PERFORMANCE FORMULA Planning + Preparation + Personal Work + Persistence + Prayer = Practically Perfect Performance Planning By failing to plan you plan to fail. This reminds me of a story told by Thomas Monson: Several days ago, while driving to my home, I approached the freeway entrance. At the on-ramp I noticed three hitchhikers, each one of whom carried a homemade sign that announced his desired destination. One sign read "Los Angeles," while a second carried the designation "Boise." ...

New research reveals that optimists are not only less prone to depression, they have healthier hearts and lungs, more resilient immune systems and are even more likely to live longer – and to be more successful. Why? Optimists strive to be effective problem-solvers and to surround themselves with health-promoting support from friends and family – while pessimists give up more easily and get depressed more often. But research also shows that becoming an optimist is easier than you think – really...

#1 ~ Avoid the Perfection Trap At a seminar I attended in Los Angeles the presenter provided an analogy I’ll never forget. He first explained that many people fall short of their goals because they wait for ideal conditions and perfect projects before they move forward. He then said, "These people are like the runner who positions himself at the starting line." And he moved into place as if to run. The presenter then said, "On your mark" and he dropped to a runner’s stance and squatted. "Get ...