Secrets to Believing in Yourself and Achieving Your Dreams

BELIEVE YOU CAN BE SUCCESSFUL

While it is quite true that every great achievement in life begins with desire, no achievement is however reached without being convinced deep within our hearts that what we desire is achievable.

While we are unconvinced about the feasibility of any dream or whatever we desire, we lack all the power, passion, enthusiasm, perseverance and lots more, to drive that dream or desire on in other to make them a physical reality. We feel weak-kneed, shallow-hearted, empty-brained, bloodless and lifeless whenever we think about that dream. We feel jelly-hearted and end up always procrastinating and procrastinating from time to time. We feel we are not yet ready.

But once we are convinced that dream is feasible, achievable, that is, we believe it is realizable given all the abilities and resources we have and those of others we are going to be networking with in order to bring the dream to life, we suddenly become energetic, passionate, zealous, enthusiastic and heavily loaded right within. The right dose of adrenaline is injected into our blood!.

Our brains receive fresh vitality from our blood vessels it brightens up and prepares a strong foundation on which other roadmaps to our success empire can be laid.

Our mind sharpens up, and opens up to receiving creative impulses that can immensely help us to design and implement the step by step distinctive actions, plots, schemes, contained in our master plan to achieving our specific and definite dreams, goals and pursuits.

To believe is to feel sure or certain that something is true or possible. When you are certain deep down beneath your breaths that your goal, dream, targets are feasible and achievable, then every other thing starts falling into its proper place.

Many people fail in life not because they didn't desire success or riches but because they never really got too convinced deep down their hearts, they never really got to believe, to be certain beyond all doubts that their dreams are feasible, attainable, achievable!

The truth is "all things are possible to him who believes is the moment you truly believe, the invisible mental barriers and blindfold that used to darken your mental eyes and all the gigantic mountains the fear of the unknown has created in your subconscious mind disappear. They start falling down before you as you step forward. They disappear like a mirage as you appear on scene. And soon you realize you are actually unstoppable. Your dreams are actually achievable. And new ideas ways, opportunities unfolds before your very eyes.

To believe in your dream all you have to do is take a second look at your self- you are fearfully and wonderfully created. You are only aware of a small part of what you are capable of in life. Like an iceberg, only a small portion of your total potential is visible. Your mind is an engine room for riches, success and great inventions, creations that are yet to be revealed!. The mind is loaded with unbelievable power-you just have to lean how to put it to use positively, and productively. And you'd be surprised at what eventually becomes of you.

Every great man, every successful and famous person were once 'ordinary' people. They were once ordinary 'unknown' people until they learned how to desire to be great, and as well learned how to unlock the latent powers of the conscious and sub- conscious mind. They were ordinary people like you until they learned how to harness the powers of their minds by believing in their inner God- given abilities, and as well that of others, in other to bring their dreams to life. You too can, if only you BELIEVE!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Secrets-to-Believing-in-Yourself-and-Achieving-Your-Dreams&id=9803628

How To Achieve Success In Life - The Best Key Thoughts For Unlocking Your Full Potential

Isn't being successful in life what most of us are after? I mean how to achieve success in life by living out your passions!

Being successful in life was a topic that I have updated and re-purposed, and since these keys discussed made such an interesting and informative subject I promised readers I 'd include it in today's article.

And a special head's up at the end you won't want to miss!

OMG, I just love clear sunny days! It's not just that the clear skies make me feel better, I can pop out of my house and soak up the little bit of Vitamin D that eventually soaks through the clouds

It's that buzz in the air of people being in better moods and being successful in life.

It's about everyday people trying to succeed and stay positive, and I mean this season can also come with a bit of a slump.

It's harder to get yourself to work at the pace you are used to.

I've discovered that if I shift my focus a little bit during those clearer days, I can still get a ton done, move forward projects that have been sitting around waiting for my attention all year, AND have a fun time relaxing with my friends and family.

Being successful in life is all about shifting HOW you work, WHAT you are working on, and WHO you are being during this season.

The Course in Miracles states, "The happy learner can not feel guilty about learning."

Sunny and bright days can be both about learning, productivity AND play!

Here's some great keys for being successful in life and truly achieving your dreams:

Please note that these are my favorite keys for being successful in life and why I'm suggesting them for you.

Keep in mind that just because I do recommend all 3 of these keys, doesn't mean you have to dive in head first into all 3, unless you're like me who is always wanting to move quick and learn up all I can.

