My grandfather always told me – anything worth doing was worth doing well. How often do we allow mediocrity to creep into our work place and personal life? How often do you accept “good enough”. I want to share some important advice my grandfather gave to me growing up….Good Better Best, Never Let It Rest Until Good Becomes Better, & Better Becomes Best

So ask yourself- did you bring your “A” Game today? Are you striving for excellence or just
“good enough”? In today’s competitive market – just good enough will not bring you the desired outcomes. My grandfather passed away almost 20 years ago, but his words of wisdom stick with me. I wear his class ring as a reminder “Good Enough, does not live with me”!
~ Amy

As things get tougher, it is time to concentrate on what really matters: our faith, family, friends, health, and our freedom. It is time to get clear on what is important to you.

Here are seven suggestions to help you with that:

1. Know your values. Live each day giving them your fullest attention. Examples of values are respect, family, leadership, teaching and service.

2. Ask the tough question: “Who have I hurt along the way in my life?” Find them now and ask for forgiveness, even if they are in the wrong.

3. Ask yourself the tougher question: “If I die tomorrow, what will I regret doing?” Stop whatever it may be, now!

4. Ask yourself the toughest question: “If I die tomorrow, what will I regret not doing?” Start doing it, now!

5. Learn to see the big picture. Remember the phrase, You can’t see the forest for the trees. If you begin to look at the trees, the forest will become clearer.

6. Examine your life for the amount of emotional baggage you carry. If you could weigh it, how much would it weigh?Unburden yourself from that load.

7. Transform your regrets. By viewing past mistakes as a learning experience, you can eliminate guilt and reap the rewards of a hard-earned education.

Provided by Susan Depue, On Target Marketing Coach 615-312-7238 susan@ontargetmarketingcoach.com www.ontargetmarketingcoach.com

Focus is a habit that serves us well in our business and in our personal lives. In these trying times, it is important for us to get and stay focused.

Here are 9 tips to help us develop and reinforce this habit of focus:

1. Find your life’s passion and allow it to become the guiding force behind the priorities in your life.

2. Save five minutes at the end of each day for planning. You’ll begin tomorrow with a clear action plan.

3. Live your life in the moment. There may never be another moment – this time is what you have. Savor it.

4. Make a “to-do” list each day and work from it. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the items are completed.

5. Tackle your most dreaded task first. Getting it out of the way will make for a much smoother day.

6. Create an environment with no distraction. Turn off everything that has a screen or a ringer and see what you can accomplish in five minutes.

7. Develop laser-like focus by answering this question and taking action: “What is the one thing that I can do to better my world?” Then do it!

8. List the distraction in your life (e.g. stained carpet, a broken hinge, a draining relationship, etc.). Eliminate these and you will be free to focus.

9. Pick a personal theme for the year and post it in a conspicuous spot. Next year, pick a new theme!

Provided by Susan Depew, On Target Marketing Coach 615-312-7238 susan@ontargetmarketingcoach.com www.ontargetmarketingcoach.com

Investor’s Business Daily has spent years analyzing leaders and successful people in all walks of life. Most have 10 traits that, when combined, can turn dreams into reality.

1. How You Think Is Everything: Always be positive. Think success, not failure. Beware of a negative environment.

2. Decide Upon Your True Dreams And Goals: Write down your specific goals and develop a plan to reach them.

3. Take Action: Goals are nothing without action. Don’t be afraid to get started. Just do it.

4. Never Stop Learning: Go back to school or read books. Get training and acquire skills.

5. Be Persistent And Work Hard: Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Never give up.

6. Learn To Analyze Details: Get all the facts, all the input. Learn from your mistakes.

7. Focus Your Time And Money: Don’t let other people or things distract you.

8. Don’t Be Afraid To Innovate; Be Different: Following the herd is a sure way to mediocrity.

9. Deal And Communicate With People Effectively: No person is an island. Learn to understand and motivate others.

10. Be Honest And Dependable; Take Responsibility: Otherwise, Numbers 1-9 won’t matter.

This nugget was gleaned from: Investor’s Business Daily and Carol Webster, one of our readers and the owner of Cassel International, provided this nugget to us.

Provided by Susan Depew, On Target Marketing Coach 615-312-7238 susan@ontargetmarketingcoach.com www.ontargetmarketingcoach.com