Are you stuck? Trapped in what’s become the norm in your life?
It’s almost like being intoxicated with acceptance that holds us within our routines. But we have the control and the ability to break free and make progress to a new and better normal. Sure, parts of our normal routines are alright, but don’t you want to add adventure to your life?
Breaking free will require a major commitment from you. You must find an undying belief in yourself, be prepared to work hard and have the willingness to challenge yourself to build enough momentum to escape the predictable.
It starts with a new mission. No more excuses, no more complacency, no more sitting idle as life passes you by. It starts with standing up, throwing your shoulders back and taking a leap of faith to change your world.
Related: Stop Making Excuses for Who and Where You Are
Here are six tips to help you break free from the norm:
Let go of the past. Let go of your failures. Let them float away as you move forward.
Sure, you might remember things that didn’t go your way. Learn from them, just don’t dwell them, on the could-have-beens and should-have beens. Let it all go, because that kind of mindset will only hold you back. You have the opportunity to live your life to the fullest, so grab it and hold on tight.
Is there anything you need to let go of for success?
Your purpose is who you are; it’s your essence, and your dreams are to an extent limitless.
Ask yourself a few questions:
Get honest with yourself. Why wait until tomorrow, next week or someday? Find out who you really are inside and release your true purpose. Then run with it and love it.
What is the meaning in your life?
We all have one life to live, one chance to reach our potential. Sometimes we’ve held our dreams down for so long, we don’t even realize our own potential anymore and where it can take us.
See the possibilities and successes instead of the obstacles. Get serious about your aspirations. Set aside some time to grow your dreams, and stretch what lies within you. No more waiting, no more standing around. Work hard and make it happen.
What’s your highest potential, and are you willing to go after it?
Dig down deep and ask yourself, Why am I doing this?
What are you going to get out of this in the long run? How will your success affect not only you but those around you? Imagine the emotional fulfillment you will experience, the richness you will feel as you realize why you are doing things, rather than drifting without clear meaning in your life.
What is your why? Why are you here?
Within us lies great emotion. It’s the essence of what makes us human.
Unleash your passion to fuel the fire within your heart and soul. Your passion can take you to great heights if you focus it and use it to fuel your purpose. Let your heart and mind steer your passion for positive outcomes toward your future.
What is your true passion? What makes you get up in the morning?
Take a chance on you. Acknowledge that this is the moment. Breathe in the inspiration of your dreams and feel your potential rising. It only takes one step that leads to another that leads to significant results, if you allow yourself the opportunity to try.
So dream big, but don’t dream your life away waiting for it to happen for you. Without action, your idea is just an idea.
What is within your power this moment to make your life happen?
Either you break free or you don’t. The time is now, the choice yours. It’s your time to shine, your time to fly, your time to live.
I don’t remember who suggested Michael Annese to speak at the 2016 National Fire Academy 27th Executive Fire Officer Graduate Symposium, but I am glad they did.
After attending all the EFO Symposiums and helping to develop the content, I can count the number of speakers I chased down after their presentation and bought their book on one hand. Mike is one of them his book is The Victory Cycle.
Thanks Mike. I hope others read your book and invite you to present The Victory Cycle...
Michaels’s passion for his work came through the instant he began to share his personal experiences that guided him to conceive of VICTORY, an acronym that stands for: Vision, Inspiration, Commitment, Timed Steps, Obstacles, Rejoice, and Yearlong Adjustments. Recently I attended an event at Cucina Caruso Italian Market in Oakland Park, sponsored by the Italian American Descendants Business Network where I had the opportunity to be present at Michael Annese’s inspirational and motivational...
Five Stars! An enthusiastic personal guide to a new you!
Mr. Michael,
It was an honor and pleasure to have you in the presence of our teen group here at the Marti Huizenga Boys & Girls Club. Our teens range from ages 13-18years old; to be frank, they were not up to hearing yet another presentation. Mr. Mike, (as the teens would call you) you came and encouraged them to get involved mentally. Not only were you able to get them involved but, you were also able to grasp and keep their attention on the SEVEN STEPS to VICTORY. Read Full Testimonial
The workshop benefits every aspect of development; personal and professional.
