To Act or Not to Act - That is the Question

"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do."

-Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

I was recently asked to write about, "Why do you think people don't act?" It is a question I think about often since one of my genres is self development. It blows me away how we all know WHAT to do but implementing change into our lives is an entirely different story.

Regardless of what it is you want to change or have in your life will only happen if you actually do something about it. You can talk about it all you want and dream about it but, until you take some kind of action or do something that you aren't currently doing you will never experience your desired result.

For example, do you think there is a person on this planet that doesn't KNOW HOW to lose weight? Not to mention how many people would seemingly give anything to be thinner, (give anything except the effort) yet they're still overweight.

So what stops a person from doing with it takes to get the results they want? Immediate gratification comes to mind. In a world filled with external pressures and internal stresses we all want to feel better instead of adding more stress into the mix. So we reach for what gives us comfort in the short term even though we may hurt ourselves in the long run.

Another reason people don't take action towards their desires is because of their core beliefs about whatever it is they want. People may say they want to experience certain things or to live a certain way but deep down they don't really believe it's possible. Impossibility thinking at its finest!

The excuses run the gamut from it's too hard to lose weight and I don't have time to work out. Or, I'm too old, too young, not experienced enough, too in debt, too tired, it's too late and on and on. People can and will rationalize any and all behaviors.

And then there are these underlying reasons, i.e. fear of failure, fear of success, too difficult to change, too much work, believing you don't really deserve it, and not enough time. But, it ultimately boils down to whether or not the pain to stay the same outweighs the pain to change.

Why do you think so many New Year resolutions end up in the trash? So, if it's so difficult to change, why even attempt to? Because unless you can find a way to live with the condition or circumstances that you have and be happy about it you will live each day being miserable about it instead. And that misery taints all that you say and do.

Accept your life and all you are and all you have and learn to enjoy it or decide that you are going to change. Decide that you will do what it takes and don't look back. Take baby steps towards your goal. If you fall off the wagon, who cares? Just get back on it somewhere along the way so you can reach your goal.

Don't let a bump in the road deter you from experiencing what you want. Don't let that old internal dialogue sabotage living your desires. Talk yourself out of the old way of thinking into the new and improved you.

People don't act because they think it's too hard to change but what's harder than living your life and being miserable? Living and wishing and wanting but never experiencing. Is that how you want to live?

The old adage, "Actions speak louder than words" is so true. People don't act because they've decided it's easier to stay the same than to change. The key word here is "decided." Basically it all boils down to you deciding whether it's worth it and then decide to do something about it.

About The Author
To find out more about how to stop wasting your time and begin living your best life now, go to: http://www.susan-russo.com Susan's work has inspired people from all over the world to take back their power! Learn the secrets in Susan's new book: "The 7 Keys to Unlock the Power Within You."

How to Be Flexible and Stay Positive when Changing Your Career

Many years ago, a supervisor of mine once told me, "There is no such thing as a problem. There are only challenges that can be overcome." This is the way I have approached life ever since hearing those words.

Although a "problem" can be viewed as solvable, the word itself just sounds negative in comparison to the word "challenge." A problem is more like a matter of fact. When you think to yourself that you have a problem, there are many negative feelings that can accompany those thoughts. It's as if the problem makes a statement such as "This is the way things are."

But the word "challenge" is much different. Instead of making a blanket statement, it presents more of a question, which is "Are you up to this?" When presented with a question such as this, it requires you to think. Unlike a problem, where you tend to get wrapped up in the emotions of it, a challenge provokes you to take some sort of action. There's that word again! I sure don't like dealing with problems, but I'm always up for a challenge!

Approaching life's problematic issues as challenges that can be solved can do wonders for your frame of mind. Challenges are something that test your abilities. In order to overcome them, you have to take a proactive approach and call on your skills and creativity to work through them and resolve them. They are like little puzzles that you have to figure out. There is really no need to spend time feeling down about them, as challenges are temporary. As soon as you figure out the puzzle, you're done and you can move on.

When following your career plan, it is very important to remain flexible and to stay as positive as you possibly can. If you are a bit of a perfectionist, this may be hard to do at times, as you may judge your progress based on how well you adhere to your original plan. If this is you, then keep in mind that you created your plan. It didn't even exist until you wrote it out. So as the creator of your plan, you have the ability to change it about any way you need to adapt to changes in your situation. Change is actually a very positive thing. It challenges you to think and work through various issues. So look at change as your ability to be flexible and make things better.

