I recently posted (Happy with your 2007? Will your 2008 be better?) about how to reflect on 2007
and start to make plans for 2008.

So how are the first few weeks of 2008 going for you? Here are 5 ways you can make things better in 2008: 

Count your blessings

This is certainly the advice of Tal Ben-Shahar, a Harvard
University psychologist, who has
written a self-help book (Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment) detailing some simple ways to make your life happier. He advices to
focus on the positive: take a couple of minutes a day to think about all the
things we should be grateful for, starting with our health and that of our
family and friends.

Simplify Your Life

Tal Ben-Shahar also points out that many of us feel so
unhappy because out lives are cluttered with unnecessary chores. So turn off
your mobile phone, only check your emails twice a day (max), go for a walk or
just do nothing!

Take Exercise

Are we too physically idle? Just 30 minutes of exercise 3 or
4 times a week is enough to lift your spirits.

Take Pleasure In
Simple Tasks

Do you get a sense of satisfaction when you complete
something? Maybe a puzzle, a crossword, making a lavish dinner. Do something
simple and take pleasure from it.

Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals is far better than not setting any
at all or wanting to climb Mount Everest. Make small
goals, take small steps to achieve them, achieve them, praise yourself and celebrate,
then set some more small goals

Try the five ideas and see if they make a difference.

Here’s my goals for 2008 and how I am doing so far:

1. Create four new
product offerings for my web business.

I am on track to launch one new product at the end of
January – an audio product with 15 very successful individuals sharing their
secrets and tips on being a success (you can see more details here - http://www.greatsuccessfulpeople.com/
).

I have teamed up with a Hypnotherapist to create a second
product and the subject is Public Speaking. This will be launched in February /
March.

2. Set-up four joint
ventures for my web business.

One is underway with the Hypnotherapist as stated above.

3. Increase my web
clients / customers and earnings ten-fold.

Well it’s a bit early to say – I think I shall have to wait
and see how my new product launches go!

4. Take my wife out
on a date two times every month.

This is a fun one. We have been out once so far and we
visited a local comedy club – a great night out. You have to have some fun,
don’t you?

5. Actually go on
holiday - somewhere nice and hot (haven’t had a holiday in 2 years!).

 My sister has just purchased a house in Thailand
and she has invited us to stay – so I think we are doing well on this one. I am
getting excited already about going on holiday.

6. Get into the habit
of exercising 3 times a week for at least 20 minutes.

This one is going really well (at the moment). I am
determined to loose some weight – I need to! My wife and I are now playing badminton
once a week, we have joined a Latin dance club and that is once a week, as
well. I also have been going to the gym twice a week. So I do feel good about
this one.

7. Read one new book
every month - either a self-development or autobiography.

I have just finished Allan Leighton’s book, On Leadership:
Practical Wisdom From The People Who Know.

I have been fortunate enough to hear Allen Leighton speak
and actually interview Allan for my new product, - http://www.greatsuccessfulpeople.com/
The book is very much like his presentation and interview style; to the point,
succinct and straight talking. He does not over complicate issues and the books
features fascinating and amazing stories on leadership from senior business
people like James Dyson, Rupert Murdoch and Philip Green.

8. Give something
back via charity.

I have decided that 100% of the net profits from the Great
Successful People product will be given to a Breast cancer charity. Therefore,
I hope to raise lots of money!

How are you doing? Let us know.