Who doesn't want to be their best self? We want to be the best boss we can be. The best parent. The best coach. The best leader. But does that require you to have to overhaul everything? Take that approach, and the tasks soon become overwhelming. Overwhelm puts the brain (and body) into stress mode – and when brain fog and confusion strike, it becomes hard to do anything.

You can make significant improvements in your life when you focus on your habits. There are plenty of small habits you can do that will take you no more than 10 minutes, but have an impact on the entire day.

When we set goals, we often overlook the costs required to achieve them. In our excitement to move forward, we tend to ignore the full scope of what those goals might demand.

These costs aren’t always financial. They can also include emotional strain and social sacrifices.

Before fully committing to a goal, take time to consider all the potential costs involved in pursuing it.

Making improvements to yourself is the foundation for being present and supportive in the lives of others. When you take the time to work on yourself—whether mentally, emotionally, or physically—you not only become a better version of yourself, but you also contribute positively to your relationships, career, and overall well-being.

Every habit starts with a psychological pattern called a "habit loop," which is a three-part process. First, there's a cue, or trigger, that tells your brain to go into automatic mode and let a behavior unfold. Then there's the routine, which is the behavior itself. The third step is the reward: something that your brain likes that helps it remember the "habit loop" in the future. 

We have all done it -- passed judgment on others or ourselves based on the biases we have adopted over a lifetime. We judge others, but most of all, we judge ourselves and hold grudges that shape the way we move forward in life due to inherited beliefs.

This judgment can hinder our success and stop us from moving forward in our lives.

Nothing blows up a relationship faster than criticism. It is led by a judgment, whether consciously or subconsciously. Criticism is personal, destructive, vague, inexpert, ignorant, and selfish. It comes from a place of finding fault.

Are you ready to change your approach? 

A leader is someone who empowers those around him to work toward common objectives. A leader’s most powerful tool for doing so is communication.

Effective communication is vital to gain trust, align efforts, and inspire positive change. When communication is lacking, information can be misinterpreted, relationships can suffer and, barriers can hinder progress.

When a business owner is asked who their ideal client is, the answer is often "Anybody and everybody!" And while you don't have to turn away anyone that walks through your doors, active marketing to anybody and everybody will get you nobody.  

If you want to have your IDEAL client walk through your door, it's up to you to define who that person is by asking a series of questions.

Brave leaders have one thing in common - they take responsibility for their actions. When a leader consistently takes responsibility for their actions, it shows they’ll be dependable if things get tough and that they know how to show accountability for their actions and behavior. They lead by example and show they are not afraid to make tough decisions. 

If you want to live the life of your dreams, you need to realize that the only person responsible for you is YOU! Stop blaming others. You are in control of your life.

What is keeping you from accomplishing your goals? Is it time? The economy? Lack of support from others? Co-workers not doing their part? 

It's easy to blame others. But looking outside of yourself is a strategic error. The most important lesson you must understand is that you are 100 percent responsible for your life – the good and the bad. 

That's where this formula comes in:

E + R = O (Events + Responses = Outcome)

Have you ever shared your hopes, dreams and goals with someone, only to have them laugh at you or tell you it can't be done? Never listen to the critics. 

If your goals are true to your heart, you have all you need inside you. Nobody needs to motivate you and nobody can stand in your way.

Simple habits achieve remarkable performance. Ask successful people their productivity secret and they’ll typically say it’s consistent daily habits.