1. You control neither as much nor as little as you think you do in your life. Try controlling your attitude as a starting point. Let go of everything else, and work to proactively manage what things mean to you. Take responsibility for that, and nothing more.

2. Try this stress-reducing technique: Answer emails and phone calls only twice a day. Really! Very few people have to always be immediately available to anyone and everyone. Do it, and you'll notice two things: This is quite difficult to do, and it reduces stress immensely.

3. Want to know the keys to performing well under pressure, no matter the environment or situation?
   1. Focus on the task at hand rather than the emotion of the event. You can always think about what a big moment it was later.
   2. Simplify. Separate the important details from the non-important ones. Attend to the former, and forget about the latter.
   3. Separate physical arousal from anxiety. The former is natural, allowing you to deal with the stressor(s) at hand; the latter is simply an over-evaluation of the event.

4. One of the things I've noticed lately is that most humans, myself included, suffer from selective neuroticism. In other words, we choose most of what we are "weird" about. In my case, a quick example of this is the fact that I detest mushrooms, to the point that I make scenes and gesticulate awkwardly when their aroma enters my nostrils. Could I change this habit? Of course, with time. I am a psychologist by training. Do I want to? Not really. Other examples in my life could include coffee choice, disdain for meter maids (meter persons?), and my need to speak my mind. What are you selectively neurotic about, and is this something you can change for the better in 2008? One day I might try mushrooms, but I know I'll never give up being an apostle of the obvious in social situations. I know this, and it's not hurting anyone. How bout you?

5. For those of you in positions of leadership as executives, coaches, or teachers of any sort, remember that "I don't know" is a very legitimate answer to a question. It also sets you up as an exemplar of the highest sort: one who can admit to being completely human at times.

6. Detest setting New Year's Resolutions? Don't do it, then. Why in the world would you purposely set yourself up for grief and personal anguish later in the year? If you aren't a "resolutions" person, do something else. That can mean starting with not setting yourself up for failure!

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Seven somewhat random but inspirational songs from my music collection to include in your mp3 player.

1. Everything, by Michael Buble.
2. Shine, by Vanessa Amorosi
3. Three Little Birds, by Bob Marley
4. No. 1 in C Major, by J.S. Bach
5. Nessun Dorma, by Paul Potts
6. What a Wonderful World, by Louis Armstrong
7. Dance Tonight, by Paul McCartney

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One of the great parts about starting a new year is the opportunity to begin again anew in many aspects of our lives. We allow ourselves the space to be human, and to remake those parts of ourselves that we are unhappy or dissatisfied with.

I believe that there are two areas of development in which we can focus our renewed energy in 2008. The first is obviously attitude. The second is our physical presence. A great way to start fresh is to first discard the old, to figuratively and literally clean house, in order that we have space in our lives for our positive changes.

Mentally, we are presented with a great opportunity for attitude change. We can focus on all the opportunities this new year brings, and the aspects of starting the new year that energize us. Personally, I find that the letdown that accompanies the passing of the holiday hubbub is brief. I enjoy moving forward into January, knowing that Spring is around the corner, accompanied by the return of chirping birds, blooming flowers, and spring training in baseball. My attitude is also buoyed by the existential "kick in the butt" in the form of another passing year, an increase in the age on my drivers license, and a quick reminder that life is fleeting.

This change in attitude is easier when January arrives, and is the equivalent of riding a bike with the wind at our backs. The same can be said for making physical changes, not only with our health and well-being, but also in our physical environment. We can start new exercise habits, change our dietary intake, throw out or donate old clothes, and organize our documents, living space, and life in a way that allows us to ride along with much less drag.

I personally realized this past month or so that I can live with much less physical "stuff" in my life. Those magazines and newspapers that go unread can be cancelled. The articles and documents I have saved for future research and not gotten to can be pitched. Those numerous books I read last year that sit on my bookshelf collecting dust can be donated to the local library for others to enjoy. The real joy in doing this is the realization that I am simplifying my life, cleaning out the "attic in my mind," so that I have less guilt, less anxiety, and more peace of mind.

2008 is upon us. You don't have to make any specific resolutions to lose fourteen and a half pounds, or work out for ninety minutes every other day, to feel better about yourself. You can simply decide to seize this opportunity to "clean house," to feel better about yourself, at any exertion level you feel comfortable with. Nobody needs to know, and you don't need Post Its on every mirror in your house to remind you. All it takes is a little effort.

Happy New Year to all of you.

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