There are only two words that will always lead you to success. Those words are yes and no. Undoubtedly, you've mastered saying yes. So start practicing saying no. Your goals depend on it!

Most of us avoid telling the truth because it's uncomfortable. We're afraid of the consequences-making others feel uncomfortable, hurting their feelings or risking their anger. And yet, when we don't tell the truth, and others don't tell us the truth, we can't deal with matters from a basis in reality.

Build your self-esteem by recalling all the ways you have succeeded and your brain will be filled with images of you making your achievements happen again and again. Give yourself permission to toot your own horn and don't wait for anyone to praise you.

Believing that you can achieve (and deserve) all that you want in your life is a critical step to your success. Don't waste your life believing you can't.

I worked from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. every night for a year to write the first Chicken Soup for the Soul book.

True freedom is an inward state of being. Once it is attained, no situation in the world can bind one or limit one's freedom.

Write your goals down in detail and read your list of goals every day. Some goals may entail a list of shorter goals. Losing a lot of weight, for example, should include mini-goals, such as 10-pound milestones. This will keep your subconscious mind focused on what you want step by step.