Andrew Rondeau

Andrew is the owner of this website and has been a Leader, Manager, Coach and Consultant for the last twenty-five years.

I recently posted (Happy with your 2007? Will your 2008 be better?) about how to reflect on 2007 and start to make plans for 2008.

So how are the first few weeks of 2008 going for you? Here are 5 ways you can make things better in 2008: 

Count your blessings

This is certainly the advice of Tal Ben-Shahar, a Harvard University psychologist, who has written a self-help book (Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment) detailing some simple ways to make your life happier. He advices to focus on the positive: take a couple of minutes a day to think about all the things we should be grateful for, starting with our health and that of our family and friends.

Simplify Your Life

Tal Ben-Shahar also points out that many of us feel so unhappy because out lives are cluttered with unnecessary chores. So turn off your mobile phone, only check your emails twice a day (max), go for a walk or just do nothing!

Take Exercise

Are we too physically idle? Just 30 minutes of exercise 3 or 4 times a week is enough to lift your spirits.

Take Pleasure In Simple Tasks

Do you get a sense of satisfaction when you complete something? Maybe a puzzle, a crossword, making a lavish dinner. Do something simple and take pleasure from it.

Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals is far better than not setting any at all or wanting to climb Mount Everest. Make small goals, take small steps to achieve them, achieve them, praise yourself and celebrate, then set some more small goals

Try the five ideas and see if they make a difference.

Here’s my goals for 2008 and how I am doing so far:

1. Create four new product offerings for my web business.

I am on track to launch one new product at the end of January – an audio product with 15 very successful individuals sharing their secrets and tips on being a success (you can see more details here - http://www.greatsuccessfulpeople.com/ ).

I have teamed up with a Hypnotherapist to create a second product and the subject is Public Speaking. This will be launched in February / March.

2. Set-up four joint ventures for my web business.

One is underway with the Hypnotherapist as stated above.

3. Increase my web clients / customers and earnings ten-fold.

Well it’s a bit early to say – I think I shall have to wait and see how my new product launches go!

4. Take my wife out on a date two times every month.

This is a fun one. We have been out once so far and we visited a local comedy club – a great night out. You have to have some fun, don’t you?

5. Actually go on holiday - somewhere nice and hot (haven't had a holiday in 2 years!).

 My sister has just purchased a house in Thailand and she has invited us to stay – so I think we are doing well on this one. I am getting excited already about going on holiday.

6. Get into the habit of exercising 3 times a week for at least 20 minutes.

This one is going really well (at the moment). I am determined to loose some weight – I need to! My wife and I are now playing badminton once a week, we have joined a Latin dance club and that is once a week, as well. I also have been going to the gym twice a week. So I do feel good about this one.

7. Read one new book every month - either a self-development or autobiography.

I have just finished Allan Leighton’s book, On Leadership: Practical Wisdom From The People Who Know.

I have been fortunate enough to hear Allen Leighton speak and actually interview Allan for my new product, - http://www.greatsuccessfulpeople.com/ The book is very much like his presentation and interview style; to the point, succinct and straight talking. He does not over complicate issues and the books features fascinating and amazing stories on leadership from senior business people like James Dyson, Rupert Murdoch and Philip Green.

8. Give something back via charity.

I have decided that 100% of the net profits from the Great Successful People product will be given to a Breast cancer charity. Therefore, I hope to raise lots of money!

How are you doing? Let us know.

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