The Wooden Box

Success Begins in the Mind

Momma was always a hard worker. Ever since I was a little boy, my mother would reinforce that I could do anything if I worked hard and applied myself. When I was 12 years old, I started cutting grass to make some money.

At the age of 13, my mother gave me a wooden box that would change my life forever. On the outside of the wooden box were the words "The Secret of Success." When you opened up the box, there was a bold, four-letter word inscribed - "WORK"

Many people have asked me if the wooden box really exists. Of course it does! Not only do I still have it, but over the years it has led me to these Ten Success Principles. No matter what your dreams or endeavors in this life, these principles are fundamental truths about success that need to be clearly understood.

The Secrets of Success

Secret of success #1: There are no secrets of success.
All of the truths, principles and disciplines have been around since the beginning of mankind. There is nothing new under the heavens. Every day, we all get up under the same sky. The only difference is, we all see different horizons.

Secret of success #2: Your life only becomes better when you become better.
If your career, marriage, job and life are to improve-you must improve. You must change. In the mirror you are looking at the problem and solution. It begins with you making a decision. The people who reach their potential, no matter what their background or profession, think in terms of improvement.

Secret of success #3: You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.
The Apostle Paul said, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Do not let the junk, doubt and negativity of this world latch onto your mind, but every day fill your mind with positive thoughts, productive information and education. It takes strength of character to maintain a positive mind. Learn to discipline your mind. It is not the mountain we conquer, but our minds.

Secret of success #4: Success is for everyone.
Too many people misunderstand success. They think success is due to some genius, luck or other thing we do not possess. The reality is that success is knowing who you are and what your purpose in life is and helping others along the way. This is the way we become fulfilled as human beings. Success is not acquiring something. Success is about being fulfilled because you are growing to meet your full potential and your contribution to helping others in growing in life.

Secret of success #5: There can be no success without sacrifice.
Be willing to pay the price. Nothing of value in life comes easily. You must resolve to do whatever it takes to accomplish your dreams and desires. Whether it is working through tough times in your marriage or trying to lose weight, remember, no pain, no gain. If you want to accomplish great things, be willing to sacrifice much. The two go hand in hand. (Easier said than done, I know.)

Secret of success #6: Success is achieved in inches, not miles.
Most people never realize how close they are to attaining their dream of having a breakthrough because they give up too soon. Little by little and inch by inch, it is a cinch. Everything in life takes dedication and time. The people who win in life are the people who harness the power of patience and persistence.

Secret of success #7: "Before anything else, getting ready is the secret of success." - Henry Ford.
You need to identify what you want to do, where you want to go, who you want to be and what you want to accomplish. You do this by setting goals. Goals will help you determine priorities and help you constantly move toward your destination. Your goals will map out your actions and your actions will create results.

Secret of success #8: Your success is conceived in the mind, but your words give it life.
The tongue, through words, has the ability to build and to destroy. Words are not cheap. Words are the bridge into your future, because we believe everything that comes out of our own mouths. Make sure your words are always positive. They will create your world. Get so excited about planning your triumphs, you do not have time to complain about your past losses.

Secret of success #9: The greatest enemy of tomorrow's success is today's success.
A friend once told me, "The minute you think you have arrived is when you have been departed." And he was right. Do not allow yourself to grow complacent. Stay hungry. No matter what you have accomplished, or where you have been, there is always room for growth, improvement and learning more. Do not let success go to your head or settle into a comfort zone. Continue to move on to greater growth. Earl Wilson said, "If what you did yesterday still looks pretty good, then you have not done enough today."

Secret of success #10: None of the Secrets of Success will work unless you do!
Hard work is the mother of all success. Having goals is important. Passionate focus is vital. Knowledge is crucial. However, without work it is meaningless.

P.S. No success at the office can compensate for failure at home.