1. Starve a bad habit; feed a good habit. Things that you nurture, and support, and give energy and time to WILL grow in your life. And in contrast, things can’t exist if you don’t support them.

If you have something in your life that you don’t want there, identify how you are supporting it.

2. Give up all hope of ever having a better past. You can’t change it. But you CAN create a better future. If you get up every morning unhappy about what happened 20 years ago, or yesterday, you give it power over you. Decide that the past will not rule your present. 3. Do it anyway. You don’t have to feel like doing it (exercise, cutting spending, asking for help, saying no) to do it. Make a plan, then do what needs to be done.

4. Ask for what you want. Nobody ever gets more than they asks for. If you ask for very little love, support, opportunity, courage, interest, etc, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Decide what’s important to you, and be willing to ask, try, work, experiment, until you get it.

5. Take small steps. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and do nothing. Instead of focusing on the ultimate goal, focus on what you can do “just for today” to move in a new direction. For example, if financial stability is your goal, decide that “just for today” you won’t create any new debt.

6. Do something different. If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten. Change your routine, add a good habit. Start small, then build on it. Put $10 in an envelope each week; get up off the couch and walk in place during commercials; clean out a drawer every Saturday.

7. Learn something new. Expand your horizons. If you’re not willing to learn something new, you’ll stay stuck where you are. It’s very hard to ask for something when you don’t even know it’s available. Surprise yourself.

Professional Life Coach Kathy Gates is the author of several e-books and e-courses designed to help people live happier, healthier, easier lives. Sign up for her ezine, “Make It Happen” at http://www.reallifecoach.com.