By GREGORY P. SMITH
Business Columnist

Have you ever been lost? Do you ever feel like a hamster on a treadmill? Are you tired of commuting to work and get only getting further behind with your life?

For years, each morning I drove past a cemetery on the way to work. At that juncture, I was probably speeding toward the office, feeling stressed . . .late for a meeting or something. Those tombstones stood guard like quiet soldiers reminding me of my earthly destination. After passing the cemetery, I placed my life and myself in new perspective.

People and businesses are like sailing ships. They are either on-course or off-course heading in the right direction or in the wrong direction. Before weighing anchor, a wise sea captain first plans the journey before sailing upon the ocean.

The Captain uses charts and a compass. The Captain chooses his crew carefully. Finally, the Captain never loses sight of his ultimate destination. The ship may be blown off-course, but patience and knowledge returns it to the correct bearing.

I have developed a strategy for living my life. These tips have proved accurate in keeping my life on-course and heading in the right direction:

Focus your thinking. Decide what success means to you. Establish a clear goal or a destination for your life and/or business.

Visualize your destination. Put in your mind a clear image of your destination. Constantly and vividly, imagine reaching your goal, doing what you want to do.

”Take one step at a time. Make each day count and let it bring you one step closer to your goal. Write down on paper a specific plan that includes the steps and actions necessary to accomplish your goal.

Tear down all obstacles. Obstacles are a natural part of a successful journey. Obstacles are cleverly disguised as handicaps, age, and negative thought patterns and bad advice.

The only limitations in life are those you place on yourself. In overcoming obstacles, I have found out it is easier to ask for forgiveness, than asking for permission.

Failure brings you closer to success. I have found failure is the gateway to success. Do not allow defeat, disappointment or failure stop you. Accept failure as a natural part of success. Be quick to capture the opportunities failure brings.

Constantly improve yourself. Stop learning, stop reading and shake hands with stagnation. Continuous improvement must become your lifelong goal. You have unlimited potential. Education and information gives you the motivation and know-how to achieve your ultimate destination.

Have faith in all you do. Don't put all your faith in yourself. Without a true direction in your life, you are only expending energy and time. Tremendous strength and power is available from God. He has given me the energy and strength to solve the problems in my life. He keeps us on-course and heading in the right direction.

Take an ethical stand. Our life should contribute something to the world, not take away. Helping the world, contributing to society, are worthwhile and acceptable goals in life.

Maintain a balance in your life. Refuse to allow the urgent to interfere with the important things in life. Provide time for family, friends, and giving to others.

Start the journey over again. Every person has a limitless capacity for achievement. A successful life begins at its last destination and looks for a better way. Chart your course and set sail for a new and greater journey.

Free by e-mail/fax: If you would like the 10 steps of time management, please fax us your letterhead with your name with the words, “Time Management” to 770-760-0581 or E-mail us at greg@chartcourse.com.

Gregory P. Smith speaks at conferences, leads seminars and helps organizations solve problems. He leads an organization called Chart Your Course International located in Conyers, Georgia. Phone him at (770)860-9464 or send an email at greg@chartcourse.com.More information and articles are available at www.chartcourse.com.

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