ACHIEVING any kind of success starts with a positive attitude.

To do well in any challenge, including final year examinations, you need an attitude that says: "I will pass".

Passing starts in the mind.

Tell yourself that you will do well. Say: "I was born intelligent!"

And, you have to believe it.

It does not matter how tough that challenge, test, or exam may be. What matters is how positive your attitude is. Some people do not believe that they were born wise.

But - on a light note - let us think back to an incident from the ground-breaking television drama Yizo Yizo, in which a teacher asked a pupil to answer a question, to which the teacher remarked: "You are wise!" Surprisingly, the pupil, named Javas - who was a streetwise fellow - protested: "What about the rest of the class ... are they otherwise?"

You see, the teacher had said nothing about everyone else, but Javas just concluded that the teacher had implied that the other pupils had been unwise. It is not about what someone else says or believes about you - it is what you believe about yourself that really matters.

As you approach the forthcoming year-end examinations, believe that you will make it. However, a positive attitude is just a start. You need to follow up with action. Remember this: Faith without work is dead! A positive attitude will not help you if you don't take corresponding action.

In your case as a pupil, remember to open your books, read and study diligently. It is not too late. This calls for sacrifice. In this technologically-advanced and fun-filled age - where many voices clamour for your attention as a young person - you need to make wise choices that are designed to help you reach your immediate goal of succeeding, breaking through, or - simply put - passing.

Most important, start by pressing the "Pause Button" on partying, watching too much television, socialising and other academically-retrogressive activities - most of which might not bring you closer to passing. Studying is one of the ways of portraying a positive attitude.

Another force that will enhance your positive attitude is affirming or empowering music. I remember when I was preparing for my matric examinations in 1989. I was struggling with some subject, and thoughts of failure haunted me. You see, it happens even to the best among us. And, because I loved music, I came across a tune by The O'Jays, called You Won't Fail.

I listened to the song over and over again and - I can boldly say so today, as I had said then - that the uplifting tune contributed toward my success in, or passing my examinations then.

You too should find a song that will lift your spirits and boost your confidence. Play it in the background as you swot. It could work for you, the same as was the case for me. There are many tunes, with positive lyrics, that could help adjust your own attitude to success. If you are inspired by nature, take your books and study under a tree. Choose what inspires your positive attitude.

It is also important to change your attitude towards subjects we perceive as being difficult, or simply put, learning areas we might not like. This is not easy but possible. Approach the teachers, your siblings, or friends who might be doing well in these "difficult" subjects. Find out how the have been able to cope with, and ultimately ace these subjects. Above all, tell yourself there IS a way to tackle these "hard" learning areas.

Finally, prayer is a powerful attitude-adjuster. It does not matter what religion you follow, tap into this powerful tool for excellent results.

• Motau is a motivational speaker.
• Food for thought: "If it is to be, it is up to me!" - Motivational speaker and author Zig Zigler.