You need to build and maintain
an unstoppable will to succeed.

A positive attitude is the most common thread among all winners. It will separate you from the many who give up, settle for less, or stay in unattractive situations. It's easy to build a will to succeed if you follow some basic guidelines.

1—Develop positive beliefs. Now is a good time to remind yourself of all the good things you have done. Write down positive things "you've done and can do." Make it as long and complete as possible. You will find it reassuring. It will begin to provide reinforcement for the positive attitude you must maintain. For example: I have increased profits. I have attracted new business. I have cut costs, etc. Here are some "can do's" to consider: I can work with all levels of people. I can get things done quickly. I can motivate others, and so forth.

2—Get rid of negative beliefs. Having built a set of positive beliefs about yourself, your second step is to get rid of beliefs that might inhibit your will to succeed. Are you saying, "Things are bad, it's a grim world out there." If so, this simply reflects your beliefs about "the way you think things really are." If you believe the economy is bad, you will see breaking news and pay attention to layoffs or sales declines. On the other hand, if you believe that there are many areas of opportunity, then you will notice new firms, new products and the like.

3—Set your expectations high. Our expectations affect what happens to us. Obvious examples are the many sports teams and athletes who, when asked about their success, often reply, "We expected all along that we would win." A close look at the leaders in almost any field reveals a common theme. Whether it's a leading scientist, educator, salesperson, or leader of industry, each of them have had positive expectations of themselves.

4—Put positive expectations to work. For instance, if someone tells you that an interview can take only 15 minutes, recognize it's a screening interview and build expectations that it will allow you to showcase your potential. Here's another example: Suppose you had an excellent interview, called twice afterwards, and got no response. Don't assume they have lost interest. Instead, assume they're busy and that they are still very interested. Decide now that your second meeting will be better than the first. With that kind of expectation, you will then find it easy to write a short follow-up note that your interest continues to grow, and that you are dedicated to becoming the best ever in the job.

5—Project a positive attitude. Talk to people about your positive expectations. It reaffirms your commitment. Put yourself on the line. Let these ideas flow into your attitude. Work at this. It's easy and it's fun. A spring in your step, a firm handshake, a confident look in your eye, and comments that reveal a positive outlook can all help you project good feelings to the outside world.

6—Make things happen by getting into action. If you look at achievers in any field, you will find that they are very active. It's a simple fact that taking action is in itself like taking an energy tonic. Choose any kind of example you like. The head of a college breathing new life into an institution, a company president turning around firm, a coach turning a losing team into winners. They are so intent on their actions, there is no room for doubt and indecision. You can do the same thing.

"A positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug." — Patricia Neal

"There's no such thing as expecting too much." — Susan Cheever

"It's not whether you get knocked down. It's whether you get back up. — Vince Lombardi

Approach success as being inevitable. A positive attitude separates you from the pack. It's what all winners have. And, if you are unemployed, remember that you have time to do it right!

Be confident. Confidence is all about positive expectations for good things to happen. It affects your willingness to commit your energy, time and resources in pursuit of your search.

Have passion and drive. Passion and drive make a difference. It's the work ethic you bring to the table.

Be committed. This is influenced by your goals. So select goals that mean a lot and the pursuit will keep you committed.

Invest in yourself. There is no new product... and there is no new business... that can get started without some investment.

Take initiatives. One of the nice things about this system is you can be creative and take more actions than ever before.

Expect to win. In the end... with our system, it will all come back to confidence. Make succeeding a self-fulfilling prophecy.