It is often said that all of us come into this world on equal footing, with nothing in our possession. Certainly we are born with equal value in the eyes of our Creator, and we don't enter the world with any material possessions. Yet we do not begin life empty handed.

The moment we are born, we each have in our possession the most amazing gift! It is the gift of pure untapped potential, unique and different for each of us.

A person might have the potential to heal illness, invent, create art, teach, write, solve complex problems, or alleviate suffering. He or she might have the potential to inspire others with amazing courage or accomplishments in spite of extreme disability or misfortune.

Our challenge is to discover and develop this amazing potential. It often presents itself as a recurring interest or idea we can't shake, or a special talent. It might appear as a meaningful coincidence that brings us face to face with an opportunity disguised as a problem.

When we come to realize this amazing inner potential, we are able to set realistic goals to make the world a better place. Then we must visualize those goals in detail, and hold them in the front of our minds daily to keep our actions on course with our objectives.

Rather than struggle with a long list of difficult new year's resolutions, I would like to suggest committing to one that could truly make a difference in your life and the lives of others.

Once each day, think about the potential you were given, how you have used it, and how you could use it to benefit others. Visualize yourself using this gift to create a better world with your unique talents. Imagine how you will feel when you've succeeded. After you complete this brief exercise, you'll feel confident, energized, and ready to go into action.

Resolve to continue developing your unique potential each day. You might be surprised to see many of your past struggles resolve in the process. Best of all, you'll have the joy of knowing that you've truly made a difference in your life, and in the lives of others. You will have made the world a better place to live.

Steve Brunkhorst

Steve Brunkhorst has helped hundreds of children and adults to overcome challenges, and reach their highest potential. After completing graduate school, he built a successful private practice as a therapist, rehabilitation consultant, and workshop leader, providing services for companies and individuals throughout Missouri.

Steve is also an accomplished photographer and widely published author. His inspirational and motivational articles and stories have appeared in many ezines as well as print magazines and journals. His love for people, nature, and adventure has led him to travel widely across North America, photographing the natural world and its inhabitants. When traveling, Steve captures his experiences in poems, pictures, and stories.

Today, Steve is a professional life success coach and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular ezine bringing stories, motivational nuggets, and inspirational thoughts to help readers achieve more in their careers and personal lives. You can find many helpful achievement resources and contact Steve by visiting his website.