JUST AS people pay full attention to their president?s State of the Nation address, we can also come up with our personal reports and take stock of our lives. We must constantly assess our situation: What have we done with our lives so far? Where are we now, and where are we headed? Some guidelines:

1. Do not measure progress by the content of your bank accounts. They?re just temporary assets. Look inside your heart, where your true wealth lies.

2. Don?t compare your situation with that of your neighbor?s. Appreciate what you have and be grateful for your unique blessings.

3. See your own faults and shortcomings. Ask forgiveness from people you?ve offended?and you shall likewise be forgiven.

4. Realize the higher spiritual goal of life instead of wallowing in the superficial and mundane.

5. Move on and let go of past hurts and unhealthy attachments. It?s good to close some chapters in your life and start new ones. Getting stuck in a portion of your journey may deter you from achieving higher levels of existence.

6. Don?t be afraid to seek and live with the truth. It?s better to be wise than ignorant!