Everyone’s life does have at least some limitations, of which there maybe few which are unchangeable. However a very large percentage of our lives is in our control —at least enough to profoundly impact how fulfilled and happy we may feel. Just knowing that you have some control is enough to change your perspective from hopeless to optimistic.

Depending on what you want to achieve from life, you may need to take some steps towards attaining them as it is only by taking those steps that you will increase your chances of obtaining what you want. You need to take some action and change some of your behaviours. If you do not change something then nothing will change. It is highly unlikely that you suddenly wake up one morning and find that things have changed and you are suddenly getting what you want from life.

Some research conducted at the University of Singapore examined the effect action has on life satisfaction. The study results highlighted that those people who are high in action, also known as locomotion, have increased levels of personal well-being. They felt rewarded by their progress and were motivated to do more.

Some steps that you can take which will increase your chances of getting what you want from life are :

BE OPEN TO LEARNING FROM OTHERS >

If somebody is getting better results than you; it is because they are probably doing something in a different and better manner. If you want similar results you can find out what and how they are doing and try to do it to the same standard. There is a high probability that you will obtain the same results, if not better.

Instead of being bitter or jealous towards those who are getting better results, you can choose to study and learn from them, adapt your findings to your own level of knowledge and skills and focus on obtaining better results yourself.

RESPONSIBILITY ACCEPTANCE >

In successful people you will find that they have one great quality that they share – and that is that they accept total responsibility for the outcomes that they achieve in their lives. Whenever something does not go their way, they identify what they need to do differently and they start working on it. When you take responsibility for your life and stop blaming circumstances or other people for what happened, you will see how your life moves in the direction that you want to go. Not only do you start to achieve what you want to do but you are happier doing so. Remember that accepting responsibility for your life is essential for success and happiness.

POSITIVE THINKING >

In most cases when something negative happens the first reaction is to become overcome by negativity. It’s important to remember that negativity can block your ability to view a situation from a distance and in an objective manner. Negative thoughts also block your ability to think creatively in order to get out of the situation. A study carried out at Cornell University found that positive moods foster responsible behavior and effective performance of tasks that need to be done. On the other hand, negative moods conversely can reduce task-related motivation. Be aware of the emotions around you, they may help or hinder your ability to take action.

In order to get what you want from life it requires that you learn to deal with setbacks in an effective manner. You need not try to be unrealistically positive but you do should be able to stop negative thoughts, turn the tide by trying to bring up a positive solution and believe in your ability to solve the problem.

FOCUS >

Focus on what you need to achieve and make an action plan with small, clearly defined steps. The steps you define should require preferably regular action so that you stay on track. Focus on a daily must-do list, with three critical actions you want to complete. Keep them on a cue card and put them in a handy place in full view for referring to when needed.

Setting daily targets will naturally drive you into action. Having to take consistent steps towards your goal; you make getting what you want from life less overwhelming and easier to achieve. These small directed steps will allow you to keep pace with your goal and also to make small measured steps of progress each day. You will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you are moving closer to reaching your goal. Never focus on what you don’t have or don’t like. Focus on what you do have and do like, and create a plan for what you think you can improve and change.

Its also important to Include a process of regular review of your progress as that will help you to identify whether you are on track or may have strayed off course. If required you can make the necessary changes to get back on track and achieve your goal.

Finally “TAKE ACTION”- we all have dreams and having ambitious dreams for our life is a wonderful thing. Not only does it give one a pleasurable experience to sit back and dream about the life that you want but unless you get up and going and take action; the dream will never be anything more than a dream. Rather than always thinking about what you want, take some action to move yourself towards it. When you start to take action you become clearer about what you want and more motivated to make it happen.

In some cases you may be delaying action due to being unsure of what to do and uncertainty prevails – but remember that the cure for uncertainty is action. You don’t have to take the plunge or jump recklessly into a new pursuit; you can plan and take a step at a time in order to learn more and then move ahead. As you become more confident in your new role and immersed in your new circumstances, you will be better able to determine if it is the right course of action or not. No matter what it is you want to do, action is necessary. Where necessary, feel free to indulge in baby steps. Any steps are better than no steps at all.

One very important aspect could be if you want to change careers. Before doing so you could consult colleagues already in that line, or take some classes to get more in depth knowledge on the subject to see and decide if the new career is something that you really want to pursue.