Each week in this series, I will focus on a single, simple habit or activity that can make a positive difference in your life.
Have you noticed that some people seem to be more successful, happier, more stress-free, healthier or wealthier than others?
Has it occurred to you that maybe those people do things on a regular basis that others don’t?
Sure, there are some things we cannot change about our lives. We can’t choose different parents, alter our DNA, improve the weather or fix a thousand other things that might affect our daily life.
But we can change 10,000 other things that can make a profound difference in not only our daily lives now, but our future as well.
Change is sometimes difficult. Big changes are especially hard at times. This column is not about big changes. It is about simple little habits that can help us get more out of life and possibly create a brighter future.
I hope you will make reading this column weekly your first healthy habit.
I chose to begin with a really easy, yet fulfilling habit. You can complete this habit in as little as five minutes per week.
Week 40: Send a handwritten note to someone once a week
You could choose to send a love note to your spouse, a note of encouragement to a friend or business associate, a note to a business owner, server or salesperson to let them know you appreciate their great service.
The benefits of this habit are:
• Enhance personal relationships with the recipients
• Build relationships with business clients
• Enlarge your circle of friends and associates
• Brighten your day each time you write a note
• Put a smile on the other person’s face… guaranteed
• Possibly even improve you penmanship.
When was the last time you received a handwritten note? How did you feel when you received it?
When was the last time you took a moment to send a hand written note? Remember how you felt when you did it? Do you think the recipient appreciated your thoughtfulness?
Not many people send notes or letters anymore. That is what makes this habit so valuable.
If you set things up right to begin with, it is very easy to follow through. The key is in the preparation.
Purchase a supply of simple blank note cards. If you prefer, you can easily make the cards on your computer. (It is OK to make custom cards with your computer, adding your printed name or initials, but the personal messages should be written by hand.)
Now here is another key – buy a roll of stamps and keep them with your note cards. By keeping the note cards, a pen and the stamps all together in open view you are much more likely to develop this beneficial habit easily.
Each week, grab a card, think of a person who would be glad to hear some words of praise, encouragement, congratulations or sincere appreciation. Keep it simple.
Write your message. Drop the note in the mail. Done.
The hardest part may be finding the address. Most addresses can be found quickly on the Internet.
I hope you decide to get started with this great habit today.
For more great ideas go to 52HealthyHabits.com or the Healthy Habits page at www.DrKestner.com.
Have a great week. |
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