10 Keys

10 Keys to Personal Power

Brian Tracy

Key 1. Clarity
"Have vision. Determine what you want to be, do or have in life. Have a sense of direction and know where you're going. If you do not have clear specific goals in life, you are doomed forever to work for others who do."

Reflection: This personal power key is honestly very important, this not only help one be successful in life, but this also helps one run through their life fluently and very easily. This key means that should have already have an idea in what they want to do in life, or what they want to be. Once one has an idea of the many things they want to do, one is able to be more determined. If you have already envisioned something you want to accomplish in your future, it is very easy to simply work for that specific thing. On the other hand, if one does not have and idea in what they want to do in life, once you are trying to work towards something you won't know what to push your self to,and you will be basically all over the place. For example, I have a life planning book, which is a book in which I write down my goals, so this is very helpful due to the fact, that I already know what to look ahead to, and what I need to accomplish. By having you'r goals clear, one is able to accomplish them faster, because you won't have you mind all over the place. In conclusion, if one wants to accomplish a goal faster, one should be clear towards their goal, in order not to waste time in doing other things.

I will apply this key to my life, by simply knowing what I want for my self in the future, in order to waste my time responsibly.

Key 2. Competence
"If you commit to excellence, opportunities will always come your way. The harder you work, the better you get."

Reflection; If one is a competence person throughout everything,one could accomplish many stuff very quickly and easily. When you are a competence person you go farther and you actually accomplish many things. This key doesn't only make you ahead of many people but it also makes you work harder and harder. This key also helps you use your time and wisely and it also helps you because it gives you more energy to do and accomplish what you want. I conclusion, strive for what you want and always think about your future. Be a competence person and do not let any doors to a successful future shut.

I will apply this to myself by never procrastinating,and always striving for what I want.

Key 3. Concentration
"Make the best of your time. Ask yourself" Is this the best use of my time?" Before you start anything."

Reflection: This key is very important, due to the fact, that it can lead you to many open doors full of opportunities and success. Concentration depends on listening and paying attention to others. Concentration is for somebody to actually be focused on something and not getting distracted. When one is concentrating in something one has a huge chance in succeeding in it. When you are not concentrated in something you are basically wasting time, when all along you could be doing something worth time.In conclusion, if you want to accomplish any goal fast and easily one should always be concentrated, and always avoid any kind of distractions. 

I will apply this by always focusing on important stuff, not on stuff that simply pulls me away from accomplishing my goals.

Key 4. Common Sense

• Train your mind
• Think things through
• Listen to your intuition
• Learn from setbacks

Reflection: I believe that common sense is something truly important that one should always have. When one  has common sense one is able to think through stuff before one does something. When one has common sense it shows how you are a person who listens to others thoroughly. When one has common sense one is able to understand and perceive things easily. People who do not have common sense actually do bad with most things they do. When someone does not have common sense one can already guess what kind of person he or she is. If they do not have common sense one can already believe that they are the kind of people who do not listen or even pay attention. In conclusion, when one has common sense many can rapidly tell they are good people who actually listen and pay attention.Common sense can show others rapidly how a person is,either he or she is smart or not.

I will apply this  to myself by simply listening and paying more attention in order to do and understand simple things.

Key 5. Creativity
"Except the fact that every human being is a genius. The hallmark of creativity is asking questions. The people who are most creative ask the most questions"

Reflection: This key is very important because by doing this one can discover new and great things. Creativity begins with questions;once one has the urge to ask questions one is able to discover new things and one is able to learn more about other things. Creativity is a key which only makes you as whole expand as well as knowledge. One should always try to be creative, due to the fact that it only makes you and your work better than others. Creativity is the key that opens new and great doors that will lead you to your future. Creativity is one of the best qualities one can have, because it makes you out stand around anybody. Creativity is one thing that makes you think for yourself as well as it helps you create you own path towards success. Creativity is one thing that can automatically make you independent , because your able to think of new and better things that others never imagined. In conclusion, creativity gives you new and better concepts that others never had which simply makes you ahead of everyone else.

I will apply this to myself by trying to discover knew things and ask more questions to simply gain the quality of being creative.

Key 6. Consideration

"The quality of your relationships with other people will determine your success in life."

"Develop the people skills you need to become a better communicator.  Take courses in listening, speaking, etc."

"If you were to learn one new word a day, within 5 years, you’ll be the best educated person in history."

Reflection;  Consideration among things like people around you is something one should truly have in order to develop great listening skills and in order to create great friendship. This key makes you think about others rather than simply yourself. Once others realize how considerate you are you start to develop trust on others, that will benefit you later in the future. This key wont only make you feel better, but it'll also make others feel as if their opinions really matter. For example, in our IDP I have to be considerate enough to with others in my group in order that our project flows properly. This doesn't only benefit the project as a whole, but it benefits on others because they feel as if their opinion has value. This is important because it shows others how you take their ideas and opinions into consideration which means into thought. In conclusion, if one wants to accomplish grand things one should take into consideration others ideas in order to expand your ideas.

