“There is no passion to be found in playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
– Nelson Mandela

The people around you have a huge influence on how you view the world and how you live your life. Mix with critical, judgmental and negative people and that is the way you will become. You soon find yourself moaning about everything, and spend your time seeing most things as impossible, rather than possible in your life.

I recently saw a lovely analogy in an e-zine that I would like to expand upon. If you were invited to appear as a guest on a television chat show that represented the life you are living, would you be invited onto Oprah or Jerry Springer? There are radical and clear differences between the two. Oprah’s guests reflect confidence and self-pride and live positive lives. The guests on Jerry’s show display low self-esteem, lack confidence, blame others and view most things negatively. The guests on Oprah have empathy and are driven to share inspiration and hope with the people they meet; they are life’s movers and shakers. Jerry’s guests are destructive and don’t wish to add value to the people they mix with; they are life’s moaners and groaners.

Don’t you agree that living your life as if you were a guest on Oprah leads you to a far more fulfilling and extraordinary place? You can make the conscious decision to live a more rewarding life and this simple choice can be made this instant – Simply say “I choose to live my life with a positive attitude, starting now!”

I recommend the following ten pivotal strengths as the keys to more happiness:

Take responsibility for your life
You are responsible for everything you are today, for everything you think, say and do. Don’t make excuses or blame others.

Clarify your values and beliefs, and live by them
Your values and beliefs define you as a person. Decide what you truly believe in, and refuse to deviate from them.

Know and use your strengths
Identify, develop and use your strengths. When we use our strengths we experience a great sense of satisfaction.

Associate with the right people
Make a careful choice of the people you live, work and socialise with. Try and associate with people you respect, admire and like. The secret of getting ahead and staying there is to keep good company.

Be proactive about your health and fitness
Your physical health is a precious gift. People only fully realise this when it’s sometimes too late. A simple lesson – eat less, exercise more and drink more water.

Develop an attitude of gratitude
Take note of the many good things in your life that you have. Note the things that you enjoy and appreciate. Be grateful for these many gifts.

Search for the positive in everything
Look for the positive of everything that happens in your life, no matter how bad it seems at the time. Life is filled with lessons, so learn from each of them so that they are never repeated.

Practice thinking differently
Everything we do is based on how we think about ourselves, about others and about life. A positive, optimistic, goal-oriented person will in all likelihood enjoy a happy and successful life. Always remember, you become what you consistently focus on. Develop the habit of looking for good in every situation

Make a contribution
What kind of difference would you like to make in your world? Who can you help who is less fortunate than you?

Develop the ability to love and be loved
Improving your ability to love and be loved will definitely increase your levels of happiness. The ability to love yourself is a vital ingredient.

So there you have it. What you make of your attitude, happiness and life is up to you. You were born with the ability, tools and resources to make life work. What you now do is your choice. Remember, success is definitely a journey, not a destination.

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