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Max Smith: New Year Reflections
by Max Smith
2005-01-01

This article shared 2917 times since Sat Jan 1, 2005
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Happy New Year 2005!!! This is the time in your life to develop and to maintain an attitude of affirmation, optimism and positive thoughts.

You become what you think. Optimistic thoughts create positive images in your mind, which lead to actions that are constructive and beneficial to you.

When you have made your list of resolutions for 2005, only you can determine how and when they each will be accomplished. It starts with belief in yourself. It continues with a can-do spirit that will radiate good vibes to friends, family and associates around you. When you believe in what you are doing with a well-developed plan to act on clear concise goals, you can become proud, confident, positive, happy, enthusiastic and sincere about what you are doing. Other people around you can't help but get caught up in your enthusiasm for life. Goals are the roadmap to success.

Practice unyielding determination to accomplish whatever you will. Turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones. Develop the ability to take NO for an answer. But instead of dwelling on the problem other folks have with your dream, use your creativity to develop new, 'outside the box thinking' solutions. You will hear the word NO 116,000 times in your lifetime. Plan to counteract the doubters, disbelievers and wet blankets you meet with 117,000 ways to turn a lemon into lemonade, and then sweeten it and sell it back to them for a profit!

Get support from other optimistic individuals and from groups of people who will support your endeavors. There is nothing like an occasional pat on the back from someone who wishes you well, and promises to keep you in their prayers. It is really comforting to get a warm hug from someone who is glad to see you again. Nothing bonds a friendship like a tight embrace from that special someone who hates to see you go.

Don't be afraid or too proud to ask for help when you need it. No one can read your mind. And getting help is often the difference between success and falling short of your goal.

Your positive mental attitude in unity with other about-something, energized and determined people are your spirit's tools of mass construction.

By all means keep a sense of humor because smiles beget smiles and laughter generates more laughter. After all, borscht is reddish, Manachevitz is bluish and you could celebrate Channukah if you ain't even Jewish.

Of course the will to win this game called life is nothing without the willingness to prepare to win. Prepare to win by being observant and by paying attention. Read a newspaper every day, read a magazine every week and read a book every month. Good luck is preparation plus opportunity. LUCK is Laboring Under Correct Knowledge. Create your own luck by developing good habits and executing solid fundamentals. Live up to your commitments and set an example for others to live up to theirs.

Whatever you do, do it passionately! We teach other people how to treat us. When you have energy and persistence and determination to accomplish your goals, other people will think: Wow! What you are doing must be really important! You are giving it all you got. You are going to make it happen. Failure is not an option. You are making a way out of no way. You are letting every obstacle present an opportunity. You know that the essence of persistence is to follow-up and follow-up some more. If you are in business you offer service after the sale. You have your priorities set, your ducks are in a row, you have planned your work and you are working your plan. You have a budget and live within your means. You have a schedule and manage to arrive early so you can start on time. You know that self-confidence breeds confidence in others, that sincerity breeds sincerity and that gentle words and courtesy in your actions toward others is like honey to their soul.

Take to heart the messages in holiday greetings. Keep in mind through all the new year the principles of KWANZAA. Treat people so well that they feel a need to live up to your high expectations of them. People want you to be interested in them. Call them by name, listen carefully when they speak and be honest when you speak. Clear truthful two-way communication builds trust.

Always do your best, and at the end of the day you can look back over your accomplishments and not wonder how you got over because you have the peace of mind of a life lived well.

Happy New Year!


This article shared 2917 times since Sat Jan 1, 2005
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