TOP TEN TIPS FOR MAKING 2011 YOUR BEST YEAR EVER:

Featured in AmEx OPEN Forum, January, 2011.

  1. DON'T PANIC. It's always OK in the end; if it's not OK, it's not the end.
  2. TAKE FOUR STEPS FORWARD: speak with four professionals who can help you grow your business. This may include a consultant, a physician or psychologist; perhaps a financial planner; realtor; educator; personal trainer.
  3. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYEES, FRIENDS AND FAMILY. In adverse situations, you always learn who your friends are, and who they aren't. Leave the ones that are not supportive behind. Embrace the ones that are.
  4. RESEARCH ALL THE POSSIBILITIES. Read books, visit the internet, and listen to tapes on topics relating to your industry. But also read or listen to books and tapes on things like fear, motivation, overcoming obstacles, etc.
  5. DO SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR YOURSELF. Treat yourself to something that will make you feel pampered: a massage, a change in hair color, buy a new outfit, or take a trip. You've worked hard and you deserve it.
  6. DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP. Instead, ask yourself, "What am I suppose to learn from my mistakes so far, and how might I do things differently?"
  7. REMEMBER: YOU ARE THE SOURCE OF YOUR HAPPINESS; not somebody else.
  8. SEEK EXERCISE DAILY. Start walking; join a health club; hire a personal trainer. Get exercise daily. It clears your mind, lifts your spirits and makes your body stronger.
  9. LEARN TO FORGIVE. Harboring negative feelings about past mistakes will only slow down the progress of moving forward. Gather the tools and skills to find forgiveness through your church/synagogue, counseling, books and tapes, family and friends.
  10. DON'T FORGET TO LAUGH! Laughter is still the best medicine!

Featured in AmEx OPEN Forum, January, 2011.