Just Do It No Matter What the Conditions Are

If you are taking the time to read this, chances are you are a person who has a few success goals that you're striving for. I commend you for that. Success in any area does require goal setting and oftentimes creating an action plan that propels you toward those goals. But what about when you feel like you are on your path to success and feel stagnant or stuck in the same spot you were in last week, month, or last year? What do you do then?

"I beg your pardon; I never promised you a rose garden"

There's an old song which echoes these lyrics. Anytime I hear it, I'm at a loss to embrace the sentiments in the song line with enthusiasm. I think "But I want to be promised a rose garden!" The truth is that we are not promised optimal situations and conditions throughout our lives. There is no Santa Claus handing us our desires on a silver platter and the old saying, "You can't have everything you want" holds true in many cases.

Basically, what I'm saying is that life will never be exactly as we hope for and that is alright. Things will happen that we didn't plan for, things won't always go as planned, and it is important for each of us to understand that despite this, it's really OK. Life is still amazing and inspiring and can be beautiful despite setbacks, failures, trials and temptations.

Growth requires perseverance

I love this statement: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain." This is a profound statement! Learning to dance in the rain ought to be our goal. If happiness and peace is what we're really after (and most of us are), then it is vital to understand that happiness is found in the journey despite outward circumstances. In this statement, the rain symbolizes trials, setbacks, frustrations and life isn't about focusing on those things, but about dancing in joy and contentment despite them. It is persevering through the unfortunate occurrences and choosing to smile and enjoy the moment. It is optimal growth.

Do not lose heart

Life is full of twists and turns and some of them involve unexpected situations that may cause you to struggle with fatigue, frustration, sadness, and hopelessness. What I want to offer you is encouragement NOT to lose heart when these things show up in your life. Know that some things will not go as expected and keep moving forward anyway. There will always be something not quite right or where you want it to be in life. If you put your focus on what IS going right or what you've already accomplished, your mental attitude will be so much better. You will be able to feel gratitude and contentment no matter what you are surrounded with or how long it's been since you have been trying to reach that goal. You will be able to feel secure and joy while on your journey. Do not lose heart.

Take inspired action

Having goals are wonderful and I believe every person ought to create some short term and long term goals that they are working toward. In addition to creating goals, it is important to create an inspired action plan that will help you attain those goals. By inspired I mean steps that are inspired and mean a great deal to you. Take inspired action toward your goals so that you can create forward momentum toward them. As you take even the smallest step toward your goals, your energy propels you forward and the momentum is well able to carry you over some minor bumps in the road.

As you move forward, you activate the law of attraction and these powerful forces go to work with you in bringing forth your desires and dreams. No matter what the outside circumstances are, inspired action ought to be taken so that you are continually moving in a forward motion. The right conditions to thrive and prosper are in your mind and not necessarily in outward circumstances. If your attitude is in alignment with your goals, you're already well on your way to accomplishing them.

Just do it

Is it taking longer for you to accomplish that goal? Just keep taking the next right step.

Are you frustrated with obstacles and setbacks?

Learn the art of dancing in the rain.

Trust the process and the journey.

Enjoy where you are on the way to where you are going.

Smile, knowing you will accomplish your goals in due time.

Think about a garden. It is important to have good soil to produce good fruit, but the soil does not have to be perfect to bring forth a harvest. The same goes for you. Your life doesn't have to be perfect or problem free before you can reach your goals, enjoy contentment and happiness, or bear fruit. Focus on what is good and what is going right and continue to take inspired action toward your goals. Just do it; no matter what conditions you find yourself in.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Fahkry

Making Yourself Do The Things You Don't Want To Do

There are always going to be things in life that we just don't want to do. There are also things that we might want to do but for whatever reason feel that we cannot do them. Something gets in our way, be it doubt, fear, lack of self-confidence or whatever else.

In such a situation what can we do to super charge our motivation so that it outweighs these negative feelings? "Where there is a will there is a way"" is a very true saying indeed. What can we do to find the will that gives us the power to find the way to achievement?

Essentially we have to focus upon the end result that we want to achieve. It is important to see it very clearly and to feel the emotions that will be associated with the achievement of that goal. We have to make this feeling bigger and brighter in our minds eye, so that this positive aura outweighs all of the negatives that were previously holding us back.

What we choose to focus upon is what shapes our destiny. If you focus upon our doubts and fears then they will rule our lives. If on the other hand, we focus upon our goals and dreams we will find a way in which to succeed and life the life of our choosing.

Our subconscious minds are amazing in their ability to find ways to overcome obstacles and find a way forwards. "Seek and ye shall find", is an apt saying here. As you allow yourself to focus upon your goals and to dream about your dreams, your subconscious mind is automatically unleashed upon the task of finding the way to get to this space. If you do not dare to dream then your subconscious mind will simply not know what you want to do.

We frequently fail to give credit to our own incredible power of focus. When you start thinking about a new car and you decide to buy, for instance, a BMW, you will suddenly notice more of them around. If you have your heart set upon buying an item of clothing in a particular shade of blue, you will notice more people wearing that color. It pays to "set your heart" upon things that are important to you as this focus will attract whatever it is into your life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roseanna_Leaton

Is Success More Important Than Breathing?

This is in relation to how bad you want success. There are those that want it so bad that it even replaces sleep and sometimes even food. It includes first a story which has an analogy. Then it moves on to what my thoughts are as to how bad you want success. I believe that you have to want it strongly so that the current of your passion will carry your motivation.

I watched this video and this gentleman was discussing in front of a group how a young man met an older man who was successful. This is the story.

"I want to be as successful as you," the young man says.
"Do you really want to be successful," questioned the older man.
"Yes," the young man replied.
"Meet me over there at 4am," the older man says seriously.
"But that is at the beach," the young man said surprised.
So the young man then goes to meet the older man at 4 am on the beach.
"Walk out into the water," the older man said.
The younger man walked out into the water about waist high.
"Walk out further," the older man says over the current.
The younger man goes out further until it is up to his mouth.
"Walk out further," the older man says.
"But I won't be able to breathe," the man says now getting scared.
The older man was right near him and pushed his head under. He held the young man's head under the water. Right before the young man would run out of breath the older man released him. The younger man surfaces from the water drawing in a deep breath.
"What was that all about," the young man said breathily.
"What is it you wanted most when you were down there," the old man responds the question with a question.
"To breathe," the young man says.
"That is the only way to succeed. You have to want success as much as you want air to breathe," the old man finalizes.

I thought this was a very good story. Success, no matter what part of life, comes when we fight and strive for it. You cannot just sit around and think that success will come to you. You must take action first. You have to make the decision that you want success so bad that you will not let anything get in your way.

This is very educational as it comes to success. You need to want success with an increasing passion. This passion that lights under you will help to drive you forward and break through any obstacles that get in your way. In this way I believe that anyone can be successful if they put their minds and bodies into it.

Do not worry about the people around you unless they can give sage advice. You must believe in yourself. Everyone has the chance to succeed, but some do not start and practice what they want. How do you start and practice what you want?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Collinson

Five Steps to Control Your Belief System (for Success)

What are beliefs, really? Well they seem a pretty straightforward concept when you write it down (though much more complex when discussing a real belief with a client). The simplest way I can describe a belief is: An ingrained thought pattern or script which resides in the human subconscious, connected to consistent emotional reactions, controlling decisions and actions. Of course it's not quite that simple, however the main key elements relative to success are there.

In a crudely basic description, beliefs start with a combination of thoughts and emotions in reaction to some external stimulation. The brain, being lazy, then looks for confirmation that this is true (in general most people's brains look for confirmation rather than contrary evidence). When the brain finds more evidence, the thought pattern and related emotions are repeated. This keeps happening and each time the brain becomes more convinced that this is reality.

So let's look at the steps for controlling these ingrained patterns.

