Watch the one ahead of you, and you’ll learn why he is ahead. Then emulate him.

One of the surest ways to achieve success is to observe the actions of successful people, determine what principles they regularly employ, and then use them yourself. The principles of success, as Andrew Carnegie said, are definite, they are real, and they can be learned by anyone willing to take the time to study and apply them.

If you are truly observant, you will find that you can learn something from almost everyone you meet. And it isn’t even necessary that you know them. You may choose great people who are no longer alive. The important thing is to study their lives, and then learn and apply in your own life the specific principles these people used to achieve greatness.

No one has yet discovered the limitations of the power of his own mind.

Pat Ryan, the chairman and CEO of Aon Corporation, the giant multinational insurance company, is fond of saying, “You can’t conceive how high ‘up’ is, except for the limitations of your own mind.” It’s not very good English, he admits, but it emphatically makes the point that the only limits that can be placed on the power of your mind will be those you impose on it yourself. When you brainstorm, don’t allow limits to be placed on any idea. Sometimes the ideas that seem the craziest at the time will later prove to be the most inspired.

If you’re working with your Master Mind group, encourage the free flow of ideas from every individual present. Don’t be critical or analytical during the brainstorming process; at this point, every idea is a good one. Cluster the ideas into groups of related thoughts so that the best of them can later be shaped for practical application.

Have you ever noticed that some people make life look really easy and seem to have all the great things in life?

If we examine the lives of these successful people, and we will find that they have paid a price that is in direct proportion to the amount of success they have earned. Close examination will almost always reveal years of study and preparation before great success is achieved.

This principle is consistent in virtually every field of individual achievement — in the arts, medicine, science, or business. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easily. As you consider your own goals, also consider what you are willing to sacrifice for what you expect to receive.

Many years ago, the commencement speaker at a prestigious university asked all members of the graduating class who had a definite plan for their lives to hold up their hands. As he looked around the room, only three hands were raised.

Twenty-five years later, when the class held a reunion, the combined net worth of those three individuals exceeded that of the remainder of the class. People who know where they are going always achieve far greater levels of success than those who merely drift through life, expecting circumstances to create opportunities for them.

Successful people create their own opportunities by focusing on goals with an intensity that borders on obsession. In this way, every action moves them toward their goal.  Many “overnight successes” labored in obscurity for many years before they were finally recognized for their achievements.

A burning desire to be and to do is the starting point from which the dreamer must take off.

Be sure about what you want from life and doubly sure of what you have to give in return.

An ancient proverb says, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

We all know people nearing the end of their life’s journey who looked back and said, “If only I had done things differently…. If only I had taken advantage of that opportunity when it came along.”

Unfulfilled lives are filled with “if onlys.” They are the refrain of the timid souls whose lives were finished before they ever really got started. Life is filled with many opportunities — for great successes and spectacular failures. It is up to you to seize the initiative, to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. You are condemned to a life of mediocrity — unless you get into action. Don’t delay; do it today!

If you appreciate the kindness shown you by others, say it with actions as well as words.

The people who enjoy the greatest financial and personal success in life are those who build lasting relationships — with business associates, friends, co-workers, and others. They take the time and trouble to stay in touch, and they make sure that when someone does a good deed for them, they respond in kind.

Build your network of personal and professional friends by taking the initiative and being a friend.

It’s a sure thing that you’ll not finish if you don’t start.