The Ultimate Cost of Procrastination

"Get busy living or get busy dying"

This is a quote from the movie The Shawshank Redemption. Tim Robbins character uttered it to Morgan Freeman's shortly before he broke out of prison. The basic gist was that each of us has a choice to make.

The reason I bring this up today is because I was chatting earlier with someone who lost a friend of hers. This person passed away at the age of 46 of an apparent heart attack. The death was sudden and painless. She met her end many decades before anyone would imagined.

Whenever I come across something like this, I get very reflective. How much time do I have? It is a question that none of us know the answer to. Realistically, today could be the last day for any of us. Life is a crap shoot in this regard. We are allotted a certain amount of time and when it is done, it is done.

The above quite is something that we all should remember on a daily basis. It is baffling to consider how much time we waste since we do believe it to be unlimited. Sure, we all know we are going to die. Nevertheless, most of us presume it will be decades in the future. This allows us to push down the road all the while wasting away the present moments. Our lives are full of "I will do it tomorrow".

There is an old exercise that self help experts put many of their students through. It starts with taking a piece of paper and writing on the top "what would I do if I only had a year to live". The exercise consists of simply answering that question. Imagine yourself with a terminal illness that means you would expire one year from today. How would you spent your remaining time? Contrast this with how it differs from what you presently do on a daily basis. I guarantee you will see a drastic difference between the two of them.

This brings me to everyone's favorite ally...procrastination. Getting back to the person I discussed earlier; do you think there were things she would have liked to do before she departed? If she is like the rest of us, I am sure there was. The same can be said for her loved ones. Each of us has things we would like to experience. However, we get caught up in the daily grind and tell ourselves we will get to it "later". Sadly, for this woman, there is no later. And, in truth, there might not be for us either.

The ultimate cost to procrastination is the sacrifice of your life. Most of us spend our lives busy "dying" that we fail to live. Instead of experiencing joy and happiness on a regular basis, we occupy our time with anger and worry. At the same time, we opt for the path of safety which causes us to miss many of the fruits of life. Fear is our primary motivator causing a life of stagnation. We are walking zombies.

Today is the time to make the decision to live. We all know people who passed on. Make a commitment to their memories to pack all you can into this life. Opt for saying "yes" instead of "no". Go out on a limb on a regular basis and take some chances. Many times you will be rewarded. Make the choice to get busy living.

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Knowing What You Want

There is a saying I heard a number of years ago that always rang true with me. Most people dont get what they want because they do not know what they want. Those who have the ability to clarify in their minds what they desire, in detail, are able to attain the results they are seeking. Unfortunately, this is the small minority. The majority drift through life allowing circumstances to dictate what they enjoy. People live in a reactive mode.

Being Proactive

Successful people seem to share one common trait: they make things happen in their lives. As opposed to sitting back and waiting for circumstances to go their way, they attack their lives without abandon. They are determined to achieve the ends that they set down for themselves. This is a radical difference from the masses who take the exact opposite approach. Living in a reactionary mode is death.

The first step in your path to a better life is for you to decide to be proactive from this point going forward. Just because things did not work out in the past does not mean that is how it will go in the future. History is littered with people who failed before they achieved ultimate success. In fact, it often seems like failure is a prerequisite for success.

Once you decide to be proactive, you need to set yourself on a path to follow. This is an extremely difficult task for many. We all have seen the millions of goal setting programs out there and, many of us, tried most of them. How many of you experienced the "New Year's Resolution" syndrome where you make a promise only to have broken it by January 3rd? This happens every year.

With Clarity Comes Power

The mind is a powerful mechanism. We cannot underestimate it's ability to create results in our lives. However, for us to unleash this device, we need to get clear about what it is we are seeking. Putting crystal clear desires into it will produce a viable avenue to follow. Attaining goals is nothing more than breaking things down into a series of steps. Yet, one must know where he or she is heading before formulating those steps.

What do you want in life? This is the multi-million dollar question. Ask this of most people and they will give you vague answers. The reason for this is because they have no idea what they want out of life. Instead, they will tell you what they do not want. Or, if they do tell you, they will state something general such as "I want to lose weight". Each of these situations provides no power since there is absolutely no clarity in the thinking.

So again, what do you want in your life? I want you to think about this question long and hard. Spend days and weeks going over it again and again. The answer to this question holds the key to your entire life. All happiness and fulfillment are tied to reaching the proper conclusion. I can assure you once you have clarity, your life will take on new meaning.

