Blog for Self Improvement

One reason many of us find it difficult to delegate is that we've been sorely disappointed in the past.  "No one can do it as well as I can" is simply not true.  Given the opportunity and proper motivation, others will raise to your expectations with more creative, productive approaches to any task at hand.

Supervisors and managers can easily delegate, repeating the patterns of being disillusioned.  However, there is a difference between simply being a supervisor or manager and being a highly effective leader.  The title doesn't make an individual a leader.  Actions--consistent, meaningful, well-thought-out actions make the leader.

A sign of a truly effective leader is that he can motivate an individual or group of individuals in wanting to accomplishing a task.  This means that they involve all of their capabilities (imagination, insight, curiosity, enthusiasm) to not only accomplish the job, but they exceed expectations.

"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea." ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Leadership mastery comes in continually challenging yourself to come up with new ways to motivate.  Clients tell me "I just don't know what's wrong with this individual. I've told them precisely what to do over and over again and they still can't get one simple job done the way I want it done in a timely manner!"

You've heard it said that the definition of insanity is 'doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results.'  If your team is not living up to your expectations where is the disconnect?  Is it with them?  More likely it is with you and the manner in which you are communicating your wishes.

Do they have responsibility in asking for clarification and doing their job to the highest level imaginable?

Absolutely, yet the buck stops with you.  There is no shortage of books on motivation, yet I believe the simplest technique is to know the individuals within your team.  Who are they?  What do they value?  What motivates them as individuals and as a team?

Many leaders make the mistake of thinking all individuals are motivated by what their leader is motivated by, be it money, competition, excellence or accomplishment.  In taking the time to observe, ask questions and really getting to know the individual, you can save hours, weeks, years of disappointment on both sides.

This week take a deeper look at all individuals you lead (including your children.)  What do they really want?  Have you simply delegated tasks to them, or have you stirred up their own internal motivation?  How can you motivate them in a manner that has more to do with them than you?  In doing so, you'll create win/win scenarios, a much more exciting environment in which to work, socialize or play, and you'll have set the bar for them to exceed your expectations.. Have an outstanding week and enjoy your discoveries.

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For the sake of keeping your career fresh and on track, would you like to enjoy a weekly shot-in-the-arm from Master Certified Coach Ann Golden Eglé?  You can sign up for her Success Thought of the Week at http://www.gvsuccess.com .

Be all you can be, but it's not always in the Army. I often see myself as somewhat contented with my life the way things are, but of course it's hard to think of anything else when where are real issues to be discussed.

Still I aspire for something deeper and more meaningful.

So we're all pelted with problems. Honestly it shouldn't even bother or even hinder us to becoming all we ought to be. Aspirations as kids should continue to live within us, even though it would be short-lived or as long as we could hold on to the dream. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks… or can they?

1. What do I really want?

The question of the ages. So many things you want to do with your life and so little time to even go about during the day.

Find something that you are good at can help realize that small step towards improvement. Diligence is the key to know that it is worth it.

2. Should I really change?

Today's generation has taken another level of redefining 'self', or at least that's what the kids are saying. Having an army of teenage nieces and nephews has taught me that there are far worse things that they could have had than acne or maybe even promiscuity. So how does that fit into your lifestyle?

If history has taught us one thing, it's the life that we have gone through. Try to see if partying Seventies style wouldn't appeal to the younger generation, but dancing is part of partying. Watch them applaud after showing them how to really dance than break their bones in break-dancing.

3. What's the bright side in all of this?

With so much is happening around us there seem to be no room for even considering that light at the end of the tunnel. We can still see it as something positive without undergoing so much scrutiny. And if it's a train at the end of the tunnel, take it for a ride and see what makes the world go round!

4. Am I comfortable with what I'm doing?

There's always the easy way and the right way when it comes to deciding what goes with which shoes, or purse, shirt and whatnot. It doesn't take a genius to see yourself as someone unique, or else we'll all be equally the same in everything we do. Variety brings in very interesting and exciting questions to be experimented.

5. Have I done enough for myself?

Have you, or is there something more you want to do? Discontentment in every aspect can be dangerous in large doses, but in small amounts you'll be able to see and do stuff you could never imagine doing.

6. Am I happy at where I am today?

It's an unfair question so let it be an answer! You love being a good and loving mom or dad to your kids, then take it up a notch! Your kids will love you forever. The same goes with everyday life!

7. Am I appealing to the opposite sex?

So maybe I don't have an answer to that, but that doesn't mean I can't try it, though. Whether you shape-up, change the way you wear your clothes or hair, or even your attitude towards people, you should always remember it will always be for your own benefit.

8. How much could I have?

I suppose in this case there is no such things on having things too much or too little, but it's more on how badly you really need it. I'd like to have lots of money, no denying that, but the question is that how much are you willing to work for it?

9. What motivates me?

What motivates you? It's an answer you have to find out for yourself. There are so many things that can make everyone happy, but to choose one of the may be the hardest part. It's not like you can't have one serving of your favorite food in a buffet and that's it. Just try it piece by piece.

10. What Really Makes You Tick?

So? What really makes you tick? You can be just about anything you always wanted to be, but to realize that attaining something that may seem very difficult is already giving up before you even start that journey. Always remember, that self-improvement is not just about the physical or philosophical change you have to undergo, but it's something that you really want.

When most people think of Self Improvement Courses, what comes to mind is usually basic information that's not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there's a lot more to Self Improvement Courses than just the basics.

Introduction

If selected properly, your life can tremendously change for the better with a self improvement course. Look for the course that offers the right self improvement plan to serve you and the support systems to help you change. The self improvement course should teach you how to outline what you want, how to set up a realistic plan to achieve your goals and how to train your mind to work with your subconscious so that you get results.

Always opt for the self improvement course that suits you and interests you. Grab one or two programs so you always have the right tools for the right challenge in life. Basically, the self improvement course educates you on how to unlearn negative attitudes and prejudice that society places on you, and helps you to be able to pursue your dreams and goals without fear or embarrassment. The course intends to help you regain control of your life and health. With the self improvement course, you can be what you want to be, notwithstanding what you are and you have been.

Go for a self improvement course that offers you the following:

The program content - Must be able to help you improve your mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional awareness.

Powerful tools and exercises - To draw out your inner wisdom.

