In 2017, my weight and tobacco habit were things I wanted to get under control and in order to do that, I had to make some lifestyle changes. Those lifestyle changes required work and effort because it is always easier to maintain the status quo instead of doing what is necessary to reach the next level of whatever. When things take work, people often don’t put in the effort because effort requires a commitment and commitment requires a focus and focus requires discipline and the undisciplined life is always easier. But, I dared to dream. I quit the tobacco in January 2017 and then from July 2017 through the end of the year, I lost 50 pounds. Was it easy, no. But, the work it took to create the new healthy lifestyle has spilled over into other parts of my life, and I’m building the same types of habits with my writing.

Thank you for this wonderful piece about working to achieve your next level and ultimately get one step closer to realizing your dreams.