It is time to design your life. Success is a reasonably simple exercise since so many are adept at failing. The biggest thing they fail at is not being proactive in their lives. Having clarity will automatically put you in the upper 1% of all the people out there. Again, the average person has no clue what he or she wants. Simply deciding for yourself separates you from the masses. Begin the process today.

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Managing Expectations

Did you ever heave your heart set on getting a particular gift for Christmas as a child only to be disappointed on the big day? If you are a normal human, you did. We all suffered this fate at least once in our life. Sadly, even if we got everything else that we wanted, we focused on the missing toy. This ruined the entire event for us.

Looking back over these times, what was the cause of our disappointment? Obviously, most people would respond by saying that their parents destroyed Christmas by not getting them what they wanted. This is a blamer mentality. It is also one that leads to lifelong misery since this habit is ingrained deeply.

The truth is that what was received for Christmas is irrelevant. When we experience disappointment in situations such as these, it is because we fail to manage our expectations. When our expectations are set too high, the natural result is disappointment. Therefore, the key to happiness is to lower our expectations.

This concept applies equally to situations, people, and companies. When we expect too much from another person, as an example, we are let down because they suffer from the disease called humanness. People will fail periodically. When they do, if we place too much on them, we will suffer ill emotional consequences.

Managing expectations is at the core of most spiritual disciplines. When we expect too much, we fail to be grateful for what we receive. At the same time, we tend to concentrate upon that which is missing instead of what is there. For example, how often do you expect to attend a fabulous party only to be let down when it isnt the blowout you pictured in your mind. The expectation created the dissatisfaction, not the party.

If you expect nothing, you cannot be disappointed. The happiest people in the world have the ability to "go with the flow". They do not get upset when things go other than planned. They remain emotionally flexible appreciating each moment. This is a recipe for happiness and peace.

Today, as you progress through your day, witness how your expectations impact your emotional state. Are there times where you get upset when things dont happen as you wish. Are you expecting too much of another (or yourself) which causes you unhappiness? How much happier would your day be if you simply accepted things as they occurred without a thought of how things should be? Witness your thoughts in this area for a few days while trying to cancel out some of your expectations. You will be a happier person.
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Other Cultures

I like to write about mindset on this blog. One of my favorite pastimes is to learn/study different cultures of the world. It is amazing how much you can learn from this practice.

There is a large world out there. Too often, we get so focused upon our own "little world" that we see in front of us. Realizing that there is so much more removes the mental limitation we often put upon ourselves.

When I read about "far away lands" I find that my mind wanders. The dreaming mechanism is instantly awakened. What would it be like to live in that area for a summer? How would my life differ in that culture? What can I take from them and bring into my daily life? These are all things which run through my mind.

Other cultures make us appreciate our own. Gratitude is a basic component of those who experience regular happiness. There are many cultures we can look at and feel a longing. Nevertheless, there are also many which make us grateful that we grew up in the one we did. For example, study the daily life in Cuba or China the last 40 or 50 years. This will lead to a sense of gratitude for being part of the Western world.

Life is about expanding our horizons. Everyone needs to think on a larger scale. Look at the ways other people live and contrast that with your life. Are there things that you can learn from them? Consider this point as you are reading. It will be to your benefit.
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How Important Is It?

This is one of the most powerful questions that you can ask yourself. It is the foundation for emotional maturity. Being in control is what allows us to get through the day-to-day ups and downs of life. Those who "lose it" tend to fail in their different endeavors.

Much of life depends upon our interpersonal skills. Getting along with others is paramount for success. Maturity is being able to progress forward even when things are not going your way. Here is a fact of life: things will go wrong. You will not always come up on the winning side. Yet, persevering is one of the fundamental qualities of success.

How often do you fly of the handle only to forget about it a few hours later? This seems to be a fairly common tendency. Many will get upset when the smallest thing does not go in their favor. I remember once a friend telling me how he totally lost it over some oil spilling in his driveway. His outrage occurred in front of his neighbors and daughter. How important was it really? Was it that big a deal that it was worth risking his relationship with these people? In light of what happened, probably not. Even though the neighbors still talk with him, I am sure they now look at him a bit differently. This affects his relationship with them.

Lack of emotional control is something that is a result of not asking this question. There are many times throughout the day that I ask "how important is it". When I get candid with myself, the answer is usually "not very important". In the grand scheme of things, getting upset over many of the trivial things we confront each day just is not worth it. The price we pay is too great.

Stress is one of the leading causes of medical problems in this generation. People are too stressed out. We take everything too seriously because of the need to operate at light speed. Slowing down is not part of our agenda. Instead, we all try to be the prototypical type A personalities. Do Do Do. That is our motto. We have our fancy planners and lists which we must complete. Failure is simply not an option. As time goes by, we assume more responsibility, thus increasing the pressure.

