When is the last time you asked yourself that question? Ever? Start each day with at least one important question. Better yet, start each day by asking, thinking about and answering three questions.
What am I thankful for today? You don’t need to make this a complete list, but the more items you appreciate the fewer things you’ll take for granted. It’s hard to be in or stay in a bad mood when you start your day with thanks-giving and appreciation. Some things are almost too easy but then they too easily are ignored as well. I’m thankful for my wife and the love that surrounds my life. I’m thankful for my health and want to make sure I do some things today to ensure I’m treating my body right. I’m thankful that I get to do the things I love to do so that I’m not just making a living, but I’m making a life.
Where am I? Okay, many of us may wake up with this question but what I mean is “am I here, now?” If I wake up regretting something done or undone from the day before, I’m not present. I’m living in a past that no longer exists. If I wake up worrying about making a deadline and have moved my thoughts to the fantasy of consequences that I make up for it, then I’m not present. I’m then living in a future which does not exist. Ask yourself,”Where am I?” and bring yourself to the present moment. This moment is the only reality that is. This moment is the important moment. It is your defining moment. Let go of regrets and let go of worry. Both are signposts for you that you have left the present moment and are living in a fantasy world of suffering. Live in the now in all of its perfection and in all of its delicious ambiguity.
What is the most important thing you will do today? Is it really checking your email? Watching the morning news show? Is it updating your Facebook profile and vicariously living the lives of your friends there? If you are in sales, the most important thing may be solving your clients’ problems or deepening and strengthening relationships. It may be to grow your own professional knowledge and skills so that you can differentiate yourself from your competition. It may be to learn more about what your customers need and figuring out ways to be more relevant and more valuable. Start each day by engaging the most important activities first. Prioritize and remember—do the important things before the urgent things. Be your best now. Right now.