Just read The VICTORY Cycle! To say that it was “Inspiring” does not do this book justice. I actually started the journal suggested in the book. I have already noticed that in the beginning of my journal, I started statements with “I hope to….” and “I would like to….”, etc. By the time i finished the book, my journal entries began with “I am going to….” and “I will….. “. I am so ready for VICTORY!
...I cannot believe the change I am experiencing! The Victory Cycle is so simple to apply and slowed me down long enough to remember who I am and who I want to be! I am now charging ahead to my Victory, Thank you Victory Cycle for clearing my mind and filling my soul!
I’ve never felt lighter, I just begun working towards my Victory and that mountain seems so close. Too many years have passed where I was afraid, and not focused, just plane lack of belief in myself. After reading the Victory Cycle for just two days I found myself looking up again, I was starting to think not only could I make the climb to that mountain top but nothing will stop me! I have started training, and without trying I am losing weight already, I can’t wait to reach the s...
At first I thought that was another book just like everyone else in the market, however there was something different on the cover of the book that forced me to buy it, and I don’t regret it. I recommend it to everyone, because additionally of win a great book or a manual full of experiences and solutions, that inspire and motivate your daily life, we gained a friend and an adviser, that with his experience and his beautiful soul and heart, he has a great vision to be a beautiful light ...
Revealing, insightful and effective – I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, though I knew it was worth a try since I’ve lost control of things, a while ago actually, and I need change. I am so impressed and very grateful to the author for the lessons to be learned here. This book teaches you how to make changes for the better AND gives you the tools and the knowledge to do so, and what I found most helpful was the Victory cycle itself, the model that the author uses t...
The workshop reminded me what my vision is for myself. It made me think about the obstacles I need to overcome or work around in the business and in my personal life. Seeing the cycle helps me stay on track. Going through the exercises really opened my eyes and writing everything down made it so real. Even successful people need a coach!
We all have goals we want to achieve in this life. Some are big and some are small, but they are all important to our journey. For me, I’ve not been doing well I’m achieving my own because of my own fear or fund restraints. I honestly needed motivation to get back on track with them. The author gives us seven steps to follow in order to achieve them. I felt like Michael Annese understands that life happens. We all have things that pop up in our lives that prevent us from staying o...
This book is beyond inspiring! Not only does it make you want to dive right into your goals, but it gives you the tools to do it. The author is so positive and motivating. The examples he gives are very easy to relate to. He gives you the step-by-step path to start TODAY to reach your goals. I suggest the reader keep the journal that the author suggests, as it is very helpful. This book shows you that you don’t have to be a superhero or “wait till the time is right” to start...
I really enjoyed your workshop. It helped me remember what was really important in my life and how to focus on it. It’s all up to me and that’s a great feeling!
A must read guide to a better life – A must read for everyone who wants to change their lives with simple yet sure ways to look at life and work differently. Author Annese has written a step by step guide, if you will, to look at yourself, see who you are and where you want to go. Then, following his clear language guide, get on the “cycle” and make yourself better at work, school, and life utilizing proven management tools that can be extended to any area you choose. Annese...
This book “The Victory Cycle” by Michael Annese, is truly inspirational and moving. It was easy to read and had a major impact on my psyche. Usually I don’t buy into these self help books, but this one is totally different. It seems to motivate you as you are reading it and being interactive makes the reading that much more pleasurable. I think the author has struck a nerve and I am intent on following the path that he leads us down. All I can say is “Thanks for writing it..!!!”
...I love the cycle itself. It just makes me feel powerful when I look at it. 7 steps and 7 letters, makes V-I-C-T-O-R-Y is easy to remember and keep me on track.
If anyone wants to truly lead themselves to a better life, then this is the book to read. There is no way I could give a review that would do justice to Michael Annese’s book. Be prepared to learn a simple 7 step process to overcome the obstacles that life presents, all while gaining valuable leadership skills and tips on how to manage and overcome the fear of failing. This book is an easy read that will help you set and obtain goals with tips on how to self-analyze and make adjustments...