35 Steps to a Better Life

What I’m going to share with you today is a version of a popular email forward. The author is unknown. But because the advice is so simple and foundational, it’s probably worth reviewing again.

What strikes you will be dependent upon what’s going on in your life.  I hope what sticks with you will be the thing you need to work on.

Simple Steps to a Good Life

1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say NO to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more.
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do, and let go of the anxiety. If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You every day.
16. Carry a spiritually enlightening book with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Eat right.
18. Get your mail, papers and files organized.
19. Listen to a CD or MP3 (or the Focus on the Family radio program!) while driving that can help improve your quality of life…
20. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
21. Every day, find time to be alone.
22. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray.
23. Make friends with Godly people.
24. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
25. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good ‘Thank you GOD.’
26. Laugh.
27. Laugh some more!
28. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
29. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
30. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
31. Sit on your ego.
32. Talk less; listen more.
33. Slow down.
34. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
35. Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before.

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Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, marriage, parenting May 20, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura