Finding Success

Motivational speakers are popular today as more people try to find guidelines for living successful lives. There is really no quick formula for success. True success comes from hard work, determination, and a not so quick to give up attitude. However, motivational books have their place in helping to find a road to successful living.

There are a number of good books available that give good solid advice. One of these books is called “Success Gems” written by Jewel Diamond Taylor. She is also the author of “Sister Friends.” Even today when most people are spending more time at home, it presents an opportunity to use this time to explore some of your dreams. It will uplift your spirits. Everyone needs something to look forward. We all need inspiration.

Jewel Diamond Taylor begins her book by first thanking the Creator for helping her to realize her goals and to write this book. She uses positive affirmations throughout the book and she reminds the readers to look inside of themselves and tap into the resources and talents they already possess. She encourages everyone to develop a vision for what needs to be accomplished. There is a section in the book called cancel your pity party and stop feeling sorry for yourself.

She says that in order to reduce your pity parties, you need to focus on the four A’s each day. These include: Attitude, Agenda, Action, and Associates. Choose your attitude for the day and try to be peaceful and pleasant. Take action and don’t put things off until tomorrow. Choose your agenda and get things done. Choose those who you associate with carefully. Stay away from negative people.

Jewel Diamond Taylor gets to the point without using a lot of words. She presents powerful ideas and gives the reader some real hands on advice. Her ten steps for success will take you a long way toward accomplishing your goals. These steps include the following:

1. Pen and paper. Write down your goals.

2. People. Keep positive people around you.

3. Passion and Purpose. Find your creative side.

4. Practice wise time and money management.

5. Have Patience, stay on track. Don’t be discouraged.

6. Encourage and serve others. Give all you can.

7. Prayer. Remember prayer changes things.

8. Build character. Respect, integrity, and fairness are good qualities.

9. Add quality. Do more than expected. Don’t be lazy.

10. Develop good health habits. Health is Wealth.

Success Gems is a very powerful book. Even in these trying times it gives us hope!!

In updating this article, I must add my own affirmations for success. Each day I say verses from the Bible that give me the motivation to keep doing my work. I would like to share some of these Bible verses with my readers. They help me to keep going even in tough times. Two of my favorite verses are: Psalm 118: 24 which says “This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” I also reflect on Romans 8:28 that says “All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.”

In this day and age of confusion, anxiety, loss of hope, and trauma, it is wise use your faith to help stem the tides of what seems like a lost world.