So many of us fail to chase our dreams because we don’t believe we have the background, the resources or the connections to be successful. So we settle on a sure bet or what feels like a piece of security. Yet when we look at others who have built empires out of nothing, we might ask ourself, “Why can’t I use this person as an example of what is possible for me?”

Louise Hay sits at the top of my personal list of examples. In 1976, Louise Hay wrote a small pamphlet which grew into a book she self-published in 1984. With more than 35 million copies in print in over 30 languages, this book, You Can Heal Your Life, now a movie, launched Hay House, the publisher for over 130 authors, including Deepak Chopra and Wayne Dyer.

Louise was born to a poor family, dropped out of high school at age 15, got pregnant at 16 and gave her baby up for adoption. Louise learned much of the principles about the power of your thoughts that she is famous for while recovering from the devastation of her husband of 14 years leaving her for another woman.

Clearly Louise Hay is an example of a self-made success that has contributed greatly to our world. Whether or not you think of yourself as self-help enthusiast, a woman who has overcome hardship to build an empire has insights we can all learn from. I heartily recommend you invest the five minutes to watch this video and receive the wisdom of a legacy.

Q: What one thing can you do to enjoy success in all aspects of your life?

A: Hold yourself personally responsible for your success.

Personal responsibility is one debilitating obstacle that gets in the way for many of us. We recognize that unwanted pounds don’t melt away on their own, the love of our life isn’t delivered to our front door and our dream career doesn’t materialize overnight. Yet while we act responsibly to promote our employer’s success and our family’s well being, we often don’t maintain the same standards in pushing forth our own desires and dreams.

Consider these reasons to hold yourself responsible for your success:

· Control: You shift from a mindset of “I want greater success” to “My actions will create more success.”

· Opportunities: You recognize that it is your role to initiate your opportunities. You are not passively waiting for opportunities or good luck to land in your lap.

· Accountability: You see that the only thing standing in your way of creating success is yourself. You recognize that external challenges can be overcome with your focus and dedication to doing what it takes.

Steps to take this week to take responsibility for your success:

1. Consider your desires and dreams at the same priority level as your family responsibilities and job. Just like you wouldn’t ignore requests from your boss or fail to provide your child with health or school needs, don’t allow yourself to slack off on the steps you need to take to create your success.

2. Schedule time for the building of your success. You are in control of how you spend your time; don’t let it be your excuse. Put your necessary steps on your calendar and commit to them. Think of time as being the most important asset you have and invest it wisely. Always ask yourself if what you are doing is leading you to where you want to go.

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A reduction in your income may impact many things, including how you perceive yourself, whether you are conscious of it or not. If you have prided yourself on financial success, your ability to feel good about yourself may be impacted as you battle a tough economy.

How to manage this challenge:

1. Remember that a successful life is not all about the money. Look for other non-monetary ways to define success.

• Are you helping people?

• Are you growing as an individual?

• What are you contributing to your community or to the world that does not involve money?

2. Look back on your life to periods when you weren’t making as much money as you are now. Believe that you have the capability to increase your income level once again.

• Is this an opportunity to start something new that could lead you to a better place?

www.innerarchitect.com

The answer to the question: If you could have dinner with anyone in history who would you choose just changed for me. My choice would be Randy Pausch; but unfortunately that will not be possible.The Carnegie Mellon Professor, and Author of the remarkable and inspiring book “Last Lecture”, fought to the end but lost his battle with cancer passing away at the age of 47.

Life Pioneer

Randy Paush was a life pioneer, an inner architect of the truest sense, who valued and coveted his time here like nobody I have ever witnessed. You can not help but be touched or greatly effected by Randy Pausch. If you watch his greatest triumph (video below) the last lecture the youtube video of his final lecture “Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” performed September 18, 2007 before a packed house at Carnegie Mellon University, you begin to understand the message: live life, embrace your obstacles, and triumph through your will

Please watch and embrace this video-it will be the best hour you have ever invested!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo]