It is vital you know what your strengths and weaknesses are so that you are clear on the areas where you're doing well and those that you need to develop.

You have to be willing to make an effort to be successful. You also need to sezie every opportunity that comes along. Otherwise, you will not achieve what you want in life.

At times, people can become threats by discouraging you from achieving your goals. It's important not to let them.

The better you feel about yourself, the less likely you are to allow someone (or something) to 'rain on your parade'.

This is an example of a Swot analysis done by a girl in her final year at school. She dreams of starting her own catering business one day.

Strengths

In this section note the qualities that the student admires in herself - her special talents or abilities. For example:

Can cook tasty dishes

Artistic and creative

Always thinking of new ideas

A good communicator

Weaknesses

Here she writes down her shortcomings. By identifying her weak areas, she can change or replace things she feels aren't helping her achieve her goals. For example:

Easily stressed

Often waste time

Struggle to be organised

Opportunities

In this section, she notes the opportunities in her environment. For example:

Parents will sponsor studies

Contacts at the local hotel

An older friend wanting to be my business partner

Threats

Here she jots down the stumbling blocks that could prevent her from achieving her goals. For example:

Pressure from peers to follow a career in medicine or law

Limited places available at college for studying catering management

Uncertain about start-up funding for the business