Page 33 - The Success Principles

xxxiv I N T R O DU C T I O N

everything that feels important to you. Make notes in the margin about
the things you’ll put into action. Then review those notes and highlighted
sections again and again. Repetition is the key to real learning. Every time
you reread portions of this book, you’ll literally “re-mind” yourself of what
you need to do to get from where you are to where you want to be. As you’ll
discover, it takes repetitive exposure over time to a new idea before that idea
becomes a natural part of your way of thinking and being.
You may also discover that you’re already familiar with some of the
principles here. That’s great! But ask yourself, Am I currently practicing them?
If not, make a commitment to put them into action—now!
Remember, the principles only work if you work the principles.
The second time you read through this book, you’ll want to read one
chapter at a time, then take whatever time necessary to put into practice
that principle and the techniques that accompany it. If you’re already doing
some of these things, keep doing them. If not, start now.
Like many of my past students and clients, you, too, may find yourself
resisting taking some of the suggested action steps. But my experience has
shown that the ones you most resist are the ones you most need to embrace.
Remember, reading this book is not the same as doing the work, any more
than reading a book on weight loss is the same as actually eliminating cer-
tain foods, eating fewer calories, and exercising more.
You might find it useful to connect with one or two other people who
would like to join you as accountability partners (see page 375) and ensure
that each of you actually implements what you learn. True learning only
occurs when you assimilate and apply the new information—when there is
a change in your behavior.

A WARNING

Of course, any change requires sustained effort to overcome years’ worth
of internal and external resistance. Initially you may find yourself getting
very excited about all this new information. You may feel a newfound sense
of hope and enthusiasm for the new vision of your life as it can be. This is
good. But be forewarned that you may also begin to experience other feel-
ings, as well. You may feel frustration at not knowing about all of this ear-
lier, anger at your parents and teachers for not teaching you these important
concepts at home and at school, or anger at yourself for having already
learned many of these things and not having acted on them.
Just take a deep breath and realize that this is all part of the process
of your journey. Everything in the past has actually been perfect. Every-