What are the differences between people who start with little or nothing and find ways to make huge differences in their world, and people who had wonderful things in their life, but pretty much messed it up? Here’s Phil Humbert’ list of what makes people winners:

1. Winners live orderly lives. Instead of being impulsive, winners are more likely to ponder, seek advice, ask experts, make plans and build slowly. Winners are often quieter, less flashy. We can go for drama and excitement, or the satisfaction of success. It’s our choice.

2. Winners know themselves. They know the two or three things they value. These may include spiritual values, family values, integrity, business success, personal relationships, etc., Winners know their priorities and are very slow to change them. Instead of running hot-and-cold, flushed with excitement one moment and disappointed the next, winners seem to be more stable, more focused, more reliable.

3. Winners read. It has been said that “Those who do not read are no better off than those who cannot read.” Winners make the time and have the patience to read, and are constantly learning new things. They read history and biography, novels, magazines, business and science fiction. Winners learn from other people’s experience and ideas, instead of trying to reinvent the wheel every day.

4. Winners hang with winners. Someone once observed that “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Winners choose their associates — friends and colleagues — schools and even neighborhoods, very carefully. Winners surround themselves with people who are even or slightly ahead of them in terms of success.

I’ve had times when I’ve felt like a winner, and other times when I’m off track. What do you think of this list in your life?

Ash Wednesday. the end of Mardi Gras, the beginning of Lent, 40 days until Easter. This is an important celebration of our humanness. As ashes are traced on our forehead at church, the minister says “Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.” Man, does that fly in the face of a 21st century full of wealth, comfort, and self-centeredness.

We need to be mindful of the possibility of change. We have the choice to turn away from things that bring us down. We have the choice to live faithfully. We have the choice to turn our life around.  Lent can be a time of fasting and giving things up, which are all fine. But when the priest spoke to us after giving the ashes, he suggested we be more positive these days leading up to Easter, that we smile more. Now that is change we can all work on!