There is first step of every and any self-help, self-improvement, personal growth and success endeavor. Without it your efforts are doomed to failure.

The first principle is this: take full responsiblity for your actions, and fully responsibility for the quality of your life. No excuses. No exceptions. If life stinks, it's your fault.

Certainly circumstances beyond your control can be difficult, even brutal. Your response to these circumstances is your choice alone.

The outcome of your actions are often not as desired or expected. Good intentions often end with bad results. Nevertheless, you must take full responsibility for your actions and your response tothe circumstances created by your actions.

"But life isn't fair." Oh yes it is, perfectly so, like a game of poker. Everyone is dealt a random hand. Some are better than others, but no one is a guaranteed winner, and no one is a guaranteed loser. Nothing could be more fair.

But life is not a game. It's all you have. It could be one of grand adventure, or one of quiet desperation.

You have at your command the most powerful of all human capabilities. The power to choose. Choose what you want in life. There are plenty of resource to show you how, but only you can make it happen.