Resolutions and Commitments

It’s already that time of year when most of us have made those annual resolutions for the New Year and most likely have fallen short of our own expectations. More often than not, it seems that resolutions are hard to follow through on and often, we give up on them too soon. During these very trying economic times, it’s not uncommon to fall into a mindset of doom and gloom and therefore find those resolutions to be nothing more than a list of things that don’t really matter. Maybe instead of a resolution, we should consider making a commitment to ways that might help reduce the stress in our lives.

A wise man once said: “Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn’t happen, you have worried in vain.” It’s very common for stress to build in our life when we begin to worry about those things that we have absolutely no control over. The other day, someone forwarded an e-mail that suggested ways to help reduce stress, especially as it relates to sales. Maybe some of these suggestions will help you:

*Go to bed on time.
*Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
*Simplify and unclutter your life.
*Less is more. (Don’t overextend your capabilities)
*Allow extra time to do things and get to the next appointment.
*Take one day at a time.
*Pace yourself. Spread out those difficult projects over time; don’t try to lump all the hard things together.
*Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, solve it by doing the right thing and let go of the anxiety. If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.
*Live within your budget. Don’t go on spending sprees that result in long term debt you don’t need.
*K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
*Do something for the kid in you everyday: read a book, play a game, have some fun.
*Eat right.
*Get organized so everything has its place.
*Listen to a CD while going to your next call that will help you improve your sales skills and/or quality of life.
*Write down thoughts and inspirations.
*Every day, find some time to be alone.
*Nip small problems in the bud. Don’t allow them to grow into major issues.
*Make and keep friends with the right people.
*Laugh.
*Laugh some more.
*Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
*Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
*Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
*Sit on your ego.
*Talk less; listen more.
*Slow down.
*Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
*Do the right thing. Doing the wrong thing is not worth the loss of sleep.

It will take a commitment to follow some of these suggestions. Maybe making the commitment will be better than adding them to a list of resolutions.

Keep making the calls,

Tony