Having an upcoming wedding to attend is always a good motivator for losing weight in a hurry. I started my quest around mid to end of October with an eye towards a January 8th deadline. I decided to stop all snacks and only eat nutritious food - that is, for as long as I could hold onto that will power. To my surprise, it was just the motivation I needed - and, subsequently, I have now lost about 20 or so pounds. Actually, I lost a little more than that, but with the New Year and the wedding, I allowed myself to enjoy some holiday fare knowing I had come within maybe ten pounds of my total goal.

When your desire for something is strong enough, I think you can just about move mountains in order to attain your goal. Years ago when I was trying to lose weight, I bought one of the popular designer jeans at the time which I had been imagining myself fitting into - two sizes smaller - and hung them up on my bedroom door. Every few days I would try them on -- little by little they went up a little farther until the wonderful day came when they not only went up to my waist smoothly, but the zipper zipped as well! What a feeling!

We are all equipped with the will power we need to tackle whatever it is we desire - we need to tap into that strength and self-discipline in order to get the job done. It's such a sense of accomplishment and pride when you are able to focus and stick with your plan.

What is your goal this year? Landing a new job? Losing weight? Getting organized? All very reachable goals. As Dr. Wayne Dyer says, "Believing is Seeing" - he believes in that concept so much so that he wrote a book based on manifesting what you believe.

Do you have what it takes to fulfill your dreams? Of course you do - we all do. Just how badly do you want it? - that's the question you need to ask yourself.

We only pass this way once - let's make it count. Don't sit on the sidelines - participate in your life. Cultivate yourself. Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul.

Have the happiest of New Years.