Every goal can be divided into a list of tasks. Each day, whether at home or work, includes a variety of missions to accomplish. By starting with the easy tasks and completing them quickly, I am well on my way to achieving my goals.

Completing easy tasks first builds forward momentum that sustains me. And with each success, I gain an even greater confidence in my ability. I find I’m “on a roll” and strive to maintain it as long as possible with every project.

When I get stuck on a particular item on my to-do list, I simply rearrange the remaining tasks so I can tackle some easy ones again. Once I complete a couple of the easier ones, I am off again toward success!

Momentum is an awesome force. It’s like a snowball rolling down a mountain. Once it gets going, it rolls faster and faster, getting bigger and bigger as it catapults down the mountain. Yet all it takes to get it started is one little push!

Scheduling the easy tasks first is like giving myself that one little push to get me started. Then, once I get going, I gain extra energy from the momentum. Each task I complete adds to the force that keeps me going.

Today, I choose to be like the snowball, gaining more energy and confidence as I roll through my day. I am unstoppable! Nothing can stop me from success because I know that, with my confidence and courage, I can overcome any obstacle that arises in my path.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Have I divided my goals into a list of tasks, scheduling the easy ones first?
2. Do I jump into my daily routine with some easy tasks to give me momentum?
3. Am I stuck with a particular task? What easy task can I accomplish to get me moving again?

Saying no to people is getting easier and easier as I take better control of my life. I am no longer lost in the confusion of trying to do everything for everybody. Instead, I free myself from trying to please others as I learn to say no.

The power of no frees me!

If my schedule is full and someone asks me to do something that I simply cannot do, I tell them no. I avoid the stress of trying to do too much by using a planner and scheduling things appropriately.

If someone asks me to help with something I don’t yet know how to do, I explain that someone with the right skills for the task could help them better than I. This stops me from trying to do the impossible and then failing in my commitment.

If I am called upon to miss my time with my family in order to help out someone else, I can politely decline, knowing that my family is my priority. Saying no to others gives me the time I need with my family.

Saying no also provides much-needed time for myself. Meditating, reflecting on my day, and doing the things that I enjoy can rejuvenate me and bring me the energy to be my very best in all areas of my life.

In addition, saying no when I need to enables me to successfully meet the commitments I do make. In turn, people know they can depend on me. If I commit to a task for someone, they will know with certainty that I will follow through.

Today, I choose to be careful with my commitments and only agree to those that I am sure I can accomplish.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Do I have trouble saying no?
2. Am I able to meet all my commitments currently on my schedule?
3. How can I reduce my commitments on a regular basis to allow time for my priorities?

Everywhere you go, you hear about how awful the economy is, but you don’t have to let all the talk of our country’s financial meltdown get you down. You can keep your cool.

Don’t let fear of the future take control of your mind and emotions. When we live in fear, we make bad decisions, think irrationally, and are in a reactive mode. Living in fear actually makes the situation far worse.

To help overcome the fear of your financial future, here are some proactive things you can do:

• Turn off the news. Why would you want to listen to bad news over and over? We already know the state of the economy, so listening to a news reporter talk doom and gloom all the time isn’t necessary.

• Ensure you’re on a budget and living within your means. If you need to cut back, then find ways to do so. There are many, many ways to reduce the cost of living with a little planning and effort. Here are some examples:

o Reduce your cell phone bill
o Get rid of your land line if you have a cell phone
o Shut off the cable (who needs it anyway?)
o Turn off the lights and unplug electronic devices when not in use
o Turn your thermostat down in winter and wear sweaters to keep warm
o Open windows in the summer instead of turning on the air conditioner
o Use coupons and shop for the weekly sales at your local grocery store

• Plan ahead by setting up an emergency fund. Of course, this involves living on a budget so you can save enough money from your income for emergencies. An emergency fund is usually a minimum of $1,000 in savings at all times and is used for emergencies only, like unexpected vehicle repairs or medical needs. If you can afford more, then save more!

• Plan for the future by getting rid of debt and using cash only. Again, this requires living on a budget, but it can be done.

