On the Trail of Success-What an Adventure!

As many of you know I'm an adventure runner.  Mountains, rivers, mud, bogs, rock slides, big changes in temperatures, wild animals are all a part of any adventure run.  Learning to adapt "on the run" is critical.  For some runners, lack of being able to adapt to the conditions determines if they make the finish line.
Along each route of any adventure run, course directors will instruct runners to look for markers at given distances to make sure they're on course.  Miss a marker and you could be in a bunch of trouble and get really lost.  Then you do your best to back track and you lose precious time.
Being successful in life and staying on course is much like an adventure run.  You need to keep your head up to see what's coming so you won't be surprised and will know in advance how to handle any obstacle that might stand in your way.
Remember those course markers I mentioned that you look for in a run?  Sometimes they are little red flags stuck in the ground.  Other times they will be little ribbons tied on tree branches.  Whatever shape they take you know they are out there and as a runner its your responsibility to see and follow them.  Doing your own thing in an environment your not familiar with is not encouraged. 
Seems like that's the course many people today are taking in their lives, occupation, relationships.  They are just kinda 'winging it' and then they wonder why they're not moving towards their goals in life.  Of course, I'm assuming they have goals and that's another topic all together!
So here are the 'course flags' one needs to look for in completing the course set before them.
Marker 1    Work on Your Attitude;  Having a good attitude in the single most important key to success in anything.  Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
Marker 2    Believe in Yourself.  Others see you as you see yourself.  When you believe in yourself and confidently express your unique "I" in the world, success is virtually guaranteed.  When you believe in what you do and it's a reflection of 'who you are' inside, you become a magnet to exciting opportunities.
Marker 3    Commit to Being the Best at What You Do.  The most successful among us do what others can't or won't do.  You have to commit to yourself.  That takes strength and determination.
Marker 4    Sacrifice Time, Money, and Instant Gratification, but Never Sacrifice Your Self-respect.  In order to be successful, you have to make tough choices that will go against your desires in order to focus on your values.  You will always forego short-term gratification for long-term gains.
Marker 5  Persevere.  You Gotta Keep Going.  Success comes to the last person standing.  Most people never become successful because they simply didn't try hard enough.  Whatever you do, you can't give up!


Now go out and run your life's course knowing that the markers are out there to guide you to the finish line and that great feeling of accomplishment!