HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT IN LIFE

One of the most interesting things about being human is our
tendency to ignore the facts and repeat self-defeating
behavior, over and over again. Surely, that by itself,
makes us the most fascinating species on earth!
We all know that any number of behaviors are bad for us,
and yet we continue them. Whether it's over-eating or over-
spending, or wasting time, or not exercising or failing to
get enough rest, we repeatedly make choices we say we want
to change. We do this as individuals, and as a culture.
In "Road to Riches" class and a member
asked why we so often fail to do what we "know." He pointed
out that most of us have more information and more skills
for managing our money, paying our bills, living within our
means and saving for the future than we use. We know we
should save, invest wisely, be patient and have insurance
to protect our loved ones. We know these things! And yet we
continue to save too little, spend too much, and ignore the
steps to achieve the future we want.
What's going on?
While there may  be psychological or spiritual components,
most of what's going on is simply confusion about what we
truly want, combined with a failure to act.
Most of us have too many goals and make too few hard
choices. We want to save, but we also want a new car. We
want to lose weight. And we want dessert.  We want a loving
family and we want the bonus that comes from working longer
hours. The reality is that while we can have almost
anything we want in life, we can't have everything that
might briefly catch our eye.
And that is a critical distinction. If you can read this,
you are educated. You have a computer and access to the
Internet. You are probably an adult and have access to
books, tools, networks and resources to pursue your dreams.
Given the tools at hand, those who are willing to pay the
price can achieve extraordinary things!
But most of us prefer not to pay the price. We resist
paying the price of standing out, of going further, of
risking failure, the price of being embarrassed or losing
friends. And so, we work hard and "try," but predictably
remain safe in our familiar surroundings.
If and when you decide to make real and lasting changes,
here are some suggestions you may find helpful:
1.  Commit to only one or two significant goals at a time.
Choose things that you can actually achieve and that will
move you in the direction you want to go.
2.  Work on yourself first, your environment second, the
"problem" third. Success is the result of changing who you
are and what you do. Success starts with how you think and
what you think about. Surround yourself with reminders of
what you want and where you're going.
3.  Design a system that makes success inevitable. To spend
less and save more, commit to a payroll savings plan. To
exercise more, get a partner, join a club, design a system
that rewards success! It may be difficult at first, but
ultimately your success becomes virtually automatic.
In my years as a coach, I've been amazed at the things
human beings can achieve. Remarkable success does not
require genius or great education.  It does not require
"luck" or a rare genetic "gift."  It does, however, require
the ability to choose a goal, create a plan, pay the price,
and stay the course. 
You probably cannot have everything you want in life, but
you can achieve just about anything you truly desire. If
you want it badly enough, are willing to pay the price, and
will pursue your goal with single-minded determination, the
outcome is virtually certain. The choice, and the
discipline, are up to you.