Twelve Months to Go!

Only 12 months to 2009 to realize that list of accomplishments that took you 12 or less months to accomplish. Interesting way to look at the year, right? Get your pens and paper out and list your goals and what it will take to reach them by the end of the year!

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How Do You Spell Success!

A colleague of mine who is in my professional study group case studied a millionaire she is working with. He knows he is financially successful and living a good life with two children and a wife who loves him. Yet he does not feel successful.

As she probed, it became clear that the high income, while he is grateful for it, does not provide that feeling of success. He had fallen into his financial success, hadn't worked hard for it and feels little accomplishment for having attained it.

With the help of my colleague, he found that the times he was able to help those in need, with no thought of remuneration, he did feel successful. But these times were few.

Thus began a search for how to give back. This man is now offering his services, free of charge, as part of a program that his professional organization sponsors.

Success is now part of his definition of himself, not because he makes so much money, but because he now sees himself as part of a community who shares.

There are many corporations that allow their employees to volunteer time to help others less fortunate. They find it benefits the community, the employee and the corporation itself. But even if you volunteer on your own time, maybe this is the year to try volunteering and see what it offers you. It needn't be formal - you can decide what you want to do and just keep track yourself.

My son's school asks, each year, that the students do volunteer work. They can join a formal group or they can keep track of what they've done on their own. He has helped shovel snow, brought in garbage cans, worked at the food bank, found lost boats on our lake and done community cleanups. Small things, but giving ones. This year, he is thinking of giving sailing lessons to the children on our lake.

Teaching skills is a wonderful thing to contribute to the community. A short program on how to balance a checkbook, budget a month's income, save on a consistent basis, would have a great impact on teens or others who need to learn these life skills.

How can you succeed this year? Was success only measured in how much you made in 2007? Are you feeling successful? Why not look at your definition of success and work on what may be missing.

Issues of the Year

Oil prices are climbing and affect every part of the economy. What will you do to cope? Using public transportation or ride sharing is only the first step. This is about more than that. Have you noticed the rising prices at the supermarket?

Campaigning for the presidency is strong and taking over much of the news. Be sure to study the candidates' profiles so you know what they stand for. Seems to me, the best orator and the best looking are getting ahead. Isn't there a better way to elect someone that will affect our lives so greatly?

Here is a link that might help you decide which candidates are most in line with your views on issues: http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html

No one knows if a recession is truly on the way for the United States, but what is long past due is the need to have a savings program in place for every family and individual. We have been spending much more than we earn for too long now. And that goes for the government, as well. Start your own savings plan and write your representatives that it is time they, too, push for a balanced budget.

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Conquer the Commute: Tools for the Road and Life makes the perfect ebook to send to your commuter friends around the world.

"Dr. Mastria's book has practical ideas for making the commute more bearable, but also goes beyond it by suggesting ways to improve your life while on the road and at home. She "gets" the issue of fatigue and putting life "on hold" during time we commute. I would recommend this book to anyone who commutes as a way to begin to improve the life quality." J. Erikson, daily automobile commuter in the Midwest

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What do you need to do to make your commuting life come in line with your career ambitions and your life outside of work. In three months you could have a strategy that works to fulfill those goals. Call Dr. Mastria to discuss how you might work with her.

Be well,

Dr. M.

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About Dr. Marie Mastria

Dr. Mastria is an author, consultant, psychologist and coach to those who wish to make life good. If you are seeking help with new beginnings or old habits that don't work any longer, you may reach her at 570-839-6394 or at drm@commuter-assist.com.
 

Dr. Mastria is founder of Commuter-Assist.com, which publishes e-books, CDs and cassettes to help commuters get the most out of their commute and life in general.  Dr. Mastria speaks, offers workshops, and consults to businesses.  She also provides life, wellness, and executive and business coaching to groups and individuals.  To contact Dr. Mastria email info@Commuter-Assist.com or call 570-839-6394. 

All content Copyright ? 2007, Dr. Marie A. Mastria, CLC, PCC / Commuter-Assist.com. All rights reserved. You may copy or send it to family or friends who may benefit from it so long as the format and credits are intact. You have permission to publish this article electronically, free of charge, as long as the by-lines are included and links are activated and maintained. A courtesy copy of your publication or link to website would be appreciated.