Better Person 1

You've already set some significant goals for 2010. (You have, haven't you?) And today, I'm going to ask you to set one more: to become a better person.

You are going to do that by making a commitment to...

Pay less attention to yourself and more attention to other people
Focus on opportunities, not problems
Listen first, talk later
Criticize only when your criticism is helpful
Never speak badly about anyone
Never complain about anything
Perform an act of kindness every day

This will have a profound effect on your happiness. Nothing else you do will bring you peace of mind. Money won't. Success won't. Fame won't.

The secret to substantial and enduring happiness has nothing to do with putting yourself first, nurturing your inner child, or any of the many other forms of narcissism so popular among today's pop psychologists. As someone who has spent too much time in the vain (and I do mean vain) pursuit of self-gratification, I am here to tell you that happiness and fulfillment in life is usually about doing less for yourself and more for others.

This is not a revolutionary concept. It was, it seems to me, the essential message of Christ, Gandhi and Mohamad and many more.

I'm probably not saying anything you don't already know. And you may be much further along than I am in making selflessness a permanent part of your life. Still, as I'm sure you've discovered, putting others first is a commitment that seems to require constant attention. And that is precisely why I am asking you -- as I am asking myself -- to renew that commitment now.