#Words

Transform your conversations and relationships by carefully choosing the words you speak. Start by identifying judgmental words in your vocabulary and commit to eliminating them.
 
Before speaking, ask yourself, 'How will my words contribute to the conversation? Will they lead to action or a new understanding?’
 
As you cultivate this habit, you'll find your conversational awareness naturally improving, enabling you to navigate difficult situations with empathy and insight.
 
Your words have power. Choose them as carefully as you would your food, nourishing your conversations and relationships rather than causing heartburn.
 
By adopting this approach, misunderstandings decrease, connections deepen, and conversations become more constructive and fulfilling.

#RulesForLiving

Here are ten rules for living a fulfilled life. Remember to embrace every experience as an opportunity for growth. Recognize that your response to any situation is more powerful than the situation itself.
 
1. Take 100% Accountability and move from a place of blame to one of clarity,
2. Give up complaints and self-limiting stories,
3. Have perspective, knowing others may see things differently,
4. Focus on participation and perseverance over attachment to outcomes,
5. Listen generously to understand instead of to respond,
6. Tell the truth with love,
7. Be optimistic, but don’t pretend,
8. See things as they are,
9. Take the necessary risks for a life worth living,
10. Love one another.
 
Write down your top ten rules for living and reflect on your progress, celebrating small wins along the way.

#Acceptance
 
Reflect on those moments when you find yourself shaking your head in disbelief at the world around you. Consider acceptance as the pathway linking your expectations of life and its realities.
 
Acceptance isn't surrender; it's not giving up or giving in. It's recognizing clearly what's taking place so you can form a strategic response instead of impulsively reacting. Allow yourself to feel, but let your actions stem from thoughtful deliberation that balances the pros and cons of your decisions.
 
This is a life-changing practice.

#Communication

Sharing good news brings joy and is essential, but equally important is addressing and communicating bad news promptly and honestly.
 
Why? Because swift action prevents further escalation, while transparency builds trust and enduring relationships.
 
Reflect on how you handle both good and bad news. Despite the challenges, use bad news as a catalyst for open communication. Don't shy away from it; instead, lean in and learn how to have hard conversations, made easier when you don't withhold information. Encouraging transparency will ultimately strengthen your ability to navigate challenges and thrive over the long term.

#Solutions

Are you waiting for a problem to be solved before you enjoy the day?

Instead of waiting, write down the actions you could take now to resolve your concerns. Don't eliminate any strategies, and don't stop at one. Come up with at least three options. A third option can spark creative thinking and lead to more solutions that weren't initially considered.
 
And here's a bit of whimsy in the real-world dilemma of solving problems. If your response is that you can't or won't come up with any options and it's putting a damper on your happiness, put a note under your pillow with the issue to be solved and sleep on it. What solutions might your creativity unlock overnight?
 
Legend says you'll wake up in the morning ready with ideas and energy to tackle the problem.

​#Coaching
 
Have you ever felt stuck, beating yourself up for not achieving your goals?
 
Imagine transforming that inner tormentor into your most empowering coach. Think of it as having an inner Mussabini from 'Chariots of Fire,' urging you to 'Lift your knees higher!'—not to punish, but to push you beyond your limits.
 
Remember, a coach doesn't applaud you for running in place; they reveal the paths you've missed. Stop and imagine uncovering one habit that keeps you from reaching your goals. Now, imagine your inner coach guiding you through a small, actionable step toward change.
 
Be ready for the discomfort that precedes growth. The journey might be rigorous, but the rewards are boundless. What will your first step be?

#Balance

You walk in this material world, but the spiritual is a breath away.

Let each breath remind you to nurture your spirit with moments of reflection, gratitude, and connection. In this balance, find the strength to achieve your material goals and the wisdom to understand their value.
 
Let this awareness of breath accompany you throughout your day. Pause to find balance before each decision, letting the harmony of material and spiritual guide your steps towards fulfillment and purpose.

​#Rules
 
Rules, both spoken and unspoken, shape our interactions. Honest discussions about these rules enhance predictability and enjoyment in shared lives rather than imposing restrictions.
 
When faced with changing rules, identify whether they're explicit or assumed. This critical moment decides whether to adopt the rules or initiate a conversation to explore their flexibility or necessity.
 
Reflect on a recent instance where a rule changed in your life. How did you respond? Could a conversation have made a difference? These conversations illuminate, transforming assumptions into shared expectations, leading to stronger relationships and a deeper understanding of each other's needs and boundaries.

​#Reframe
 
The power to reframe your narrative in relationships shifts how you interact.
 
