1. The decision to settle for mediocrity. – It’s not always about trying to fix something that’s broken. Sometimes it’s about starting over and creating something better. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly. Sometimes growing up means growing apart from old habits, relationships, and situations, and finding something new that truly moves you – something that gets you so excited you can’t wait to get out of bed in the morning. That’s what life is all about. Don’t settle.
2.
Your own negative thinking. – Your mind is your
sacred space. You can close the windows and darken your space, or you can
open the windows and let light in. It’s your choice. The sun is
always shining on some part of your life. What do you typically think
about? How far you’ve come, or how far you have to go? Your
strengths or your weaknesses? The best that could happen or the worst
that might come to be? Pay attention to your self-talk. Because
maybe, just maybe, the only thing that needs to shift in order for you to
experience more happiness, more love, and more success, is your way of thinking.
3.
Other people’s negativity. – If you don’t value
yourself, look out for yourself, and stick up for yourself, you’re sabotaging
yourself. You do not have control over what others say and do; but you do
have control over whether or not you will allow them to say and do these things
to you. You alone can deny their poisonous words and actions from invading your
heart and mind. Remember, if you do not respect your sacred inner space,
no one else will either.
4.
Unhealthy relationships. – Choose your relationships wisely. Being alone will never
cause as much loneliness as the wrong relationships. Be with people who
know your worth. You don’t need lots of friends to be happy; just a few
real ones who appreciate you for who you are. Oftentimes walking away has
nothing to do with weakness, and everything to do with strength. We walk
away not because we want others to realize our worth, but because we finally
realize our own worth.
5.
Dishonesty. – Inner peace is being
able to rest at night knowing you haven’t used or taken advantage of anyone to
get to where you are in life. Living a life of honesty creates peace of
mind, and peace of mind is priceless. Period. Don’t be dishonest
and don’t put up with people who are.
6.
A work environment or career field you hate. – If it doesn’t feel
right, don’t settle on the first or second career field you dabble in.
Keep searching. Eventually you will find work you love to do. If
you catch yourself working hard and loving every minute of it, don’t
stop. You’re on to something big. Because hard work isn’t hard when
you concentrate on your passions.
7.
Being disorganized and unprepared. – Get up 30 minutes
earlier so you don’t have to rush around like a mad man. That 30 minutes
will help you avoid speeding tickets, tardiness and other unnecessary
headaches. Clear the clutter. Get rid of stuff you don’t use.
8.
Inaction. – The acquisition of
knowledge doesn’t mean you’re growing; growing happens when what you know
changes how you live. You can’t change anything or make any sort of
progress by sitting back and thinking about it. If you keep doing what
you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. The best time to
start is now.
9.
The lingering of unfinished business. – There’s nothing more
stressful than the perpetual lingering of unfinished business. Stop
procrastinating. Start taking
action to tie loose
ends. Putting something off instantly makes it harder and scarier.
10.
The choice to mull over past mistakes and
regrets. – If you feel like
your ship is sinking, it might be a good time to throw out the stuff that’s
been weighing it down. The next time you decide to unclutter
your life and clean up your space, start with the things that are truly
useless, like old regrets, shame, and anger. Let it go. You can’t
start the next chapter of your life if you keep rereading your previous one.
11.
A mounting pile of personal debt. – Financial debt
causes stress and heartache. Live a comfortable life, not a wasteful
one. Do not buy stuff you do not need. Do not spend to impress
others. Do not live life trying to fool yourself
into thinking wealth is measured in material objects. Manage your money
wisely so your money does not manage you. Always live well below your
means.
12.
Your reluctance to say what you need to say. – Everyone has this
little watchdog inside their head. It’s always there watching you.
It was born and raised by your family, friends, coworkers and society at large,
and its sole purpose is to watch you and make sure you stay in line. And
once you become accustomed to the watchdog’s presence, you begin to think it’s opinion of what’s acceptable and unacceptable are
absolute truths. But they’re not truths; they’re just other people’s
opinions. Remember, the watchdog is just a watchdog, he just
watches. He can’t actually control you. He can’t do anything about
it if you decide to rise up and go against the grain. No, you shouldn’t
start shouting obscenities and acting like a fool. But you must say what
you need to say, when you need to say it. It may be your only chance to
do so. Don’t censor yourself. Speak the truth – your truth –
always.