Is TODAY a Success?

Happy Friday!  As the long holiday weekend kicks into great – I wanted to talk about being a success?  I don’t mean us personally, because I don’t know about you but I doubt some days if I am a success.  For me, being self-employed takes on a different meaning then it did when I was working for someone else.  I was blessed to have worked at various non-profit agencies where I felt like I was a success (at least 90% of the time).  As we hit the reset button and get back to a new routine for the Fall months, I want to make sure that every day is successful.  Here are some tips:

1. Start the day with 10 minutes of inspirational thoughts/readings/music.  For me, I start my morning with several devotional emails and a few moments of silent contemplation.  I know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but for ME, if I don’t start my day with some inspirational words – it is all down hill from there.  Of course, I need some coffee with that inspiration.
2. Remind yourself of the deeper “why” of your work.  Your “why” should be front and center.  I have a vision board that helps me stay focused.  Does it work every day?  NO but on most days it is a great motivator when I am getting a little side tracked or spending too much time on Facebook.
3. Put on a smile (even it you don’t feel it).  When you smile at someone, don’t they usually smile back?  Some days this is tough for me.  Negative Nellie and Doubtful Debbie visit and the best way to get them to leave is to SMILE and gaze at my vision board.  Then I get back to work…
4. Keep your conversation positive.  What do you say when someone asks “How are you today?”  My grandfather always used to say “GREAT, no sense complaining”.  He was right, no one wants a play by play on how bad your day is.  My response, is either “Good and you” or “I’m blessed”.  Choose your words carefully in order to stay upbeat.
5. Do the most important things first. Prioritize your list of things to do.  Start with the one that you are dreading the most and then add 1 or 2 more things to keep your to-do list short.  I don’t know about you but I feel VERY successful when I can check off tasks from my to-do list.
6. Maintain a good work/life balance.  WOW!  This is one of my biggest problems – I am not good at balancing my time.  We are multi-dimensional people and need to do more than just WORK!  Tough words for a “struggling, recovering work-a-holic”.

Making every day a success means that you need to CHANGE your MINDSET to a more positive one.  How do you make every day successful?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!