You Can Achieve More

1. Attitude is a Choice: Win-Win or Lose-Lose

“A person with a positive attitude cannot be stopped. A person with a negative attitude cannot be helped.”

Attitude shapes reality. Our attitude, not our circumstances, dictates our success. A positive attitude is not about ignoring problems, but about focusing on solutions. It's the ability to see opportunities in every challenge, and to persist with determination rather than succumbing to discouragement.

Two natures within. We all have two natures: one that seeks comfort and convenience, and another that guides us towards what is right, even if it's difficult. The battle is to strengthen the good and overcome the vices that pull us down. This internal struggle is constant, and the choice of which nature to feed is ours.

Ant philosophy. The ant serves as a great example of a positive attitude. They are hardworking, purpose-driven, far-sighted, persistent, and maintain a work-life balance. They don't quit when faced with obstacles, and neither should we. Our attitude is a choice, and it's the most powerful tool we have.

2. Life by Design, Not by Default

“Where we will be five years from now will depend on whether we live by design or by default.”

Intentional living. We must actively design our lives rather than passively accepting what comes our way. Living by default means letting external forces dictate our path, leading to regrets and unfulfilled potential. Living by design requires conscious choices, clear goals, and a commitment to making them happen.

Preparation is key. Success is not a miracle or a mystery, but the natural outcome of consistently applying certain principles. It's about being prepared when opportunities arise, rather than blaming luck when we are not. Preparation involves sacrifice, self-discipline, hard work, commitment, integrity, and responsibility.

Meaningful life. A meaningful life is not measured by material possessions, but by our attitude towards life. It's about having a purpose, making a contribution, and living with intention. We must choose to live a life of fulfillment rather than merely existing.

3. Problems are a Sign of Life: Accept, Change, or Know the Difference

“Problems are a sign of life. So long as we are alive, we shall have problems. The day we have no problems, we will be dead.”

Problems are inevitable. Problems are not something to be avoided, but rather a sign that we are alive and engaged with the world. The absence of problems is not a desirable state, but rather a sign of stagnation. We cannot solve all our problems, but we can certainly handle them.

Serenity Prayer. The Serenity Prayer provides a framework for dealing with life's challenges: accept what we cannot change, have the courage to change what we can, and have the wisdom to know the difference. This requires a balance between acceptance and action, and the ability to discern what is within our control.

Fate and free will. Life is a combination of fate (what we cannot control) and free will (how we respond). We cannot choose the cards we are dealt, but we can choose how to play the game. We must accept what we cannot change and focus our energy on what we can.

4. Wisdom is Action: Spirituality is a Way of Life

“Knowledge without action is like ploughing without sowing.”

Action over knowledge. Knowledge is only valuable when it is put into action. Learning without implementation is like ploughing without sowing; it yields no harvest. True wisdom lies in the proper application of knowledge, leading to positive change and growth.

Spirituality defined. Spirituality is not about rituals or dogma, but about living with integrity, responsibility, and respect. It's about adding value to whatever we do and making a positive impact on the world. It's about being honest, ethical, and compassionate in all our interactions.

Spiritual actions. Spirituality is not a strategy, but a way of life. It's about a politician thinking of the next generation, a doctor saving lives, a judge giving fair judgments, and a teacher building character. It's about doing everything with integrity and adding value to life.

5. Mind Your Mind: Thermostat, Not Thermometer

“Our mind is a thought factory generating either positive or negative thoughts.”

Mind as a controller. Our mind is like a thought factory, constantly generating either positive or negative thoughts. We can choose to condition our minds to be like a thermostat, which regulates its environment, rather than a thermometer, which only reacts to external conditions.

Autopilot mode. We should put our minds on autopilot, making positive behavior a reflex action. This means programming our minds to respond positively to challenges and opportunities, regardless of external circumstances. A thermostat mind is always in control.

Power of positive thinking. Our thoughts have a direct impact on our behavior, health, and relationships. Cultivating positive thoughts can lead to better outcomes and a more fulfilling life. We must learn to control and direct our minds to create a positive belief system.

6. Invest in Yourself: Input Determines Output

“If you do not like the output in your life, then you must evaluate the input.”

Input shapes attitude. Where we will be in five years depends on the books we read, the shows we watch, and the company we keep. These are the inputs that shape our attitude, which is the output. We must be mindful of what we allow into our minds.

Mind as a garden. Our mind is like a garden; whatever we plant will grow. We must be careful to plant positive seeds, such as good books, uplifting content, and supportive relationships. We must also weed out the negative influences that can contaminate our minds.

Invest above the neck. We often spend money on material possessions, but we should invest more in our minds. This means reading good books, watching educational content, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences. Investing in our minds is the best investment we can make.

