than what's expected. This principle creates a positive cycle: by providing exceptional value, you become indispensable and naturally attract greater opportunities and rewards.

Examples of going the extra mile:

• Exceeding customer expectations
• Taking on additional responsibilities at work
• Continuously improving your skills
• Helping colleagues without expecting immediate returns
• Anticipating needs before they arise

Companies like Johnson & Johnson and individuals like Steve Mecsery have demonstrated how this principle leads to long-term success and customer loyalty.

4. Learn from Defeat and Persevere

"Every adversity carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater opportunity for those who have PMA and apply it."

Turning setbacks into comebacks. Defeat is not permanent unless you accept it as such. Every failure contains lessons that can lead to future success if approached with the right mindset.

Steps to learn from defeat:

1. Analyze what went wrong without blame
2. Identify lessons and opportunities
3. Adjust your approach based on insights
4. Maintain faith in your ultimate goal
5. Take action to implement improvements

Successful individuals like Thomas Edison and Abraham Lincoln faced numerous setbacks but persevered to achieve greatness. Your response to defeat shapes your character and determines your ultimate success.

5. Develop Personal Initiative and Leadership

"The common denominator of success—the secret of success of every man who has ever been successful—lies in the fact that he formed the habit of doing things that failures don't like to do."

Be a self-starter. Personal initiative means taking action without being told. It's about seeing what needs to be done and doing it, often before others even recognize the need. This quality sets leaders apart from followers.

Leadership essentials:

• Take responsibility for outcomes
• Inspire and motivate others
• Make decisions confidently
• Continuously learn and adapt
• Lead by example

Leaders like Steve Jobs and John Sculley demonstrated how initiative and vision can transform industries. By developing these qualities, you position yourself for leadership roles and greater success.

6. Harness the Power of Enthusiasm

"Enthusiasm is to a person what gasoline is to the engine of an automobile: the vital moving force."

Fuel for success. Enthusiasm energizes your efforts, inspires others, and helps overcome obstacles. It makes work enjoyable and attracts opportunities and people to you.

To cultivate enthusiasm:

• Focus on your goals and their benefits
• Associate with enthusiastic people
• Take care of your physical health
• Continuously learn and grow
• Act enthusiastic even when you don't feel it

Enthusiastic individuals like Mary Kay Ash have built empires by infusing their work with passion. Your enthusiasm can be the differentiating factor in your success.

7. Build a Pleasing Personality and Strong Character

"People like to do business with people they like."

The power of likability. A pleasing personality attracts opportunities and fosters positive relationships. It's built on genuine interest in others, integrity, and the ability to make others feel valued.

Key traits of a pleasing personality:

• Genuine interest in others
• Active listening skills
• Honesty and integrity
• Humility and graciousness
• Positive outlook

Developing these traits not only makes you more likable but also builds a strong character that withstands challenges. Your personality can be your greatest asset in both personal and professional realms.

8. Practice Self-Discipline for Achievement

"Self-Discipline makes it possible to turn on more willpower and keep on going when the road is hard and failure seems just around the corner."

Master of self. Self-discipline is the ability to control your thoughts, emotions, and actions in pursuit of your goals. It's the bridge between goals and accomplishment.

Strategies for developing self-discipline:

1. Set clear, compelling goals
2. Create a structured daily routine
3. Practice delayed gratification
4. Hold yourself accountable
5. Reward progress consistently

Individuals like J. Peter Grace have demonstrated how self-discipline can lead to extraordinary achievements. Your ability to discipline yourself will determine your success more than any other factor.

9. Master Time and Money Management

"There is a time to be born, and a time to die, says Solomon, and it is the momento of a truly wise man, but there is an interval between these two times of infinite importance."

Resources for success. Effective management of time and money provides the foundation for achieving your goals. It involves prioritization, planning, and wise allocation of resources.

Time management tips:

• Prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency
• Use tools like calendars and to-do lists
• Eliminate time-wasters and distractions
• Learn to delegate effectively
• Schedule regular breaks for rejuvenation

Money management principles:

• Live below your means
• Save and invest consistently
• Educate yourself on financial matters
• Set clear financial goals
• Track expenses and create a budget

Mastering these areas gives you the freedom to focus on your most important goals and aspirations.

10. Maintain Sound Physical and Mental Health

"If you don't manage your money, it will manage you."

Holistic well-being. Your physical and mental health form the foundation for all other success principles. Without good health, it's challenging to maintain the energy and focus needed for achievement.

Key aspects of health maintenance:

• Regular exercise
• Balanced nutrition
• Adequate sleep
• Stress management techniques
• Regular medical check-ups
• Mental stimulation and learning

Successful individuals like W. Clement Stone emphasize the importance of maintaining health for long-term success. Your health is your most valuable asset; invest in it wisely.

11. Leverage the Power of Teamwork and Alliances

"Ain't none of us as smart as all of us."

Synergy in action. Teamwork and strategic alliances can accomplish what individuals alone cannot. It involves harnessing diverse skills, perspectives, and resources towards a common goal.

Benefits of effective teamwork:

• Enhanced problem-solving
• Increased innovation
• Shared workload and resources
• Mutual support and motivation
• Expanded knowledge and skills

Companies like Apple and individuals like Andrew Carnegie have demonstrated the power of collaboration. Your ability to work effectively with others can exponentially increase your success potential.

12. Apply Faith and Universal Laws for Ultimate Success

"I know I can never be a success on this earth unless I am on good terms with God."

Spiritual foundation. Applied faith involves belief in yourself, others, and a higher power. It provides the courage to pursue ambitious goals and the resilience to overcome obstacles.

Universal laws to apply:

• Law of Cause and Effect
• Law of Attraction
• Law of Reciprocity
• Law of Compensation
• Law of Persistence

Many successful individuals attribute their achievements to spiritual principles. By aligning yourself with these universal laws, you can tap into a greater source of wisdom and power for success.

Last updated: August 8, 2024