What will the next year bring?

We are closing in on Thanksgiving here in the states which means that Christmas is just around the corner. It is unbelievable how quickly a year passes by. Before we know it, it will be 2009. This means that it is time to look ahead at what we want to accomplish in the next year.

I know what you are thinking: here comes another post about New Year's resolutions and goal setting. You betcha! Failing to plan is a recipe for disaster. We need to look at doing things differently if we are to attain greater heights in the next 12 months.

To start, we need to look back reflecting on how we did. So, how was your 2008? Did you achieve the major goals you set out for the year? Or did you not even set anything down in writing that you wanted to achieve? The answers to these questions reveal how much work you have ahead of you.

If you set something down as a goal and worked towards it, congratulations. The next year will see an increase in the heights you attain since you are already in the habit of going after something. On the other hand, if you failed to set anything out, this usually shows that you lack the clarity in your mind as to what you want. The first step for you is to determine what you want out of life. Omitting this process is like planning a vacation without ever choosing a destination. The chances of you ever getting anywhere are slim.

Therefore, begin with the question, what do I want in my life? I wrote an article titled "What do I truly want" that might offer some insight into what you need to determine. Basically, it is time to uncover the dreams that you have. Most people settled into an existence. They do not spend their days in a profession they love. Instead, they fell into something in an effort to pay the bills. If you are going to reverse course in 2009, it starts with the dream.

You can make the next 12 months the best year of your life. It is possible to achieve all of your dreams. Life can be a spectacular journey if we are willing to put the effort in. What is insane is people are already putting in the work, just it is focused in the wrong direction. Uncover the dream that is within you and then you can lay out a plan to achieve it. But it all starts in your head.
Share and Enjoy!

Weak People

We are rapidly becoming a nation (and a world) of weak people. For most, the American Dream is dead. The concept of starting then building something up is no longer part of our society. Instead, everyone is looking for the handouts from the government. What can we get for free? Individuals are trained to get something for nothing.

The recent political statements are reflective of this. Barak Obama wants to give tax cuts to 95% of the American people. The fact that 45% of the population pays no income tax means they will actually receive a handout. John McCain wants to spend $300 billion to bail out the people who are facing foreclosure. Many of these people made the conscious decision to purchase the house without any fraud or deception. Yet the government feels the need to place the responsibility on the taxpayer. Finally, Nancy Pelosi mentioned yesterday that we need another stimulus package that gives everyone a check.

Most seem to feel that it is the government's responsibility to take care of us. If all goes bad, they are there to step in and make things right. This is how people become weak. It is the reason why welfare system is a miserable failure. People become second and third generation recipients simply because they know nothing else. Society conditioned them for weakness.

How can I make this assertion? The basic premise is that people grow from failure. It is only through repeated errors that we become stronger. Use the child learning to ride a bike as an example. He or she falls until eventually learning to ride the bike. The same is true for a toddler walking. That child takes a few steps and falls. This occurs until walking is mastered.

Life is the same way. Failure is a wonderful teacher. And this is something people are being sheltered from. Pain is one of the most powerful motivators. It is often one of the driving forces for success. Tony Robbins like to relate "people will do more to avoid pain than to gain pleasure". I agree with this assertion. Experiencing pain pushes us to avoid putting ourselves back in that same situation.

I would like to know how these government policies will make people stronger. My belief is that most of them will do the same thing in the future since they experienced no pain. There is a lack of growth occurring which would make someone better able to handle the situation in the future. This is a tragedy of life in this generation. Handouts are making entire sectors of our society weak.

It is time to take personal responsibility for your actions. If you are one in a situation I mentioned, stop playing the blame game. Take responsibility for being where you are. For example, being behind on your mortgage because you purchased "too much house" is your fault. Of course, if assistance does come from the government, I would suggest taking it. But, learn the lesson. It is a gift and be grateful for it. However, resolve never to be in that situation again. That is what responsible people do. And this world sorely needs people like this now.
Share and Enjoy!