You can achieve whatever you want by incorporating the following components into your daily schedule. Consistency is key. To enjoy positive results, you need to make these secrets a way of life. All of the secrets are equally important. You can't pick and choose. These secrets are not sequential steps. They all have to be utilized simultaneously.

If you're not used to integrating these concepts into your life, you may feel awkward at first. Your comfort level will grow as you repeatedly apply them. Eventually, they will become second nature and you will wonder why everyone doesn't use them. Go ahead and indulge yourself. You can't overdose and there are no negative side effects. Only good things will result.

S: Sense of purpose. You need goals, a clear vision of what you want, and an understanding of your destination. Live with intention. A sense of purpose is your treasure map. Without it, you are like a cork floating on the ocean; the wind, waves, currents, and tides determine your direction. It's normal for distractions to arise. A sense of purpose keeps you on track.

E: Excellence. Be the best you can be at everything you do. If you don't commit to, and demand excellence, you broadcast that you accept mediocrity. Acceptance of mediocrity demonstrates you don't care. If you don't care, how can you expect anyone else to? First rate attracts first rate. Excellence stands far ahead from the crowd.

C: Contribution. Doing for others, service and giving. You can have anything in life that you want if you help enough other people get what they want. Rewards are a result, not a goal. They are proportional to how much you are willing to give. But only if you give without the expectation of receiving. All of your actions will come full circle, but there's no way to know when, where or how.

R: Responsibility. Take 100% responsibility for your life. Don't blame others. Doing so dooms you to a life of frustration and disappointment. Success or failure, everyone is self-made. You are responsible for where you are today. If you don't like your situation, change it.

E: Effort. There is no shortcut or substitute for focus and hard work. Work smart and hard. Anything worthwhile takes effort. Exceed what is expected. When an airplane takes off, all engines are set to full throttle. Once airborne, the engines are throttled back for level flight. Power has to be increased in response to turbulence or to gain more altitude. Life works the same way. All endeavors require 110% effort to get them off the ground. Once things get going, you can throttle back and enjoy the results of your efforts.

T: Time management. Set priorities. Each day has only 24 hours. Use discretion in how you spend your time. Say no to those activities that distract you from your objectives. Reserve your time for those actions that get you closer to your goals. Use time, don't waste it.

S: Stay with it. Persist and persevere. Never, ever give up. You can't accomplish anything without resolve. No matter how hopeless or impossible a situation may seem, only through persistence will you have the ability to triumph. There is nothing more powerful than pure, dogged tenacity. Determination can even compensate for other areas that may be lacking such as education, experience or finances.

These secrets of achievement can be utilized by anyone, at anytime. It doesn't matter what has happened in the past. Start applying all of these secrets today.

copyright 2005 Bryan Golden

Bryan Golden is a self-development and motivational expert, author, and adjunct professor. He is the author of "Dare to Live Without Limits," and writes a nationally syndicated newspaper column. For more information please visit: http://www.daretolivewithoutlimits.com or http://www.bryangolden.com