"To change one's life: 1. Start immediately, 2. Do it flamboyantly, 3. No exceptions."
         
This quote is by William James, Philosopher, Harvard Professor 1873-1907, and founder (along with C.S. Pierce) of Pragmatism, a practical approach to problems and affairs wherein the purpose of thought is to guide action.
 
For months I have been sitting with my fingers in my ears, singing 'la la la' every time someone talks about the current economic climate.  I've stopped reading and watching the news - if something big happens, I'll hear about it, but I don't need to be constantly bombarded with negative images, stories and thoughts.  While that may sound like naïveté, I do it (or rather, don't do it) because it is all too easy to let negative thoughts color your attitude, decisions and actions.  Negativity, when allowed to permeate your consciousness, can and will start a downward spiral in all areas of your life. 
 
The reality though, is that things are tough right now in one way or another for just about everybody.  So how do we combat our challenges?  What can we do to ensure happiness, success, financial independence, prosperity, business growth, improved customer relations, increased revenue, better health or whatever else you want more of in your daily existence?  The answer is simple, yet complicated - you need an Action Plan designed to accomplish your objectives.
 
We all make lists - to do, should do, honey do - lots of lists and we also make dozens of decisions per day.  But are those lists filled with busy work or is each task a positive step toward fulfilling your goals? When we make a decision, is it always the best one for us? 

 

Consider each task and choice with this attitude: Will this ___________ (fill in the blank) move me forward?  If the answer is 'no', scratch it off immediately, delegate the task to someone to do for you or alter your decision - in some cases, simply say 'no'.

 

Sound easy?  It isn't. That's because it is difficult to maintain our commitment, enthusiasm and passion over the long haul.  Conversely, it is easy to get caught up in wasted efforts and it is equally easy to let our focus become diluted when our days are filled with so many things to do.  Add in the fact that our society is programmed to want instant fulfillment and you can see that taking small steps could get discouraging.
 
We don't want to wait for anything and yet, the key to success in all endeavors is the understanding that consistent, positive, fruitful actions, over time, will give you the results you want.  The first step is to clearly define exactly what you want to achieve in your career, in your personal growth, your health & fitness, your relationships and spiritually.  If the thought of defining every area of your life is overwhelming, then choose one or two and focus on them.

Second, review your various 'to do' lists with an eye for action. Create that Action Plan.  Make sure the tasks you decide to do will keep you on the path toward your goals as you've defined them.  Do something every day - let me say that again for emphasis - DO SOMETHING EVERY DAY that will ultimately give you the results you want.  This is the secret behind The Secret.  It is the primary principle underlying the Laws of Attraction, the power of positive thought, and the ability to manifest what you want in life. 
 
Try this exercise:  At the end of each day, document what you accomplished and note ONLY THOSE ITEMS THAT FURTHERED YOUR OBJECTIVES.  For each area of your life where you want change, write down at least one thing you did to help get you there.  Eventually, the more you do this exercise, your thoughts and consciousness will alter such that you'll automatically evaluate the necessity of tasks, it'll be easier to say 'no' to requests on your time when they don't benefit you, and you'll find yourself making longer strides toward your personal success. 
 
Start Immediately.  And don't forget to be flamboyant!  No one said you can't have fun on this journey!!