The below is an excerpt from an exercise that I conduct with clients regarding doing your best and how you can check your actions for maximum production.  The steps below are a simple way to remember that you can create whatever you want, as the world as we know it today is a result of the hands of humans like you and me.

I want you to consider your hand, no matter if you are right of left hand dominant please choose which ever one you would like. Often times in life we will be asked by coworkers, family and friends to offer our assistance when needed and this comes in the phrase form of “lending a hand.”  This could be something as small as grabbing the neighbors mail while they are away on vacation, or even larger tasks such as helping a friend move,  or even move in with you if they need the temporary support.  Regardless of the circumstance, we are often able to offer a helping hand.

Well what is a hand really?

Yes, it is the collective of your five fingers or a thumb and four fingers that work in accord to help you function, however your hand is also an easy reminder of the 5 values that you should demonstrate when helping others and yourself.   Below is a fun way to remember these values, and carry them with you everywhere you go.

1. Thumb = Optimism:

Your thumb is strategically placed at the top of your hand and is typically positioned upward in most activities whether shaking hands, giving a high five, or driving a vehicle. It is important to be positive in your thoughts, actions, and beliefs as the way you perceive a situation will directly lead to how the situation itself will turn out.  Let your thumb be a reminder to see the positive in every situation, and you will truly have “thumbs up” outlook towards any outcome.

2. Index Finger = Intention:

Your index or pointer finger is typically used when referencing out a specific object or person. Although some say you should never point fingers, having direct intention in your thoughts and actions is needed to achieve a goal. You should be able to specifically point out those things that are productive for you, as well as those things that are adversarial to you. This can be done through the exercise of creating a SWOT analysis, or even a pro’s vs. con’s list that will help you to butter understand specifically where you can work to improve yourself.

3. Middle Finger = Free:

I know many of you are thinking that the middle finger does in fact suggest a four letter word that starts with an “F”, however it takes on the form of an expletive and not a word that suggests being without constraints. In this example I want you to think of freeing yourself from anything that is not conducive to your improvement. Sure we use the middle finger as an expression to translate our discontent for a situation and our desire to be removed from it, and the word free does exactly the same thing. In order to progress we must free ourselves from those things that will hold us back, and no matter if it is an employer, associate, or addiction we must have the courage to say F— that and free ourselves from it.

4. Ring Finger = Commitment:

As in many parts of the world the fourth finger on specifically the left, and in some cases also the right hand are known as the ring finger. The ring finger got its name from medieval European cultures dating back to the 11^th century as brides became accustomed to wearing their wedding rings on this digit. Just like individuals who choose to unite as one in a marriage ceremony, your ring finger should serve as a constant reminder of a commitment to yourself. You are and will always be your number one supporter, and you have to be committed to your own growth, achievement, and wellbeing. If you struggle to commit to your own wellbeing, look at your middle finger…F—that.

5. Pinky Finger = Strength

Outside of holding the “a” and “;”on your keyboard QWERTY while covering your home keys, the pinky severs as the strongest finger in your hand as it relates to gripping with its fellow digits.   The pinky is also known as the fifth finger, and with this final digit we must show our strength to keep the other values of optimism, intention, freedom, and commitment working together.   By itself the pinky is small, weak, and has the shortest range of motion as it relates to its companions, however when in use it assist all others work together for the better.

The next time you look at your hand and need some personal motivation please remember to be optimistic, intentional, free, committed, and strong as you work to achieve your goals.

make the rest of your life the best of your life