Here is a tip that could make a big difference for you: Self-control is the only control that any of us have. We do not control others.

This is a hard premise to accept and yet life has taught us it’s true. The sooner we accept it, the sooner our frustration level will drop sharply and the more effective we will become to accomplish what is in our power to accomplish.

Recently, a friend of mine passionately complained to me about her 80ish dad whose health is declining but he won’t listen to her or his Doctors. He continues to drink in excess, he smokes, he has emphysema and he suffers from bouts of pneumonia.

She makes a great case for why he should change. And yet he doesn’t change. She loves him and her frustration level with him is often very high. But rather than accept that this is how he will live his life, she continues her losing battle.

Another woman I know is determined that her obese 80ish father, will lose weight. She watches everything he eats and she takes him regularly to a health club so he can exercise. And yet he hasn’t lost a pound.

Why? Because after she leaves him at the health club, he goes out the back door and over to his local McDonald’s. Like the first woman, she continues to fight in vain.

I too have many things I could improve and my wife Anne diplomatically encourages me to do so. Perhaps you can relate to this. I listen to her and take her suggestions to heart. But ultimately the choices are mine.

And after 41 years of marriage, I see she lives her life as she chooses, despite my suggestions.

Success Tip of the Week: The Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.”