This post is contributed by Chang Jane Yin of 16th SHEN.

Our pursuit for happiness and success is often met with obstacles. While it is easy to attribute failures to all the external factors in our path, we need to acknowledge that we are our greatest enemy. When opportunities present themselves, it is up to us to make the best of it, and I am a firm believer that having the right attitude makes a difference.

“The Traveler’s Gift” is a book loaned to me by my boss Brendon. Having read the book, I can see what he meant in saying that it “changed my [his] life”. Here, I would like to share the key points in the book, with hope that it will motivate and inspire a more positive attitude in all of us!

The first decision for success: The buck stops here.

You are responsible for your own success. The outcome of a situation is the result of youractions or decisions made in the past.Rather than blaming others,acknowledge your responsibility to the current problems that you are facing. It will free you to move on and focus on making better decisions in future.

The second decision for success: I will seek wisdom.

Our future lies in making the right decision. That can only be done when you have amassed sufficient knowledge and wisdom. Be humble andseek guidance from the wise and experienced. Choose friends who motivate andencourage you to do better. Their influence is important on your route to success.

The third decision for success: I am a person of action.

Seize every moment and opportunity when they present themselves, so that you will never experience regret for the time wasted or opportunities lost. Do not let fear of failure get in your way of making things better for yourself.You are only a failure if you are a quitter. You are capable of making a decision, and making it now. Be a person of action, seize the moment, and choose to act NOW!

The fourth decision for success: I have a decided heart.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Be very focused and dedicated to what you intend to achieve. Success comes to those who work towards their goals with determination and perseverance.

The fifth decision for success: Today I will choose to be happy.

You are a master of your own emotions. Choose to be happy and greet each day with optimism.

The sixth decision for success: I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit.

There are times when you are angered by an unthinking or uncaring person. Then you waste valuable hours imagining how to get back at them. On the other hand, the offender is completely oblivious as you simmer in anger.

When you willingly give forgiveness, you free your spirit to pursue your future happily and unencumbered by the anchors in your heart. By the act of forgiving, you are no longer consumed by unproductive thoughts; and that becomes a gift to yourself.

-The Traveler’s Gift is written by Andy Andrews

Published in 2002 by Thomas Nelson