This leads to success. And, that person is the most successful person in the cemetery. How important is it? Ponder that question for a while. Of all the things that you do each day, how important is it really? Take your work for example. If you do not get something done, will the company collapse. Perhaps but not likely. How many of us are so important that our careers are going to be remembered centuries from now? I hope all of my readers are at that level but, again, not likely. The truth is that much of what we fret over is really not important.

There is a saying "in a week we will laugh about this". This is so true. Think back to the last situation that you "lost it" over. How do you feel about that situation now? Was it worth acting like a total jackass in front of others (if you did that)? I would surmise it was not. Few of us are in positions where anything is at that urgent a level.

Learn to let things go. Would you rather be right or would you rather be happy? Many, by their actions, want to be right. This leaves them extremely unhappy. The world is not a just place. Understanding this simple idea will make your life a lot easier. Let the minor injustices go. At the same time, cut yourself some slack for the humanness you have. If you did not get something done today, that is alright. Tomorrow is a new day.

Relax and remember "how important is it".
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Teflon Insides

John Gotti, the head of the Gambino crime family, was known as the Teflon Don because none of the first few indictments against him stuck. In other words, the charges of the prosecution bounced off him.

This brings me to today's lesson. Do you have teflon insides or do you let things get to you? This is a very important question pertaining to emotional stability. Your answer shows how you are able to handle things.

People who have emotional control have things "roll off their back". It seems like they are immune to criticism. They simply do not take things to heart. Accusations or insults levied against them bounce off like that person is made of Teflon. Again, nothing sticks to them.

The truth is that people can only hurt you as much as you allow them. Nothing can affect you other than those things you choose to allow to affect you. This is a difficult concept for many to understand since they are slaves to their emotions. People who utilize their personal power are in charge of their lives. This includes being in control of their emotions.

Try not to take things personally. Remember that everyone has an opinion (and they all stink). What others think is of little importance in most instances. There are only a few people in our lives who's opinions are important. The rest can go fly a kite.

Take control of your emotions and lay the foundation for a successful life.
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You can only count on yourself

I advocate personal responsibility. Soceity wants to teach that it is always someone else's fault. We watch the political process to see this in action. Everyone in power seems to have a perfect track record: they never made a mistake. Why? Because it is always someone else's fault.

Part of my teaching is that you are responsible for the circumstances in your life. If you wife is not behaving how you would like, that is your fault. You were the one who chose to marry her. Kids creating chaos. Nobody told you to have them. It was your choice. Same goes for the job. There are no slavery contracts. You are the person who choses to work for that company. Everything, and I mean everything, is a result of the choices you made.

There is a story about a family headed by a father who was an alcoholic. He had two sons. When they grew up, one son followed in his father's footsteps becoming a lush while the other did not. When asked "how come they turned out the way they did", both responded "with a dad like mine, how could I turn out any other way".

Here was two people who grew up in the same environment yet turned out totally different. That is how life is. We are free to make choices. Unfortunately, most choose to depend on someone or something else for their power. It drives me nuts when I meet people like this. In this era, dependence upon the government is a big thing. Well, when I talk to people who went that route, it seems that perhaps this was not the best option. In the end, the government let them down.

The same is true for your company, boss, wife, or kids. If you come to rely upon someone else for you success and happiness, you will be let down. Spouses will leave. Companies fire people. Bossese get promoted. The bottom line is that there is only one person that you can depend on, and that person is YOU!!!
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Be Your Own Thinker

In the past I wrote about the power that societal conditioning can have over us. This is the major reason why people have difficulty forging their own thoughts. Simply, we are taught what to believe. Social pressure exerts great force on us. We all want to fit in. The idea of being singled out is not something that many are attracted to.

If you ask the average person, he or she will tell you that they are in control of their thoughts. However, the sad truth is that few take the time to monitor what is going on inside one's head. For example, have you ever taken a look at where your beliefs came from? Are they something that you made a decision to be true or were they put there by someone else? We are all products of our environment. This results in us mirroring those who are around us.

This conditioning will affect all areas of our life. Take one's work/financial situation. There are some who believe the best way is to go to school, get good grades, and find a stable company to work for. At the same time, some believe that owning your own company is the best route to go. Finally, there is a group of the population who believes the government will take care of them.

What creates the difference in mindset. I would say the largest part is the upbringing these people grew up in. The cultural impact on beliefs is evident depending upon the area one was raised. If he or she was exposed to people who received welfare their entire lives, this is believed to be true. This holds true for the entrepreneur and the steady paycheck individuals. Our societal conditioning plays a large part in what we do.

