Some people dream of success, others make it happen. Of course, you can dream as much as you like but waiting for things to happen gets you nowhere. Get active and start making things happen.

Whatever journey your path takes you on, the most important thing is to have passion in what you do.

How many of you went to college, got your degree, and ended up doing something totally unrelated to your major? Studying it did not make you passionate about it. It wasn’t your path.

Education or even talent aren’t worth much without passion. So do the stuff that you love and you've always wanted to do because without it, you'll feel stuck and unfulfilled. If you work in a bank but your dream is to be a naturopath, then make those changes now. Make this year the turning point in your life. When you do what you love you will be rewarded — it will just flow naturally.

Look at those around you who just make things happen. They have a clear goal in mind and they know where they want to go. They don't always have a plan but they have the passion and the tenacity to make it work, and they achieve their goals as the end result.

Trust us when we tell you this. If something important to you, you WILL find a way. If it isn't, you'll find an excuse. It’s that simple. Find your way. Make it work, whatever it takes. Are you 10 kilos heavier than you should be? It is simple: Commit, go to that gym every day, no excuses, and train until you lose those 10 kilos. When you accomplish this, you'll have the confidence to do more. Set a goal and make it happen.

Want to stop smoking? Stop making excuses, take control of your circumstances before they take control of you.

Success isn't just about what you accomplish in your life, it's about what you inspire others to do and when you do accomplish something as simple as quitting smoking or losing weight, you'll inspire others to do the same. Anyone can change the world, and everybody should try. And it all starts with your own life.

Stop waiting for the perfect time to do what you want to do. Do it now.

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone, so get used to being uncomfortable. It won’t kill you. Do you need a sign? Here it is: - Bill Tikos

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My goal this year is to improve my French as much as possible. It's true, I'm living the dream in Paris at the moment, but it is also true, that, since I am going to be here for a year, I have not been trying as hard as I have been as the last time in France or in New Zealand, as well. In thinking I have a long enough time, and being caught up in the stress of the French uni system, where I am still lost at times even though most of my courses are great and I am definitely learning something, I have lost of bit of my initial enthusiasm. However, after this weekend in La Rochelle I think I have recuperated somewhat. It was such an awesome reunion to be able to see the host family who have been so kind to me the first time I came to France, and played a big part in my never ending love for France and its culture. The house has changed, but not too much; the family has changed, especially the youngest E, who has grown almost unrecognisably, but on the whole, not too much, either. Even the pet rabbit is still there! The thing that changed the most was the weather, since the last time I had been in the area had been winter, and now with the Summer coming up everything looked better in green leaves and colourful flowers under the blue sky (especially on the first day). It was so nice to catch up with them, and to be able to visit my old school and city and town. We spent the first two days on the bikes most of the time, since they are a very active family, and with me lagging behind trying to hard to catch up and not get left behind... but it is always nice to be moving heaps and at the end of the day, even when I am so tired and have sore legs, or because of that, I appreciate the experience more. It was also really nice to meet the new exchange student, who is using the room that once used to be mine. On top of it all, it was so nice to speak in French all the time, and even though I made heaps of mistakes, even the simple ones, I think I have improved quand même! :) I am so going back. They are my family. Maybe I'll go back for each season. I hope to have improved my French each time, and to come back each time with better French and renewed aspirations/inspirations. Back to my French homework... ;)