By Dana Phillips.

You are in the middle of summer, and while you may be longing for the cooler days of fall, you have an opportunity to grow your summer successes.  You want to succeed!  You have your definition of success: earning enough to buy a dream home, owning your own business, raising a family, or even simply helping others improve their lives. Regardless of how you define success in terms of your own life, the guidelines that follow are sure to help you get there.

1. Each day, work to communicate more effectively with others.  This includes both talking and listening!

2. Be passionate about the things you consider essential.  Keep fit by exercising both your mind and your body—real passion requires lots of energy!

3. Maintain a detailed plan of action.  Know at all times what you should be doing, what you need to do next, and where you plan to end up.

4. Appreciate others.  You’re sure to rely on the help of countless people as you travel the road to success.  Be willing and able to return the favors.

5. Be ready to accept criticism.  Always believe that other people’s points of view are valid. Never let pride stand in the way of useful advice, and always be willing to admit your mistakes.

6. Know what you want.  Allow yourself to think, to dream, to look to the future.  Only by discovering what you truly desire will you be able to set your goals.

7. Be hungry for success.  Your dissatisfaction at having yet to succeed can be your most powerful motivator.  Use it to get going!

8. Be a team player—Go “above and beyond” in helping others, and the rewards will come back to you.

9. Believe in yourself and don’t give up.  History is filled with heroes and legends who kept on trying despite countless setbacks.

Your success starts with you.  Decide that you are successful now, and do the things to stay there.

Want to Know What Other Leaders Think? Ask in the DSLN on FB!

Every Friday, we offer a quick five minute Facebook live in our group, the Direct Selling Leaders Network. You and your future leaders are welcome to join the group. We have no cross recruiting and no daily sales pitches. PS: Our Friday topics for the next few weeks are about building and sustaining a business on Facebook. Interested? Join today!