- Have I attained the goal which I established as my objective for this year? (You should work with a definite yearly objective to be attained as a part of your major life objective).
- Have I delivered service of the best possible QUALITY of which I was capable, or could I have improved any part of this service?
- Have I delivered service in the greatest possible QUANTITY of which I was capable?
- Has the spirit of my conduct been harmonious and cooperative at all times?
- Have I permitted the habit of PROCRASTINATION to decrease my efficiency, and if so, to what extent?
- Have I improved my PERSONALITY, and if so, in what ways?
- Have I been PERSISTENT in following my plans through to completion?
- Have I reached DECISIONS PROMPTLY AND DEFINITELY on all occasions?
- Have I permitted any one or more of the six basic fears to decrease my efficiency?
- Have I been either “over-cautious,” or “under-cautious?”
- Has my relationship with my associates in work been pleasant, or unpleasant? If it has been unpleasant, has the fault been partly, or wholly mine?
- Have I dissipated any of my energy through lack of CONCENTRATION of effort?
- Have I been open-minded and tolerant in connection with all subjects?
- In what way have I improved my ability to render service?
- Have I been intemperate in any of my habits?
- Have I expressed, either openly or secretly, any form of EGOTISM?
- Has my conduct toward my associates been such that it has induced them to RESPECT me?
- Have my opinions and DECISIONS been based upon guesswork, or accuracy of analysis and THOUGHT?
- Have I followed the habit of budgeting my time, my expenses, and my income, and have I been conservative in these budgets?
- How much time have I devoted to UNPROFITABLE effort which I might have used to better advantage?
- How may I RE-BUDGET my time, and change my habits so I will be more efficient during the coming year?
- Have I been guilty of any conduct which was not approved by my conscience?
- In what ways have I rendered MORE SERVICE AND BETTER SERVICE than I was paid to render?
- Have I been unfair to anyone, and if so, in what way?
- If I had been the purchaser of my own services for the year, would I be satisfied with my purchase?
- Am I in the right vocation, and if not, why not?
- Has the purchaser of my services been satisfied with the service I have rendered, and if not, why not?
- What is my present rating on the fundamental principles of success? (Make this rating fairly, and frankly, and have it checked by someone who is courageous enough to do it accurately).
Basic notes from the book:
- The turning point in the lives of those who succeed, usually comes at the moment of some crisis, through which they are introduced to their „other selves“. (page 30)
- No one ever is defeated until defeat has been accepted as a reality. (page 31)
- Our only limitations are those we set up in our own minds. (page 33)
- Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man, but soon or late the man who wins is the man who thinks he can! (page 46)
- There are no limitations to the mind except those we acknowledge both poverty and riches are the offspring of thought. (page 54)
- Faith removes limitations” (page 54)
- We rise to high positions or remain at the bottom because of conditions we can control if we desire to control them. (page 69)
- Desire is only a thought, an impulse. It is nebulous and ephemeral. It is abstract, and of no value, until it has been transformed into its physical counterpart. (page 73)
- You can build a fortune through the aid of laws which are immutable. But, first, you must become familiar with these laws, and learn to use them. (page 74)
- Success requires no explanations failure permits no alibis. (page 82)
- A quitter never wins and a winner never quits. (page 85)
- If you do not conquer self, you will be conquered by self. (page 99)
- As the twig is bent, so shall the tree grow. (page 99)
- If you are influenced by the opinions of others, you will have no desire of your own. (page 111)
- Tell the world what you intend to do, but first show it. (page 112)
- How to develop persistence: (page 127)
- A definite purpose backed by burning desire for its fulfillment.
- A definite plan, expressed in continuous action.
- A mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences, including negative suggestions of relatives, friends and acquaintances.
- A friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage one to follow through with both plan and purpose.