Your subconscious mind is your central processing unit. Your main job in achieving any goal is to reprogram this unit so that what you think, feel and believe becomes exactly what you want to experience and enjoy. Internally, you're affected by your thoughts. Externally, you're affected by what you do, say, see, hear, read, watch, listen to and, especially, by the people you associate with. All of these influences create the person you are today.

If you can see your goals as already realized, and if this thought makes you feel positive and enthusiastic, you'll speak positively and act effectively through your day. What you read affects your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions, and these can in turn influence what you read next. The people around you, your conversations, will influence how you speak, walk, talk, and behave. Your past experiences color your attitudes and perceptions towards everything that happens to you. Your mind and your life are like a room full of musicians, all playing different instruments and different tunes, and all trying to get your attention.

Your main job, in taking control of your life, is to become the conductor of your own orchestra. Your job is to play beautiful music with your life, to make your life great performance. The self-confidence that comes with feeling in control is why a person with a clear purpose and a plan always has an edge over someone who is vague or unsure. Examine the various areas of you life with a mental checklist and decide where you feel positive and in control, and where you don't. Then begin thinking of the specific things you could do to get control in those parts of your life causing you stress. Remember, success begins and ends with you.