We can make decisions because they’re safe. We can make decisions to maintain appearances. We can make decisions to please others. We can even make decisions to avoid making harder decisions. Or, we can resist the pressure and temptation to be something we’re not, grab a good dose of courage and make the decision to make the most of our life! We all want a meaningful life, yet many of us struggle to actually live one. We allow ourselves to feel trapped by inertia, lack of time, fear, habit and financial constraints. Let’s face it. There will always be a reason why you can’t and an excuse for why you didn’t. Until, you choose differently. If the current year hasn’t been as productive or fulfilling as you had hoped it would be, here are some foolproof steps to help you raise your standards now and give the coming year everything you’ve got—to become what you potentially are.

• Remove the limits. The first step to breaking the firm grip of hesitancy is feeling that this life counts, that you count, that you and your unique purpose are not meaningless but instead of great importance. Believe it, it’s true! Remember that your expectations create your reality and life pretty much sends you what you think. Be mindful of your thoughts and stop yourself when you engage in a pattern that weakens you. The law of nature is we move in the direction of our thoughts. Choose yours wisely.
   
• Get clear on what you want. Keeping your options open is a trap. It’s an excuse to stay uninvolved. To gain clarity, ask yourself what you like to do. What are your dreams, hopes, desires? Check in with your heart and don’t be bashful about what you want. The more attention you focus on an objective, the more enthusiasm you’ll feel AND, the more you’ll find yourself wanting it.
   
• Mind your mind. A key element to achieving results of any kind in life is to visualize the exact, precise way you want something to happen. Performance can only be ignited with the fuel of mental imagery. In other words, it must happen in your mind before it can ever become a reality. The more clarity you have in your mind, the better your chances are for success.
   
• Get excited. Think about goals or dreams you’ve been setting aside and, just for a moment, dare to get really excited about them—all of them, big or small. Feel the red, hot blazing fire of emotional intensity that accompanies anything that authentically means something to you. Then, schedule at least 5 minutes every day to “feel the passion” behind what you’re creating.
   
• Throw away the story. One of the reasons we prevent positive change in our lives is that we’re out of practice. We’ve been hiding behind our “story” for so long that we forget how to step beyond it. Think about how you rationalize. Perhaps you say: “I’m too busy,” “I’m so tired at the end of the day,” “It’s not in my genes,” “Maybe next year,” “I’m too old” “If only I had better teachers, parents, conditions.” By being forthright about the lies you’re telling yourself, you empower the truth.
   
• Write down your thoughts, goals and dreams. Keeping a journal is a compelling way of checking in with yourself at a very honest level. It also helps us to stay clear on our objectives, comfort us through the rough spots and measure our progress and success along the way. Journals are vital because they help us become conscious of our personal demons or the shadows that are holding us back. We can’t ignore the truth when it’s staring back at us in black and white. It’s also a great space to allow yourself to be courageous – letting go of everything you previously thought impossible or impractical. Keep track of lessons and celebrate yourself by recording all of the good points about who you’re becoming.
   
• Fully commit. If you’re not committed, it won’t happen. Period. No matter what your objective is or how much desire is lighting your flame, if you’re not fully engaged or plugged in to what you’re doing, you will not see it through. For example, let’s say your goal is to improve your quality of your life by developing a strong, toned, healthy body. This goal must be a priority and not just a flimsy wish laced with good intentions. This means, no more excuses, no more settling. Failure is not an option. You will not back down. One challenging day does not translate into an excuse to throw in the towel. Having a strong and compelling mindset is crucial and is always present on the heels of any success in life. If it sounds like a lot of work, that simply means that you’re not focused on the “why” part of your goal. If you fix your attention on “why you’re doing this”, the work becomes seamless.
   
• Stay on Purpose. Don’t let daily distractions take you away from the things that matter most. Organize your time around your true priorities in life. Try writing down your priorities for the week every Sunday evening. When life throws you a diversion (and it will), check the list and you’ll know how to respond. If you struggle with being true to yourself, move your eyes back up the page and re-read the first bullet. You and your life purpose count and deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. Your sole responsibility in this world is to make the unique difference you were born to make. Don’t fall down on that job!
   
• Take some risks. Surprisingly, most of us put a lot more effort into avoiding pain than into pursuing pleasure. It’s not so much what you do on a day-to-day basis that defines you but instead, it’s what you’ve overcome along the way that creates real substance. Risk taking always means innovation and growth, which is where you’ll find your true potential waiting for you. Start with some small steps outside your comfort zone. Introduce yourself to someone you admire. Book that appointment for a small business loan. Speak at the next meeting. Implement a new marketing initiative to promote your services. The more you use your courage muscles, the more resilient and stronger they’ll (you’ll) become.
   
• Action is all there is. What makes the difference between the “stuck” and “unstuck” is not the number of obstacles they face but instead, the choices they make—the way a person chooses to live from moment to moment. Don’t put making the most of your life on ice. Now is all you have. Commit to taking at least one step every single day. Each step will create momentum to keep your life moving forward. Begin right now with a single step.

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Lisa Holba is a Life Leadership Expert & Wellness Spokesperson.
As Founder of Dream It - Do It Coaching and Leading Visionary
of the Change Management Centre, she combines her background
in communications with her training in leadership psychology and peak
performance to help people create positive, lasting change.
To learn more, visit: www.LisaHolba.com
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