20 positive tips for the New Year

I realize that this blog is mostly about real estate and local happenings, but I received an email from Jon Gordon today and couldn't help but pass it on. As many of us are thinking of New Year's resolutions, these 20 tips are always worth considering...

1. Stay Positive. You can listen to the cynics and doubters and believe that success is impossible or you can know that with faith and an optimistic attitude all things are possible.

2. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement: My purpose is ____________________.

3. Take a morning walk of gratitude. It will create a fertile mind ready for success.

4. Instead of being disappointed about where you are, think optimistically about where you are going.

5. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

6. Transform adversity into success by deciding that change is not your enemy but your friend. In the challenge discover the opportunity.

7. Make a difference in the lives of others.

8. Believe that everything happens for a reason and expect good things to come out of challenging experiences.

9. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

10. Mentor someone and be mentored by someone.

11. Live with the 3 E's: Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.

12. Remember there's no substitute for hard work.

13. Zoom Focus: Each day when you wake up in the morning ask: "What are the three most important things I need to do today that will help me create the success I desire?" Then tune out all the distraction and focus on these actions.

14. Instead of complaining, focus on solutions. It's the key to innovation.

15. Read more books than you did in 2009.

16. Learn from mistakes and let them teach you to make positive changes.

17. Focus on "Get to" vs "Have to." Each day focus on what you get to do, not what you have to do. Life is a gift, not an obligation.

18. Each night before you go to bed, complete the following statements:

I am thankful for ____________.
Today I accomplished __________.

19. Smile and laugh more. They are natural anti-depressants.

20. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life, so make the most of it and enjoy it.