Several times in my life have I heard clients, colleagues and friends say “I didn’t think I would be here at this stage in my life”.

Sometimes it might be a favourable situation. At other times, it might be unfortunate circumstances.

The difference between the two is a long-term vision – or the lack of one.

Is it time to let go of expectations?

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Right from childhood, expectations can either make us risk a challenge or sabotage a situation even before you even get to experience it.

For instance, if one has their sights set firmly on becoming a computer professional, they would do everything to achieve that goal, taking risks along the way; such as saying no to a possible career in another field they may be talented at.

They might have made for a great writer, but the expectation of becoming a successful computer professional makes them embark on a course of action that denies him/her a life as a world-renowned author.

Life isn’t always a bed of roses. When people fail after encountering obstacles in their path, their expectations become lesser (this saves them from disappointment), finally culminating in “I’ll never be successful”.

Amanda Christian graduated Engineering with the aim of being successful. But after she failed to achieve her goals, she felt dejected – until she decided to explore more and ‘go with the flow’.

She is a yoga instructor now.

Does ‘going with the flow’ mean wandering through life aimlessly, hoping that good things will happen to you by chance?                              

“In the long run, you make your own luck – good, bad, or indifferent.” -Loretta Lynn          

A timeline can help you with this. All you need to do is sit down and document your life through your 20s, 30s and 40s. Whatever little things you have achieved, that is still success. This list is bound to give you a sense of self-achievement and a lot of confidence.

After this, you need to figure out “Where do I really want to be?”

Use a vision board. Imagine yourself as successful and having the things you want, those that will make you happy. Then figure out how you can get there. There will be times when you fall, just like you did in the past, but if you hold yourself accountable, you will feel more motivated to get back up and chase your dreams.

Get started today.

“The secret to getting ahead is getting started” -Mark Twain   

Three questions you need to ask yourself about your business:

Does your business really interest you?

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Or is it something that you got into, but now have second thoughts? Without it being interesting, there is no way you will ever succeed.

Is it making enough money for you to be financially successful?

If not, if it only makes you enough to pay the bills, perhaps you need to consider another line of business.

Can something be done about your business?

Whether it is not being able to hold your interest or not paying you enough or both, could you change the way things are done at present?