And speaking of goals, have one. Not having a goal is like starting a trip without a destination. Have a goal that has meaning to you, not one that has been imposed on you by someone else. It must be your goal. You must own it. Be prepared to commit the time and effort - hard work - required to achieve your goal. If you believe that working ten hours a day seven days a week will lead you to achieving your goal, don't work nine hours a day and expect to succeed. Either put in the required amount of time and effort or change your goal. Yes, changing your goal is fine as long as you have thought through your reasons for doing so, maintain a positive attitude, and are willing to commit the time and effort required to achieve the new goal.
Don't be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help. Many people, for whatever reason, refuse to ask questions. No one can know everything. The way to success is strewn with things that we don't understand. If you can ask questions, when you don't know, or ask for help, when you need it, your ability to succeed will be greatly enhanced.
One obstacle that discourages people from asking for what they need is their inability to communicate. Learn to communicate. Think about what you want to say or write before you do it. And when you speak or write to someone, make the communication as clear and straightforward as possible. The reason for communicating is to convey your idea to someone and have that person understand exactly what you mean. Practice communicating; not just talking or writing. Don't forget the thinking.
Be a good time steward. Time is the most valuable resource that we have. Learn to manage your time properly. Don't waste it. Learn to make good judgments about the appropriate use of your time. Remember, time is finite; once it's gone, it can't be retrieved. Don't put things off. Do what you need to do in enough time so that you can redo or modify it, when you are wrong, and still get it done on time.
Planning and execution are what will guide you to success in your endeavor. You must have a plan in order to succeed. The goals that you set for yourself must be part of a plan. The plan is the forest and the goals are the trees. Yes, you must recognize and know each tree and at the same time you mustn't lose sight of the forest. A sound plan, well executed, will almost guarantee success in whatever you choose to do. Make the plan extensive enough so that, when you put in all the time, effort, communications, and positive attitude, required to execute it, you will be satisfied with the resultant success.
Now, you know what to do.... Do it!!!
