Tips for success - tagged again!

Sania Wyatt has tagged me for inclusion in an interactive research project known as "Simply Successful Secrets". I’m more than happy to take part and I am really honoured to be included in Sandra’s list which contains some really excellent Authors.

If you’ve not already checked out Sania’s blog it really is worth visiting. She is a very brave and special person and is an inspiration to all of us.

So on to the tag, I have to: -

“Compose a new blog post listing the top 5 to 10 things that you do almost every day that help you to be successful. They can be anything at all, but they have to be things that you do at least 4 or 5 times every week. Anything less than that may be a hobby that helps you out, but we are after the real day in and day out habits that help you to be successful.”

In answer to the instruction I include the following

1. Listen – whether this is to my kids talking about school, other people’s opinions, strangers in the street or even overheard snatches of conversation. The messages and pointers are all there for you if only you’d take the time to really listen.

2. Give Affection – I tell the people I care about that I love them, cuddle my children, kiss my grandmother goodbye when I call round, shake hands with my friends or just smiling at people I don’t know. A little love and light can go a long way.

3. Research – this could be reading a book, talking to people with specialist knowledge, following leads on the internet or canvassing opinion. I’d feel that a day had been wasted if I went to bed without actively pursuing more knowledge.

4. Gain experience – trying it out for yourself and being ‘out there’ is the only way to provide the opportunity for the magic to happen. I’m a firm believer that ‘Life isn’t going to come knocking on your door’ – you have to meet it at least half way.

5. Open up – not being afraid to show you have feelings. I let people know when they’ve made me feel good or inspired me in some way and I will always give those who hurt me a chance to make amends.

6. Help others – Unconditionally is the only way or otherwise you’ll often end up being disappointed. Go out of your way to help other people realise their dreams and you’ll be surprised about the results.

7. Share ideas – how do I know that the little bit I’ve found out isn’t the missing piece or connection that is needed by someone else. I don’t want to take that risk and always try to share what I know in the hope of inspiring others.

8. Have some ‘me’ time – when my family is tucked up in bed is when I grab some ‘me’ time each day. Meditating, reading, watching TV or getting on the Net – it doesn’t matter as long as you grab a little time for you. I used to give everything and this only left me feeling resentment and losing touch with who I was.

9. Pause – something I’ve had to learn is to pause before answering, reacting or some other fine way of putting my foot in it. This has worked excellently in giving me the time to calm down and give a rational and well thought out reply.

10. Check my e-mail – you never know who has dropped you a line or updated their blog unless you have a look. I make sure I try and check mine each day.

I’m going to send this on to Slade of ‘

Shift your Spirits’ and Jeff Lilly who is the author of DruidJournal.net. I’d really like to see what they’d make of this.

Take care, keep smiling, search for truth, be the change

Damian