Sound at all familiar? Why is it that we do this to ourselves? After all we tell our children, on a daily basis, to believe in themselves, to go for what they want with all their might and determination, and not let anything hold them back. That they can be anything they want to be if they set clear goals, have a thought out plan, and if they work for it and believe in it nothing can hold them back.  But yet, we somehow hold ourselves to a lower, or at least a “different” standard at various points in our lives. This is a double standard at the least, and as our children get older and wiser, as mine seem to get each year I get older , they could say a bit hypocritical even!

Maybe we feel that we have to sacrifice our own dreams and goals, to play it safe so that we don’t endanger our “safe” lives for our children’s sake.  Or maybe that is just an excuse, because we are just afraid to take that leap, for fear we will fail in front of our children, and that would ultimately be worse than living the “safe life”, forever going to a job we hate, day in and day out.

Well, I think it’s time we start taking our own advice, and start listening to what we are telling our children on a daily basis! “You can be anything you put your mind to, anything you develop a clear plan and distinct goals for.  Decide to work towards it with all your determination.”

I know I have some very distinct goals for the rest of 2008 and 2009, and have decided to work with a mentor to help me get a good start and build on where I am now. I will push those little “nay-saying” voices out of my head every time they start creeping in, and start listening to my own advice with more fervor!  I will surround myself with positive, like minded people, and network and build a community of people committed to helping each other succeed.

I challenge you to do the same! Let’s make 2009 the year we exceed our own goals and climb our own ladder of success rather than one someone else has picked for us!

To your Success!