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I met a couple of friends this past week for coffee after work. Both of them are CEOs. I was surprised to learn that each carry a small card in their wallet with reminders to themselves of personal goals and ways to live their lives.

One fills his card with a list of personal goals for the year. He said he looks at it regularly to keep himself and his company on track. His list includes such things as double company revenue and, more personally, take a 30-minute walk every day.

The other friend's card listed three affirmations, something like, "I invite and allow good to come into my life."

To their surprise, I independently had created a similar card that I carry in my wallet. I pull it out when I encounter "conflict" situations to keep me centered.

Some of my bulleted phrases include: "Find the good in others"; "Seek long-term solutions"; and "Rise above it." When I encounter a bully, a control-freak, a pessimist or someone is attacking me, I refer to my "Emergency Situation Card," as I call it, and all is good in my world. I'm back in control!

My friends and I discussed the value of creating cards like ours to help guide others in living their daily lives and accomplishing their long sought-after goals. We also talked about the range of topics someone might want to include on a card. The list boiled down to some fairly simple rules of thumb. Some of our "How to" items included:

• Want to lose weight? Consume fewer calories. Exercise more. Stop thinking so much about food.

• Want to manage your time better? List your priorities. Do the most important things first. Do three things at the same time, e.g., eat your breakfast and listen to your voice-mail messages while driving to work.

• Want to be a better parent? Be firm but loving with your children. Set clear rules and be consistent. Let your spouse do all the punishing.

• Want to de-stress? Relax. Breathe deeply. Avoid conflict situations. Keep your sense of perspective. Think restful thoughts.

• Want to overcome depression? Get a physical checkup. Laugh a little. Think about all of the people worse off than you.

• Want to handle your money better? Make a budget. Stop buying on impulse. Cut down on unnecessary expenses. Invest in sound businesses. Don't lend money to your in-laws.

• Want to be a smart shopper? Read about the item before you shop. Check prices and watch for sales. Buy things that give you the best value. Don't buy anything of value from a street-corner vendor.

• Want to avoid being robbed? Don't go out at night, and avoid dangerous neighborhoods. Don't carry jewelry or money or anything of value. Walk along the street as if you are big and strong.

• Want to make more money in the stock market? Buy low. Sell high. Don't invest in companies that begin with "E" like, say, Enron.

• Want to be more assertive? Stand tall. Speak up. Don't let other people tell you what to do. Tell off people who push in front of you in line.

• Want to conserve energy? Drive less by routing your shopping trips. Turn out lights when not in use. Insulate your house and turn the thermostat down five degrees. Cuddle up with a friend.

• Want to run a successful business? Be the first to market. Increase revenues. Decrease costs. Plan your work and work your plan. Hire a good lawyer.

• Want to avoid an upset stomach when eating chile? Don't mix the red with the green. Order your chile on the side. Eat honey with your sopaipilla.

• Want to develop a more positive self-image? Believe in yourself and tell yourself how good you are. Surround yourself with people more stupid than you.

If you don't find a card's worth of ideas among those listed above, make up a list of your own to guide you in attaining your goals and living a more fulfilling life.