Tips for beating winter blues

According to the Cleveland Clinic, 10 to 20 per cent of the population may suffer from a form of winter blues. Right now, in the coldest part of the year, winter takes its toll on the emotions and attitudes of people of all ages.

What steps can you take to beat the winter blues and start down a path of meaning and fulfillment in all areas of your life?

"I am convinced that anyone, and I mean anyone, can become what they are absolutely determined to be and live a meaningful life," says Jim Stowers, billionaire, philanthropist and author of The Best is Yet to Be, his autobiography. "Nothing can stop you from achieving your personal and professional goals."

Stowers offers the following tips to help men and women discover the power of a positive attitude and achieve their best in all areas of their lives: from home to career to finances. Armed with these beliefs, people can begin taking action to beat the winter blues.

*Realize that your best times are ahead - If you don't think tomorrow is going to be better than today, why get up? Believe each new day is going to be better and be determined to make it so.

*Build a strong team - Surround yourself with the best people. Everything is possible if you associate with top people.

*Admit you do not have all the answers - One of the key factors in success is realizing and admitting you do not know everything.

*Consider the consequences - In your workplace and at home, carefully consider the consequences of your actions before making a decision. Try to anticipate the negative and positive results of your actions.

*Be persistent - Successful people have one major attribute in common. They do not give up. Don't let anything stand in the way of your dreams.

*Be patient - Consider the life of an acorn - when an acorn is planted and properly cared for, it slowly matures into a beautiful tree, but that takes time. Do not expect your dreams to come true overnight. Remember, it takes patience and time to build a reputation but a moment of carelessness to lose it.

*Stay positive - Achieving your dreams is possible. Do not let circumstances dictate that you can't become what you are determined to be, whether it is being financially independent or playing your favourite instrument.

"Now is an excellent time to evaluate your goals and dreams and establish a plan to achieve them," says Stowers. "Instead of letting circumstances get you down, take this opportunity to decide what you want to do to achieve your goals. And then, if you are determined and persistent, nothing is impossible. Remember, the best is yet to be."