Character Counts For Highly Effective People

You have treasured dreams and goals for your life. You want to break bad habits and learn to live more abundantly. You feel the desire to make positive changes and are looking for some guidance to steer you in the right direction. Character counts when it comes to changing your life. Here are some habits you can cultivate to help you become a better person.

Habit One: Become an Effective Goal-Setter

People who are successful, both in their careers and relationships, fine-tune their abilities to set and accomplish goals. Brainstorm goals that you have for your life. What do you want for your career, your finances, your romantic life, your friendships and your physical and mental health? Write down your goals in a journal or type them in a document. You could even start a blog to chart your goals and gain momentum and motivation.

Here are some tips for creating your goals:

1. Keep things factual, clear and precise. Avoid making your goals too complicated or vague.

2. Choose goals that are measurable. Specify quantity, time frame or time allotted per day to work on goals. Example: Overall Goal: Improve Cardiovascular Endurance; Measurable Weekly Goal: Invest 45 minutes three times a week in doing cardiovascular exercise (swimming, hiking, bicycling).

3. Make your goals achievable and attainable. Ensure that it is physically and emotionally possible to achieve your goal.

4. Stay realistic and relevant. Make each goal meaningful to your life and your vision for yourself.

5. Set a time limit. Think about whether you would like to accomplish your goal in one month, three months, six months or one year.

Habit Two: Become a Lifelong Learner

Successful people are passionate about learning. Develop your curiosity about the world around you. Discover a passion for a certain subject, topic or culture.

Consider completing a university degree or college diploma in an area of personal interest. Map out a careful plan regarding how many years you will give yourself for finishing your degree or diploma. Calculate how many courses you would need to complete per semester.

If time restraints are an issue, then begin slowly by registering for one or two courses at your local university or college in a subject that peaks your interest and curiosity. Some colleges have continuing education classes for people who want classes, but don't want to enroll in school.

Not interested in taking a class? There are dozens of informal learning opportunities available. Consider the following:

· Read a self-help book on an area that you need to improve upon
· Read a quality national or regional newspaper.
· Subscribe to a magazine in your area of interest.
· Research an interesting topic on the Internet.
· Talk to people who have expertise in your area of interest.
· Ask thoughtful and meaningful questions every day to gain new knowledge.
· Watch inspirational and helpful television programs or short films about your favorite topics.

Habit Three: Learn Stress Management Skills

Effective and productive people know how to take care of their physical, emotional and mental health. This includes getting regular exercise. Take a yoga class, learn to swim or engage in some other physical activity. People who engage in physical activity generally handle stress well. Exercising that focus on proper breathing, like yoga or Pilates, also helps.

These three habits can help you become a stronger person - emotionally and physically. Character counts and building character helps improve your life.

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