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On the Lighter Side

Written by: Dr. Rick Johnson

Article Overview: What a tough year. I am sure most of you are glad it is over. The recession has had an impact on every one of us. But, now is the time to look back and be grateful; grateful for who you are and who you want to become. December, unlike years of the past was very busy for me. This is only because in prior years I always took the month of December off. This year due to the tough economy that just didn't seem like a good option. So, I spent time in Cleveland, Dallas, Tampa and Montreal. I froze in Cleveland & Montreal, didn't take a coat to Dallas and should have and I went to Tampa during Florida's coldest temperatures in years. Over the holidays Tracy and I visited friends in South Carolina and got to see a calf born on a cattle ranch and took our dog to the ocean. (It was way to cold to even consider swimming.)

On the Lighter Side

Wow! 2009 has come to an end.

What a tough year. I am sure most of you are glad it is over. The recession has had an impact on every one of us. But, now is the time to look back and be grateful; grateful for who you are and who you want to become. December, unlike years of the past was very busy for me. This is only because in prior years I always took the month of December off. This year due to the tough economy that just didn't seem like a good option. So, I spent time in Cleveland, Dallas, Tampa and Montreal. I froze in Cleveland & Montreal, didn't take a coat to Dallas and should have and I went to Tampa during Florida's coldest temperatures in years. Over the holidays Tracy and I visited friends in South Carolina and got to see a calf born on a cattle ranch and took our dog to the ocean. (It was way to cold to even consider swimming.)

A highlight for me was the fact that Tracy's Mom spent the entire month in Washington with Tracy's sister. It was like a vacation since I often accuse her Mom of being the "Tail on the Dog." So, another year has come and gone; a tough but challenging year for most of you. But, I hope you still got as much enjoyment out of doing what you do as I did doing what I do. Attitude is the key to everything. Being positive and believing in ourselves allows us to dream and accomplish things. It creates an opening for new beginnings. 2010 will likely bring on more change. My wish for every Howl Newsletter Subscriber in 2010 is that:

• You dare to dream

• You quit doubting

• You enjoy the summer rain

• You abandon can't & maybe

• You remember that you are loved and by whom

• You listen more attentively

• That you become a broker of hope and success

• You increase your capacity to succeed

• You find more time for family

• You seek to better understand yourself

• You work on your personal leadership model

• You believe in yourself and that nothing is impossible

This is the time of year to embrace your real values. And don't forget your spiritual values whatever they may be. This is the time of the year that we need to reflect on all the positives in our lives. This is the time to reflect on how fortunate we have been in our business, our careers and our families. No matter how far we have gone in life, no matter how successful we have become, we should never forget where we came from. Remember, we are the creators of our own experience. Never forget this and our own empowerment will grow exponentially. Control your thoughts and you control your attitude which controls your actions. Your thoughts are powerful and they can dramatically impact your happiness, your success and your enjoyment of life. We all have a choice in how we react and treat each other. As Joel Osteen often says "You can choose to be a victim or you can choose to be a victor". It's up to each and every one of us.

Happy New Year and here's to a bountiful & successful 2010.

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Article Tags: economy, holidays, leadership, recession



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