Step one: Accept that you can believe anything
Famous Greek philosopher Socrates once said "the only thing we know for certain is that we know nothing", or something to that extent (I'm paraphrasing here). The point is simply we do not know anything for sure. Regardless of your current thoughts on science, religion or other core value systems, it is impossible be definition to actually disprove anything to a 100% certainty.

For example, let's say I believe that our universe is simply the imagination of some other amazing creature; that we are all just part of this creature's dream, and when it awakes we all disappear. Or what if I believed that the world is simply The Matrix, we are all logged into computers and having fake thoughts to keep us under control. I don't actually believe these things by the way! The reason I bring up these examples is to challenge any of you to completely disprove them. It's not possible to disprove them, therefore there must be at least some marginal, tiny likelihood that they could be true.

There is a type of bias people are afflicted by when they believe in something simply because it cannot be disproved. That's not the point I'm trying to make. I am simply showing you that because nothing can be disproved, there are infinite options of what you could believe in. This doesn't mean that you have to believe in any particular thing, or change your current beliefs, but surely you must accept that you cannot disprove others' beliefs. This lays the groundwork for Step Two...

Step two: Accept that beliefs are under your control
OK, when you're a clueless child growing up you have no real concept of what beliefs are. To a child, their beliefs are reality, not even questioned until the brain does some significant development and opens the door for the child to think critically. However, before this can even happen some very strong beliefs are already sealed in the child's mind-vault. For example, most adults somewhat believe that carrots improve your eyesight at night and tell this to their children. If you believe this, try researching evidence to support it, you'll be amazed at where this little myth comes from!

Now let's say you believed in Santa as a child. Then as you grow older you started to question the reality of Santa: the massive trip around the world in one night to every single home; carrying enough presents for millions of children in on sleigh; giving the rich children nicer gifts; staying awake that late at his age etc etc. The point is at some point in time, usually long before your parents break the news, you chose to stop believing in Santa. It just didn't line up with your view of the world and the evidence you'd put together.

The key point I'm trying to make here is that with conscious efforts you can change from believing in something completely to not believing in it at all. Another good example could be someone who gets brain-washed into believing a cult's fantastical ideals, and then over time becomes disillusioned with the cult and leaves. Years later, that person believes in none of the cult's ideals anymore, because they didn't like the way those beliefs affected their life.

Step three: Accept that beliefs control your behaviour
Whatever it is that you believe in, regarding all the various aspects of life and beliefs about yourself, will ultimately determine how you will behave. In simple terms, if you have negative beliefs, then your thoughts will be negative, which makes you feel bad, which combined causes you to do negative things. To put this in context, if you believe that people of a certain ethnicity are bad, you will think hateful things when you encounter these people. This will make you feel angry, frightened or upset. You then might lash out at one of them for no obvious reason.

Alternatively, positive belief systems have the same but opposite effect. For example, if you believe you are the best person on the planet, you will think that you are capable of anything that anyone else can do. This will make you feel confident, competitive and enthusiastic. You will then behave accordingly; seeking to improve your life, achieving goals, overcoming fears, and so on.

Test this on yourself: write down a certain belief which you are aware you have. It can be something simple, like what food is best to eat, which type of person is most attractive, how people should spend or save their money. Then write out your thoughts on this topic. Take those thoughts and write out how each of them makes you feel. Then link that to how you would likely behave in certain situations relevant to that belief.

For example, if you believe the best food to eat is xxx products, then your thought might be "I can only eat xxx food", which makes you feel proud of yourself for taking care of your body and also afraid of other food-types. These combined might lead you to turn down a dinner invitation to somewhere that does not serve this kind of food and so you miss out on socializing because of your belief system.

Step four: Identify which beliefs are helpful vs. unhelpful
Take the time to write down all the beliefs you have about yourself and in particular your ability to succeed. You don't have to get this perfect, just to try to clearly state which beliefs influence your behaviour regarding your goals and success. You could come up with all sorts of positive things, like "I like to try new things", or "I'm always willing to change to improve my life".

