Determination and persistence are two keys for achieving success. Achievers always emphasize the importance of these traits. They strive to instill these things in themselves and others interested in high-performance living.

Winners possess a bulldog determination that separates them from those who give in to the temptation to quit in despair. Obstacles, setbacks and losses may naturally discourage you and make you want to quit. But anybody can quit.

It takes a special person to persevere through hardships and discouragement to reach high goals.

You can develop the determination to hurdle any obstacle separating you from your goals. Consider these steps to strengthen your determination:

· Develop a burning desire to achieve your goals. Think often of the satisfaction you will experience when you reach your goals. Having a compelling need to reach your goals can't be over emphasized. Other qualities that make you a winner flow from this desire.

· Refuse to worry about failure. Accept that everybody - even the most successful people who ever lived - encounters setbacks and occasional failures. Convert mistakes and setbacks into stepping stones toward your destination.

· Always keep your head up. In the midst of setbacks or mistakes, avoid being discouraged. Successful people shrug it off and know that there will always be another chance. Just make sure to not repeat the same error in the future.

· Finish what you start. No matter what the goal - a project at work, a clean garage, or a daily exercise program - if you develop the habit of finishing what you start, it will affect every area of your life. Give "quitter" thinking no room to grow.

· Keep you mind focused on the rewards, not the pain. Never look for shortcuts to victory. Commit to hard work and strong dedication. Be willing to bounce back from setbacks and move forward.

· Be realistic in your expectations. It's still true that Rome wasn't built in a day. You reach the top only through long, hard effort. Concentrate on making steady progress toward lasting achievement.

"A great oak is only a little nut that held his ground."

(Compliments of Rutherford Publishing www.RPublish.com)

To earn respect, practice the following principles:

· Be sincere. Acting like you're concerned for others isn't enough to merit respect. Know the people you deal with, understand what you can offer them, and work hard to help your organization and clients become more effective.

· Listen to others. Many professionals think they know all they need to know. However, you can always learn valuable information from anyone.

· Maintain honesty and integrity. Never promise more than you can provide, and keep all agreements "above the table."

(Compliments of Rutherford Publishing www.Rpublish.com)