We are only as strong as our weakest link. It's important to realise that it's the down moments, and how we respond to them, that determine the outcomes of your life. Whatever your circumstances, it is vital that today you embrace this powerful truth.

It's easy to look at successful people and explain their great lives by saying 'they have something special that has made them successful'. The implication of course is that you don't have those special gifts, talents or attitudes. It's true that there's no way you will be able to 'make' extra gifts materialise in your system, but it's really important to know that talents and gifts are not the be all and end all of success.

We have all observed how those who excel at high school - the straight A bunch - don't always go on to live lives of glory. It's the 'D' average guys that often end up as the CEO or millionaire. Being successful requires more than talent and brains. Success, or the lack of it, will be determined by the choice you make at your lowest moment.

A past delegate recently shared her own 'low moment-high choice' experience. At the time I met her she was safely employed. But life had other plans for her, and she later became retrenched. As she viewed her dramatically altered world she thought to herself 'what the heck, I might as well try some of Cathy's success ideas'.

Today this courageous lady is running her own successful business, with more work than she can handle - and has lots more plans for lots more exciting things in her life. In the final analysis, her success can be attributed to the choice she made at the worst moment. And this applies to you to.

If you are low and down, here are some ideas to help you transform positively.

1. Write a sign to yourself 'what I chose to think & feel now will determine my destiny.' Put the sign up where you will see it often. Say these words to yourself often.
2. Acquire some new energy through attending a success course, reading a motivational book or getting involved in a new project. If that project is designed to help others, even better. If you are so depressed you don't feel like doing this, force yourself. The hardest step is the first one.
3. Follow you heart's desires not your man-made fears, saying this to yourself:  'the greatest risk is to take no risk - today I take the right risks to produce the right results.'
4. Set out to systematically build up your self-esteem. Self-esteem is magnetic, and positive esteem attracts perfect opportunities.

Success comes down to a choice - at the moment when choosing is hard. Be comforted by the thought that every situation is a teacher and an opportunity. Remember that you are master of your own destiny, you do have a choice.

© Catherine M Glennie