Are you willing to take a personal challenge that will change your life? This is not just about setting priorities and goals. But you will be doing that. These goals will determine your destiny and your personal wellness. They will also have a remarkable effect on those you love.

But before we start off... Let me ask you an important question. "How do you see yourself?" Is what you see real, or is it a false perception?

There is a verse in the Bible that states, "The truth will set you free."

There is no one that will deny the truth of this statement. Even those who do not agree that the Bible is the Divine Truth will accept this quote as the truth. It's undeniable.

So, the way you see yourself is of vital importance when it comes to being able to change the outcome of your future. Accepting the truth here is absolutely essential.

You can not deal with a perception. The change you want will not happen if what you start with is false.

Grab that mirror of introspection and begin to examine yourself. Ask the tough questions. Once you have started answering those questions, don't back down. You will have to make some tough confessions.

Death and taxes are two things that are guaranteed to everyone, but there is something else too. What is real counts too. Too many of us put far too much time and effort into denying the truth and living in false perceptions of ourselves.

Futility is hoping that our fantasy will become reality. Why do so many horrible things happen to US. Why not to those around us who appear to pick diamonds out of the trash at every turn. Let there be no doubt, undesirable consequences exist in life. You can't just make believe they don't happen.

But you can accept them and move on instead of sinking into a pit of self denial.

The bottom line here is obvious.

Personal lies damage any possibility of success. It not only affects your forward motion, it changes your attitude and it ruins your relationships. Your character becomes suspect. Others will avoid you like the flu.

And, quite honestly, it makes YOU sick. Worse, you don't know why because you are avoiding the truth.

Accept it. Facts are facts. This will make your decisions much more effective.

Once you accept the truth, it's time to take action to "fix" what's wrong.

This may be tough, but anything that is worth doing will probably (not probably, definitely) require some commitment and effort on your part.

It took you your whole life to get to where you are right now. It can't be too much to ask to commit a few weeks to get out of this rut you are in. And the results are sooo much more rewarding than where you are at the moment.

Don't be discouraged. There will be lots of doubts and uncomfortable times. This is only natural. You will probably think, "It's not worth it."

But the worth is in the results.

Challenge yourself, and take a firm stand.

Maybe you will benefit from an accountability partner. Get some help. Find an accountability partner.

Don't put this one off like the other good ideas that have come and gone. If you wait, it's liable to end up in the same place all your other "good intentions" have gone.

Jump on it now!

Anyone really serious about achieving excellence and personal mastery should continue to develop the habit of personal introspection (examining premises and beliefs) or the old habits and thought processes will sneak back in. You will be faced with times of discomfort and hardship. You will want to quit, but don't give in this time.

"The truth will set you free."