Step#10

Research has consistently shown that those who succeed tend to make decision rapidly and are slow to reverse a well-thought-out position. Conversely, people who fail usually decide slowly and change their minds frequently. Once you've made a sound decision, stick by it.

Step#9

Success and failure are usually not the result of single event. Failure is the result of neglecting to make the call…to go the extra mile…to say, "I love you." In the same way that failure follows this string of small decisions, success comes from taking the initiative and following up...persisting…eloquently expressing the depth of your love.

What simple action could you take today to produce a new momentum toward success in your life?

Step#8

We must commit to learning from our mistakes instead of agonizing over them, or we're destined to repeat our errors in the future. When you temporarily run aground, remember that there are no failures in life. There are only results. Consider the adage: success is the result of good judgment, good judgment is result of experience, and experience is often the result of bad judgment!

What have you learned from a past mistake that can use to improve your life today?

Step#7

The more decisions you make, the better you'll become at making them. Muscles get stronger with use, and so it is with your decision-making muscles.

Today, make two decisions you've been putting off: one easy decision and one that's a bit more far-reaching. Immediately take the first action toward fulfilling each of them—and follow through with the next step tomorrow. By doing this, you'll be building the muscle that can change your entire life.

Step#6

We've all heard about people who've exploded beyond the limitation of their conditions to become examples of the unlimited power of the human spirit.

You and I can make our lives of these legendary inspirations, as well, simply by having courage and the awareness that we can control whatever happens in your lives. Although we cannot always control the events in our lives, we can always control our response to them, and the actions we take as a result.

If there's anything you're not happy about—in your relationships, in your health, in your career—make a decision right now about how you're going to change it immediately.

Step#5

In 1955, Rosa Parks made a decision to defy an unjust law that discriminated against her on the basis of her race. Her refusal to give up her seat on the bus consequences far beyond those she may have been aware of at the moment. Had she intended to change the structure of a society?

No matter what her intent, her commitment to a higher standard compelled her to act.

What far-reaching effects could be set in motion by raising the standards you hold for your life and making a true decision to live up to them today?

Step#4

Each of us is endowed with innate resources that enable us achieve all we've ever dreamed of—and more. The floodgate can be opened by one decision, bringing us joy or sorrow, prosperity or poverty, companionship or solitude, long life or early death.

I challenge you to make a decision today that can immediately change or improve the quality of your life. Do something you've been putting off …master a new set of skills…treat people with newfound respect and compassion…call someone you haven't spoken to in years. Just know that all decision have consequences. Even making no decision at all is a decision in its own way.

What decisions have you made or failed to make in the past that powerfully influence your life today?