Simply Successful Secrets

I've been tagged by The Figurehead to list personal habits that make me successful. It all started with, Aaron Potts over at Today Is That Day who started a meme. He compiled a list of habits that have contributed to his success. He then “tagged” several bloggers and challenged them to do the same.

Here are SOME of my habits.

1. I carry a book with me everywhere I go. I always have a book in my car, at my desk, in my house, or wherever. If there is down time, I read it. If I arrive somewhere early, I read. You get the picture?
2. I hardly ever listen to the radio in the car. I suppose I miss out on a lot of discussion about music since I know little about the subject. However, I get a lot of my thinking and day dreaming out of the way in the car. I often dream about the impossible, so it helps me come back to reality when the trip is over since I get it out of my system.
3. I spend time with my family. I know everyone else is listing this, but spending time with your wife and children everyday is a great motivation to work harder and provide for them.
4. I go to Church. That may be a given for most and aside from the eternal ramifications/discussions of going or not going, I think spending time each week with a group of Christians reminds you that the world is not as bad as the news would make it seem. There are in fact good people.
   
5. I park in the farthest parking space. I park far from the building for several reasons. The additional exercise is good. I never have to worry about finding a space. In fact, on average I think I make it in and out of a store faster than if I searched for the best spot. I also have more time to enjoy my surroundings which keeps me relaxed. I love my long stroll on a cool morning into the office. I also love using my huge umbrella on a rainy day.
   
6. I think about this question every night when I go to bed: What made today be a good last day on earth, if it were my last day? I sleep much better because my mind is at peace. It makes me happy to think about the good events of every day, regardless of how awful the day may have seemed at the time. I am reminded that there were a lot of good things that actually happened.
   
7. If it is broke, I first try to fix it myself. I can't tell you how much money I have saved and how much I have learned by trying to fix things on my own. I figure if it is broke and I can't fix it, I will still have to call someone to come fix it anyway. So, I may as well try myself, right?
   
8. I people watch. I can sit in a mall or crowded room for hours and just watch and observe people. I like to see how they act and react. I watch what they wear and how they walk. I notice their expressions and how they talk. It helps me view myself and appreciate who I am.
9. I don't curse or cuss. Ok, I have done it before and sometimes a word may slip, but I do make it a habit not to use bad language. If you think about what people are literally saying when they use profanity, it often doesn't make sense. The context just sometimes doesn't work. I'm not offended when people cuss around me, but I do think people sound stupid when they do it...except I will admit that a well timed cuss word can be hilarious!
10. I keep a blog. It's nothing fancy as you can tell, but knowing I need to find something to write about makes me stay in touch with the world. It also helps me improve my writing, grammar, and spelling.

There is my list. I now tag...um...

- Tim at My Blogging Adventures
- Kraig at Telling History