THOUGHTS FOR A NEW YEAR

2016 is about to dawn and with a new year comes the promise of new opportunities, fresh starts and better and exciting times ahead.

Whatever your dreams, to achieve them you’ll need supportive friends, a positive mindset and a sound plan to keep you on track. Big goals require courage, commitment and resilience. With every set-back you rise from, you’ll grow stronger and wiser – so never, ever give up. Those who reach their goals are rarely the brilliant or talented but those who have persevered long after others have given up.

This week’s post is a collection of wise words from the many people who have influenced my life (especially my parents).

~ Never be satisfied until you have found your purpose. Never stop searching for why you were put on this earth and what your God-given talent is.

~ Find something that you are passionate about. Passion creates the enthusiasm that delivers boundless energy and will inspire others to believe in you. 

~ Build your future on integrity. Be a person of your word. The unity of passion and integrity is a powerful force. 

~ Don’t do or say anything you would not want to read about in tomorrow’s news – you are a person of influence, whether it be to your friends, your children or your clients. If you lie, cheat or mislead you imply to others that it is acceptable behavior. 

~ Take a little step toward your goal/dream every day – even if you can only spare five minutes. 

~ Appreciate the journey – many successful people will tell you that once they arrived at their goal, they realized that the journey was the best part.

~ Associate with people whom you wish to become like – the old saying ‘lay down with dogs, rise up with fleas’ has its basis in fact.

~ Try to make wise decisions – the choices you make will affect your future just as they have created your present circumstances, take the time to think things through and seek wise council. 

~ Expect to make mistakes - They are life’s most valuable lessons. Failure only comes when you have not learned from a mistake and you repeat it. 

~ Expect things worth having not to come easily – Success is the reward for struggle and hard work.

~ Never forget your potential - even if others do.

~ No matter how much you look forward or dread something, it always passes; nothing is permanent so hang tight and appreciate every moment.  

~ Find someone who believes in you – negative people will only rob you of your potential.

~ Hugs your kids often and call your parents every week. Tell them you love them – they need to hear it more than you realize.

~ Evict your personal critic – when your inner voice starts to undermine your confidence, send it packing. 

~ Create a personal success file – and add to it daily, even if it is something small. Read it once a week to remind yourself of your progress. 

~ Do something nice for another person daily – without expectation of return. This can be as small as letting a car in, during peak hour or giving someone a genuine compliment. 

~ Spend time with your friends and family – they are your most valuable assets. Life is short and its length unpredictable, so get up now and go phone someone. 

~ Nurture yourself – eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, take regular time-out and spend time with those who love you. 

~ Value yourself – Don’t feel guilty if you occasionally spend money on yourself or buy something frivolous. Shrouds don’t have pockets and you’re definitely worth it. 

~ Occasionally do something silly - The best stress-reliever and depression-buster is laughter. 

~ Pray for guidance and expect an answer.