How to Budget in a Recession

Since we’re talking about budgeting so much and it’s the best way to keep your cool during the financial meltdown, let’s talk about ways to set up a budget and reduce debt.

• Figure out your income after taxes. Know what you’re bringing in each month so you can determine how much you have to spend. Sounds obvious, but why is it so common for people to spend way more than they make? Far too often, people don’t know how much they really make, nor where the money goes!

• Make sure your living needs are met. These things include your house payment, utilities, food, and property taxes.

• Next, make sure your transportation to get to and from work is taken care of. Things like your vehicle payment, gas and maintenance. This is one area you may be able to cut back on as well. If you’re making a car payment, try to sell the car and buy a used one with cash. You may also want to consider taking public transportation more often.

• Pay off credit card debt. Start paying off the card with the highest interest rate first. Once that card is paid off, put your payments toward the card with the next highest interest rate and so on, until each card is paid off. You may also want to contact a financial planner to discuss consolidating the debt to make it more manageable.

• Once your credit card debt is paid off, begin putting all the money you were paying out into savings. The goal is to build your savings up to at least 6 months worth of income in case something happens, like job loss or disability.

By following the steps above, with diligence and determination, you can be debt free and survive the financial meltdown! Of course, this won’t happen overnight and you’ll probably have to adjust your lifestyle so you can live below your means, but doing so will help secure your future financially.

Life can throw at me what it will, but I know I can handle it because I am in charge of my emotions. I gratefully accept all emotions, good and not so good, because the entire spectrum of emotions is part of my wonderful human heritage.

When I have positive emotions, like joy and happiness, I allow myself to thoroughly enjoy them and I let the good feelings spill over into every area of my life.

When I experience uncomfortable emotions, like anger or sadness, I acknowledge the emotions and then deal with them in positive ways.

The first thing I do is take a step back to give myself a moment of thought. I try to see the situation from all perspectives and then use my mental tools to help me effectively deal with negative emotions.

For example, one of my most valuable tools is my positive outlook on life. I believe everything happens for a good reason. Sometimes it just takes a while to see it.

If I am feeling upset, I look for the silver lining. Surely something good must be in the situation, waiting for me to discover it! Once I discover what is good, another one of my positivity tools – gratitude – takes over and I can give thanks for it.

Another useful tool, my excellent communication skills, can solve many of life’s emotional challenges. Just think of how many negative emotions are due to miscommunication! When I clarify the situation, the negative emotions dissipate.

Today, I plan to make full use of my positivity toolbox to handle any emotional challenges that arise. I know with certainty that I am emotionally prepared for any challenge.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Do I give in to negative emotions, like anger, and totally lose my cool?
2. What tools can I use to help me meet emotional challenges?
3. Do I acknowledge my negative emotions, or try to bury them?

How many times have you heard someone say that they want to lose five pounds? And how many times have you heard that the diet starts tomorrow?

Tomorrow? Why not right now?

The truth is, losing a mere five pounds is very realistic and it can be a great kick-start to your metabolism and energy levels. Plus, it can help you fit into that little black dress or suit for that upcoming wedding, reunion, or vacation. But you have to make the commitment to start now, not tomorrow, not Monday, but right now!

Below is a healthy plan to help you shed 5 pounds quickly, easily and most importantly, the healthy way. As with all diets, check with your doctor before starting any weight loss or exercise plan.

1. Begin by drinking more water. Your body requires water to function properly and with the right amount of water, your digestive system will work more efficiently. Plus, by filling your stomach with water, you’ll eat less and feel full faster.

• Water helps flush your body of toxins and water weight. Yes, more water actually helps your body get rid of excess water.

• The daily minimum intake of water is 64 ounces (or almost 2 liters). If you’re like most people, your current intake of water is probably less than half of the recommended amount, so drink up!

2. Get off the couch and get active. When you move your body you build muscle, which burns fat. There are so many activities that you can engage in that don’t cost money or require expensive gym equipment to help you get fit and lose weight. Here are some ideas:

• Walking around your neighborhood or in a local park
• Biking
• Hiking
• Swimming
• Throwing a ball with your kids or spouse
• Frisbee
• Volleyball
• Tennis
• Inline skating (with the proper safety equipment of course)

3. Make healthier food choices. To effectively boost your calorie and fat burning processes, eat healthier foods like leafy green vegetables, fruits and lean meats.

