Well, here we are again. Yet another New Year is dawning, and most of us are taking a look back at the previous year, and a look ahead at what the next 12 months will bring.
Taking inventory of what you've done in the past is always a good idea, and proper goal setting for the future is the most effective tool that you have at your disposal for future success.
Here's the thing though:
Most of you will not accomplish what you set out to accomplish.
Doesn't seem right does it? Here you are, reading a blog about self improvement and personal development, yet you are being told that you're going to drop the ball on the attainment of your dreams and desires.

Photo Credit: Arjmage Why? Well, not to put too fine a point on it, but most of you are simply too comfortable in your cages to do what it takes to break out.
1) You're overweight, and you know how to lose weight, but you keep coming up with really great reasons not to actually do it.
2) You're broke, and you know that attaining wealth is possible, yet you still keep finding ways to barely pay your bills every month.
3) You're in an issue-laden relationship, and despite your unhappiness, you have still managed to end another year without fixing those issues, or moving on with your life.
Do any of those scenarios ring true for you?
No, wait – let me guess:
- Yes, you're overweight, but you've had so much going on with your family and/or your job that you just haven't had time to exercise.
- Yes, you're broke, but you have a job that leaves you no possibility for advancement, or you don't have the skills or the time to learn a new trade, or to start your own business.
- Yes, you're relationship is on the rocks, but hey, it's better than nothing, right? After all, he/she isn't THAT bad, and it sure could be a lot worse.
Should I go on, or are you getting the picture?
If you're life is not what you want it to be, it is no one's fault but your own!
Stop blaming other people or sets of circumstances for the fact that you aren't willing to do what it takes to make permanent and positive changes in your life.
Stop putting off your health or happiness because you've got things that you feel are a higher priority.
Stop allowing your less than successful past to automatically paint your future.
Stop living in a cage!
Personally, I choose an existence that is full of challenges, but also allows me to reap the rewards of overcoming every challenge that is put before me. For me, excitement about the future is an almost physical entity that surrounds me, and it powers everything that I do.
Can you say the same, or are you still living on the wrong side of the cage?
If you want to share my level of enthusiasm, here is the list of books and programs that are presently powering my success and my energy levels –
Audio Programs:
Video Programs:
Books:
- A Touch of Greatness
- Who Moved My Cheese?
- Helping Me Help Myself
- Don't Ask Stupid Questions : There Are No Stupid Questions
You can check out those books and programs, or a list of your own making. The actual tools that you use are not as important as the commitment that you make to yourself to truly attain your goals.
You can talk about goal attainment all day long, but talk is cheap. Don't tell people what you are going to do…
…show them by doing it.
Related Content:
- 3 Ways to Accomplish Anything by Writing it Down
- The Fast and Easy way to Build an Empire
- Telling the World to Take a Hike
Discuss this post at Personal Development Partners
Well said Aaron!
Do It Yourself Prison!
Some of us create our own prison where there are actually more rules and limitations than in a real prison. Sometimes (now’s as good a time as any) it’s interesting (necessary even) to explore where we live and why we live there… and perhaps how we might relocate.
Maybe to something a little bigger.
Where there is more space and less rules.
A place beyond our (current state of) mind.
And when I say… ‘where we live’, you know I don’t mean our physical address.
I mean where we spend most of our time emotionally and psychologically.
How we think, decide, react, communicate, process, interpret, rationalise, explain, relate, cope.
How we see our world… and us in it.
Craig,
I love what you said about exploring where we live and why we live there. You are right about it not meaning our physical location, as the actual geography is such a small part of the process.
Sometimes we need to take a look around our self-imposed prison and ask ourselves why we don’t just walk out the door that is standing wide open in front of us.