Relationships are mysterious and complex, and reframing, especially in the context of long-standing relationships, can be challenging. So, take one small judgment that you notice shows up regularly and ask yourself how you could see it from a different angle to access a deeper understanding.
 
That’s the beginning of the reframe practice that broadens your view and deepens your relationships.

#Reliability
 
Reliability isn't just about completing tasks or meeting deadlines.
 
It's about the peace of mind you offer when tasked with a responsibility. It transcends being an item on a to-do list and becomes a personal commitment that you uphold with honor.
 
The essence of being counted on is a cornerstone of character in an often unpredictable world.
 

​#Obstacles
 
Encountering an obstacle is not a signal to stop but a cue to pay closer attention.
 
If reacting with frustration or disappointment, invest less in anger and more in discovery.
 
What recent obstacle can you view through this lens of curiosity? The next time you face an obstacle, practice bypassing your initial reactions and dive straight into curiosity by asking three simple questions, 'What happened? What's the root cause? How can I learn from this?'
 
Adopting this practice will help you navigate current obstacles more effectively and equip you with the insight to tackle future challenges with skill and wisdom.

#Love
 
When you infuse love into your choices, the mundane becomes meaningful, and the tedious becomes a source of joy. You cultivate this deep affection when you shift from 'have to' to 'choose to.'
 
Loving what you choose requires reflection, adjustment, and, sometimes, a leap of faith. Start today by identifying one thing you 'have to' do and consciously reframe it as something you 'choose to' do.
 
This is a journey worth embarking on, for a 'have to' transformed by love is the kind of choice that changes the world—and transforms you in the process.

#Now
 
Take a moment to pause, breathe, and acknowledge the spaciousness of being present.
 
Then, allow the inevitable question to emerge: "Now what?" It could be making life changes, pursuing forgotten passions, or simply appreciating the moment.
 
In moments of presence, you may naturally reflect on what seems absent from your life. Such moments are not setbacks but starting points, nudging you towards exploration and fulfillment, a call to action, guiding you to seek and create what you desire. When you breathe in the moment, you give up dwelling on what happened and allow a small step toward freedom.
 
Recognize the immense value in connecting to the here and now, and let the peace it offers embrace you.

#Anxiety
 
Imagine redefining anxiety as an invitation to think more productively.
 
By doing so, you unlock a significant shift in perspective. This view isn't about undermining the genuine difficulties anxiety can present. Instead, it's about channeling its energy. Welcome to 'productive anxiety'—a state of mind where the initial waves of unease become the seeds of creative thinking.
 
When you picture anxiety as a prompt for innovation, it signals your readiness to navigate those moments with composure instead of a daunting shadow on your energy. With practice, you can say to that anxiousness, 'Hello, old friend, what are you inviting me to create today?'

#Commitment
 
Recognizing the commitment inherent in both "yes" and "no" empowers you to make choices that are more deliberate, thoughtful, and true to yourself.
 
Saying "yes" is a pledge to allocate your time, energy, or resources to a particular endeavor, to follow through, and to take responsibility for the results. Saying "no" is equally a commitment. When you say "no," you're not merely rejecting an offer or declining a request; you're protecting your time and energy.
 
However, saying "yes" can stretch your capabilities and introduce you to new experiences, but if not managed wisely, it can lead to overcommitment and stress. Saying "no" can provide protection and focus but may also result in missed opportunities or the perception of inflexibility.
 
Both agreeing and refusing carry the weight of commitment.

#Completion
 
Complete one thing today.
 
You know, the one task you keep reminding yourself to do but have yet to do. You'll feel so much better. Next, compile a list of everything incomplete and assign a completion date to each item. This step is crucial—no excuses allowed. Remember, you were the one who deemed these tasks important enough to list.
 
If you are hesitating over any item, remove it from the list. If you're not genuinely committed to a task, empower yourself to say 'no.' It's essential to recognize that you have the authority to decline tasks to yourself and others.
 
Doing so liberates your energy, allowing you to focus on what you are truly committed to.

#Coachable
 
Facing an obstacle is when being coachable truly counts.
 
Acknowledging you don't have all the answers—and that's smart—opens the door to invaluable insights from others. So, it might be good to identify a handful of people whose guidance you trust. Those are the people you call when you're staring down a challenge and before minor issues escalate.
 
A great coach doesn't just offer comfort; they help you see paths and possibilities you missed.
 
Enter your coach's name and number into your phone favorites, and you'll sleep better at night. Being coachable isn't about having a constant guide—it's about knowing when to lean on the perspective of others to navigate through life's challenges more effectively.

#Change
 
Today is not just any day; it's the day for transformative change.
 
