12. WILL POWER & DEDICATION

Once you have an initial goal in mind, the key is to
attack it with fervor. Goodness knows the number of
jobs I have held where I worked my fingers to the bone,
long hours and little pay, no reward or consideration, and
still I kept at it. I at least owe it to myself to maintain that
same sense of drive for my own interests.

We all have a domesticated willingness to devalue self 
and a subservience, because that is what society teaches;
we must have the will to break free. Will power is
necessary to accomplish anything, and it's frowned upon
by many as 'bad' because it makes the difference between
making it (and being competition for the 'winners') or
failing (and playing right into the hands of the manipulative
'masters.')
Commitment to your goals, the drive to keep at it no matter
what, and the push to make your own ideas come to pass
are all crucial for being successful. All of these practical
applications require more than lip service; they require true
force of will. Mind over matter.

You have to decide in your mind to succeed and that
you are dedicated to it regardless of the risk or results
or recriminations. You have to mentally prepare and be
determined before it can happen. (Knowing you can do it
also ties directly into esteem, so see step 13 for more on that.)

Dedication is perseverance. Doing the work that needs
doing no matter the difficulty. Complaints are of no
significance. Circumstance are of no importance. "Ain't no
use in complainin'...when there's a job to do..." And it has to be
actual and gut level; faking it won't cut it. You aren't being
paranoid; people are out to get you. (In fact, look only to
self to find the one person who truly supports your dreams.)

You can move  a 4-bedroom house full of furniture with
only your own body and will power, if you decide to.

You can take a diagnosis of a  'terminal illness' the 'medical
community' said would take you in 6 months time, and survive
hale and hearty for 4 & 1/2 years...if you decide to.

You can build a house your own way...
you can make a living your own way...
you can put a message on a van...
If you can imagine it, it can become reality.

Eyes on the prize.
Bottom line it.
Stick to it.
"Whatever it takes, Babycakes."

11. Vision

Most success seems to stem from one main factor; individuality.

Whether it is finding something you are good at and marketing the hell
out of it, finding a new and innovative way of doing the oldest and simplest
thing imaginable, or coming up with innovations and brand new ideas
that rock the global marketplace, it's all about unique vision.

Stepping off of the beaten path can be a perilous ordeal. Not everyone
has the chops to face the slew of Nay-sayers and Doubting Thomases who
will fail to comprehend what it is you're doing.

Others are critical enough; if they are unable to see a solution or concept
in the way you do, or fail to understand the feasibility of bringing it about,
you may be all alone.

Keeping a sound, vivid image of what it is you're working for...keeping in
touch with that fire inside.... will be crucial to maintain enthusiasm when you hit
roadblock after roadblock.

They say that in order to create something, you first have to be able to envision
it coming into creation. That keeping a visible reminder--especially a physical
construct like a Vision Board of diagrams, artists' renderings, proposals-- will
help you better maintain the focus, allowing your vision to become reality.

9. Close to the Vest

Business people and successful people can be
passionate about things, and utilize emotion in
their quest, but pick and choose what you share.

Keep personal matters and deep emotions, as
well as your history and interests, very close to
the vest. Most people will traffic in the commerce
of your personal business, even innocently.

And a friend or worker today may be an adversary
or competition tomorrow, so don't give all your info
away.

The old adage "Never let them see you sweat" is a
good one. People might expect that you are weak or
nervous, but unless they see the results or proof of
it, it is just speculation. It's always bad energy to let
people see your inner workings...to know that you
fear or have troubles.

Not everyone is looking for you to succeed...not even
the people supposedly in your camp. So the less you
let your Achilles' heels be exposed, the more poised
and ready for battle you are.

Never leave the house without a game plan. You
don't want anyone outside of yourself to see you
less than confidant, affable, and strong.

If you have to, fake it.

There are great affirmations, books, tapes, mantras
and more designed to help get you into a strong spirit
before you take on the world.

Do the leg work.