Six Tips for a Successful Life

These are 6 valuable tips that I have learned over the years. These tips represent what I would want all young people that I come in contact with to know. I believe these tips will build self-esteem and make you transform into a more interesting person.

1. Nurture yourself

• Get a massage from a professional masseuse or a student of the technique. I used to live near to a school that was training students in cosmetology and massage therapy.  Some of the best massages, manicures and pedicures that I ever received were from the students at that school.  And the cost was reasonable.

2. Surround yourself with positive friends 

• These are the people that will lift you up when you are down. These are the people who offer positive criticism.  These are the people that will benefit from you being you.  In other words, you don’t have to change yourself to be with them. They will accept you just as you are; quirks and all.
• Take a break from the negativity in the news media every now and then. 

3. Read and broaden your horizon

• Join the public library.  Borrow books, read the newspapers and magazines for free. 
• Read books about other cultures. Let me recommend this blog http://www.okebookclub.blogspot.com. Search for Multicultural books or Book Club Selections.

4. Speak up

• Find your voice. Have an opinion and speak up in a positive and gentle manner.  Don’t be offensive.  Don’t mumble.
• If you are shy, find a toastmasters club near you. Check www.toastmasters.org.  The club provides a supportive environment where you can practice to speak up in public.  The cost is manageable and would be a good investment in yourself.

5. Spend some time helping someone

• Help the elderly or be a mentor to young children.   You can find ways to help through your church, temple or wherever.  You can join a service club.  

6. Take time out to reassess your life

• Some people do this once a year and call it making resolutions.  You don’t have to wait until the new year.  Do you have anger issues?  Do you have issues with loneliness?  Do you want to lose weight? Anytime is a good time to look at your personal issues, your personal goals, work goals or whatever, and make changes.
• Decide to live a heathy lifestyle.  Reexamine your exercise goals. What unhealthy foods can you eliminate?  What healthy foods can you add to your diet?
• Eliminate clutter.  Make sure you buy what you need and you have a place to store it. Do you need another gadget in your home to hang your clothes on?  If you buy it; use it.  If you stop using it; sell it or donate it.
• Travel and appreciate the similarities and differences between states, regions, and countries. Some community colleges, some banks and some churches offer opportunities to travel outside of your little area.