We often have a tendency to regard the economy as a machine that is beyond the control of mere mortals like ourselves. We see it as something that is bigger than society, and something that our decisions and the responsibility that we take upon selves as we live our lives has no significant bearing on.

Unfortunately this is a dangerous and shortsighted outlook to have. While it may be true that the economy is like a machine, it’s a machine that’s made up of people, the money that they earn and spend, and the decisions that they make. The fiscal soundness with which we live our lives represents the grease in the cogs of the economy, and therefore determine how smoothly it is able to run.

What makes a person successful? Is it measured by wealth; by how many expensive cars you have parked in the garage of your multi-million dollar home, or is it something more? Many people judge success by money, but others determine success by happiness. When you go to bed at night you should be satisfied with everything you’ve accomplished during the day, and when you wake up in the morning you should be excited about the challenges before you.

Live life to the fullest – that is a wonderful creed to live by. Living a full, successful life can be as simple as putting your ideas and plans into motion, but sometimes that can be easier said than done. Where do you start?

1. Make a list of all you can’t stand about work/life
Those who are really stuck may complain that they don’t know what they want. Not true. Make a list of all you do not want or like about your current situation and you will find on the flip side, something you DO want! Write it down.

2. Recognize that ALL change (good or bad) means loss
The ‘evil’ we know is sometimes less scary than the ‘evil’ we don’t know. It is normal to be afraid to make a change because of what you stand to lose. However, the only way is forward, so you might as well accept whatever perceived loss of status, money or identity and realize that more happiness awaits. In fact, if everyone else is telling you you are crazy for making a change, you are on the right track!

These days, many of us have more worries on our minds than we did two years ago. Most people are concerned about their jobs and their bank accounts. And if you are not personally concerned, you are most likely close to someone who is more anxious than usual. This is a time when all of us must remember that Faith is Power.

Faith is the belief that things will get better and that which seems impossible is possible. It has often been said, “thoughts are things and they change our lives.” If we have thoughts that life will get better, then our creative imaginations are able to create solutions to our problems and we travel down the road of success. If on the other hand, our thoughts keep telling us that life will not get better, then we are likely to create unhappy times and travel down the road of a less successful life.