[From SUCCESS magazine, January 2010 Publisher's Letter]

Ah, 2010, what a poetic-sounding number. We just finished the first decade of the new millennium—time to take an accounting.

Over the last 10 years, how’d you do? Are you living the life you envisioned for yourself? In 1999, when you were watching the ball drop for the new millennium, is this the life you pictured for yourself back then? Ten years ago did you think you would be richer and healthier, have a better marriage and more friends, experience more joy and have more peace of mind than you do now?

If so, it’s time for a turning point.

You’ve probably heard the definition of insanity—doing the same things over and over and expecting different results.

If you don’t want the next 10 years to be like the last, then now is the time to do something different.

Humans are unique. We are the only species who can completely change the course of our lives. Ants can’t do it, alligators can’t and lions can’t. If a goose wanted to fly west instead of south for the winter, it couldn’t. All other animals besides humans are directed entirely by impulse written into their genetic code. As a human, if you don’t like the story of your life thus far, you can rip up the script and write a completely new one.

Ask anyone who has achieved great success in life—there was a turning point, a time when they made a clear and resolute decision that from that moment forward, their life would never be the same. They drew a figurative line in the sand and separated the patterns of their past from their new vision of themselves and the life they were committed to leading. Some make that turning point at age 15, some not until they’re 50; some do it several times throughout their lives and some never at all.

My challenge to you is this—now is your turning point.

This year, this month, this day, this moment. What you have accomplished so far is only a fraction of what’s truly possible for you. You are far more powerful, capable and gifted than you allow yourself to be. The only thing separating you from your grandest vision of your life is courage. Muster the courage to declare that right now, this year is your turning point.

This issue of SUCCESS is dedicated to helping you kick-start 2010, and we bring you 44 innovative ways to do just that from experts and readers (page 52) and in my article (page 66). And to get you thinking about your life’s purpose, we interviewed Alicia Keys, who has dedicated her career to inspiring others and offers insights on making a difference with your talents and finding your purpose (page 46). And Marcus Buckingham (page 28) provides tips on finding the strengths you will need this new year and beyond.

Make a decision.

When the clock strikes midnight 10 years from now, you’ll be able to look back with 2020 hindsight at this moment and this year as your pivotal turning point for the dream life you will be enjoying. Kick-start your 2010 and let the grand adventure begin!

-Darren Hardy

P.S.

I want to help you make the next 10 years of your life the ABSOLUTE best 10 years you’ve experienced yet. Here’s what I’m going to do, starting January 5th, I’m going to walk you through a proven life planning process over the following 8 weeks, right here on this blog – and your desktop – completely free.
Posting twice a week, there will be 16 installments and I’ll guide you step-by-step, through the education and development process.

I’ll give you all the worksheets, planning documents, video and audio support tools you’ll need to make the transformation and achieve your BIG goals over the course of the next 10 years!

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