The Lord's Grace
My America
Some Things to Think About

     As you launch into this very special new year, consider these resolutions.  Taking action on any of these could transform your life.

Resolve to get Organized
     Too much going on?.... Not enough time?.... Sound familiar?  How would you like to have more time for what YOU want to do? Resolve this year to plan your days, reduce interruptions, clean off your desk, say "No", make lists.  The benefits of getting more organized include being more effective at your work, having more positive control of your lifestyle, saving time and money, and taking control the stress.       "Put the LORD first and HE will take care of the rest."

Resolve to expand your Comfort Zone
     Each of us has our own personal comfort zone.  Some would call it "a rut". Staying in your comfort zone can be very limiting.  The world passes us by as we stagnate.  If we are not learning, trying new things and growing, our jobs and businesses may be deteriorating.  Make a list of 50 things that, if you really were successful in doing them, you would be a better person or a better company.  Things like give a speech (oh no!), write and publish an article, start an exercise program, meditate daily, teach a class, feed a homeless person, volunteer, climb a mountain, learn to play a new musical instrument, sign up for a dance class, try for that promotion, and so on.
     Then, from your list, choose one or two that you are willing to do within the next 90 days.  Schedule those one or two new activities, then go for it.  Afterward, choose one or two more and do it again.  Make personal growth a lifelong habit.

Resolve to be a Rainmaker
      I've seen many people who sat around waiting for rain.  They would wait by the phone, hoping a prospective client would call or come to the business.  Others, including some of the most successful, took positive action to "make it rain".  These are the ones who get out and make things happen.  Through their activity, these people created opportunities.

Resolve to Cleanup Loose Ends
     We all have messes in our lives.  Messes are incomplete tasks,  disorder, disarray, or conflicts that distract you and cause you to lose energy, break your concentration and reduce self-esteem.  Messes can include cluttered desks, relationships gone awry, physical well-being, finances, incomplete agreements and legal issues.  Every time you eliminate a loose end, you boost your confidence, increase concentration, and feel a surge in energy.

Resolve to Focus on your strengths
     Conventional wisdom says we should work on improving our weaknesses.  What a terrible waste of time, talent and opportunity!  Highly successful entrepreneurs, as well as top scientists, artists, athletes and entertainers throughout history have achieved greatness by focusing on their areas of strength.  Everybody has a natural aptitude in some areas.  No matter how hard you try, it is unlikely you will ever be more than average in areas where you do not have an aptitude. 
     Working on your weaknesses undermines your self-esteem since you will focus mostly on your deficiencies.  Developing your natural talents is rewarding and motivating, allowing you to continually realize higher and higher levels of ability, achievement and success.  This year, experience the immense satisfaction that comes with being superb at something.

Resolve to take More Free Time
     Free time isn't a reward for working hard; it's necessary for optimum performance and productivity.  We need free time, away from the business, to rejuvenate ourselves. When you are aggressive about getting rest and relaxation, regularly and frequently, you'll see increased creativity and productivity.  The more free time you take, the more creativity and productivity you will experience.  To make breakthroughs in income, productivity and creativity, significantly increase the amount of free time away from your business.