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Taking Stock
By
Bill Hodges
©2003 Hodges Seminars International We tend to take it for granted that the
new year always begins on Jan. 1. But this is not necessarily true. Many
government employees begin their new fiscal year on Oct. 1 and corporations
start their fiscal years at various times. Some people consider their birthdays
as the beginning of their new year. I can remember a time when the television
industry considered the introduction of the new car models and the advertising
revenue that it brought, as the beginning of the new television season or year.
It really doesn’t matter what date you consider the one that
starts your year. What matters is that you are ready for it when it comes. To be
ready for the new year, a review of what has happened to you in the past year is
in order. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you do that review. 1. What have you learned over the past year that you can use
to be healthier, happier and more productive in the year to come? More
importantly, how do you plan to use that information to better your lot in life.
Keep in mind that knowledge is only potential power. It becomes real power only
when used. How will you use it? 2. Who are your current friends? The number of friends one
has is not nearly as important as the quality of those friends. In choosing
friends, you should heed Confucius who said, "Have no friends not equal to
yourself." When you have one good friend, you should count yourself wealthy. 3. Has your financial position changed in the last year? True
independence comes from a sense of financial security. Financial security does
not just happen — it must be planned. Do you have a plan, and is it succeeding
for you? Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. 4. How is your physical condition? As you age, the pounds
just seem to multiply. Exercise becomes more difficult because of new little
aches and pains. But a good diet and exercise are your two most valuable allies
in your quest to stay healthy. Do you have a diet and exercise plan? 5. Do you have a good mental attitude? A positive attitude is
not something that just happens. You have to work at it. As the old song says,
"You have to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative and don’t mess with
Mister in-between." Read, watch or listen to something positive every day. John Wayne said, "Tomorrow is the most important thing in
life. It comes into us at midnight very clean. It’s perfect when it arrives and
it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we’ve learned something from yesterday."
If you have answered the above questions, you’ve learned something. With that
knowledge, you can set a course for a productive, happy and healthy tomorrow. Bill Hodges is a nationally recognized speaker, trainer, and syndicated columnist. Hodges may be reached at Hodges Seminars International, P.O. Box 89033, Tampa, FL 33689-0400. Phone 813/641-0816. Web site: http://www.BillHodges.com
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