Ten Mental Notes To Help You Flourish In February

While some of us have high hopes for all the accomplishments we wish to make in the New Year, as time goes by we seem to get less enthusiastic. February is the perfect reminder to stay in check and make sure we’re living up to our true potential. Here are some simple mental notes to keep with you throughout the year:

1. Everyone makes mistakes.
When we mess up, it can feel like the weight of the world is coming down on our shoulders. It’s not. Take a deep breathe, think about what happened and how you can resolve the issue. It may take some time to work through a problem, but it’s important to remember that nobody’s perfect and nobody is expected to be.

2. Attitude is everything.
Have you ever noticed a stranger’s random act of kindness can really lift your spirits? It can be as simple as someone holding the elevator, or even a smile. Whatever it is, positivity is the missing link in many people’s lives. People who have an “I can make lemonade out of lemons any day!” attitude are the ones who are more prone to accomplishing their goals. If we don’t first believe in ourselves, who else will?

3. Learn to focus.
Often I find myself reading a book, texting a friend about tomorrow’s plans, listening to my iPod and thinking about the pile of work that will be on my desk in the morning. By the time I’ve finished reading a page, I feel as if I’ve only skimmed the surface of what I was trying to absorb. Teaching yourself to do one thing at a time will make the outcome of that focus one hundred percent better.

4. Success doesn’t always equal happiness.
I once worked for a very successful business man who had a beautiful home and family but rarely seemed to be able to enjoy their company. He was always wrapped up in work and burnt out by the time he got home. While he felt good about supporting his family financially, neither he, nor his family, were getting the emotional support they needed. Sometimes it’s important to take a step back and realize that not all parts of your life are connected in the way you might think. Figure out a distinct way to make them work on their own.

5. Don’t let other people ruin who you are.
Just because someone else has a bad attitude, doesn’t mean that you should too. Let’s say, the ladies at work are gossiping about a new employee that you have no qualms about and they all look to you to add fuel to the scandalous fire. Simple solution; walk away. Don’t change who you are or lower your standards just because it seems easy to fit in. Your thoughts and opinions matter. Stay true to them.

6. The past is the past.
If you are constantly worrying about the past, you are not looking to the future. Stressing about what has already happened will only make you turn into the boy (or girl) who lives in a bubble. You can’t let people or events from your past cloud your judgment. There will always be new people coming into your life and you can’t live in fear that they will all be the same as the other ones. Let it go and move forward.

7. Money is an object.
Many of us worry so much about money that we forget about the simple pleasures that truly make us happy. Make a list of all that brings you joy that money can’t buy. When you’re done, post it on your mirror as a daily reminder to be grateful for those miniature delights.

8. Stop comparing yourself to others.
Everyone has weaknesses and strengths. Constantly comparing yourself to others is not only a waste of time but can be poisonous and downright detrimental to the progress you wish to make in your own life. Stop counting other peoples blessings and start counting your own. Strive to be the best version of you that you can.

9. Stick with happy people who support you.
Nobody likes a Debbie Downer. Life is too short to waste it with people who only bring you down. Know the difference between your true friends and those who only want to be around when it is convenient for them. True friends understand your worth, value your opinion and want to see you succeed in all walks of life.

10. Slow down and enjoy the ride.
In the crazy days of multi-tasking, it’s nice to stop and smell the roses for a change. Our brains aren’t computers programmed with 6,000 GB of memory. Everyone needs down time to relax and really appreciate what life has to offer. If you’re feeling stressed and feel the need to take a break, take one. You’ll only be hurting yourself in the end if you don’t.

- Jennifer Marvel

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February 3rd, 2012 | Mara | Comments Off |