"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweitzer

To experience success means you know how to reach your goals. You know how to take the necessary actions to make your succeeding goals happen. This process of learning to succeed continues until you master the requirements for success to happen. Success is not automatic or immediate. When you fail on the first try, compliment yourself for trying, then tell yourself to try again.

Here are two guidelines to start you on the path to success.

1. POSITIVE ATTITUDE vs. NEGATIVE ATTITUDE

Attitude. Your feelings and thoughts guide your attitude. When life hands you a challenge, meet it with faith and a positive attitude. This changes the challenge to a more pleasant outcome. Having a positive attitude also helps you to know that your faith can get you through any difficult challenge.

In fighting challenging situations, look inward for the strength, courage, and energy that is a necessary part of dealing with challenges. Staying positive is essential for your health and well being. More importantly, the way you think, feel and act determines the outcome of your experience. Why not make it a great experience by guiding your attitude toward one that is positive.

Negativity. Lack of enthusiasm, pessimism, disapproval, judgmental behavior are all negative traits that may harm you more than the person or event to which it is directed. Never let difficult or upsetting challenges effect you in a negative way. This only adds to and strengthens the difficult situation.

Some positive behavior traits that counteract negativity may include,

(a) Learning to accept your faults, imperfections, and mistakes by focusing on your good points

(b) Eliminating worry and fear

(c) Improving your physical, mental, and emotional strengths

(d) Giving your subconscious mind positive goals and successful images to work on

(e) Remembering to thank God for all that you have now, and all that is to come

2. REALITY vs. ILLUSION

Reality. The truth of what really is. Success comes from self-discovery, self-improvement, and a positive self-image. When your dream of success includes something that requires a skill you do not have, or if you need more knowledge about a specific subject, learn where and how to get it. Get all the knowledge necessary to complete the task. Then, develop that skill for future use.

Take some courses. Hire a business coach. Do research on the internet. Ask an expert. It is important to remember that you do not have to know it all. There is always someone you can go to for assistance, support, or technical information. Success can only be achieved by what you accomplish. So, plan for success.

Illusion. False impressions that are based on untruths. Ideas and visual images that are misleading can derail the best of plans. Make sure your vision of success is one that is doable and can be reached. Is it clear? Is it a worthy idea? Is it based on the truth or on your real belief? With adequate planning, knowledge, adequate funds, money, or capital your success moves closer to reality. It is no longer an illusion.

Success based on positive attitudes, a real sense of knowing what you want, and fighting off any difficult challenges with enough spirit to follow your plans, may lead you to a sweeter victory.

Author's Bio: 

Gerri D Smith apparel designer and creative writer helps women look and feel good. Fashion tips, wardrobe basics, inspirational lessons. Subscribe to monthly newsletter and get a Free Special Fashion Report at, http://www.distinctive-elegance.com
Gerri also motivates others with inspirational words offering comfort that heals the spirit, and triggers positive emotions. Free Special Report at, http://www.inspirationalconnections.com