Try not to judge your progress based on how well you adhere to your original plan. Instead, judge your progress on how many of your goals you achieve. The process of achieving them is not what's most important. It's the accomplishment of your goals that counts. Your plan should be viewed as only a guide on how to get from where you are now to where you want to be. But just like a roadmap, there are many alternative roads and avenues you can take to get there. So if you run into an unexpected roadblock along the way, be flexible and stay positive.

There's nothing wrong with taking a detour, as long as it gets you to your final destination. It could very well be that detour that makes the journey all the more interesting.

About The Author
Copyright (c) 2010 Catherine Trebble. All Rights Reserved.
Changing careers can be just the boost you're looking for. It can also be a scary proposition, especially when you are a woman. The pressures and obligations we are under can make this a difficult challenge. Don't let these obstacles stop you from finding the job you love. Discover everything you need to know about changing careers at http://www.CareerChangeInHeels.com

Achieve Your Goals - Now

First and foremost, do you have goals? And second of all, do you have those essential reasons behind your goals that make you more driven and say to yourself that you do the very things that inch you toward them? In short, do you have reasons to be serious enough in aspiring and ultimately, reach those objectives? A favorite saying of someone I know is (and I have heard over the past few years), "the solutions or answers are often apparent once you get the questions right." Anyway, here are a few questions worth considering that may help you accomplish your desired purposes perhaps even sooner than you think.

1.) Am I even inspired to reach my goals? 2.) Is what am I doing at this moment moving me toward my goals? 3.) Am I truly serious about accomplishing my goals or are these goals just something that will be nice to have? 4.) Does my action or behavior moves me closer or much farther from my objectives? 5.) Of all the things I can be doing at this moment with my time, is this truly the best and effective thing I could do right now to move me closer to my dreams? Or maybe am I only rationalizing that this is moving me closer to my dreams because I'm unable or not willing to do what I know really needs to be done? A friendly bit of advice: Do those things that bring you much closer to your desired purposes, and stop doing those things that do not bring you toward your objectives.

Okay, some people might react, "well, you think it's that simple, it's not that simple!" alright-are you sure about that? Because it is possibly and really not that complicated as you think. These days, most of the things you should do should move you closer to your dreams. We actually encourage you to ponder on the question, "What will happen if most of what I did or said moved me closer and closer toward my aspirations?" See, no one is suggesting you to be perfect.

If you feel you aren't moving as fast as you would like closer to your goals, chances are that there is a very huge gap between your most-of-the-time attitude and your current attitude that the objectives need to reach for them. Grab the opportunity and take advantage of the fact that in your hands lays your ability to change all that.

So...what are you waiting for--just change it now! The more reasons you have for attaining your desired purpose, the more likely you are to accomplish things that your dreams require in achieving them. Your dreams are your tangible what-and your values are the emotional why behind your dreams. To be perfect is actually not a necessary requirement.

Simply get on with the "Program" so you could attain these goals for the reasons that are significant in your life's happiness. Go ahead, enjoy the results and don't forget to have fun along the way.

About The Author
The author of this article, Amy Twain, is a Self Improvement Coach who has been successfully coaching and guiding clients for many years. Amy recently published a new home study course on how to boost your Self Esteem. Click here to get more info about her Quick-Action Plan for A More Confident You.

What Kills Our Passion?

I have a friend, really I do, that has one of the most uninspiring, soul drain, passion killing habits that I have ever seen. This friend packs his lunch everyday. No, that's not the U.S.D.P.K part of it all. He packs his lunch on a Sunday night for the week, and every sandwich is the same. He has Devon (yuck) with tomato sauce. Every. Single. Day.

Oh my God. I mean, I hate Devon, especially the old party favourite of Devon wrapped around cold mashed potato (oh yes that was the FANCY treat of the 70's). But that's not the main point either. It's the fact that his lunch is so, well, boring.

I hate to see he is what he is like in the rest of his life. What's he day like? What's his entertainment like. What's he like in bed? Well maybe I don't want to know that last one. I just don't understand how anybody can be like that. How can anybody be so repetitive? How can anybody be so repetitive?

