Archive for » April, 2010 «

Apr
25

It is Okay to Say No

I can only expect to achieve success without burnout when I am focused on my goals and aware of my limitations. For this reason, I am able and willing to say no when the need arises.

I prioritize the people and activities in my life. I have let go of the idea that I should be able to come up with enough energy for every person and every activity that comes my way.

My family comes first. They know that, as does everyone else in my life. They are aware that I am incapable of dropping everything for their every whim, but I have granted them the security and confidence they deserve by putting their genuine needs first, above my work and social life. They know that I am there for them when they truly need me, no matter what else is going on in my life.

I also take time to be with friends and colleagues who are positive, supportive, and who help me in my constant pursuit of excellence. I have let go of the idea that I should be instantly available to anyone who asks. I am friendly with everyone, but my time is precious. I choose to spend it with those who will help me become my best self.

I take time to engage in activities that will relax me and further equip me to reach my dreams. I let everything else go, without feeling guilty or creating excuses because I know that it is okay to say no.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Do I keep my goals in mind when deciding how to spend my time?
2. Do my friendships help or hinder me in reaching my goals?
3. Does my family really know that they come first in my life?

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Category: Affirmations, Building Success, Goal Setting  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment
Apr
17

Healthy Tips to Improve Body and Mind

Even if you look and feel great, there are always steps you can take, every day, to improve your body and mind. It takes constant work to improve your life, even when you have achieved what you believe is your personal best.

So with that said, we all can use some healthy living tips to ensure that we are the best we can be every day.

Healthy Living Tips to Improve Your Body and Mind

It doesn’t matter if you are in perfect shape – or you have created your own unique “shape” over the years – there are always simple strategies that will continue to improve how you look, feel and think. After all, without constantly improving your body and mind, you won’t be able to reach greater heights and experience new things.

The most essential mental and physical health tip is to enjoy quality sleep. Getting enough sleep will boost your health and productivity, and it will rejuvenate your body and mind. Some people may believe that sleep is overrated, but study after study has shown that those who get at least eight hours of sleep look and feel better than those who don’t. It can be tempting to skimp on the number of hours of sleep you get, but it isn’t worth it. Skipping sleep takes a toll on your brain’s ability to function, your appearance, and on your overall long-term health. So do yourself a favor and skip the late night talk shows and midnight snacks tonight!

There’s another easier-said-than-done tip that I’m sure you’ve heard many times before. Any guesses? Exercise, of course! Whether you are trying to lose weight or you’re at your target weight, it can be tempting to skip exercise. No matter how you slice it, it’s not going to do you any good. Not only does exercise help you look good, but it also helps you feel good. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good from top to bottom and stress literally drips off you!

It can be difficult to incorporate these healthy living tips into your life, but there is one tool that ties everything together: the power of positive self-talk. You can use positive affirmations to help remind you of your healthy living goals. Affirmations are short statements that encourage you to sharpen your mind and body while conquering your goals and improving on your weaknesses. Affirmations can help you focus on creating and maintaining the healthy body and mind you desire because it gives you the motivation you need to focus on your most important asset – you!

Some examples of affirmations include, “It is okay for me to take care of myself first,” or, “I am healthy and deserve the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.” You can use these simple positive statements throughout the day to stay motivated and focused. After all, we all need some motivation from time to time.

When you implement these strategies in your life, you’ll begin to realize just how easy it can be to lead a healthy lifestyle, especially once you have gained the right set of tools in your self-improvement toolbox!

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Category: Life Improvement, Mental Health, Positive Thinking  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment
Apr
12

Jump Start Your Day

Having a good start for the day is as important as having a good breakfast in the morning.  When is it better to do that than during your commute to your work destination.

Whether you drive to work, take the subway, or hop on a bus, there are many different things you can do to get things moving in your day.  Commutes often take up quite a bit of time, especially during rush hour. Why not take full advantage of the time you have in order to ensure that your day is optimized for success.

There are many ways to jump-start your day while commuting to work. Here are some activities you can do while you travel to get a great start to your day:

1. Listen to self-improvement audios. If you’re traveling to work in your car, invest in some good self-improvement CDs, audio books, or MP3 downloads.

