I love collecting quotes. They motivate me to think about my life and goals, and keep me going over time. These are among my favorites:

1.     “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” and “Happiness is not a goal… it’s a by-product of a life well lived.” — Eleanor Roosevelt, American First Lady

I dream of a life where everyone strives to be kind, considerate, and respectful to others, and in so doing creates general well-being and happiness for all. Please join me in a conscious and deliberate effort to live a better life, beginning in 2013.

2.  “Decision is the spark that ignites action. Until a decision is made, nothing happens…. Decision is the courageous facing of issues, knowing that if they are not faced, problems will remain forever unanswered.” — Wilfred A. Peterson, American Author

Each year I strive to be a better person, to admit and face that I am not always the nicest, kindest, considerate, or respectful person I could and should be.  Join me in taking the P.L.E.D.G.E. to be among “People Leading Everyone to Do Good Everywhere.”  We may not be able to change the world, but through our individual efforts we can achieve a better life.

3.  “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou, American Writer

Ain’t this the truth!  We know it, yet often disregard this, especially with those we care about the most, our closest family members, friends, and co-workers.

4.  “Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.” — Karen Kaiser Clark, American motivational speaker.

With each day that passes change is inevitable.  Whether choosing to grow with each day, or not, is the key to true happiness.

5.  “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German Writer

Right on… we must do!  In the New Year, I do this exercise, and suggest you do the same: Take out a piece of paper and make three vertical columns.  In the first column, jot down the names of at least three people with whom you want to build a better relationship in 2013. In the second column, admit in your writing how you may not have been as kind, considerate, or respectful to this person in times past; and in the third column, list how you plan to improve the relationship by doing things differently. (If you want any some coaching on how to handle certain situations, please write me.  I’d be happy to see how I can be of some help.)

6.  “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” —Vince Lombardi, American football coach

Be brave and courageous by having the will to take action.  Mentally you know it will do you some good.  So what’s stopping you? Just do it! Take that piece of paper out and do the exercise shown in #5 and I promise you will have completed the most important step in having a better life this year.

7.  “Motivation is what gets you going. Habit is what keeps you going.” —John Wooden, American College (UCLA) Coach in 2013

What motivates me is the dream of living a good life, coupled with the desire to be free of guilt, frustration, fear, and other anxieties that hold me back from living a happy life.  I accept the challenge of having to constantly work on building good habits as the best path to achieving my goals and dreams.

8.  “I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities.” —Whoopi Goldberg, American Actress

Although similar in scope to the first quote, I love it primarily because it comes from Whoopie Goldberg… and actor I admire.  This simple quote gives me strength in every way.  It is important to believe whatever you want is possible and once you set your mind and heart to doing whatever it takes to achieve that success.

Change is hard, especially when building better relationships. I hope this newsletter has given you new inspiration to move forward with positivity and purpose in 2013.

EMAIL ME:  If you would like a nicely formatted sheet of these quotes, email me and I’ll send it to you, with pleasure. And if you have a favorite quote that applies to etiquette, please comment below. I’d love to hear from you.