Life Inspiration: 12 Tips for Successful Living

1. Constant affirmation without accountability is a sure-fire way to cripple a child. In other words, belief in yourself without responsibility leads to a sense of entitlement.

2. Raise your hand if you've ever been rejected for anything, anytime, anywhere. We all have. How would you like to have a nice little four-letter word for the next time you're rejected? It's: NEXT. Next sale, next job, next date, next whatever.

3. Beware of people who use their own emotional pain as a tool to manipulate others instead of as a motivation to change themselves.

4. Parents of teens need to watch out for NMK Syndrome: Not My Kid, as in "my kid couldn't have done ___" (fill in the blank). Well, yes, they could have. Even if you have faithfully raised them not to do certain things, kids still have the power of choice, which means they can make bad choices.

NMK Syndrome can blind you to something that needs immediate attention. Trust in your kids and in your parenting, and always check out what you hear.

5. When you receive a notice in your credit card statement that says, "Congratulations, because of your excellent payment history, there is no minimum fee due this month," it's not a time for celebration. You're still being charged interest. These people are not your friends.

6. It's a humbling and sobering experience to have a child who wants to be like you.

7. I've noticed more and more people doing what I call "caboose living."

Picture a three-car train. The engine in front we'll call facts/reality; the car in the middle is our thoughts, beliefs, decisions, choices and behaviors based on the facts; the caboose is our feelings. The facts/reality come first, then thoughts and behaviors followed by feelings.

Many folks try to run their life train with the caboose (feelings) in the lead. Feelings are interesting and important, but they cannot drive the train. Pay attention to your feelings, but let the facts/reality drive the train.

8. A successful marriage requires selective and strategic ignoring. The right things to ignore are little habits and irritating peculiarities that we all have. The problem comes when you select the wrong things to ignore.

9. I wonder if it's a bad thing to believe that football on TV is one of the first signs of fall approaching.

10. Most folks live with the illusion that worrying about something can actually make a difference. The only possible way that worrying can make a difference is if the worrying motivates you to take action to do something about the subject of your worry.

11.People often say, "Well, I'm just going with the flow." The problem with going with the flow is that many times the flow is lost and does not know where it is going.

12. Best quote I've seen since last time, by Miami Herald columnist Leonard Pitts: "At some point, though, a problem ought to be defined less by our ability to explain why it happens than by our willingness to demand that it happen no more."

Visit SecretsofGreatRelationships.com for tips and tools for creating and growing a great relationship. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 10 day e-program on how to enrich your relationship today, from relationship coach and expert Jeff Herring.

Latest News


Sweet Treats From Sweet Muse Make Perfect Gifts That Delight and ...
MarketWatch - 5 hours ago
Packaged with each brownie is an inspirational message or special quote, which makes each treat incredibly special. Messages can be selected from existing ...

Reader's Digest Honors Inspirational Teacher
PR Web (press release), WA - 12 hours ago
Salome Thomas-EL, an award-winning teacher and principal in Philadelphia, PA, was among nineteen "American Icons" honored for their wisdom, ...

Cascade producer releases second inspirational DVD edition
Great Falls Tribune, MT - 8 hours ago
By JO DEE BLACK • Tribune Business Editor • December 2, 2008 CASCADE — Cheryl Andersen's first attempt at commercializing her husband's photography hobby ...

Inspirational journalist bows out
The Australian, Australia - 6 hours ago
Macswan, a former war correspondent, foreign correspondent and associate editor of the national news agency Australian Associated Press, died in Sydney ...

Have an inspirational story? We're all ears
Orlando Sentinel, FL - Dec 1, 2008
Do you have an interesting story to tell about your journey to a more active lifestyle? It can be a story about your significant weight loss, your training ...

Ross Roe attracts national attention as Oregon's 'Outstanding ...
Hillsboro Argus - OregonLive.com, OR - 26 minutes ago
Experience Works, the nation's largest provider of training and employment services for older workers, recently recognized Ross Roe, 80, ...
Ducks' Reed tops list at team awards EastOregonian.info (subscription)
all 2 news articles

OUR VIEW: Our teachers, our neighbors, we honor you
SouthCoastToday.com, MA - 14 hours ago
Inspirational teachers not only challenge students to achieve, but instill in them life lessons and the love of learning. To recognize the special place ...
"Teacher of Year" nominations accepted South Coast Today
all 3 news articles

guardian.co.uk

Inspirational Ronaldo wins global award
Daily Nation, Kenya - 1 hour ago
By REUTERSPosted Tuesday, December 2 2008 at 18:36 Manchester United and Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d’Or on Tuesday after ...
Why the Ballon D'or is Stupid and Quite Possibly Evil Buzzle
all 766 news articles

Duck Awards Banquet
The Oregonian - OregonLive.com, OR - Dec 1, 2008
Sunday night Nick Reed was named team MVP, Jeremiah Johnson was given the Most Inspirational Player Award, and Terence Scott was given the Most Improved ...

Voice of America

As proud African American, Rice calls Obama 'inspirational'
AFP - Nov 5, 2008
WASHINGTON (AFP) — US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday called President-elect Barack Obama "inspirational," saying his election marked "an ...
Video: Rice Congratulates Obama on Victory AssociatedPress
Rice calls Obama "inspirational", promises smooth transition Hindustan Times
Rice Pledges Full Support for Obama Staff Transition at State ... Voice of America
The Daily Voice - Metro Boston
all 321 news articles

Resources