One of my favorite past times, as I traveled the world, was participating as a member of the Hash House Harriers Running Club. The premise often involved hundreds of runners (pack or hounds) looking for clues along the road to indicate the correct path, better known as  “True Trail” in order to get to the finish line.  The clues are left on sidewalks by designated runners, called “Rabbits”. As one might expect the lead rabbit would leave clues for the correct path, while two or three other rabbits would leave  misleading signs or “False Trails” enticing anyone willing to follow to a dead end. It was designed to keep the pack together.

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!