Ideas are very valuable. Everything that is created or accomplished, begins as an idea — from a day at the beach to a worldwide, multi-billion-dollar corporation. The potential of an idea to grow, is unlimited. Yet ideas are completely worthless, without action and commitment. Just having a great idea is not enough. It is very necessary, but not nearly enough. An idea is just the beginning. An idea is an unrealized possibility. An idea is a plan — a plan for effort, for discipline, for action. An idea is like a diamond buried deep in the ground. To have value, it must be mined, and cut, and polished, and kept safe, and delivered to someone who can appreciate and value it. An idea that just sits buried, does no one any good. Give your great ideas the effort and commitment they deserve, and they’ll grow into great accomplishments.

Laugh. Smile. Have fun. Whatever you do, enjoy it. Life is difficult, but it is not a chore. Make it an adventure. Make it fun. There is joy to be found everywhere you look. There is pleasure in every moment. Work can be just as fun as play. And it doesn’t really matter what you do. Attitude is the key. Decide to enjoy yourself, and you will. Don’t let others dictate to you what is fun and what is dreary. Find enjoyment where you are. Imagine for a moment how much more effective you could be, in whatever you choose to do, if you truly enjoyed it. Pleasure exists for a reason — to draw you toward things. Find joy in the activities that bring success, and you’ll be continually drawn toward a life of accomplishment. Don’t wait for success to bring pleasure to your life — let the pleasure bring success. Have fun working hard, and watch all the good things happen.

The thoughts you have and the actions you take, all have consequences. You cannot shortcut your life. It must be lived, and the challenges must be met, by your own strength, discipline and character. Each day is full of incredible opportunity — opportunity that comes disguised as challenge. Each day you have the opportunity to move yourself in the direction of your dreams, by your own effort, by your own commitment, by your own focus, by jumping into the adventure of life and getting your hands dirty. You have the choice — to either stand up and live with purpose and meaning, or to sit back and watch others have all the fun and fulfillment. Live life for all it is. No one else can do it for you.

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Doubt is a thief and a killer that steals lives and destroys dreams. The most skillful, talented, resourceful people can be cut down by doubt.

The most reliable way to success is to serve others. However, if you do so with doubt, others will take advantage of you. Your efforts will frustrate you. You won’t fulfill your incredible potential.

Confidence. Just saying the word gives it to you. Say out loud, "I am filled with CONFIDENCE!", and suddenly you are. Live with confidence. Remember that no one is better than you. You are special, with your own unique contribution to make. Be the person you are. Give your best to every moment. Live with purpose. Live with passion. Live with confidence.

No one, no matter what, can take from you the essence that makes you special, the true gifts that make you the person you are. Be confident knowing that you will always be you, no matter what neigborhood you live in, no matter what kind of car you drive, no matter what other people think about you.

Live with confidence and you’ll have reason to.