Science has proven that our subconscious mind remembers everything that happened to us before we were six years old.

Everything we ‘absorbed’ until the age of six soaked into our mind like water into a sponge and, without us being aware, became our subconscious beliefs that have influenced our ability to manifest success and wealth and to achieve BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals).

In order to manifest success and wealth and to achieve BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals), you first need to establish what it is that you REALLY want. Then you need to make a plan or strategise how to make that happen. Use your diary or calendar to prioritise your time in order to focus on your plan and continue to take steps towards your goal, one-step at a time. You do not have to have all the answers straightaway – that can be daunting and could be what is preventing you from taking your very first step. Once you have taken your first step and become closer to your goal, it will seem easier and more attainable. Take one-step after another – just like learning how to walk. Each step you take leads you to the next step. Do not look at the ‘big picture’ and all the things you need to do to achieve your goal, as this may seem too overwhelming.

Whatever it is that you are dreaming about, stop thinking about it … and start doing it! Step up and discover what you are truly capable. Whatever is holding you back (your success blocker), push through and be an action taker not an excuse maker. Stop procrastinating and doubting yourself, that is preventing you from taking action.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela

It often takes great loss, a huge setback or hitting ‘rock bottom’ (later identified as a ‘turning point in life’) to give you that intense hunger to finally pursue your ultimate goal or passion. Try to use your ‘turning point’ as motivation and look for the possibilities and opportunities it presents to make your goals a reality. Remember, you cannot only survive, but you can also grow from your ‘all is lost’ moments. It is up to you how you view these moments and what you are prepared to do to turn them around. Find a new path and change your story. Somehow, you need to find your inner strength.

The most self-sabotaging position to be in is to be ‘living comfortably’. If you are comfortable, you have not reached rock bottom and are still somewhat satisfied with your life. There is no ‘fire in your belly’ to change your situation and bring about the incredible life that you desire. You are not as hungry to go after what it is that you want, as compared to someone who is absolutely desperate to change their situation and bring about positive results.

My mum regularly quotes these words to inspire and remind me of ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’:

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” – Norman Vincent Peale

Some people are so afraid of failing that they do not try to pursue what they want, so no one can say that they failed. That is not truly living life and giving it all you have. Instead, that is what I call ‘just going through the motions of life’, living safely and not daring to believe in or invest in yourself.

“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” – Nelson Mandela

If something seems impossible, think of creative ‘out of the box’ solutions to make it happen. There are shortcuts in life, but sometimes we think we have to reinvent the wheel and start from scratch. Think about what it is you are trying to accomplish. What needs to come together for a successful result? Are any of these components readily accessible, or is there someone or a business that complements what it is you are trying to achieve? Follow what other successful people have done to achieve similar results to what you are aiming for. Be resourceful. Whom can you build a rapport with whereby you can both help each other and benefit? Building relationships is very important to your future success.

There are many pathways to success and to achieve what you want to accomplish. For example, if you did not get the high school/senior school results you needed for your desired university or college degree, you can take a bridging course and then apply again as a mature age student. While education is very important, you do not only get one opportunity to get it right. It does not determine your future success, and not everything depends on it. Find another path, another way around to get to where you want to be. Be determined to succeed, one way or another, and do not give up!

Whatever your goal may be, I hope the steps that I followed to write my book and establish my own successful business help you save time (and not over think or overcomplicate things):

1. WRITE your dream/goal down
2. RESEARCH your idea (‘what?’, ‘when?’ and ‘how?’)
3. SET a realistic deadline (not one that is impossible to meet)
4. BREAK it down/set a timeline (work backwards)
5. TELL someone about it (become accountable)
6. MAKE time for your dream/start – do not worry about what your first step should be, it does not matter. Start anywhere. You can adjust how you approach it as you go, just like adjusting the sails if the wind changes direction.
7. FOLLOW it through until completion.

Just take one-step, then another, and then another, solving each problem as it arises until there are no more problems to solve. The first step is the most important, is always the hardest and the one that most people never take.

Many people never start the journey to make their dream a reality. Either they are too afraid, too overwhelmed, too busy, have too many responsibilities, or whatever they tell themselves. It is such a shame because without taking the first step, their dream remains just an idea in their head.

So many people are too scared to admit that they want something and actually go for it. When there is something that you want to accomplish, do not think! Do not say, ‘I could never actually do that’ but rather, ‘I COULD do that and I WILL do that’. Play to win. Do not play it safe to avoid defeat.

This does not mean you have to become a selfish person. What it means is becoming more assertive and honest with yourself. There is so much out there to go after in life, so why not put your best foot forward and go after it?

Nikki Arnold is a Speaker, Coach, and Director of Inspired Living International.