Excuses are the explanations we use to justify continuing in the same old ways. Many of the excuses you use have been with you since you were a very young child, and they very likely so cemented into your consciousness that you actually have come to believe they are all true.

However, I would like you to keep this one thought uppermost in your mind as you make an effort at the beginning of the year to rid yourself of these tired excuses and take on an entirely new attitude about who you are capable of becoming and what you are capable of achieving.

Don't believe everything you think. Remember the famous words spoken by Lao-Tzu some 2,500 years ago: "When you correct your mind, everything else will fall into place."

All excuses are in the mind. I urge you to follow these four guidelines as you work toward an excuse-free year.

Watch "Super Soul Sunday" this Sunday morning at 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. ET/PT to see Oprah's Soul Series conversation with Dr. Dyer.