If you haven't claimed 2017 as your year yet, you are behind schedule. New Year's is still days away, but many have already charted their resolutions. There's weight to be lost, diplomas to be earned and money to be made. We vow to be more successful in the new year than in the last. Thing is, we make all these resolutions and most us fail to, well, resolve.

In case you haven't heard, success takes time. Sure, most of us acknowledge this as fact, but few of us actually heed. Because goals require so much effort, we expect immediate results. Why isn't this happening for me yet? I've worked so hard for so long; it should be happening. Well, yes, you've put in the work. But the question is: why are you clock watching?

There is no generic step-by-step program for achievement. That's because it comes when you're ready for it. Let me clarify: wanting it is not equivalent to being ready for it. For instance, you may want a car, but if you can't drive, you'll wreck it. At the end of the experience, you'd be able to say that you had a car. But would you be able to say you enjoyed having it? Same thing applies here. If you're not ready---spiritually, mentally, or physically---you'll ruin your success before you reap its benefits.

Major key alert: Self-confidence and self-awareness are pivotal in achievement. Too often doubt leads us to quit or to not try as hard, especially when we're comparing ourselves to others. Therefore, awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses is everything. If you can recognize the moment you started to slight yourself, then you can pinpoint the issue. If you can pinpoint the issue, then it can be resolved.

Note: this key is applicable throughout the year, not just at the start of a "new year". Please use when needed.