Success is not an accident. It is the result of following sound basic procedures. Thus the following procedures. However, the very best procedures will fail unless they are applied with confidence.

1. Thinking process ? Sound thinking is a requirement for every thought concluded and every action taken. King Solomon said, ?For as a man thinketh in his heart so is he.? And he is right, for we are what we think. Obtain a good book such as, ?As A Man Thinketh? by James Allen and study this often read book. It is free on the Internet.

2. What should we think about ? That will depend on what career, or project, you intend to pursue. The material for a doctor would be different than for a retail store, for example. The materials for learning must be determined and studied. One principle must be followed however for any endeavor, and that is fact and truth. Stay away from opinions, theories, suppositions, and the like. Seek the consensus of experts in the field of your choice, gather the materials they recommend, and then study and learn.

3. Seeking help ? Stay away from the advice of friends unless they are experts proven better than you. Certainly those friends can have some good general advice that listening to would be worthwhile. But you are seeking procedural advice at this point that will make your project work. Check your phone book for professional associations in your area, and talk to them. You may be able to attend some meetings, collect solid materials for study, attend seminars they put on, and they may have individuals who are willing to talk with you about specifics for you field. It is not unreasonable to seek out CEOs and business owners in your area that are willing to talk with you, especially if you invite them to lunch. Seek proven individuals and materials for help.

4. Learn, learn ? Take all you have gathered, and heard and learn it from top to bottom. There is no substitute for solid, proven, knowledge.

5. Do you still believe ? Get rid of doubts even if that means more learning. Believe in what you are setting out to do, for belief breeds confidence in self and your chosen project. You are responsible for self, meaning prepare, all that will make the project work for success. Belief is half of success, and belief is dependent on knowledge.

6. Apply yourself - All you have learned is useless unless you apply it with the effort to make it succeed. That may mean six-day weeks, long hours each day, short income for a while, at least until it is established. Sweat and persistence are basic to winning, to succeeding.

Note also that these principles can be applied to your family life, and to your spiritual life.