• You’ll also want to limit your intake of red meat, high calorie and fat dressings, gravies and sauces and avoid sugary drinks, candy or other foods with lots of sugar.

• Sugar causes you to put on weight, so when you eliminate sugar, you help eliminate weight gain. Also, try to choose natural or organic foods in order to avoid consuming chemicals that may actually cause you to retain weight.

4. Use portion control to limit the amount of food you consume. Studies show that reducing the amount of food you eat actually produces the quickest weight loss. Obviously you want to do this in a healthy manner, not obsessively or out of control.

• Eating 6 small meals a day, as opposed to the three larger meals you’re probably accustomed to, has been shown to be healthier, help reduce fat stores and to increase metabolism.

• If you’re wondering what a healthy portion looks like, it’s all in the hands. In other words, a healthy portion or serving size is about the size of your fist, palm, or hand, depending on what food you’re eating.

• Close your fist. That’s a healthy portion size for a serving of rice, pasta or other side dish.

• Open your hand and look at the size of your palm. This is the perfect amount of chicken breast, pork or other types of meat. It should be about the size and thickness of a deck of cards.

• The size of your entire open hand is the perfect size for veggies.

5. Replace unhealthy snacks with nuts, raw veggies or fruit. Here are a few examples to help you choose healthier snack options:

• When you’re craving chips or other salty, crunchy snacks, grab a handful of nuts instead. They are healthier for you and satisfy the craving for salt or crunchiness. Also, try to buy nuts with less salt. Natural or raw varieties will help to reduce your salt intake too.

• When you want something sweet, grab a piece of fruit like an apple, banana, orange, or melon. The natural sugar is way better for you than eating a bowl of ice cream or a handful (or two) of cookies.

• Have the munchies in general? Nibble on some raw carrots, celery or broccoli.

Losing 5 pounds can be fun and make you feel so much better about yourself. Probably the best part is that it can be done quickly, in as little time as a week or two, depending on your specific circumstances.

Whether it’s to kick-start your weight loss plan or to fit into that little black party dress, taking off 5 pounds is a step in the right direction to a healthier, more fit you. It begins now!

In order to build a solid foundation in any relationship, whether it’s a marriage, friendship or a relationship with a sibling or child, you must learn to love unconditionally without limits or judgment.

Loving someone unconditionally can be hard to do and goes against the grain you were probably taught in today’s Western society. Society tells you to get even or get revenge. However, to love unconditionally requires forgiveness and letting go of the wrongs.

So How Do You Love Unconditionally?

What’s required to show someone unconditional love when you’re in a relationship? Being there physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, through thick and thin, no matter what may happen is unconditional love.

• Physically: Being “there” for someone physically means just what the word implies. You’re there for them in person, standing by their side, listening to them, or talking with them so they’re not alone. This may be at three in the afternoon, or three in the morning!

• Emotionally: When you’re with someone emotionally, you’re offering your support by allowing them to honestly and openly express their feeling. Supporting someone emotionally with unconditional love also means that you’re there selflessly to help them work through their feelings. The goal is for the person to rise above the negative emotions and turn them into positive ones. You’re the shoulder to cry on!

• Mentally: Supporting a loved one mentally means that you help them think through their actions, motives, and desires. You help them do this by finding out what’s going on inside. To support someone mentally requires you to help your loved one process their thoughts through to all possible outcomes.

• Spiritually: Spiritually supporting a loved one means you pray for and with them and help them grow in all aspects of their life – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Often spiritual support is given without a person being aware, through prayer.

Unconditional love does not mean, however, giving into every whim or desire. Often people confuse unconditional love with spoiling. Giving into a person’s every want or desire when it isn’t appropriate can actually harm their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well being. For example, giving into your kid’s demands for junk food may make them happy today, but it isn’t a good source of nourishment in the long run.

Letting Go

True love is shown when you try to help another become a better person and unconditional love is shown when you still love them even if they refuse to change.

