Stephen Covey has Seven Habits, AA has Twelve Steps, Kate has Nine Principles that lead to success. Of utmost importance to achieving success is being able to define it and taking positive steps to achieve it.

These principles direct you on the right path to lasting lifestyle change and lead you to greater levels of health, happiness and fulfillment. They apply regardless of age, circumtance, color, creed or culture.

With this issue of Winning LifeStyles, we will look at three more principles. (Last issue we discussed Principle #1: Honest Reflection & Action, Principle #2: Take Good Care of Yourself, and Principle #3: Self Acceptance Is Critical.)

Focus on the project you are working on or the person you are with right now, not what you will be working on tomorrow or who you met yesterday You will find yourself more creative, patient, and effective. Your projects will get your undivided attention and be completed more quickly People will feel more appreciated and that will be reflected in your relationships.

Acknowledge your past mistakes and learn from them. Let go of hurts and regrets - they will pull you down and ultimately make you ill.

Put your energy into healthy, positive choices today and your future will take care of itself. Worry never improves a situation, although it is guaranteed to drain energy and life away

Remember that with the perspective of time, things will work out.

Look for small and large blessings in your life, from short lines in stores or no traffic, tax refunds or renewed relationships.

Short cuts taken today WILL cost you in the future. Short cuts include eating poorly on the run, not carving out the time for exercise, using the TV clicker, taking medication to fall asleep, etc.

What is the price your body and soul are paying today for your choices? Give this serious consideration. I've found clients don't even realize how bad they feel because they've lived fatigued and "on the edge" for so long.

If the price for inner peace and health seems high (i.e., changing careers) but worth paying, don’t whine or complain. It’s your choice.

Remember when you had friends because of similar interests and lives, rather than because they made good contacts?

It’s been said, "A friend doubles the joy and halves the sorrow." Make time for friends.

There is a difference between relaxation and "getting out a lot," especially if being in group settings doesn't rejuvenate you. Keep in mind, your partner may recharge in the opposite way you do.

Laughter is good for your health. Call a funny friend, rent a funny movie, buy a Gary Larsen comic book or calendar. Get and give a laugh a day Ask a kid to tell you a joke (you may get a laugh at just how bad it is or they could surprise you with a great one.)

When in a difficult situation, think about what you'll be laughing about later, and laugh now!

Return to Articles