What is success? Is it being a high average bowler? Is it being a great junior bowling coach? Is it being a PBA member and appearing on television? Me, I define success as being looked up to and respected at the level of life you are at; but, having a dream that aspires to more.

That dream, by the way, is a private matter that does not have to be laid out for public scrutiny. That dream keeps us from becoming too complacent. Dreams are necessary for us to keep living and moving forward in our lives. Without dreams, you will stick on the approach, fall flat on your face, and your ball will end up in the gutter, counting for nothing.

By learning simple disciplines and techniques and applying them consistently over a period of time, you can overcome obstacles that are laid in your path to success. Consistent action will result in at least two positive aspects of your life: 1) you will achieve personal growth, and 2) others around you will be directly affected by your plan of action.

The "Choc-List" for personal success in bowling is as follows:

1) Don't compare yourself to others. They have different goals then you do. Their purpose for living is different than yours. The price they have paid to get where they are is different than yours. You are unique. No one can compare to who, are what, you are.

2) Don't give up. More importantly, don't give up too soon. In this day of instant gratification, people seem to think they can accomplish success during the next 20-second commercial. To coin an old phrase, "it don't work that way, folks." Why go back to what wasn't working for you?

3) Don't get angry or frustrated. Very few good things in life are accomplished while you are throwing fits. More positive good has come when you are at peace with yourself. Look back in your past and you will see that this statement is true.

4) Don't shut out "change." You may have to learn new concepts, ideas, techniques, and skills. You are on the offense, you are not playing defense, it is your game to control, and you are adapting. Winners win because they don't quit; losers lose because they quit - it is up to you.

"You are the way you are because that's the way you want to be. If you really wanted to be any different, you would be in the process of changing right now." - Fred Smith: The founder of Federal Express -

A Hui Hou! (See You Again!)