Two shoe salespeople showed up in a village full of barefoot people. The first said, "No business here. They don't wear shoes." The second said, "Amazing opportunity. Every single person here needs shoes."

Dear Colleague,

Is it possible that 2009 could turn out to be the best year of your life? Since we raised the question last month, have you changed anything that created a difference?

Would it make a difference if you worked more collaboratively with your team? How about the added benefits of more good times with family, friends, colleagues, and great clients? How about watching more boxed episodes of The Office, Boston Legal, 30 Rock, and House? The Joy Diet book talks about laughing a lot more, finding things to "feast" on other than food like playing the piano, painting, listening to energizing music, and spending 15 minutes doing absolutely nothing. How about cultivating gratitude? Increasing our contribution in time, talent, and treasure to the less fortunate? Finding something good to say to everyone?

The reality is that the year 2009 will continue, with or without our participation. Worrying, incessant time-stealing worrying, takes us out of the game. We lose our way with worry. It adds no value. Our circle of concern will always be much larger than our circle of influence. But can we stop worrying?

Dale Carnegie wrote the classic book, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, 65 years ago. By 1944 there had been one World War, one Great Depression, and the world was in the midst of yet another World War. So there was plenty to worry about.

However Carnegie had his own magnificent view of life, based on timeless principles and enduring values. He taught his students and readers to interpret all events in a positive and productive way. What can I learn? How can I stay present in the moment? What do I have to accept and what can I change?

Please click on the link below for a point of view that can frame your life a little differently:

And keep making 2009 your best year ever!