I have seen over 8,000 clients in my years at Medicine Hat. The other day I was thinking about what I would say to each of them if they would only allow me to share a nugget of wisdom. After a few minutes of deep thought, I decided that the best advice I could give someone is to focus on the right things.

It’s so easy to get distracted by world events and disasters, relationship drama, financial stress, career challenges, or addictions. There are also some very simple practices that, if we pay attention to them, seem to make things easier for us and reduce our stress. Here are a few that immediately come to mind:

1. Tell the truth all the time: When you tell a lie, you have to tell someone else to cover it up. After a series of lies you forget which was the first! Also, your reputation is damaged by deception, as others will quickly learn that they cannot trust you or your word.

2. Spend less than you earn – Banks and credit cards have strange procedures. Sometimes they won’t lend you money unless your financial situation is so good that you don’t really need it. If you show even a short period of responsibility, your limits are increased, and you soon find that your debt mounts and the payments become overwhelming. The best way to do well financially is to have a good plan and use it.

3. Build a career: Take charge of your work life by deciding what you want to do and then getting good at it. Set goals that include professional development, so that you always add value to the market. Practice being on time and delivering on time. Each of us is like a business and we all know that businesses are successful when others are satisfied with the services offered.

4. Surround yourself with healthy and positive influences – We take on the habits and characteristics of those we are closest to. Make sure your friends are encouraging, that your reading is about people who have overcome difficulties, and that your mentors set good examples of achievement and kindness.

5. Protect your body: Chances are you don’t put sugar in your car’s gas tank and expect good performance. Your body doesn’t function optimally if you’re too tired, full of alcohol or drugs, and never get regular exercise or nutrition.

6. Solve and/or leave past problems behind: None of us can change things that have already happened, so there is no point in worrying or depressing about what happened a long time ago. If you need help with this, get it! Find a professional who is trained to help you deal with trauma and stress.

7. Have something to look forward to – When I’m bored, I get bored. That’s why I always have something interesting on my agenda. It’s much easier to plan and schedule ahead.

At the beginning of each year, people make resolutions with good intentions. Unfortunately, within the first few months, motivation wanes and goals are forgotten. As we stand on the threshold of 2019, let’s make sure we pick one thing we can commit to and accomplish over the next twelve months.

Just think what would happen if everyone decided to tell the truth. It would be a very different world, wouldn’t it?

Happy New Year to all!