“Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans” ~ John Lennon

It is important to be prepared. To reach goals in life and business, you have to have a plan to attain them. Work diligently to set a path for yourself.

However, don’t get too narrow. You have many goals. Don’t work too hard at one goal at the expense of other goals or things in your life. I know a man that worked so hard to provide a roof over his kid’s head that he was never home to raise his kids.

Work hard but remember the moments in life and the important people in life. What do you and they really need? Take a moment to dial it back if it’s out of control and you are too focused on one goal.

Affirmation – Say: “I will make sure that all things in my life are given the right amount of attention.”

Consider your sources

We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are. ~Anais Nin

Anytime you think you are factual about a situation, think again. Objectivity is nearly impossible. You can improve your outlook by first checking your own agenda. Your beliefs and desires will skew anything. When listening to others - consider the source. Who are they? Who are you? These two questions will have impact in any circumstance - even something that appears to be neutral.

If you factor in your point of view and the other persons point of view, you will have a better perspective.

Affirmation – Say: “I will consider all sources in every situation and this will help me make better decisions.”

Do not let fear paralyze you!

Fear is a good thing.  It helps us protect ourselves from the things that can really harm us.  But, we use it too much as an excuse.  It readily available to use for not doing...for not changing.  Use fear wisely to protect yourself BUT, don't use it as a crutch.  To get any happiness or success, you must be willing to set aside fear and take that leap of faith. Take risks or you will always get the same thing.

List those great qualities!

Don't let your fear or self-esteem hold you back from anything.  Don't think for one minute you can't do something!  Whatever that "something" is - there are others less capable than you do it!  What's the worst that can happen if you try.  Feeling less than courageous.  Look in the mirror and write down what you love about yourself - brains and all!

Just Keep Moving

It's easy to get paralized by fear and failures.  There is a famous quote by Henry Ford that says he failed a ton before finding success.  For some of us, success is a good job, healthy life and good friends/family.  That's big and I know you can do those things!  You just have to keep moving.  Think forward!

Don't Try to Be Perfect - Just Be Excellent

"Perfect" is the ultimate phrase. But trying to attain perfection can cause stress, hinder efficiency, and create unnecessary conflicts with the people around you.   Shoot for excellence - meditate to calm youself and say that you are doing the best that you can do!

For more on this today, go to my career coaching blog: http://www.thelegalappeal.blogspot.com/

It's ok to dream!

It's OK to dream for something but, until you make an action plan - it stays just that - a dream.  To change your dreams into reality, set forth realistic goals.  Make them small at first and build upon them and someday your dreams will be reality.

Being Kind Multiplies

When you are kind it multiplies by a least a minimum of 2. (1) You feel better, thus you become healthier. (2) You make someone else feel better and they will spread the positive energy. At that point, the positive effective probably multiplies beyond our imagination!

Making mistakes

Make mistakes - go ahead!  It's how we learn.  Don't wallow in self-pity but instead,  take the lessons and do better!  If you find yourself repeating mistakes you aren't learning and things won't change.  Ask someone to help see the lessons and perhaps you won't repeat!

When in Doubt Just Keep Laughing

Laughter is an amazing medicine for whatever ails you! I find that if I'm in a grumpy mood I search http://www.youtube.com/ for funny videos. This always puts me in a better mood. Positive mind sets make us more motivated and productive.

Be Yourself - It's Easier That Way

Trying to be something you are not is such a waste of energy.  Small daily improvements are better than creating a false façade that will crumble at the first sign of stress.  Just try to be a better you.