A step by step tool for top achievers

Take Inventory: Make a List of All Your
Strengths and Weaknesses
Successful people realize their limitations but build on their strengths. Unless we know
these things, how can we build on them? Focus on what you want to do and be, rather
than what you don't.
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
The crux of self-esteem cannot be expressed better than the following words by Abraham
Lincoln.

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WORLD, MY SON STARTS SCHOOL TODAY!*
World, take my child by the hand--he starts school today!
It is all going to be strange and new to him for a while, and I wish you would sort of treat
him gently. You see, up to now, he has been king of the roost. He has been the boss of
the backyard. I have always been around to repair his wounds, and I have always been
handy to soothe his feelings.
But now things are going to be different. This morning he is going to walk down the front
steps, wave his hand, and start on a great adventure that probably will include wars and
tragedy and sorrow.
To live in this world will require faith and love and courage. So, World, I wish you would
sort of take him by his young hand and teach him the things he will have to know. Teach
him-but gently, if you can.
He will have to learn, I know, that all people are not just that all men and women are not
true. Teach him that for every scoundrel, there is a hero; that for every enemy, there is a
friend. Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest people to lick.
Teach him the wonder of books. Give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of
birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on a green hill. Teach him that it is far more
honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone
tells him they are wrong.
Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone else is getting on
the bandwagon. Teach him to listen to others, but to filter all he hears on a screen of truth
and to take only the good that comes through.
Teach him never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears on
the howling mob-and to stand and fight if he thinks he is right. Teach him gently, World,
but do not coddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel.
This is a big order, World, but see what you can do. He is such a nice son.
Signed, Abraham Lincoln
*adapted from "Pulpit Helps" February 1991, quoted in Apple Seeds, Volume 10, No.
1,1994.

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ACTION PLAN
1. Read life stories of people who have turned negatives into positives. Make reading
good
      books or listening to inspirational audio tapes part of your daily routine.
2. Regularly and systematically commit a portion of your time and/or money to charitable
      activity without any expectations in cash or kind.
3.   Stay away from negative influences. Don't give into peer pressure.
4. Practice giving and receiving sincere compliments graciously.
5. Start accepting  responsibility for your behavior and actions.
6. Practice self-discipline even when it is not comfortable.
7. Associate with people of high moral character.
8. Be creative and find ways to turn your weaknesses into strengths.
9. Practice patience; persevere even if the results are not visible.

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