TOP 10 LISTS 

There is something special about a top 10 list.  Someone has taken the time to distill a particular topic into what they believe are the top 10 most important aspects of the topic.  Most importantly, it makes it easy for a lay person to get to the root of the most important things associated with what the author deems to be most important.  

My intention is to expand upon this area of my site to include additional top 10 lists.


10 Top Ways to Improve yourself

The following is my best advice for improving yourself:

  1. Read Books - Don’t be like most people who never read another book after graduating from school. Focus on books that will help you and inspire you to improve yourself (self-help, auto biographies, education, career etc.)

  2. Exercise Daily - There is no substitute for exercise and getting into shape. This will impact all areas of your life and give you the energy and vitality to improve yourself further. Keep a journal or spreadsheet and record every consecutive day that you exercise. Once, you start, don’t break the chain. Aerobics and weights are equally important.

  3. Be Positive - Having a positive attitude is a must have to become a leader and develop relationships with ambitious people. No-one wants to follow negative people. Find the positive in every situation.  But know that you will experience and learn from all your emotions!  I don't believe it's possible or healthy to live life with only positivity, but it should be a major aim. 

  4. Set Goals - Spend time reflecting about what you want to achieve in your life. Think big. Why set small goals? What if you achieve them? Set target goals that are SMART goals and outrageous goals which aren’t. Assume you will achieve your target goals and be inspired by your outrageous goals.   While goals are important, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't have spontaneity in your life.  Always be on the look out for new opportunities that can take you to great new places in your life.  And update or re-write your goals as you progress through life.

  5. Work hard - I told my kids (now adults) to “work hard” instead of “don’t work to hard” which many give as advice. Work harder on your self improvement, than you do at your job. Don’t fall into the trap of too much TV, Netflix, video games etc. This won’t lead you to your best life.  When you are working in your career, become the hardest worker you can!

  6. Learn personal Finance 101 - There are basic strategies about money that are not typically taught at school, like compounding interest, the rule of 72 and investing a minimum of 10% of your income (20–30% if you really want to be wealthy).  Every dollar you don't invest now (or spend foolishly), could literally be worth $ 50 to $ 100 later on in life.

  7. Keep a life journal - A life worth living is a life worth recording. Use the journal to record your life and capture your ideas. Don’t rely on your memory.

  8. Ask questions - So many of us lose the nerve to ask questions for fear of appearing dumb. Don’t worry about what others think of you. Most people have the same questions but are afraid to ask. This is how you learn. Have the curiosity of a child.

  9. Take risk - Most people on their death bed say that they wish they took more risk in their life. You won’t grow or improve yourself unless you are constantly challenging yourself to get out of your comfort zone.

  10. Meet people - I once received good advice that you will be the same person tomorrow as you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet. Some of your best life outcomes will come from meeting new people.

10 Top Life Tips

Follow are my top 10 best life tips for getting through life:

  1. Spend more time planning your life than you do a vacation or for a birthday party.

  2. Don’t worry so much about what other people think of you. The truth is that most people aren’t thinking about you.

  3. Be honest with your self (and others) and do the right thing.

  4. Trust your intuition. It is usually right. I kick myself sometimes for ignoring it.

  5. When your alarm clock goes off . . . get out of bed and start your day. Make your bed.

  6. Live the golden rule . . . treat other people like you would like to be treated.

  7. Read something positive every day. We live in such a negative world that we need to find something positive. Read inspirational quotes or a good book. Dwell on a quote of the day.

  8. Listen to the music that you like to listen to. The power of music is under estimated. Play it LOUD. It is okay (and necessary some times) to feel the music! Dance! Sing!

  9. Spend time in nature, either a park, stroll through the woods, near a body of water. Reflect on your day, week, month, year, life . . .

  10. Plan for the future while living for today.

Life Tips (10 more!)

Following are 10 more of my top tips for living your best life.

  1. Be “in the present” moment. Don’t think about the future or other people when you are present with the people who you say are the most important people in your life.

  2. Ask questions. Be curious. Most people are afraid to ask questions and have lost their curiosity.

  3. Decide you will live a long life. How about 100 years old? By doing this, you are more likely to take care of yourself and your health. Can you imagine living the last 10 or 20 years of your life in bad health?

  4. Learn how to really listen. Most of us are too busy thinking about what we are going to say next than listening to someone speak.

