Find Ways to Do the Things You Love

Take a few minutes to make a list of all the things you really LOVE to do. This could include hobbies, people you really like being around, movies, etc.

Next, figure out ways to include more of these things into your regular schedule. It doesn't have to be in large chunks of time, either. For example, if you love music like I do, it could be as easy as making it a point to play one of your favorite CDs while you get ready for work in the morning.

If you love flowers, it could be going to the botanical gardens, or simply taking a few minutes to "stop and smell the roses" on your way to work.

The key is to make a point of adding these activities to your life on a regular basis.

Give The Universe Credit

Start giving "the Universe" or however you refer to the Divine in your life credit by starting a gratitude journal. At the end of each day, write down at least three things you are grateful for.

They can be anything, for example:

• Having fun with my little niece at the movies, and laughing our heads off.
• The bus not pulling out of the bus stop before I got on.
• Being in the right place at the right time for a possible job opportunity.
• Seeing lots of "picture-worthy" items when I went to the dollar store.

Be Willing to Ask for Credit

We often want credit for our accomplishments, but are afraid to ask for it. This can be particularly true in our jobs, but is definitely not limited to work. Asking for credit isn't a bad thing. It doesn't mean walking around bragging, or acting like an "attention whore".

We need to be willing to ask for compliments that support our self- confidence.

Some ways to ask for credit may be:

• E-mailing your boss a weekly update on what you've accomplished that week.
• Sharing your good news with supportive friends.
• Calling a friend or mentor and asking them to remind you of your positive qualities and/or accomplishments.

Give Yourself Credit

Beginning today, start giving yourself credit for your accomplishments.

At the end of each day, either in your current journal, or in a separate accomplishment journal, write down at least three things you accomplished, deserve credit for doing, or deserve credit for not doing.

They can be anything, for example:

• I ate three balanced meals instead of fast food.

• I went outside and took a walk instead of playing computer games.

• I made the dentist appointment I've been putting off.
  

• I learned how to do something new.

We tend to beat ourselves over the head about the things we haven't accomplished. So let's start giving ourselves credit where credit is due!

© 2007, 2008 by Carol Martzinek. All rights reserved. Distribution via e-mail, disk, print, or any other form is prohibited under U.S. copyright law without express permission of the author, which is usually freely granted.

Coaching Voice Blog Update!

The "Discover & Design a Life That Brings You Joy" voice blog has been updated!

Tune in to find out how you can win a $5.00 Amazon.com gift certificate. Also included is an exercise to help you determine whether you really and truly have to do the items on your "to do" list for the week ahead. So, what are you waiting for? Go have a listen!

Nourish Your Spirit

Make time each week to nourish your spirit. It doesn't have to be on Sunday, just set aside a half hour or so regularly each week. Some things you might try include:

• Visiting a different place of worship each week. You can even go when it's empty, to enjoy the stillness and pray/meditate.
• Read an inspirational book, or watch an inspiring movie.
• Listen to spiritually uplifting music.
• Visit your local botanical gardens, zoo or anyplace you can immerse yourself in nature.