It’s always funny how there’s always a reason to celebrate around the corner.  A few days ago was Valentine’s Day when I spent some time kicking it with the boys exploring new bars in L.A./Hollywood area.  This weekend is the Lunar New Year.  I just love it!  Everything is decorated in red.  So…

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

We are now in the year of the Pig and I am deeply grateful for whoever created the tradition of giving out little red envelopes filled with money to “kids” (yep, that includes me) as a sign of good fortune.

With every new beginning, people try to set new resolutions to which they hope to accomplish.  Unfortunately, the majority of these people will not look at their goals often enough throughout the year to stay on track and will lament how goal setting never works for them.  Instead, how about we focus on the things we can easily do that can change our lives significantly for the better?

1. Spend more time doing what you want and what you like. If you are not happy with where your life is heading, change!  I know it’s easy to fall in the trap of not doing anything when you are in a comfortable place, but trust me…  If you are not liking your current state of affairs, decide what you want, and go for it.  That includes looking for things that are important to you.  Isn’t life about finding and experiencing happiness?
2. Relax!  Concentrate on what you can control, not on the things you can’t control. Control freaks aside, there’s really no reason for you to worry on things you cannot control.  You’ll feel much better and at peace with yourself when you learn to focus on the right things.  This is about living a stress-free life.  Let’s say you have a big report due tomorrow.  Don’t worry so much about how your report is going to be interpretated or if the big boss is going to read it.  Worry about how you can make your report better.  You are just giving yourself a headache and wasting your own energy if you think about all the uncontrollable variables.  Basically, look for solutions, not problems.  Why would you want to overcomplicate things?
3. Love yourself. You need to love yourself before anyone can love you.  Embrace both your strengths and weaknesses.  Part of being human is learning to become comfortable with not being perfect.  If you were perfect in every way, you’d be boring.  Schedule some “me” time when you can discover yourself, when you can go work out or when you can pursue one of your hobbies.  Once you can love yourself, you’ll feel prouder of who you are.  You’ll exhume more confidence in everything you do and that can only make you much more attractive.  You will notice a net improvement in the quality of your relationships.
4. Show some self-respect. Your time, energy and company is valuable.  Don’t let people abuse of your generosity and kindness.  I know every theology/philosophy book will tell you that “it is better to give than to receive,” but let’s be honest here.  You can’t give ALL the time.  I don’t expect to receive ALL the time either, but I do expect a little of return for my giving nature.  It’s OK to be a little bit self-centered once in a while.  Nobody will judge you unless you allow them to judge you.
5. Act on opportunities that present themselves to you. I see so many people miss out on wonderful experiences because they hesitate or give themselves excuses:  “I can’t… I’m not good enough.  I don’t have the money, the energy, the strength, the time, the looks, the courage, the determination…” Things WILL take care of themselves whether you are there or not, whether you want or not.  Be open-minded and go beyond your comfort level.  I have never declined an invitation to go out or try something new.  I have not always stayed the entire length of the event but I have always come out happier that I have experienced something new or met someone new.
6. Be grateful. Too many people forget what it means to be appreciative of what they have or of who they owe their success to.  All they do is take, take, take and push, push. push.  Remember to give out thanks, even if it’s only in thoughs and prayers.  Be content with the journey you have so far embarked on and be grateful for the people who have supported you thus far.  Don’t forget to reward the most important person either:  you!
7. Do more, think less. It is well known that life rewards action.  Take risks!  Do not let yourself get stuck in paralysis by analysis.  The art of living well is to be able to decide and act based on limited amount of information.  This applies to both small and big decisions.  When you look at life from an eagle eye perspective, your past is just as important as your future, but focus on your present.  If you think too much of the past, you either regret what you did or did not do, and you let your past mistakes burden your present.  If you think too much of the future, you don’t act enough in the present to reap tangible rewards in the future.
8. Surround yourself with people who inspire you. Whether they are friends, family, lovers or mentors, find people who can help you develop and expand your horizons.  Humans are a social specie.  We like to exist for people and through people.  Be independent in your desires and wants, but become interdependent in executing and achieving your goals.  If you’ve read “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, create your Master Mind Group.

I hope you find this list helpful in creating the life you will be happy with.  Before I let you go on with your busy day, let me share with you some of my latest inspirations.

• The Secret — This is a documentary that presents the law of attraction that was described in “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill in a more mainstream format.  It completely glosses over the fact that you have to work hard for your dreams but it still manages to convey that you are the sole determinant of the quality of your life.  “Thoughs create Reality.”
• TED Talks — TED is a once-a-year convention that brings together thought leaders, movers and shakers of the technology, entertainment and design industry in Monterrey, CA.  I have never been to their event but I sure hope to get to do so soon.  In the meantime, watch the videos of their keynote speakers.  I particularly enjoyed:
  - Richard St. John’s presentation on “Why people succeed” (3:40 min)
  - Tony Robbins’ discussion on “What is motivation” (22:30 min)

EDIT 03/14/07:  A friend of mine liked the list of 8 things to a happy life so much that he created this little one-page summary that you can print out.  Feel free to stick it on your post-it board or cut each item out to make them into beverage coasters.  He’s a Visual Communication Technology major at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.  If you like what he does, feel free to contact him for any projects by emailing him at DrewC [at] bgsu . edu

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