Top 10 Secrets to Success

There are, however, secrets the successful practiceregularly, I've listed the top ten here for you.

1.Set Goals. If there is one thing I know with absolutecertainty, it is this, if you don't know where you aregoing… you will not get there. It is as simple as that.Successful people know where there are going, they decidewhat they want, they set goals.

2.Write it down. I don't subscribe to the philosophy thatyou must write out your goals everyday, however I do believethat it is critically important to write them out. So manythings float around in our brains from day to day that itcan be hard to focus on what is important. By writing outyour goals and consistently reviewing them, you keep themfresh in your mind and they become part of your everydaythinking.

3.Use a schedule. Use a palm pilot, pen and paper, day-timer, whatever works best for you but use it. Schedulingforces you to think about planning and helps you to committo getting things done. If you get it on your schedule anduse your schedule regularly you increase your chances forsuccess.

4.Carry an idea journal. I've just recently started usingmy journal everyday. I have found that the more I use itthe more productive I become. It will take what's in yourbrain and put it in a safe place. This practice frees yourmind to focus on other things. Most importantly you keepyour ideas handy to review and work on later without losingthem.

5.Learn everyday. Research shows that the most successfulpeople are lifelong learners. Many of them are voraciousreaders. Spend time everyday learning something. Read afew pages of a book or magazine, skim trade journals andonline newsletters. Learn a new skill or practice one youdon't use often.

6.Plan. You need to set goals, you need to write them outand once you've done that you need to begin the planningprocess. Success comes from careful planning. You musthave a roadmap. It is not enough to know where you aregoing, you must also know how you will get there.

7.Execute. A new book from Ram Charan entitled Executeoutlines the importance of execution in business. You mustcreate a roadmap but it alone will not achieve the goal.You must execute on your plans, execute the roadmap. Putyourself into action and measure your progress.

8.Make note of your success. Small steps and incrementalprogress are the basis for real success. Each small successwill motivate you to greater successes. Cumulatively, allthose baby steps add up and suddenly you are where you wantto be. Don't discount the small victories they are thecatalyst for bigger successes.

9.Think time. Another well-researched success secret isthat of think time. Successful people make time to stop,sit and think. It may seem contrary to sit and do nothingbut allowing yourself time to review the day or meeting willgive you incredible insight. What you learn can inspirechange that will lead to greater success.

10.Exercise. Exercise has always been a strategy for thesuccessful. John Kerry, President Bush, ex-PresidentClinton, and Oprah are all runners. Exercise allows yourbody better health, more endurance and strengthens yourheart. Combine your exercise with books on tape or CD tobetter utilize your time.

The ten secrets outlined above are proven successstrategies. Add one or two to your daily routine to get youstarted. As you master those add a few more. Success is awonderful thing… it doesn't expire and you can work at yourown pace.