People, places, and things, that’s what addicts think about when they’re trying to stay clean. Stay away from those people, places, or things that will get you into trouble, ruin your life, cause you pain, screw up your mental, emotional, physical, financial, or spiritual self. That’s the key to becoming great. Associate with people who are positive, kind, and good natured; people who was wise, have a hunger for greatness, a thirst for knowledge, a passion for life, an adventurous spirit and those who understand the importance of eating healthy, exercising, and providing a mental and emotional release, like yoga, prayer, or meditation.
To be the very best you’re going to have to keep up with the times and keep up with your own personal growth. Never ever get to a point when you feel because you have money, power, degrees, or materials that you make no room for progress. You are successful because you can adapt, make the necessary changes to improve, go back to school, go to workshops, spiritual retreats, pamper day, a trip to the gym, and most important learn how to be at peace with self; learn how to love you first and then others.
Do not feel selfish because you put yourself first. If you don’t you will not be whole, and if you are not whole mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually you will not be at your best. Putting yourself first means you really will need to learn how to love you. Giving your all to others and leaving nothing for yourself is unhealthy. You will eventually burn out if you constantly try to please your mate, your children, your parents, your boss, your friends, your church leaders, your community block captain, your gardener, your dry cleaner, your dog or cat … I think you get the point. If you don’t feel good about you that means you won’t be your best. Then, your personal and professional relationships, as well as your own mental health will suffer.
Loving yourself first will lead to your greatness. You will be free to fulfill your goals and dreams and get the support you need. In return, you will be so happy, so productive, and so lively that you will now give love to others. But you can’t do this if you put yourself into positions where you cause sickness to enter your mind, body, and spirit.
If you don’t make good on your promises to finish college, get a physical, apply for a better paying job, lose those unwanted pounds, stop smoking, or take that much needed vacation you will eventually start bargaining when chaos hits the fan. You’ll bargain with your doctors, you’ll bargain with your parents, you’ll bargain with your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife, you’ll bargain with your teenage and adult children, you’ll bargain with God, and, mostly, you’ll bargain with yourself. I’ll start my diet tomorrow ... If the IRS doesn’t audit me, I’ll never cheat again. God, if you let me get through this severe illness or injury, I promise I’ll lose weight, stop abusing my body with drugs, alcohol, and fried foods. If I live through this divorce, I won’t pick an abusive man ever again. If the judge doesn’t throw me in jail for stalking my wife, I promise I’ll get counseling. If I get this new job making more money, I’ll give to charity or do volunteer work. So, the list of bargaining goes on and on ...
Life is too short to bargain with anyone, including yourself. You will not have an opportunity for greatness forever. Today you need to decide that you are deserving of greatness and happiness, but you must start doing the work necessary to see your greatness come to life.