Other people lay expectations upon us. This is a fact of life. However, it is crucial that you decide to be your own person. The only one who can live your life is you. Others will want to influence it usually to make up for a lack of something within them. These are not the people you want to take advice from. Make a decision to live your life how you see fit. It is your happiness at stake.

There is a risk of being your own thinker. People like those who conform. If one chooses not to, he or she is open to scorn and ridicule. Society has a way of making fun of those who act or behave differently. This is its way of trying to get you back in line. Individuality is not stressed as a cultural norm. I can only presume that if everyone behaved in an individual manner, we would have anarchy. Fortunately, the vast majority will continue to conform so our decision to live our own life will not bring society down.

Be your own thinker. Take control of your thoughts immediately. Question all that you believe so that you are knowledgeable about what goes on in your head. If you were taught something was true, research it. Find out if it holds true for you or if it is false. Discard old beliefs which do not work for you. This is how one starts to attain individual freedom.
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Develop a sense of urgency

Yesterday, I wrote about the "need for speed". The idea is for us to start utilizing our time in a more effective way. We typically waste too much time dilly-dallying around. The most successful seem to have tamed this tendency while focusing their attention on the most important details.

Today, I want to mention the concept of approaching life with a sense of urgency. Most fail to realize how precious this thing called time is. That is because we think we have a lot of it left. The truth of the matter is that we have no idea how long we are going to live. Also, everyday brings us one step closer to the ultimate outcome: our departure.

Why do I write this? My intention is not to sadden or depress you. The point that I am making is that there is no time to waste if you are going to live life the way that you desire. Many people put off doing those things that make them happy. They allow fear to make decisions which prevent them from taking risks. Their motto becomes "someday". In effect, they put off their dreams.

We can see this in how people usually approach their day. The average person is nonchalant about how he or she handles the activities of the day. Many feel it is alright to put things off. Procrastination is one of the most common ailments among our society. We fall under the misconception that there is plenty of time for us to do things. This simply is not the truth.

What would happen if you were suddenly diagnosed with an ailment which would kill you? How would your priorities change? Would you approach your days differently? I am certain you would. Suddenly, there would be an urgency to everything you did. The goal would be to pack as much as you could into a limited period of time. Well, I am here to tell you that you are now suffering from a fatal illness which will kill you. This malady is called life and it is incurable. The end result is death.

Therefore, it is time that we started to make use of every second that we have left. Remember, death is just around the corner. You only have a little time left. As we age, time accelerates. Ask anyone in his or her 60s how quickly 10 or 20 years pass. The answer is usually something like "in the blink of an eye".

Develop a sense of urgency in your life. Make your motions fast and hard. Do everything with the vigor as if you are on your last legs. Squeeze all that you can into the time that you have left. The clock is ticking for all of us.
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Thoreau's Happiness

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A Time Of Optimism

We are approaching the new year. This is the time of year where optimism is the greatest. Whatever occurred in 2008 is in the past. It is done. Whether it was positive or negative, you cannot go back and change it. Life moves froward regardless of the results you achieved.

If you are one who achieved all the goals that you set out for the year, I congratulate you. However, for those of us who fell short in a few areas, there is the tendency to dwell upon those unrealized dreams. Now is not the time to engage in that activity. We are programming ourselves to look forward.

Everyone achieves something. There are lots of wonderful things that you did over the past year. Make a list of some of them no matter how insignificant they might seem. Each time you gave someone a smile, you lifted their spirit in that moment. Write that on the list. List everything you can think of that helped yourself or someone else. You will soon realize that you did a great deal.

We are all going to make the next year the best we ever experienced. The media wants to put us in a negative mindset with all the activities which are occurring globally. We are not going to listen to their garbage. Their fodder is food for all those who are going to be trampled in the new year. We are not part of that crowd. Instead, we are the ones who know that in each crisis there are lots of opportunities. Now is the time that we are going to forge our way to success. The only thing that stands in our way is the mindset we have. Success is first achieved in the mind then manifests itself in the physical world.

In closing, I hope you enjoy your Christmas holiday. Spread good cheer wherever you go over the next few days. Perhaps this might create a habit that you do throughout the year. That is a wonderful goal to have for 2009.
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Life Is Never Perfect

Life is not always perfect but we can be happy in spite of our present circumstances. This is what success is all about.

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Create Your Life

Many come to me asking "how do I create the life that I want?". This is an interesting question which leads me to answer "what do you want in life?". It is at this point that I usually get a blank stare. The truth is that most really have no idea what they want their life to look like. This is one of the main reasons why they inevitably spend years going in circles.

Creating your life starts with deciding what you want. Our life is first developed in the mind before it can ever become a reality. Without this basic part of the process, we are doomed to follow the ideas of someone else.

Society has a way of determining what is best for us. When I say society, I am referring to all the influences that touch our lives. They could be parents, teachers, employers, spouses, etc... Each of these people has an idea of what is best for us, of how to be successful in this culture.

Sadly, few to take the time to decide what he or she wants. People will spend more time planning a vacation than they will laying a path for their life. The few that do consider what they want enjoy more success and happiness.

It is time to get clear in your mind what it is that you want out of life. Clarity is a powerful weapon. I want you to write down exactly how you want life to be 10 years from now. Shake off the limitations of the mind. Societal training will arise at every new thought. Part of the process is to turn off the ideas of those who influenced us to get to the core of what we want.

You will find this is one of the most valuable exercises you ever engage in. The greatest minds in the world spent considerable time in thought. It is best if we follow their example. Determine what is the most desirable thing that you want. Whatever it is, write it down and place it where you can see it. Each night, look at it and ask yourself "did I shape my day to move towards this outcome?". This process starts to move the goal/desire/wish to the conscious level. You suddenly find that your actions begin to mirror what you wrote down.

For example, if you want to have a loving, intimate relationship with a special someone, write that desire on a card and post it. Each day, ask yourself the above question. Obviously, if you want this to come to fruition, it is necessary to shape your actions so that they put you in position to meet people. Each day, do this. Eventually, you will achieve the result you desire.

Clarity is the most powerful tool we have. Get clear in what you want so that you can start to work towards it beginning this moment. The creation of the life you want is at hand.
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5 Minutes To Overcoming Procrastination

There is a technique which will easily help you overcome procrastination while getting yourself to take action. We all know that the key to accomplishment is often as simple as getting off our duff. Yet, many are paralyzed by the procrastination bug. They failed to develop the “do it now” habit.

Can you do something for 5 minutes? Consider this question carefully before answering. If you are like most, the natural inclination is to say “yes”. I believe that is a truthful statement. Doing something for 5 minutes is not difficult. We can handle most anything for 5 minutes.

That being said, the next question is why do you procrastinate? Studies show that many of the activities we put off can be completed in 5 minutes or less. Individuals who procrastinate often experience the feeling of overwhelm. They find themselves caught up in a vicious cycle”: putting things off causes them to get overwhelmed while the feeling of being overwhelmed causes them to put more things off. How can you break this trend.

Breaking the procrastination habit starts with handling the tasks which fall under the 5 minute rule. This rule states that “anything I can do in less than 5 minutes gets attention immediately”. It is best to make a list of everything that fits the criteria. Once this list is completed, you begin with the first one on the list. Continue on each item for the next hour.

You will find that you are able to complete 10-12 activities. That is a wonderful beginning. Those who are experts are putting things off might find their list has hundreds of items on it. However, knocking out a portion of them will provide confidence moving forward. Do this everyday for the next 20 days to really ingrain the habit. At the end of that time you will find that you are now an action taker instead of a procrastinator. It is amazing what 5 minutes can do.
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Recharge Your Batteries

We live in a world that is now 24/7. Cable news channels have all the information from around the world available all every second of the day. One can trade on a multitude of markets around the clock. Cellphones put us in constant touch with everyone.

While all these have their benefits, the downfall is that we do not get any time for ourselves. Relaxation is something that is necessary for all of us. We need to recharge our batteries. Failure to do so can lead to burnout in addition to other health issues. Take the time to relax.

Many deem the one who is constantly on the go as "admirable". We all met those who work 70-100 hours a week. They are always conducting business. Wealth and prestige comes to them at every turn. Yet, many drop dead at a young age from stress.

You should strive to be a well rounded individual. It is wonderful to work hard. That is a trait which I feel we need more of in this era. However, it is necessary to step back and relax. The old saying "work hard, play hard" holds merit. Recharging our batteries enables us to be more effective in the other areas of our lives.

This is something that we are losing. Today, I want you to spend some time engaging in an activity solely for the pleasure of it. Pick up that hobby you put down so long ago. Perhaps writing is something that gives you enjoyment. How about gardening? Puzzles? Choose anything that allows you to relax and get lost in the moment. You will feel so much better.

Life is meant to be enjoyed. So often we get lost in the "to do" lists. Take an hour today just for yourself. You deserve it.
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20 Ways To Change Your Life-Now

Most people want to change their life. However, they do not know where to begin. The problem is that human beings are creatures of habit and many find the habits they have do not lead them to a successful outcome. So I put together a list of 20 things you can do today which will change your life. Some of the things will alter your life path in the long term while others will change how you feel in the moment. Both have an impact of the degree of fulfillment we experience.

1. Turn off the t.v.

People are hypnotized by this device. Most of what we watch is intellectually empty. A periodic escape from life is healthy. However, too many spend hours each day flipping through the channels trying to find something worthwhile. Also, there is a great deal of negativity on the television. Turn it off and regain lost time while improving your attitude.

2. Stretch

Spend time stretching. This has an immediate impact of providing instant energy. Right now, stretch all your muscles from head to toe. Notice how much more energy you have by this simple action. In addition, we feel better as the years progress when we stretch daily. Our body is looser which helps offset the lose in elasticity. George Burns swore his secret was to spend 15 minutes each day stretching and he lived to 100. Solid advice.

3. Read for 30 minutes

This time is found by turning of the television. Spend 30 minutes a day reading to increase you knowledge. It is helpful if you pick up a book on a subject you never explored. This will peak your curiosity while potentially uncovering a subject you might fall in love with. Reading is relaxing, expands our knowledge, and stimulates our mental creativity.

4. Spend 15 minutes decluttering

We have too much stuff. There are items stuffed in every crevice of the house. Spend time each day going through different drawers discarding items that are not needed. Plan on filling a trash can each week while putting together a box of items for donation. Getting rid of old stuff increases the flow of energy within our surroundings.

5. Journal

This is a historic method of self therapy. We all have things bouncing around in our head. Writing is a way to get things out of the mental to a place where we can look at them. It makes it easier to deal with feelings and situations when we view it on paper. Writing each day will declutter some of the emotional/mental baggage that is weighing us down.

6. Drink more water

We are told that we need a minimum of 8 glasses of water. Most drink far less than this. Water is a terrific way to appease one's appetite thus causing us to eat less. Soda and other popular beverages are high in sugar and caffeine which adversely affect the body. Replace them with water will help to increase energy in addition to your overall health.

7. Have a salad with each meal

Greens help the body nutritionally. They also make one eat less at one sitting. Most people are overweight and the eating of a salad cuts down on the desire to have a second helping of pasta. Since our meals tend to be low in nutritional value, a salad helps to offer the body the good "fuel" it needs.

8. Learn a foreign language

It is easy with the Internet. Search for free courses and you will find lots of sites offering tutorials. Once you start on the language, a natural offshoot of that is to learn about the culture in that country. This will open up different opportunities in areas of travel, friends, and career.

9. Wake up earlier

Ben Franklin believed in the early to bed, early to rise. The morning hours can be really beneficial if applied properly. Too many get up and rush out of the house. Arising 30 minutes earlier will give you time to relax and consider your day. Perhaps this is the time you use to journal.

10. Create a daily to do list

This is one of the most powerful productivity tools. Writing down the activities you seek to accomplish clarifies your thinking while eliminating wasted time. Working from this list allows you to move effortless from one activity to another. This increases productivity-something that helps any business or career. Also, you will be sure to attend to the important tasks which often get lost when trying to handle the different emergencies throughout the day.

11. Spend 5 minutes thinking

Most people spend more time thinking about where to go on vacation then they do thinking about their life. Rumor is that Einstein would spend 30 minutes each day just thinking. Take a piece of paper and write down whatever ideas come to mind. You will be amazed how many opportunities come to mind during these sessions.

12. Spend time outside

We live in an indoor world. The human spirit enjoys the freedom from being outside. It is therapeutic to get in touch with nature and all it's wonders. Even if you are in a big city, spend 5-10 minutes looking up at the stars at night. Consider all there is out there and how incredible the universe is.

13. Create a vision board

This is an ancient technique which is used for great success. Spend a day with a piece of cardboard and some old magazines (remember our decluttering). Cut out pictures of things that represent what you want in life and attach them to your board. As you do this, a visual of your future life begins to emerge. Hang it where you can see it each day. Periodically amend it to better reflect your desires.

14. Go for a walk

You need not be a marathon runner. Walking is one of the healthier activities there is. It allows us to get outside and enjoy nature. Also, in addition to the health benefits, we can couple this with the socialization of another by getting a walking partner.

15. Savor your food

Food is a wonderful aspect of life. There is so much more to it than satisfying our hunger. However, we live in a fast paced world which necessitates eating on the run. We rarely enjoy what we are putting into our mouths. Savor every bite of the next meal that you eat. Turn off the television and eat in silence. Slow down and enjoy the process. This will stimulate you to try different things.

16. Join an organization/group

There is great enjoyment about being around like minded people. Each community has multiple groups or organizations that you can join. Some focus on civic contributions while others are based upon interests or hobbies. You will enjoy socialization, an increase in knowledge by learning from others, and be given an opportunity to contribute.

17. Strike up a conversation with a stranger

The next time you stand in line, talk with the person behind (or ahead of) you. An amazing thing happens: you learn they are human. Most live a "scared" existence by hurrying past people we do not know. Having the confidence to talk with anyone, anywhere helps us to become more social which increases happiness and career opportunities. This single action opens up a world of possibilities.

18. Partner with another in a business

Ownership is the key to success in most cultures. Historically, it was land; now it is a business. Find someone to start a business with as a means of affecting the financial resources of your family. You might find that a new career develops for you. Partnering also teaches us the value of a team. Two people working together are far more productive than working as individuals.

19. Get a pet (or a plant if the pet is not feasible)

Learning responsibility is a good thing. It is one of the keys to success. A pet (or plant) is totally dependent upon you. Also, they are always there when you come home. The joy that comes from taking care of something else is indescribable. Suddenly, you will have something else to focus upon.

20. Phone an old friend

We all lose touch of people we care about. Pick up the phone and call someone you were close to in the past. There is a good chance many of those same feelings are still there. Distance and time need not be reasons to keep a good friendship apart. Rekindle the emotions of old to find the fulfillment and happiness you once had.

You now have 20 things you can do today which will set your life in a different direction. Each of these actions is simple. Yet it is the simplicity which makes them effective. Try each of them for a week and see how differently you feel. This will lay the foundation for an entirely new life.
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Projection

Fear is something many are dealing with at the moment. People are in difficult situations which seem to offer no solution. We know that many are facing the loss of their homes while many others might end up following suit if unemployment increases too much. This is a reality that we are going to have to cope with.

I was sitting yesterday with someone who just lost his job. The company he worked for is experiencing a serious loss in revenue due to the slowing of the economy. Like most, they are being forced to cut back. The gentleman that I talked to was one who was let go. Sadly, it was through no fault of his own since he was a good employee for them. Again, circumstances necessitated this action.

Obviously, this individual was filled with fear. He was worried about meeting his financial obligations without the steady paycheck. This is a legitimate concern. He will need to develop some type of plan to survive this ordeal.

In chatting with him I was able to pinpoint exactly what his issue was. As you can imagine, fear is his overriding emotion at the moment. There is a lot to be scared about. However, as we all know, fear never solves anything. Listening to this emotion only serves to paralyze us from moving forward.

Most would think that this man just needed to get over the fear. That would be true if that is what his problem was. What was affecting this individual was his negative projection. That is what was causing his fear. Anytime we leave the present moment, we establish the basis for fear to exist. It is impossible for fear to enter our mindset if we are in the present moment.

I know this sounds a bit hokey but bear with me. Fear exists solely in the mind. It is a device the mind uses to maintain control in a situation. The mind likes the status quo and will do all it can to keep us from changing. However, for fear to be present, there needs to be a comparison. So, the mind looks to a future point in time and brings that projection back to the present. Hence, we have fear.

Let us look at how this man did it. He lost his job. That is the reality of the situation. This event caused the mind to consider the future with a negative viewpoint. He instantly jumped to the time when he would not be able to make the house payment (next month or the one thereafter). Then, to compound it, he went further into the future to see the bank taking his house. These events he experienced mentally in the present.

Other than losing the job, did any of this happen? No it did not. The entire scenario is a figment of his imagination. It made it all up. Could this transpire the way he envisioned it? Certainly. However, as of this moment, he is still current on his mortgage and living in his house.

I need to make one thing clear: staying in the present moment does not mean that we stick our head in the sand and ignore the world around us. Having the Pollyanna attitude with everything is a bit foolish. In this instance, there are actions this individual will need to take. However, staying in the present moment allows his to think rationally while maintaining some peace about him. That is crucial for surviving any ordeal. Survival experts teach how remaining calm is the key to survival. I agree 110%. Sticking to the present moment fosters a calm outlook. It is then that we are able to begin working on the solution to our problems.

One final thought about projection. Notice that when someone does project, it is most often in the negative. They never seem to look at a situation and think how wonderfully it all will turn out. Instead, they tend to go to the "worst case scenario". If you are going to project, does so in a positive fashion. See everything working out to your benefit. This single alone will begin to lay the foundation for an improved situation.
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The Seeds Of Greatness

What is it that makes you special? The answer to this question is your quest in life. It is also the key to your success. Most people are unfulfilled because they fail to look at this important question. Again, what is it that makes you special?

Look at any successful person and you will see their talent. It oozes out of every pore. Jim Carrey was meant to make people laugh. The same is true for Carson. Donald Trump builds magnificent buildings. And Sinatra was meant to sing. Success was a result of them getting in touch with the creative genius that is buried in each of us.

My belief is that it is impossible to fail if one is following this ingrained talent. Discovering it is your purpose in life. Once you uncover this, success comes to you fairly easily. The path might be wrought with difficulty yet you will enjoy the process because you are doing what you love. This is where work takes on the component of fun.

There is no question that successful people work extremely hard. Success eludes the lazy. However, the creation of wonderful results is what drives these people for long hours at a stretch. This is true whether you are referring to scientists, radio/television personalities, or the creator of businesses. In they end, they love what they do.

Have you ever seen a famous person asked "what would you be doing if you weren't an _________"? The most common answer is "I do not know". This is as honest as it gets. These people really cannot envision themselves doing anything else. Kurt Russell was in acting since he was a toddler. Do you think he ever saw himself as anything other than an actor? Of course not.

The seeds of greatness are within you. Regardless of how your life transpired up to this point, there is so much more you have to offer. Your success and happiness lies in finding that creativeness within you. What can you "build" that will have appeal to others? Creativity can be applied to any profession. Perhaps it is developing a new way to get through to your students. Revolutionizing the educational field is something that the world is waiting for. Or, maybe you can improve a neighborhood project which will give pleasure to many for years to come. No matter what it is, there is something that is within you which is itching to burst forth. Uncover this to instantly give your life new meaning.
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Clarity Is Key

"Most people do not get what they want because they do not know what they want."

Never was a truer statement uttered. The sad thing is most believe they know what they want. Yet, when they are questioned, it is realized they have no idea. Their life is spent expending effort energy chasing a moving target. It is little wonder that most fail miserably.

What do you truly want? This is the question from which all your success comes. Without answering this clearly, you will be mired in an endless loop. All great achievements stem from the clarity that comes with making a decision. It is now time to decide what you want.

Focus is an important aspect of success. I find that it is impossible to focus completely when there is a lack of clarity. Concise ideas are much easier to follow. A builder cannot construct a home without accurate blueprints. The same is true for your life. Without the clarity that comes from knowing exactly what you want, your masterpiece will be substandard.

Get clear about what you want. Spend some time writing the type of relationships that you want. Set a path for your life. This is a fantastic journey. It gets better when you get concise about how you want things to transpire.
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What You Have

We are a generation of insatiable wants. It seems that no matter what people have, they always want more. This is a conditioning that we are accustomed to. Advertisers are experts at striking the emotional cords within us that makes us crave a particular product. It gets to the point where people cannot distinguish between wants and needs.

This conditioning has made people unhappy. Regardless of what one has, it is never enough. The "more" syndrome becomes an endless cycle. We have an appreciation level of about 3 minutes. This causes us to continually look forward at what we are going to get next.

Gratitude is an emotion that many philosophies teach is central for lifelong happiness. It also is something that we lost as a culture. If you want to be happy in this moment, get grateful for all the things that you have now. You are blessed in so many ways. Recognize that and be grateful for it.

This is true no matter what your present situation is. Regardless of your struggle, there is always a worse situation you could find yourself in. The old saying is "I was unhappy about my shoes until I met a man with no feet". This insight provides the shift in perspective necessary to be grateful.

Here is an exercise: instead of comparing yourself to those who have something you want, begin to compare yourself to those less fortunate. We tend to envy the neighbors for the new car, house, or pool. This puts a sense of longing within us. The problem is that we are overlooking what we have when we do this. We are not grateful with this mindset.

We take things fro granted until we lose them. This seems to be a fact of human nature. Here is an example: are you grateful for your car battery. Most fail to think about it until they go out and the car won't start. Then we wish we had a battery that worked. The same can be said for anything in our life.

Remember this little exercise when you are beginning to feel down. If financial circumstances are beating you up, go online to view some pictures of life in Africa. This will give you an instant shift in perspective. We think we know what poor is in the western world. Not really. The continent of Africa takes poverty to a level that most of us cannot imagine. Those people would most likely sacrifice parts of their body to be in our shoes. Yet we complain because those shoes are not the latest Nikes. It is time to get appreciative for all that we are given.
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