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole Self Improvement Courses story from informed sources.

Fundamental skills - Must be able to put together a firm foundation for your life with goals, time management, and inspiration. All this would bring more control and focus into your life.

Personal development awareness programs - Must make you understand yourself and how life goes on. It should be able to put together your self-esteem, inner power, discipline, and self worth with the personal development awareness programs.

Open to a superior control - Must be able to find more significance, rationale and joy in life.

24x7 email support - Must provide 24x7 email or online support to keep you disciplined, focused, and motivated.

Convincing - Must convince you that increasing your self-awareness can change your life and that you can accomplish it with the course..

Apart from the above, the self improvement course must be able to improve your total personality. That includes spoken skills, i.e., communication skills, presentation, manners, dress sense, etc., so that you could feel better and accomplish your goals.

The self improvement course, in the end, would eliminate pressure from your life and replace it with self-confidence, improve your self-esteem, eliminate a negative approach towards family and friends and substitute them with feelings of love. This can make you a more complete human being.

Is there really any information about Self Improvement Courses that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.

Tommy Lee currently operates an info-site on Self Improvement. Visit his website today.

There are 3 basic element to change your life, you need to ask, believe and receive the new life, you also need to live your new life, just don’t imagine it but really believe and feel that your life has changed, you should set specific goals, create plans, but the most important is to always stay positive and be grateful for the things you have. This science proves beyond any doubt that what the success scientists of the 20th century were teaching us is absolutely true. These experts coach and educate those who want to become a success in life and those who want to become a success in business.

When you create your life’s new plan remember it is a journey and you need to act like you are living this journey using your thoughts and imagination, and see the vision as if you are there in this new life. To stop the negativity you need to think of something positive quickly, think of a pet, listen to music, start thinking of the opposite of the negative thought.

When planning a personal development plan you need to alter your life style and career path. Defining a personal development plan would mean altering the career path life cycle. If you develop a personal plan and believe in it, and practice this and see yourself in this new plan it will be only a matter of time before in comes in reality. will be only a matter a time. A good plan will also act as a performance assessment tool and a blueprint of all your day-to-day operations.

The personal development plan will only work if you truly are motivated and believe in this new life. Without the unpredictable variable such as luck, coincidence and the like, to rely on an emotional impulse such as motivation to drive us forward is like waiting for food to appear in your cupboards without going to the store to buy it. And the most convenient source of motivation comes from these books and seminars.

The problem is 99 percent of success psychology can’t provide the guarantee that 95 percent of the population needs in order to be convinced it works. These experts coach and educate those who want to become a success in life and those who want to become a success in business.

Everybody has one or another personal aspect to improve and better and hence a personal development coaching business could be a good idea as not only will you be making money, you will be helping so many individuals develop and improve their skills.

There are lots of self declared gurus on the internet as well as in the book stores who want you to follow such rigid routines and they are not actually interested in helping you but want you to continue following them so that you become dependent on them and thus, be able to use you as a predictable source of income. Oh sure, I liked to believe that I was in control of myself, but why then was I not able to motivate myself if I did indeed have so much control. The speaker is able to tap into your emotions.

You get so caught up in "what if" that you end up not doing anything. Furthermore, they have the nerve to complain and cry about it when they are doing nothing to try to better their situation.

By: Doug

Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

David Marc Fishman is the owner of repairs. The new way to give advice by video. Online auction shopping experience.

Nobody can hurt you without your consent. There are many instances in life where your confidence is hit hard. Sometimes you overcome life's hardness, sometimes you get overwhelmed. Sometimes your courage and confidence sees you through, but sometimes your self-confidence gets a beating. However, the point here to remember is that "nobody can hurt you without your consent."

The problem is not as important as the impact it had on you, rather the impact that you let the problem create on you. In life pain is inevitable but suffering is optional, as the saying goes. It's purely your choice, and whether you choose to bounce back or suffer is entirely your prerogative.

There can be many reasons that your self-confidence is hurt. You may have had a bad marriage and now are heading for a divorce.

You were not chosen for your college's football team; you may have been laid off. There's definitely a lot of pain involved in any of the situations. But you don't necessarily have to suffer. You must arise and resolve to get back your confidence.

The following five ways would help you do just that.

1. Look at the brighter side. If you have been laid off, it would be okay to feel bad about it for a day or two but not more than that. Losing a job is a terrible thing, but it does not mean the end of the world.

Who knows it might be a blessing in disguise. Maybe you have got some time to review your life, get aware of where you are going, have a look at your likes and hobbies which you could not develop because of pressures of your job. Maybe this is an opportunity to start afresh and live your life a new way which is more in sync with your abilities and aptitude.

Similarly, a divorce may cause great pain but then you weren't too happy in your marriage either. It probably was just not meant to be. Now you have a chance to rebuild your life the way you want it to be.

2. Stop comparing yourself with other people. When we have a problem we always question god - "oh, god, why me?" Certainly god gave you a lot of rewards as well.

Did you then get up and ask god -"oh god, why me?" That's what human nature is all about. We complain and remember god when we are in trouble or else we are too busy with ourselves.

Stop looking at other people who seem too happy and comfortable to you from a distance. Stop comparing their comfort with your suffering.

This will only frustrate you further. Focus on yourself and make every effort you can make to go out whenever you are feeling down.

3. Self-pity is very addictive and capable of destroying lives. Instead of indulging in self-pity (though we all do from time to time), take control of your life and take responsibility for your actions, learn from your mistakes and make a fresh start.

4. And yeah…don't be bogged down when you hear a "no". A "no" is something which even greats like Edison and Ford, too, had to face. If you look at them positively, you will find that each "no" actually takes you closer to a "yes." It's been reported time and time again that Edison conducted more than a thousand failed experiments before he actually made an electric bulb! So get going and take an occasional no in stride.

5. Are you standing in your own way? You will notice that shadows are caused when we stand in the path of sunshine. In our lives, too, we cause a lot of shadows by standing in the way of our own happiness. In today's world, it is important to be flexible. A lot of people will look for a job for months, yet still reject work coming their way because they are not willing to adapt to some new job requirements.

