By: Trina Johnson
There is always someone around who can give you a tip for dealing with whatever is going on in your life. Here are seven of my favorite tips for a healthy, happy, and productive life.
Tip #1: Become a Sponge. Keep your mind open and keep stuffing it with new information. Absorb as much as you possibly can. Listen to what other people tell you about their struggles and their triumphs. Listen to your friends, your family, your neighbors, your pastor, your service providers—anyone you cross paths with. Write down things that stand out. Never stop learning.
Tip #2: Divide Your Earnings into Different Buckets. From your very first allowance or paycheck, it’s important that you develop the habit of allocating your money. Out of every dollar you earn, you should set aside a portion for savings, a portion for your personal use, and a portion for living needs. As you grow up, you should be setting aside money for taxes, for your children, or future family needs. Allocating every dollar is daunting at first, but it is easier than you think once you get into the habit.
Tip #3: Personal, Spiritual, and Professional Development Are Non-Negotiable. If you do nothing else, take some time every day to read or listen to something that feeds your mind and soul with positivity, motivation, and knowledge. Even ten minutes a day can make a tremendous difference in your life. Deliberately put yourself in situations that stress you out or make you uncomfortable because they will help you learn and grow. Do NOT neglect your own growth. Tip #4: Stay in your lane. Set your goals, develop your plan of action, and go after it doggedly. Do not get distracted by what others are doing or saying. Focus on where you are going and what you can do to get there. Rely on yourself more than you depend on others. No one can get you to where you want to go better than you can.
Tip #5: Surround Yourself with Good People. Life is too hard to try to deal with a crazy, unmotivated, ungrateful, naysaying crowd. Find people who will support and encourage you. They are out there. You just need to get out and find them. And once you find them, hang on to them for dear life. Develop those relationships that nurture and challenge you. You are often a reflection of the five people you spend the most time with, so choose your associates wisely.
Tip #6: Take care of yourself FIRST. You cannot take care of others when you are running on empty. Deliberately take time to take care of YOU. Make sure you are eating well, getting enough sleep and exercise, and are taking some “me time” on occasion. Take a nap. Sip a glass of wine in the bathtub. Get a massage. Have a date night with your hubby. Recharge your batteries regularly. You’ll never regret it.
Tip #7: Learn to be grateful. Look for the silver lining in every situation. Yes, sometimes bad things happen to good people—and it is painful—but there is always a purpose. You may not see it right away, but you will if you keep looking. Keep your eyes toward heaven and you will find comfort and peace.
Katryna Johnson, J.D., aka Trina, owns Mirelli Entrepreneur Training for Women. Her passion for helping women came from seeing her law clients broken and demoralized after divorce. She helps women build confidence, take responsibility, and launch businesses. She wholeheartedly believes women who help other women succeed will change the world. Find out more at www.MirelliETC.com