A clear definition of where you want to go, pursuit of the tools and education that can help you see the pathway, creating an environment without distractions, and a relentless determination to apply the habits of achievement will create an environment where just about any dream can come true.

Loyalty is a character attribute that is part of the personal portfolio of our closest friends and my most respected colleagues. We owe them our allegiance. But we also owe them a return on their investment.

The biggest impediment to forward progress has nothing to do with education, skill or experience. It’s fear. When we peel away the rationalizations and get people to admit what’s really holding people back It’s this: They were afraid.

Yes, there is validity to old chestnuts like, “where there is smoke, there is fire.” Patterns of behavior especially in times of adversity reveal character. But too often, we take what others say at face value, without question and judge accordingly.

The Ultimate Success Metric may not be what we think it is. Each of us keeps a personal scorecard, with which we judge ourselves and those around us. We measure everything from financial wealth to educational attainment, from athletic achievement to career progression. If I had to pick just one metric to define a life well lived, it would be…

In a world of instant Internet feedback, we have become addicted to approval. Beyond acceptance, appreciation and attention, one of an individual’s greatest desires is to be understood. Just as giving is a precursor to receiving, seeking first to understand is essential to being understood. And active listening is the key.

The Win-Win mentality mixes empathy, confidence, sensitivity and bravery to create what Franklin / Covey calls, “that balance between courage and consideration”.

Forward progress happens when we “put first things first”. Deciding what’s important and moving it to the top of your to-do list is the foundation of every productive day.

Those who have benefited from integrating “Beginning with the end in mind” into their daily routines will tell you that this is not an easy process. And it never ends. Like any worthwhile endeavor, it is a muscle that, when continually exercised, gets stronger.

Success habits are enduring ideas to be continually pondered, practiced and sculpted to fit our own unique definition of purpose and passion. And the first habit is this: Be Proactive.