Thoughts for Success

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Aristotle, Greek Philosopher

The best way to learn is to repeat what you do every day at school. If you play any sports or instruments, you improve if you practice. The same goes for academics. Studies have shown that studying for short periods every day is better for long term memory than studying in one large chunk just before a test or exam. Doing homework and studying daily are simple ways to succeed at school. 

“Character, like a photograph, develops in darkness.”

Yousuf Karsh, Photographer

It’s easy to keep going when things are easy and going right for you. In life, things will not always be easy. How you respond to the adversity and problems in your life will reveal who you truly are. 

“Let’s not concentrate on disabilities; let’s focus on abilities.”

Rick Hansen, Paralympian and Philanthropist

Many times people will complain that they cannot do something because of a disability. While disabilities may get in the way of you doing something, if you focus on what you can do, the list of what you can’t do generally starts to shrink. Focus on the positive things that you can do and, with hard work, success usually follows. 

"Success, to me, never was and still isn't about lifting off in a rocket (though that sure felt like a great achievement). Success is feeling good about the work you do throughout the long, unheralded journey that may or may not wind up at the launch pad."

Chris Hadfield, Astronaut

An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth

Many people consider success to be the culmination of effort. While it can be a great feeling when you accomplish something, the steps along the way are just as important. 

"Failure is not the opposite of success. It's part of success."

Arianna Huffington, Author and Entrepreneur

Each of us fails. When you first learned to walk, you fell countless times, but each was a learning experience. You have to take the failures and mistakes, learn from them and try again. 

10 Things that require zero talent but can still lead to success

Being on Time

Having a Strong Work Ethic

Making an Effort

Focus

Having a Positive Attitude

Being Coachable

Energy

Positive Body Language

Being Prepared

Doing Extra