Summarize the following:
Before you can set yourself on the path of being successful in your personal life, it’s a good idea to set goals for yourself. By tangibly establishing what your aims are in the short, mid, and long terms, you have an easy way to remind yourself of what you’re working towards.  Write your goals on paper. Having a visual cue reminds you of and reinforces your goals. For example, you could write the following: “My short term goal is to find a nice partner and finish my Master’s degree. My mid-term goal is to get engaged and find an exciting job. My long term goal is to get married and have a family while being a successful financial planner.” Update your goals as you meet them. Once or twice a year, reevaluate your goals to make sure they’re still realistic and attainable. Setting unrealistic goals will not only cause you unnecessary anxiety, but can also hamper your success and the ability to meet other goals. Consider talking to a therapist about setting personal goals or any anxiety related to them you may have.  Know your list of things to do and goals will never be finished and that it’s ok. As you attain your goals and cross items off of your to-do list, you’ll also be adding new items. Two characteristics of a successful person is that they not only have confidence in themselves, but also that they believe in their ability to succeed. By cultivating and projecting confidence in yourself and to others, you set yourself on the path for success.  Confidence comes from many sources, including knowing that you have a good education and training, good relationships, or even that you look good. If you are lacking confidence in certain areas, take proactive steps to boost it. For example, if you don’t feel confident because they your friends are more successful professionally, then work towards garnering more professional success through education or even a promotion. If your appearance leaves you feeling not confident, improve it. Something as simple as revived hair color can do wonders. It’s important to know that even if you are confident and successful, that failure is a part of the equation.  Disappointment and failure are components of success. Even someone like author J.K. Rowling experienced failures before they hit it big. As you strive to meet your goals, be confident and believe in your success, it’s important to not expect perfection from yourself or those around you. In fact, trying to be perfect often hampers your ability to perform well and can alienate those around you.  Perfectionism doesn’t mean that you’re not trying to be your best, it means you’re reaching towards an unattainable goal. For example, if you are trying to have the “perfect” body, any minor setback may hinder you from enjoying yourself. It’s best to love yourself the way you are and work from there. Expecting perfection from others can seriously and negatively affect your relationships, even causing them to break. Surrounding yourself with genuine friends and colleagues who will support you through good times and bad is essential to your success. It’s important to maintain these relationships over time to ensure your success and boost your confidence.  Beyond having meaningful relationships with friends, colleagues, and families, it’s also important to have a supportive partner. A partner can instill confidence in you and will support your goals for achieving personal and professional success. Part of fostering meaningful relationships is that you reciprocate the support and love you receive. Expressing gratitude is a key feature of having meaningful relationships. It’s important to show anyone who helps you along the way how much you appreciate them. You can’t be successful if you don’t take care of your physical and mental health. Exercise is an excellent way to relieve stress, and increase endorphins and energy.  Taking a short walk twice a day will refresh your body and mind. For example, a 3 mile run will give you time to work out personal or professional problems if you need to while providing your body with needed exercise to maintain your health.  In a world where you are easily contacted by cell phones, email, and social media, having unplugged alone time is vital to maintaining your health by minimizing how much input you need to process on a daily basis. For example, you can turn off all electronics at 10pm so that you have an hour or two all to yourself or with your family. Another option is exercising, such as going for a walk or run, to have some time alone. It is difficult to have personal success if your finances are not in order. By controlling your financial profile, you can not only boost your confidence, but also afford yourself opportunities such as education that may come up.  It’s important to budget. Knowing where your money is coming from and how you’re spending it will help you control your finances more effectively. Part of this equation is using credit wisely and not making impulse buys that you can’t really afford. For example, you wouldn’t want to rent an apartment that cost $1500 per month when you’re only making $2000 per month. Make sure you’re saving money routinely. If something catastrophic happens, you will need a reserve to get you through the hard times. But you may also want to save it for something special, like a big vacation, which is important to helping you recharge and, if you go with others, connecting with them.

summary: Set goals. Have confidence and believe that you will be successful. Don’t expect perfection from yourself- or anyone else. Have meaningful personal relationships. Take care of yourself physically and mentally. Watch your finances.


Summarize the following:
Part of being a good boyfriend is staying loyal and committed to your relationship with your girlfriend. Avoid flirting with other girls or blowing off your girlfriend to be with friends. Show her you are committed by spending quality time with her and paying attention to her when you are out socially or with a group. Part of being committed to your girlfriend is also trusting her and not being too protective or overbearing. Try not to control her life or her decisions. Instead of policing her actions or trying to control her, support and trust her. Deepen your relationship by pursuing activities or interests that you have in common. Focus on things that you both share and enjoy. For example, if you both enjoy travelling, plan a trip together overseas. If you both like to watch movies at home, designate one night movie night and watch all of your favorite flicks together. If you and your girlfriend share a home, make sure you pull your weight. Split the household chores with her, such as taking out the garbage or cleaning the kitchen. Try to keep your contributions to maintaining your home equal and fair. If you both have issues around household responsibilities, make sure you talk about it honestly and openly. Work through the issues together and find a compromise where you both are happy. Keep your relationship spontaneous and exciting by planning surprise dates or leaving special gifts for her to find. Let your girlfriend know you appreciate her by surprising her on occasion.  You may surprise her with something simple, like a bouquet of flowers or a small gift. Or you may surprise her by taking her out for dinner or to do an activity that you know she would enjoy. Be open to your girlfriend surprising you with special dates or gifts, as well! Pay attention when she is generous and giving to you, so you can also feel appreciated and loved. Always thank her.
summary: Stay committed to her. Find things you have in common and explore them together. Share household responsibilities if you live together. Surprise her with special dates or gifts.