Live Big

How You Start Your Day Counts
by Josh Hinds

Whether or not we choose to believe it,
for the most part you and I have a clean
slate with each new sun rise. Whatever
happened yesterday, good or bad is now
rooted in the past.

In the moment in which we now find
ourselves, we have the ability to focus
in on and do the things which will serve
us for the better, or we can give our
attention to those things which will
re-ignite whatever thoughts were causing
us to remain stuck.

We have a choice, and fortunately, it
isn't all that difficult to set the tone
early on in your day. Does that mean
you're guaranteed not to meet with a
challenge early on that will knock you
off course or throw you for a loop? Of
course not, but in the event that
something (or someone) shows up with such
an agenda you'll find yourself a lot more
prepared to deal with it and be able to
adjust course accordingly.

Here are some simple, but effective ideas
you can use to start your day out on a
positive note.

Upon waking up, name at least ten people
you're thankful for - recount those in your
life who've had a positive impact on you.
Think of those who have in some way helped
to make you the unique person you are. Don't
sell yourself short here.

No matter what place you may find yourself
in now, you're still an amazing person,
with unique gifts and talents. You don't
have to believe it, but it's still the
absolute truth! Practicing gratitude is a
powerful thing that helps to reconnect us
with our inner power, and the abilities
which make up who we are.

Give thanks for your talents and skills -
each of us has been blessed with special
skills and talents. You may not feel as
though you've completely developed all of
yours up to this point in your life, but
that doesn't change the fact that you've
got them.

Think through those things that others
compliment you on, those are talents. Don't
underestimate all the amazing bits and pieces
that go into making you the person you are.
As you identify and give thanks for the
talents that were bestowed upon you commit
to develop them and become more proficient
in their use.

Write down your days most important action
steps the night before - The simple act of
writing down the following days most
important tasks will give you a plan to move
on the next day. Keep in mind that you can
get the most productive mileage if you'll
put your "Super Tasks" at the top, where
you'll complete them first.

For the purpose of this article consider
Super Tasks as those things which upon
their completion will give you the absolute
most bang for your buck. Consider the
difference between a "Super Task" and say one
of lesser importance. A super task might be:
Calling on a prospective client, while one
that doesn't quite hold such importance in the
grand scheme of things might be: cut the grass.

While both are important, and you want to get
both done, the simple fact is the first example
is going to lead towards a greater reward then
the latter. You see, it's more a matter of
separating items which fall into the category
of "busy work" versus those which can move us
forward at a maximum pace. Another such "Super
Task" might be to spend time studying your
industry or chosen profession.

Review the actions steps you wrote down the
night before - As you are looking over the items
you wrote down, close your eyes and see yourself
completing them and experiencing the wonderful
sense of accomplishment for having done so. After
you have visualized yourself finishing the items
on your daily action list take a deep breath and
begin your day working on and completing them.

Keep in mind that each new day is just that - an
opportunity to turn the page, and implement daily
actions that can steer your life in the direction
you wish it to go. You can sail your ship, or choose
to remain mired in inaction and float aimlessly,
dependent upon whatever life may throw your way. My
sincere hope for you is that you will choose the
first option.

And remember...

It's your life, LIVE BIG!