At a time when many feel compelled to spend more money (perhaps more than they can afford) yet feel they have less time, it’s important to focus on deeper meaning and spirit of holidays. Now and in days to come, regroup and refocus your energies to give most priceless gift you always have to offer – YOU. Truly most wonderful gifts of year are heartfelt, so here are a few you can offer whole year through.

1. Create A Moment Moments are magical times when someone later turns and says, “Remember time we…” Moments don’t just happen; they’re created. Moments are gifts that keep on giving and that can be relived at any time over and over again.

2. Unconditional Love and Friendship No judging, no gossiping, no criticizing – No Kidding!

3. A Random Act of Kindness Give of yourself daily. Acts both small and large count - choose to donate your time, energy, or money. You can experience even greater gratification if you don’t tell a soul.

4. The Gift of Time * Time with yourself to reflect and grow * Time with others to develop and build powerful relationships * Time given to others that empowers them to expand their greatness

5. The Gift of Respect Respect for yourself and others empowers you to value beauty inside and out. Value beauty of your relationships by infusing them with respect and honoring them with your time.

I encourage you to start today - share any or all of these gifts with yourself, family, friends, or colleagues. Remember, most wonderful gift of all is gift that keeps on giving!

I would say that it would - So here's your homework for today... Ugghhh, I never was that great of a student, and so I must tell you that even hearing that word homework, gives me shivers as I'm sure it did some of you... Even so, like I said before, self-improvement is a hands on project so it's worth getting over it and now embracing view that you are a life long learner.

I did, and I can tell you - I've been infinitely better for it as I'm certain you will as well. It really is just a shift in your thinking from - I'm not a good student to - I enjoy learning for what it will make of me. Simple? Of course, but I'm living proof that simplicity is often all it takes.

So here's what I'll ask you to do....

Copy following quote again on a 3x5 index card - or somewhere you can keep it handy and not lose it:

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily" - Zig Ziglar.

Read that several times a day. Also, choose to read something or listen to something of a positive nature at least three times a day - preferably, morning, noon and evening. What would be even better is if you could immediately counter any and all negative experiences with something positive.

Given events of most people's days this isn't always feasible, but it can pay dividends and is worth attempting. The big thing to keep in mind here is that no matter how great any idea or advice is, unless YOU choose to implement it and give it a fair shot to work its magic in your life you're not going to get results.

Let me say that again - because it's that important!

YOU have to be a part of your own success journey. If you want to see real lasting change for better in your life, you've got to be biggest part of process.

So simply knowing that you can offset your negative feelings by introducing positive thoughts into your mind simply isn't enough. No - you've got to actually do it - it's going to mean keeping that motivational book, or tape handy to refer to when you need to. It might mean stopping what you're doing at moment or even scheduling yourself (and sticking to it) sometime to take in positive or motivational material.

Like dieting, or exercising, developing a positive mental attitude is a choice. It requires nurturing. It's not always immediate, but if you will work on it, and cultivate it you will see results. And those around you will as well.

To Your Success, Josh Hinds

(c) 2004