  • As you travel, listen to these CDs and learn how to unlock your potential, organize your day, prioritize, increase your self-esteem, or other key personal growth strategies.
  •  iPods or MP3 players are perfect for those who carpool or ride a bus or subway to work.
  • Indulge yourself by listening to your favorite podcasts with your iPod, either entertainment, self-improvement or business-oriented.

2. Plan your day. If you commute by way of a bus or subway, or even in a car pool, you can take advantage of the time by planning your day or detailing project plans.

  • Write down notes about your various projects, prioritize your daily tasks by creating a to-do list, or schedule meetings by using your laptop or phone.
  • Be wary of talking on your cell phone while commuting. Loud conversations can annoy other travelers and your reception might be spotty at times.

3. Take care of emails.   Email is a common time trap during the day. If you have access to the internet during your commute, it may be an ideal time to check your email for any important information or to reply to those emails that have long been awaiting your response.

  • Taking care of administrative or simple email tasks on the way to work can help ease the load when you get to the office.
  • Organizing your inbox with filters and folders can make checking email a quick task. Set limits about checking email once you reach the office to assure you’re working most efficiently.

4. Relax with hobbies or learn new things. Use your commuting time to do something fun for yourself, such as studying a new language or learning about a topic that draws your interest. You can keep your mind sharp and discover new things by taking the time you have during your commute to experience something different.

  • What have you always wanted to do but never find the time for? Sit down with your favorite crossword puzzle or magazine, or watch a favorite television show on your laptop or phone. Enjoy your time before work begins!

5. Eat breakfast. If you’re running out of the house to catch a train or bus, take a minute to grab a healthy breakfast to eat on your way to work. Many commuter stations have breakfast carts available so grab something to eat alongside your morning tea or coffee.

  • Not only will breakfast jumpstart your metabolism but you’ll also have increased energy by the time you reach the office.

These are just a few different ways to jump-start your day during your morning commute. While you may only have a limited amount of time in the morning, you can really make the best of it!

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Category: Life Improvement, Motivation  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment
Apr
11

Taking Positive Actions

Goals are meant to be achieved.  To succeed in life, think about how you can take postive actions every day to accomplish your goals. It may not be as difficult as it seems, but it definitely requires action. So, put your actions into overdrive and make the most of your efforts.

You can truly make every action you take a positive one that builds momentum and propels you forward. You’ll feel better about what you’re doing, and your gusto for life will inspire those around you.

Turning Positive Action into a Positive Life

When you put your best foot forward in all that you do, you’ll develop an intense passion that will be unmatched. Sometimes you may feel like sitting back and doing as little as possible, but you’ll actually enjoy your life more when you are engaged in the things you love to do.

Life is more fulfilling when you are passionate about your work and family. Even though it may seem challenging to look at everything with passionate and positive eyes, such an outlook is possible. If you’re unsure how you can summon more passion for a project or task, there is one tool that will help you build momentum by utilizing the power of a positive mindset. So what is it? Positive affirmations!

What Are Affirmations All About?

Affirmations can help you take positive action by re-defining how you think and feel. In essence, affirmations are positive statements that activate your mind and encourage you to push forward. Once you implement affirmations into your life, negative, self-defeating thoughts will be a thing of the past.

If you need a positive thought, for example, you can say something as simple as, “I infuse my mind, heart, and spirit with past accomplishments, new ideas, and a fresh attitude.” Constantly repeating positive affirmations will help you create a positive outlook in just about any situation imaginable.

Positive affirmations allow you to set your goals, envision them, and reaffirm them each time you state it. This positive statement only needs to be something you desire for yourself and through continued repetition, you can make it your reality. After all, words are powerful because they have the ability to elicit emotion and inspire action.

Affirmations are generally very simple, but they can help you make lasting changes in your life, one step at a time. If you are having a hard time finding the motivation, try an affirmation such as, “I am building momentum with each step I take.” As long as your actions are congruent with your positive mindset, you will begin to see and feel results nearly instantly.

Affirmations have the power to change the way you think and feel about yourself. Millions of people are using affirmations every day to help them become happier, healthier, and more balanced individuals. You can put your actions into overdrive and accomplish more in less time. After all, if words can move mountains, imagine what you will be able to do when your thoughts, attitudes and actions are aligned!

