Check out this great article from Oprah.com (by way of CNN) about getting what you want.

The piece explores what the author describes as “the shame of wanting” and the “whip of rejection.” I can totally relate; asking for what you want can seem selfish or egotistical. Many of us become complacent for fear of rocking the social boat. We don’t want to bother others with our dreams and desires, our requests and regulations. Even more so, we fear that going for what we want may result in failure. But really, an even greater failure is settling. This goes for all aspects of life-career, relationships, health, etc.

While the article is geared toward women (being it is from Oprah.com) it offers great insight for everyone. I especially enjoyed this little gem…

How ironic that we women, so famous for craving commitment, bar ourselves from committing to self-fulfillment.

Ah, so true.

With that, I encourage you to read the full article at the link above and to then take a moment and think about what you want in life. I find it helpful to then make a list. Recently I wrote down everything I want for the next three years. I did not make a list of wishes, I made a list of attainable goals and changes I want in my life and I wrote down the steps I need to get what I want. The list paired with the appropriate action to achieve each goal or change makes “what I want” a real possibility, rather than just an intangible hope. To often we (myself include) want things but don’t make the effort to logical figure out how to achieve our wants. Yes, it is beautiful to hope. But success comes when you pair hope with hard work. And part of that hard work is saying what you want!

With that, I really want you to takepart and read that article

And if you need even more encouragement perhaps rocking out to this little ditty will help to get that list going!