Begin this journey with clarity: Ask yourself precisely what you wish to transform and delve into why this change calls to you.
 
Let the inner dialogue that nudges you toward this inquiry reassure you. Allow yourself moments of reflection through meditation, deep breathing, or prayer, embracing the calm before the leap.
 
Let the clarity of your answers gently launch you into action powered by a clear vision of the change you aspire to enact. The moment is now. You are ready.

#Letting Go
 
Letting go requires transforming your relationship with past hurts—be it a rude remark, a betrayal, or a thoughtless act. The real challenge isn't just moving past these moments but changing how they affect you.
 
Start by recognizing the sting and acknowledging its presence. Then, seek to understand the situation. This understanding is your tool to extract the sting without allowing the venom to spread. If you're clinging to it, it's worth asking: ‘How does holding on serve me?’ Often, you'll find that it doesn't serve you at all.
 
Write down what you're holding onto and confront the reasons behind your reluctance to let go. Even if you feel your resentment is justified, challenge yourself to see beyond it.

#Acceptance
 
What you resist persists.
 
This timeless wisdom reveals how resistance roots you in the very situations you aim to change. Instead of bridging the gap between what you want and reality, resistance fills it with anger, frustration, or shaking your head, thinking nothing can change.
 
The core of this resistance is fueled by a deep-seated need to be 'right,' a conviction held tightly. Yet, imagine the freedom of gently loosening your grip on this need, even in just one conversation.
 
Acknowledging that something should be different doesn't mean you're wrong; it simply suggests that a more receptive approach could enhance your ability to connect and be heard. Acceptance opens the door to understanding so you can exchange ideas.
 
In doing so, you may find that what once seemed insurmountable becomes a gateway to new perspectives and growth.

#Temptation

Have you ever faced a tempting impulse and later regretted it, thinking, 'Why did I do that?'
 
Before acting on impulse, apply the 'morning after' test. Ask yourself: Will I wake up tomorrow feeling joy, proudly thinking, 'So glad I did it'? If yes, go ahead with confidence. But if you sense hesitation or doubt, consider it an opportunity to pause and choose a path aligned with your long-term fulfillment.
 
Uncertain? More probing questions may reveal your true direction.
 
Invoking this simple 'morning after' test might have you face moments of restraint today, but tomorrow, you'll wake up with gratitude for the choices that honor the deeper aspirations you hold for your life.

#Finish
 
Here's a liberating thought: you are already committed.
 
Your commitments surround you, some visible and some you hardly notice. Today, grant yourself the space to re-evaluate. Draft a list of your commitments; beside each, mark 'Continue' or 'Stop.' This exercise isn't just about trimming the excess; it's about intentionally choosing where to focus your energy.
 
Starting is simple; finishing is courageous. Mastering something new? That's transformative. You do know what you want. Begin today, step by step, and watch as your life unfolds into one rich with meaningful accomplishments.

#Action

The dilemma of action could be knowing when to wait and when to act. As you're solving problems and making decisions, it's essential to determine when action is necessary and when strategic patience is required.
 
How do you discern the difference? Forget the crystal ball; look within. In emergencies, swift action is non-negotiable—you address the immediate threat and later untangle its roots. However, treating every decision with emergency-level urgency can turn today's solutions into tomorrow's problems.
 
When faced with a decision, ask yourself: Is it both critical and necessary? If yes, act decisively. If necessary but not critical, afford yourself the luxury of a thoughtful approach. This practice ensures that your solutions are not just quick fixes but are elegant resolutions that stand the test of time.

#Problems
 
If you fear making choices, you only prolong problems out of concern that you'll make the wrong choice.  A choice will be made, even if it's to do nothing.
 
Now, the real choice emerges: Ignore it or solve it!
 
By tackling challenges directly, you transform—more fulfilled and more confident. You prove to yourself, 'I did it.' Now, armed with resilience and a can-do attitude, you're prepared for whatever comes next, chanting a new mantra:
 
'Next problem? No problem!'

#Observe
 
When a problem occurs, embrace the observer’s advantage.
 
Imagine facing a problem—not as yourself, caught up in the whirlwind of emotions and immediate reactions, but as an observer, watching the situation unfold as if it were happening to someone else. This shift in perspective can be profoundly transformative. It’s about taking a step back to gain observational distance, allowing you to assess situations with more clarity.
 
Over time, this practice can enhance your problem-solving skills, emotional well-being, and resilience in the face of adversity. Work with this approach on your next problem by asking yourself, ‘If this was happening to someone else, how would I advise them?’ and discover what happens.