The best way to achieve anything in your lifetime is to set goals for yourself. I am not suggesting you decide to buy a $50,000 car and expect to do it in a few months. No, think of something you would love to have and go after it.

 CREATING A BUDGET

Sit down and plan a budget, then you can make this goal possible. To do this, you need to add up everything you have to pay out each month, including food, medical benefits, fuel, and insurances. Include a little extra to cover those little incidentals that have a habit of popping up when you least expect it.

Divide this by 52 if paid weekly or by 12 if paid monthly. Now you have an accurate idea of how much you need to put away every week to cover all expenses. Work out how much money you will have left, and then set a specific amount aside, to achieve your goal, and stick to it.

You need to choose something that you really want and put a picture of it on your fridge or somewhere in full view where you will see it every day, as a constant reminder.

Start small, then when you achieve this one, set yourself another more difficult goal. Each time you achieve something, reward yourself with another well-deserved treat.

From the time you are born, life will test you. Some people face more obstacles than others do. Why? I cannot explain why life hurts and challenges some people more than others. Does the man above know which person is stronger than the other person is, or is he testing them to improve and make them better? I do not know.

I do know that we need to push ourselves. That's right. Anyone can go to work 9 to 5 every week without having any incentive to improve him or herself. I know of people that have worked in the same place for thirty years and enjoy their job immensely. That is terrific. They may have other outlets that give them challenges through trying new hobbies, and sporting interests. Everyone is different; at least I like to think so. Wouldn't it be boring if everyone looked and did exactly the same things?

If you're not happy in your job, would you stay there for thirty years? No, at least I hope not. This is where you may need a little push. Set yourself a challenge. This does not have to be anything to do with your career. It could be taking a course at college. Learn how to paint, sew, crochet, learn to drive, become a pilot. In fact, challenge yourself to tackle something new, that you have not done before.

The other week I saw a ninety plus woman jump out of a plane. Wow! How daring was she? I could never imagine doing anything like that. Yes, she evidently loved every minute of it. Good on her, she achieved her ultimate challenge.

Everyone can set themselves new challengers in their lives. Whether you study something new at college and start a new career or something completely different. Whatever you do, give yourself a fresh look at life.

Personally I have tried so many different things, once achieved I lost interest and headed off to new horizons. Nothing I did was spectacular but to me it challenged me. This is the driving force.

Things I tried

Here are a few of the positions I held and challenged myself to do: I was a receptionist, secretary, shop assistant, courier driver, started my own screen printing business, taught computers, managed babysitting and cleaning service, managed motel, managed caravan park, managed a service station.

Each of these challenges gave me a feeling of success and achievement. I had found something different to push me in a new direction. And now I write all sorts of things and enjoy every minute of time spent in this way.

We all need to strive to improve ourselves. Do not let yourself become in a rut. It does not matter if we succeed or not, the most important thing is to try.

We can do anything if we are prepared to try. So come on, why not give it a go and see what you can achieve in your lifetime.