Here is a 20 point list that discerns the difference between winners and losers. You can learn why winners win and losers lose very quickly by checking this list.

1. Winners have dogged determination. Losers lack the ability to see any project through to a satisfactory conclusion.
2. Winners never give up, give in or surrender. Losers quit the moment things get the slightest bit difficult.
3. Winners make exceptional use of available time. Losers waste time engaging in useless activities.
4. Winners plan and map their route to success. Losers consider plans belong to builders and maps belong in glove-boxes.
5. Winners take responsibility for all outcomes. Losers shun responsibility and prefer to place blame on others.
6. Winners commence a task at the earliest opportunity. Losers procrastinate, delay and run out of time.
7. Winners learn from their own mistakes and the experience of others. Losers make the same mistakes over and over again.
8. Winners are committed to projects. Losers display whimsical interest.
9. Winners make things happen. Losers watch things happen.
10. Winners are pro-active. Losers are re-active.
11. Winners have vision and imagination. Losers are backward looking and lack initiative.
12. Winners encourage and inspire others. Losers criticize and ridicule others.
13. Winners are methodical and organized. Losers are haphazard and slipshod.
14. Winners seek information and embrace new knowledge. Losers ignore better methods, concepts and ideas.
15. Winners ask: "How can I do that?" Losers state: "How do you expect me to do that?"
16. Winners invest in income producing assets. Losers waste money on depreciating consumer goods.
17. Winners develop 5, 10, 20, 30 years of experience. Losers repeat one year of experience 5, 10, 20, 30 times.
18. Winners continually push existing limits and boundaries. Losers feel comfortable operating below their self-imposed ceilings.
19. Winners take calculated risks. Losers take hazardous gambles.
20. Winners are inspired to do more to be more. Losers conspire to do less and not be noticed.

Print this check-list, take a pen and give yourself a tick or a cross against each of the 20 points above. There is only ONE requirement - be honest. That is another characteristic of winners - they are honest with themselves.

This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it.

Gary Simpson

Gary Simpson lives in Perth, Western Australia.

His passions are writing (of course), reading, karate, body building, investment and growing tropical palms.

His website is devoted to helping people achieve greater success and self esteem through personal development.

Gary is a regular contributor to numerous magazines and newspapers. His articles and short stories appear in many forums. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, they are now being shared worldwide.

He has written eight books:

LARGE VOLUMES:

- "Journey,Life and Destiny" - personal development (2 vols)

- "How to Save $1000's and Increase Your Personal Net Wealth"

- "Brain Training - Affirmations to Strengthen Mind and Body"

- "Strike Back 1" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

- "Strike Back 2" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

SHORT VOLUMES:

- "The Power of Choice" (FREE e-book) - a popular story about a man looking back on his achievements from the hereafter. It is a poignant story that has received accolades from all over the world - from Iceland to Canada to Great Britain to Morocco to New Zealand to the Czech Republic to the USA - and dozens of countries in between.

The Power of Choice is a free resource and can be downloaded directly from Gary's website.

- "Using Motivation and Self Esteem to Excel in Everything You Do" (FREE e-book) - valuable resource to introduce newcomers to the wonders of personal development. This book is available on request. You can secure your copy by leaving your name and email address (no "hotmail" addresses accepted) at his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website.

Gary's unique approach has been shaped by his 35 year pursuit of karate and his 15 year study of the principles of motivation. He has two personal mottos. These are:

"Excellence of Execution."

and

"Imagination is Infinite."

You can learn a great deal about all matters regarding motivation and self esteem at his website. You will find articles, interviews with achievers, motivational messages and other material. You can even opt to receive free material by visiting the "zenspiration" page.

The Motivation and Self Esteem for Success website was constructed by Linda Caroll who Gary has called the "Kyoshi of Website Design" (In karate terminology Kyoshi means "Polished Master"). Visit Gary's website to see for yourself.