Fight 5 ambition busters

2. A lack of reserves
Reserves are surpluses of resources and energy sources, as well as the preparations people make in order to keep their lives running smoothly. Some examples of reserves are financial (savings for life's unexpected expenses), physical health (exercise to prevent heart disease), emotional health (taking time out for yourself), spiritual health (sense of connectedness, of purpose), living environment (organized and functional), or friends (support system).

"The average person may be spending most of their time working the nine to five, running errands, dealing with a car that keeps breaking down, arguing with their partner...and just don't have the resources to make an effective run at their dream," Caron says. Reserves are important because they are what allow people to pursue their dreams. They provide the needed energy, creativity, stability and time that dreams require.

Inhibiting effects: "We often don't give reserves a high enough priority, not realizing what a difference they can make in our level of happiness and ability to achieve things in our lives," Caron says.

Many people do not invest in their reserves because they feel guilty or selfish focusing on themselves. Parents can often fall into this trap. To counter these ways of thinking, follow Caron's advice: "The best way to think about it is, in the long run you are doing the best thing for your kids if you are your best-developed person, and you have the most reserves and energy to give to them." She adds, "If you are a fulfilled person, then you are modelling what you want for your children, which is for them to be happy."

How to know if you are stuck: "You have no extra time, money or energy to focus on your dream," Caron says. "You feel tired, frazzled, uninspired, stressed or hopeless."

Overcome the obstacle: Here are Caron's simple tips to help you stock up your reserves:
• Get your home and office organized.
• Treat yourself to the tools you need to perform at your best.
• Take care of yourself.
• Don't spend time with people who drain you.
• Concentrate on activities that build your reserves.
• Don't overextend yourself. Stop saying "yes" to every request.
• Raise your standards and develop strong boundaries for your time and with people.

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