#33: Your Ride to Success

Have you planned for success or are you simply hoping that success, by some mysterious intervention, will fall into your lap?

Having a plan in place, having goals written down, provides us the direction we need to succeed.

If you were having a new home built, would you prefer to hire a guy who says "I can build a home," or a person who shows you blueprints for all of the details of the house and who seeks your input on the features to be included?

Many of us have taken at least one vacation by car. Do you remember your excitement as you planned your route, deciding how long you'd drive each day, where you would stop, what sights you would see? You would enjoy each attraction as you came to it while keeping your final destination in mind. You would not be swayed by hindrances that appeared along the way.

Did you watch the National Lampoon movie with Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo when they drove the family from Chicago to California to see Wally World? Chevy Chase's (Your) determination to complete the trip pulled them through although his wife and children (your friends, family and co-workers) often resisted and demanded that they return to their comfortable Windy City home (your previous weight). They were not willing to overcome the many obstacles they faced (temptations). They were willing to give up on their plan for an enjoyable time.

When we commit our life's goals in writing, miraculous doors open for us because we are better able to keep our eyes on our destination, not on the temporary roadblocks we encounter.

Suppose several people from another country asked for directions to a particular destination. Would you simply tell them "Head south" or would you provide them with a detailed, step-by-step route, to the point of drawing them a map and repeating the directions several times?

If you commit your goals to writing and read them daily, adding in positive affirmations ("I CAN do this."), you will achieve the success you seek. For your eyes will be focused on the horizon and not on the bumpy road.

Write down your goals today. Write down positive affirmations (I WILL succeed. I AM a good person. I AM confident.") and review them often. Continue adding to your positive self-talk ("I BELIEVE in myself. I WILL have an inspired day. I CAN achieve.).

Do not set yourself up for defeat. Set yourself up for success. Plan your journey. Stick to it. Keep your eyes on your target. Remind yourself often how determined a person you are. Stay focused.

Do these things and enjoy the journey to success.

It will be the ride of your life.