You see, it's the boring, mundane, repetitive stuff in life that kills out passion. How can we be expected to love, or hate, if we are just bored with the world? We see the same people every day, we do the same things, we eat the same food, and we just get dull.

You think about when you first meet somebody new that you like, really like. You feel alive, your heart races, you want to be with them, do new thing together and go new place. It's great. That new love gets you living again.

But after a couple of years, you get tired of the same old jokes, the snoring, the picking of the nose, the butt scratching and all the bad habits. Work, debts and the demands of the kids stops you from being inventive. You fall into a routine, and before you know it Romeo is gone and all that is left is Homer Simpson.

Life gets so dull that while you stop putting out the love, you can't even care about the injustices of the world anymore either. Who cares if Kev and Jules's have a fight and someone stabbed someone in the back. You don't care about the Gulf and the sick birdies; you just want to know that you can still fill your car up liquefied dinosaurs.
The only thing that you have left with passion is a small seedy fruit that goes well on ice-cream. And the major problem for most people is that they don't even know that this has happened to their lives. They are so uninterested in what is going on in their lives; they can't even tell that they are drowning in dreariness.

Think about this. When was the last time you went on holidays and got away from the routine? When was the last time you went out to dinner somewhere different? When was the last time you went to a party and you all through your keys into a bowl? Went was the last time you did something new. And by new I don't mean swapping Devon for Empire Meat.

Break of the shackles of the routine. Throw of the chains of boredom. Pick out a new set of keys. But for heaven's sake, do something different. Take a chance, do a dance or find a new romance. But be different.

You will be happier, and you will be living a better life.

Terry Shadwell

P.S. My keys have a pink bunny on them.

About The Author
Terry Shadwell invites you to learn more about how to create your own wealth online. Through easy to follow steps, you will soon be making more money than you ever though possible. Follow the link to change your life forever http://terryshadwell.blogspot.com

What About Today?

"Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness."

-James Thurber

Do you wake up each day looking forward to it or do you dread getting through it? Are you re-living the past over and over again or living in fear and anxiety of what the future may bring? Begin to realize that what happened in the past and how and why it happened are merely tools to help build a foundation that will make you stronger in the future.

When you allow yourself to be hostage to dwelling on the past or hostage to thinking fearfully about the future you miss out on all you really have which is right now.

Each day is a new opportunity to get it right or do it better. We all make mistakes and have things happen that we wish didn't. But, unless you let go of what happened and stop worrying about the future you might as well forget about today.

So often people are so consumed about why, what if, if only and how that they miss out on today. Just for today release yourself from the mental prison you're locked in and go out and breathe in the new day. Look around and see this day as a gift. Tear off the ribbons and bows and dive into the "present" and really enjoy it.

The clich-live each day as if it's your last isn't such a bad philosophy especially when you're living each day in only memories and regrets or bogged down by your fears of what's to come.

The real regret is when you are given a new chance to enjoy your life and all you do is waste it away by thinking thoughts that hold you down. No one can control what you think, what you say or what you do, but you.

So decide if you are going to be one of those people who allow the adversities in life to take you down and not get up or if you are going to still have a great life in spite of things happening.

Don't let all of the gifts you've been given and the blessings you have go unnoticed. Starting today, make a list of all the reasons today is a good day and appreciate it. Instead of dwelling on negative, toxic things try dwelling on what's good. Learn to be in the moment and leave the rest behind, it's worth it!

About The Author
Susan Russo is an author and coach whose work has inspired people from all over the world to take back their power! Would you like to empower yourself to do the same? Discover Susan's 7 Keys to unlock your power by picking up your FREE report at: http://www.susanrusso.com

Accomplishing Your Success Plan In Life

What is your success plan? Life is a mystery and different people interpret it differently according to how they perceive life to be. Others remain puzzled by the meaning of life and rather than lead a constructive life, spend their time wishing and asking questions such as; what is the essence of life? What is my purpose in life? What is the recipe for success?

I have often heard the saying that, 'lack of planning for success is planning for failure.' To me this is gospel truth. In reality there is no specific recipe for a success plan, as the term is relative but I choose to define success in two terms; purpose and initiative.

