History records that in the first part of the 15th century, a young French peasant girl, Joan of Arc, was called to save her country from its enemies. There was something about her that endeared her to her followers and caused them to have a respect — almost a reverence, an awe — for what she was attempting to do. Her sacred sword, her consecrated banner and her belief in her mission helped her to sweep away the armies that were before her.

It has been said, and rightly so, that courage is transferable and that if a leader has a sense of mission and purpose and an absolute conviction in what can be accomplished, people gather around and follow this leader. This conviction was demonstrated by the courage displayed by Joan of Arc. She sent a thrill of enthusiasm through the French army and gave them the courage and confidence that a king, a statesman and a president could not produce.

However, she, like all other leaders, had her share of cynics and skeptics. On one occasion, she said to one of her generals, "I will lead the men over the wall."

The general said, "Not a man will follow you."

At that point, Joan of Arc did what leaders with a mission and a conviction always do. She replied, "I won't be looking back to see whether they're following me."

Yes, commitment and courage were on display, and those are two qualities that will win many battles and enable you to accomplish worthwhile objectives. Think along those lines, develop those qualities, and I'll see you at the top!

Thinking Influences Performance

One of the better-known quotes is, "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you are probably right." For a long time, it's been accepted that your attitude plays a significant role in your success. Documented studies time after time have proved that attitudes are more important than facts and that it's your attitude, not your aptitude, that determines your altitude. Fortunately, attitude is one of those things that can be substantially influenced and controlled.

Perhaps the most bizarre choice of attitude I have ever heard given in a motivational speech was the one delivered by coach Bulldog Turner before the final game in the history of the New York Titans. The year was 1962, and this ill-fated team was playing in the now-defunct American Football League when the coach gave this "motivational talk": "There won't be any New York Titans next year, so most of you are playing in your last pro game. Most of you aren't good enough to play anywhere else."

Anyone who has played on a team would agree that hearing words such as those before taking the field to do battle undoubtedly would result in a less-than-stellar performance. When the person who is supposed to inspire you to give your best effort tells you that he knows you're going to lose and that you're not good enough to play elsewhere, it is demoralizing. We're supposed to be encouraged by those in authority, not discouraged.

Incidentally, after that magnificent send-off to play that final game, the Titans went out and got clobbered 44-10. I'm surprised it wasn't worse. Build positive expectations. Encourage those around you, and I'll see you at the top!

To find out more about Zig Ziglar and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. Subscribe to Zig Ziglar's free e-mail newsletter through [email protected].