I) ASSOCIATE WITH BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE AND THINGS.

Always try to associate with people who “radiate” energy, optimism and life. We live in a society where winning and competition is more than encouraged. Yet, many people that you see are losers. They can neither win nor compete. By associating with losers, you become a loser yourself. By associating with winners, you become a winner. You need this energy and optimism that they have. Stand close to them, learn from them, and you will experience positive things too.

Also, surround yourself with beautiful things. When I say “beautiful” things, I mean things that make you feel good. It could be plants, pictures of your pet, or simply pieces of furniture that you like. That way, you start experiencing pleasure on a regular basis.

II) AVOID AND GET RID OF PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOU FEEL BAD.

I no longer watch local or national news. I really do not need to know of murders, burglaries, and other criminal activities. Instead of the news, I watch all programs on cable station, such as Style. There is always a revolution in fashion industry. Yet, nothing dramatic that can upset your psyche is happening! In fact, watch this type of programming and see your stress melt away.

I also do not go to places or even talk to people who have negative impact on me. At work, I cannot totally avoid those people. However, I keep my interactions with them to a minimum. Generally, people I do not like for any reason, I do not talk to.

III) BE AWARE OF NEGATIVE THINKING AND GET RID OF IT.

Our brains carry a lot of polluters. Those polluters come in form of negative thoughts. You cannot function effectively within this society if you allow those polluters to stay for a long time inside you brain. You cannot make progress in life because negative thoughts impede every attempt you will make at changing your life for the better. I know it firsthand. It is better to have no thoughts inside your mind than it is to have negative thoughts.

IV) ALWAYS TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR CONDITION, YOURSELF, AND YOUR LIFE.

You will never make any progress in treating your condition unless you will take responsibility for it. Your therapist is not responsible for it. Your family and friends are not responsible for it. Shifting your blame to someone else for what has happened to you or what is happening now will never improve your life. I know it firsthand because I blamed my relatives for years. My life did not get better. It has gotten worse.

V) THINK OF ANY FAILURE AS A STEPPING STONE TO SUCCESS.

I experienced failure on a massive scale. I have failed numerous times in every area and every endeavor that I undertook in my life. Yet, I am considered to be successful by many people’s standards. If you are afraid to fail, then you will do nothing and still will fail. You see doing nothing is failing too.

VI) TAKE RISKS.

This is something I am still working on. By my nature, I am not a risk-taker. I do not like changes. I prefer my usual environment to any new environment. I do not like to “get out” of my comfort zone. Yet, I found when nothing new is happening, it is bad too. Take calculated risks. Calculated risks are those that give you reasonable chances of winning. As one Indian philosopher said: “We are not here to survive and live long. We are here to live and know life in its multi-dimensions, to know life in its richness in all its variety. And when a man lives multi-dimensionally, explores all possibilities available, never shrinks back from any challenge, goes, rushes to it, welcomes it, rises to the occasion then becomes a flame, life blooms.”

VI) CHEER UP!

Learn to look at your life events with humor. Create a plan for experiencing continuous pleasure in life. Identify various situations and places that give you pleasure. It could be hanging out with your friends or eating at your local burger joint. It does not really matter. Knowing what gives you pleasure and going after it will increase the level of enjoyment in your life. If you do not have a plan for experiencing pleasure, prepare to experience pain!