MORT CRIM: Follow your own rules

January 31, 2003

BY MORT CRIM

Most people know Gen. Colin Powell as our secretary of state or from his role in the Persian Gulf War. I got to know him as a highly successful author and speaker.

He's as charismatic and confident in person as in public, and now I think I know why.

Colin Powell has 12 rules he lives by:

  • It's not as bad as you think.
  • Everything will look better in the morning.
  • Get mad, then get over it.
  • Don't have your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
  • It can be done.
  • Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
  • Check small things.
  • Share credit.
  • Remain calm.
  • Be kind.
  • Have a vision.
  • And perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

    Today's thought: Success is no accident. It comes most often to those who know the rules.

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