What you should also see is some more negatively skewed beliefs. They usually start with "I can't... " or "I'm afraid of... " These are what I call unhelpful or limiting beliefs. Why? Because if you want to succeed they will not help you, simple as that. Positive or helpful beliefs will drive you to succeed and get you through the challenges. Unhelpful beliefs are the ones that slow you down or stop you completely, sabotaging your efforts and taking the fun out of self-development.

Of all the beliefs you write down, put a tick next to the ones that will help you and a cross next to the ones that won't.

Final step: Change the unhelpful limiting beliefs
This is actually quite an in-depth process that requires planning, hard work, and conscious efforts at control your thoughts and behaviour. It can take months of work to "re-frame" limiting beliefs. I won't go through it all here, but the core aspects are:

1. Write out statements that defy those beliefs. If you belief for example that you're too lazy to achieve goals, your re-framed belief statement should go something like "I have the energy and motivation to achieve anything"

2. Tell yourself these statements every single day. Out loud, looking at yourself in the mirror. I am totally serious. Your old beliefs became true because of simple repetition of "evidence". You need to undo that damage by forcing the opposite belief into your subconscious mind. Your brain cannot hold onto opposing belief systems, it doesn't like that, so force it to choose the helpful one.

3. Set and achieve goals. Build up a database in your mind of hard evidence that you can succeed. Start small if you have to, most people do, and then build up to more challenging goals.

4. Have an end in mind. Visualize what your life would be like if you were successful and write that down. Keep reminding yourself why you're doing all of this. It will build your motivation and make your subconscious brain realize that to obtain that which it desires, it will need to believe it can obtain it.

Conclusion:
I hope this process helps some you identify and eliminate some of those outdated limiting beliefs. I guarantee that if you can control your belief system you will succeed in anything you wish to succeed in. If you don't believe that, then try controlling your belief system so that you can!

Cheers

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Munro

Small Changes Can Make A Huge Difference

The power of learning to be consistent, even in little things, can make a huge difference in life. When we purpose to accomplish a worthy goal, and break the goal down into small action steps, applying ourselves to them daily, it can produce wonderful things which can enable us to live much better, and give us a sense of satisfaction that we were able, by the grace of God, to get some things done.

You may not be able to save a thousand dollars a month, or even one hundred dollars a month. Maybe you are only able to save thirty dollars a month. If that is your situation, then do so. But be consistent at it. This is the only way you will realize out-standing results over a period of time. Then again, you may be able to save more. Maybe you need to cut back on unnecessary things in order to save more. Whatever you can do, the key here is to learn to be consistent in order to benefit as you should.

A person may not be able to exercise for hours every day like those who are caught up in that noble and healthy manner of life. However, maybe you can walk or exercise three times a week, by walking for a half an hour. Maybe, you can aim to eat more fruits and vegetables. Do it. Again, you will benefit if you are consistent at it.

We can only attain what we are after by making the firm decision to apply ourselves repeatedly and consistently until we get the results we are after.

You may be a person who has attempted to accomplish goals which you may not have attained up to now. You may have had a goal to save more money, or lose some weight, or develop some other noteworthy habit. Maybe your goal was to read more books or study your Bible more. Then again, your desire may have been to spend more time with your spouse or family. And you, after trying to make big immediate changes, may have found it difficult to keep up with the joneses.

My admonishment is to sit down and rewrite your goals. This time however, think more realistically. What small changes can you begin to implement right away and keep on doing for an extended period of time? As I said before, can you save thirty dollars a month for a few years? Then do it. It will astound you how money, with interest applied, adds up. If you can save more at various times, do so. But make the commitment to yourself to save what you can every month, for sure. Consistency over time will work to your advantage.

If you will apply the same principle regarding exercising, making the firm choice to do it relentlessly at least three times weekly, it will make a difference, Again the key is to be consistent. Make up your mind to become consistent at something positive today, even if it is a small thing. Small keys open huge doors. And consistency is a key that will do just that for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheldon_Newton

Goals and How They Can Change Your Life

I believe that a goal is something that's actually taken for granted today. The word itself means to "achieve a desired result". Too many people think that having a to-do list is all that's necessary to achieve a desired result. The problem is a to-do list is more like a grocery shopping list, or a list of appointments for the week, whether it's doctors, teachers, soccer practice, etc.

