I'm no genius, but I do have a few years on me and over the years I've come to realize that the most important things for you to do are not difficult, but they are things so easily forgotten. Our world has changed so fast and with it our cultural aspects to such a degree that often we don't even know who we are any longer. So I am going to offer a few simple pointers for those of you who read my posts to consider. Just give them a try and if you decide later that they aren't for you, so be it. But if they work and you like them, make it a part of your daily routine.
I titled this post about starting your week, but I think the pointers are valid any and every day. You just have to adjust your goals for the circumstances. So here goes:
1. Offer a good morning prayer to God. Thank Him for what He has given you and ask Him to sustain you and help you through the day. He wants to be of help, but you must ask Him. That's your job.
2. Post a note on or next to your mirror in the bathroom so that you can't miss it. You can change the note's contents for different days but for this purpose I will assume it to be Monday morning. And since I am a man, I will comment from the perspective of a married man. If you are a woman and/or single, you can adjust to suit your life.
3. Put a listing together and put it on your note. This way you will see it every morning when you go to shave and wash up for the start of the day. And for contents of the list, well, try these.
First, Smile. Tell yourself to smile at everyone you see, no matter how difficult you might think it may be. Besides, a smile causes less wrinkles than a frown and you might just be surprised at the positive response you will receive. I would recommend adding a "Good Morning" but, since I'm a Southerner, that might be too much for some of you in NYC.
Second, include the things that are most important for you to complete during the day. It can be a combination of both work and home things but list them. Then you can check for your successes at the end of the day.
Third, get a bite to eat before you leave for work. The time since dinner is the longest period you go without food in a day, and that's why they call it break...fast since you are, indeed, breaking the fast. It can often also be a good time to get the family together for a few private moments before each heads on his or her way. Hug the kids and kiss the wife, never leave home without doing this and make sure you tell them you love them. It will help sustain them and if, God forbid, this day is your last they will remember those little words always.
Fourth, Maintain that smiling countenance all day long. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Believe me, and this is particularly true if you have a reputation as a grump or all business, it will mellow out those who you've had difficulty with before. There's just something about a smiling face.
Fifth, If things don't go well maintain that countenance and if stressed, take a deep breath and count to ten before you say something you'll regret. Prayer can help also, you don't have to be conspicuous about it if that is a problem for you, just think your prayer to yourself. God hears you wherever you and however you express yourself to Him.
And lastly, make sure that if you are going to be late you call home and let them know. Wives particularly don't like being left in the dark and if you love her you will always think of her feelings.
Pretty basic and simple and the good part is it's not hard to do and it can be changed as you wish. This is just merely a sample of ideas, the reason for putting them on the mirror is to get you in the habit of following through. Oh, how easily we forget.
And, if things change and need to be noted for tomorrow, just write a new note. And finally, when the day is done, thank God for getting you through the day with His grace.
It really all boils down to common sense and courtesy and while it might seem simple, it has worked for me for nearly forty years. If it's written down and checked routinely, you won't forget. Have a great day and week.
I titled this post about starting your week, but I think the pointers are valid any and every day. You just have to adjust your goals for the circumstances. So here goes:
1. Offer a good morning prayer to God. Thank Him for what He has given you and ask Him to sustain you and help you through the day. He wants to be of help, but you must ask Him. That's your job.
2. Post a note on or next to your mirror in the bathroom so that you can't miss it. You can change the note's contents for different days but for this purpose I will assume it to be Monday morning. And since I am a man, I will comment from the perspective of a married man. If you are a woman and/or single, you can adjust to suit your life.
3. Put a listing together and put it on your note. This way you will see it every morning when you go to shave and wash up for the start of the day. And for contents of the list, well, try these.
First, Smile. Tell yourself to smile at everyone you see, no matter how difficult you might think it may be. Besides, a smile causes less wrinkles than a frown and you might just be surprised at the positive response you will receive. I would recommend adding a "Good Morning" but, since I'm a Southerner, that might be too much for some of you in NYC.
Second, include the things that are most important for you to complete during the day. It can be a combination of both work and home things but list them. Then you can check for your successes at the end of the day.
Third, get a bite to eat before you leave for work. The time since dinner is the longest period you go without food in a day, and that's why they call it break...fast since you are, indeed, breaking the fast. It can often also be a good time to get the family together for a few private moments before each heads on his or her way. Hug the kids and kiss the wife, never leave home without doing this and make sure you tell them you love them. It will help sustain them and if, God forbid, this day is your last they will remember those little words always.
Fourth, Maintain that smiling countenance all day long. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Believe me, and this is particularly true if you have a reputation as a grump or all business, it will mellow out those who you've had difficulty with before. There's just something about a smiling face.
Fifth, If things don't go well maintain that countenance and if stressed, take a deep breath and count to ten before you say something you'll regret. Prayer can help also, you don't have to be conspicuous about it if that is a problem for you, just think your prayer to yourself. God hears you wherever you and however you express yourself to Him.
And lastly, make sure that if you are going to be late you call home and let them know. Wives particularly don't like being left in the dark and if you love her you will always think of her feelings.
Pretty basic and simple and the good part is it's not hard to do and it can be changed as you wish. This is just merely a sample of ideas, the reason for putting them on the mirror is to get you in the habit of following through. Oh, how easily we forget.
And, if things change and need to be noted for tomorrow, just write a new note. And finally, when the day is done, thank God for getting you through the day with His grace.
It really all boils down to common sense and courtesy and while it might seem simple, it has worked for me for nearly forty years. If it's written down and checked routinely, you won't forget. Have a great day and week.
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