Ten Key Strategies
                                for Becoming
        Successful, Happy, Healthy and Wealthy

Here are some thoughts for finding and experiencing total fulfilment—success in every area of your life. If there were one thing I could wish for my family, friends and the readers of this Ezine, it would be the feeling of joy in everything they do!

Key Strategy 1.) Know Your Purpose

Nothing will bring you joy more than knowing what it is that you are about on this earth—knowing who you are and where you are going. When you know your purpose each day brings you closer to it and each day has meaning. Each day has an amazing energy when you are moving toward that purpose. Not knowing brings vagueness, lack of direction, sadness, wondering, lack of energy, fear and lack of fulfilment. Above all, find out what your unique purpose is here on this earth—then fulfil it! As you do, you will experience the joy of true living!  Almost every purpose involves the influence of finances.  Here are four ancient but well known and well proven principles for achieving financial wealth:

1.      Give away 10% of your income, just to prove to yourself that money doesn’t own you, and for the good you can do.

2.      Save and Invest 10% of your income. This is your retirement fund.

3.      Keep for yourself 10% of your income. Your psyche demands something for the effort you make, or it will refuse to perform. (You may choose to contribute this temporarily to one of the other divisions of your income to meet some target. If done, this should always be a choice never a habit.)

4.      Use the 70% left to pay for all of your living expenses .

The principles above are place to start. I could introduce you to people who give away in excess of 50% of their income and live millionaire lifestyles on amounts as small as 20% or less.

Key Strategy 2.) Live Purposefully

This is a natural flow on from number one. It is one thing to know your purpose, but then you need to live according to that purpose. This is where you act—set your priorities and your goals to give direction and movement towards the dream. Let your actions and schedule reflect your purpose. When you react to circumstances and let them cause you to live beneath your purpose, it is easy to loose sight of the dream. You eliminate frustration when you live purposefully and at the end of each day this will bring you deep satisfaction and joy!

Key Strategy 3.) Stretch Yourself

Don't settle into the status quo which will leave you unfulfilled. Always look to stretch the envelope of your life that causes you to grow and extend the boundaries of your comfort zone. Whatever you are doing, stretch yourself to do a little extra! Remember that Olympic records are often made by .001 of a second.  The little extra effort each day makes you capable of more and more.  It gives you the slight edge. Stretching yourself will break the limits you have set for yourself and will cause you to find joy in the view of your expanded horizons!

Key Strategy 4.) Have an Attitude of Gratitude

Each morning before you start your day, list in a diary or a journal 10 things that you are grateful for.  This sets your day up to be positive as you look to all the good things that have come your way.  For example: I am grateful that I live in Australia, a land of opportunity where I can choose to become anyone I aspire to be. As I list my grateful things, this appreciation brings me joy and balance. When you are grateful you will find yourself smiling more throughout your day.

Key Strategy 5.) Be a People Builder

It is so easy in life to find fault, to focus on the problem or the negative situation.  But if you decide to appreciate and build people and always look for the good and benefit of every situation, life is happier.  As the song says “Always look on the bright side of life.” I love crossing paths with the cleaner at the shopping mall and telling him or her how much I appreciate the work they do to make the mall such a lovely place to shop.  Their shocked look is a treat for me and it sure makes their day.  Make a point of giving away or sending 3 or more little thankyou cards, or appreciation notes each day.  An email I recently received talked about the impact of giving away ‘blue ribbons’ on which was printed “What you do makes a difference”. Let the people you love, or perhaps work for you, know you care.

Key Strategy 6.) Give More Than You Take

While it may bring happiness to accumulate, it brings joy to share and give. Sure, getting the car you worked hard for will bring you a sense of satisfaction and even happiness. But it won't bring you joy. Random acts of kindness. Giving something away to the less fortunate will bring you deep, abiding joy.  Give anonymously! It can become a fun game to make a difference in the lives of another. If you want to really enhance every part of your life, find a way to give more than your money. The regular giving of your time and perhaps your skills or expertise to some needy cause will not only benefit others but revolutionize your thinking and impact your life hugely.

Key Strategy 7.) Surprise Yourself and Others Too

The words here are spontaneity and surprise! Every once in a while, do the unexpected. It will cause everybody to sit back and say, "Wow! Where did that come from?" It will put a little joy in your life, and theirs. Invite people over for a meal, perhaps try a new recipe, or eat dessert first sometimes! Call someone up for an “I was just thinking of you” chat. Leave love notes for your partner to find in really unusual places!

Key Strategy 8.) Celebrate and Reward Yourself For Achieving a Goal

Indulgence for the sake of indulgence has no joy and you are caught in the happiness trap -- looking for the next purchase, celebration, etc., to bring you a little happiness. But if you will allow yourself a reward indulgence for a job well done and a life well lived, you will appreciate the indulgence and experience the joy of it.

Key Strategy 9.) Laugh-a-Lot!

Let the endorphins loose in your body. They are really great therapy for the immune system. We need to learn to laugh at ourselves. Most people take themselves far too seriously. Learn to laugh daily, even if you have to learn to laugh in bad situations. This life is to be enjoyed! Laughter is contagious—spread it around! The next time you go to the movie rental store, get a comedy and let loose! Let yourself laugh!

Key Strategy 10.) Be Happy For No Reason

Happiness is a decision. I tried being depressed and it sucks! I am happy that I woke up today. I choose my thoughts and I choose to see the glass half full and find the good in everything.  There is always a seed of benefit in every situation even though sometimes we can’t see it immediately. As I am happy, I find that I can stay calm in some of the most amazing situations. And then they don’t turn out to be as bad as some thought they could!

Bonus Strategy 11.) Eat Foods That Build Your Body

My body is the vehicle to take me through life and since I want a great ride I put the right fuel in for maximum performance.  I look after my body by eating foods that nourish my cells and I enjoy a little exercise each day to keep the muscles healthy! I am not fanatical, but is sure feels good to have the endurance for a good day of shopping!

Download this PDF file to help establish the next action steps to take...

 The Wheel of Life

Joy can be yours! Look for it, pursue it and enjoy it!

YourWealthCoach,
Yvonne

Yvonne.