hoices. We're faced with them every day in every way. Paper or plastic. Full or self-serve. Window or aisle seat. Those are the easy ones, the obvious ones. Then there are the choices we're unaware of. Did you choose to close two deals today? Did you choose to lose that new merchant account? You say "no." But, in actuality, you did.

Successful salespeople don't rely on luck. They choose to enjoy good fortune. They choose to be prepared. They choose to stay committed. They choose to remain positive. How do they make those choices? They figure out what they want and they CASH in. If you're ready to choose your destiny, choose the following:

Be Creative. Break out from under the old rules of selling. Start thinking creatively, even if you think your old ways work fine. Try something new with each call and presentation you make. Assume the unexpected. If you're ready for something out of left field, you won't be so shocked when it does happen. Whether it's a high fly or line drive, you'll be there to make the play. Become a Sponge. Every call, every meeting, every presentation are all opportunities for you to learn. Knowledge is power - power to build your self-confidence and selling skills. Keep the momentum going. When you're not chasing down a deal, spend time reading trade publications and listening to CNN or NPR. Soak it all up. Say Hello. Every person you come into contact with is also an opportunity. Strike up a conversation while dining at a restaurant or shopping in a store with clerks and owners. Exchange business cards. Make a connection. And, just as important, maintain existing relationships. Pick up a phone to rekindle conversations with old friends, ex-schoolmates. It could lead to referrals and revenue.

CASH in on your potential. Believe you can, and you will. In the words of Walt Disney, "If you can dream it, you can do it."