You cannot make progress toward your goals until you take the first step.

The New Year brings to each of us the challenge to just BEGIN. No matter how large or how small your goals and plans, you will not achieve them until you BEGIN.

Gather your support group, gather your resources, gather your courage, and BEGIN. Trust your dream, trust your plans, and BEGIN.

Whether your initial steps are large or small, the first steps must be taken. Only you can take the first steps toward fulfillment of your dream. It will be a great and worthy task, but you must BEGIN.

Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute
What you can do, or dream you can; begin it;
Boldness has genius, power magic in it.
Only engage, and then the mind grows heated;
Begin and then the work will be completed.
            — Goethe

In this culture of cut-throat competition and fast-paced living, taking a minute would not likely matter to anyone. For some, it’s just a moment of mum. You can achieve the most coveted calmness, peace of mind, and inner serenity on your own. In other words you can find your own inspiration through reading an inspirational article or book chapter in a minute.

What are some examples of readings that can inspire you? It merely depends on the reader’s personality. There are many self-help books, as well as inspirational material written by religious writers that can uplift your spirit. Here are some books that you can choose from:

Chicken Soup for the Soul: This book contains chapter-based anecdotes and short stories of real-life experiences, mostly about survival and little victories. There are also many specialized editions that comprise a vast series of Chicken Soup books.

John Maxwell’s books: Known as one of the most prolific writers of all time, Maxwell has written a lot of inspirational, leadership and self-enhancement books that help you to gain a better perspective in business and life.

Robin Sharma: Widely considered one of the most influential leadership mentors, Sharma will always have a principle or two to inspire and teach valuable leadership lessons.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: The idea of wealth and prosperity is merely secondary to its positive effect on the human chakra or center of energy. This book has a strong effect on readers who want to deepen their spirituality and belief in the good.

These are just a few of the many inspirational books available. Stop in at your local bookstore and browse the shelves and pick some books which you think can inspire you. You don’t even have to look farther. Right on your laptop, you can search for books and web sites where some of the world’s greatest inspirational speakers and leaders have their own blogs and forum sites. These sites allow you to participate in a community of optimistic people.

Check out www.freestyleretreats.com for more resources