"I don't have the time. I'm too busy." "I'm afraid of what people will think." "I am afraid of failure. I'm afraid of success." " I can't afford it right now. I don't have enough money."

Usually these are not the real reasons one isn't changing and moving forward towards one's goals. If we really want to make something work, usually we will find a way, and find the time. There are so many minutes, even hours a day spent distracting oneself doing "busy work" in order to avoid the work and focus it would take to really achieve one's dreams and take action day by day.

Another factor that must be dealt with is money. We choose what to spend our money on, and if we kept track of it, we'd realize how frivously we seem to spend significant amounts on things we didn't need or can't account for.

Usually, the real issues lay much deeper. Often, we'd rather give an excuse, then take the time to look at what is behind our fear, and what holds us back from change.

The following exercise is useful when deciding what you want, and seeing the issues that get in your way. Write down three dreams or goals you have below using the following format:

1) I want-----------------------------------------------------but-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2) I want------------------------------------------------------but----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3) I want-------------------------------------------------------but---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now take a few moments to look over the "buts." Do you notice a pattern? Do you believe these explanations as actual truths, or can you see them as limiting thoughts and deep help beliefs? Most of our "buts" are limiting beliefs and thoughts we have about our abilities, and what is possible for our lives.

Now, go back to the model and act as if the "buts" weren't there. If there were no limitations or fears, what would you do to make your dreams come true?

1) I want----------------------------------------------and I see this dream coming true by--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2) I want-------------------------------------------------------------and I see this dream coming true by--------------------------------------------------------------

3) I want-----------------------------------------------------------------and I see this dream coming true by.-----------------------------------------------------------

What actions are you willing to take to get you that much closer to your dreams?

Only by facing change and being challenged, do we grow. Often, our dream or goals seem overwhelming, but it's the step by step actions that take us there. What would happen if you took one or two daily actions towards your dreams every day? You would be that much closer to them. Rather than worrying about what it will all look like in the end, start with small steps, and that way you'll actually begin to enjoy the process/the journey.

This week, ask for support from a friend, a relative, or a coach on moving forward towards your goals. Sometimes asking for support or voicing your dreams to another person, can make them that much more real and clear in our minds. Fall is around the corner. New beginnings!