Dare to Live Without Limits Week of 12/14/2020

How you start your day determines how your day goes. Starting you day with a positive attitude creates the foundation for a good day. But when you begin your day with a negative attitude, you set the stage for a problem filled day.
The way your day starts has a domino effect. You’ve had this experience. Something which goes wrong at the beginning of your day taints the rest of your day. Conversely, a day which starts off great has a protective impact on the rest of that day.
How you experience each day is not random, nor is it due to external factors. Your thoughts and actions influence the type of day you’ll have. Being proactive each day has a significant constructive impact on your wellbeing.
Starting each day in a positive manner has numerous benefits. When you have a good day, you are happier. Then, you look forward to each day. It’s nice knowing that you will have worthwhile experiences.
Your stress level drops. Less stress boosts your immune system, which improves your health. Lower stress enhances your reasoning ability, making handling problems easier. Being more relaxed also improves your interpersonal relationships as you are more pleasant and understanding.
Beginning each day with an attitude of gratitude gets you moving in the right direction. Being thankful for all of the blessings in your life allows you to appreciate all you have, while keeping problems in perspective.
Avoid negative influences. Watching the morning news inhibits your positive outlook. It’s virtually impossible to feel good after viewing all of the doom and gloom news stories. Stay off social media. Being exposed to other people’s problems and complaints poisons your mindset.
Read, watch, and listen to inspirational and motivational materials. Learn about highly successful, positive people. Utilize their techniques for starting off each day. They are great role models.
Exercise regularly. Exercise not only keeps you feeling good physically, it’s also a mood booster. Additionally, exercise reduces stress. Consistency is more important than how long you exercise. Just 15 minutes of exercise, four or five times a week, has a noticeable impact.
Smile, especially when you don’t feel like it. Smiling is proven to boost your mood by making you happier. Make smiling a habit at the start of, and throughout your day. People who smile regularly are happier.
Treat others with courtesy and consideration. If you want your day to go well, help other people improve their day. A kind word, or a considerate gesture has a significant positive impact. You receive what you give out. Radiating positive energy attracts the same.
Whenever possible, avoid stressful situations. Don’t engage with people who upset you, especially first thing in the morning. Don’t be offended by other’s behavior. You have no control over anyone else’s actions.
Eliminate negative self-talk and thoughts because they ruin your day. Tell yourself what you will accomplish each day, along with all of the things you are grateful for. Focus on the good in your life. Your thoughts program your mindset.
Planning to have fun each day gives you something additional to look forward to. Simple activities can be appealing. Have a nice meal. Connect with other positive people. Go for a walk. Spend time with your family. Anticipating enjoyable endeavors points you in a positive direction.
Cut free from the past. Don’t waste time lamenting what you could have done, should have done, or would have done. Focus on making the most of today. Live in the present moment. Start each day by looking forward to all of the opportunities ahead of you.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2020 Bryan Golden