Priorities

I have recently been getting e-mails with people telling me all the reasons of why they can't follow their dreams.  "I can't do what you said because of this..."  "I can't save money because of that..." Or then there's the "But you have... and I don't have..."  No.  I don't.  I don't have more money, more time, more support than anyone else.  What I do have (on more days than not) is a drive to make a change so things in my life DO NOT stay the way they are!!!  Simple as that.  I am not trying to make you believe that I hold all the secrets to success or that I am so successful that I don't have to live the mundane parts of life that everyone else does too, but I have goals that I want to reach, bucket lists, dreams to fulfill and a hundred other things that I could easily be side-tracked from or talk myself out of.  That being said, if I can do "it" (whatever "it" is for you) you can too.

I have a speaker friend that offers phone consultations.  On his website he lists things that he could help with the most and a list that are not really his strong points.  Under this second list was a notation that said, if you're not ready to change, don't waste your money or my time, because I can't help you.

At first I thought this to be a little rude.  But then I thought about it some more and I believe he is doing many people a favor by saying it.  If you're not serious...  Yes, I am here to help you, but if you're not ready, really ready, then it doesn't matter what advice I give because no action will follow.  No changes will be made.  We could make out a specific step-by-step plan together to get you at least started toward your goals, but if you're not going to take that first step, then it seems pointless.

Things need to become a priority.  Those are what I focused on first.  No matter what your circumstances are or what dreams you are trying to reach, you can always make a step toward the changes you are seeking.  Even if it's a tiny step.  At least you're putting things in motion. You are creating a priority.

Success doesn't happen over night.  It takes years sometimes.  It takes consistency.  It takes determination. It takes not giving up.  But if you want something bad enough, you'll find a way.  But if you're looking for an over-night success, then the odds are stacked against you, my friend.

Patience.  Patience is one thing that I find a lot of people are missing and would do well to add it to their tool box.  Everyone wants it NOW.  It doesn't work that way, I promise you.  The more effort you put into something the better you will feel about it when you finally reach your goal.

EVERYTHING can be broken down into smaller steps and those are the things you need to make your priorities.  You'll notice a smoker ALWAYS finds money for cigarettes.  A caffeine-addict can always scrape together that seven dollars for his Starbucks!  I, for example, will only use professional hair products.  So I may be living off macaroni and cheese, but I WILL have professional shampoo in my shower!  I've made it a priority.

Yes, those are simple things and I mention them tongue n cheek, but they set the stage. What are the priorities in your life? Want to start exercising?  Set your alarm clock a few minutes earlier.  Want to buy a car?  Start setting aside money for your down payment.  Even if it's only a few dollars a week.  Buying a house?  Take the time to clean up your credit report.  Need a new job?  Dust off that resume, hit the pavement and talk to everyone. On a personal note, that someone special in your life- is he/she a priority? Does he/she know it?

Make it happen!!  Don't give up.  I realize that you lead a busy and perhaps stressful life.  I know that I do.  And if you are comfortable with the way things are, then I am happy for you! But if you're not... If there's something you feel you want, a dream you're chasing, go get it. One step at a time. Prioritize the things in your life.  Shift things around if you have to.  It may not happen today, but it can happen.

Priorities are not the only thing you need to focus on to reach all of your dreams, of course, but they should be... well, a priority!!

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