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Category: Mental Health, Positive Thinking  Tags: ,  One Comment
Apr
07

My Goals Drive Me to New Heights

Every time I achieve a goal, I get closer to my dreams. My goals are realistic, and I enjoy meeting them easily. They make me happy and help fulfill my life, both personally and professionally.

I reach new heights of success because I set goals that take me there. When I create detailed and achievable goals, I succeed much more easily. Achieving my goals brings joy into my life and allows me to relax and enjoy my free time.

Setting goals is important to me. I consistently plan new objectives when I meet my old ones. By working smartly, I get a lot done and find that I can move forward faster than I thought possible. I am proud of my goal setting abilities and my success.

Every day, I take action to move toward my goals. My goals help keep me focused on what I really want to do with my life. My life goals are broken down into smaller steps for each day.

I know success is in my future because I meet my daily goals. I move forward all the time. Each goal I achieve brings me closer to the life of my dreams. As I succeed, my confidence soars and I move comfortably into a joyful, happy future.

Today, I intend to plan detailed goals that I can incorporate into my daily routine, knowing that this action will bring me closer to the life I desire.

Self-Reflection Questions:

  1. What actions can I take to better meet my goals?
  2. What goals am I willing to work for each and every day?
  3. Have I created detailed and achievable goals to set myself up for success?
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Apr
07

Achieving Goals That Really Matter

Goal setting is one of the best ways to get ahead in life – but only if you’re setting your goals effectively!

Are you trying for unattainable goals that you aren’t really passionate about? Do you quickly give up on your goals? It can be easy to get discouraged, but you don’t have to end up there!

With the right strategies, you can set goals that really matter to you and meet them more easily than you ever imagined.

Most importantly, your goals should be yours and not someone else’s. The goals that your parents, friends, and family members have for you may not be the same for yourself.

What’s Important to YOU?

Too many people set goals to be rich, write a best-selling novel, or marry someone who’s famous, wealthy, or otherwise important or influential. If those are truly your dreams, there’s nothing wrong with them. However, if they’re just society’s dreams – and not yours – let them go, and think about what really matters to you. What do you want out of your life?

When you’re setting goals, stop and ask yourself, “What will bring me joy, beauty and happiness?”

Your goals might include things like:

* Getting married
* Having children
* Finishing college
* Starting your own business
* Changing careers
* Helping others
* Buying your own home
* Having material wealth
* Being physically fit
* Attaining spiritual enlightenment

No matter what you choose or how many goals you have, you can reach them if you’re dedicated and committed to making them happen.

Making Your Dreams Come True

Once you’ve decided what really matters to you and you set your goals, you can begin to make them a reality in your life. Although your goals will take some work, watching them come into fruition is exciting and satisfying!

Follow these tips to help you achieve your goals:

1. Keep your focus. Keep a picture of the life you desire at the forefront of your mind. When frivolous things try to distract you, as they will, remember to make choices according to what’s really important to you.?

  •  Take action toward your goal every day. Each day, find something you can do that will bring you a little closer to meeting your goal.
  •  When challenges arise, getting discouraged won’t change anything, so seek solutions that can put you back on track. Just stay focused and adjust your plans as necessary.

2. Be open to change. Your goals aren’t set in stone. If you choose to change what you’re focused on and set a new goal, that doesn’t mean you’ve given up on your goals. It only means you’ve seen that your goals need to change, just as you change. That’s a sign of growth and wisdom.

3. Set realistic timelines. Some goals can be met in a day or a week, but larger goals often take months or years. When you set goals, it’s important to be realistic about how long you expect them to take.

  • If it’s too far away, you might procrastinate, or you may not start at all.
  • If it’s too soon, you’ll be frustrated and discouraged if you don’t make your deadline.

4. Divide your goal into small steps. Another great way to reach your goals is to divide big goals into smaller ones. Each small goal is one step, or one task, on the way to achieving your ultimate goal.

  • Set individual deadlines for these small steps. This way, you’ll always be moving forward, one step at a time.
  • For example, if your goal is to own your own business, there are things you’ll need to look into like licensing, income, credit, location, and others. Each one of these tasks is one step. You could also subdivide these steps into even smaller goals.

5. Avoid giving up. Many people give up on their goals just before they reach them, not even realizing how close they were. Never give up! You may be closer than you think.

These strategies will enable you to not only reach your goal, but also enjoy the journey along the way – all without getting overwhelmed!

