Here's the test to find out whether your mission on earth is finished. If you're alive, it isn't" Richard Back.

Time's up.

No more excuses; you've got work to do. Don't ask me how I know, I just do.

It's time to think about all of the things that you've promised yourself you were going to achieve by now, but haven't. Go get your list, dust it off, and let's get to work. If you need to make readjustments, that's fine. Dreams change. So do priorities. But unfortunately, that internal gnawing that comes from living with a dream deferred doesn't, no matter how hard you try to suppress it; that's because it's supposed to be used as an internal barometer to remind you when you aren't in alignment and living on purpose.

I've been studying those who live up to their fullest potential for some time now, and here's what I've discovered. Those that excel, I mean really knock it out of the park on a consistent basis have one fundamental difference-they operate with a skillfully devised plan, and believe it or not, they are the minority.

The rest of the world operates on what I like to call "defensive mode." They're reactionary. They're constantly reacting to what life is throwing them by swinging the bat wildly and hoping it connects when it can. They're too tired, too lost or too disillusioned to believe that they have other options. So, they live their entire lives believing that, "life happens," "things are out of their control," and "they're lucky to even have a job."

But here's the crux. Life does happen, but you weren't just cast in the starring role. You get to be the writer, director and producer of the movie called you. So, why not make it a blockbuster? You get to decide who your costars are, what the scenes are going to entail and where it will be shot. Why not make it big? Scout for locations internationally, and don't just settle for that vacant space down the street. Bring in the best music, food and wardrobe. Make it so good that everyone can't help but add it to their list of favorites!

Do yourself a favor and stop casting yourself in these small insignificant roles! Please!

Ask yourself, "What do I want out of my life?" Not superficially want because it seems "cool." No, what do you really, really, really want? This is tough because sometimes what you want doesn't seem to have a place in your life "as is." So, you toss it aside.

For example: I really, really want to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro. Seriously. I have a folder about the hikes and tour guides, I'm aware of the money and time commitment and if I were to look around at my life as it is now, there doesn't seem to be a place for it. But when I was talking about the gnawing inside, I was speaking from experience. So, I had to give myself a drop-dead timeline of three years. I also, really, really, really would like to be a photojournalist, even if just for a summer in a third-world country. And as the mom of two small children, I have no idea how that is going to play out, but I've decided that it will...somehow and someday.

It's time to push ourselves out of the comfort zone. Out of the place where everything is "fine" and into the place of "I can't believe I'm about to do this!" because that is what living is all about!

This year, remind yourself that it's not cool to play small; to shrink so other people feel comfortable around you; to not risk anything for fear of the embarrassment of not achieving it. As Marianne Williamson says: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." So go ahead and step into your power.

Put your plan together and watch what happens.

©2010 Jennifer Ransaw Smith