INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR NEW LIFE

As I waited for the delayed arrival of our handyman for some household repairs, I occupied my time by rereading a short novel from my unfortunately dusty collection of books! Often that's a great way to invest your time, rather than staring at the clock!

The following concepts were summarized from chapter 19 of Og Mandino's book "The Spellbinder's Gift".

Step One:
First, recognize that you are not a sheep who will be satisfied with only a few nibbles of dry grass or with following the herd as they wander aimlessly, bleating and whining, all of their days. Separate yourself now from the multitude of humanity so that you will be able to control your own destiny. Remember that what others think and say and do need never influence what you think and say and do. Separate yourself from the crowd.

Step Two:
As soon as you awake, seal yourself in a day-tight compartment so that you will live only for this day and its allotted work. Yesterday has vanished forever and tomorrow is only a dream. Refuse to allow painful memories of the past or hand-wringing concerns about tomorrow to befoul your thinking so that today's efforts are impaired. Get rid of both heavy loads, yesterday's and tomorrow's, so that you can advance swiftly today toward the good life you deserve. Live each day in a day-tight compartment.

Step Three:
Go the extra mile at every opportunity today and you will be following the greatest secret of success known to man. The one certain method of turning this day into a glorious success is to work harder, longer and more intensely than anyone expects you to do. Always render more and better service than that for which you are being paid and you will soon be paid for more than you do. Go the extra mile!

Step Four:
Realize that almost every adversity that may befall you today usually carries with it an equivalent or greater benefit that you will find if you have the courage to look. Collect your thoughts whenever you suffer a setback and ask yourself what possible good can be extracted from your misfortune. The scales of life always return to center, and if God closes one door to you, another will be opened. Never abandon hope. Look for the seed of good in every adversity.

Step Five: Never neglect the little things. One of the greatest differences between a failure and a success is that the successful person will tackle chores that the failure avoids. Work done hastily, shortcuts taken, careless attention to details--these can all eventually wreak great havoc on your career. Constantly remind yourself that if it is part of your work, however small a task it may be, then it is important. History still reminds us of ancient battles that were lost because of a missing horseshoe nail. Never neglect the little things. Step Six:
Never hide behind busy work. It takes just as much energy to fail as it does to succeed. You must constantly guard against the trap of falling into a routine of remaining busy with unimportant chores that will provide you with an excuse to avoid meaningful challenges or opportunities that could change your life for the better. Your hours are your most precious possession. This day is all you have. Waste not a minute. Never hide behind busy work.

Step Seven:
Live this entire day without allowing anyone to rain on your parade. The wounds to your inner self can be painful and long-lasting whenever anyone taunts or criticizes you. As you now begin to climb the golden ladder of success, you will constantly encounter those who will attempt to drag you down to their level. This has always been the way of the world, and if you permit it to happen to you, the pounding you receive will eventually cause you to cease your climb in order to avoid future pain. Just smile and walk away from it. Envy always implies the conscious inferiority of others. Never allow anyone to rain on your parade.