Obviously, all of those areas are important. For most of us, however, the real key to success is much closer to home. I believe, the most important and the most universal key to success is the ability to control the "time-space continuum" in your world!

Too often we fall for the lie that success requires special abilities, or "luck". We get tricked because we look at sports or entertainment, where success does seem to require unusual gifts. Those examples stand out, however, because they are exceptions. We notice them not because they are normal, but precisely because they are abnormal!

The key to success is the ability to control time and space, and we can all do that.

Highly successful people control their time and they control their personal environment. They do the things that are important, and they rarely waste time.  They do not permit clutter, chaos or interruptions to distract them from their "prime objective", and they are very clear about their priorities.

Controlling your environment is the absolute and essential key to achievement in any area.

As a student, if you are unwilling to lock your door and study, you are unlikely to graduate. As a business owner, if you cannot delegate and focus, you are unlikely to make a profit. As a spouse, parent, friend or neighbor, if you cannot take time to build the relationship, you are less likely to be successful.

Controlling your environment is the key to success.

We live in a culture that constantly tempts us to do too much, that "demands" too much of us. Take weekends, for example.

They are referred to as a time of rest. Hah! On the weekends we run errands, do the shopping, visit with friends, go to parties, are expected to watch the "big game", clean the house, sleep in, perhaps attend our house of worship, and by the way, be sure to relax, refresh, and do a little reading, so you are ready to work hard on Monday. That's crazy!

Take a moment to think about the most successful people you know, the ones you admire and want to copy. Think about their lives - are they cluttered and chaotic, or not? How easy is it to interrupt their schedule? Will they stop what they are doing and spend 30 minutes chatting, or do you get their voice mail most of the time?

Now think about the examples you see on television, or in the movies. Think about our image of the President. How many interruptions are permitted? How much chaos and stress and noise is allowed in their world? The answer is:  Not much!

Success requires that you control your environment. It means controlling distractions. It may mean having your favorite music on the stereo, or closing your office door. It means saying no to interruptions. Controlling your environment is far more important than having a to-do list, because if other people are running the show, your priorities will go out the window, every time.

If you must, start very small. Clean your closet, set breakfast out before you go to bed. If you can, take larger steps and set aside time when you cannot be interrupted. The eventual goal is to develop this muscle until it is clear that you are in charge of your world, and your destiny.