There's really only one major thing that separates successful people from those who are trapped in mediocrity or failure. So, what is this 'one thing'?

You see success is not determined by circumstances or luck or even hard work. Success is primarily determined by what you really believe, deep down, about yourself. Here's the proof'

Today I am compensated in 6 figures, have a 19 year successful marriage to my one and only wife, own a self improvement business and have a list of great accomplishments longer than my 6',3' little brother. All this in spite of the fact that I'm a former 9th grade drop out homeless drug addict. I didn't even get a GED (high school equivalency) till the age of 27! So, what 'one thing' made the difference and turned me around?

The major differences I've observed in others and in myself between these vary different levels of failure and success are found in fundamental belief systems.

Here are 10 common beliefs owned by some of the most successful people I know. You may want to incorporate these into your own belief system!

1. I believe I am 100% responsible for my own life.

2. Whether I believe I can or I can't my results equal my belief.

3. I believe failure is a great teacher that leads me closer to success.

4. I believe no task is too small to give my best effort.

5. I believe it's what I know and who I know.

6. I believe in asking "What can I do right now to make things better?"

7. I believe in valuing and respecting self and others equally.

8. Whether I look for opportunities or obstacles I find what I'm looking for.

9. I believe in something greater than myself.

10. I control my thoughts, my thoughts control my beliefs, my beliefs control my actions, my actions create my success or failure.