Jane, a schoolteacher, was laid off from her job. She kept trying for months to get a job as a teacher while rejecting opportunities such as taking private tuitions, being a nanny, doing copy- editing work as a freelancer. The long wait hurt her self-confidence even more. Sometimes it is wise to be a little flexible and adapt ourselves to new job demands rather than to look exactly for what we lost. It helps regain confidence quickly which brings along enough energy to get an even better job in the field of your choice!

Don't forget, there is always a way to regain your lost self-confidence. You just have to look for it. Because finding is reserved for those who search. Are you searching for an answer?

Source: http://www.articlecube.com

Regain your lost confidence now by creating a vision for your life, boosting your self esteem and deciding that now is the time to change. Get our fr^ee mini-course “Discover the TOP 5 secrets of EVERY highly successful Person to Achieve What You Want" today at www.vision-to-action.com

I have to give a presentation to the shareholders meeting next week. I am petrified of speaking in front of groups! You’ve got to help me!

As a counselor and coach specializing in phobias and stress management, I often hear pleas like this one from my clients. For many people, public speaking anxiety is very real and very debilitating. It can pose a major detriment to career advancement or to promoting your business.

One way to beat speaking anxiety is to join Toastmasters International. This non-profit organization, founded in 1924, offers a first-rate educational program for speaking and leading with confidence. Toastmasters has helped millions of people over their platform jitters. You can join the organization through a local club, where you’ll find friendly people who have “been there.” Toastmasters International has 8700 clubs in over 70 countries. If you can’t find a nearby club, Toastmasters International will help you start one in your community or corporation. For more information go to www.toastmasters.org.

Confidence alone does not make someone a good speaker. Polished speaking skills come from knowing your subject matter, preparing and organizing the material, and practicing your delivery. Toastmasters will give you a supportive atmosphere where you can put these skills to work.

For my clients, I work with them on the emotional end of things—overcoming the fear and anxiety. Drawing on professional training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and hypnotherapy, and my own experiences as a speaker and trainer, I use a combination of coaching, relaxation training, mental rehearsal, and guided imagery to help people replace their fears with confidence and motivation. Obviously, I can’t show you all these methods in this article. However, I can give you some easy-to-follow stratagems that should make your next speech a bit easier. Here are ten things you can do to overcome your fear of public speaking.

1. Give up the belief that you have to be perfect.

Most people are afraid of public speaking because they fear the embarrassment of making mistakes in front of others. Anxiety over mistakes only makes mistakes more likely. Having anxiety could be the biggest mistake of all! Even professional speakers occasionally make mistakes. The difference is that they don’t consider mistakes major obstacles to success. The secret is to accept that mistakes are going to happen sometimes, and to develop the ability to recover from them quickly. Dr. L. Michael Hall, author of Secrets of Personal Mastery, advises, “Give yourself permission to be gloriously fallible!”

The way to recover from a mistake is to observe it dispassionately, take whatever corrective action is appropriate, regain your composure, focus on what to say next, and get on with it. Dwelling on an error and feeling bad about it only adds to your confusion. Leave the mistake behind and move forward.

You can’t please everyone in your audience. Sure—some listeners may think you are a moron for making a mistake. Some won’t even notice it. Others may admire the way you recover so easily. Some may be relieved to know you are human. Some won’t care one way or the other.

Mistakes can provide excellent feedback for improvement. Mistakes often promote single-trial learning, so it’s almost certain you will never make the same mistake twice. Ask yourself “What is the worst that can happen if I make a mistake during this speech?” Making a mistake does not carry a death sentence.

2. Visualize the outcome you want.

People who fear public speaking visualize their upcoming speaking opportunities as abysmal failures. They see themselves fumbling clumsily with notes, stammering, becoming mute, turning red, possibly crying, horrifying audiences with their stupidity, and slinking away to live out the remainder of their miserable lives in exile, reviled as a social reject. Psychologists call this method of preparation “negative anticipation.”

STOP IT! Each time you engage in this mental flagellation, shake yourself out of it. Say “STOP” loudly to yourself. Do anything to get your mind out of the failure trap. Sing, whistle, recite poetry, walk around the block, or talk to a friend. You can even make those scary images seem silly and laughable, by imagining your audience in clown costumes, or seeing your performance in fast motion.

In The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, author Steven Covey tells his readers to “begin with the end in mind.” Visualize yourself giving that speech the way you want to. If you anticipate success, you are more likely to get it. Mentally rehearse that you are speaking confidently with a smooth delivery to an appreciative audience. Hear the words coming out of your mouth in a flowing cadence. See yourself with an erect posture, breathing free and easy. By visualizing this way, you are programming your mind and body for the results you want.

3. Prepare Positively

Stop worrying about yourself and get excited about your subject! You have something important to say and others want to hear about it. If you can, pick a subject you enjoy. Speak on topics you know well. Even if you are delivering dreary statistics about last year’s crop failure, put something of yourself into your speech. Include an anecdote, or a quotation. Bring in the human interest perspective. Practice and preparation are easier if your subject matter is important and/or enjoyable to you. If you think your material is interesting and meaningful, your audience will catch your enthusiasm and appreciate your sincerity.

4. Love your listeners

Once, just before I was about to speak to classroom of 70 students, a colleague asked me, “How can you be so confident will all those people judging you and finding fault with you?” Now there is a defeatist presupposition, if I ever heard one! It had never even occurred to me to think of my students in that way! “I am confident,” I answered, “because I don’t think that way. I assume my audiences are friendly. I assume they are here because they are interested in what I have to say. I love my audiences and I assume they love me.” You get back what you put out---and nowhere is this adage more true than in public speaking. If you want your audiences to like you, you have to like them first.

5. Put the past behind you---at least the ugly parts

Some people have speaking anxiety because of some humiliating incident of the past---often in childhood. Such events can be highly traumatizing for children (and not a joyride for adults, either) and can cause life-long, paralyzing fear. If such an incident is the basis of your fear, visit a therapist or counselor who specializes in phobias. Phobias are nothing to be ashamed of. Researchers estimate that 80 percent of the population has at least one in a lifetime. Contrary to popular belief, many phobias can be cured, usually in three or four therapy sessions.

Maybe your fear isn’t a true phobia, but still relates to past flops and embarrassments. Remember: All good speakers started out as not-so-good speakers. They improved because they resolved to do better the next time.

