As we approach the end of the year, it is a great time for self-reflection and looking ahead.

It’s a time to acknowledge all of our accomplishments and any areas where we have room to grow.

So many of us spend time and energy looking outside of ourselves for permission or for “the answer.” There is benefit to doing this. There is plenty to learn from others and from the wealth of human experience.

Learning from others is an essential part of the process.

This can go a little too far, beyond supporting ourselves to do and be what we want in the world—an excuse to hold back from offering one’s unique gifts and talents to the world.

When I find myself seeking the advice or expertise of others, I take some time to tap into that source of wisdom and experience that each of us possess.

We find an infinite source of wisdom to make our dreams come true by looking within.

For me, this year has been filled with taking time to discover, learn, grow and stretch. It has been an incredible journey. And with the help of many mentors and teachers, one of my greatest accomplishments was getting a clearer sense of who I am and what I want.

I learned (over and over again) that happiness is not found anywhere but within and that we possess everything we imagine or desire.

As we look ahead at our goals and intentions, consider this. The only difference between people who are living their goals and people who wish to be—those who are living them are doing it. It’s that simple.

They aren’t sitting around saying “I don’t possibly have what it takes” or “Others obviously know better than I do” or giving any other reason or excuse.

Now I’m not saying there is no value in learning from others. This is an essential part of the process. However, sometimes this can become an excuse to hold back from offering one’s unique gifts and talents to the world.

We are all on a journey and continuously growing and learning and becoming experts in whatever it is we do. But all of that requires doing the very thing we want to get better at.

The best way to learn is by doing.

As we enter the New Year, it is a great time to think about what we accomplished, where we held ourselves back and our intentions for the future. When there is something we want to do but find ourselves making excuses or putting it off, it is helpful to ask:

“Do I currently have the skills or abilities?”

If the answer is no, finding a class, working with a mentor or reading a book can help. If the answer is yes  (it’s important to be honest with ourselves) ask:

“How can I tap into what I already possess and apply it towards reaching my goal?”

There are a number of things we can do right now by tapping into our inner wisdom and experience.

Remember to reach out to others for support—it is part of the process. And it is good to be mindful to support what we already possess.

We all have unique gifts and it is through the exchange of giving to and receiving these with others where we build and accomplish beautiful things in this world.

Improving oneself is a lifelong journey and something I am extremely passionate about.

* What is one thing you have wanted to do but fear you don’t have enough knowledge or skill? What abilities or experience do you have that can move you towards this goal right now?

Join the conversation by commenting below or take some time to reflect on your own.

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Author: Amanda Johnson 

Editor: Ashleigh Hitchcock

Photo: flickr