What you watch. It’s a fact that what goes into your mind comes out in your life. Are you watching too much television? How about the quality? Discipline yourself to watch only quality, wholesome programming. Also, what about reducing your television intake 30-60 minutes per day and allocating this gain on constructive projects such as quality reading, family time, daily devotional, journaling?

What you listen to. What are you allowing to enter your mind through your ears? How would you rate the quality of music, radio and people that are currently influencing your life? What changes do you need to make? Why did Thomas Edison - the world’s greatest inventor - who was legally deaf, refuse the first hearing aid device? His reason, “I don’t want others’ opinions to affect my thinking.”

What you read. If you want to beat 95% of your competition, read one book per month on self-improvement. Less than 5% of the population reads one book per month on personal (significance) and professional (success)You’re either green and growing or ripe and rotting.

What you think about. This is probably the most powerful (positive and negative) force that influences your future. When you get up in the morning and look in the mirror, you see one of the following two people – your best friend or your worst enemy. It’s true that God don’t make junk, but we sure do a great job of beating ourselves up. Remember, the past doesn’t have a future, but you do.

Watch your thoughts, for they become your words.
Watch your words, for they become your actions.
Watch your actions, for they become your habits.
Watch your habits, for they become your character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

A final thought on the waste of worry: Worry is crabgrass of the soul.

Who you associate with. This is the big one! The single greatest influence on your life is the people you allow to influence you – your life will never be better than the average of the people you associate with. Show me your friends and I will show you your future. It is a proven fact that the quality of your life is a direct reflection of the quality of your relationships. Answer the following questions to determine the health of your relationships (friends, family members, business associates). Also, how would those you associate with answer the questions about you? Would they consider their relationship with you one to maintain?

1. Do you enjoy being with __________?

2. Do you trust __________?

3. Do you feel comfortable sharing your feelings with __________ without fear of retribution (gossiping)?

4. Does __________ listen without judging or offering advice?

5. Does __________ tell you what you need to hear, not necessarily what you want to hear?

6. Has the relationship with __________ improved the quality of your life?

7. Does __________ drain or energize your spirit?

8. Do you feel better after spending time with __________?