If you're the type that likes to get your feet wet first before diving in, then choose just use one of the keys for now, see how it suits you, and then go for the others while on your path to being successful in life.

Remember, the Course in Miracles further teaches, "What you experience you will make manifest."

1st Key Thought: Maximizing Your Life

Ways to Live Life on Your Own Terms is a thought process that is one of my most favorites for connecting with the future of your dreams and being successful in life, that will create an energy aligned with the Universal Intellect.

You must learn to let the Law of Attraction work for you! I've seen this key thought alone absolutely change people's lives!

This thought process will help you with a mind for success, while living your "WHY", as you begin attracting wellness and wealth.

Miracles, not magic!

While I was in a down period, I forced myself to dive into the first key of thought, and within a week I found a way to launch a co-working group that I joined within minutes of seeing the opportunity.

It's been so great!

One, because they were offering a crazy good opportunity, and two, because sitting down for dedicated periods to get things done helps me move huge projects forward.

I learned to just pick a project that keeps getting put off, show up and TRUST my inner heart, and seemingly difficult things easily gets done.

It's like the Course in Miracles teaches, "When you have learned how to decide from your heart, all decisions become as right and easy as breathing."

2nd Key Thought: Miracle Mindedness

Learning to think "Miracle minded for life" (not magic) can be inspiring, powerful, uplifting and grabbing types of thoughts.

Try to learn more today about creating the life you deserve, that is detailed and filled, and life changing!

No kidding, this way for thinking will transform you.

This key set of thoughts has helped me create really powerful connections, while organizing thousands of people at a time to move through a challenge.

A better question is, who has helped me mastermind and setup these amazing automations to give my audience such a great experience? When I first decided to think "Miracle minded" I had no idea how powerful it was (and frankly no idea where I 'd be heading).

This way for thinking showed me what it could do, how to get moving forward in my dreams and bring them to reality!

There are some wonderful books and audio/videos that you can research for getting you crystal clear on your goals and a strategy to bring your vision to life!

Again, like the Course in Miracles principles teach, "Decide that your true free will is right, and is how you create in this world.".

3rd Key Thought: How to Think Like those Being Successful in Life.

Tell yourself that you want to "Have a billionaire's brain," can be a great way to begin thinking, I guess we may say?

Everyone at the top has been there, and everyone has success secrets.

Do some research and see how the most successful on the planet use "Easy to profit solutions." And learn from the "Fall" of the most successful, and how they overcame it and got back on their feet.

One book I read shows the value of mindfulness meditation and exercises to get you on a path to wealth and abundance in your life.

I must say, there's a lot of information available, all you gotta do is do the research.

4th Key Thought: Coming Soon.

You may know that challenges are the primary way many successful people build their businesses.

They want to help you grow your impact, following, and client/customer base in a way that feels great and truly supports others. They love writing about their success stories.

You can learn how to see your audience taking actions, moving forward, and experiencing positive changes in their lives.

It can be SO much fun.

Many have grown their followers and business through challenges for the past few years, and moved by leaps doing it. Many now have thousands of people taking challenges and still have managed to make it an intimate, connected, and powerful experience.

I've finally given into all the requests to help YOU make your own challenge AND harness the principles that drive great challenges, so your challenge can have the greatest impact on your audience (and your business!).

Bottom line is, keep a close eye on what's available and what you feel comfortable with, and as my articles progress I hope to be announcing some more key thoughts for you to research.

After all, it's about being successful in life, and, with lots of love!

Right?

To your success in life!

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Achieve-Success-In-Life---The-Best-Key-Thoughts-For-Unlocking-Your-Full-Potential&id=9786399

Free Yourself From Toxic People - 'Create Your Own Reality'

Fed up of living for others? Fed up of pleasing others? Life is too short to make it miserable by living in others footsteps. Time to free yourself from those dominating and toxic people, which do nothing less than dragging you to hell. You don't owe your life to them or they don't own your life. It is time to take a step away from them. They harm your mental health and cognitive thinking leaving you worthless and with low self-esteem.