Everyone must have a deep longing for something so as to succeed. This desire should not be quenched by anything less but the targeted subject. Individuals should also be self-confident and self-assured of excellence so as to avoid any influence to the contrary. This is because, the environment we live in usually has a shaping effect on your destiny and you must exert control over your life and future to ensure that your success plan is accomplished.

Apart from being purposeful one has to take the initiative to go for the big prize. One should practically go every step of the way towards their desired destination, because any delays and procrastination will automatically mean failure of a success plan. Do not allow nature to take charge and decide the way to go.

Thus if you believe in achievements you must take a positive, voluntary and conscious first step towards fulfilling your dream and success plan. It is worth noting here that success is no ordinary undertaking. If you want it go for it in an extraordinary manner. Put yourself way above your expectations and cross the mediocrity barrier. It is said that those who wash their hands, dine with the kings.

About The Author
Stephen shares his wisdom and experience on Success Plan that will definitely add value to your life. Visit his Inspirational and Motivational Website at: http://onlineselfimprovement.blogspot.com and start living a purposeful life.

Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

Everyone in the world is born with natural instincts for survival. This is a phenomenon not just limited to man. It is also natural with animals. Many people are at a loss of how to succeed in life. They imagine they only need to work hard to make it.

In fact men has had many beliefs concerning what controls success, with many such beliefs bordering on superstition. However, there are principles that lead to success and these are the focus of the article.

One of the major determinants of success is what you, as a person believes about your ability to succeed. Research studies conducted on determinants of success based on the lives of more than 100 business people shows that success comes about through believing that you have what it takes.

People who have succeeded in business; athletics and any other mission in life have all believed that they can do it. They have refused to believe that it is impossible to achieve their dreams. In the face of multiple failures, they have soldiered on. As a result of their resolve and determination not to give up, they are rewarded with success. They say that fortune favors the brave.

No man is an island. You cannot succeed in life without the cooperation of others. In fact, in life the principle of give and take plays an important role in the functionality of the human being. This is because on your own, you do not possess self-sustaining resources to meet the varied challenges of life. Therefore, you need the support of your friends and neighbors to succeed.

Do well to others and in turn, good will be done to you. Somehow, things will start to work in your favor. Doors that seemed permanently locked will suddenly open on their own volition as you approach them. The goodwill you have created with your fellow man suddenly starts to pay dividends and success comes knocking at your door.

It is of vital importance that you live a life of integrity. How else can people know you are reliable? You have to say what you mean and mean what you say. People who have made up their minds to have integrity as one of the hallmarks of their character will succeed in their endeavors. History has already proven this to us countless times, a great example being Mother Teresa who lived a life of integrity and generosity and achieved so much.

In life, you will go through difficulties. Indeed others have referred to life as being a journey full of mountains and valleys. There are many challenges that you as a human being will go through. However, it is important that you have the ability to face them courageously. You should also know when to pursue a certain course of action and when to change course. You may be pursuing a certain line of business that you really believe in. However, no matter what you may be doing, success has proved to be elusive. This is the time to sit back and evaluate the prevailing circumstances. It could be an opportunity to start something different that may be more rewarding.

The presence of persistent difficulties does not mean that you should give up. History has however proven to us that sometimes misfortunes in life have actually been the same door that led to success. Many do not recognize this, for many times opportunity comes disguised as misfortune.

For you to succeed you must maintain focus on your stated goals. You must determine your course of action and devise strategies that will lead you to achieve that which you have decided to do. Failure is a guarantee for everyone who does not maintain proper attention to the plan at hand. A lack of focus leads to wastage of resources.

Humility is an invaluable quality in your quest to succeed. Pride and arrogance have a way of ensuring that you do not succeed. Humility will attract resources to your camp that albeit would not be available.

Finally, in life how can you succeed without having a purpose? Having a purpose in life gives you the impetus to march on in the face of mounting challenges because you know where you are going.

I hope you found some motivation from the above principles and that you will put them into practice in your own lives, you have nothing to lose.