Until you understand what a powerful goal really is, and that it's not something that belongs on a to-do list, I think you should continue using to-do lists. I think that most of us have certain desires in our lives that we don't usually talk about, and certainly will never put on some to-do list. It's something that tugs at us from time to time, and usually sits in our subconscious mind. We may talk about it with a real close friend or relative, but that's usually as far as it goes.

These burning desires that people have can range from significant lifestyle changes, to career changes, to spiritual wishes, to marital dreams, to financial targets, to family hopes, to address or career changes, or any other dreams you want to make. So you can see that we're talking about serious life goals. In order to achieve this kind of goal, you're going to need a whole lot more than some to-do list.

After a long career dealing with goal setting and strategic planning, and realizing how vital this is to all major corporations for their long-term success, it dawned on me that setting powerful goals for the average person is actually something that is foreign to them. No one ever taught us how to create and achieve a goal, nor the process that must be followed in order to do that. I've often wondered why this topic was never taught in the school system until I realized that there's actually no information available to teach goal setting properly, even if someone did want to teach it.

There is so much confusing material on the internet about goals as they all have their own little cliché about how to set goals, such as, "write it down", "put it on paper", "visualize it"," "think about it all the time", " talk about it with friends or family", etc., but never quite give you the real "how to" about accomplishing those goals. I would think the reason is, they don't know.

You're going to have to learn a "process" that will not only help you create a goal, but take you step by step through that process. It will involve the following processes:

1. Doing a "situation analysis" that clearly defines what's going on in your life now. After doing this, you need to state emphatically what should be happening! This will set the stage for defining your first really serious goal!

2. Set your first powerful goal after doing the "situation analysis".

3. Develop a few strategies that will clearly spell out how you are going to achieve that goal.

4. Develop a tactical plan that supports your strategic plan. This is a detailed set of actions you will be taking in order to complete each strategy. Be certain that each tactic is directly linked to a particular strategy!

5. Set your tracking deadlines in place. Set different dates for each segment, beginning with the tactical plan first.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_M_Egan

You Are Unstoppable: 5 Ways To Get Things Done Now!

Or at least get them started with the speed of light!

A little shift in your mind could create miracles. And the first step to create that shift is to sow the seeds of belief in your mind that you CAN create miracles. And once you realize that you are a channel through which success, wealth, prosperity and love flows; you get things done. Things that matter. Things that need to be done for you to reach your greatest success. So once you master the art of getting things done, you are unstoppable!

Here are 5 practices that have helped me create a shift in my thinking and empowered me to accomplish things that matter to me.

1. Be Proactive: Step out of your comfort zone!

I had been listening to this one since high school. But the one true way, to test the massive power of pro-activity, is to practice it.

What do you mean by being proactive?

Being proactive truly means to step out of your comfort zone. If there's one thing that's holding you back from your ultimate potential, it is your comfort zone.

Proactive people are achievers. They do not care what the weather is like. They get things done at the same pace on a cold rainy day as they would on a warm sunny day. They don't give power to their moods. They stay focused and they do whatever it takes to stay motivated. Proactive people do not rule out possibilities by doubting them. Proactive people take bold risks and they leverage the hours that average people waste away.

Being proactive is the quality where you finally step out of your comfort zone.

But here's the catch: Your comfort zone may not always be so comforting. Many of us are better off trying something or getting something done if there is an emotion of fear, frustration or anger prevailing our minds. We are comfortable to not do something that matters, when we think - 'what if I fail?' Or 'what if my application is rejected?' Or 'what will they think if I quit my grad school?' Or 'the system is such a waste! No way can I get this done!'

You see, all these thought patterns keep us from achieving our small day to day goals. And hence we sabotage the huge success in the bigger picture.

So I encourage you to stop being that way, if you are. Be Proactive. Be goal centered. Stop being emotion driven. Stop being environment and society driven. Because when you do, you will certainly be the best of you.