Toxic people cast a shadow on you covering you from your surroundings leaving you suffocating. These people first isolate you from your social life. They treat you like you are their very own personal property. They suck your positivity as predators. They prove you wrong in every aspect. They judge you as well as other people in their surroundings; Don't worry! it is their own way of hiding their complexes. They lack empathy for others and you will rarely find good words in their vocabulary. They are highly selfish; they will only focus on their benefit and will easily crush you down for their benefit without any remorse. They do not admit their mistakes when they are wrong, they lie twisting the whole scenario holding you responsible for every mistake they made. They do not appreciate your work, every time you do something for yourself they envy, and try their level best to pick and point the flaws and let you down.

They damage you, they damage your confidence, control you as if they have every right to you. They have a great audacity to sabotage people around them. They are always the victim they always hold you responsible for the situations they faced. You keep expecting them to change and they keep on letting you down. Lastly, when you speak for yourself and tell them they are disturbing you, and are interfering in your life. They play victims again here as if they haven't done anything wrong and put you responsible for the whole matter. When they are done destroying you, making you a dead wood, they leave you for no good reason. So, before they leave you, just decide for yourself and leave them before they do, they are not the only pebble on the beach.

Confused? Where to start from and how to start? Are you Afraid? Afraid of making decisions others will laugh at you for your opinions and suggestions saying they are not worth it, huh there only way to drag you back to the misery. Some people are never going to speak in favor of you, so forget it. Step out and cut all ties with the toxic group of fellows, so-called close friend, or dominating relation. Do what satisfies the inner you. If you are satisfied with your work, then all is good. You were not born to please everybody. Be independent forget depending on others stop living in others dreams stop being someone's pawn. This is your life, get on with it. Own it, speak up for yourself. You have every right to your life. Make decisions for yourself. If someone is stopping you from achieving your dreams, that's nobody else but you. You have the control of every situation and you can direct your destiny the way you want no one else would do that for you. The more you come under the shadow of destructive critics the more you are heading back.

In case there is a situation where you have to deal with these kinds of toxic people and have to work in an environment where there is no way out, then there might be some ways you can apply in order to minimize their effect on you.

- Firstly, minimize your time of interaction with them.

- Know your boundaries which you would not cross at any matter especially not for these destructive people.

- Learn to say 'NO', if you are uncomfortable doing something then just simply say 'No'. you don't have to go out of your comfort zone just to please such people.

- Make sure you do not go out of your standards because of these people; be kind, sincere, and caring the way you are.

- Avoid listening to them when they are victimizing themselves, as negativity is contagious it would surround you and you won't even realize it.

- They are in constant need of attention so they'll do anything to create a drama so that they can be the center of everyone's attention. What you can do is run a mile from them at that time.

- Do not take their critics seriously as they will always give you destructive ones, and deflate you.

- Never trust them on anything as they are barefaced liars.

The only revenge you can take from them is to move forward that will burn them into ashes. You don't need any one's validation to move ahead. Fling yourself to work, because that is only going to take you far ahead of where you want to see yourself. Be an eager beaver. It is time to create your own reality and go the extra mile. Challenge yourself with new tasks on daily basis. Consistency is the key to success so make sure you are working day to day for what you desire. Create your own goals, be a go-getter, find out your own paths to success, and live for yourself. Remember, not everyone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth, so you have to work for yourself and Leave no stone unturned. Work on your strengths. Surround yourself with the positive people, people that motivate you, that inspire you and appreciate you. The people that know you are worth everything and would like to see you flourish.

Find out your way; find out your very own passion. Uplift your life, and double your working hours. Find out what is the main cause of distraction to work, as understanding the problem is 80% of the solution.The more you rely on others for their opinions you lose the opportunities and self-worth. Nobody will take you seriously. Have a firm belief that you can and you will. Make a decision. At first, there will be a ton of difficulties and ton of inner voices holding you back from positivity, but with time you will adjust and thank yourself for making the right decision that steered you to the pinnacles of success.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Free-Yourself-From-Toxic-People---Create-Your-Own-Reality&id=9804441

In This Life You Make Your Own Success

There is a strong possibility that you are reading this article, expecting a miracle answer to why your dreams of "success" are still just dreams, and it might not become a reality anytime soon. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix solution to your dilemma. While you have high hopes and aspirations of some amazing future success, in the light of reality, such high hopes and aspirations will never come true magically. I have to add, that this is not to suggest, that your high hopes and aspirations will never come true at all. Some of you might be familiar with the phrase, "in this life you make your own success", and for those of you who are not, you better familiarize yourself with it pretty quickly, because it is absolutely true.

