There’s an interesting article on LiveScience.com that says giving away money may be the key to happiness for some. An excerpt from the article: “New research reveals that when individuals dole out money for gifts for friends or charitable donations, they get a boost in happiness while those who spend on themselves get no such cheery lift.” If you are interesting in reading the article please click here.

In my posts I usually try to answer big questions that people are pondering. However, in this post I’m deciding to ask you and others questions about topics that I continue to think about. Whether it be war, money, success, or the environment. So here are 15 questions I want to ask you and the world. If you have any answers or have any questions for me, please leave a comment below.

1.) Is it better to donate money or to support a cause, organization, or person, in another way?

2.) Has the conflict and harm religion has caused outweighed the good it has produced?

3.) Will the greatest generation be the generation that doesn’t look to war or conflict for the solution to a major problem?

4.) Can all poverty and starvation ever be eradicated?

5.) Would you rather be born rich or poor?

6.) Why is it taking so long to switch to alternative fuels and energy?

7.) Why does the media profile so much negativity, as viewers, is that what we really desire to see and read?

8.) How come we continue to believe in politicians and their promises, when so many fail to follow through and keep those promises?

9.) Are most of your goals and dreams, wants or needs?

10.) Why is it so hard for people to be happy?

11.) Are we the only ones who exist in this universe?

12.) How do you plan on changing the world?

13.) Would you rather work 4 hours a week, earning $40,000 a month or would you rather work 40 hours a week, earning $400,000 a month?

14.) If you only had one more year to live, what would you do in that year?

15.) Have you found your purpose in life?

Photo by Wade Rockett

This is a guest post by someone who wishes to remain anonymous.

Have you ever been faced with a huge decision that could alter your life forever?

Well, this post is based on a decision that I have to make. I’ve come to a point in my life where I’ve realized that I am capable of more that what I’m presently doing. I’ve come to that infamous “crossroads” where I have to decide what path to take that could change my life forever.

Without going into too much detail, my current job is acceptable, for some. It pays the bills and is somewhat creative. But have you ever felt like you can do more? That you’re not completely content and have that feeling in your gut that theres something out there that would be better suited for you?

How many times have you heard people say they hate their job but its just something you have to live with. Who says that you have to be like everyone else. Who says you can’t wake up and actually want to go to work? Maybe you’re in this safe world right now, but where is the fun in that? Put yourself out there. Maybe the saying is true “Bigger the risk, bigger the reward.” It could be that time in your life where you have to please yourself and stop pleasing those around you. If you wait for everyone to be supportive and take your side, you could be waiting forever.

No matter what decision you are facing today, it is important to follow your heart. If you have a dream that just won’t go away, your heart is reminding you that you need to do something about it. Your heart is not going to let you forget about that little dream unless you bring it to pass.

Here are a few steps to help you make your decision:

1. Make a list
Get a piece of paper and write down all the pros and cons

2. Ask for others opinions
Go to the people in your life that you can trust to give you honest opinions

3. Ask yourself:
If I don’t take the plunge, will I regret this in 5, 10, 20 years from now?

4. Pray
If you’re religious, ask God for the right answers. The answers may not come to you in such a direct way, so look for the signs

The crossroad is ahead of you, which direction do you choose?

My advice? Don’t look back.

Those who admire successful individuals and desire to achieve their own success want to know the steps they must take. There is no set path to success, it varies depending upon the person and the situations they face. However, these are 8 steps that you can walk to achieve a change in your life. There’s no need to follow them exactly as they are listed. Maybe you would like to remove a step, insert one, or switch them around.

Step 1 – Dream

Everyone does this already, or at least I would hope so. You must dream because achieving your dreams means you’ve achieved success and changed your life. Dream about everything you need, desire, and want. Whether that be a luxury car, yacht, mansion, food, vacations, clothing, money, love, family, or anything else. Dream about the most ridiculous goals you can think of. Goals that don’t seem possible. Bring back dreams from your childhood. Write all of them down in journal or type them on your computer.

Step 2 – Refine

Pick your favorite dreams and goals or the ones you desire to achieve most. But don’t limit yourself, if you want to achieve all of them then don’t push any aside. Next, go through each dream and think of or write down the details of each of them. If you want to buy a luxury car then write down the exact make, model, year, and color. Know every detail possible about your dreams. Polish them and make them even more vibrant in your mind.

Step 3 – Plan

Plan for what you will need to achieve your dreams. Will you need money or not a cent? Will you need help from someone or can you do it yourself? Will you need to quit your job to pursue your dreams? And if so, when must you do that? Plan the steps just like this list, but make hundreds of baby steps with larger steps along the way. Also be sure to plan for the unexpected. There will be times when something comes along and interrupts all your plans.

