Align yourself with people of great character. Too often there are people who attempt to climb the ladder of success through dishonesty, corruption or deceit. The world is looking for a person who gains favor through honest transparency.

George Washington was a man known for his honest and upright character. Washington was a successful military general who later became the first President of the United States. His advice is still relevant for today. He once said, "Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation, for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company."

Find people who possess a good quality of character. Associate with them. Your reputation will then be filled with favor. Watch your good reputation open effectual doors for your future!

Determine to win the war you are in. You may be in a financial war. You may be in a health war. You may be in a war to secure a relationship. Whatever war you find yourself in, be sure you have the will to win that war. Without firm determination not to lose, the war may be lost.

The only way to lose is to quit. The temptation to quit, to turn in a different direction or to give up is always present. Learning how to resist that temptation is a major factor in winning.



Legendary Alabama football coach Bear Bryant identified players who were winners in his sport. Coach Bryant was a strict disciplinarian and the model for integrity and fairness. He once described the three types of individuals who play the game:

Hold onto your courage during difficult times. Difficulty has a way of robbing people of their bravery. Can you remember a time when you faced your future with great courage and determination? What happened that caused you to shrink back from the dream for your life?

Walt Disney discovered a way to rescue people from the distress of hard times. Disney was a forerunner in animated cartoon films. During the economic difficulties of the 1930s, Disney captivated his audiences. He used his creative ability to help lift people of all ages from discouragement to joy. Disney was the recipient of 48 Academy Awards and 7 Emmys. He is quoted as saying: "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

Don't allow difficult days to rob you of your courage. Pursue your dream during every hard moment. Let the courage you once knew, propel you into your future.

Many people live life looking out for self, "number one." We even use the familiar expression What's in it for me?

During the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia a selfless young man rose to fame. Alexandre Bilodeau won his country's first gold medal in the moguls event. This was the first gold medal for this speed skating event won on Canadian soil.

Cameras captured the joy on the face of his older brother when the victory was announced. His brother, Frederic Bilodeau, has cerebral palsy. In spite of the limitations, Frederic Bilodeau motivates himself to achieve beyond his disabilities. Encouraged by the determination to succeed in his handicapped brother, Alexandre Bilodeau felt he had to achieve his own high goal. His goal was to win the gold medal.

After Alexandre Bilodeau was handed the gold medal in recognition of the highest award for his achievement, he proudly made a profound statement: "I did it for him." In making that statement, Alexandre Bilodeau was referring to his handicapped brother, Frederic.

Who is motivating you to do your best? Who are you watching that presses beyond their limitations? Let that person know that you are encouraged by their example. Then go ahead and do something special for someone else.

Trust should be earned rather than demanded! Great leaders know how to earn the respect of their followers. They will do whatever it takes to ensure that they are people who can be trusted.

Evangelist Billy Graham has a proven track record of trust from around the world. He has met personally with every sitting United States president from Harry S. Truman to Barack Obama.

Graham has frequently been honored by credible surveys. One of these surveys included the honor as the "Greatest Living American." Through the years he has consistently ranked among the most admired persons in the United States and the world. Graham has been careful to take reasonable compensation far below what other television evangelists receive. Whether you agree with him or not, it is impossible to deny that he is a man that millions of people trust.

You may not be a Billy Graham, a Harry S. Truman or a Barack Obama. You are one of a kind. Do whatever it takes to be a person who can be trusted. Keep your word. Practice integrity and honesty. Watch as people identify you as a person who never demands trust. They recognize that you have earned their trust.