We all have dreams of a great future success, such as a better career, a loving family, a profitable business, or some personal goals. These dreams remain just that, dreams, because most of us do not bother to make an effort to make them become a reality. All too often people expect their dreams of success to somehow just happen at some point in the future, and then end up disappointed and frustrated, when nothing happens, and life just trudges along unchanged. We have to realize, that in order to achieve our dreams of success, we have to work for it.

If you are wondering right now why you have not had any success in your life, or you are just drifting through the years, hoping that "things will sort themselves out in the end", it is time to stop feeling as if life has dealt you a bad hand. Now is the time to take action and make your own success. While for some of us this new "take action" attitude might be a bit scary, you will soon come to the realization, that it is also incredibly liberating. By grasping this new reality that you have to work for that "elusive" future success, you also regain control of your own destiny. Life can be hard, tough, and often somewhat cruel. Some people seemingly land on their feet, and get all the success they could ever dream of, while others have to work so very hard to achieve a mediocre success, that pales in comparison. But, then again, that is life. Remember, life owes no one any favors. Rather than feeling sorry for yourself, and deluding yourself into thinking that some sort of invisible glass ceiling prevents you from achieving your dreams, adopt a completely new positive approach of "anything is possible if you work hard enough for it". Rather than handcuffing yourself to a safe life of little or no success, make the decision to take the action necessary, and work towards your life goals, dreams and aspirations. You quickly will be on the road to a better, more successful life, full of satisfaction and joyous achievements. So, what are you waiting for? It is time for you to take the reins of your life, work hard, and make your own success.

Your imagination gives you the power to find the means you require to design the life of your dreams. Keep your focus on the desired outcome, your dream lifestyle. The road to your destination will not be a straight line, like logic would suggest, but a series of zigs and zags. It is your imagination that will lead you anywhere you want to go. Dare to dream big, and follow your dreams in order to make the best out of your life.

http://ezinearticles.com/?In-This-Life-You-Make-Your-Own-Success&id=9380450

Getting Closer To Achieving Your Dreams, Reaching Your Goals

The magic trick you've been waiting for, right here in this article, read on. Remember those goals and dreams that you had last year, and the year before? Remember that list that you had, some called it the 'bucket list' but you call it your 'adventure list'? Yes, those lists, that's what I'm talking about. Remember those? How far did you get on those lists? Have you tackled number one? Have you gone down the list checking off your hopes and dreams and wishes, one at a time? Have you accomplished what you set out to do, about your adventure list?

Okay, so what number did you get to, after you tackled number one on the list? Listening. I'm listening. What's that you say? Kidding? No joke?

You haven't 'been there, done that'? You haven't tackled anything on the list? You haven't accomplished even one thing? Stop! Stop right there, even before you begin. Because there's a trick you can use that will help you tackle that list quicker than you have in the past. And there's a trick you can use to accomplish all the tasks on your list, one item at a time, and you will finally be successful in making a dent in your adventure list before another decade passes you by.

First, you must admit to yourself, and remind yourself that you do have goals, wishes, hopes and dreams and you do, finally, want to tackle that list and pare it down to size. Once you admit that to yourself, you are on the road to success. So, what's the answer to the problem? What's the answer to the problem of "procrastination"?

Sitting? Ready? Seriously, are you ready? If so, then here goes. You just have to do three things, that's all, just three things. And those three things are the trick, the magic to make it happen in your life, before another decade passes.

But, in order for this to work, you must adhere to the three things and not leave out any step at all. You can't just do two of the things. You will not be successful if you do just one of those things. You need to do all three of those things... and keep on doing them and you will be on the road to success, the success of finally tackling your adventure list, the success of finally really accomplishing things on the list. You will be able to sit down, relax, and say to yourself after it all, "I did it! I finally did it! I completed the first thing on my adventure list! Now, to tackle item number two on the list.

Enough of the pep talk. Here's the list, the small, tiny list of three things you need to do in order for you to accomplish everything on your adventure list (or whatever the name of your list is).

Pray about it.

Remove one item from the list and place that item on a brand new piece of paper. Now, you have a list of "one", that's it, just one item.

Examine that one item and take one single step towards accomplishing your goal. (All of this is explained below).

First, the reasoning behind the success of this method. One of the biggest helps that you will find, in life, is prayer, the power of prayer in your life.

So first by praying about it, you are bringing in the most powerful Person in the world (God) to help solve your problem. And then the practical solutions of making the list shorter (so that it doesn't overwhelm you) does really help you get more done. You look at your list and see that you have only one thing to do. That alone relieves some stress. And when you have less stress, you can do more.

