Setting Yourself Up to Succeed

There are certain things my husband says that I just tune out.  The whole money not growing on trees spiel has never amused me.  Truth be told, it depresses me. It’s akin to the “I’m not made of money, honey” statement.  The first time my husband pulled that one on me, I thought, “Yeah. Neither is my dad.” Do males have a code book or something?

I’m also weary of my husband’s driving instructions and commands to slow down.  He wants to take the sport out of the whole process and I’m having none of it.

While I’m on a roll, romantic comedies are not “stupid” and watching one WILL NOT cost him his man card. Whatever that is. He’s also wrong about shopping.  It most certainly is essential to go down every aisle, how else will you see if there’s anything you need?!  Generally, this is where I learn that he isn’t made of money, nor does it grow on trees, and that money won’t burn a hole in my pocket if it stays there longer than 24 hours. How does he know this?

I’ve given up on making sense out of a lot of the things out of the man’s mouth, but I’ve learned that  many of the things he says do make sense.  I was thinking about one of them recently.

He always says that you are only as good as the tools you surround yourself with.  That’s why he spares no expense on our home office technology, software, desks, and other necessities.  If you want to excel, you have to give yourself every advantage that you can. See, I do listen to some things.  It’s just a lovely little coincidence that this lesson involves spending money.

It’s a truth that everyone would do well to remember when confronting their New Year’s Resolutions and self improvement goals (at any time of the year, for that matter).  If you have a particular area that you want to improve or grow in, ask yourself the following question, “What will help me accomplish these goals?”  Think about it this way:  If you had everything you need to make your dreams come true, wouldn’t they be a reality now rather a resolution?

Very often what’s missing isn’t inside of us, it’s outside of us.

• The woman trying to get fit and lose weight:  Maybe it isn’t her self-control, will-power, or eating that’s the real problem. Maybe she simply needs to burn more calories and would be a size 10 waiting to strut with an exercise bike, elliptical, or treadmill.
• The man who’s trying to earn extra money with his blog:    Maybe a premium theme,  professional graphics, or even an seo consultant could push him over the hump.
• The college student who is trying to carry an A average:  Maybe a great laptop computer and educational software would help with research, assignments, and papers.
• The would-be-cook:  The Food Network combined with great kitchen gadgets, appliances, cookbooks, and (of course) a great spice rack will keep her or him inspired and cooking up a storm.
• The individual who is about one traffic jam short of a meltdown:  Relax, Max! Seriously, anyone who experiences stress in their lives needs to surround themselves with things that make the stress slide off of their body:  Bird feeders and bird houses near a window, lavender-scented candles,  a beautiful cat,  desk top fountains, sound therapy, relaxation cds….  Stop going it alone – give yourself the edge you need to take off the edge.

As a golfer is only as good as his equipment, an individual is only as good as they set themselves up to be.

We’re past the holidays now – when your focus is on making everyone else’s faces light up. Now it’s time to be just a wee bit selfish; come on, just a wee bit. There’s a direct correlation between how good you can be to others and how good you are to yourself.  If you don’t take care of YOU, how in the world are you going to take care of anyone else. You have to be healthy, happy, and content first and foremost.

Granted, many times we have shortcomings and we often stand ridiculously in our own way.  Very often the problem does lie inside of us.  But not always.  Remember: If you had everything you need to make your dreams come true, wouldn’t they be a reality now rather a resolution?