I’m often asked, “Jeff, are there any short cuts to success?” I politely answer, “Nope. None that I know of.” However, you can be on the fast-track to results, if you first embrace some powerful core values or principles—to then convert to practices. 
This is the kinda stuff I often think about. For I firmly believe, the right beliefs, values and principles, are the greatest influencers of success and achievement.
While what you do is crucial. That’s really a reflection of who you are. And perhaps the best summation of these principles, I found unexpectedly.
Many years ago, my wife and I attended Amanda, (our youngest child’s), first-grade curriculum night. On Amanda’s desk, was a simple sheet, titled: Lifeskills by Susan Kovalik & Associates. It said:
• Integrity: To act according to what is right and wrong.
• Initiative: To do something because it needs to be done.
• Flexibility: The ability to alter plans when necessary.
• Perseverance: To keep at it.
• Organization: To work in an orderly way.
• Sense of humor: To laugh and be playful without hurting others.
• Effort: To do your best.
• Common sense: To think it through.
• Problem-solving: To seek solutions.
• Responsibility: To do what is right.
• Patience: To wait calmly.
• Friendship: To make and keep a friend through mutual trust and caring.
• Curiosity: To investigate and seek understanding.
• Cooperation: To work together toward a common goal or purpose.
• Caring: To show / feel concern.
• Courage: To act according to one’s beliefs.
Kinda funny, ain’t it, the lessons you learn, when you sit at the desk of a six-year-old!