Many times it’s necessary to “let go” of a loved one, while still loving them unconditionally, because they refuse to take the necessary steps to improve. An example of this would be an alcoholic or drug addict. You still love the person, but when they refuse to work at overcoming their addiction or don’t care about themselves or who they’re hurting, you must let go. Sometimes this means, letting them spiral down until they hit rock bottom. Often you get hurt in the process because you love them and don’t want to see them go down this road, so loving unconditionally also means that you’ll be there for them when they’re ready to try again.

Love isn’t an emotion or feeling – it’s a choice. This is especially true with unconditional love. In relationships, you show unconditional love by overlooking petty mistakes and forgoing judgment and grudges. Unconditional love requires self-sacrifice and forgiveness on your part and it’s through unconditional love that those you care about will change for the better.

I free myself from the bonds of perfection and allow myself to make mistakes.

Everyone makes mistakes; after all, we are human! Yet, I know I am awesome just the way I am. I appreciate the wondrous talents and capabilities that were given to me at birth and strive to develop them to the best of my ability.

I am true to myself and make decisions according to what I know to be right. Sometimes I make wrong decisions, and that’s okay. When this happens, I forgive myself, learn from the mistake, and move forward with my life.

I endeavor to learn something from each slip-up. I find out what went wrong and why, then I use that knowledge to better myself. I take advantage of my mistakes and consider them as opportunities for inner growth.

I avoid over-dramatizing my mistakes and intensely worrying about the consequences. I know that it is just a bump in the road, and I can handle challenges with confidence.

If someone offers constructive criticism to me, I accept the suggestions gratefully and practice to avoid the same error in the future.

If I wrong someone, I do what I can to right the wrong and make amends.

Mistakes are a part of life and I respect that. Making a mistake does not lessen my value; it is what I do after the mistake that makes the most difference. Even when I err, I know I am still the wonderful person I was before the mishap.

Today, I give myself the freedom to make a mistake without worry. I choose to learn what I can from it and move forward with certainty that all will be well.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Do I accept my mistakes without beating myself up?
2. What was my last mistake? What did I learn from it?
3. What do I do immediately after I make a mistake?

I allow myself to dream big dreams and set goals accordingly. Then I take action to make them happen.

When I set a goal, the first thing I do is divide the goal into a series of steps I can take to get me there. Each step is an easily attainable task. I schedule the easiest tasks at the beginning so I can jump right in and gain forward momentum toward my goal.

Easy tasks also keep me focused on my goal. Each task I complete successfully gives me confidence to keep moving. I know I am one step closer to my goal and it makes me eager to take the next step.

I acknowledge that, no matter what path we choose in life, there will be challenges. I also know that success comes to those who persevere. So I do my best to anticipate challenges and discover their solutions.

My action plan is my map to my treasure! Even if I need to change my path to go around a bump in the road, I do not get lost. By keeping my focus on my dream, I find my way back, certain that success awaits me.

I use tools, such as affirmations, meditation, and visualization to keep me focused on my goals. I see the trappings of success within me and I feel gratitude for this wonderful life.

Today, my plan is to remain focused on my goals and dreams, no matter what challenges may arise.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Do I allow myself to dream big dreams?
2. Have I written my action plan with steps I can take to reach my goals?
3. What tools do I use to keep me focused on my goals?

Living with a chronic disease is difficult because of the pain, suffering, and shame that often accompanies the disease. It can be easy to fall victim to the negative mindset of “My life is ruined” or “I’m useless now,” but that doesn’t have to be the case no matter how debilitating the disease may be.

When living with a chronic disease, it’s important to focus on what you can do. Likewise, it’s important to disallow negative thoughts from dictating what you can and can’t do.

When you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness, there are many changes that take place:

• Change in your lifestyle
• Change in your attitude
• Change in the way you do things
• Maybe even a change in where you live

That’s a lot and all these changes can certainly be stressful!

Taking Control

Our mindset is the biggest factor on how you choose to react to a negative situation. Remember, your reaction is always a choice. You can let the news debilitate you or you can let it move you into new areas you might’ve never thought possible.

