“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.” – Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

Do you ever dream about things you want to do, goals you want to accomplish? What’s stopping you? We often get stuck in the familiarity and comfort of our daily lives. Complacency is easy, but it won’t get you what you want. Here are steps you can take to let go of the familiar and make that life change you’ve always wanted.

Realize that no one is going to do it for you – As much as you might want something, desire alone isn’t going to get it. You can be the most passionate person in the world, but you have to realize that it is you that holds the action potential. No one else can take the appropriate steps and make your change happen. It’s entirely in your hands!

Know what it’s going to take to get you there – Laziness is deceptive. It tells you that you can’t make a change because you don’t know how or that it’s too hard. To reach these lofty dreams you aspire to, you have to first know how to get there. Don’t let excuses make your decision for you; research it, talk to someone who’s been there; eat, sleep, and breathe that topic until you do know how to get there.

Analyze what may be holding you back – Fear is a dream killer. You may be afraid to change, afraid to let go of the familiar, afraid of what will happen if you fail. It can be a scary world out there and maybe you’re not sure if you can make the leap. If it’s not fear, maybe it’s something more tangible like resources—finances, transportation, equipment. After you know what it will take to get you there, pinpoint what is really holding you back now.

Risk vs. reward – Once you know what it will take to reach your goal and you realize the sacrifices you will have to make to get there, it is helpful to weigh the risk versus reward. Is this life change worth it to you? This is when the difference between just wanting something and needing it to be happy will make itself evident. If you need to accomplish this dream to be a more complete human being, you will realize it is worth it. Do whatever it takes to make it happen!

Remember there is always a way – Nothing is impossible or too hard. Some goals may take a longer time to achieve, but they are not impossible. Start small and work your way up. If your first step was to get the money to afford the licensing for a new business, then brainstorm ways to make more money. It may include something uncomfortable such as making a career change, getting a second job, or doing different work online or on the weekend, but whatever it takes, it can be done. Use this mentality to approach each phase of your plan and you will be knocking down walls in no time.

Special Announcement!

Alex’s new book, 25 True Stories of Peace, Hope and Surrender is on sale today for $7.99 (save 36%). This deal ends after today! Click here to claim this special offer.