My New Years Resolution - Positivity

This year I have decided to try a new resolution. Last year was lose my baby weight, and I did okay. Never quite made it to my goal, but did make a dent (or got rid of a few dents) :)  I decided to go a different route this year and try a unconventional resolution.

At the school I work for, our theme for the year is "Get on the energy bus." This is a book by Jon Gordon that gives 10 rules to fuel your life, work and team with positive energy. Everyone at my school was given one of the books that outlines how to do this, and encouraged to read it.  I have not read all of it (in all of my spare time), but highly recommend it. I have heard it is great. What I have read is a list that my principal sent out to the employees that the author of "The Energy Bus" wrote. I usually think these kind of lists are a little corny, but I actually liked this one. So here is my inspiration for my new years resolution.

20 Tips for A positive New Year by Jon Gordon

1. Stay Positive. You can listen to the cynics and doubters and believe that success is impossible or you can know that with faith and an optimistic attitude all things are possible.

2. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement: My purpose is _______________
(I'm still working on figuring out exactly what I am going to fill that with)

3. Take a morning walk of gratitude. I call it a "thank you walk." It will create a fertile mind ready for success.
(Not sure I will have time for this every day, but may try to do it on the weekends when Coach is home)

4. Instead of being disappointed about where you are, think optimistically about where you are going.

5. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
(or in my case queen, and princess :)

6. Remember that adversity is not a dead-end but a detour to a better outcome.
(I really like this quote. Wish I was one of those people who could memorize quotes and use them at the perfect moment. I usually end up saying, Oh that stinks, it will all be okay. )

7. Focus on learning, loving, growing, and serving.
(Definitely important for coach's wives)

8. Believe that everything happens for a reason and expect good things to come out of challenging experiences.

9. Don't waste precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

10. Mentor someone and be mentored by someone.

11. Live with the 3 E's. Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.

12. Remember there is no substitute for hard work.
(We women already know that)

13. Zoom focus. Each day when you wake up in the morning ask: "What are the three most important things I need to do today that will help me create the success I desire?" Then tune out all the distractions and focus on these actions.

14. Implement the http://www.nocomplainingrule.com/ . Complaining is like vomiting. Afterwards you feel better but everyone around you feels sick.
(Love this one!)

15. Read more books than you did in 2010. I happen to know a few good ones. :)
(I'll try!)

16. Get more sleep. You can't replace sleep with a double latte.
(I am definitely a coffee addict. Maybe I can have both)

17. Focus on "Get to" vs. "Have to." Each day focus on what you get to do, not what you have to do. Life is a gift not an obligation.

18. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:
                     I am thankful for ________________.

                     Today I accomplished _________________.

19. Smile and laugh more. They are natural anti-depressants.

20. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy it.

(My husband wanted me to include the famous quote: Life is a garden, dig it-Joe Dirt,  thank you Coach for the contribution)

After reading these tips, I decided that in 2011 I am going to try to be more positive. When you have all the troubles of daily life upon you, it is hard to remember that most of the troubles you have are also blessings. Work, somedays tiring, but rewarding. Children screaming, thank you Lord for the healthy lungs of my children, Coach gone at a game, we are blessed he has a job, and I am blessed I have him as my husband.  Life is busy, but I am going to try to look at each day, as Jon Gordon said, as a gift.

Good luck to y'all on your resolutions and hope you each have a blessed new year!