Five Things You DO Need

There are some things that you don't need in your life - old ideas, piles of stuff, stale relationships, unproductive habits and "someday" thinking. Clearing physical, emotional and intellectual junk out of your life creates time and space for other things that serve you better.

Once you've taken the time for a clean sweep of the things that you don't need, you can add in those things that will contribute to your happiness and success.

Consider including these five things in your life:

1. An opportunity radar.
The Chinese character for crisis and opportunity are one and the same. Why is that? In every challenge or seemingly negative situation there exists an opportunity for something positive. Often those opportunities pass you by because you focus so much what you thought would or should happen. Sometimes life brings you exactly what you need but you don't recognize it because it's disguised as something else.
Ask yourself:
Are potential opportunities always on my radar? If not, your radar just needs a little fine tuning. Start asking, "What's the silver lining or hidden blessing in this situation?" or "How can I make this work to my advantage?" Looking for opportunities is a simple habit you can develop with a little focus and practice.

2. Plan B.
In spite of all of your best intentions or detailed planning, sometimes life intervenes with other ideas. Successful people excel at Plan B. They know that considering potential obstacles ahead of time lets them shift gears more easily when necessary. That means they can keep coasting along without losing too much momentum.
Ask yourself:
What's my Plan B? If you don't have one, brainstorm some ideas of what you might do if your current plan gets sidetracked. Consider "First this...if not, then this." You may never need Plan B but it's always good to have it in your back pocket when the road takes a sudden curve.

3. Abundant thinking.
It seems like such a simple concept - to live with a spirit of gratitude - but many people spend their time focusing on what they don't have rather than on what they do have. When that happens, life takes on a quality of scarcity rather than abundance. Things can ALWAYS be worse than they are.
Ask yourself:
Do I count my blessings or my woes? If you find yourself focusing on what's not working, stop and take inventory of all the things that are working well in your life. Say a little prayer of thanks and let the positive things in your life be your focus. What you give your attention to will increase.

4. A flexible comfort zone.
Your comfort zone is that place where you feel safe, secure and familiar. It's not a bad place except if you never leave it. If you won't, think you can't, or just don't try new things, you likely have a pretty small comfort zone. Hanging out in a small comfort zone limits your possibilities, reduces your experiences and lets fear be a constant companion.
Ask yourself:
When was the last time I stretched out of my comfort zone? If it's been a while, take a deep breath and try something new. It doesn't have to be a giant leap. A small step works just as well. The more you expand your comfort zone, the bigger it becomes. That makes stepping out the next time a little bit easier.

5. More smiles.
Many people take life way too seriously. Sometimes it's because they have too much on their plate and are feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes they have lost sight of the big picture and give too much attention to insignificant things. Sometimes they have simply forgotten how to have fun. Life is meant to be a joyful experience. If that's not happening for you, something needs to change.
Ask yourself:
Do I laugh and have fun every day? If the answer is no, begin by smiling more. Make an effort to get other people to smile. When you feel yourself getting irritated at a situation, consider whether it will matter a year from now. If not, shake it off and smile

Laurel Vespi, certified life coach, award winning author and chief executive guru of stone circle coaching, ignites businesses & individuals to new levels of CHANGE. Laurel works with clients internationally, providing unconventional yet practical tips that make the seemingly impossible... possible! Sign up for Laurel's free ezine and get a free guidebook to blissful living at www.stonecirclecoaching.com