One thing about life that everyone must agree is that regardless of one’s age, we are all a “work in progress” which will never be totally finished. Each of us is ever-changing as we encounter new experiences and challenges on a daily basis. Therefore, when it comes to building a strong and productive life, we can all take heart in the fact that we can begin the construction at any stage of our life. As well, we can also take heart in the fact that no matter how hard we try, because our task will never be complete, we are able to make amendments to our “life plan” whenever we discover a more satisfying path.

I recently came across an article entitled, “Mastering Your Habits”,  written by a man called Steve Goodier. In it he pointed out that habit starts out as a thread. As new threads are added, it becomes a rope we cannot break. This means that we have to be careful about which habits we adopt, because our habits eventually make us who we are. By making strong and productive habits, we build strong and productive lives.

Goodier pointed out a list of habits that peak performance people share. If you intend to have a successful life, it makes sense to examine what other successful people have done in order to master theirs. You do not have to be a CEO or a Chairman of the Board to benefit from studying successful people. Their habits can be adopted by everybody who wishes to lead a satisfying, productive lifestyle. Goodier felt that anybody who works to develop the following traits will experience almost instantaneous results. I invite you to study the habits and incorporate them into your daily activities. This is one article that you should keep handy and read often.

1. People who master their lives are people who know what they want and are willing to devote energy toward achieving it. They develop the habit of writing their most important goals and reminding themselves of these goals constantly.

2. People who master their lives create healthy relationships. They get along well with the people with whom they live and work. They give special attention to their families.

3. People who master their lives practice integrity. They habitually do what is right, even when nobody will know. They live by self-imposed principles.

4. People who master their lives are honest about their strengths as well as their weaknesses. They build on their strengths and work daily toward self improvement.

5. People who master their lives take care of their bodies. They exercise regularly and eat sensibly. They receive proper medical treatment. They tend not to smoke, they take drugs only as necessary and they limit their alcohol intake.

6. People who master their lives control their time. They take at least an hour every day for personal time. They spend daily time with close friends or family, and guard against spending too much time in areas that are unimportant.

7. People who master their lives understand their emotions. They don’t leave emotional pain untreated. They know that healthy attitudes are as essential as healthy behaviours. They develop a trusting and optimistic outlook on life.

None of the above habits are difficult to apply to our daily living. If we follow them, they will be woven into a rope so strong that it cannot be broken. When you master these habits, you will master your life. And when you master your life you master your future.

Steve Goodier isn’t saying anything we haven’t all heard before. But perhaps, this time, you and I are more ready than ever to listen to the advice and make a special effort to develop these habits. Read them over again carefully and slowly. Read them every couple of days, especially when you feel the stress of overbearing challenges. Know what you want in life; create healthy relationships; do what is right; build on your strengths; take care of your health; manage your time wisely; and always have a positive outlook on life! This seems to be the key to unlocking your future. Work on it today!