Getting Back On Track

Not to get too personal here, but a while ago, my life became a little... or a lot... more confusing. Up became down, right became left, and I found myself making priorities out of the wrong things. I took a time out in December 2007 and January 2008, and I'm now finding myself TRYING to get back on track. It's not an easy process, but it's necessary... for a lot of people.

I was cleaning my place this morning, and came across a poster that used to be my favorite. I don't know how, but I somehow lost it in the disaster zone, also known as my apartment. It's a poster by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. The title of it is "21 Suggestions For Success." I wish I had framed this poster and hung it on my front door a long time ago, because remembering and living out a lot of the pointers would've made life so much easier.

Anyway, I know some of you aren't crazy about quotes and snippets, but Brown's suggestions can be useful if you want them to be. So without further ado, the 21 Suggestions For Success.

1) Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.

2) Work at something you enjoy and that's worthy of your time and talent.

3) Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

4) Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

5) Be forgiving of yourself and others.

6) Be generous.

7) Have a grateful heart.

8) Persistence, persistence, persistence.

9) Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.

10) Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

11) Commit yourself to constant improvement.

12) Commit yourself to quality.

13) Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.

14) Be loyal.

15) Be honest.

16) Be a self-starter.

17) Be decisive even if it means you'll sometimes be wrong.

18) Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.

19) Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did.

20) Take good care of those you love.

21) Don't do anything that wouldn't make your Mom proud.