The best-selling and prolific authors say it all the time: attitude is everything. A positive attitude begets positive results. If you believe,it will happen.

But when you feel like you're going nowhere fast in your endeavors, it's tough to maintain a positive attitude. During those difficult times, you need to reflect on your past achievements. Why not have the memories of your glorious moments in easy reach? 

One day while a romance-writing buddy and I were frustrated with our writing careers, we came up with a ritual that celebrated any achievement that was meaningful to us. The bouquet of achievements is a very simple idea. When my friend got the agent she wanted, I sent her a white silk rose. After publishing my first novel, I received a red silk rose from her.

Here's our list of potential achievements and the rewards:

First sale: red silk rose

Subsequent published books: pink silk rose

Make a bestseller list: purple silk rose

Get an agent: white silk rose

Place in contest: yellow silk rose

Final in contest: non-rose silk flower

Short story in an anthology: yellow silk rose

Finish manuscript: non-rose silk flower

Book release that is not romance: non-rose silk flower

Notice we kept it easy and straightforward. We included milestones that will be important when we're multi-published, as well as those that are presently in our reach. This system is by no means original as some writing groups commemorate member's accomplishments with flowers. But if you don't have a writing group, or your group is unable to offer recognition, start this custom with a fellow author. Don't have a writing buddy? Buy the flower for yourself and make a personal ceremony out of it.

In her book, If Success Is a Game, These Are the Rules, Cherie Carter-Scott, Ph.D. suggests people should "create an indelible memory" of their successes. After starting my bouquet of achievements, I wholeheartedly agree. There are times when I think my vase needs filling up and I should do something about it. Other times I can glance at the bouquet and remember the struggle - and the victory - for a particular flower. I even enjoy the process of buying a special flower for my fellow writer and what it symbolizes.

Silk flowers aren't the only way to go. Start a scrapbook, bulletin board or an ego wall and have it close to your desk. Why there? Because there are moments when you need a quick, visual reminder that you've done it - and that you're going to do it again.

Susanna is the author of THE WRONG BRIDE from Heartline Books Ltd.  It is available new from www.amazon.uk, or in North America from New and Previously Owned Books.  Sign up for Susanna's newsletter for news of upcoming books by clicking here.  Or visit her online at www.susannacarr.com