There is more chance for success than ever before, but to experience success you better be willing to do more than you're getting paid to do.

That was the message of Val Christensen, a Denny's Restaurant owner and developer of several California restaurant and hotel franchises, for Brigham Young University students attending the Marriott School of Management Executive Lecture.Christensen said the opportunity for most people to become successful and financially independent is available, but he said most people choose to survive from paycheck to paycheck, not striving to have more. He said only five out of every 100 people will be free from government subsidy when they retire.

"Now I submit to you that that's a crime and wrong, with the financial riches we have available in this country today," Christensen said. "When in history has there ever been a time when the average man can achieve more than he can in the United States today?"

He said the characteristic that determines if people are successful is their desire to do more than they are asked to do. Most people stop working once they have finished a job they were asked to do, usually doing a minimum amount of work. The willingness to go the extra mile and to do the jobs others don't want to do is a key to success, he said.

"Always do more than you are paid to do," he said. "Successful people do jobs that unsuccessful people aren't willing to do. The successful person does not like the job just as much, but he will still do it."

Never consider a job to be part-time or transitional, Christensen said, because hard work always will lead to more success. He said successful people must set priorities on their time, be self-disciplined and write down their goals .

"Without exception I have never met a successful person who did not write down his goals."

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