Now, how do you tackle even that one thing that is on your adventure list?

Don't tackle it! That's right. Instead of tackling that one thing on your list, break the one thing down into steps. One adventure could be broken down into five, ten or even thirty steps.

Once you break a task or a chore or an adventure into steps, it is easier to get started, and it's easier and quicker to get that accomplished.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Getting-Closer-To-Achieving-Your-Dreams,-Reaching-Your-Goals&id=9386828

The 7 Arenas of Success

Turn potential into performance by winning at each phase of success.

“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” —Theodore Roosevelt

The degree of our success is directly related to the degree in which we excel in and balance certain segments, or principles, of our life. Every person, organization and business can, and should, operate out of the following seven arenas. Here’s how:

1. I Am: Arena of Values

Every person, organization and business has values, and they may not know or be able to articulate what they are, but they have them. The values of a business are what they believe in: What do they think is important?

What a company values will affect the way the business runs and the employees act and work, so it is important to know what those values are. Here are some questions for you to ask: What do we think is important? What do we hope to accomplish? What do we believe in as we go about our work?

Is there clear indication in your workplace or home that you are operating in the Arena of Values? Can you say without a doubt that “I Am,” or “We Are”?

2. I Should: Arena of Responsibility

What are the responsibilities that we must live by?

• To be a person and company of high integrity. Ultimately we are only a success to the degree that we are honorable people. This means that we are honest, hardworking and forthright. I don’t think it matters how much money one accumulates if they are not a person of integrity.

• To make our families priority. Sometimes I think of all the people I help and work so hard for day by day and realize that none of them will be at my side when I breathe my last breath. My wife and children will fill those spots—so they get the most from me.

• To give to charity. One of the things that rounds us out as healthy, successful people is to give away money, time and possessions, free of all strings. Instead of a $10 check every now and then, put it into your budget to give away a certain amount every month—make it big, make it a sacrifice. At first you will think it is impossible, but it will come around. At the end of your life, you will be able to look back and see the difference you have made.

3. I Could: Arena of Possibility

People often get so caught up in the day to day that they lose their zest for life. They get the nose to the grindstone, and may be doing important work, but they forget to dream. They forget to think of what could be.

How is your business in the arena of possibility? What would happen if at your next staff meeting, whether you have 30 people or just you and your partner, you asked the question, “What are the possibilities for this business to really do something great?” I think that you would probably be astounded at what you might hear.

People have great ideas, dreams and possibilities inside of them—they just need someone to stop the treadmill and ask the question, surrounded by an atmosphere of acceptance.

4. I Would: Arena of Negotiation

Every possibility has a cost associated with it. At this point, an organization not only says “we could” but also internally negotiates with questions about the tradeoffs, like:

If this is to come about, what will the cost be? Is it worth it?

If this comes about, what will the ramifications be in other areas of my business? What other adjustments would have to be made, and are they worth it?

What would the reward have to be in order for me to pursue this possibility?

How long will it take me to reach this possibility? In light of that, do I want to readjust the organization for that period of time?

Take some time to measure the costs of your possibilities. Then, when you find the ones that are good for you, go for it.

5. I Want To: Arena of Vision

Now, of those possibilities, what ones would you really like to do? The ideas that stir our passions for excellence become things that we can easily “see.” They can become our “vision.”

In order for something to happen, someone has to first see it happening long before it actually does. If money, and time, were no object, if you knew that you couldn’t fail at your attempt, what would you want to try? Then, why not try? This is your vision. And a vision is a powerful thing—it’s what drives success and accomplishment.

Great things come when we dream, and vision drives us to attempt things far beyond where we are right now.

“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy, nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”

6. I Will: Arena of Dedication

Perseverance is the most important thing in work. I have come to believe that much of what separates the successful from the unsuccessful is simply determination. The successful are not always the brightest, the best looking or those with the most prestigious diplomas. Instead, they are the ones who say, “I will do this!” and “Hardship will not deter me!” These people have entered into and continually live in the arena of dedication. Staying there long enough usually puts them on top.

Dedication is a key to success. So the next step? Hard work! Recognize all of the hard work that will be involved in achieving your dreams, then spend some time preparing to meet the challenges. Here are some questions to help you get through the process, prepare yourself for the job ahead and come out on the end of success.

