That's why the easiest way to manage your money is to take it one step at a time — and not worry about being perfect. - Ramit Sethi

YOU: Hi, I'm going to be paying off my credit card debt more aggressively beginning next week and I'd like a lower APR. CREDIT CARD REP: Uh, why? YOU: I've decided to be more aggressive about paying off my debt, and that's why I'd like a lower APR. Other cards are offering me rates at half what you're offering. Can you lower my rate by 50 percent or only 40 percent? CREDIT CARD REP: Hmm . . . After reviewing your account, I'm afraid we can't offer you a lower APR. We can offer you a credit limit increase, however. YOU: No, that won't work for me. Like I mentioned, other credit cards are offering me zero percent introductory rates for twelve months, as well as APRs of half what you're offering. I've been a customer for X years, and I'd prefer not to switch my balance over to a low-interest card. Can you match the other credit card rates, or can you go lower? CREDIT CARD REP: I see . . . Hmm, let me pull something up here. Fortunately, the system is suddenly letting me offer you a reduced APR. That is effective immediately.

There are a million different ways to approach any topic. The key is: Instead of focusing on the competition, focus on your audience. Who is your audience, and what do they want that they are not being served right now? I guarantee you, in the yoga audience, there are people who have never done yoga. Then there are people who tried it a couple times, and they kind of gave up. They say things like, "I should go back," but they haven't. What you can do is take your special insight and your perspective on the world, and serve their needs. That's how you build a business that stands out from all the rest.

If fear of failure is paralyzing you, then I strongly recommend you set a tiny, realistic goal for the day. When you achieve it, then move on to the next tiny, realistic goal. Your business is going to see better results from taking action on small goals then dreaming about unrealistic big goals that you never achieve.