Alexander Graham Bell was desperately trying to invent a hearing aid for his partially deaf wife. He failed at inventing a hearing aid but in the process discovered the principles of the telephone. You wouldn't call someone like that lucky, would you?Good luck is when opportunity meets preparation. Without effort and preparation, lucky coincidences don't happen.

LUCK.

He worked by day And toiled by night.

He gave up play And some delight.

Dry books he read, New things to learn.

And forged ahead, Success to earn.

He plodded on with Faith and pluck; And when he won, Men called it luck.

--Anonymous

19. Lack of Purpose

If we read stories of people who overcame serious disabilities, it becomes evident that their burning desire to succeed was their driving force. They had a purpose in life. They wanted to prove to themselves that they could do it in spite of all odds--and they did.

Desire is what made a paralytic Wilma Rudolph the fastest woman on the track at the 1960 Olympics, winning three gold medals.

According to Glen Cunningham, "Desire is what made a boy with burnt legs set the world record in the one mile run."

A polio victim at the age of five started swimming to regain strength. It was because of her desire to succeed that she went on to become a world record holder at three events and won the gold at the 1956 Olympics at Melbourne. Her name is Sh.e.l.ley Mann.

When people lack purpose and direction, they see no opportunity. If a person has the desire to accomplish something, the direction to know his objective, the dedication to stay focused, and the discipline required to put in the hard work, then other things come easy.

But if you don't have them, it doesn't matter what else you have.

Character is the foundation upon which all else is built. It endures.

20. Lack of Courage

62*Successful people are not looking for miracles or easy tasks. They seek courage and strength to overcome obstacles. They look at what is left rather than what is lost. Wishes don't come true; beliefs and expectations supported by conviction do. Prayers are only answered when they are supported with courageous action. It is courage and character that is the deadly combination for success. This is the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary.

When our minds are filled with courage we forget our fears and overcome obstacles.

Courage is not absence of fear but the overcoming of fear. Character (justice and integrity) without courage is ineffective, whereas courage without character is oppression.

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS.

Success is like baking a cake. Unless you have just the right recipe, it is not going to work. The ingredients must be of the finest quality and in the right proportions. You can't overtake it or undercook it. Once you have the right recipe and with practice and the occasional disaster, it becomes a lot easier.

What is the difference between persistence and obstinacy? The difference is that persistence represents a strong will and obstinacy represents a strong won't.

You have the recipe. To use it is your choice.

A CRASH COURSE FOR SUCCESS.

Play to win and not to lose.

Learn from other people's mistakes.

a.s.sociate with people of high moral character.

Give more than you get.

Don't look for something for nothing.

Always think long term.

Evaluate your strengths and build on them.

Always keep the larger picture in mind when making a decision.

Never compromise your integrity.

63*

ACTION PLAN.

1. Come up with three suggestions how you can do your job better, faster, and more effectively: (a) _______________________________________________________________________.

_______________________________________________________________________.

____.

(b) _______________________________________________________________________.

_______________________________________________________________________.

____.

(c) _______________________________________________________________________.

_______________________________________________________________________.

____.

2. Write down three ways you can use the success principles in each area of your life:

(a) Work _______________________________________________________________________.

_______________________________________________________________________.

____.

(b) Home _______________________________________________________________________.

_______________________________________________________________________.

____.

(a) Socially _______________________________________________________________________.

_______________________________________________________________________.

____.

3. List the areas in your life where lack of discipline is hurting you. Estimate its cost to you.

4. The next time you meet with adversity, stop and ask yourself these two questions: What can I learn from this challenge? How can I turn this lesson in life to my advantage?

5. Write your definition of success.

64*_______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________.

____.

6. Define your goals in life.

_______________________________________________________________________.

_______________________________________________________________________.