Thursday, January 4, 2007

"Choosing to be Happy”

Can you believe that it's 2012? I recently turn 49 and have been asking myself, where did the past 20 years of my life go? We've all heard the saying, "If I knew then what I know now, I'd be a rich famous person" I have come to the realization that being happy is definitely a "CHOICE". 

I am often asked by people who attend my Motivational Seminars how I keep a positive and upbeat attitude. My answer is always the same. I choose to be happy. Knowing that life is an opportunity to grow and become my personal best, the responsibility for my happiness is all mine. Sure it would be great to have people whose sole purpose in life, was to feed my ego and spend their time making sure I'm happy. Now back to reality on plant earth, life, as we all know, doesn't work that way.

I am often reminded that we become most like the books we read, and the people we associate with. Since iron sharpens iron I am always careful whom I allow into my life. The best example of maintaining a positive attitude can be best summed up by the saying; don't become susceptible to the negative influences of other people.

I find that reading positive books which challenge me to think differently and cause me to constantly re-evaluate my priorities, I am able to stay focused on what matters most, and always be thankful for the many blessing in my life. Getting to the next level both personally and professionally demands that I become better.

When the teacher is the best student he will ever have, the student will always have a great teacher. Learning what not to do, has been as important for me as understanding the phrase, "Doing the Right-Thing". 

As I look ahead, I understand my purpose in life is helping other people realize their truest potential. I must be the example, and I say that with great humility. The responsibility of helping other people is one of the greatest joys in my life. I have learned though my many mistakes that life is a daring adventure, and remaining focused on my dream brings me great joy and happiness.

I've said many times, when you're going though hell, DON'T Stop! Happiness is a matter of choice, which so many of us forget to make. Each January many people make their "New Years Resolutions", and sometime between mid March and Tax Day, they're all too forgotten.

The many excuses we find to justify our abandonment of what we spent so much time committing to, is a sad representation of how easily we quit, just before something great is about to happen. I submit that if we just remain committed and stay the course, the results will be surprisingly positive. My advice to myself and to all of you is the same.

Refuse to quit, stay focuses and whatever you do, NEVER SETTLE for second best.

Make today, your best day ever!


Michael