6. Get some rest and avoid hassles

Plan ahead and get a good night’s sleep before your presentation. If you have trouble falling asleep, drink some warm milk (yes, it does work), and think some pleasant, relaxing thoughts. It may help to listen to a relaxation tape or soft music, or do some light reading before going to sleep. If you can, clear your calendar of stressful events that could interfere with your ability to concentrate and speak confidently and sincerely. In other words, don’t schedule a job interview, a dentist visit, or a meeting with your ex-spouse’s lawyer on the same day you are going to deliver that all-important speech!

7. Avoid mood-altering substances

Some people mistakenly think that drinking lots of coffee or alcohol, smoking cigarettes or popping a tranquilizer before speaking will improve their delivery. They do it to pep up or calm down. Mood-altering substances are an emotional crutch you don’t need. The problem is that you can’t regulate the dosage. You don’t know how much is too much. Once it is in your bloodstream, there is little you can do about it. Your relaxation may turn to sluggishness. Your pep may turn to jitters. It’s best to avoid these substances altogether.

Additionally, eat lightly, or not at all, one hour before speaking. A full stomach can lower your energy level and concentration, because your body is busy digesting food. Any nervousness can make digestion difficult. You don’t want a belch or a gurgling stomach interrupting your speech!

8. Look your best

Take some time with your appearance. Polish your shoes and comb your hair. Wear attractive, flattering, professional-looking clothing. When you look good, you feel confident. If you aren’t sure what looking good is all about, do what professional speakers do. Have a few sessions with an image consultant to learn about the colors and styles that look best on you. Women can get personalized advice on hair and make-up. A good image consultant can tell you how to look fantastic without spending a fortune.

9. Remember to breathe

Anxiety tightens the muscles in the chest and throat. With a restricted airway and without enough oxygen, your voice can come out as a squeak! Deep breathing, on the other hand, sends oxygen to the lungs and brain and expands the throat and chest, promoting relaxation. As you approach the platform, take a deep breath and relax.

10. Focus on friendly faces

While speaking, maintain eye contact with your listeners. Find friendly faces and focus on them. Smiles and approving nods will give you extra encouragement.

Final Words….

It’s ironic that some people are more afraid of public speaking than of driving on the highways. Yet, vastly more casualties and fatalities result from traffic accidents than from public speaking. Fear is a natural survival mechanism. It can motivate us, or stop us in our tracks. In situations that pose a threat to life and limb, fear motivates us to be careful. On the other hand, fear is a problem when it interferes with our goals and achievements. These ten tips will help you progress toward confidence on the platform. Ultimately we succeed when we conduct ourselves according to the rewards we want, rather than the things we fear.

Source: http://www.articlecube.com

Judith E, Pearson, Ph.D. owns and manages Motivation Strategies, Inc., a counseling and coaching practice in Springfield, VA. She is also a free-lance writer and speaker, certified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and clinical hypnotherapy. Her web site is www.engagethepower.com

The world is made up simply of energy. That is right … what causes the beats in our heart, what makes our minds work, what gives us those feelings is simply energy. Buddha talks about enlightenment and Buddhist Monks will spend this and the next life time learning how to become enlightened or more importantly how to ascend our spiritual body into the next.

So, what is death?

I have seen many people die around me, both family and friends. I watched the transition of my own grandfather from being a strong fit man to one that literally withered before my eyes. Yet within the pain comes a reality that as we become closer to death we also have the chance to make the transition from this form to another. Whether it is a form that lives within us or one that occurs on the moment we die, none of us know till the day it happens.

You know the really cool part about all of this. All of the critics no matter who they are and what they think they know can say with 100% certainty as to what happens not just when we die but when we meet the point of enlightenment and ascension.

It amazes me that as every person gets older, regardless of their beliefs, regardless of how hard nose they are or whether they believed in God or not, they all search for that point of knowing that there is something out there greater. Our own mortality and I guess our own arrogance wants to know we are going to go some where greater and that what we have done will continue on. Every single person I have seen or met believe as they get older, in that greater being or at least the hope there is something greater out there and that this is not the beginning and the end. I have even seen some of the most powerful men in this world, mellow as their own frailty hits them they search out for that spiritual being to help them in their transition.

I have heard many critics across the planet criticize the Buddhist monks who have dedicated their lives to path of enlightenment. I have even heard those same critics on the death bed of monks sit and laugh at them saying how foolish they were to have dedicated their lives to such foolish conquests. That there lives have been nothing but a waster of time. But have they …

This is a question that only you and I will be able to answer the day we reach enlightenment but what a journey it will be…

So, what is the starting point in the path to enlightenment …

The path to enlightenment is an exploration of yourself and who you are. Most Buddhists will start this path through prayer and meditation. In fact, regardless of what you call it, prayers or praying, it is all a form of meditation. This meditation (or prayers) are designed to take you to that state in which you get in touch which your feelings and belief with something greater. It is designed to break you away from your state of being.

Many people recommend, including many of the Buddhist Monk leaders, that we should meditate for a minimum of 20 minutes a day, preferably longer to help relax but as you begin to study what meditation is all about and the forms of meditation, you will find that this length of time will be know where near enough. You will find that meditation is about that search for enlightenment and the path towards this thing we call ascension. You will feel sensations and experiences you never expected, it will also open up your ability to change your own life.

Meditation is the facilitator in helping you reach inside of you. See without meditation you can not reach to your inner soul to explore your inner self. Essentially, to break the bounds we have with the physical world.

All right, so this is getting spooky or the things hippies talk about. Let us try this …

Think of a song you really really like that gives you goose pimples, where it uplifts you and you feel the energy surging through your body, that you feel happy, search for those emotions … got one … well one of the songs that does that for me is “A Groovy Kind of Love” by Phil Collins. Now start off by putting your song on and listening to it. Sit on the ground, cross your legs, breath slowly and listen to that song in its entirety. Block out all the other noise around you, simply focuses on the words as your mind clears.

What do you feel …

Let go of the words … do not focus on them … focus on your inner self. Can you still feel the goose pimples, can you feel the energy surging around your body. Okay, so now imagine this, being anywhere in the world, simply stopping, without any music or tools, meditating, searching within your inner self and feeling those exact feelings. Being able to create and control those feelings on your command. That is right; using meditation will help you on that path. How cool would that be?

