One of the most grounded and real-world of all self-help books is Jack Canfield’s The Success Principles. The book is 450 pages long and lists  over 60 basic principles for building a successful life (and not merely wealth, but mental, emotional, and spiritual health). And the very first principle in the book is this:

Take 100% responsibility for everything you experience in your life.

“This includes the level of your achievements, the results you produce, the quality of your relationships, the state of your health and physical fitness, your income, your debts, your feelings… everything!”

Simple, but as he says, not easy. Our habit is to blame, to make excuses, to complain. None of that changes anything; if anything it reinforces the way things are. But the result of taking responsibility, he says, is that life becomes much easier. Face the facts squarely, “and you begin to see improved outcomes both internally and externally… to be more successful, all you have to do is act in ways that produce more of what you want.”

You can find the book here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0060594896/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=47630321316&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13323706779465342071&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_2xup28kmfx_b

One of the most popular TED talks ever: researcher Brené Brown on how we always try to appear “strong,” when true vulnerability is the bravest choice of all.

All boats rise together, as the saying goes. Four years ago, a powerful conversation with a friend led me to make a conscious decision to up my game, and take specific action steps to become the person I felt I could be. What I couldn’t have imagined was the many amazing ways that conversation and that decision led to so many connections, adventures, and positive impact in my community. To me, life and performance coaching is the next step in helping others expand their personal capabilities and their influence.