First deal jitters

I came across this post on another site. I found it to be very inspirational and thought I would share it.

Okay, it is time for your first deal but you are feeling really nervous about it. The big question is how to calm your fears. Overcoming this fear is a process. You have to break it down into categories:

1) Acquire necessary knowledge
2) Identify the opportunity
3) Do your homework on the deal
4) Know that you have the drive and determination to succeed
5) Set your goals

Know that knowledge is power. When you posses the appropriate knowledge you can approach just about anything with the confidence that you will do well and succeed. Identifying the opportunity is the one thing that everyone in business has to understand that you cannot do alone. Therefore, you must surround yourself with good people to help you every step of the way. When it comes to doing the homework on a deal not only do you want to hear what the people on your team have to say but you must seek out any and all suggestions, ideas, or recommendations from wherever you can and analyze them as best as you can. Although you may be organized and well informed you will still need the drive and determination to see your plan through. Be certain that when you set your goals that they are realistic. One of the people that I admire the most has to be retired General Colin Powell. He has written a book called 'My American Journey' and in this book he lists thirteen rules. Here they are, this is great stuff.

1. It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
2. Get mad, then get over it.
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
4. It can be done!
5. Be careful what you choose, You may get it.
6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
7. You can't make someone else's choice. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.
8. Check small things.
9. Share credit.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
11. Have a vision. Be demanding.
12. Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

Always remember some people dream of success while others wake up and work hard at it, therefore life becomes a true challenge. The things that we do and the way that we choose to do them define who we are and what we are. If you choose to make things happen then your life is dedicated to the pursuit of that endeavor. Every day is all about making it happen, there is no challenge too great for those who have the will and the heart to make it happen. This is all about doing more than what you have already done in life. This is how one changes his or her life. There is never a need to fear success.

I sincerely hope this will at the very least give you something to think about and hopefully inspire you to move forward in whatever direction allows you to grow.