Step 4 – Visualize

This is a great way to dream even more. Visualize yourself living your dreams. Close your eyes and see yourself driving that expensive car, closing that business deal, or finishing that marathon. Another excellent way to help you visualize your dreams is by looking at pictures and videos. If you desire to go on a trip to the Caribbean, then surf the web for videos and photos of tropical islands. This will increase your desire to succeed and motivate you to move on to the next step.

Step 5 – Take Action

This may be the most important step out of the eight. Once you have done the first four, it’s time to act. And you must do it as soon as possible. Start right now, later today, or within the next few days. Don’t wait till next week, next month, or for something else to happen. You have to do it ASAP! You don’t know what you could be missing by procrastinating. Make sure you take an action every single day that will benefit your goals. If you want to run a marathon, start walking today. If you want to start a company, come up with a name and draw the logo tonight.

Step 6 – Work Hard

If you want to achieve your dreams you’ll have to work hard. Anything that is extremely rewarding takes an extreme amount of effort. There will be times when you just have to roll up your sleeves, jump in and get it done. When the times are tough go back through steps 1-3 and remember what you’re working hard for.

Step 7 – Have Fun

After you’ve worked hard and even while you’re working hard, make sure to have some fun. You don’t want your journey to change and success to be serious and tough all the time. Give yourself breaks and mini vacations, it will only benefit you and your success. You’ll be more energized to achieve your goals.

Step 8 – Reflect, Rejoice, and Redo

Don’t dwell on the past, but it’s good to reflect on where you came from, how you got where you are, and where you’re headed next.

Rejoice about your failures and successes. When you’ve made it to step 8 there’s plenty to be happy about and proud of.

After you’ve achieved a goal or dream, create and begin to chase new ones. Redo all these steps to achieve what you want all over again. There’s never a true destination, success and life change never stops happening and evolving.

An old proverb says, “He that cannot ask cannot live”. If you want answers you have to ask questions. These are 75 questions you should ask yourself and try to answer. You can ask yourself these questions right now and over the course of your life.

1. Why not me?

2. Am I nice?

3. Am I doing what I really want to do?

4. What am I grateful for?

5. What’s missing in my life?

6. Am I honest?

7. Do I listen to others?

8. Do I work hard?

9. Do I help others?

10. What do I need to change about myself?

11. Have I hurt others?

12. Do I complain?

13. What’s next for me?

14. Do I have fun?

15. Have I seized opportunities?

16. Do I care about others?

17. Do I spend enough time with my family?

18. Am I open-minded?

19. Have I seen enough of the world?

20. Do I judge others?

21. Do I take risks?

22. What is my purpose?

23. What is my biggest fear?

24. How can I conquer that fear?

25. Do I thank people enough?

26. Am I successful?

27. What am I ashamed of?

28. Do I annoy others?

29. What are my dreams?

30. Am I positive?

31. Am I negative?

32. Is there an afterlife?

33. Does everything happen for a reason?

34. What can I do to change the world?

35. What is the most foolish thing I’ve ever done?

36. Am I cheap?

37. Am I greedy?

38. Who do I love?

39. Who do I want to meet?

40. Where do I want to go?

41. What am I most proud of?

42. Do I care what others think about me?

43. What are my talents?

44. Do I utilize those talents?

45. What makes me happy?

46. What makes me sad?

47. What makes me angry?

48. Am I satisfied with my appearance?

49. Am I healthy?

50. What was the toughest time in my life?

51. What was the easiest time in my life?

52. Am I selfish?

53. What was the craziest thing I did?

54. What is the craziest thing I want to do?

55. Do I procrastinate?

56. What is my greatest regret?

57. What has had the greatest impact on my life?

58. Who has had the greatest impact on my life?

59. Do I stand up for myself?

60. Have I settled for mediocrity?

61. Do I hold grudges?

62. Do I read enough?

63. Do I listen to my heart?

64. Do I donate enough to the less fortunate?

65. Do I pray only when I want something?

66. Do I constantly dwell on the past?

67. Do I let other people’s negativity affect me?

68. Do I forgive myself?

69. When I help someone do I think “What’s in it for me”?

70. Am I aware that someone always has it worse than me?

71. Do I smile more than I frown?

72. Do I surround myself with good people?

73. Do I take time out for myself?

74. Do I ask enough questions?

75. What other questions do I have?

If you would like to share some or all of your answers, please feel free to do so in the comment section below.

Photos by e-magic and -bast-

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