2. Stop using your willpower.

It may sound a little controversial when you hear this concept. But the word "willpower" holds with itself, a thought of resistance.

Think about this. Whenever we have been in a state of procrastination, we have often heard the phrase "USE YOUR WILLPOWER". So much so, that our subconscious has related the term will power to the emotion of struggle.

When I first learned about this, I had a huge paradigm shift.

Our subconscious mind doesn't know reasoning. It relates to thoughts and thought patterns. And every time I have been asked to use my willpower, I have a related thought pattern of resistance. Be it a resistance against the environment, a resistance against my own negativity or something else. But it's always been resistance.

You see, the seeds of creativity and pro-activity cannot be sowed in the soil of resistance. Resistance only builds thought patterns around the feelings of struggle. And you are doomed to those thoughts of struggle.

To get things done, you must impress upon your sub conscious a feeling of unlimited possibilities, support and love. This is when you unleash your true potential and then, none of your negative emotions will drive you. Because with love, hope and faith, you suck the soul and power out of every negative element that may be surrounding you.

So abandon the thought of willpower. And believe in your POWER.

3. Remember this: Every single moment of your life, you are making a choice!

The very thought of this gives ME the power. And not to my thoughts.

Most of the times, our mind is crowded by millions of thoughts. But the moment you truly realize that you are making a choice of choosing those thoughts (consciously or unconsciously), it empowers you.

Don't try to control the thoughts. Just plant the seeds of this most empowering thought in your mind: YOU ARE MAKING A CHOICE RIGHT NOW. AND RIGHT NOW. AND RIGHT NOW. AND RIGHT NOW..; and in the wise words of Napoleon hill, practice the concept of autosuggestion and let this father of all thoughts penetrate to your subconscious.

You will unfold a treasure within you. You will develop a clarity of thought. No situation will seem out of your control. Because you have a choice. A choice to give power to this situation or not. A choice to give power to a certain emotion or not. A choice to let something or someone disturb your peace of mind or not.

And this, my dear friend, is your key to achieving the proactive self within you.

I love power. Don't you? So know that you have a choice to make at every moment (especially when you're idle - because that's when random thoughts start pouring in and flood your mind). Make smart and wise choices that will give out powerful vibrations of love and abundance. And you will never worry about getting things done because you will choose to get them done!

4. Concentrate your energy

You have a circle of concern and a circle of influence. I love this concept framed by Stephen Covey.

Quiet often we give away extra energy to things that are outside our control. This is very critical to note. Because again, giving energy to, and building thought patterns around something that is not in our hands, drains our enthusiasm and imparts negativity.

According to Mr. Covey, each one of us have:

• A circle of concern: This includes people, situations and circumstances that concern us. Anything outside this is not of our concern. For instance, my application of a business license is within my circle of concern. A person sitting by the beach, sipping a margarita is not within my circle of concern.


• A circle of influence: This includes people, situations and circumstances that are within my circle of concern and have my influence. This means I can change them. My choice to apply for a business license is within my circle of influence. But getting it approved is not.

The truth is, most of us spend our energies worrying about circumstances and people who are within our circle of concern but outside of our circle of influence.

From what I have observed, giving energy to things that we can't control imparts feelings of worry and uncertainty.

But the good news is: By positive thought patterns and taking action at the right time (and not worrying about them), we can expand our circle of influence. All we need to know is that our persistence backed by true faith is the key to turn any situation or task in our favor.

So when you start focusing your energy and concentrate it on the right things, you will be unstoppable!

5. Clear out the clutter

This works. This really works.

I have personally observed that clearing out clutter and living in a clean environment imparts a feeling of tranquility. Look at a hotel room (a good one, of 'course). They are clean, well maintained and free of clutter. How do you feel when you enter one?

A clean, minimalist physical environment gives you a peace of mind as it soothes your eyes and makes you feel calmer. This is when you start thinking from the shoes of a true achiever within you. The positive thoughts and emotions get an easy access to your mind. No matter how hard your day might have been, coming back to your office or home fills you up with vast positivism and you are all set to relax and hit the stage again.

