Are You Being Aggressive Enough in Your Life?

Sometimes it is important to "go with the flow" and not resist the larger forces or authorities in our lives-but sometimes it is equally important to get out of a rut and spark changes, if necessary.

If you frequently feel as if your life is not headed in the direction you want it to, it may be time to inject more aggressive and assertive beliefs into your daily routine. Creating the life you want is not simply about going with the flow or doing as you are told. Occasionally, it takes a leap of faith-and broad, decisive effort.

Never be afraid to quit something or someone that is no longer benefiting you. If you have been at the same job for five years without a raise, ask the boss for one. If he says no, be willing to quit, to move to a new city, to seek out the life that more closely matches the dreams and goals you used to hold so dear.

Sometimes "routine" or "the safe decision" becomes our master when it really shouldn't. Life is short and the greatest risk of all is to take no risks. So ask your boss for a raise, ask out that cute guy or girl, and actively pursue hobbies or financial interests that have kept your attention in the past.

The things we focus on, the goals we dream about, they are there for a reason-to point us in the right direction. If you have always dreamed of living in California, for example, why not save up some money and move there? (Or, at least, plan an exploratory weeklong vacation there to see if the lifestyle on the West Coast suits you.)

We often look to excuses, rather than action. Stop coming up with excuses (not enough money, not good looking enough, too much competition) and start coming up with solutions-if you don't make enough to finance a trip you have been dying to take, then take on some extra hours. Take on a second job. Sell some of the things you haven't used in months on Craigslist or eBay. Shovel driveways and babysit and tutor and do whatever else may bring in some additional income.

There is only one kind of true failure in life: the failure to act. Don't let things like money or work responsibilities get in the way of your calling. If you have been passive for the past few years, ask yourself: how has that worked for me? Try being more aggressive-ask for exactly what you want out of life, and with persistence. If you ask often enough, you might just get it. You deserve nothing less.