How many times have you made excuses for putting off something you really needed or wanted to do? Probably too many times to count. It is all too easy to get in the habit of putting the desires of your heart on hold. You may have been taught to put the needs of others first or that it is selfish to think of your own desires.

Mind you, there is times when it is appropriate and right to put the needs of others first, i.e., children, and others who have a right to depend on you.

Yet, even with that you must not always put yourself last and deny yourself the happiness that comes from doing something for yourself. The truth is, when we do something that brings us fulfillment, it has a positive impact on every area of our lives.Another truth is that if we don't do certain things we greatly desire for ourselves, that feeling of failure and disappointment often negatively impacts our lives. It doesn't have to be that way.

Now is the time to begin a new journey of personal and, perhaps even financial fulfillment. You have within you the ability to change your circumstances. The change begins when you make up your mind to stop putting off those things your really want, and ought to doing for yourself.

Recently, I watched the local news as they featured the story of an 80 year-old man who had just received his high school diploma.This elderly man, now slowed by age walked slowly with his hand outstretched to receive his diploma. The look in his time-worn face was one of sheer joy. It was the joy of at last accomplishing this goal that was obviously of utmost importance to him. This man's high school education had been interrupted by World War II, and later by providing for a family.

Apparently,for decades he held on to that desire. This man had situations in his life the held him back, but they did not stop him.

When it comes to your dreams, your hopes and your desires,what's holding you back?

I don't know what prompted the man in the story to finally do it, but he helps us see the importance of going after our dreams,even if it is a dream delayed. Why don't you take a few moments right now to think about what you want that you have not yet achieved?

It may be a short or long list. In either case, you must decide where to begin. If there is only one thing on the list, then make a decision today to begin the process of reaching that goal.If there are several, then assign each item a number with the most important goal being listed as number one.

One of the goals many of us put off is that of starting a business as a means of achieving financial independence. If having your own home-based online business, getting a new job, losing weight, or whatever is on your agenda I encourage you to start now. If not now, when?

Copyright 2005 Elisha Burke