10 SUGGESTIONS FOR A MORE PRODUCTIVE YOU

Recently I received an e-mail that included suggestions for living life (author unknown). The e-mail made me think about attitudes and people skills that increase productivity. Here are my thoughts in a beginning list of ten suggestions.

1. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. Under promise and over deliver.

2. When you give something to someone, expect nothing in return. No expectation means no disappointment.

3. Remember to respect yourself, respect others, and take responsibility for what you say and do.

4. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, own up to it and do what you can do to correct it.

5. When you say, "I’m sorry,” mean it, and look the person in the eye. The words “I’m sorry” should be spoken when you intend to change your behavior…when you intend to try not to make the same mistake again.

6. When someone asks you a question you don’t want to answer, smile and turn the question back to them by saying something like, "What do you think about it?” … or, “Why do you want to know?"

7. Take appropriate risks. Everything in life that is worthwhile involves risk. Even loving a person involves risk. Those who are most successful are usually risk-takers.

8. Failure is not fatal unless you failed to learn. Failures are valuable lessons that should be used as the stepping stones leading to success. Welcome the lessons learned from failures along the way and use them to adjust your direction and reach your goals.

9. Look for the best in others. Give them the benefit of the doubt.

10. Stay away from negative people. If people don’t know what street you’re going down, they can’t rain on your parade.