This is absolutely true, with one caveat: It won't all happen today!



Most people want the same things - health, happiness and mo'ney. Our definitions of these vary widely, especially happiness, but there is one constant. It will take effort.

Anyone who tells you that achieving their goals was effortless is not giving you the complete picture - especially if they started their own business. Either someone gave them mon'ey or did the work for them. Most of us don't have that luxury.

Your personal priorities also influence your success. Those of us with children at home naturally have different priorities than those who don't, for example. What are your priorities?

Before taking action, I recommend you examine where you are now. How do you spend your time day-to-day? How much time do you have available towards building your business?

Next, clearly spell out your goals. It will be impossible to get 'there' if you have not identified what and where 'there' is! Spell out your goals on paper.

What needs to be done to get from 'here' to 'there?' List all these action steps, then put them in date, category and/or priority order - whatever is logical. From this, you create your action plan. (This isn't as difficult as you think.)

How badly do you want these goals? You will probably have to let go of some things to make room. Start with what isn't working - people, tasks, 'shoulds,' things. Find a way to get rid of stuff that is cluttering up your life and get rid of it - including people.

Start saying 'no.' Let me help you get started. Answer no to the following questions:

1. Can you please take me to the doctor next week and sit and wait with me for 2 hours, then give me a ride home?

2. Mom, I need you to give me and my 3 friends a ride to the mall, then to the movies on Saturday, even though none of the other mothers ever gives rides. Please???

3. The church/school really needs your help with our fundraising carnival this year and you're the only one who can run the entire project. You'll help us, won't you, dear??

Feel free to write out your own examples and practice saying 'no' with exuberance, over and over, until it becomes automatic. You come first for awhile.

Stop worrying about what everybody else thinks. Make the choices you know are the right ones for you. Sometimes your friends and family will not support your decisions because they are afraid or jealous. You can still love them, but rise above it and stay focused on your plan.

Now, go and get what you need. Identify what you need to achieve your goals and figure out how you can get it. Ask for help, but do not ask for permission! Communicate with everyone what you're doing and why it's important to you - including children. If they love you, they'll do their best to support you, even if they think you have lost your mind a little.

In summary: set your priorities, let go of what isn't working and work your plan. Look at your plan every Friday to plan your next week's actions, and change it as needed!

Copyright (c) 2008 Audrey Burton