Even though the meaning of success will vary, successful people do leave clues that can help those of us who are trying to find our own “success”. We can develop powerful success habits, which if carried out, will help us to reach our goals. Most of the success habits involve attitude. We’ve all heard the expression, “Attitude supercedes aptitude in determining altitude.” How true, how true! We have all seen people with less intelligence and ability, excel far beyond others with much more intelligence and natural talent. Why? Because they have the determination, the perseverance, the passion — the positive attitude!

Success Habit #2: Fight Discouragement!

I believe that discouragement is one of the devil’s greatest tools. Think about that. What happens when you are discouraged? You give up! You say, “Oh, what’s the use…” Your thinking becomes negative and unproductive. You no longer believe in yourself. Your “stinking thinking” limits your ability. Discouragement builds and paralyzes from the brain to every part of you.

Fight Discouragement! Don’t let a discouraging situation, circumstance, or event bring you down. Keep on keeping on. When you aren’t winning, when you aren’t immediately in first place, resolve to become more determined. Remember, the early worm may get the worm, but it’s the second mouse who gets the cheese! Don’t let the reality of the moment discourage you. Instead use it to find another direction, to plan a different approach. Find a way around it. Continue on the path to the goal, even if you must take a new fork in the road. 97% of our success is not the circumstances that happen to us, but what we choose to DO with those circumstances.

Fight discouragement! Focus on the positive. Make a list of things for which you are thankful. Keep the faith. Believe in yourself. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” If you want to change your life, change the way you think.