Knowing that we reproduce what we are, we become those who take responsibility for who we are.

It’s in us all – a desire to achieve and make a contribution to the world.

Time to think reflectively, creatively and strategically is a significant challenge when balancing work with family commitments.

Tony Schwartz, president and CEO of The Energy Project, gives a helpful presentation of practices (rituals), that we can develop in order to accomplish our goals without losing our minds.

He explains that developing these specific behaviours and practicing them at precise times, results in them becoming automatic and less energy depleting.

Here they are:

Keep a set bedtime

Having a regular pattern of sleep, a consistent number of hours sleep a day, ensures we have enough energy for being productive.

Prioritise one key task a day

In aiming to accomplish one key task a day, at the time of day when we have the most energy and the least distractions, ensures we produce more efficiently.

List new ideas and tasks throughout the day

Making a list of things that pop into our heads or brought to our attention throughout the day prevents us feeling preoccupied with a list of things to do, that will not only distract us, but become an invisible burden.

Question yourself when triggered

Reflective practice aimed at identifying what we’re communicating, and a willingness to make changes, will not only model integrity, but will ensure our relationships with others remains intact.

A ritual consciously created is an expression of fierce intention. Nothing less will do in these demanding and complex times if determined to take control of your life. Tony Schwartz

Watch the video here.

The discipline of diligent and intentional action can be the hardest challenge towards reaching our goals.

In just a few months thousands of athletes will descend on the Olympic Village to compete in the London 2012 Summer Olympics in full view of millions.

Their goal; the realisation of a dream.

Each would’ve prepared for a long time. Hours of training, sacrifice, and self-discipline, for many, will result in a moment of great jubilation. Yet for others, disappointment.

Step into the arena

But whether they accomplish their goal or not each athlete will be a success. Why? Because, they’d have stepped into the arena.

In stepping into the arena, they’d have overcome any fear of failing, and have refused to be distracted by limiting beliefs. Instead, not only will they have dared to dream big, they’d have done the stuff and walked the talk. Each would’ve stopped thinking and started doing.

This is what will make them successful.

Be inspired towards change

And unknown to them, their influence on others will be profound. For as a result of their courage, every viewer of the scheduled events, young, old, black and white, will at moments, be inspired to dream again.

Whether it’s losing weight, getting a new job, learning a new skill, or getting married, each of us will have some goal(s) that we’d like to accomplish in 2012.

Admittedly, in most cases it won’t be to win a gold medal in the 100 Metre Final, but we’ll have goals nonetheless, and each significant.

Take a step

So as we watch men and women from all nations take steps towards realising their dreams of winning gold, breaking world records, and outperforming their personal bests, we too are to be provoked into dreaming again and gently reminded that nothing is impossible.

For like every Olympic athlete or successful leader will no doubt know – every dream remains just a dream if we don’t ‘do’, and great feats are only achievable by those willing to step out in faith.

The key for us all is to make a decision and take action.