These are the main components of a positive attitude and, hence, the keys to success. Let’s examine each one:

First, Be Realistic—Too many people live in a dream world of their own making. They operate on myths and false assumptions—“Everything always works out”…”Somehow I’ll get by.” It doesn’t, and you won’t. To make one’s way in the world, one needs to be prepared. Ours is the land of opportunity but only for those who are prepared. For the unprepared, there is always minimum wage. Being realistic prepares us to do what we must if we are to be successful. The unrealistic think it is as easy to be a success as it is to be a failure. The truth is that it is much easier to be a failure—to be a success we must work hard and keep working hard. To be a failure all one needs to do is to give up. Knowing the road may be steep will never deter those who really want to succeed.

Second, Be Confident—This requires having faith and pride in oneself. If you say “I can’t,” I guarantee you this: “You won’t.” It is as simple as that. Remember the nursery story of the little engine who thought he could—much of life and school is a self-fulfilling prophesy. The best advice is contained in four simple words: “You can do it.”

Third, Be Optimistic—The successful individual sees the clear probability of success when he or she looks into the future. Plan on success—look at the best-case scenario to motivate you. I want you to know that I am the world’s second greatest optimist. You ask, “Who is Number One?” I say that would be General George Custer. Here was a man, surrounded by 4,000 Indians, who told his men, “Don’t take any prisoners.” Now, I’ve got to concede to that man!

Fourth, Be Enthusiastic—No great venture was ever accomplished without enthusiasm. This is not to say that everything you are called upon to do will be something you are excited about. The key to success often involves taking “have to” situations and turning them into “want to” ones. The successful person develops in himself or herself an ability to get so involved in what he or she is doing that it becomes interesting and exciting.

Next, Be Persistent—If there is one sure sign of a winner, it is persistence. The history of success is filled with individuals who labored long and hard, who suffered repeated setbacks but refused to give up. I am reminded of the man who interviewed for an important job. The interviewer told him to check back in three months. He did, only to be told to check back in another month. Again, he was told to check back some weeks later. Finally, the man said to himself that he would give it one last shot and called back again. To his surprise he was told that the interviewer had been expecting his call and he had the job. Later the interviewer showed him a desk calendar on which the callback dates were jotted down. The man got the position because he was persistent. The lesson here is simple: Don’t give up easily.

Lastly, Be Humble—There will always be someone smarter than you from whose successes a lesson can be learned. You can even learn from the mistakes of those not as smart or gifted as you. Don’t overestimate your own importance. This reminds me of the five guys on an airplane, the President, the Vice President, the Secretary of State, a pastor and a hippie. To make a long story short—the plane had engine trouble, and there were only four parachutes; one of them would have to die with the plane as it went down. They were trying to decide and rationalize to see who would die. The President said, “I’ve got to go, I’m President of the country.” They said, “You’re right,” and he jumped. The Vice President said, “I’ve got to go; if he doesn’t make it, the country is depending on me.” They said, “You’re right,” and he jumped. The Secretary of State grabbed a parachute and, just as he was going out the door, said, “I’m the smartest man in the world,” and he jumped. The pastor looked at the hippie and said, “Son, you go. I’ve lived a full life.” The hippie replied, “Oh, don’t worry about it, Rev. The smartest man in the world just jumped out that door with my knapsack on his back.”

You can think yourself too smart! The person who is humble is open to new approaches and imaginative strategies. The arrogant individual is limited by his thinking that he has all the answers. He has failed to learn the lesson that “pride cometh before the fall.” His will be a painful education.

To my six Bs I would add two more: Be Good and Be Happy.

Be Good—The price of success must never be your self-respect or your integrity. Never do anything that would compromise you in the eyes of your parents and your family. On your road to the top, don’t lose your sense of moral worth and fair play. Scripture cautions us, “What does it matter if a man gains the whole world and loses his soul.”

Be Happy—Life is a precious gift to be enjoyed. It is something to be shared in friendships and enriched by reflection and introspection. Enjoy!