The following is a Q & A with Dr. Wayne Dyer, internationally renowned leader in self-development and author of the New York Times bestseller Excuses Begone!

wowOwow: What was your inspiration for Excuses Begone!?

Dr. Wayne Dyer: The Tao taught me what to think. I wanted to teach people how to think, and change lifelong thinking habits, which are so difficult to change for many people, including myself.

wOw: How would you differentiate between an excuse and a legitimate reason?

WD: An excuse is an explanation for continuing self-defeating ways. A rational reason is a sensible thing to do.

wOw: "Affirmations" are a focal point of your work – how would you define an affirmation and how can we utilize them in our daily lives?

WD: An affirmation is an expression of what we contemplate and compassion is the highest form of action. When you make an affirmation, you are taking an initial crucial step to change what is not working for you.

wOw: What advice would you give to people who are currently struggling in this recession?

WD: Look for a way to serve those who are less well-off than you, for it is in giving that we receive.

wOw: Your career spans 30 years and 30 books. How has your point of view changed? What have you learned?

WD: I used to write about psychology and now I write about spirituality. You won’t find references to God or the Source in my earlier writings; now there is hardly a page that doesn’t have it in there.

wOw: What other projects are you working on now? What can we expect next?

WD: I am currently writing a book to accompany my recent film, "The Shift." After that I will go where I am sent and I will write what I am told to write.