In May 2005, Robin Roberts was named third anchor of ABC News’ “Good Morning America.” Most recently, Ms. Roberts traveled to Africa with former President Bill Clinton to bring viewers a first-hand look at the devastating AIDS crisis in that part of the world. She and the president visited many cities and villages in various regions of the continent. At “Good Morning America,” Ms. Roberts has covered an array of special events for the morning program ranging from the homecoming of soldiers aboard the USS Roosevelt to the Golden Jubilee at Buckingham Palace to the 25th anniversary of the papacy of Pope John Paul II in Vatican City. Ms. Roberts has also interviewed newsmakers from Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton to Spike Lee and sports legends from Tiger Woods to Shaquille O’Neal for the program. (more…)

1. Position yourself to take the shot. I learned how to put myself in position for good things to happen to me. Even when I felt outmatched or afraid, I made sure I was ready to grab the ball when it came my way.

2. Dream big, but focus small. When I was young I had big dreams, and my parents, teachers, and coaches encouraged me. But they also helped me to see that I had to have my feet planted in reality. Dreams are vague and far away. Goals are tangible and achievable. I learned that being true to myself meant figuring out what was right for me, then pursuing it.

3. If at first you don’t succeed, dive back in. Here’s a secret. It isn’t always the smartest, most talented, prettiest, or most charismatic person who has the most success. That’s true whether you’re talking about a great job, a great achievement, or a great marriage. More often, the people who succeed are those who don’t let setbacks and rejections stop them cold.

4. Never play the race, gender, or any other card. The most valuable lesson my parents taught me was that there is no excuse for not being the best you can be. When you fail, don’t look for fault in others; find the areas you need to improve in yourself. And don’t be too thin-skinned. Learn to laugh at your frailties. We all have them.

5. Venture outside your comfort zone. To stop growing is to stop living. My parents taught me this lesson by taking new chances late in their lives. When you look at your life as a work in progress every day, nothing is impossible.

6. Focus on the solution, not the problem. We all have problems, and it’s easy to let them drag you down. The key to lifting yourself up is to focus on what action you can take to solve them. You may be taking baby steps, but they move you forward.

7. Keep faith, family, and friends close to your heart. My life has been filled with blessings — a deep faith, strong family ties, and a core group of friends who support and challenge me. My faith, family, and friends are the foundation upon which everything else rests. True success cannot be measured by the fleeting façades of fame and money, but only by the underlying security of a life well lived.