Before reading on take a moment to ask, “What is the real secret to success - one that has been proven, time and time again, to bring true personal and professional fulfillment?”  The answer is, as renowned radio personality Paul Harvey said, “the rest of the story”.

Through the years, there have been many stories and anecdotes about people who searched for the secret to success. The secret to success is much like the secret of life which, according to the late psychiatrist, Dr. David Viscott, is there is no secret.  I agree with Viscott.

It is hard work, determination, and effective thinking backed up by persistent action, that brings about success.  There is no magic lantern, winning lottery ticket, or silver bullet.

You might have wanted a better answer but I bet, you knew it all along. Didn't you?  The purpose of life is to discover and develop our own unique gifts, whatever they may be.  The meaning of life comes from sharing our gifts with others whereby leaving a legacy.

Pretty simple, huh?  The key to all this, the glue that holds it together and allows you to create something truly wonderful is accountability - or responsibility, if you prefer.

While it is true that many things that have happened to you are not your fault, you didn't cause them, in every case you chose to react in your own way. Of course, accepting responsibility for your reactions means you have to stop blaming others for your problems, but it also empowers you to change what you need to change and move on.

I read somewhere that stated, "It is not what name others call you that matters, but what name you respond to that truly determines who you are." Bottom-line, you are the master of your own destiny and hold the key that unlocks the secret to success.

Think about it.