• Do you see the positive everyday?
• Are you able to “reframe” (make lemons into lemonade) circumstances in Life?
• Are you able, at the very least, to get a lesson to better yourself from each and every Life experience?

Integrity – The root word means “to be whole”. Are you being a whole person or just a partial person? If just partial, how come? Is your “walk” congruent with your “talk”? Do you operate from your own values and beliefs, or those of others?

Most Important – “The most important thing about the most important thing is to keep the most important thing the most important thing.” In other words, do you know your priorities and values, and operate from the most important (highest priority) to the least important (lowest priority)? Do you make choices based on your values?

Passion and Purpose – Do you know what really, really, really lights you up? And do you feed that passion? Do you know why you are here? Do you know your “calling” in Life? Do you know your purpose? Do you live “on purpose” (vs. accidentally)?

Optimism –Do you see the positive everyday? Are you able to “reframe” (make lemons into lemonade) circumstances in Life? Are you able, at the very least, to get a lesson to better yourself from each and every Life experience? Are you hopeful? Do you offer “an encouraging word” to those around you?

Real – Are you being the authentic you? Are you on YOUR Life Path? Are you marching to the beat of YOUR own drum?

Time-off and Time Management – Time and money are a lot alike…..do you know how you are spending your time? Do you have a time plan or a time budget? Do you set time limits on yourself? Are you able to just relax and “chill-out”, and not have to “do” anything? Do you take time to recharge your batteries? Do you take time to just play?

Attitude – Our attitude affects the way we see Life and the way we connect with others. Are you aware of your attitude? How do you “adjust your attitude” when it needs adjusting? Who do you rely on to give you feedback about your attitude?

Negotiable vs. Non-Negotiable - Do you know your absolute limits, meaning those places and spaces that you are just not willing to accept under any circumstances? Likewise, do you know your absolute “gotta have” areas and will not settle for anything less? And furthermore, do you know what you are willing to compromise or negotiate in your Life?

Top Line – These are sources of energy for us...What are the positive “Top-Line” people, places, activities and attitudes that are going to serve you best in your Life? Do you put yourself in these Top-Line situations?

So there you have it, the new I.M.P.O.R.T.A.N.T. acronym.

By the way, what is I.M.P.O.R.T.A.N.T. to you?

Let me know what you think about this, or better yet, send me your own version.

Ken Donaldson has been based in Tampa Bay offering counseling, coaching, and educational programs since 1987. His REALationship Coaching programs empower people to have more successful lives, businesses and relationships by building a powerful relationship with themselves first. Visit his website at http://www.REALationshipCoach.com for more information and sign-up his free e-program Illuminations and Sparks of Brilliance. Ken is also the author of the upcoming book Marry YourSelf First!

• The 12 Paths for Your Most Awesomonious Life


• Unfinished Business


• The Feel Like a Million Dollars Program


• Turn Your Hate into Happiness


• 7 Sure Fire Ways to Sabotage Your Life


• Self Hypnosis Cds Help in Leading a Happier Life


• Are You Sensibly Sense-full? Don’t Miss The Day


• Pinging You With Happiness! - or The Power Of Thought


• How In The Hell Did This Happen To Me?


• Finding Your Zone