• What are the obstacles we will face?

• How will we overcome those obstacles?

• What kinds of attitudes and dedication will we need to exhibit when the time comes to face difficulties and uphill battles?

• What are the rewards our dedication will bring to us as individuals and corporately?

Focusing in on these questions will help you prepare for the times when you will need to show dedication, perseverance and inner fortitude. The mental preparation now will strengthen you to succeed later.

7. I Do: Arena of Accomplishment

Accomplishment comes when the job is complete. What is important at this stage? A few things:

• A little rest. It isn’t time to sit back for good, but resting can be a much-needed reward for all of the hard work you have shown up until now. After the pace of pursuing your dreams, your body and mind need some well-deserved rest.

• A little celebration. Celebrations are great for us. What is all the work for if one can’t enjoy the fruit of his labor? Maybe it is a small dinner out. Maybe it is a huge celebration for 100 of your closest friends and business associates. Maybe it is an exotic vacation.

• A sense of fulfillment. The greatest reward is, as the old saying goes, “the satisfaction of a job well done.” Not many people make it to the accomplishment arena very often. Enjoy the satisfaction!

• A new high bar. One of the great things about life is the challenge of new heights. You have accomplished your task, and that’s good, but... what’s next?

http://www.success.com/article/the-7-arenas-of-success

9 Amazing Pieces of Success Advice From Stephen Colbert

In two weeks Stephen Colbert will lead late night into a whole new era. Learn tips for getting to the top from one of the greatest disruptors.

If you are a Stephen Colbert fan, you are more than ready for September 8, when his new show begins in the old David Letterman slot on CBS. If you are still mourning Jon Stewart's retirement, I'd bet you're hoping to find solace in Colbert's return just in case Trevor Noah is a bust.

If you never watched either The Daily Show or The Colbert Report, you are about to be treated to a surprise. Colbert is one of the smartest stars on TV. He is able to quote Tolkien verbatim, disrupt political finance by raising a million dollars practically overnight as a joke, and confound experts and politicians alike with his knowledge in interviews. He does all this while entertaining the masses and generating significant revenue from sponsors.

As Colbert goes mainstream, you can see his brilliance shine in his entrepreneurial approach to pre-marketing. It's clever, different, and garnering attention in a noisy world. You could do worse than to learn success lessons from this genius-clown who will be coming to your world week nights at 11:30 p.m. Here are some of his best and most insightful reveals.

1. Serve others first.

A trained improvisational comedian, Colbert knows that the rules of improv theater not only apply to a staged scene but are sage lessons in life: "One of the things I was taught early on is that you are not the most important person in the scene. Everybody else is. And if they are the most important people in the scene, you will naturally pay attention to them and serve them. But the good news is you're in the scene too. So hopefully to them you're the most important person, and they will serve you. No one is leading, you're all following the follower, serving the servant."

2. Be aware of what you love.

"In my experience, you will truly serve only what you love, because, as The Prophet says, 'service is love made visible.' If you love friends, you will serve your friends. If you love community, you will serve your community. If you love money, you will serve money. And if you love only yourself, you will serve only yourself, and you will have only yourself." Having watched his show recorded live several times, it is obvious to me that Colbert loved and served the people around him as well as his audience. Clearly, he is well loved, respected, and in charge.

3. Sometimes the hard way is the only way -- take it anyway.

"If you must find your own path -- and you are left with no easy path -- then decide to take the hard path that leads you to the life and the world that you want." Giving up at the first sign of difficulty is a sure-fire way to let your dreams escape through your fingers. Colbert, a self-made man, knows that the way to achieving your dreams isn't always easy, but if you don't let anything deter you, it will be worth it.

4. See everything as an opportunity.

"One of the things that I like about improvisation is that, literally, there are no mistakes. There are only opportunities," said Colbert in a 2007 Parade Magazine interview. Apply this to your life -- every mistake and every misstep could uncover the opportunity that leads you to what you've always wanted.

5. Haters gonna hate: Let them.

There will always be people in the world who won't agree with you, or who judge you for the things you do. Colbert is clear that you don't need to listen to these opinions: "Realize that the things that people say about you don't really matter. It's who you are. And the older you get, the more you'll understand that."

6. Keep laughing.

Colbert, of course, is one of the world's premier funnymen. The Colbert Report was a great example of laughter being a way to turn difficult situations into manageable bumps. "You can't laugh and be afraid at the same time -- of anything," says Colbert. "If you are laughing, I defy you to be afraid."

