Promise!

I've been listening to and reading a lot from John Maxwell (JM) lately. Throughout his teachings he references the legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden. Between my age and lack of affinity for the sport of basketball, I wasn't familair with Coach Wooden prior to JM's teachings.

Today I listened to JM share some insights after spending some time with Wooden. He shared John Wooden's strategy to find happiness. He said make and keep 9 promises. I think number 7 is a bit crazy to do in Germany and number 8 is my favorite.

1. Promise yourself that you will talk health, happiness, and prosperity as often as possible.

2. Promise yourself to make all your friends know there is something in them that is special and that you value.

3. Promise to think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best in yourself and others.

4. Promise to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

5. Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

6. Promise to forgive the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements i the future.

7. Promise to wear a cheerful appearance at all times and give every person that you meet a smile.

8. Promise to give so much time in proving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

9. Promise to be too large for worry, too noble for anger, to strong for fear, and too happy to permit trouble to press on you.