2009 New Year's Resolution: Fostering a Positive Attitude

I plan to clear my mental "chatter" of negative thoughts and doubts. Here's how I am going to achieve this New Year's resolution in '09, and how you can do the same:

Proactive television viewing rather than passive: When a TV news show spends an excessive amount of time covering a negative topic or fear mongering, I will change the channel, or turn off the television. The same practice will apply for newsprint and online media -- I am going to actively avoid negative, fearful stories and op-ed pieces.

High-performance diet: Your diet, believe it or not, can have a significant impact on your thoughts, mental state, and energy level throughout the day. I am going to limit my intake of sugary, high carbohydrate foods and eat more fruits and vegetables.

Better time utilization: Rather than worrying about things beyond my control or checking email and voicemails obsessively, I am going to check email only twice per day. Once in the morning, at around 9am, and then once before leaving the computer for the day at around 5pm. In addition, I will take more time to think of what I wan to say when replying to business emails.

Selective support from friends: I am going to spend more time talking and hanging out with friends who routinely have a positive outlook on life. I will also limit my interactions with colleagues who are always "down on life" and complaining to me about things I've never particularly been interested in (their failed relationships, credit card debt, etc.)

More conservative spending habits: In 2008, I spent like a rockstar. In the new year, I plan to cease all credit card purchases -- if I can't pay with cash or put it on my checking account debit card, I am not going to buy it. I am going to pay at least double the minimum payment on my credit card balance each month and plan on saving away a minimum of $500 per month in a safe, FDIC-insured savings account with no sneaky fees. Having a "just-in-case fund" to draw upon, no matter how small, will bring me a great deal of inner peace in 2009. And I will feel far more confident about my situation once my credit card debt has been obliterated.

More relevant reading: I plan to read more of my favorite business, redouble my efforts to tell others about my own book, since it is on shelves nationwide right now, and re-read the inspirational classics that will get me back into a positive frame of mind (The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie).

Wish me luck, and best wishes with your own 2009 resolutions. You'll succeed if you want to, I know it.