572. Maturity and Success

If you are to suceed at anything you need to "Get out of B.E.D. and pick up your O.A.R." These are acronyms that help you to remember what to do.

First, get out of BED.

B is for Blame
E is for Excuses
D is for Denial.

Then take up your OAR.

O is for Ownership
A is for Accountability
R is for Responsibilty

All that this means is you should stop blaming others, making excuses and denying there is a problem, otherwise known as bellyaching and start realising that no-one else is going to do it if you dont, take responsibility and hold yourself liable for the consequences. i.e. become mature about it.

535. Planning and Attention to Detail

In every activity, enthusiasm and single-mindedness are absolutely vital if you are to succeed but they will only take you so far unless you also employ meticulous planning and absolute attention to detail. "For want of the nail the shoe was lost ...etc."

337. Timing

Timing is everything. In life, in business and in gambles, your timing and execution must be perfect. Sometimes there comes a chance; the fates give you something special. You take that chance and you seize the big pot.

236.Speak of Success

Speak only of your successes, never of your failures.

207. A List of Good Practices

Here is a list of good practices. You should take each one and attempt to establish it in your character. Take one a week and in six months you will be a different (better) person.

1. Succeed at home first.
2. Seek and merit divine help.
3. Never compromise with honesty.
4. Always remember the people involved.
5. Hear both sides before judging. *
6. Obtain the wise counsel of others.
7. Defend those who are absent.
8. Be sincere and decisive.
9. Develop a new proficiency every year.
10. Plan tomorrow's work today.
11. Hustle while you wait.
12. Maintain a positive attitude.
13. Maintain a sense of humour.
14. Be orderly in person and in work.
15. Do not fear mistakes. Fear only the absence of creative, constructive and corrective responses to your mistakes.
16. Facilitate the success of others.
17. Listen twice as much as you speak.
18. Concentrate all your abilities and effort on the task in hand.
19. Get organised and stay organised. Have a system for everything !
20. Always ask "What would the Wise do here ?"
21. Make everything as simple as possible but no simpler.
22. Keep practicing.
23. Stay close to your goals.
24. Meet adversity with composure.
25. Study every day.
26. Always keep your word.