Great Expectations was a video dating service that was popular when I was in the industry. My service promoted a more personalized process. Many clients told me that while physical attraction was necessary, it was more important that they "fit" with their partners on other levels.

Great expectations were also what my clients brought as they searched for the love of their life - greatly unrealistic expectations, in many cases.

An interesting thing happened when these people stood up for what they really wanted. They sometimes forgot about how they needed to change because they were so focused on what should come from the other person. What we learned was, while it's okay to have your eye on the prize, you can't ignore what you bring to the table.

The same is true with money. Financial success depends on balancing your vision of the life that money can bring you, with a focus on your personal transformation—what life and energy you can bring to your money.

Take A Minute:
• List five things you want money to bring you-what you are most attracted to financially-be it free time, amusing experiences, or peace of mind.

Make A Minute:
• Go back and write down one action you will take to create those circumstances now, regardless of your current financial state: how, in essence, you can "be" what you're looking for.

To get life's rewards, you have to be willing to bring as much quality as you seek. Focus on embodying the benefits first-if fun is something you want money to bring you, dedicate yourself to the principle of fun and it won't matter how much money you have, fun will find you. If peace of mind is your focus, you'll find peace of mind in all kinds of ways, not just financially.