I will apply this to myself my simply caring about others and others opinions, in order to expand my ideas and success.

Key 7. Consistency

"Dependable, steady predictable work is always superior to fast spurts of work."

Be consistent in your relationships, your family, friends, your boss, your work.  Be the person that people can depend upon.  That if you say you’ll do something you do it.."

Reflection: Consistency is something one should have due to the fact that it helps you be on track with whatever you may be doing. When you are a consistent you are able to accomplish your goals faster. Consistency can also show what type of person you are; many may rapidly say you are a very responsible and intelligent important. Consistency is actually very challenging, due to the fact that you have to be on top of your work without falling behind. One should challenge themselves to be a consistent person, because at the end of the day your consistency will make you on top of everyone by simply not procrastinating. By being consistent one is able to be ahead of others and that'll make others ask for help. This could be taken in a positive way, because it sows how basically your others role model. In conclusion, if you are a consistent person you'll not only be on top of your work, but you'll also reach your goals very fast.

I will apply this to myself, by simply being on top of my work, and not giving up. Also I will try to stop procrastinating.

Key 8. Commitment

"No success is possible without commitment.  The ability to commitment to yourself whole heartily is the basis of achieving all success."

"Become totally absorbed in your work.  Be totally committed."

Reflection: Commitment is one quality one should always have. Commitment is dedication towards specific things. Commitment turns you into a person that's very responsible. Also it turns you into a person that never gives up, and once your given a task you don't rest until you've succeeded. For example, I have a very important presentation coming up called Interdisciplinary Project. In order for my project to run through fluently I have to be committed to it. I have to be committed to my work in order to have everything prepared for the actual day of the presentation. If on the other hand I am not a committed person towards my project at the last  minute I'll be probably be rushing everything. One has to be totally absorbed in their duties, due to the simple fact that that's what makes you succeed. In conclusion, if one has a goal one has to be fully committed to it in order to accomplish it.

I will apply this by dedicated everything I do to simply succeed.

Key 9. Courage

"The fear of failure is the single greatest reason for failure in life."

Reflection: Having courage is something very important everyone should have. In order to succeed in life one should be courageous in order to succeed. One needs to be courageous in order to try new things that will lead you to success. Being courageous basically means that we have sometimes do things we don't like. If you do not have courage you'll always be afraid to try new things; which will unfortunately effect your future negatively. If you fear in doing wrong in life, and never even bother to try you'll defiantly fail later on, due to the fact that you never even try to overcome that fear. If one never tries to accomplish something you'll never know either if you would of succeeded or not. In conclusion, one should never have the fear to fail, because failing is just a process leading to actual success.

I will apply this to myself, by simply trying new things while not being scared because if I fail, I know I'll never give up.

Key 10. Confidence
"You only get confidence by doing things over and over again."

Reflection: Confidence to me is the major key to success. Confidence allows you to try  new things while keeping a positive attitude at all times. When one is confident one is capable of doing many things others would not bother to do. I personally believe that when one is confident nothing is ever a challenge, because you'll always think and know you'll do great. For example, I can admit I am not the most confident girl; compared to how others are. I am the kind of person that always has doubts in myself. This truly affects me, especially in school, due to the fact that every time I do something I doubt myself and my work. I even make myself believe I can not do it. So in conclusion, I will and I am trying to change myself for the better. I am trying to be a confident person, because I know that, that is a huge key I still need to accomplish in order to succeed in life.

I will apply this to myself, by trying to believe in myself, and by always saying "I can do it", in order to stop the doubts I have towards myself.


Total Reflection: The ten keys for personal power in my opinion are very important not only because they're more likely to lead you towards success, but also because it makes you a better and more intelligent person. I believe that if one is able to maintain these keys in their life they'll definitely reach their goals and even accomplish them. Although many people think that the ten keys are not as much keys to follow, they are very hard to incorporate in one's life, due to the fact that not everyone has the same ways of thinking and acting. The key I have been recently trying to incorporate in my life is key number ten. I am focusing in this key more than the others, because I feel I am lacking that ability of confidence. I am the kind of person that is so insecure not for how I look, but how I do my work. Everytime I do school work I always doubt myself, and even make myself believe that whatever I am doing is wrong. The way in which I am incorporating this key in myself is by simply trying to speak my mind and always take positive risks. In conclusion, once I accomplish my goal of being  confident I will focus a bit more on the other nine keys and simply strive to my future hopefully filled with success.

How to Win Friends and Influence People

"Six Ways to Make People Like You"

Rule 1.Become genuinely interested on other people. 

