If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. You have probably heard this many times. If you are anything like me, you may have put this mantra in back of your mind. Will you do something for me? Right now say aloud "If at first I do not succeed, I will try, try again."

Now think about challenges in your life. More importantly, look at areas in your life where you have experienced disappointment and failure. List them, one by one, and decide if those particular things are still important to you.

I have found that many of issues that caused us much pain, embarrassment and aggravation are not worth it in long run. That list that is important to you will likely be shorter than one you started with. Most likely, items you removed as no longer important to you can now be seen as learning experiences that helped you mature. Look at what is important to you now, in this moment, that you still want to accomplish. These are things you should try again.

Never limit you future by shape of your past. This time-worn truism is still around for a good reason. We still need to be reminded of that, especially as we move forward with our goals, whatever they may be.

Never limit your future by shape of past. As I thought about that statement I realized that history bears witness to many who have overcome horrible pasts and moved on to be very successful in their lives. Many of our current heroes and heroines have overcome poverty, child abuse, serious illness and disabilities to become successful in their chosen fields of endeavor.

I am reminded of successful people like Oprah Winfrey, Dolly Parton, late Ray Charles, Loretta Lynne, President William J. Clinton and many others. All of them overcame great obstacles to achieve success that was in them.

Overcoming one's past to achieve success is not limited to those who achieve great fame or fortune, but to everyday people like you and me. Each of us likely has something in our past that could have prevented us from getting to where we are now.