101 Reasons to be Proud to be You
Kathy Gates, Professional Life Coach

When someone talks badly to you, what makes that ok? NOTHING! You are your most valuable resource, and how you value yourself will depend on how others see you as well.

Webster's defines the word resource as "something that lies ready for use or can be drawn upon for aid; a supply of something to take care of a need; wealth; assets, something that can be used for an advantage. Even if everything you had was taken away, you still have your mind, your ingenuity, your talents, and your creativity. YOU are your greatest resource.

Science has shown us that each of us has unique DNA, unique fingerprints, and unique body language. But have you also considered that each person also has a unique product inside of him? Your talents and your weaknesses are waiting for you to draw upon them. Your own "special blend" is something that can be used for an advantage.

Hiding inside you is an article or song only you can write, a tool or toy only you can invent, a picture only you can draw, a story only you can tell. Should you choose not to use that resource you will deprive not only yourself, but everyone in your world of your unique contribution.

Expectations are a part of the universe that make things happen, both negatively or positively. Like atomic particles, universal forces cannot be explained, but plugging into them creates some kind of energy.

You have the power to be creative and resourceful, or you also have the power to be miserable the rest of your life. You have that choice. You pick out an attitude just like you pick out clothes.

To transform your attitude and maintain positive actions, try the following things:

• Don't expect it to happen overnight, but expect it to happen.
• Align yourself with people who also have goals; they'll support and encourage you when you're tired and frustrated.
• Step out of your comfort zone; do one thing different.
• Operate from the standpoint "as if" it had already happened.

No, you can't simply "will" a goal to materialize, but you can make a commitment to do whatever it takes, including consistent exercise, setting time to clean up your environment, or investing your money in a program instead of buying a new outfit.

Positive thinking, positive expectations, visualization, and the power of attraction, while all valid and useful are passive. In the end, your success in life depends on what you do. No matter how positive your attitude, there is only one way to succeed, and that is in the active mode.

You can sit around and wait on FedX to drop off a big box of happiness on your doorstop if you want to. Nobody��s going to stop you. But I promise you, it��s not likely to happen anytime soon.

Or you can get up, create an action plan, and get on with your life. It's 100% up to you. There are 101 reasons to be proud to be YOU! Start your list today.