Hello! Good to see you.

My son watches Spongebob Squarepants – so I occasionally do, too. I learn things about people when watching characters interact. Friendly characters tend to stand out. When Spongebob takes a walk, he waves to people and says hello.

I’ve also heard of other people – real people – that stand out because they’re friendly. There was a man who couldn’t walk down the street, but that didn’t stop him. He sat on his front porch and waved and said hello to everyone that passed by him, whether they traveled by car, bicycle, or on foot.

I remember when my kids were around three or four years old, they stood in the grassy front yard of my mother’s house and waved to all the cars on the adjacent highway. She lives on a curve in the road, so the kids were very visible. I thought it was funny (and so did the kids) that quite a lot of the cars and trucks honked as they passed.

Today’s goal is: Wave at the people in your neighborhood as you travel past them or as they travel past you.

Being friendly in your neighborhood is a good way to get to know your neighbors.

Put Others First

I think it’s silly to have two people fuss over a parking space. There are more important things in life to get stressed over.

What would happen if several cars were winding through a parking lot and you allowed the car behind you to take the better and closer spot? The other driver might see you inside the store and be a little more friendly to you than he would have.

A friendliness seed is sown when you do small but important things for others. Most people will allow that small kindness to affect them, and then everyone around them. The seed bears fruit when they respond to your friendliness with a smile or other small gesture of their own.

Today’s goal is: Let someone else have the parking space close to the store’s door while you park farther away.

Most Americans could stand to get a little more exercise anyway. Why not let others have that coveted parking space near the door? We’re actually doing ourselves a favor by walking a bit more.

Be Determined

Laziness is a virus that infects people with an energy-sapping fog. Most people have succumbed to this at one time or another. I know very few people who are immune to the clutches of laziness. Very few. But they’re there. They seem to be inoculated against it.

If you’re like me and have to fight against its draw, then you know the effort is worth it. I know the feeling of satisfaction when I pass up opportunities to sit and watch “a little” TV. I want to join with others who are determined to make reasonable plans and follow through without laziness undermining the success.

I’m fueled by the joy of knowing I can accomplish a lot in the time I could’ve spent on the unnecessary rest. But having your car fully fueled with the right gasoline doesn’t mean it’s coming out of the garage. To get this body moving, I need the accountability of another person checking on my progress.

Over the past few years, I’ve spent beautiful Texas mornings walking with a friend through the neighborhood. I need the exercise, and I need the time with her to maintain our friendship. Without her accompanying me on my walks, there would be very few walks.

Today’s goal is: Invite two people to start an accountability group. Keep each other informed of your goals. Enjoy each others’ triumphs. Encourage each other during struggles.

The laziness virus must be stopped. But remember, there’s strength in numbers. Together, we can fight it and win!

Be Daring

Have you ever driven an old car that broke down frequently. Usually when that happens, it means the car didn’t get as much care as it needed. Cars need maintenance. So do people.

If you value your relationship with your spouse, you have to spend some time and effort letting that person feel loved. Let them know how much you care about them.

Some people get used to being around each other, and they assume the other person knows how they feel. They might. But just as you have to change the oil in your car, you have to replace yesterdays good feelings with new good feelings for today.

Dare to do something different. Get out of the same old rut.

Spouses need relationship maintenance, but so do kids. If you constantly work late and miss your child’s special moments, figure out a plan that will transform that relationship. Dare to change your schedule to put someone else’s needs ahead of your own. Show up at your child’s school play.

Dare to love. Make sure the people around you feel loved. People thrive on affection. Who doesn’t enjoy a good hug?

Today’s goal is: Plan a special lunch with your spouse or your child. Maybe eat with your child at his school. Let them decide when and where (within reasonable limits), and then follow through.

Any relationship worth having is worth maintaining.