Have you ever been lost? Do

you ever feel like a hamster on a treadmill? Are you

tired of commuting to work and get only getting further

behind with your life?

For years, each morning I

drove past a cemetery on the way to work. At that

juncture, I was probably speeding toward the office,

feeling stressed . . .late for a meeting or something.

Those tombstones stood guard like quiet soldiers

reminding me of my earthly destination. After passing the

cemetery, I placed my life and myself in new perspective.

People and businesses are

like sailing ships. They are either on-course or

off-course heading in the right direction or in the wrong

direction. Before weighing anchor, a wise sea captain

first plans the journey before sailing upon the ocean.

The Captain uses charts and

a compass. The Captain chooses his crew carefully.

Finally, the Captain never loses sight of his ultimate

destination. The ship may be blown off-course, but

patience and knowledge returns it to the correct bearing.

I have developed a strategy

for living my life. These tips have proved accurate in

keeping my life on-course and heading in the right

direction:

Focus your thinking.

Decide what success means to you. Establish a clear goal

or a destination for your life and/or business.

Visualize your

destination. Put in your mind a clear image of your

destination. Constantly and vividly, imagine reaching

your goal, doing what you want to do.

�Take one step at a time.

Make each day count and let it bring you one step closer

to your goal. Write down on paper a specific plan that

includes the steps and actions necessary to accomplish

your goal.

Tear down all obstacles.

Obstacles are a natural part of a successful journey.

Obstacles are cleverly disguised as handicaps, age, and

negative thought patterns and bad advice.

The only limitations in

life are those you place on yourself. In overcoming

obstacles, I have found out it is easier to ask for

forgiveness, than asking for permission.

Failure brings you closer

to success. I have found failure is the gateway to

success. Do not allow defeat, disappointment or failure

stop you. Accept failure as a natural part of success. Be

quick to capture the opportunities failure brings.

Constantly improve

yourself. Stop learning, stop reading and shake hands

with stagnation. Continuous improvement must become your

lifelong goal. You have unlimited potential. Education

and information gives you the motivation and know-how to

achieve your ultimate destination.

Have faith in all you do.

Don't put all your faith in yourself. Without a true

direction in your life, you are only expending energy and

time. Tremendous strength and power is available from

God. He has given me the energy and strength to solve the

problems in my life. He keeps us on-course and heading in

the right direction.

Take an ethical stand. Our

life should contribute something to the world, not take

away. Helping the world, contributing to society, are

worthwhile and acceptable goals in life.

Maintain a balance in your

life. Refuse to allow the urgent to interfere with the

important things in life. Provide time for family,

friends, and giving to others.

Start the journey over

again. Every person has a limitless capacity for

achievement. A successful life begins at its last

destination and looks for a better way. Chart your course

and set sail for a new and greater journey.

Free by e-mail/fax: If you

would like the 10 steps of time management, please fax us

your letterhead with your name with the words, "Time

Management" to 770-760-0581 or E-mail us at [email protected] .

Gregory P. Smith speaks at

conferences, leads seminars and helps organizations solve

problems. He leads an organization called Chart Your

Course International located in Conyers, Georgia. Phone

him at (770)860-9464 or send an email at [email protected] .More information and articles are

available at www.chartcourse.com .