Often when I'm at Kroger, (an institution on receiving end of all my gratitude and money) I grab extra little surprises for my daughters - whether it's Ice Cream, Nerds, Runts, a new magazine whatever. I usually grab these treats even before I begin actual shopping. One of reasons they're so FUN to buy things for is because they're always so grateful. They say "Thanks!" with a smile in their voice immediately upon receipt and never, ever fail to mention it again later in day.

If they hadn't always been so incredibly thankful, I doubt I'd be such a walking Willy Wonka expert right now! It's just rewarding to do things for people who appreciate it. Everyone's a winner, everybody feels good.

I've seen far too many kids who, when given something by a parent or grandparent take it as though it's least adult could've done. They're countenance says, "I had that coming." Were I adults in question, my countenance would have plenty to say in response!

Once at a baseball game I couldn't hold my tongue. Okay, truth be known, I didn't actually try, so I don't know whether I could or not. A player left his stretching routine to come over and sign a ball for an obnoxious autograph-seeking 12 year old. The player smiled, said "How you doing, buddy?" and signed his name. The kid (nor his mom!) ever uttered a word, boy just watched ball and mom just watched young man in uniform. After he gave ball back to kid, mom and son turned to leave. I said, "What should you say?" to which kid muttered a "Thanks" over his shoulder. The mom just looked bewildered (can't blame her I guess, it was a really tough question). The player and I exchanged looks and he said, "They hardly ever say thank you." How many shades of wrong is that?!

Not only should we, as adults, be more gracious, we need to start demanding it from our young people. Otherwise, future will be full of ungrateful, unthankful, sour-faced individuals who think world owes them rather than thinking they owe world.

The thought should keep you up at nights.

6. Resolve your "mind irritations." Watch your busy brain. Maybe a call you need to make has been bothering you, just below consciousness. Find these stressors, and do something to let them go. For example, make that call, or put it on a list, and your mind will let go of it for now. Just seeing a problem and saying, "There's nothing I can do about this until Friday," will often stop unconscious worrying.

7. Don't drink alcohol. At least don't drink too much. While moderate amounts can be conducive to creative thinking, all evidence says that it is bad for long-term health of your brain.

8. Make decisions quickly. Nothing gets in way of clear thinking like a dozen decisions hanging around unmade. If nothing else, decide when you'll make decision.

9. Get some fresh air. Go outside and breath deeply through your nose. You'll get a good dose of oxtgen to your brain, and change of surroundings can help clear your mind.

10. Satisfy your physical needs. Clear thinking is easier if you aren't too hungry, thirsty, or hot.

You can think more clearly starting today. There are certainly more than ten ways, but you really only need to make a few of them a habit to have a more powerful brain. Why not try one or two right now?