5. Stop Reading, Start Doing: We live in an amazing world of information. Most people have access to more choices and information than they've ever had. Even our children are faced with decisions based on their broader ability to receive information. But. information without action is useless. Stop looking for a Quick Fix in next book. Put information you already have to work in your life. Ask yourself, "What can I do today to start to build up a reserve (of cash, of time, of food, of friends) that will help me live without fear?"

6. Stop Analyzing, Start Living. A lot of psycho- babble teaches us that we need to know "why" about our behavior before we can address it. And "why" can sometimes help correct a problem, or give you a reason for your action.. But most of what we all do on a daily basis is not product of some deep dark psychological reason. It's habit. Change your habits, and you'll change your life. Change your attitude and you'll change your life. Change your environment and you'll change your life. Ask yourself, "What habit is biggest obstacle to achieving my goals?"

7. Ask For What You Want. It's time to stop expecting other people to read your mind. Think about how frustrating it is for you when someone expects you to know what they are thinking. It's just a set up for failure. Be willing to ask concisely, pleasantly, and honestly for what you want and need in your life. Ask yourself, "Do I expect people in my life to 'justknow' what I need and want? Am I able to do that for other people on a 99% correct basis? No! So I will respect others by telling them what I need, and asking them to tell me as well."

We need to approach each new relationship with an open mind and a willingness to see and learn about this new partner, boss, co-worker or friend with new eyes. Sure, you have learned valuable lessons in past that will help you make good decisions, however, it is unfair to generalize behaviors of one person when meeting someone new.

Sometimes a person in your life makes some changes for positive. She is working hard to be different, to respond differently, to improve an area of her life. Open yourself to possibility of seeing her differently. Give her space to change. Notice changes. Both of you will benefit.

Everything has meaning that you give it. A driver cuts in front of you on freeway. One day, you can be angry and curse driver for being such a complete idiot. Another day, you can simply say, ‘Oh, maybe, she’s late for a very important appointment’ and let it go. That’s choosing how you see things, your perception. The second approach saves wear and tear on your energy, your nerves and your sense of well-being.

One day a colleague at work is quiet, uncommunicative and sullen. You can decide that that person is childish, angry, pouting or difficult. You may then ignore him or treat him coldly. Or, you might decide that something very difficult has happened to them and ask if you can help in some way. You may simply be compassionate towards them and give them space and peace to recover. It’s a choice.

Life goes along much better when you take responsibility for your choices. You will not be looking for someone to blame for your mood, your responses or your actions. You choose meaning things have and, in that light, you choose your responses. You are powerful. Every moment of every day you are deciding how to view your world. Exercise your power to choose. See things positively. It’s your choice.