In a recent Carpe Diem meeting I attended, I was reminded of the belief of how important it is to give back, to live life to the fullest, to take care of the really important things in life and to share our experiences.  It is important to take what we have learned in life and share it with others to help them and to give them guidance in their lives. 

It got me thinking about how important it is to challenge yourself, everyday.  Don’t sit back and wait for things to happen – make them happen.  In addition to this philosophy, challenge someone else to be better, to strive to achieve more, to get more out of life, to be a better person and hold them accountable. 

Ask what you did to improve today, what did you accomplish today, why is the world a better place because of what you did today and ask the person you challenged the same questions.  Ask yourself at the beginning of each day, how can I make a difference today and look for opportunities throughout the day to help you achieve the answer.

It is also imperative to think before you begin your day and determine what your priorities are for that day and why they are important and strive to do your best to get your list done.  What can you share with others to make someone else better today?  Are you utilizing your strengths to the fullest?  If not, why not?  What can you do to improve yourself today?   Keep yourself on track, don’t get distracted and if you do, correct your course quickly so you don’t drift too far away.

 Let me share with you what I tell my children every day.  Seek to improve just a little bit every day, build upon something good that happened to you the day before, learn something new and attack the day with enthusiasm!  Don’t just stick your toe in the water of life, dive head first into it and live life to the fullest. 

If you live your life in this way and have a positive, upbeat attitude you will become more effective, will have a bigger impact on others and will make a difference in life that will give you a legacy that goes beyond your years.  Get it?  Got it?  Good!