3. Celebrate the positive. Much of life's experience depends on your attitude. So, here's an exercise: Sit down and write out a dozen instances when you've been successful in life in any context. Did you get an A in the hardest class in college? Did you convince the girl or boy of your dreams to date or even marry you? Write it out-- and develop a reservoir of confidence.
4. Listen to customers. The customer is your compass. Listen actively to the market to learn about what customers want today-- but also what they’re likely to want by the time you can deliver solutions. You'll always have more valid reasons to believe in your ultimate success if you can consistently say you've developed your venture to meet specific customer needs.
5. Seek and find external validation. Many successful people talk about simple, fateful moments when others validated their ambitions. A century ago, Henry Ford cited brief words of encouragement from Thomas Edison that bolstered his confidence. To be effective, validation has to come from someone you view as admirable and credible, and it should come after you've taken steps toward your goal. You want to believe that the person validating your efforts knows what he’s talking about---but also that you do, too.