Being able to do just this simple task is the first step you will take in your path to enlightenment. It is about being able to control you inner self, letting go and eventually being able to break the bounds of the physical world. That takes practice, study but more so, a lot of experimenting. There is nothing anyone but you who can do this. This path is within you.

A word of warning … the path to enlightenment will take a lifetime to master … and probably a few after. Look at the Dalai Lama, he is still on his path to enlightenment, and many lifetimes on. But hey, what a journey it will be. Imagine what you can do … imagine what lies on your path to life, your future, your eternity.

About the Author: Looking for other resources to help you with your meditation, we have Meditation Music (Baroque Music), Meditation MP3 and Simple Meditation Exercises

Source: http://www.easyarticles.com

Most people stick to the straight and narrow. They only hang around people from there own "class" (anybody who says we don't have a class system in the US is missing brains cells.). They don't go after goals very far out of reach (An accountant trying to become a partner in an accounting firm is NOT usually stretching themselves much... but when they try to become an auto mechanic! That will challenge them!) And not only will they not read about things they aren't familiar with--they won't read at all. People today don't do that "book thing."

What does this lead to? B-O-R-I-N-G! People who could make Tony Robbins develop narcolepsy. People who bore they're spouses into cheating on them for a cheap thrill. People who walk around in a dull funk, zombies, vaguely aware of the world around them. People who are afraid if you talk to them in the streets.

Here are some suggestions on how to become more interesting:

* Practice the art of conversation with lots of people

* Develop new abilities: learn guitar, piano, drawing.

* Do something you are WAY afraid of: skydiving, water rafting, dating a supermodel :)

* Get cultural! Visit the museum, the symphony or a play. You don't even have to pay! You can usher, which means you'll meat new people and learn some backstage stuff.

* Chat with people you never would! Black people, white people, Chinese people, dead people... well maybe not that far.

* Go for a ride along with a police officer.

* Do a shadow shift with a doctor.

* Go to a dance class. This is especially useful if you're a man because most men don't like dancing and call it a wussy thing to do. If only they saw all the beautiful women who love to dance...

* About face! On the other hand, if you are the more sophisticated bloke, try slumming it. Play baseball, watch a football game, go to a nightclub, watch a monster truck race. Get your hands dirty!

* Try public speaking. There are few things that can give you as much feedback and practice in keeping people's attention as keeping a group of people's interest. Every improvement in your public speaking will reap rewards in many aspects of your personal life.

* Record yourself. This gives you superb feedback on what you are truly like. If you bore yourself, you may bore others. On the other hand, some people are so self-conscious they lose attention by there nervousness. Listening or watching yourself on tape may make you lighten up on yourself and become more lively and less insecure.

* Drink lots and lots of alcohol. Kidding.

Here's your test: Don't just think about these and analyze whether you think they'll work... decide on something to try than go out and do it! Then tell me what happens.

About the Author: Chad Ernst is the owner of a popular public speaking website. He also manages the websites for a manufacturer of sandals, flip flops, slides and clogs.

Source: http://www.easyarticles.com

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." Marianne Williamson

How long have you waited to be happy at work, to write a book, or bring home the income you deserve? Are you your own best support system or biggest diversion? Consider the cheetah which has no problem using its gift of speed. The bald eagle easily leverages its keen eye sight and ability to soar. Dolphins joyfully exert their playfulness. Imagine what is possible for humans with our unique gift of the mind if we focus on what serves us versus what holds us back. Discover four steps to set your mind for success.

1- Know what is limiting you~ Let's investigate a mystery. What beliefs are at your core? Pay attention for one week to the self-limiting beliefs that show up. As a detective, be consciously aware. Keep a journal handy for notes.

Beliefs can show up as a label you place upon yourself attached to an assumption such as Parent- there is only so much I can do or Owner- I can't count on anyone but myself. They can reveal themselves in negative statements such as "I can’t be…", "I can’t do…", "I'm not good enough"," I'm not smart enough," "I never complete anything," etc. Beliefs may be uncovered in an assumption such as "there's not enough time", "that's too hard", or "he'll say 'no' ". Write down the beliefs you notice that restrain you from what you want.

2- Get to the source of the diversion~ A good detective digs deeper. Whose voice is attached to the belief? How did this belief become attached to your life? Is it legitimate? Is it serving you? Or limiting you? Jot your notes. I have to warn you. We hesitate to go within because we subconsciously know what may be lurking at the source. Fear! Write down any fears you discover that are holding you back.

3- Rewrite your limiting beliefs and fears with an unlimited confident statement~ Turn "I can't" into "I am", "that's too hard" into "I know I can do this part", "I don't have enough time" into "I know what's important and I do that first", and "Parent- there's only so much I can do" to "Parent- the world is my resource. I can do what I put my mind to." Reread your new attitude daily. Picture it as true. Feel it as real until it becomes part of who you are.

4- Stand strong and respond~ Do not slack when it comes to eliminating self-limiting beliefs! When they show up, mount up. When you hear "you will never be…" respond with "says who? I determine my value." When you think "you are going to make a fool of yourself" respond by saying "I will love myself for having the guts to try." And when you believe there is no time left for your dreams, drop what is not as important and stand up for who you are.

Are you willing to do what it takes to set your mind for success with unstoppable determination? Will you do the detective work to gain access to your unlimited capabilities? What I want for you is to break out of the bounds of limits and become your own best Success Coach… Starting Now!

Copyright 2005 © Beth A. Tabak, All rights reserved.

About the Author: Beth Tabak of www.StartingNowCoaching.com is 100% committed to small business coaching & personal life coaching. She is also a speaker and columnist. Beth coaches big thinkers to be unlimited, stand out in the crowd, and experience the vastness of their capabilities. Come see all the complimentary gifts available to you and say "hello".

Source: http://www.easyarticles.com

The old catch cry in real estate is that the three most important things are position, position, and position. In the same way it can be said that the three most important things in producing success are clarity, clarity and clarity. Let's look at what those three clarities are.

Of course there is more to becoming successful than simply having clarity but my experience tells me that there are three types of clarity that deserve to be listed as one, two and three on the scale of importance.

The First Clarity is Clarity About What You Want

The more clarity you have about what you want to achieve the more likely it is that you will focus your energy on obtaining it. Conversely if you are unsure of what your goals are then how can you possibly obtain them?

