You probably don’t feel confident enough to achieve challenging goals if you feel like you have everything under control. Control is an illusion that promises certain outcomes. A diet low in carbohydrates, high in fiber and healthy fats, and rich in purified water will help me lose weight. Our thyroid says “Except” that I feel sluggish. Thank you very much for this fat storage. If you awake at five every morning and spend three hours writing before clocking in to your 8-to-5, you will produce the next Great American Novel. “Except,” say the editors, “there’s already a glut of novels on the market about detectives trying to solve a murder. Though you may have talent as a storyteller, we’re going to pass.”

You can cashflow comfortably from your couch if you do your research on the property, hire an inspector and draft your offer. The foundation says, “Except” that it will crack when there is a fracking earthquake. It will cost fifty thousand dollars to fix. These scenarios are not likely to occur, which is the good news. If you follow the ketogenic diet, it is most likely that you will lose weight and gain healthy lean muscle. It is likely that you will find a editor for your book. You will most likely cash flow if you buy that property wisely. It’s not the only option we have, but it is the one we must accept. Five takeaways are what I use to help me continue my journey, despite not seeing the desired results.

1. Enjoy your Work

The effort I put into pursuing these goals, whether it’s writing novels or physical health, is what keeps me energized. Healthy food is delicious when prepared with care. Writing fiction spurs creativity. Evaluating real estate deals stokes my ambition. My hunger to achieve financial freedom fuels my desire to eat better and write more. It is a self-perpetuating pursuit that I love tremendously.

2. Reap Rewards

Even if my thyroid is not cooperating with my diet goals, I can still focus on my diet and try new things. This rewards me with new pleasures that I have never discovered.

My writing is my learning and development, even though no one ever reads the stories or novels I have written. It helps me ask better questions and find more meaningful ones. If I have to turn down an offer on a perfect property for rent, it gives me a boost of competitive drive that encourages me to work harder and helps me learn more.

3. The Future Could Be Bright

My grandfather used to say that you can’t win if you don’t play. I may fail at all the things I set out to do, but I have a chance of a bright future if I pursue my passions.

4. Everyone is watching you

You may have heard it before: “Nobody really cares.” It is false. Your family, friends, and coworkers will be watching. You may be tempted to fail. However, failure gives you permission to fail. People care about you and will support you if you do your best. It’s possible to change someone’s life by hard work. You can be the hardest worker father or mother, or the most dedicated Real Estate Investor or insurance agent, or the grittiest runner or writer. People care and they are watching. Did I say it already? People care and are paying attention.

5. Alternatives are worse

My friend has similar dreams to mine, but chooses to spend his time in a very different way. Although he dreams of becoming a celebrity voice over artist, he rarely takes the time to learn his craft. He refuses to Invest in Real Estate, despite his parents having millions of dollars. After watching his life, I realize that the alternative to mine is much worse. My friend isn’t happy, fulfilled, or satisfied. I was referred to him by a profound quote that he had thought of. It angered me that he said it: “When you realize that you don’t matter that much, you can be liberating.”

In case you’re curious, you matter — so much. Even when it hurts, live with this knowledge. My friend and mine may both end up penniless and obscure. Although I cannot control the outcome, I am positive that my life is important.

Embrace Now

Whether you choose to do so or not, you can change the world. Your life is already being reflected on by others. You will notice their tendency to place emphasis on your past. Do not let them seize control of you. The past is history. It has no relevance to the present, so you can’t learn anything from it. You waste time trying to learn from the past.

Two common sayings concerning the past are: “Those who ignore the past are doomed not to repeat them” and “The definitions of madness are doing the same thing over again and expecting different results.” Both are dangerously false. Half of our failures can be attributed to a fixation upon the past. While you want to make changes, you need to reflect on the things you already know. You only need the present to make changes. Do not dwell on the past and don’t get nostalgic. Make a commitment to the moment. If you don’t make a commitment to change your behavior immediately after you feel disgusted, you will lose motivation.

Insanity is the opposite of insanity. No one would hit a home run off a fastball if they were struck out on their last fastball. Every morning, I do the exact same thing when I write. If I didn’t expect different results, how sad would that be! While you cannot control what will happen, you can choose your values and how you play the game of living.