So believe me - before getting started to get anything done, try cleaning out the clutter. You'll see the difference for yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Animesh_P_Kumar

Initiative - 3 Steps To Own This Powerful Success Tool!

Initiative is a word typically used to describe a positive event. As we reach adulthood, we have dreams of how we may shape our future. Unfortunately, too many people love to pour cold water on our dreams, talking about all of the reasons why our ideas will not work. There are three steps we can use to take ownership of initiative, in spite of the naysayers.

STEP 1: Recognize it!

Do we know initiative when we see it? Let's look at the following examples:

• When a child builds a sand castle on his own for the very first time, how do we respond? Do we giggle because it is lopsided, or mention all the ways it could have been built better? Or do we take pictures and praise the child for using his imagination in building something all alone?
• When an employee cleans up a spill in the office, which he noticed as he walked past, how do we respond - if at all?
• When someone sees that a work group is going to have to work late to meet a deadline and offers to take orders for food, get it and bring it back, how do we respond?
• When a spouse, who knows you have been up all night with a sick child, quietly gathers all of the trash and takes the receptacles out to the street for pickup, how do we respond?

Each of the examples demonstrates a form of initiative. What examples might we add to this list?

STEP 2: DEVELOP IT!

Now that we recognize it when we see it, how can we learn to apply it?

• Our children begin a new school year, knowing one of the projects will be a science fair project of some kind. Do we begin early in the year to ask prompting questions to see what kind of creative approaches to a project the child can take? Or do we think in terms of what part we will play to make sure a top grade is achieved? Caution - this is where adults with a tendency toward perfection may destroy a child's initiative.
• At work, we have several new employees in the group we supervise. Coming into a new environment, they may see things that could be done more easily, faster, or not done at all. As supervisors, do we pull out the automatic "No" word? Even worse, do we, by our reactions, clearly demonstrate the "do what I say" example? Or do we listen effectively to see what part of their suggestions might work and compliment them?

Try taking one minute, list areas where you might begin to use initiative and encourage others to do the same. Are you surprised at your results?

STEP 3: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

As with any new skill, we need to practice it personally and professionally. It is important to begin with simple issues, like the ones listed below.

• At home, there are many ways we can encourage the entire family to do things without having to remind them. When a child has set the table for an entire week without any prompting from an adult, we can reward their initiative with a special treat.
• When a spouse takes the initiative to build a playhouse in the back yard as a surprise for the kids when they return from camp, we can take group pictures and praise them in front of others.
• At work, when an employee resolves a conflict between himself and another person, without bringing others into the discussion, we can complement them in person and with a note or email.

Just as a plant seedling needs water, the right soil, and nurturing during the growth process, so do the seeds of initiative to grow and spread. The results include satisfaction in taking a risk, demonstrating the ability to make independent decisions, and setting a positive example for others around you. Perhaps the most important reward of all is the feeling of empowerment in guiding the life path you will take. Are you ready to begin?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Georgia_Day

How to Stop Making Mistakes and Evolve

The unconscious mind that produces your dreams is the voice of divine providence. The scientific translations based on Carl Jung's discoveries and on my discoveries after continuing his research give you the chance to have a direct communication with God. This is a scientific and religious truth.

By following the unconscious guidance in dreams I understood I had to relate all aspects of my reality, instead of independently analyzing a few aspects. The divine unconscious mind showed me that if I wanted to stop suffering in life I had to accept suffering in order to transform my personality.

I had inherited too much absurdity into my wild conscience (anti-conscience). I had the behavior of a cruel dictator. I was indifferent, selfish, and lazy. I had to accept suffering in order to eliminate my dangerous ego and learn how to be patient, humble, and calm.

I believed that God was absurd because he was demanding so much from me. I was only a human being. I didn't believe I would ever manage to transform my personality and become an angel. How could God imagine that a lazy creature like me was able to work so hard?