How sure are you about your goals? Are they burning desires etched into your mind or just some vague maybe? Are your goals specific things that you believe you must have and definitely will have or do you even know exactly what you want in life?

The Second Clarity is Clarity About Why You Want What You Want

This second clarity helps program your subconscious mind and recruits it as an ally in turning your goals into reality. In order for your goals to truly inspire you it is essential to know specifically what the real benefit is to you if you do get those goals and the real consequences for you if you don't get them.

Your subconscious mind, like the subconscious mind of every other person on the planet, is basically motivated by increasing what it believes will lead to pleasure and avoiding what it believes will lead to pain. If you are clear on the pleasures that achieving your goals will provide for you and the pain that is likely to ensue if you don't achieve them then you are talking to your subconscious in its own language and you will be heard and understood.

The Third Clarity is Clarity About What You Are Currently Getting

This third clarity is a big one. It is a full appreciation of what your life is like today and of what results your current strategies and actions are producing for you. My favorite definition of insanity it to expect your life to drastically change for the better while you are still doing the same old things that you have been doing day in and day out for years.

It's the old I want to be successful but I don't want to change syndrome. If you don't change then how can your life possibly change?

If your life is to improve then your thoughts, beliefs and actions need to improve first. Having total clarity about what you are experiencing in your current life and what thoughts, beliefs and actions are producing that experience can empower you to make the necessary changes that will lead you to that better life you are dreaming of.

Concluding Remarks

I am sure now that you can see exactly what I mean when I say that the three most important things in producing success are clarity, clarity and clarity. If you develop clarity of what you want, clarity of why you want it and clarity of what results you are currently experiencing and why those particular results are in your life, then you are well on the way to achieving your dreams.

By: James Delrojo

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James Delrojo would like to help you by giving you his ebook "Unleash the Success Power of Your Mind" (valued at $27) completely FREE. Go to www.blog.jamesdelrojo.com

Burning with motivation is not always easy no matter what you are trying to accomplish. For those that are trying to get fit, motivation can even be harder. Whatever it is that you are trying to get fired up to do; there are a specific tactics that can help. You can stay motivated to accomplish almost any goal.

Visualize and see Your Goals in 3D:

When you crystallize your goals and imagine what the end results will be, you are more likely to stay motivated. You may feel more motivated by a picture of what you are working towards or need a daily visual reminder of that dream vacation you are saving money for. By keeping a visual picture in your mind and imagining yourself at your end result, you can stay inflamed to accomplish any goal.

Reward Yourself Handsomely:

Keeping pumped up can be easier if you take the time to treat yourself when you reach small milestones along the way. If you are trying a new fitness plan, try to reward yourself with a new pair of gym shoes or maybe new workout equipment. Knowing that there is something good along the way to your goal will help keep you excited about achieving your goals and you will find second wind.

See an Energizing Movie or Listen to Motivating Music:

I do this all the time. You can get all keyed up to reach your goals by watching a motivating movie (war or boxing films do great) or listening to music that will get you pumped about your goals. Look for movies that will help you see others work hard to reach their own goals. You will come out of the movie feeling ready to get busy and accomplish your goals. Music can also help you stay motivated. If you want to walk more, invest in a good MP3 system and listen to upbeat music to keep you moving. An associate, Ricardo Laudico, keeps stashes of motivational music in a 40Gb Ipod to keep focused. Not surprisingly, he’s hit many short term goals in less than a year.

Set Bit-Sized Goals and take a Breather:

Whether you are working towards saving for a new house or going vegan to lose a few pounds, set manageable goals for yourself and take a break every once in awhile. By deploying small goals, you will not feel too overwhelmed at one time. You can work on each step that will equal to big results in the end. Also, if you do get overwhelmed, take a break. Achieving your goals will not happen overnight. If you feel frustrated, take a day off and rethink your plans. Richard Bandler, founder of NLP postulates the question: “How do you eat an Elephant?” The correct answer always is: “A Bite at a Time”

Seek a Wingman and do it for yourself:

You can achieve anything with staunch conviction. If you work on a goal because you believe you can do it, it will be easy for you to stay motivated. While working on your goals, if you do need an extra push, find a partner who can keep you on track. You may have a buddy who wants to lose weight or get in shape, too. Work with that person to motivate each other when your own motivation starts to slump.

Prove them Wrong. With Flair:

Each is motivated for different reasons, but one way to stay inflamed is to remember all the times someone told you that you couldn’t do it. Prove the negative people around you wrong and accomplish your goals to show them you can. While you should never try to live your life for the approval of others, your internal passion may improve when you try to impress others. Feel good about what you can do, and others will sit up and take notice.

See It as Fun that You want to do:

You may desire to achieve a goal that you find very difficult. It may help to stay motivated by finding something fun about what you are doing. Achieve your goals because you want to do it and not because others want you to. When you find intrinsic motivation, it will be easier to stay the course.

Seek Mentors and Help the Untalented:

Chat with others who labored to accomplish the goals you are working towards. Listen to what they have to say and consider their suggestions. For people who have already been there, they can offer valuable advice and this should help you stay motivated. It would also be good to aid others while you are accomplishing your goals. If you know someone else is depending on you, it will be easier for you to keep up the good fight.

Revitalize your Routine:

Boredom kills. The rut sucks the spirit. I know. I’m an entrepreneur… and as things go, businessmen do the same thing day in day out. As activities become mechanical, the flames for achievement go out. Stop that! Vary your lifestyle and do things differently. Your brain will enjoy the stimulation… and with it, returns your motivation.

About the Author: ***
Bestselling author of Psychic Seduction, Joseph R. Plazo conducts leadership executive coaching and helps people find great jobs in the Philippines.

Source: http://www.easyarticles.com

My friend was going through a difficult divorce. In an evening phone conversation I asked a question, wanting to help, and immediately realized I'd said exactly the wrong thing. I'd unintentionally made my friend feel like the last ally she had in the world was also against her.

I took my words back in every way I could, but they were out there. Making matters worse was the long distance between us, and the fact that she couldn't see my face and I couldn't offer a hug. I so wished I'd held my tongue.

By the end of the conversation, she understood I'd been trying to help, and we hung up friends. But of course I woke up the next morning still feeling regret at having added weight, even momentarily, to someone already struggling to stay afloat.