  5. Write down your goals and update them every year and for every decade birthday (20, 30, 40, 50, 60). You are more apt to live a bold and adventure filled life if you take time to plan it out.

  6. Spend less money than you make. Way less. Invest the rest. Learn about compound interest and the rule of 72! Each dollar you spend now is forgoing about 20 dollars down the road if you invest it wisely.

  7. Have a positive attitude. You will live longer and have more friends.

  8. Enjoy and relish time by yourself. Think about what you are doing with your life.

  9. Be an action taker . . a mover and a shaker. There is no point in moving slowly through life when you can accomplish so much more. There is magic in thinking big. It is better to act than to think about acting and never do it.

  10. Realize that there is no one way to live your life. There are no right or wrong answers. Develop your own life plan and live a life of purpose . . whatever that is.

10 Good Mentors

These mentors are people that influence positively and change people's lives for the better.  They all have personal characteristics, traits and values that I admire greatly.  I recommend you check out further and see if they can play a role in influencing your life too:

  1. Jim Rohn (1930 - 2009) - Considered to be one of the greatest personal development people of our time.  Jim Rohn was one of the most significant contributors to my life from a self-help stand point.  His course "The Art of Exceptional Living" was a great inspiration in my life.  I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Rohn in person in the 90's at a personal development speaking event.  

  2. Elon Musk (1971 - ____) - One of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time who is literally advancing multiple industries in front of our eyes (electric vehicles, space, artificial intelligence, robotics, social media).   While he is a controversial figure, take some time to actually listen to what he says instead of what you may read in the media headlines. He is a fascinating person and one of the most brilliant minds of our time.

  3. Mel Robbins (1968 - ____) - Melanie Robbins is an American podcast host, author, motivational speaker, and former lawyer. She is known for her TEDx talk, "How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over"; and her books, The 5 Second Rule and The High 5 Habit, as well as host of The Mel Robbins Podcast.  I've recommended Mel to my own children and wife as someone to look to for personal development growth. 

  4. Dr. Jordan Peterson (1962 - ____) - Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and media commentator. He began to receive widespread attention in the late 2010s for his views on cultural and political issues, often described as conservative. He is one of the greatest intellectuals of our time and is changing people's lives with his book "The 12 Rules of Life".  In particular, he has a huge following of young men who are seeking direction and meaning in their life.  Jordan is a big believer in designing your life through ambition and goals.  My wife Kathy and I recently attended one of his public speaking events in Toronto this year. 

  5. Jordan Harbinger (1980 - ____) - Jordan is a Wall Street lawyer turned podcast interviewer. His approachable style and knack for securing high-profile guests have led some to call him the “Larry King of podcasting.” His show, The Jordan Harbinger Show,  was voted among Apple’s “Best of 2018.”   I listen to his podcasts frequently and particularly love his "Skeptical Sunday" episodes.

  6. Dave Lee - Dave Lee on investing is a you tuber who I follow and believe to be one of our generations greatest thinkers when it comes to long term investing strategies.  He has a pod cast where he interviews others about the potential of companies and technologies that are changing the world.   In particular, Dave is a major proponent of investing in the company Tesla (stock ticker TSLA), as one of the greatest once in a life time opportunities of our generation (like Apple and Amazon).

  7. Robin Sharma (1964 - ____) - Robin Sharma is a fellow Canadian and considered to be one of the Top 5 Leadership Experts in the world as well as an internationally acclaimed bestselling author. His work is embraced by rock stars, royalty, billionaires and celebrity CEOs.  I have met Robin in person, read and been inspired by many of his books, starting with the "Monk who sold his Ferrari".  

  8. Tony Robbins (1960 - ____) - Anthony (Tony) Robbins is an American author, coach, speaker, and philanthropist. He is known for his infomercials, seminars, and self-help books including the books Unlimited Power and Awaken the Giant Within.  Tony gives great advice on personal development, health and mindset required to live your best life.   I have listened to and been inspired by his books and courses, and attended a live event with him in Toronto.   It was while attending this Tony Robbins event in 2017 that led to the writing of my 100 Life Goals book and ultimately the creation of this web site!    

  9. Check back for 9 thru 10 mentors!



Check back monthly for updates as these lists get done.  

Last Updated:  April 7, 2023