success

Laws of Success
Secret #6

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It always amazes me that so many people are frustrated with being unable to get anywhere when they don't even know where they are now. I know that sounds strange, but it's true. People want to get ahead, and reach certain goals. Yet they do not even know where they are starting from.

Every journey requires a starting point, a route, and a destination. If you have no idea where you are, how can you possibly plan a journey to a chosen destination? You wouldn't even know which direction to go in. Therefore, before you start planning your journey to success, you need to know exactly where you stand right now. You need to take stock of your financial situation, your work, family - everything. You will need to know what your assets are, and what your liabilities are. And you need to be honest with yourself!

You need to know and evaluate every asset, because these will be your vehicle. You need to know your liabilities in order to plan your route in such a way that those liabilities do not become obstacles, or detours.

Assets consist of more than mere money, as you should know by now. Your friends and associates are assets. Your family support is an asset. Your state of mind, even your bright smile is an asset (if your teeth are good - otherwise, see about getting them fixed :o) Your skills, knowledge, training, hobbies - all of these are assets. And the same is true of liabilities - a bad temper is a liability, just like too much credit card debt is a liability.

To know where you stand, you will have to be painfully honest with yourself about such things. Evaluate them without bias. When you discover a weakness or liability, try to find ways to either overcome it, or turn it into an asset. How do you turn a liability into an asset? Not long ago there was a real "geek" who dropped out of college. He looked, talked and acted like a geek. Who would have thought that he would turn his geekish nature into such a powerful presence that we know as Bill Gates, of Microsoft. He knew he was a geek. And he knew that he could use that to power an empire. Everyone underestimated him, ignored him. This provided him with the powerful element of surprise, and he used that weapon with great precision. Before Steve Jobs of Apple - or anyone else - knew what was happening, it was too late.

If you cannot turn a liability into an asset, at least make sure it is under control. Do not allow anyone else the opportunity to use it as a weapon against you. As for your assets, while evaluating them, look for ways to make them stronger. And seek out ways to maximize them, and utilize their full potential. If you have trusted friends, call upon them to assist you. Seek their advice. Let them try to punch holes in your plan - if they can, your enemies can, too. This shows you where your plan must be reinforced. Brainstorm with friends and family - even children. You will be surprised at the things a child's imagination can come up with. One man asked a classroom of first-graders what they would use strips of velcro for - he was fishing for ideas. One tyke blurted out, "I'd glue 'em on my shoes because I can't tie my shoes yet." I think you can guess what the next hot product was in the stores.

Your computer is an asset, but are you using it to its full potential? I sell my books on the Internet. I consult with clients via email. I surf the web gathering up useful info on various topics that currently have my interest - I may use some of that info to write more books.

My computer keeps my books (accounting). It schedules my tasks and keeps me organized (which is no easy task for a man with A.D.D.). My computer burns CD's that I market. It prints books and business cards. It produces brochures. I even use it to add depth to my 14 year-old daughter's education. I shop on the Internet, saving gas, time and traffic jams. And I even use my computer to edit my works before publication. I save on long-distance charges by using email to chat with friends and relatives.

Do you have a hobby that you are an expert on? That is a great asset. People pay good money to learn from experts. Or maybe your hobby can produce income in some other way. If so, you can turn it into a part-time business that will put thousands of dollars in your pocket each year even if it doesn't earn you a dime! (Great tax deductions - detailed here).

Secret #6 Summary: Spend some time finding out more about where you are. Make sure you know where all your money comes from, and where it goes. Know and evaluate all assets and liabilities, and maximize their potential. Once you know where you are, it becomes much easier to figure out how to get where you want to be.

Go to Secret #7


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