7. Be inclusive, even if you have to hire people to do so.

In a Glamour article this month, Colbert addressed the dearth of females and female perspectives in late-night TV, in his own satirical Colbert fashion, of course. "Female viewers need more than a pretty face; they need someone who will represent their voice. I think this essay has proved that I have an authentic female perspective, because most of it was written by two female writers on my staff. Point is, I'm here for you, and that means I’m going to do my best to create a Late Show that not only appeals to women but also celebrates their voices."

8. Love failure as much as success.

Colbert's article in GQ this month gave real insight as to how he will keep generating so much successful content in a high-stakes environment. Imagine having to compete for attention every night against Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel. "You gotta learn to love when you're failing. . . . The embracing of that, the discomfort of failing in front of an audience, leads you to penetrate through the fear that blinds you. Fear is the mind killer."

9. Say YES . . . a lot.

If you are wondering how Colbert made it to the top, here it is: his ability to step into opportunities when they came. He used one unparalleled word, from his early days at Second City and The Daily Show to now taking the place of David Letterman, the longest-running talk-show host of all time, on The Late Show. "Young people who pretend to be wise to the ways of the world are mostly just cynics. Cynicism masquerades as wisdom, but it is the furthest thing from it, because cynics don't learn anything. Cynicism is self-imposed blindness, a rejection of the world because we're afraid it will hurt us or disappoint us. Cynics always say 'no.' But saying 'yes' begins things. Saying 'yes' is how things grow. Saying 'yes' leads to knowledge. 'Yes' is for young people. So, for as long as you have the strength, say 'YES.' "

http://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/9-amazing-pieces-of-success-advice-from-stephen-colbert.html

Achieving Your Dream: How to Take the First Step

 

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Lao-tzu

Do you have a dream deep in your heart that you want to pursue? If you do, have you taken the first step necessary to achieve it? Taking the first step is perhaps the most difficult thing to do in achieving a dream. There are a lot of mental obstacles that make it difficult to take that first step.

Here are some dont’s to help you solve the mental obstacles:

1. Don’t wait until the situation is perfect.
   You should not wait until the situation is perfect because the situation will never be perfect. No matter how or when you see it, there will always be something that make you think again.
2. Don’t wait until other people agree with you.
   Just like you shouldn’t wait for the situation to be perfect, you shouldn’t wait until everybody agrees with your idea. There will always be opposition, and that is perfectly normal. If you wait until there is a consensus, you will never start.
3. Don’t wait until your skill is good.
   We might think that we need to have good skill before we start doing something. But the truth is, you will learn much more by doing than by waiting. Doing allows you to hone your skill much faster than just learning the theory.

As you can see, the three points above have “don’t wait” in them. So here is the bottom line: the best time to start is now.

I learned this in blogging. When I started my blog, I didn’t have the skill to create good content nor to market it properly. But I started blogging anyway. The first months were really tough. After blogging for four months, I got only ten subscribers. Thankfully, the experience taught me a lot. While there is still a lot of room for improvement, I’m now amazed to see what I’ve learned along the way.

Here are some more things you should do to successfully take the first step:

1. Believe in your dream.

Believing in your dream is essential to get the motivation you need to achieve it. You simply can’t fool your own heart. Deep down inside you know whether or not you can believe in your dream. Is the dream worth pursuing? Is it something that you want to pour your heart into?

2. Visualize your dream.

Can you imagine – in detail – how the world will look like when your dream comes true? Visualizing your dream will energize you because you can then see how the world changes for the better and how people live a happier life because of your dream. The energy and excitement is there for you to feel.

3. Expect a hard way ahead.

While it’s not impossible, achieving your dream is definitely not easy. Don’t expect an easy way; expect a hard one instead. Having the right expectations from the beginning will make the journey much easier for you. That way, you won’t be surprised and lose heart when you encounter obstacles along the way.

4. Take one bite at a time.

Your dream may be big (it should be!) and that might make it seem overwhelming. But, like the saying says, “When eating an elephant take one bite at a time.” So take a small portion of it that you can handle. Think about something that you can do within one week, and then think about what you can do today. It could be as simple as calling a more experienced friend to ask some questions.

There is no doubt that you can eat the elephant. But the key is to take the bites early and often.

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/achieving-your-dream-how-to-take-the-first-step.html