Blaming versus learning

What do you tell yourself when you say or do something you regret? Does the inner critic run amok, calling you every name in the book and maybe even trying to blame the other person -- the victim of your gaffe? I know my critic does these things.

Over the years, I've learned some ways to practice inner self-defense.

I listen, first to the critic's story and then to the centered, wise person who is also present, the one who says, "Yes, I did that," and accepts it.

I talk – to friends, family, and others who know and understand the good faith and positive intention behind my action -- and can help me remember it.

I tell myself another story, one that sheds light on why I did what I did and how I might learn from it and take more fitting action next time. The key moment arrives when I stop blaming myself. Blame prevents change. Learning promotes it. When I stop blaming, I can begin to learn.

I apologize, if I haven't already.

I believe in the saying that behind every cloud there's a silver lining. And in every conflict there is a gift. I say "Thank you," and wait for the gift to show itself.

By: Judy Ringer

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Judy Ringer is the author of Unlikely Teachers: Finding the Hidden Gifts in Daily Conflict (www.unlikelyteachersbook.com) and the award-winning e-zine, Ki Moments, containing stories and practices on turning life's challenges into life teachers. Judy is a black belt in aikido and nationally known presenter, specializing in unique workshops on conflict, communication, and creating a positive work environment. She is the founder of Power & Presence Training and chief instructor of Portsmouth Aikido, Portsmouth, NH, USA. To sign up for more free tips and articles like these, visit www.JudyRinger.com

You must be organized if you want to achieve your goals. There is simply no other way to put it. Life in the 21st century is incredibly busy, and young women have way too many stimuli waiting to distract them and take them away from their goals. Sometimes it feels like there are not enough hours in the day. The good news is that there are 24 hours in a day, and there will be another day tomorrow. The bad news is that this is not an excuse to waste your time by not knowing what you’re doing or where to start.

You can find your own, personal way to organize your day as well as the tasks you set out to do that day. Perhaps you are a morning person and would like to tackle the harder and most important things in the early hours. Maybe you are an afternoon person and your energy levels are up only after 2 p.m. No matter how you choose to organize your life, organized people get things done quicker, better, and with less stress than unorganized ones.

The choices you make on a daily basis greatly affect your productivity and even your opinion of yourself. Keeping all areas of your life organized, knowing what you are doing, and knowing when to do it will give you time to do the things you hate faster and more efficiently so you can spend more time doing the things you love.

One of the best things you can do to stay organized is learn to prioritize. When you prioritize, you put things in order of importance so you can get the most important things done first. Prioritizing and organizing go hand-in-hand since, if you are not organized, you may overlook important matters because they “slipped through the cracks”. This can create many problems that you must try to avoid from the start.

There are many ways in which you can prioritize your day, week, or month. Some of the ones that have been helpful for me in the past are:

1. Always make a list of your tasks for the day.

2. Divide that list into things you “must do”, “should do”, and “want to do”.

3. Think about what will happen if the things on your “must do” list are not done. When we are aware of the consequences of not doing something, we are reminded of the importance of that task.

4. Take into account the good things that could come from getting your important tasks done. The feeling of fulfillment and achievement is priceless!

5. Give yourself time limits for your “to do’s”. For example, if you have to go to the mall to get your friend a birthday present, give yourself an hour or two to finish that task. This will help you stay connected to your goals and will prevent you from staying too long at a place where there are so many distractions.

By: Jovanka Ciares

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Jovanka Ciares is a life coach, motivational speaker and author who teaches women the attitudes, behaviors and skills that they need in order to reach their fullest potential by using the unlimited power that lies within each of them. She participates in conferences and conferences all over the United States and Latin America. She’s the author of “Don’t Blame Eve” and offers tons of free advice on her website at www.self-improvementwoman.com.

“The meaning of things lies not in the things themselves, but in our attitude towards them,” - Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

A simple, almost trivial, yet immensely powerful way to empower every relationship you have is to change just one habit. The Habit of the First Meaning. What is the first place that you look for the meaning to understand what people do and say? Compare these pairs of actions and responses:

I smile. - You respond: "Are you laughing at me?"
I speak with a raised voice. - You respond: "Stop yelling at me."
I turn away. - You respond: "Are you ignoring me?"
I hold a steady gaze. - You respond: "Are you trying to stare me down?"
I say: "I want to spend the evening by myself." - You respond: "Are you tired of me?"

to these pairs of same actions and different responses:

I smile. - You respond: "Are you happy to see me?"
I speak with a raised voice. - You respond: "You feel so passionate about this!"
I turn away. - You respond: "Is that the cat joining us again?"
I hold a steady gaze. - You respond: "You are very much interested in what I'm saying, aren't you?"
I say: "I want to spend the evening by myself." - You respond: "You must have worked hard today and need some quite time."

For the first set of responses, you searched for the meaning of actions and words on the dark side. For the second, - on the light side. Most of us have habitual patterns in how we understand things - either we look first on the dark side or on the light side.

If you tend to look first for the dark side meaning using the question: "How can this be a problem?", then it might be really difficult to be in a long relationship with you. People with the dark side meaning habit are high maintenance and use up a lot of energy, their own and everyone else's. Once on the dark side path, you feel vested in it, and it is hard to reverse it. So you might spend hours rescuing the relationship from ever present dark side traps. (Have you ever had it happen when a sincere comment like "You look lovely tonight, honey," degenerated into a three hour ride through the relationship abyss?)

On the other hand, if your first impulse is to look for the light side meaning using the question: "What are just a few positive meanings of this event?", then other people will find you uplifting and energetic. And easy to be friends with and to love. You of course would reserve the right to change the meaning you had chosen as more evidence becomes available. (E.g. if your friend pushes you after speaking with a raised voice, then perhaps he really was yelling at you.)

At this point, a word of caution is in order - you might be tempted to think that the Habit of the First Meaning is obvious and simple. Yet, don't let the appearance fool you - like all in science, the more profound is the truth, the more obvious it sounds. You might think: "Sure, I am on the light side." Truth be told, most people are habituated to getting lost on the dark side.

