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What if you had only one day left to live? What would you do? Who would you call? What would you say to those you love and trust the most? This is quite a heavy way to start a column, yet alone one with a New Year’s theme in mind. I encourage you to stay with me and read on as Paul Harvey says, “the rest of the story”.
I’m often baffled by how unhappy most people seem these days. I mention, “seem” because far too many people let others dictate their attitude and outlook on life. When you rise each day ask yourself this simple, yet profound question: What am I thankful for? By asking this one question each day you’ll quickly discover that your mind will develop a habit of building positive energy and productive based thoughts.
Now I’m not Dr. Phil or Oprah by any means and I’m thankful to be who I am. While these two are wildly successful and living life fully engaged and at full throttle, I can’t imagine how plain and routine the world would be if we we’re all exactly the same.
In the world of business, where I spend most of my waking hours, I often find that the most successful people have three common characteristics in common that we can all learn from and apply in our everyday lives.
First, they are problem solvers not complainers. For every problem they solve, they’re keenly aware that new one’s can quickly sprout up like weeds in a freshly kept garden. These successful people look at problems as temporary roadblocks that are a natural part of the game called life. The key difference with them is that they ask positive questions to solve the issue at hand. Most people would rather give up, complain or simply turn around and ignore the problem. Winners know that this is not a productive or solution based strategy to employ.
Secondly, they strive to learn and get better each day. School is never out for the pro. Each day is a new vista of people, experiences and knowledge to learn and gain distinctions from. Like life, not everything stays the same; change is the only constant we can count on. Stability is a good thing, yet to ignore the changes and new information is to live in a perpetual state of denial.
Third, they realize that the present moment is valuable and not to be wasted. Yesterday is in the past and tomorrow is only a dream. Time is finite and cannot be replaced. Each day they strive to get better, serve others and live life to its fullest potential.
These three characteristics all share an important commonality: the ability to take life one day at a time and treasure the importance each new sunrise brings. Planning ahead is important, but taking action each day is central to making gradual and long term positive change a reality.
In closing, I’d like to issue you a challenge for the New Year! Here it is. Imagine that each day could possibly be your last. Again, arise each day by giving thanks and counting your blessings not your problems. Build momentum to help yourself and those around you. The world has a never-ending need for your skills, talents and leadership abilities. It would be a tragedy to live most of your earthly days regretfully in the past or endlessly thinking about your future. Spend more of your precious time on today!
