The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.

– quote from Ayn Rand

My natural tendency is to blame my lack of action and follow-through on someone or something else.

• If only my boss realized how valuable I am, then I’d surely get that raise.
• If only my spouse would encourage me and stop buying junk food, I could lose that extra weight.
• If only my work hours were different, I could get plenty of exercise every day.

The list goes on and on and on, always beginning with “If only…”

Ayn Rand trades excuses for determination, but there’s something missing from her quote (above).

The only person who can really stop me is ME.

My life is a result of MY decisions. To declare otherwise is to render myself powerless.

If I have to wait until YOU decide to let me lose weight, or get to the gym, or earn more money… I could be waiting a long, long time.

Once we squarely and unconditionally accept total responsibility for our lives, amazing things can happen.