A Simple Secret to a Great Day

Enjoy a successful Walk 

What is success to you? Is it to be the 'Top 10' in something or to own an estate, yacht or the newest/greatest something? Or, is it to finally take a walk with your dog? 

Yesterday on my morning walk, I was thinking about the podcast "The Goodlife Project" that discussed an interesting concept. The concept is to ask yourself as you start your day - "What does success do?"

My goal of success one day was to write 3 blog posts in the morning. I asked myself "what would success do?" It's a simple way to keep focus on the really important things to do. No checking e-mails every 2 minutes. No responding to anything else but what is in front of you. 

Instead of being stressed by my goal, it actually freed me to concentrate. Once done with my goal, I select another goal that means 'success' to me.

What's your goal? Can you see yourself trying to focus on one thing at a time today, this week or this month? 

M. A. Smith  LLC Interior Design

732 690-2030

Interior Design - Ocean and Monmouth County and Metropolitan New Jersey, CT and NYC

Best Design Coach Blog

House Zen Garden Blog

Are you Exhausted and Need some Inspiration?

Are You and Your Home suffering from Post-Holiday Syndrome? 

After the holidays, it's hard to get that pizzazz that your home had with all the holiday decorations. It may look empty, dull and lackluster. Besides being exhausted with everything, your home and you may need some pampering. 

Chances are a hint of spring, a touch of color (not green and red) could put you back on track. (Mark your calendar for the Philadelphia Flower Show, March 3 to 11th). 

Try adding flowers like tulips to your breakfast table. Or, re-arrange your coffee table and add some new magazines to get you inspired. 

Remove all the accessories in your Living Room and then replace them, but not all of them. Your room will look cleaner, simpler and it doesn't cost a penny. 

Still not ready? Some of my clients call me for quick re-starts in their homes. A fresh eye may be all you need to set you right. 

Need Post Holiday Inspiration? Do This ...

A walk in the cold beats reading e-mails any day!

What's the real Truth about your Holiday?

The holidays can take a toll on more than our pocketbooks. It's supposed to be a fun and engaging time. But for many, it's stress upon stress. 

The stress might be from your family, your weight gain or from lack of exercise or money.

Instead of just complaining about the stress, you could invent a way to bring back some real joy or enthusiasm in your life.

Here are a few things I've done lately to restore my spirit:

• A daily walk changes your mood instantly - try at least a 30 minute walk
• Read books that speak to you and your interests - see what I'm reading now below
• Listen to a podcast that gives you inspiration - I listened to 'Good Life Podcast' this morning and it's content was so interesting hearing the Power of Habit author, Charles Duhigg
• Decide on a habit you'd like to start or change - less or better food, less alcohol or more exercise
• List in your mind all the things you are thankful for at the start of the day

What I'm reading now that you may enjoiy too:

"The Four Hour Workweek" by Timothy Ferriss  - great to get you back on a good track soon

"Architecture to Construction" by Paul D. Rugarber   - must read for my clients who are building a new home ($2.99 is a small price to pay for a book on Kindle!)

"The Dead Presidents Club" by Harris Baseman - very interesting, especially if you like stories on leaders of countries (i. e. The Crown)

"A Happy Pocket Full of Money" by David Cameron Gikandi and Bob Doyle" - reading a paragraph a day could be all you need now 

"The Paleo Cardiologist" by Jack Wolfson, DO FACC - suggested to me by my son Chris Lupo and his wife, Lisa. If Chris says to do this - it's the approach I'll take to be and stay healthy for a long time. 

M. A. Smith  LLC Interior Design

732 690-2030

Interior Design - Ocean and Monmouth County and Metropolitan New Jersey, CT and NYC

Best Design Coach Blog

House Zen Garden Blog