Decide on someone inspirational to “follow.” This can be a spiritual leader (local or global), a columnist, a friend, your boss, etc. Educate yourself on what the person stands for or stood for and how his/her values align with your own. Follow the person on Twitter, Facebook, blogs, or pick up a biography and read up. You may find this an unexpected road to self-discovery.
In an electronic age, people are still inundated with holding on to papers. A receipt from the local convenient store for that coffee you bought this morning, an envelope that has been opened, a scrap with miscellaneous notes sits on a desk, etc. Set a goal today to find 10 pieces of any kind of paper around your house or office that you do not need any longer and get rid of it! If you are able, set up a container to put it in and recycle the contents. Set a weekly goal like a large bag of paper and then take to your nearest recycling center. Encourage others in your household to participate. You will be amazed over the realization that we hold on to so many unnecessary pieces of paper.
Because the world continues to become a more global society (in work and play), it is not a bad idea to learn a little bit about other cultures. Understanding even subtle differences can clarify the way we interpret others and the way they understand us. Have you ever felt “crowded” by someone who got very close to you while having a conversation? Were you ever put off by the way someone addressed or greeted you? Before you get too offended by someone of another culture or vice versa, try to realize there may be different cultural norms and practices in place. Negotiating an international business deal can be especially costly if you overreact to something unnecessarily. Take the time to provide yourself with a dose of cultural understanding.
Everyone knows what this day means: The first day of walking off that turkey dinner! If you resisted the temptation to overeat, try to encourage someone else to get up and take a walk today. Make a point of doing a little extra exercise; take the stairs instead of the elevator. Skip any snacks or the whipped cream on that specialty coffee. Remind yourself that this time of year does not signal an open invitation to indulgence. Get those walking shoes on.
If you didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, then take a walk anyway. In fact, have a big lunch or dinner, and then walk it off!
Make a point of calling, texting, emailing, or visiting someone with a message of thanks today. Be sure to avoid a mass email; make it a personal and sincere note of gratitude to each individual. Mail a Thanksgiving card (yes, the handwritten kind!) to someone far away, or surprise someone with a call. Resolve to make every day one of giving thanks.
The day before Thanksgiving is often deemed the busiest travel day of the year. This in turn often adds a heap of stress to the day: Worrying about catching connecting flights, having uncongested roads for driving, or even preparing for out of town guests. If this sums up what is ahead for you, consider some de-stressors to help get you through the travel frenzy. Share the responsibility of driving, bring something relaxing for the plane or airport (book, music, a pillow), or pack your favorite snacks for the trip. Staying home? Enjoy the quiet with a good book or meditate! Decide now to keep any work off the agenda for the next day.
If you’re in another part of the world, think of your next big stressful event instead, and do what you can to prepare in advance!
Even on a person’s worst day, there should be something that can put a smile on someone’s face. Some people are gifted storytellers and can recite a humorous anecdote to peals of delight from others. Maybe “Knock-Knock” jokes will turn a frown upside down (the cornier the better). Be careful of audience and setting and avoid offensive/off-color jokes. There are many internet sites with funny content to use. Find yourself a victim (I mean, target audience) and fire away with something funny.
There’s something intriguing about record-breaking achievements from the weird to the awesome. The Guinness Book of World Records has been a library favorite for decades and now a popular website. Where else could one find out how big the largest ice cream cone is (71 scoops) or what the most leaves found on a clover are (56)? Indulge yourself in some bizarre trivia, fascinating feats, and inspiring deeds. Enjoy the incredible Guinness images too!
Organize a modest coat drive at your job or in your neighborhood. Recruit help. Contact local charities for potential organizations who will accept the donations and find out if there are any requirements or restrictions. Organize a date to collect the clothing and promote it through signs, emails, and word of mouth. Help others and get to know your neighbors at the same time. Seem like more than you have time for? Sort out your closet and start a donation pile!
Research skills are valuable whether you are on the job, back to school, or managing a household. There are some helpful ways to hone skills on the internet and Google sets up the practice each day with “A Google a Day”. Sign up to receive a challenging question each day to practice how quickly and efficiently you can find the answer. There are many tips to assist you and you will learn fun bits of information every day.