1. Start Slow
Begin your day reflecting in solitude. Don’t rush to get your day started. Take a few quiet moments for wisdom, strength, and insight to commit to the day ahead. Perhaps you play soft music to inspire you and sooth your thoughts.

2. Practice a 20-20-20 (or even 10-10-10)
This practice includes 3 sections: morning reflection, reading an inspiring book, and planning your days priorities. I recommend dividing your morning peaceful time up into three, even sections.

3. Put on a positive mindset
Put off critics and naysayers, be the most positive person you know. You’ll attract successful people and positive results.

4. Keep your emotions healthy
Moods and our emotions drive our behaviors. Keep your emotions healthy, stable, and calm.

5. Practice strong self-talk
Cancel out negative self-talk. The most important person you talk to is yourself – be gracious, kind, and loving.

6. Follow the ‘no drama’ principle
Post a sign that says, “No drama drainers allowed,” and avoid gossip at all costs.

7. Greet people with enthusiasm and eye contact
My father had ONE rule in business, to meet and greet every customer with a smile.

8. Don’t waste energy on comparing yourself to others
Be yourself… true and authentic. We can all improve but don’t waste energy by playing the comparison game.

9. Be a servant leader
Stand to greet people, be kind to the service industry, and always look to serve those you support and lead.

10. Be purpose-driven
Every day, remember and state your purpose. Mine hasn’t changed in over 25 years and remains, “Inspiring greatness in others through my speaking, coaching, and writing.”

11. The importance of taking time to unplug
My goal every evening is to unplug by 8pm. Perhaps you set a goal to unplug one day a week at 80%. Unplug one week a year to rest, relax, and recharge.

12. Fast once a quarter
Abstain from food once a quarter and fast for a complete 24 hours period, with the exception of water, tea, and natural juices. This resets your internal organs and cleanses you of toxins.

13. Every few months, go on a strategy retreat
Get away with only a journal and pen (or maybe just your computer that you’ll use very intentionally). Create your own template to reset your “why” and your OKRs (objective for the next 6-months and key results on how you will achieve your objective).

14. Focus on building and encouraging your team
The key word is encourage. To do by strengthening and inspiring those who work with you.

15. Walk or exercise daily
I’ve found my daily walk has become foundational to my mental health and joy of life.

16. Family first
Ask yourself on a weekly basic, “How can I best serve my family this week? Who gets my first love this week?”

17. Don’t speak poorly of others
Hang the sign, “If you can’t speak well of someone, don’t speak at all.”

18. Live by the golden rule
Always live by the golden rule, “Do unto others as you like to be done unto you.”

19. Encourage one person a day
Hopefully more than one, actually! I always ask myself two questions at the close of each day, “Who was better today because of me?” and “What did I really accomplish?”

20. Stay focused on your “one thing”
Cut the clutter. Achieve better results by knowing your one thing. Build momentum, dial down stress, and master what matters most!

Let’s make 2020 a successful year!
—Steve