Is the source of your unhappiness within or caused by something or someone outside of you? If within, remember we are our own worst critic. So often, we are too hard on ourselves.

Is it a general feeling of unhappiness or can you identify specific reasons? God made you and you deserve to be as happy as anyone else. If you can remedy the internal source, make a plan to deal with it even if you need some outside assistance.

If the source is caused elsewhere, is it possible to be resolved or is it one of those things that you’ll have to live with? Most people have some regrets and or disappointments, but they decide to be happy anyway.

Sometimes, happiness is a decision!

If not today, when?

It won’t take long for you to identify your worst fault. It may be a late comer or a constant companion since childhood. It is one companion you could do without. Can you, will you?

Your worst fault is so apparent that any of your good friends could accurately reveal its identity. If, then, it is so noticeable, it is an impediment to your effectiveness in dealing with others.

So, it must be confronted head on!

Can you correct it yourself or do you need help? Just think of how wonderful your daily life can be without dragging it around. It’s like any other problem you have to face and there are various solutions. Whichever solution you choose will require two things: willpower and commitment!

Just do it!

If not today, when?

Your reputation is the trail you leave behind!

What would we find if we followed your trail? Your trail would be composed of the values you did or did not exhibit in your interactions with others. Were there generous portions of honesty, loyalty and reliability?

Thirty years ago, I was very anxious to become a consultant for a large bank. While meeting with its president, he wanted to know where I had worked before and said he’d get back to me. One week later, he called to say I was hired. He also said he spoke with one of my co-workers at my last job and was told that everything I told him about myself was true. I was a consultant for that bank for ten years!

Nurture your reputation by doing the right thing!

If not today, when?

We don’t have to go far to see an example of pure love. Our children, who may read this blog today, won’t believe their eyes because I was never a big fan of our canine friends.

I think I mentioned previously that we got a dog from the local shelter about eighteen months ago. Her name is appropriate to her mission in life. That’s why my wife took one look at her in the shelter and named her “Happy” because she makes people happy.

She gives and seeks affection all day, everyday. it seems to be THE     priority of her life! Do we make giving and seeking affection a high enough priority in our lives?

If not today, when?

I understand the need to relax and have some fun. Video games are very popular because they are so well designed for entertainment.

Like everything else in life, however, you can have too much of a good thing! If you are addicted to playing, what are the consequences for your future? An addiction of any kind becomes a priority in your decision making.

If that’s true with you, what other priorities are being set aside? Could they include your career, your family, your health, or your friends?

Also, do the games you play add to your anxiety? There are plenty of other aspects of your life that also raise your anxiety level, but at least those may be a necessary part of your life.

Decide to be free! Take control of your life!

If not today, when?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Words. Words. Words.

They are much more than residents in your dictionary.

Spoken words have a power all their own! Once they are out, you can never put them back in the box. They can become the source of lifelong regret!

You would be wise to be especially on guard when you are in an emotionally charged encounter. So often, when in anger, we say things we really don’t mean. An attempt to retract them or to apologize often falls on deaf ears.

It usually takes time to build and nurture a friendly or loving relationship. Despite all the efforts put forth in the past, however, it can immediately be put on life support with just a few ill chosen words.

Think before you speak!

If not today, when?

 

Don’t, for one minute, think today will be just like yesterday! If so, you mismanaged today. Each day should become another opportunity for your personal growth and accomplishment.

As you awakened this morning, all the yesterdays are gone. You are poised to apply the lifelong lessons of all those yesterdays in order to make better decisions today. Every day delivers new potential episodes of self discovery!

As the saying goes, “Seize the day!” Make it your own creation. You can take control of your life by not just letting things happen. If you are content, reach out and make someone else’s life a little better.

If you are not happy with your present situation, decide to fix it.

Don’t be REactive! Become PROactive! 

If not today, when?

If you had parents who were supportive, you were given an environment that made it easier to grow up with self confidence. I remember my Dad saying, “Remember Tom, everybody puts on their pants one leg at a time. No one is better than you!” That advice always stayed with me.

If you did not have a nurturing family, what can you do now that you’re an adult? I have the following suggestions:

Don’t keep “so called” friends who are always criticizing you or in other ways undermining your self confidence.

One of the most effective things you can do is go out and make yourself do something you were always afraid to do. Deliberately begin removing the barriers holding you back from the powerful you that has been there all along

If not today, when?

 

You are a major player in the law of supply and demand! If your skill set is very common and easily found, your income will be very common because supply is greater than demand.

The secret to success in the business world is just one word, “DIFFERENTIATION!”

Why does a brain surgeon make a whole lot of money? Because he or she has differentiated  his or her skill set from most people. Likewise, a plumber makes much more money because few people can or will fix a leaky toilet.

Go where the job demand is strong and do what you have to do to acquire that set of required skills! There are always shortages of qualified people for certain job openings.

Do your homework! Go where the action is!

If not today, when?

It’s OK to give yourself time to mourn life’s setbacks. You just can’t let them own you!

If the disappointment is caused by a bad decision on your part, it presents a learning opportunity to remember for future decisions.

It can also provide a teaching opportunity for your children. As they watch you cope with disappointment, they follow your example. Fortunately or unfortunately, every moment for a parent is a teaching moment.

If, however, the disappointment was caused by some circumstance beyond your control, we all must accept the reality that life will always have its difficult moments. Living through those difficult times actually can make us stronger and fortify us to be able to  face the challenges ahead.

If the disappointment is of a permanent nature, I suggest turning to prayer for acceptance.

If not today, when?