Now is the Time for a Better You!

Today is yesterday’s tomorrow. Stop putting it off until tomorrow! If you’ve ever held off on an opportunity to improve the day for someone, including yourself, today is your day. The world needs you and your positive influence. When it comes to making a positive impact, one of the questions most often asked is “How?”. Here are five relatively simple approaches that I’m hopeful make the world around you just a bit brighter. 

1. Practice awareness and empathy – Emotional intelligence. Basically, it’s a matter of paying close attention to the emotional impact that your words and actions have on others and adjusting them accordingly to bring about the best possible result. The trick is often to stop long enough to think through what’s happening around you. When you ask someone how they are doing, stop long enough to hear the answer. 
   
2. Encourage toward growth – Personal growth can be tough. But often, a clear word of encouragement can make the difference between someone stepping up to the challenge and backing away from it. It’s amazing the difference it can make when there is someone in your corner who truly wants the best for you. Be that person. 
   
   
3. Challenge yourself to do something that will stretch your ability – Generally people enjoy comfort…the comfort of what’s normal for them. There is nothing inherently wrong with this but the decision to push past that comfort and do the things that expand your capability often leads to greater opportunity. That willingness is often the difference between mediocre and incredible results. Your dream is not going to wait for you.  Chase it down like the squirrel on the movie Ice Age chases the acorn! You are always stronger and more capable than you realize.
   
   
4. Make the decision - There are some days when you simply have to wake up and decide that you’re going to take steps to improve your circumstances. That means deciding to get and stay healthy, develop a positive attitude and treat others right. It’s a matter of realizing that today is a gift and shouldn’t be taken for granted. Realizing that you do have power to succeed in life.
   
   
5. Stay grateful – Gratitude is powerful medicine. And there are plenty of times when I need to remind myself to take it. By taking stock not in what I’m missing but all of the blessings that are in front of me. Even when it doesn’t seem to be the case, we all have much to be thankful for. Feel your chest rise and fall? Thank God for that. Make a gratitude list and refer to it regularly.