by Dr. Dallas Humble

1. Surround yourself with only those that uplift and think like you. Friendship needs to be directly proportional to the right personal growth from that friendship. Limit your exposure to those that pull you down or are not aligned with your goals and way of thinking.

2. Avoid allowing a crisis to become a ruin. We all make mistakes. The difference lies in how we handle them. Don’t spend time regretting the past, but rather learn from your mistakes and invest your time wisely by preparing for a better future. Stay focused on your vision with purpose, passion and persistence. Remember, God gave you two eyes in front of your head for a reason. Look ahead, not behind.

3. Smile at adversity, welcome it and then act quickly to eliminate it.

4. Stay efficient and productive. Don’t waste time; avoid interruptions and those that want to steal your time. Do all that you can do today, the very best that you can do it and leave the rest until tomorrow.

5. Learn to say “no” more than “yes.”

6. Expand your learning. Read voraciously, listen to educational/positive audio programs and attend seminars.

7. Exercise regularly, eat right, embrace laughter and stay proactive as it relates to your health.

8. Make financial fitness a priority in life.

• Evaluate every decision you make thoroughly
• Seek wise counsel
• Invest in only those businesses you understand
• Never bet the house
• Learn from your failures and duplicate successes
• Purchase only assets (those things that put money into your
• pocket) and eliminate liabilities/debt (those things that take
• money out of your pocket)
• Pay yourself first
• Always ask before investing or spending the question, “Would a
• rich person do this?” Allow the answer to guide you. Remember,
• if you are going to accumulate any form of wealth in your life,
• you must start thinking differently.

9. Keep relationships the most important area of your life. God first, family second and all else after that. Share the most intimate moments and quality time with your spouse and those you love.

10. Help yourself first so you can help others effectively. The reason the flight attendant tells you to put your oxygen mask on
first is because you must help yourself first if you are to help others. What good is a mother or father who is worn out and
broke from helping everyone else and neglecting their selves?

I leave you with this Chinese proverb that says more in a paragraph
than I could in a book about how to find long term happiness:

If you want happiness for an hour – take a nap
If you want happiness for a day – go fishing
If you want happiness for a month – get married
If you want happiness for a year – inherit a fortune
If you want happiness for a lifetime – help others