Let's do a little bit of "Back to the Future" therapy. Hit the fast-forward button. Let's pretend for a moment that we are now living in the year 2010.

One thing will be certain - this article will still be on the world-wide-web. How do I know that? Easy! There are so many documents still "floating" around the web from the year 2000 and earlier. So, there is a high probability that this article will be somewhere on the web in five years time. I'll come back to that later. First, let's think about you!

I want to know what YOU will be doing in 2010. Will you be better off than what you are now? Or will you be worse off? This concept is all predicated on whether or not you have a plan.

So... do you have a plan?

Those who plan for the future are generally always better off. Those who do not think it is important enough will sometimes be better off, sometimes the same, but invariably, most will be worse off. They will "float" with the tide just like all the rest. Let me tell you something - floating with the tide is a sure-fire recipe for ending up somewhere else. You will end up wherever the tide takes you.

Planning takes a bit of discipline. It takes effort and commitment to follow the plan. But the end result is usually worth it.

If you do not plan for the future I can tell you with 100% certainty that, unless something catastrophic happens to you in the meantime, you WILL be five years older. You WILL be more set in your ways. You WILL have more gray hair. You WILL have more wrinkles. You WILL more than likely still be struggling with bills. The demands on your life WILL be greater. Your stress levels WILL increase.

How do I know these things? The world is getting "faster." Technology is speeding everything up. Look back over the last five years. Wasn't it just a bit less frenetic then? Technology has a habit of increasing the speed of everything. Look at the motor vehicles that are produced today versus the ones that were state-of-the-art five years ago. Look at computers. Look at cell phones. Look at everything.

Don't find yourself at the mercy of racing technology just because you failed to look ahead and formulate a plan for execution. You WILL need more money. That is almost a ridiculous prediction. Need proof? Look at your utility bills (rates, taxes, electricity, gas, water, telephone) from five years ago. Calculate the percentage increase. That will shock you. Look at rising fuel costs! What about insurance? All these things rise. What about your wage or salary? Has that kept pace? Hmm. Sorry to mention that.

So how will you cope in the year 2010 and beyond? Will you be better off than you are now? You know what to do. Start planning! What is the saying?: "Who dares wins." What about this one?: "Fortune favors the brave."

Print this article and keep it somewhere where you can refer to it. Read it often. Allow my words to inspire you into action. Of course, you can always decide not to. Maybe you might even stumble across my words in 2010 as you "surf the net" at "jet speed." I hope you will not be one of those folk who say: "If only I'd...."

PS: 2010 will be here faster than you think!

This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it.

Gary Simpson

Gary Simpson lives in Perth, Western Australia.

His passions are writing (of course), reading, karate, body building, investment and growing tropical palms.

His website is devoted to helping people achieve greater success and self esteem through personal development.

Gary is a regular contributor to numerous magazines and newspapers. His articles and short stories appear in many forums. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, they are now being shared worldwide.

He has written eight books:

LARGE VOLUMES:

- "Journey,Life and Destiny" - personal development (2 vols)

- "How to Save $1000's and Increase Your Personal Net Wealth"

- "Brain Training - Affirmations to Strengthen Mind and Body"

- "Strike Back 1" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

- "Strike Back 2" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

SHORT VOLUMES:

- "The Power of Choice" (FREE e-book) - a popular story about a man looking back on his achievements from the hereafter. It is a poignant story that has received accolades from all over the world - from Iceland to Canada to Great Britain to Morocco to New Zealand to the Czech Republic to the USA - and dozens of countries in between.

The Power of Choice is a free resource and can be downloaded directly from Gary's website.

- "Using Motivation and Self Esteem to Excel in Everything You Do" (FREE e-book) - valuable resource to introduce newcomers to the wonders of personal development. This book is available on request. You can secure your copy by leaving your name and email address (no "hotmail" addresses accepted) at his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website.

Gary's unique approach has been shaped by his 35 year pursuit of karate and his 15 year study of the principles of motivation. He has two personal mottos. These are:

"Excellence of Execution."

and

"Imagination is Infinite."

You can learn a great deal about all matters regarding motivation and self esteem at his website. You will find articles, interviews with achievers, motivational messages and other material. You can even opt to receive free material by visiting the "zenspiration" page.

The Motivation and Self Esteem for Success website was constructed by Linda Caroll who Gary has called the "Kyoshi of Website Design" (In karate terminology Kyoshi means "Polished Master"). Visit Gary's website to see for yourself.