Life has many ups and downs. Problems undoubtedly keep coming at you from all directions. But a lot has to do with your response and reaction to the challenges that come your way. Problems can be considered as challenges that provide you a chance to grow as a person. Keeping a positive outlook on life or as a song says, always look on the bright side of life, this I believe is a must.

Think about it, we all have lots of things to be grateful for. If you are in good health then this is the first place to start.

GOOD HEALTH

Good health is one of the biggest gifts that we can receive.  If you are fit and healthy – you are very lucky.  If you are encountering some health issues or illness, take a positive and proactive approach.  This will go a long way towards overcoming your difficulties.

Of course being in good health is critical when your professional career or in running   your own business.  Like most things, maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle takes some effort and commitment but it can help you in maintaining good health.  It might seem like hard work , but the rewards make this worthwhile though.

When you are feeling healthy and fit, your mind works at its peak.  You can deal with the daily challenges that you undoubtedly face in your own business or profession– staffing issues, bank hassles, problems with customer orders and so on, much more easily.

Keeping in good health requires a balanced approach to life.  A good diet combined with regular exercise, goes a long way to keeping you fit and healthy.

There are lots of good books on these subjects – take a look around.  Once you understand the basics – then it’s only a matter of establishing a pattern or routine.  Whether you exercise in the morning, during the day or at night – it’s up to you.  It helps to have a friend or partner to exercise with.  This makes it easier to keep your routine going.

If necessary find a personal trainer who can develop a plan for you and keep an eye on your progress.

It’s amazing to think that some of us have a weight problem in Pakistan, while a lot of people struggle to have enough food.

POSITIVE MIND

Apart from the physical side of your health, you need to look after your mental / spiritual side as well.

A positive frame of mind is a great asset to have.  When you are facing difficulties in either business or your personal life – a positive mind will help you through.

We all have moments where we feel down – it’s natural.  It is important however to control your thoughts and make sure that we always manage the negative thoughts.  These thoughts can lead to emotional distress and also affect our physical health.

In my experience, being around positive and happy people is the best way to go.  Associate with such people and you will be feeling great – at least most of the time.

Get stuck with the negative types and you will spend a lot of your life feeling sad and depressed.

SMELL THE ROSES

Is there anything more exciting than watching your children grow up?

The joy they bring into your life, the happiness and the feeling of love are hard to describe.

Of course they put you through many trials and tribulations too.

As our kids are growing up, our lives are passing by – more quickly than we can realise.

Before we know it, we will be at the end of our life – like so many before us.

When that time comes, there will be no going back.  We won’t be able to change things or change how we lived our lives.

If you don’t want any regrets – then take the time to smell the roses along the way.  Don’t worry about reaching the destination – enjoy the journey as well.

Enjoy those precious moments when you are in the company of your loved ones.  Cherish and treasure these moments.  For these are the moments you will always remember.  What price a smile and the look of love from your husband/wife or fiance or kids?  What cost your happiness and peace of mind?

Like most people you may have pressures and challenges either in personal relationships or business.

Take the initiative and deal with these things.  Life is too short to carry bitterness and sadness around with you.

One of the amazing things about the gift of life is that none of us know, how long we have to live.

Do you have any idea or forward knowledge?  We all know about people whose lives were cut short due to some unfortunate event, an accident or illness.

With this being the case – the only thing we can be certain of is today.  So, enjoy the day, smell the roses, spend time with your loved ones.

One more thing – remember to tell those who really matter to you that you care about them and you love them.

Stop for a moment and think about all the good in your life – and jot down your thoughts.

What are some of the good things in my life?

I am sure you have a lot to be thankful for – I know I do as well.

Rather than stumbling along with each passing day – take responsibility for your life.  If you need to change things, then do so.

You are the person writing your own history.

Tomorrow is indeed another day – what are you going to do differently?  What steps will you take to improve your personal and business life?

Take the time to think and record your personal thoughts.

FOR TOMORROW IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE!

Why should you make such a pledge to yourself?  If you continue to do the same old things over and over again then don’t expect a different result.  As someone once said ‘a definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing but expect a different result’.

If you want to improve things in your business and personal life – you need to take action now.  This may mean changing the way you do things, finding a new approach or ideas and strategies.  It’s up to you – what will you do differently to improve your life?