As I mentioned earlier, 2009 may bring greater uncertainty and more unsettling economic news than recent years, but these circumstances should compel us to take a deep breath, and pause to think about our lives.

When things happen in the world that seem so far beyond our individual control, it can feel unsettling.

Don’t give up on your goals and dreams just because “the time isn’t good”… you can still make 2009 the year you uncover a whole new you for the better!

Even in tough times, you get to decide how to respond to certain conditions, opportunities, and outcomes – both good and bad.

Probably the biggest gift you will ever receive is the huge investment your parents made in you. But they are not the only ones who gave to you. During the course of your life you have received many things from other people – teachers, relatives, strangers. Schools and hospitals were built with the hard work and tax dollars of those who preceded you. In fact, virtually everything you use in your life has been made by someone else.

The peace that you enjoy has been delivered by the sacrifice of others. When you think about it, you know countless people who have made a difference in your life – some negative, some positive. Why not make a decision to have a positive impact on the lives of others, even if they are strangers?

Whilst goal setting, positive affirmation and dedication are major keys to achieving your true potential, if you don’t feed the physical body that houses your incredible mental power you’ll struggle to find the strength to achieve your dreams.  It’s like trying to run your car without putting in gas, oil and water.  Likewise, your mind could be infinitely more powerful, focused and alert if you gave it the nutrients it needs to fulfill its potential and drive your dreams to success.

Imagine trying to climb up a mountain laden with two heavy suitcases, all your belongings wrapped around your neck and a bucket of water perched precariously on your head.  You wouldn’t get very far, would you!  That’s just what it’s like trying to achieve your goals and ambitions weighed down with life clutter.

Whether it’s emotional, mental or physical, life clutter gets in the way of our true potential, preventing the clarity required to recognize opportunity as it arises.  It could be emotional baggage from a previous business venture that went wrong and left you feeling like a failure or a comment from childhood when a teacher told you you’d never achieve anything.  Or it could be mental clutter, the daily flood of thoughts about your marriage, job or endless lists of tasks you need to achieve that go round and around in your head.  Or physical clutter could be blocking your potential, from a desk that’s full of unfilled papers or three years of back taxes that still haven’t been filed or sent off.