Over the past month or two, I have done some soul searching.

As I outlined in my previous post, I have struggled over the years with anxiety issues.

While I have a lot of work to do, I'm proud to say some progress has been made already thanks to my decision, supportive friends and a few strokes of luck.

In the meantime, I have decided to outlined a new set of rules for me. These rules will help me stay on the right track and make me a happier person.

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1. Family and friends first. They support you the most. You need to do a great job supporting them.

2. Continue to exercise most days if not daily. 

3. Focus on the fact that life is imperfect instead of focusing on being perfect and perfectionism. We were not meant to be perfect. Everyone has flaws. Every day has flaws.

4. Interact with more people, whether it’s in person, via text or email. Try to find comparable life experiences with as many people as possible.

5. Barring a special occasion or circumstance, I will keep my work in the office. 

6. I will trust “the plan.” There are uncontrollable factors in life. Embrace this. Things happen for a reason.

7. Win the Day: Understand that not much happens overnight. I will do my best each day in hope of good days piling up to become a good life. Life is a “bit by bit” challenge. Focus on winning the day ahead of you and life will get better.

8. If fear comes, accept it and don’t fight. Don’t try to escape from it.

9. Instead of asking “what if?” try to start asking “so what?” 

10. Stay in the present. Focus on what’s happening to you now and stop thinking of how much worse it could get.

11. Embrace your feelings and don’t wish them away. 

12. Enjoy the wins. If you nine out of 10 things go right, enjoy the nine things instead of focusing on the one that got away.