How is Your Initiative?
At MasterMind Connections, we have Napoleon Hill to thank for introducing the Master Mind concept. But he’s given us much more including his success principles.
Success Principal #6: Personal initiative –
Personal initiative is the power that inspires the completion of that which one begins. It is the power that starts all action. No person is free until he learns to do his own thinking and gains the courage to act on his own. – Read more.
The Major Attributes of Personal Initiative
“In the years I spent formulating these principles of success, I observed many extraordinary people. What follows is a list of qualities that constantly appeared in my observations. Some of them will be things that have already been covered in this book; others come later. The important thing for you to do here is to identify these characteristics in yourself as you are now and to think about how you can increase and strengthen them.”
- The adoption of a definite major purpose
- The motivation to act continuously in pursuit of that purpose
- A mastermind alliance to acquire the power to attain that purpose
- Self-reliance
- Self-discipline
- Persistence, based upon the will to win
- Well-developed imagination, controlled and directed
- The habit of prompt, definite decision making
- The habit of basing opinions on known facts, not guesswork
- The habit of going the extra mile
- The capacity to generate enthusiasm at will and control it
- A well-developed sense of details
- The capacity to listen to criticism without resentment
- Familiarity with the ten basic human motives
- The capacity to concentrate attention on one task at a time
- Assuming full responsibility for one’s own actions
- Willingness to accept full responsibility for the mistakes of subordinates
- Patience with subordinates and associates
- Recognizing the merits and abilities of others
- A positive mental attitude at all times
- The capacity for applied faith
- The habit of following through
- The habit of emphasizing thoroughness instead of speed
- Dependability
New Habits for You
Social scientists tell us that developing just one new habit is challenging and time consuming. So my challenge to you is to pick three of the attributes from the list above. Make a conscious effort to weave them into your daily routine. You will notice a difference.
Caution
This is not about instant gratification. Changing habits requires commitment. Remember; Every great journey begins with one small step.
Acknowledgements
- Photo: Rod Lewis Flickr Creative Commons
- Excerpt: Courtesy of World Class Advisors
