John Wooden, UCLA's Hall of Fame basketball coach, says: "Too often we get distracted by what's outside our control. The door to the past has been shut and the key thrown away. And you can't do anything about tomorrow; it is yet to come. However, tomorrow is determined by what you do today. So make today a masterpiece."

Good morning! I have an interesting challenge for you to try today or on Monday. (Don't try it on the weekend or while off during the holiday--try it on a day that is "representative" of your normal day.")

Here's how it works. Every two hours... take a 5 minute break. Write down how much time (percentage-wise ... a rough estimate was fine) you spent:

1. Thinking, fretting or regretting the past
2. Worrying or thinking about the future
3. Worrying about something that is happening today, or something outside of your control
4. Taking positive, forward action today or enjoying the moment

Print that little challenge out and tape it to your planner on your next "representative day" so that you don't forget.
Why is this important? Well this simple "math problem" equals the amount of contentment and happiness you are creating in your life. If you spend 80% of your waking hours on the top three items, you should only expect to reach 20% of your "happiness level." If you spend 50% of your time on the top three items, you can reach 50% of your happiness level for that specific day.

Your turn:
When we wonder why we feel stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, depressed or "hopeless," this is a good practice to revisit. This "calculation" holds our answer. Make a concerted effort to redirect yourself to positive, forward action when you catch yourself engaging in the top three thought patterns. Our goal should be to be taking positive, forward action at least 90% of the time.

Your affirmation:
I let go of the past, I am not anxious about tomorrow...
Instead I trust in today, and enjoy today, living life to the fullest.
 

Challenge Life!

Brook Noel