Things to Let Go of Before the New Year

You will find that it is necessary to let some things go, simply for the reason that they are heavy.  So let them go… LET GO of them.  Tie no weights to your ankles.

Let go of your temper. - Never do something permanently foolish just because you are temporarily upset.

Let go of petty grudges. - Life is far too short to be spent nursing bitterness and registering wrongs. If there's someone in your life who deserves another chance, give it to them. If you need to apologize, do it. Give your story together a happy, new beginning.

Let go of the idea that everyone has it better than you. - If the grass looks greener on the other side… Stop staring. Stop comparing. Stop complaining and START watering the grass you're standing on.

Good Reminders that Will Change the Way You Think

The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking.  It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.

Everything that happens helps you grow, even if it's hard to see right now. - Circumstances will direct you, correct you, and perfect you over time. Sometimes these circumstances knock you down, hard. There will be times when it seems like everything that could possibly go wrong is going wrong. And you might feel like you will be stuck in this rut forever, but you won't. When you feel like quitting, remember that sometimes things have to go very wrong before they can be right. Sometimes you have to go through the worst, to arrive at your best. Because our most significant opportunities are often found in times of great difficulty. Thus, you will face your greatest opposition when you are closest to your biggest miracle.

The way you feel about people and situations will shift, and that's OK. - Things will seem totally different to you at some point in the future, just as you feel different now than you did in the past. So remember, just because you liked something at one point in time doesn't mean you'll always like it, or that you have to go on liking it at all points in the future as an act of loyalty to who you are as a person, based solely on who you once were as a person. To be loyal to yourself is to allow yourself to grow and change, and challenge who you once were and what you once thought. The only thing you ever have to be for sure is unsure, and this means you're growing, and not stagnant or shrinking.

Hard Things You Need to Do to Be Happy

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.

         You have to do hard things to be happy in life.  The things no one else is doing.  The things that frighten you.  The things others can’t do for you.  The things that make you question how much longer you can hold on and push forward.

Why?

         Because those are the things that define you.  Those are the things that make the difference between existing and living – between knowing the path and walking the path – between a life of mediocrity and a life filled with happiness and success.

         Of course, the hard things are often the easiest things to avoid.  To procrastinate.  To make excuses.  To pretend like they somehow don’t apply to you and your life situation.

         But reality always rears its head in the end.  And the truth about how ordinary people achieve immense happiness and incredible feats of success is that they step out of their comfort zones and do the hard things that their more educated, affluent and qualified counterparts don’t have the courage, drive or determination to do.

         So for your own sake, start doing the hard things TODAY.  I guarantee, you will be blown away at just how remarkable you really are and just how amazing life can be.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

Become A Mature Man

1- Accept responsibility

         Responsibility is the foundation of character and integrity. Learn to accept responsibility for your actions, without any excuses. Accept blame as readily as you do credit. Be prepared for the consequences of your decisions and make the right ones so as to minimize those occasions where you must shoulder responsibility. For instance, cut out potentially dangerous behavior such as speeding, or driving after a few drinks.

2- Control your emotions

         An inability to rein your emotions can produce problems in both your personal and professional life. Rather than suppressing your feelings, work on venting them while controlling your words and actions. For example, if someone lashes out at you in anger, don't respond in kind. Instead, remain calm and cool — you'll be the better man for it.

3- Give back

         Your successes have a lot to do with help you received along the way. So return the favor and help out others. If you can afford to, donate money to a charity, church or any other worthwhile organization. If money is short, donate your time by volunteering for a charity or mentoring a child.

4- Spend time with family & friends

         Be sure to visit your relatives often. If you can't, then keep in touch with them. Call them and catch up. The same applies to your buddies. Even if you're all hitched, try to get together every week. Go for a few beers or play a round of golf. Remember that you probably knew your friends before your girl came into the picture.

know thyself

5- Overcome character flaws

         Each one of us has character flaws. Make a sincere effort to become aware of your habits, traits and overall personality. Listen to what your friends and family say about your behavior. Work on eliminating character weaknesses and enhancing your strong traits; for example, if your work ethic is lacking, resolve to put in a greater effort at work every day.

6- Mind your manners

         The way you treat others through your words or actions reflects directly on you. You're a walking, talking billboard for yourself. So advertise your good manners. If you don't, people won't like you, won't want to hire you and won't want to date you. Practice the good manners that your parents (hopefully) instilled in you.

7- Do your own thing

         Do what you think is right for yourself, not what others think is right for you. In other words, follow your bliss. And don't compare yourself with others, especially in regards to material gain, or you'll likely feel inadequate. Take a chance on a career path you've always dreamed of, but never followed.

8- Operate with integrity

         A man of integrity puts his principles and moral ethics in front of pleasure and personal gain. Employers, colleagues and women all respect people of integrity. Practice keeping your word and doing what's right, instead of just what you want.