A Mindset Change Is What You Really Need

  This is a very common scenario: Things start going bad in an individual’s life and one of the first things that comes to their mind is that “things have to change.” Most times what these people are really saying is, “other things need to change.” When people find their lives in a rut, they feel they need to shake things up and bring excitement back into their lives. This is just what they feel they need to do to get their life back on track. Unfortunately many people aren’t shaking up what needs to be shaken up and that is themselves.

It’s Always Someone Else’s Fault

  When life is not going as you have planned and you are living a life of boredom and frustration it is easy to point fingers at other people, places or things…isn’t it. You might feel a change in spouse, career or home is just what you need so you drop your boring life and everything that was attached to it and venture off for your new life with excitement and enthusiasm! Things are going to be so much different this time, so much better.

  So there you are loving your new life in your new home, your new career and your new spouse! Life is great! Fast forward a year, maybe two and now you find yourself in the same rut as before. You’re not happy, you’re frustrated and depressed – life is just as it was before. What happened?

 ***You didn’t change what really needed to change…you.***

What? I’m supposed To Be Responsible For My Own Happiness?

  You got it! If you want happiness in your relationships, career or in the community in which you live, you need to look no further than yourself. That is where all your happiness begins and ends. This thought is far too painful to consider for many people so they go on in their lives pointing fingers. Remember, when one finger is pointing away from you, there are three more pointing right back at you (as it should be).

  I have worked 30 years of my life for UPS where I have performed various jobs there. Beginning at age 17, I worked the docks (loading and sorting packages). I have supervised employees, delivered packages -yes that was me in the brown shorts, delivering packages to your front door- and I also drove the big semi-trailer rigs. With each new job position brought the excitement of new challenges to overcome and new things to learn and with time the excitement faded and my restlessness crept back into my life which affected my personal and family life. Yes, I was that person who used to look to other people, places and things to bring happiness into my life. Once I realized it was my responsibility to bring happiness into life and not the other way around, everything changed.

Slawek Polinski

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  5 Tips For Keeping a Sunny Smile This Winter

  As I look out the window and see the leaves falling with the cold rain, I realize winter is just around the corner and along with the cold air and snow come the long periods of darkness in our days. People will tend to spend more time indoors and spend less time outdoors doing physical activities. Whether you call it “cabin fever” or “seasonal affective disorder”(SAD…fitting right?) doesn’t matter, all I know is the feeling just sucks!

 So this year instead of waiting winter out and hoping that somehow this year will be different, how about taking some small action steps everyday to keep us smiling while the snow is falling. Here are a few simple things you can do that will keep you in a better frame of mind this winter.

 Limit Your Television Viewing

  One of the hardest things to do is keeping the television off  during the winter. The daylight hours are shorter during this time of year so the more time you spend watching TV during the day the less time you will in the sunshine. Schedule your viewing for the end of the day and limit the time you spend watching the news. Networks rely on ratings and what captivates every one’s attention is drama and fear so keep a cap on the crap you allow into your life.

  I challenge you  not to watch the news or reading the newspaper for one week! After one week see if you notice a difference in your attitude towards life. Don’t worry if the world ends tomorrow, you will eventually find out, without watching the news.

 Here is an interesting fact: If you watch 3.5 hours of TV a day and live the average life span of a man or woman, you would have spent about 13 years of your life watching that TV.

   When It’s Sunny, Get Outside

  The sun is very important in keeping our mood levels elevated so when you see the sun shining bundle up and get outside and take advantage of this FREE source of inspiration. This is especially important if you work indoors and see little of the daylight. Get outside on your lunch breaks.

  Keep Physically Active

  This takes commitment and is crucially important! If you can’t get outside to go for a walk or run or to a gym, get yourself started on an exercise routine in your home. Physical activity increases serotonin levels in us which elevates our mood.

  I have been challenged the last two winters with neck surgery in December of 2008 and shoulder surgery coming up next week. I found that any little bit is helpful, whether it’s walking on the treadmill, stretching or walking up and down the stairs in your home. Keep yourself active. How committed are you to feeling good?

 Watch Your Diet

  I know one of the easiest things to do when cooped up at home is keep opening up the fridge and cupboards looking for that comfort food. Be conscious of what you are eating and buy groceries that supply you with energy and not bloat you and cause you to feel sluggish which will bring your mood levels down.

  Listen To Uplifting Music

  Are there any songs that make you think of summer?  I have a collection of songs I like to play poolside in the summer so playing them in the winter connects me to the warm days floating in the water with a cold drink in my hand! Music is very powerful in that it links our emotions to specific times and feelings.

 Are You Starting To Feel Warmer?

  There you have it, just some simple suggestions to make this winter season a happier one,. The important thing is to be conscious of how your living and don’t just put your life on auto-pilot. Take action in your life, your happiness depends on it.

 I am leaving you with a song and artist that definitely brings out the memories of summer! Enjoy.

Slawek Polinski
Men of Action