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Even most determined entrepreneurs have, on occasion, wondered if they should keep moving forward or if they should forget about pursuing their dreams.

During the last several years, there were times when I came "this close" to giving in and giving up. And with my New York, Italian (Sicilian) tenacity, if I came close to giving up, well… let's just say that I've been where you are.

Thankfully, my husband, kids and amazing close colleagues, kept convincing me to move forward and I couldn't be more grateful.

Here's what I keep on my desk:

"DON'T GIVE UP"

The path to higher goals in life
May not be smooth and clear.
At times you may experience
Frustration and a tear.

You may endure a setback,
Lose momentum, tumble down.
A former look of confidence
May turn into a frown.

With any good that's worth achieving,
Strength of heart will matter.
Nothing's ever handed out
Upon a silver platter.

Such a challenge draws upon
the very best of you.
Bringing into focus
The objectives you pursue.

Meet Jack… Jack of all Trades. He's very good friends with Master of None. You could say they are joined at the hip.

Perhaps you personally know Jack? While Jack has all good intentions of creating a very profitable business, he can't seem to stay focused. Many small business owners fall into this. It's hard int he beginning to not want to do everything, mostly because we have to.

Master of None is the end result of Jack's indecision, lack of focus, lack of planning and repeatedly hopping from one aspect of his business to the next.

Does this mean that you shouldn't try new things until you find what works for you? No, of course not, but when you're running a small business, there is little time for task-hopping. You need to find the help necessary to make sure you lead the business in the direction you want it to go.

You can't move forward otherwise.

People do business with people they know and trust. People do business with the "expert" in that field, the "go to person" and those who establish themselves as a solid business owner.

What does it take to make a business successful? What does it take to make your business successful?

Make no mistake: Starting, growing and building a successful business is possibly one of the biggest decisions you will make.

It is also probably the most exciting, challenging, personally satisfying and best decision you can ever make in your professional life. Setting your own schedule, being your own boss, calling your own shots…there is nothing like it.

These ten keys are the keys to your success. Follow these and you will create the lifestyle and business of your dreams.

Belief - To have belief in your products or services and your industry is essential. But most of all, it is your belief in yourself that makes all the difference. You will achieve only what you believe in.

Commitment - A commitment is your pledge to do whatever it takes to get the job done - no matter what. When you are committed, you persist. You don't quit.