Why do some people prefer to look first for dark meanings? After asking many people this question, it is clear that the predominant reason is to avoid being hurt. And that does make sense, doesn't it? If I first think of a really bad explanation and imagine it vividly, then whatever happens will be on the bright side. As Mark Twain said: "I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened."

So, the habit has served a useful purpose of protecting. And just like an overzealous parent who doesn't yet realize that the child has grown and is ready to step out on his own, the habit built up during earlier formative years is still here holding you back. Some people choose to live forever with their parents never adventuring out into the world - always holding back until the doors of their house rust shut forever. But most of us now find the right time to move on and while honoring our parents search for new ways to express ourselves. Step by step allowing ourselves even if temporarily to test new ways of the light side by asking "What could be the positive meaning behind these words and actions?" And opening up to the delight of immediately noticing so much light in actions and words of others. Wouldn't that be lovely?

Pause for a moment to think now of something that happened to you last week that you didn't like. And ask yourself: "What positive meanings could have I thought of back then?" A seemingly trivial question like that can often immediately heal hurt and anger. Now imagine a similar time in the near future when you will have a chance to practice the light side meaning. Get a good sense for how that will change how you feel and the whole interaction, and how differently people will react to you. And every time you communicate with people now, begin noticing how light the world becomes with one simple question.

While you practice this new skill, in the next article I will take a closer look at another way that we create or destroy our relationships through anchoring.

You’ve just read TIP #77 FOR CREATING AN EXTRAORDINARY AND MEANINGFUL LIFE brought to you by Holographic University. To get the next Tip visit us at:
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May You Be Happy!
- Arman Darini, Ph.D.

About the Author: Arman Darini, Ph.D. is the director of Holographic University, the author of weekly Tips for Creating an Extraordinary and Meaningful Life, and a certified international NLP Trainer. As the leader of a dynamic team of Life Trainers and Coaches, Arman's motto is "I don't believe in your limitations". To learn more about Arman, visit ArmanDarini.com

Source: http://www.easyarticles.com

By: Hazel Palache

We all say we want more time, but each of us is doled out the same 24 hours each day – no more, no less. Despite this, each of us can have more time for important things. By using our time wisely, we can get more done and maybe even enjoy the time we are granted. To tackle your own time management makeover, try the following expert tips:

1) Evaluate where your time goes. To start really controlling your time, you need to figure out where your daily 24 hours go. For a week, keep a time diary, keeping track of what you do each hour. At the end of the week, glance over your findings.

2) What should you be investing your time in? Time is a gift, so decide what is important enough to spend your time on. Look at your time diary again. Are you spending four hours a week watching television but only one hour with your family? What things can you eliminate from your schedule or at least cut back on? What would that leave time for?

3) Focus on where you are going. Most of us spend far too much time looking at the individual steps we need to take and the small tasks we need to complete. As a result, we lose sight of the big picture. If you spend your time focusing on errands and small tasks you need to get done today or this week, you may not be focusing on your actual goals. Even if you manage to get all your errands done, you will not be moving forward and will feel frustrated and fed up. Instead, start today to focus on what your goals are and start from there when deciding what to spend time on.

4) Learn the gentle art of leverage. Many of the little things that clutter our schedules – making photocopies, running errands, and picking up groceries – can be taken care of by someone else. Find ways to get rid of the little details and you will be able to make the most of every hour.

5) Develop a good planner system. If you don’t write it down, you will forget it. Find a planner or planning system you like and stick with it. Write down appointments, upcoming birthdays and anything else you need to remember. With all that stuff outside of your head and on the page, you can take a big breath and start tackling what you need to do.

Once you start to manage and control your time, you will be able to really focus your energies and take back your life. With less stress and a real feeling of accomplishment, you will love your new life!

Hazel Palache. MFC,MCCht,MNLP. The Professional Women’s Success Doctor.

http://www.MindMasteryCoaching.com
(818-972-4415

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About the Author:
Hazel Palache. MFC,MCCht,MNLP. The Professional Women’s Success Doctor. www.MindMasteryCoaching.com

Hypnosis is most commonly associated with losing weight and stopping smoking. While these are wonderful benefits from the practical application of hypnosis, they are just a small sampling of the possibilities.

For example, hypnosis can be an excellent tool when applied to school work, studying, or academics in general. As the new school year begins, for both children and those adults who are returning to school, anxiety and unease are often heightened. Hypnosis can be an effective tool for calming your nerves and taking the edge off your stress. But that's not all. It can also aid in increasing your concentration, in developing a better memory, in building stronger study habits, even in making the learning process easier.

Many of these same skills can be applied to career development as well. Self confidence, decision making, verbal and written skills, motivation, concentration and comprehension ... these are all important job skills that can be enhanced through the use of hypnosis. Having a slight edge in any of these areas can open up an entire world of new opportunities.

But it doesn't stop there. Hypnosis can also enhance your athletic performance. Not only can it be used to increase your self-discipline, it can be used to help you focus on each and every aspect of your athletic execution (whether it be swimming, track, skiing, football, whatever) to improve each little movement which in turn improves your overall performance. The results of using hypnosis for fitness and competition have proven amazing, making this a valuable training tool for athletes in all sports, at any level.

And there's more. Hypnosis can be used for overcoming your fears. The fear of public speaking, claustrophobia, stage fright, a fear of heights or spiders or snakes ... these are all areas that can improve dramatically when hypnosis is administered by a professional hypnotherapist.

How about bad habits? We addressed some of the more common ones in our introduction: overeating and smoking. But hypnosis can be applied to nearly any bad habit, be it biting your nails or procrastination, compulsively checking your e-mail or hair pulling. And while these may strike you as minor bad habits, hypnosis can be helpful with the big ones as well: gambling, drug abuse, alcoholism, etc.

Pain control, depression, memory improvement, healing, relationships, sexual dysfunction, tension and stress ... the list of areas where hypnosis can be used goes on and on. In many of these situations, hypnosis can be used on its own, in others it can be used in conjunction with other therapies or treatments.

Whether working with a professional hypnotist, hypnotherapist, or working the problem through with self-hypnosis, you'll be amazed at how hypnosis can improve many of the areas of your life.

By: D. Silva

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D. Silva is the webmaster for Exploring Hypnosis, a website dedicated to the many aspects and benefits of hypnosis, including self-hypnosis, hypnotherapy, and self healing hypnosis.