About The Author
Wadzanai Nenzou Is An Internet Writer She Is Addicted To The Topic Of Success. For More On Success Go To Her Website
http://www.inspirational-quotes-change-lives.com/successquotes.html

Success Motivation: Its Role in the Achievement of Your Dreams

The term motivation is not at all strange to all of us. In fact, in every endeavor that one ventures into, the idea of motivation always tags alongside it. Motivation is literally that thing known as the extreme desire to fulfill something. But before motivation must be exercised, it is important that there is a vivid plan regarding what is to be done, how it is to be done, and what kind of result is expected to turn out.

There may be a lot of things that you wish to accomplish. But then because of the most unexpected twists and turns of the events, your dream of fulfilling something may have suddenly become blurred and unreachable. But you would not let it happen and have it stay that way, right? There is always the chance to straighten things out.

Success motivation can be said as something that inspires us to pursue whatever it is that has been planned out. Life constantly provides everyone with a definite stream of opportunities and because of the many distractions, one always end up unable to pursue what he has planned beforehand. But with the idea of success motivation, the fulfillment of anything will not be out of reach.

The very main reason that hinders success motivation to materialize is the load of weaknesses that thrive in the human persona. This can be a very powerful tool that stops you from achieving your dream. If only you are aware of the most possible methods to stop these things from occurring, then you will likely be able to keep a focused mind. When these bad factors overwhelm you, you will find it hard to escape these obstacles and for success motivation to be kept in close track.

In order for you to maintain your focus on the dream that you have in mind, you must let success motivation enter your mainstream. There are obviously innumerable ways to have your dream bright, clear, and fresh. Here are a few of the important things that you may take note of:

Jot it down. Whatever it is that you dream of, scribble it on a piece of paper. This will be your constant reminder. If ever there are new occurrences in your life, your original goals will be relived as soon as you see what you have written.

Read it over and over. Posting the paper on the corners of your room will make it visible enough for you to be reminded of regarding your goal.

Revise your copy. As things change, the concerns you have also alters. But it is important that you stick to reachable and realistic goals.

Keep a log to yourself. You may list down the initial steps that you have taken in the achievement of your goal. You can also jot down other necessary things that you can attend to tomorrow or for the next days to come.

Take time to learn it. Always study and keep an eye on your designated project. It does not mean that you have to go back to school for another degree. It is only a matter of being decided on the matter. The more intense your success for motivation is, the clearer the pursuance of your dream would be to you.

Have someone to share your concerns with. It is important that you take note of other people's opinion. Their voices can truly help in the materialization of your dream.

Be inspired. It has been tried and tested. Having someone or something as an inspiration can contribute to the success motivation deals.

If you dare to take challenges, always be geared towards success motivation. You will lose nothing when you do so.


About The Author
Learn How to get up to 19 Checks Per Month, Earn Upwards of $519.17 Per Day, and Personally Sponsor 107 Reps into YOUR Primary Business in 60 Days or Less Marketing 1 Simple Website! Click Here To Get Access Now! http://www.thenewbizsuccess.com

There's No Negative In My Program - Part 2

Well you know about the young hero who saved his brother, but that was just the beginning of the incredible feats of these young men.

His younger brother arrived at the hospital with a broken back. The doctors told him he would never be able to compete again.

The interviewer asked the young man, "What did it feel like when the doctors told you you'd never be able to ride again?"

Without a second thought he replied, "I don't think I really heard what they said." "There's no negative in my program."

When I heard that I couldn't believe it.

Here's a champion athlete with a broken back and his only comment is "There's no negative in my program."

Wow!

I wish I could think like that.

Was he in denial, was he crazy, no way.

Instead of cursing circumstance, crying poor me, he set a goal and never looked back.

As soon as he was able he began 4 hours a day of rehabilitation.

When commenting on the pain he said, "My only focus was on what I needed to do to remove the pain."

Low and behold after 16 months of:

Being 100 % focused on his goal
Believing it was impossible to fail.

The two brothers are rodeo stars again.

All because "There is no negative in their programs."

Imagine what you could achieve with just half the determination of these modern day cowboys.

Maybe Willie Nelson knows what he's talking about when he sings "My heroes have always been cowboys."

Wishing You Success,

John

About The Author
Copyright © John Colanzi. John publishes the "Street Smart Marketing". You can get a free subscription by visiting: http://EZMAILER.listbot.com. If you'd like to see how John uses this strategy to make money in network marketing visit: http://johncolanzi.com/cash.html