Be Positive- stop viewing tasks you might not otherwise enjoy as obligations, and more so as opportunities to improve your own or someone else’s life. Replace “have to” with “get to” I get to go to work today! I get to help my wife rearrange furniture! “ all have a different mindset just by changing one word. Make it a point to be the most positive person in the room no matter what room you find yourself in.
Stop Taking it Personally- whether it is a politically slanted Facebook post, the Chicago Bears playcalling or a poor choice somebody else makes- don’t let a 5 second interaction ruin your entire day. This can be utilized by us in the education world when dealing with challenging students as well- don’t view misbehavior as something we need to “punish” or “get even” because we have been disrespected but more so an opportunity to change a kid’s life for the better.
Never Settle- My brother has adopted this in his basketball program but it truly fits in all aspects of life. Don’t be satisfied with the status quo-never settle for yesterday’s best. Each day is an opportunity to better your life- don’t get caught up in far reaching goals, but be focused on small improvement on a daily basis. If you only were able to run half a mile when you go back to the gym, it was a half mile more than you did before!
Make it a great year by choosing to be the best version of you each day!