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

The Turning Point

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.

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!