I'm always reading articles about how successful people are "successful" and today is like no other.  Ironically, these articles always come in handy and happen to hit when I may need it the most.  Here's what "successful people" do.  Are you doing them?

1. Be True to Yourself - Basically, listen to the little voice in the back of your head and do what it says.  It's hardly ever wrong.  I've also found that when I try to be someone I'm not or niche into an area that I really don't like, that it just doesn't work.
2. Give Back.  Repay What You Have Been Given - In the book, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, the point is made that when things are at your worst and you don't know where the next job or paycheck is coming from... give a little bit more because you've now opened the flood gates.  Wow, that's a difficult one for me!
3. Never Aspire for Average - This one I like.  If you strive to be average, you will be.  If you set the bar high and aim for the top, you leave quite a few people in the dust.
4. Never Quit Learning or Reading - Your mind grows stale without new stuff to put in it.
5. Surround Yourself with People Who Make You Feel Better - Now, is not the time to spend time with your doom and gloom friends.
6. Bad Things Will Happen - Be Prepared - This one hit hard as my computer crashed the other day and I've been scrambling to find a new computer as the labtop needs a new motherboard and will be out of commission for 3 weeks!  The Bible says to be joyous in all trials (James 1), I haven't accomplished the joy aspect yet but I think I've handled the disappointment pretty well up to this point.
7. Give Thanks for Your Blessings Daily - We are so quick to complain yet so slow to give thanks.

8. So, I don't know about you... but I have a few of these to work on.  How about you?

   References: Kitchens, Ron. "Education and the seven rules." Business Review Western Michigan. May 15-21, 2008.