Reflection: It is very important to care and hear from other people, because if you are just interested on yourself the other people will one way or another try to get away from you. If you want to get a friend or get people to like you, you have to ask questions about them so you can get to know them, because if you only talk about yourself they will automatically think of you as a coincided person. You also have to think if you would like to be treated the same way, because I can assure you that no one wants to sit and hear about all the others people’s life and you not even saying a word. If you actually try to follow this rule people will see what kind of kind person you are. Although some people are interested in others life you actually have to have a heart while you’re hearing the person talk because some people act as if they care when in reality peoples words come in through one ear and come out through the other. In some point in life everyone should realize that life isn’t just about you, and that the best way to know someone is by carefully listening to them.  For example, every time I meet someone knew I don’t like talking as much. I usually let them do all the talking, but later on once I get to know them better I like to talk too. All the friends I have so far usually don’t like to talk about themselves a lot and we usually just share common interest and talk about that. In my opinion, a true friendship is talking about one another not just about one person. 

"You can make more friends in 2 months by becoming interested in other people than you can in 2 years by trying to get other people interested in you.” 

 

I will apply this in my life, by listening to others more and more, because that's one great and easy way to earn friends.

Rule 2: Smile 

1. “Actions speak louder than words, and a smile says, “I like you. You make me happy. I am glad to see you.” 

2. “You don’t feel like smiling? Then force yourself to smile.” 

3. “It creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in a business, and is the countersign (witness or indication) of friends.” 

Reflection: Smiling is truly something that can brighten your day or someone else’s day. When other people see a smile from you, you automatically send positive vibes towards them. When you smile it shows what kind of person you are and many people will say you’re friendly and would like to get to know you. If you want people to get a good impression of you when you don’t know them, the best thing to do is smile, because if you don’t some people will not talk to you, due to the fact that they don’t know how you are. As you wake up you have to be determined to be positive all day so your day would be positive as well, and one way to do that is by putting a smile on your face. If you see other people with a smile on their face you’ll feel that urge to smile to and just by that little gesture you’ll day will turn rapidly into a great day. For example, at school I usually seem serious but when I see other people smile at me I can’t help but smile back. As I walk down the hallway many people must think I’m such a serious person due to my face expressions. But once someone smiles at me I smile back to show that I’m friendly and positive. In conclusion, every time you wake up early in the morning you have to remember to always keep that beautiful smile on. 

I will apply this to my life by always keeping a smile in order to get positive vibes around me.

Rule 3: Remember names 

1. “A man’s name is to him the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” 

2. “If you don’t remember names, you are headed for trouble.” 

Reflection: It is very important for someone to remember others name because to me it shows how true of a friend you are. If you don’t remember someone’s name you rapidly make the other person indicate you as a person that truly just doesn’t care. When you talk to someone that’s usually something everyone tells each other, and that to me is sort of a responsibility for you to remember someone’s name because that shows how much you actually listened to the other person. By doing so you don’t only know who you’re talking to but you also get to learn more about the other person. Moreover, you get to show how good of a character you have. For example, when I meet someone new I always ask for their name and tell them mine. The reason I do this is, because I know that one day Ill wand to talk to them and need their help and I just don’t want to call them by, “Aye you” or anything similar to that, because I don’t want to sound rude. In conclusion, everyone should remember each other’s name because it can honestly tell a lot about that one person. I mean it’s common to forget someone name once or twice but you should be able to know it on the long run. 

 

I will apply this to my life by listening to others carefully and showing an act of interest to everyone. 

How to remember names… 

1. Face Association: Try to remember that one person’s face and find some qualities or features that’ll help you remember them. 

2. Repetition: Repeat the name often and try to use it more often. 

3. Make Connections: Try to find something in common; which can late on actually make you become very great friends. 

4. Speak Up: If you didn’t get their name don’t be afraid to ask for their name or repeat it. 

5.  Spell It Out: Write it down or anything will help you sound out the name in order for it come out good when you actually talk to that person. 

Rule 4. Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk  about themselves. 

1. “If you aspire to be a good conversationalist, be an attentive listener.” 

2. “Remember that the man you are talking to is a hundred times more interested in himself and his wants and his problems than he is in you and your problems. 

Reflection: Being a good listener is very important, because other people automatically consider you as a good attentive person. It is very important to listen to others because not only do you show an act of respect, but you get to learn and hear many new things. By listening to others you can believe it or not gain more knowledge. In a conversation you should always encourage the other person to talk about themselves. This will help you get to know the other person better, and the other person will consider you a great friend and /or conversationalist. Usually when you don’t listen to others, you will rapidly be considered a selfish person, which I know nobody would like that. In life everyone would love to have someone to talk to too, so that the reason everyone should be able to listen to others, because you know you want to be treated that way. This act of listening to others should follow everyone in their life, due to the fact that there’s going to be one point in life that’ll you’ll have to listen to theirs, for example in school or any important interviews. In conclusion, listing to others and actually caring for what the other person has to say, is honestly the key in getting new friends and knowledge.  

I will apply this to my life, because I would like someone to do the same to me, because I know everyone on this earth needs at least one person to care and listen to them. 

5 Active Listening Tips:

1. Stay focused 
2. Really listen
3. Allow for periods of silence
4. Repeat the others person words or paraphrase them afterwords
5. Understand the emotions behind the words