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Category: Building Success, Goal Setting  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment
Apr
06

I Savour Each Moment of the Day

I savor the moments that fill my life because each day is only lived once. My life is composed of special moments that are unique.

Being mindful of the gift of time helps me live a rich life. Choosing to be conscious of each precious moment that passes fills me with sweet joy.

My life is overflowing with beautiful moments – playing with a child, embracing a loved one, reading a good book, chatting with friends, doing well in my career, spending time with my family, or resting after a long day’s work. I am grateful for each moment.

Each day is an opportunity for me to enjoy my life. Realizing the value of every moment allows me to relish all the joys in my life. After all, a good experience can stay with me as long as I remember it.

Knowing that I am creating good memories – and that I will be able to look back on these experiences with laughter, fondness, and joy – makes each moment even more precious. I look at these memories as wonderful gifts to my future self.

The opportunity to live these moments is gone forever once the day has passed. It is important to rejoice in all the moments of my day. Today, and every day after, I will savor each moment in my life.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Do I savor each moment of each day?
2. Am I mindful that each day I have an opportunity to enjoy life?
3. How can I create a good moment today so that I may gift my future self with a beautiful memory?

LEAD A LIFE WITH GOOD MEMORIES….

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Category: Affirmations, Happiness  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment
Apr
03

7 Tips to Manage Stress

Everyone has some form or level of stress. I have stress too. Some stress I feel good about and some I do not like it a bit. It can be painful. I know how it feels! Do not lose hope. Believe me, there are many ways to deal with stress.

Having a negative perspective in life and carrying the burden of problems that do not directly concern you can scratch away the little joy and happiness that you have. You cannot blame other people for allowing stress to affect them; they have their own reasons. You, too, have your own reason for allowing stress to weigh you down.

There are several ways to manage stress. Through constant practice, you can eventually remove stress out of your life. This article is about a seven-day course on how to manage stress effortlessly.

1) Recognize that stress has a good side

The human body has a natural “fight or flight” response that may lead to stress. In this case, stress can provide a burst of energy that will enhance your performance at the right moment. I have yet to see a top sportsman totally relaxed before a big competition. Use stress wisely. Use it to push yourself a bit harder when it counts most.

2) Discover your trigger buttons and learn to address them
Think of these words: presentations, interviews, meeting, giving difficult feedback, and tight deadlines. What do you feel? In my case, my heart rate is cranking up as I am writing these words down!

Go ahead. Make your own list of stress trigger points or hot spots. Be specific. Do presentations to a specific audience make you tense? Does one particular project cause more stress? Does drinking too much coffee affect your mood?

Knowing your stress triggers is just the first step. With this information, you will be armed with the necessary skills to overcome tense feelings. Do you need to learn some new skills? Do you need extra resources? Do you need to switch to decaf?


3) Learn from the best
Be observant. When people are losing their heads, who remains calm? Observe the calm person. Is he doing something different? What is his attitude? What language does he use? Is he trained and experienced?

Figure it out from afar or chat with him. Learn from the best stress manager and copy what he does.


4) Practice the 7-11 breathing technique
I learned this technique from my gym instructor. You can achieve total relaxation by using heavy breathing. Breathe in slowly as you count up to 7, then exhale slowly in your mouth as you count up to 11. Repeat the 7-11 breathing until your heart rate slows. Your sweaty palms will dry off and things will start to feel more normal.


5) Avoid stress sneezers
Highly stressed people sneeze stress germs indiscriminately and before you know it, you are infected too!

Protect yourself by limiting your contact with them. If you have the inclination, play the role of a stress doctor and teach others how to manage stress.


6) Give stressful thoughts the red light
Stress is often caused by excessive worries about the future. Most of these things never happen, so why waste all that energy worrying needlessly? Give stressful thoughts the red light! Stop immediately!


7) Get complete rest and sleep
Lack of sleep, poor diet, and no exercise wreak havoc on your body and mind. All these lead to stress. Take a breather.

Stress can be a total drag, but it should not hinder you from finding the inner peace of mind that you wanted for a long time.   Remember there is stress, it is a matter of how we manage it.  Let us decide how stress will impact us and not allow stress to impact us in a way we do not want.

Cheers to better life !

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Category: Life Improvement, Stress Management  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment