Happy New Year!

Welcome to The Quest, a newsletter intended to inspire and inform those interested in experiencing optimal well being in body, mind and spirit. For archived newsletters and more information, please see my website at www.deborahlow.com.

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January 2004

In this issue of The Quest:

1. The Quest Quote
2. The Quest Article: Perseverance for Success
3. Inspiring Links for Kids
4. News

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1. Quote:
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. - Calvin Coolidge, American President (b.1872)

If you have made resolutions this year, take the quick self-test below to see if you can improve on your own level of perseverance.

2. Article: Persevering for Success
It’s the time of year when people are often open to change…if only for a moment. Yet as the quote above notes, making resolutions about your health and lifestyle choices is not difficult, it’s the sticking to them that can be.
First, take some time today to consider areas of your life you would like to improve. You may want to be healthier, more generous, less stressed, or just more optimistic. Once you determine your goals, create a timeline and attach some simple steps. Note your strengths. How will they help you on your path?
See if you are able to increase your chances for success by taking this simple self-test that I recently saw in the Vancouver Sun newspaper.
How would you rate yourself, if one is low and three is high, when pursuing goals or meeting new challenges?

1. I believe in myself.

2. I have clear goals.

3. I address my limitations.

4. I bounce back from disappointment.

5. I have the stamina to persist.

6. My family and friends support me in the pursuit of my goals.

7. I can adapt to change.

8. I complete projects.

9. My goals are consistent with my purpose and values.

10. I can take unpopular actions when I believe I’m right.

Out of a maximum of 30, where do you stand? The higher your score, the more perseverant you are. By rating your ‘perseverance quotient’, see if you can pinpoint areas where you may lack ‘stick-to-itiveness’. For example, you may need to clarify your goals and get clear on why you really want to achieve them. Try to break them down into small doable pieces, complete with a timeline. Or perhaps your support system is weak. Do your friends and family know why your goal is important to you? Do they even know how they can help you? Who else can you enlist for support? When you suffer set backs or bad days, stay optimistic. As Robert Louis Stevenson said, “Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.” Ask, in what small way can I move forward today—or at least not move backwards? These 10 indicators can serve as tools to improve your chances of success. What areas do you still need to work on?

3. Great Links for kids:

Links that encourage Kids to Exercise:
Maybe you are a regular at the track or on the court…but what about your children? Here are a few great, and fun web sites designed to encourage your kids to exercise.

 www.bam.gov
This includes a personality quiz that kids can take to choose a suitable sport.

www.kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/exercise/exercise.html
This site teaches teens about the importance and value of being active

http://verbnow.com
Try this interactive site that features polls, quizzes and sports information

www.presidentschallenge.org
Contains activity logs, fitness calculators, and awards for when kids meet their goals

www.cdc.gov/powerfulbones/index2.html
Promoting activity among girls

4. News

The new edition of my book is now available through Hyperion Books, www.hyperionbooks.com. Or request it at any bookstore, ISBN: 0786888881.
Plus, look for the new interview on ‘motivation’ in the upcoming issue of Psychology Today magazine.

Thank you to those that sent congratulatory emails regarding my pregnancy and soon to arrive, new baby! All tips are welcome…especially those regarding how to survive on less than 8 hours of sleep…or should I say, less than 3 hours of sleep J?
Please share this newsletter with your friends! I welcome your questions and comments and always love to hear what you are interested in reading about. Wishing you many blessings for a peaceful, fun and healthy 2004.

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The Quest for Peace, Love & a 24-Inch Waist
www.deborahlow.com

Please submit your comments or questions by replying to this email at deborah@deborahlow.com I look forward to your feedback.