7. Making of a Winner: Self-Esteem, Consistency, Self-Control, Self-Discipline, Passion

“Winners make things happen, losers wait for things to happen.”

Self-esteem is key. Self-esteem is a feeling of self-worth and the foundation of our psyche. It is based on self-acceptance, which means accepting ourselves as we are, while striving to improve. It is about being internally driven, not seeking validation from outside.

Consistency is crucial. Success is not an event, but a process. It's about repeating positive actions daily and avoiding negative ones. Consistency is the key to proficiency, and it shapes our lives. A few positive actions repeated daily result in winning, and a few mistakes repeated every day result in failure.

Self-control and discipline. Self-control is the essence of self-respect, and self-discipline is the foundation of winning. Discipline is the remedy for regret. We must have the self-control to do what is right, even when it is difficult. Desire without discipline is only wishful thinking.

Passion fuels action. Passion is a strong emotion that propels us to commit to ourselves. We must put our hearts into whatever we do. Winners don't do different things, they do things differently, with passion and enthusiasm.

8. Keep It Up: Little and Crucial vs. Petty and Trivial

“The difference between the good and the great is the attention given to details.”

Conditioning the mind. Conditioning the mind is more important than willpower. We must train our minds to do the right thing consistently. Winners overcome their limitations and focus on their strengths, while losers focus on their limitations.

Little and crucial. We must distinguish between little and crucial things, and petty and trivial things. Little things are not little; they make a big difference. It is the small leak that sinks the ship. We must pay attention to the smallest details.

Petty and trivial. We must not major in minor issues. We must learn what to look for and what to overlook. We must not let petty issues bother us. We must keep little things in perspective.

Overcome limitations. Self-imposed limitations bind us down. We must believe in ourselves and set high standards to break past these limitations. The greatest achievers have faced bigger problems than most of us.

9. Values Don't Change: Choose Character

“When character is lost, everything is lost.”

Character is an accomplishment. Character is not a gift, but an accomplishment. It is built bit by bit through hard work. It is based on our value system, which guides our actions. It is easier kept than regained.

Character is learned. Character is not something we are born with, it is a learned behavior. It is based on our value system. It is a composite of qualities such as integrity, honesty, ethics, conscience, loyalty, mental strength, grit, and courage.

Three pillars of character. The three pillars of character are integrity, respect, and responsibility. These are the core values that guide our behavior. They are the foundation from which all behavior emanates, resulting in consequences.

Choose character. We must choose character over convenience. We must choose to live by ethical and moral values. We must choose to do the right thing, even when it is difficult.

10. Integrity: A Way of Life, Not a Strategy

“Integrity involves upholding a personal moral code no matter.”

Integrity is authenticity. Integrity means being uncorrupted and authentic. It means that our actions and words match. It is about doing what is right, not just knowing what is right. It is a way of life, not a strategy.

Values are priceless. Integrity does not change with the amount involved. It is a universal and eternal value. It is more important than valuables. It is the foundation of trust and credibility.

Ethics matter. Ethical behavior is essential for success. Unethical behavior leads to failure and loss of credibility. We must make decisions based on integrity, not expediency.

Integrity and honesty. Integrity is a value system, while honesty is a habit. We can be honest without having integrity, but we cannot have integrity without being honest. We must strive to be both honest and have integrity.

11. Accountability: Ownership and Responsibility

“Every sunrise brings new opportunities and every sunset demands results and accountability.”

Accountability is key. Accountability is the willingness to accept responsibility. It is a prerequisite for success. It is about taking ownership of our actions and their consequences. It is a way of life.

Preparedness is crucial. People who accept accountability take pride in performance. They anticipate what's coming next and prepare in advance. They deliver results, not excuses. They are proactive, not reactive.

Ownership and belonging. When we take ownership, we have a feeling of belonging. We feel connected to the organization and its goals. We take responsibility for our actions and their impact.

Accountability is a culture. Organizations that have a culture of accountability make it a practice to hire and retain employees who accept accountability as a personal value. They hold each other accountable for results.

12. Be Proactive: Make It Happen, Don't Wait

“Achievers think in terms of seconds and minutes, non-achievers think in terms of hours and days.”

Proactive mindset. We must be proactive, not reactive. We must make things happen, rather than waiting for things to happen. We must take charge of our lives and our destinies.

Time is precious. Time is a perishable commodity. We must invest our time wisely, rather than wasting it. We must be mindful of how we spend our time. We must make every moment count.

Overcome procrastination. Procrastination is a major time waster. We must overcome procrastination and take action. We must do what is important, not just what is easy. We must make a habit of doing it now.

Go-givers, not go-getters. We must be go-givers, not go-getters. We must focus on giving value to others, rather than just taking. We must be proactive in making a positive impact on the world.

Last updated: January 16, 2025