What does it take to be a success? We've all heard that it takes lots of hard work, but now there's actually research to back that up. Recently, researchers have shown you don't have to have talent to succeed. Just the ability to apply "deliberate practice". This type of practice still requires the long hours, but they are focused hours designed to improve performance and provide feedback on results.

Wow - that's a mouthful! It's what separates the "greats" from the "not-so-greats". Actually, it usually takes around ten years of this "deliberate practice" before "greatness" or "success" is accomplished. Even though we now know that we don't necessarily have to have an innate ability to succeed, how can we develop the persistence and focus it requires to go through years of "deliberate practice"?

That's where purpose and passion come in. Every strong life must have a great master design which takes precedence over all other motives. The person with a vigorous design is a positive, constructive, creative force. No one can be resourceful, inventive, original or creative without strong concentration; and the whole focusing of the mind is only possible along the line of ambition, the life purpose. We cannot focus the mind upon a thing we are not interested in and enthusiastic about.

Are you a wisher or a doer? There's a big difference in success levels between the two. Do you go to work everyday liking your job well enough but thinking there must be something better out there? That's hardly doing your life's passion, is it?

There is great energy in a resolution that has no reservation in it ? a strong, persistent, tenacious purpose which burns all bridges behind it, clears all obstacles from its path, and arrives at its goal, no matter how long it may take, no matter what the sacrifice or the cost.

The inspiration of a great, positive design transforms the life. When the awakening energy of a new design is born in a man, he is a new creature. He sees everything in a recent light. The doubts, the fears, the apathy, the vicious temptations which dogged his steps only yesterday, the stagnation which had blighted his past life, all vanish as if by magic. They are dispelled by the breath of a recent purpose.

Do you remember the high of first being in love? Just last week, the world was a lousy place to live, yet today it all seems so beautiful. Grab on to that feeling. That is what you need to feel to have your life's passion. Many times, an inspiration will come to us, but because it is not a convenient time, we do nothing about it. The idea or thought remains for a while, but gradually fades away as we do nothing about it. The postponing habit will kill the strongest initiative. Too much caution and lack of confidence are fatal enemies of initiative. It is much easier to actually do something about the inspiration or thought while the passion for it is strong. Next time you have a "divine" inspiration (and you will), do something about it! Drop everything and at least write it down.

Remember at the beginning of this article, I pointed out that most of the successful people in the world got there from ?deliberate" practice over years of time? Here's some examples:

Tiger Woods - many say his "natural ability" for golf makes it look effortless. But he started playing at 18 months and had 15 years of practice before he won his first major tournament.

Michael Jordan - if his "talent" for basketball was so innate, why did he get cut from his high school basketball team?

Jerry Rice - one of the all-time prominent football receivers, was passed up by 15 teams because he was considered too slow.

Okay, now you KNOW you can accomplish anything. You don't need talent. What's the next step? How do you form a plan?

There are endless tools and resources to help you with your plan. Keep reading and learning! One amazing tool I have found that helps you create, focus and attain your goals doesn't cost a dime! Read below for more information.