The two greatest things that hold people back from achieving something great are fear and a lack of self-belief.

It is often heard when a person comes up with a new idea: "That won't work", "You're mad to give that a go", "What about if it doesn't work? You have lost all that money and time!"

Think of how many times you have come up with a new idea that you are passionate about only to be howled down by others and/or that little voice in your head.

One for me was the writing of my first book. When I came up with the idea, I was confronted by some people telling me how it was a bad idea and by the voices in my head saying ‘Who is going to read it?', ‘What if what you were saying was wrong?' and ‘It's a lot of money to outlay for which there may be no return'.

I eliminated the negatives and published ‘You Have The Power'. I have since written three more books, one of which is a "Best Seller".

One gentleman wrote to me explaining how he was suicidal and, after reading my book, turned his life around.

I'm glad I overcame my fears and my lack of self-belief.

Another person who has recently lived her dream is Jessica Watson.

If a 16 y/o can do it ...

... so can you.

For those outside Australia, Jessica has just become the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world in 210 days.

She planned it. She went on lots of small cruises and slowly built up to longer ones.

She tested it. On the way to Sydney for the start, she was hit by a large ship. To many, this meant she shouldn't do it. To her, it was a trial that she learnt from.

She did it for herself. She wasn't out to break any records. She was out to complete a dream.

When you read how she prepared for it, there was every chance she was going to succeed.

One question asked was how she felt in the middle of a storm with high seas. Jessica replied she had no option but to keep going. She learnt how to deal with adverse conditions. She learnt as she went.

What Can You Learn From This?

Where do you have a great idea or would love to do something yet are allowing others or that little voice in your head to say ‘it won't work'.

Where are you holding yourself back?

Now's the time to start living your dreams.

If you haven't already, create a dream of what you would like to do or be.

Map out how you are going to achieve it.

Begin preparing by doing things a little bit at a time.

Seek the help of others who have been there before you.

Ask yourself: What's the worst thing that can possibly happen?

Can you deal with it? How?

If you can deal with the worst, you are well on your way to achieving your dream.

As most great visions and dreams only ever stay within the person's head as an idea, it is important to let it out begin the journey NOW.

What do you have to lose?

What do you have to gain?

Good luck.