When I think of someone with a chronic disease, Michael J. Fox is one of the first people who comes to mind. He has Parkinson’s disease, which causes loss of muscle control throughout his body. Fox constantly shakes and trembles, making everyday tasks like brushing teeth and eating very difficult. Not only that, but he had to make a complete lifestyle change from a successful acting career to being an activist in helping others who have Parkinson’s or other diseases.

Does Michael J. Fox allow Parkinson’s to control his life? No, he took control and has learned other ways to live life to the fullest, despite his disease.

Making a Difference in the Lives of Others

You don’t have to be a TV or movie star to make a difference in your life or the lives of others either. There are many opportunities to help others and build a community. Some of these are:

• Start a blog about what it’s like to live with your disease. Others may benefit from knowing that they aren’t alone in their sufferings. You just may be the source of encouragement that strengthens others!

• Fundraising activities and events. Get involved with fundraising, whether it’s in your local area or worldwide via the Internet.

• Speak out about your illness. Be a speaker at a fundraiser, in a school or at other events to help raise awareness.

• Volunteer at your local community center. Be proof that living with a chronic disease doesn’t have to be debilitating. Be an advocate for yourself and those with the disease.

Support One Another

Make it your mission to find others to rely on for support and encouragement. Getting involved with support groups gives you the social support that is essential to your mental and emotional well being. Search for a support group online or in your local area and get active in the group.

Don’t let the disease have control over your life. By taking action and getting directly (or indirectly) involved with finding a cure, raising awareness in your community, and speaking to others about it, you’ll find that life doesn’t stop because of the disease. Instead, many doors of opportunity are waiting to be opened by you.

With the media today focusing on super skinny women, it’s hard to think that you could possibly be desirable if you don’t look like the women on TV and in magazines. The reality is, the average woman in America weighs 164 lbs. and is a size 14.

A positive self-image is one of the top things most women struggle with. So, how can you learn to love your body the way it is?

First of all, you need to focus on what you do like about your body. Here are some questions to get you thinking about the things you DO like about yourself:

• What areas do you get complimented on the most? What do others notice about you first when you walk into a room?
• Are you shapely with a larger busts and hips? Do you have a womanly figure?
• Do you have nice legs? Are they thin and long? Are they muscular and strong?
• Do people comment on how pretty you are or often say that you have beautiful eyes?
• Do you like to show off your feet with pretty sandals or open toed shoes?
• Is your hair shiny and beautiful? Do you like to touch it or play with it?

Instead of being overly critical and negative, be grateful for the body and health you do have. So give yourself permission to see and accept the good!

Boosting Your Self-Image with the Perfect Clothing

Learning to love your body is important because having a good self-image empowers you in many ways. When you love the way you look, you feel more confident and confidence gives you the ability to do anything you set your mind to.

Dressing for your body type also plays a big part in how you look and see yourself, so it’s important to know what color, style, shape and material of clothing looks best on you. If your closet is full of worn out t-shirts and old faded blue jeans, it’s time for a wardrobe makeover.

Take a good, honest friend or family member shopping with you to help you choose clothes that fit well and colors that look best on you. Updating your wardrobe doesn’t have to be expensive either. Begin by shopping resale stores. Oftentimes you can find brand name, never worn clothes at prices greatly below retail. However, don’t settle for less than the best for your body type. If you can’t find the perfect items for your body, then don’t buy the clothes just because they’re cheap.

Build your wardrobe from the bottom up, starting with the basic necessities:

• Black dress pants for work or an evening out
• One dressy blouse for work or an evening out
• One power suit for job interviews or business
• A black skirt
• Camisoles in a variety of colors for layering
• A well fitting pair of blue jeans for casual days
• 2 to 3 casual tops (by casual I’m not talking t-shirts either)
• 2 pair of shoes: 1 for dress and 1 for casual

When you’ve got the basic necessities, then you can build your wardrobe up from there by adding dressy blouses or tops in different colors and styles, more skirts in various styles and colors and so on.

Once you start loving your body by recognizing what you do like about it and dressing to fit your body type, you’ll gain a whole new confidence like you’ve never felt before and other people will take notice too. You may notice others reacting somewhat differently toward you as they respond to your new confidence. Heck, you might even get a raise!

So start learning to love your body now. You’re beautiful!