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Why do we hold ourselves back from achieving success when it comes to going after our dreams, hopes, and aspirations? How do we move beyond holding back?

image source: o2ma

I say, let 2008 be your year to commit and devote your full attention to at least one of your goals or dreams, make it happen.

Terence Chang, from Almost-A-Billionaire, had a very interesting and thought provoking post, ‘Are you acting fast enough to be ahead of your dreams?‘ on his site this past Friday. In the article he states, “We all have a dream, to be a successful person.”

However, I would like add that to have a dream is not enough. You have to be INSPIRED and take action or you will never take the next step, which is to pursue your dreams.

Do you like challenges?

I am a competitive person by nature. Not in the sense that I have to be the best, or win every game, but I am driven by challenge. Specifically, when I am confronted with a new challenge or goal, I like to succeed. ‘Failure is not an option’ is a very common mantra I have. Achieving success is not always easy and there is that four-letter word FEAR that stands in the way like a brick wall.

Above I stated, “let 2008 be your year to commit” well I am not only prescribing that advice, I am going to heed it as well. During 2008 I am taking it as a personal challenge to make money off of my blog. Currently, I am still working out exactly how I am going to do that successfully, but I know it can be done.

Truthfully, I am not a big fan of how Google Adsense looks on most sites. Rather, I prefer a more organic and aesthetically appealing approach to making money online. In my honest opinion, I think Skellie of Skelliewag.org, Seth Godin of Seth’s Blog, and Michael Martin of ProBlogDesign have all done a very good job of using their sites to promote themselves in a professional and beneficial manner, while still being able to generate income.

Additionally, I need to qualify the statement above, “this site will make money.” I am not motivated by money (if I was I would not have been a US Peace Corps volunteer), nor have I ever been. I would choose personal freedom over money anytime! However, I find the creativity of blogging, and the art of networking and making money online fascinating. So, I am motivated by the inherent challenge that lies in trying to make money online.

What are your goals for 2008?

They don’t have to be blogging, earning money, or business related. Striving for happiness is a great goal. Let me know in the comments what your plans are, or email me if you would like to collaborate on any projects.

Editors note: If you are a fan of Zen Habits then come back tomorrow when I interview Leo Babauta for the second interview in the ‘Ten Questions With‘ series. Or better yet, subscribe to the MyTropicalEscape RSS feed.