# 42

"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." Carl Bard

"You are what you are and where you are because of what's gone into your mind. You can change what you are and where you are by changing what goes in your mind." Zig Ziglar

Getting Straight "A's" In Life

The following is an excerpt from an article by Don Taylor.

"When I started college at age 38, I was certain I'd have trouble making good grades. I found a book titled, "Getting Straight “A's". I discovered there were strategies and tactics I could use to improve my chances for academic success."

"The book recommended sitting in the front row, never missing class, completing all assignments before class, taking good notes, starting early and working hard. These tips added a full point to my GPA."

"Now I wonder why no one has written a book on getting Straight "A's" in life. Maybe someone will. However, until someone does, here are a few thoughts for improving your GPA in life."

Do's

• Action. In the game of life there are two main teams: "Doers and "Talkers” Shakespeare said, "Action is eloquence." Find what you love to do, and do it with all your might.
  
• Attitude. You have heard it before, but it's worth repeating. Your attitude determines your altitude, latitude, and longitude. In other words, how high and how far you go in this life is decided by the attitude you take with you every day.
  
• Ability. Ability is not inherited. It is developed one small detail at a time. Ability begins with the desire to learn and achieve. Sharpen the tools you have while continually acquiring new tools (skills)."
  
• Advice. Straight "A" students learn to listen to good advice. Proverbs 1:5 says, "A wise man will learn, and will increase learning." There are two problems with advice. First, the advice we most often need, we choose not to heed, and second, most people would rather talk to a wise man than listen to one.
  
• Abstinence. I believe there are areas of life where abstinence-or the very least moderation-can contribute greatly to our success. Here are some areas where abstinence is best: Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, promiscuous sex, negative thinking, anger, lying, stealing, and cheating.
  
• Advancement. Seek improvement. Acquire new skills. You can build momentum in this life by accumulating small successes. Harry Truman said, "I found that the men and women who get to the top were those who did the jobs they had in hand, with everything they had of energy and enthusiasm and hard work."

Don'ts

• Apathy. One of the best ways to fail in life is to lack interest in it. To get Straight "A's" in the school of life you must become interested and passionate about the elements of life that really matter. Your character, your contributions to your fellow man and your relationship with God are important.
• Anger. When you become angry once you'll almost always become angry again. The second anger will be at yourself for losing your temper in the first place. Ecclesiastes 7:9 says, "Anger resteth in the bosom of fools." Don't be a fool, hold your temper.
• Adversity. Don't let adversity steal your success. Remember the words of Charles R. Swindoll. He said, "The longer I live the more convinced I become that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond to it."

Those whom the Gods wish to destroy, they first make angry. Anonymous

Contact Tom at: tomhughes@motivationNmore.com

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