Changing your life for the better starts with having good information. Following that, you need to start acting on the information you have gathered.

If the thought of positive change and personal development brings you to the edge of your seat, read on. Then, take action!

1. Recognize the difference between where you are now and the place you’d like to be.

Are they worlds apart? Is your current state of life very different from what you dreamed about growing up or working your way through college?

Don’t be sad about the shortcomings or let it stand in your way of doing what’s best for you now. Identify the areas of your life you’d like to make better and commit to the changes completely.

2. List your goals, short and long-term.

You need to be specific about what you want changed. If it is increasing your earnings, having a baby or two, driving a BMW or doing volunteer work in an impoverished country, know exactly what it is you want out of life.

So called “bucket lists” should not be reserved for those whose time on earth is being cut short; we all need to set our sights on the positives we need and want for ourselves.

3. Congratulate your achievements and good work up until now.

Unless you’ve spent the last decade or so behind bars for a ponzy scheme or some other crime against fellow citizens, you most certainly have cause to celebrate something you’ve done. Have you overcome a lot, just to survive? Have you beaten the odds in some way that most people would have given up at?

Recognize the good in you, the worthiness and the abilities that will bring you to success with your personal development goals. Although this is about making improvements, that doesn’t necessarily mean you are in any way inadequate or have thus far failed.

4. Identify anything standing in your way.

It can be difficult to work your way out of a rut or a tough break that life has handed you; so many things pile up and before you know it, you have spent a couple of years without generating any forward progress.

You need to recognize the things that might trip you up, slow you down and hamper your path to personal growth and development. Even if it’s a bit painful, be totally honest with yourself.

5. Are you afraid of change?

To fully realize your dreams, you’ve got to be willing to walk out of your comfort zone, the place you’ve been idling in for so long.

Although eventually you will end up in a better place and much happier, getting there will require you to adjust to some big changes that may look scary right now.

Prepare yourself from the inside out, and take strength from the eventual satisfaction you will feel once you’ve reached your goals.

6. Finally, take the plunge!

Fully commit yourself to the metamorphosis your life is about to undergo. Take the daily steps, meet the weekly challenges and accept the responsibility for the course you’ll now be headed in.

It won’t always be easy and you may find yourself tempted to give in or even give up at times, but staying focused on the long-term, big picture of your life should keep you in the game!

If you’re really ready to commit to personal development and positive changes, don’t delay. Life is short and the time to get down to the business of creating the life you dream of is now.