I will share with you a secret checklist that most people you know on earth don’t know about! What is it, you ask? It’s a list that would make you realize why you’re doing what you’re doing and if you should continue doing it. It also helps you to identify the things you should be doing that you haven’t been doing much so far. You will finally know yourself, much better than the past 20 years or so. The secret checklist, is none other than Zig Ziglar’s success checklist! I’m going to reveal it to you now, the most important checklist in your life. Most people don’t dare to evaluate where they are, including myself. But if we don’t find out where we are, how can we get to where we want? So, grab your pen and paper, write down the following headings, and put a “+” or “-” or “?” next to it as we go along.

Ready? Go!

You’re likely to be successful if you’re (in no particular order):

1 ) Reasonably Prosperous – Money is important. It’s true that money can’t buy everything, including happiness, genuine relationships, peace of mind, etc. However, money could buy everything else! It could get you a comfortable house, get you some nice warm clothing so you won’t catch a cold in the winter, and let you have some money to pursue your interests. So, don’t feel guilty when you’re making money legitimately. Just remember to give them when you have the opportunity – it always comes back in one form or another. I used to think that making money and giving it out could be a conflict, but after reading so many stories and meeting so many people that prove it wrong, I’ve learned to make money and give out money whenever I can afford to. If you think you’re reasonably wealthy, living a good life without having to worry about the next bill, put a “+”, otherwise a “-”.

2 ) Secure – Most people think of this as financial security, which would make sense. But what really is financial security? How much money do you need to be financially secure? I think the question is tough to answer. Billionaires could go bankrupt any time, a good example being Donald Trump. But the key is that he could come back with a second round and become a billionaire AGAIN! Man you gotta respect that persistence and competence. So, don’t make money for the sake of making money, learn about how you could make money even if you lose all of them now. I’m not a millionaire, but I’m learning. That’s all that matters. Give it a “+” if you think you’re pretty secure, otherwise a “-”.

3 ) Friends – Easy. You have good friends you can count on whenever you’re feeling blue and depressed? Or do you have friends you can share your joy and success with? If you do, give yourself a thumbs up (+)! Otherwise, a “-”, and pick up your phone to call the friends you’ve been wanting to hang out with!

4 ) Good Family Relationships – It’s a tough one. Do you have good relationships with your family members? Are you doing little things to make your family joyful? Good family relationships don’t come by easily, you have to work at it. If there’s any trouble in your family that you can help to solve, do it. If love is in your family, give yourself a plus, otherwise a minus.

5 ) Hope – Do you have great hope for the future? Do you have plans that would make yourself live life to the fullest? Hope is wonderful thing because it gives you the energy and courage to go on, no matter what obstacles you face. If you’re feeling hopeful for what lies ahead, give yourself a big “+”, otherwise a “-” (there’s some work to do).

6 ) Happy – Ya feeling happy every day? Part of the day? One day of the week? There’s no reason to feel unhappy, you’re alive and kicking! So, go watch a funny video. Ya know what to do for your checklist, don’t you?

7 ) Healthy – Are you healthy overall? It’s not easy to find a physically perfect person. Most people have a small health problem or two. As long as you’re working hard at your health (going to gym, walking a lot, swimming, etc) and feeling good about yourself, I think you deserve a plus! Don’t let health be an excuse for you to not do something. Think of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the only US president elected to 4 terms. He was crippled by polio as a young adult but he went on to  become the US president anyway!

8 ) Peace of mind – Last thing, peace of mind. If you’re achieving what you want and you can’t have a peace of mind, that’s not really a life you want, is it? Listening to some soothing music might help. I hope you’re giving yourself a plus for this, otherwise you should lie on the couch and just relax for 15 minutes and think about nothing.

As Zig said, life cannot be in balance every day and every week. But if we keep this checklist and work on it regularly to keep the balance in place as often as possible, then we’re on a good track. I have 2 +,3 –  and 3 ?, so there’s still a lot of work to do. Please share your stories and inspire everyone here in the comments!

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