We get only one life, so why not make it a great one? The person you are today and the place you find yourself are a result of the habits you’ve developed, the choices and decisions you’ve made up to this point. If you’re happy where you are, great. However, if you aren’t, or if there is something you would like to improve, I’m here to tell you that this doesn’t need to be your final destination. No matter how old you are or where you find yourself now, you have the choice to change – isn’t that exciting?

In order to take back your life and start living the life you have always wanted, you must begin to get out of default mode – or what I call Groundhog Day mode – waking up and just repeating the previous day with no purpose or intensions. Life shouldn’t be about going through the motions, but rather about continually evolving and growing. Those with winning attitudes and mindsets believe that life is about being intentional and purposeful in doing what you love.

I believe we all have been gifted with a set of incredibly unique of gifts, talents and skills – maybe you’ve been lucky to have already discovered yours. Each and every one of us has the power and ability to change our own life and others’ lives for the better. I don’t believe for a minute that you were created for anything but greatness. You were made to live a life filled with purpose, joy and fulfillment. Life is too short not to be living your best life. Life is too short not to be doing something that gets you out of bed in the morning with energy and something you call a passion. I was fortunate to have found mine early, but it is never too late.

No matter where you are in your life right now, no matter what might have happened in the past, I’m here to tell you that you have the power to change and redesign your life for the better. What is past is past; all that matters is today and this point forward. If you believe the future will be bright, it will, but you have to be willing to put in the work.

Every kid has a dream, but what unfortunately can happen, with the ebb and flow of life, is that over time they get pulled away from pursuing their dream due to either their own self-limiting beliefs or negative occurrences or even by what someone might have said to them. Maybe you can relate.

Understand that moving your life out of default mode takes courage, purpose, intention, and embracing the process (the mess). Change doesn’t happen overnight. Don’t be so busy running ragged that you don’t take the necessary additional time to make a change that could benefit you. If this means stopping what you are currently doing so that you can make a real improvement, then do that, no matter how counterintuitive it feels. Bettering yourself in every way should be your highest priority.

Start by identifying what needs to be changed. The best thing is to take a piece of paper and a pen and start writing – the brain processes best when you put your thoughts on paper. Changes might include getting rid of certain people in your life, changing a job or a career, or even moving cities. It could be in one or many areas. The thing is that change won’t happen unless you make it happen.

What you get out of life is a reflection of what you bring to it. That doesn’t mean that life is fair, but if you don’t like where you are, then make some changes. Today is another chance to become the person you know you can be. Measure your progress by being better than you were yesterday.

First decide what it is you really want. Reinvent your mindset. Recharge your body. Redesign your life. Recommit yourself to excellence every day.

It’s never too late to:

• Begin again
• Make a change
• Change those you hang out with
• Learn a new skill
• Change residence
• Change cities
• Help others
• Change your daily routine
• Make new friends
• Forgive yourself
• Choose happiness
• Have gratitude
• Set new goals
• Live your dreams

Your future self is begging you to make the commitment that you will thank yourself for one day.

Enjoy the summer all you teachers out there.