Loss is a terrible thing. Losing a loved one is terrible; getting terminated, distasteful; and both in one year — horrific! Such events can plunge people into the quicksand of depression. And what about losing your desire, losing your purpose, or losing your sense of meaning? Several years ago, I lost my mother-in-law, three jobs, and, almost, my family in the course of a single year. My purpose and my mission were abandoned.

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	Confidence plus passion plus market need plus competence equals success.

If you find yourself aimless and want to rediscover your mission, then you can find ways to align the stars. Rather than ask, ''Why me?'' perhaps it is time to ask, ''Why not me?''

Here are some thoughts to help you find your mission, align the stars, and live the remainder of your life with a purpose.

1. Stop living in self-doubt. We tend to wallow too much in despair. What you focus on you become. Become great by focusing on the positive!
   
   
2. Listen. Stop and smell the roses. By this I mean listen to everyone around you -- friends, colleagues, peers, the Lord. Professional speaking did not enter my mind as a mission until someone suggested teaching.
   
   
3. Stop looking for perfection. Success comes not from using the elevator of life but from taking one step at a time. If you love what you do, the money will come to you. Refrain from trying to make your world perfect…it isn’t possible.
   
   
4. Build a brand or message that emotionally and intelligently involves the client. Too much competition today confuses clients, so you should seek differentiation and illustrate value.
   
   
5. Ironically, 63% of us go at least 10 mph or more over the speed limit. We drive 70 mph on a dark and slick road. 81% sometimes drink at a social gathering and then drive home. And yet, we sometimes choose not to take risks because we believe we are not ready. Fact, you will never be ready! Risk is about confidence, risk is about self-worth. If you are confident, you will take the risk. If you are passionate, you will take the risk, and if you have self-worth, you will take the risk.
   
   
6. Passion comes from the Greek word ''entheos,'' which means to be filled with God. When you are filled in spirit, you are instantly filled with energy and inspiration. Find something you are passionate about, and you will make money at it.
   
   

   Drew Stevens, PhD, is known as the Sales Strategist.

7. Confidence is demonstrated in the attitude of an 80-year-old woman who attends college to get her bachelor’s degree or by a Thomas Edison, who tried 10,000 times to get it right! If you are confident in your abilities, you can achieve anything you set your mind to!
   
   
8. Competence. People seek you and your services because of your expertise. Illustrate your expertise with speaking, consulting, articles, or anything else that attracts people to you. Your expertise will be sought only if you show it.

Confidence plus passion plus market need plus competence equals success. Success is easy if you know where to look. You do not have to point to true north or west, simply at yourself. Success begins with you. As Lao Tzu once stated, ''The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.'' You must make a move. Live each day in acquisition, live each day in passion, live each day knowing that your success lies within you, not in others.

Additional Success Tips:

1. Keep raising the bar. Look for new and innovative ways to achieve results.
   
2. Results are about choices you make. You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
   
3. Winning is about hits, not home runs. Each day, each goal, each success is movement toward your dream.
   
4. Be a student of the game. Learn what you did right and keep on doing it.

About the Author

Drew Stevens, PhD, is known as the Sales Strategist. Dr. Drew creates more revenues in less time. He is the author of seven books including Split Second Selling, Split Second Customer Service, and Little Book of Hope and is frequently called on by the media for his expertise. Sign up for Dr. Drew's newsletter ''The Sales Strategist'' at drew3-143901@autocontactor.com and review his new book Split Second Selling at www.gettingtothefinishline.com/products.asp.

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