However, God is an excellent doctor. He managed to cure my dangerous neurosis through dream therapy and even transform me into a doctor. I learned how to cure others by translating their dreams for them and helping them put the unconscious guidance into practice.

After seeing how many people had terrible psychological problems, besides many unbearable daily problems, I understood I shouldn't complain because I had to be a doctor. At least I had found sound mental health and I could help others.

I verified that everybody has the same problem I had. Everyone must transform their personality in order to stop suffering.

This means that if you want to lead a happy life you have to accept this challenge in the beginning of your journey.

However, it's very hard to transform your personality and change your behavior. You have inherited many absurd tendencies. It's not a simple matter to eliminate so many negative tendencies.

On the other hand, you hate behavioral changes. You are a slave of your habits. You tend to repeat the same mistakes forever, without understanding that you have to change your behavior if you want to stop suffering.

The unconscious mind helps you understand this truth. You learn how to stop suffering with the consequences of your mistakes.

Whatever happens to you is related to your mistakes, even when what happens to you doesn't seem to depend on your actions. There is a law of reciprocity in our planet, which was created with the purpose to work like a place of transformation. We live in order to be transformed into wise and sensitive human beings, after abandoning our wild, violent, and cruel animal nature.

If you want to stop suffering, you have to accept transforming your personality, so that you may stop making mistakes. You have to correct your behavior. There is no other way. If you are violent, indifferent, naïve, etc. you cannot have positive results in life. You will always suffer as a victim of your own mistakes.

The same happens with everyone else, but most people cannot understand this truth. You should learn the dream language and follow the free psychotherapy of the unconscious mind in your dreams. This treatment will help you show wise behavior in all circumstances.

You have to become a wise and sensitive human being. This is how you will stop suffering for one reason or another.

In order to become a wise and sensitive human being you have to accept suffering because you have to transform your personality. You cannot insist on doing everything like you used to do in the past.

I will show you two initial sentences from a dream dreamt by a young man, and his initial comments after my professional dream translations to help you verify into practice how the unconscious mind enlightens a dreamer. I cannot give you more information about this case or publish the entire dream because my translations are private, but these two sentences will already help you understand how the unconscious mind shows to the dreamer his mistakes.

You will verify that the wise unconscious mind manages to give explanations to the dreamer in a way that he will be able to understand these explanations. The unconscious mind helps the dreamer accept analyzing his own behavior without feeling that his ego is being accused for behaving this way. His ego doesn't become revolted for understanding the truth.

Here are the two first sentences of his dream and my translations:

'I was at a kind of school yard I think,'
You represent your ego in dreams.
The school yard indicates that you are a student, what means that you are studying the meaning of life and the meaning of dreams.
The yard represents a little incentive of life, something that makes you desire to be alive.

'I was there with XX (he's an enthusiastic guy, he is polite, he is liked by people because he is positive, likes to be liked by people)'
XX represents a mature, enthusiastic and polite part of your personality that is successful in its relationships. This part of your personality likes to be admired and this is why it is always positivist. It tries to please everyone.

...

Now, I will show you the dreamer's comments after reading my translations:

"I noticed I acted like the part of my personality that is like XX, the guy that is always positive to people, talking to people and clearly kind of acting, being too positive and interested with people. I noticed that I have that behavior. Acting false and wanting to be everybody's friend."

This dreamer understood that his behavior is false and that he should be sincere instead of trying to please everyone. He must take off his hypocritical social mask and have a personal opinion about his reality, without agreeing with everyone's opinion, and without pretending to be extremely optimistic.

The unconscious mind helps all dreamers gradually understand their mistakes and transform their personality. Everyone understands how to stop doing what is negative and evolve.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christina_Sponias

Living A Life That Matters

If you are alive today then you have two choices; you can live a life that has no real substance or you can live a life that matters. What's the difference?

To get up everyday, go to work, come home, relax, spend time with family and loved ones only to go to bed and repeat that cycle every day is not a fulfilling life. Yes, it is functional. It may even pay the bills. But your life is about much more than just paying the bills.

What about a life where you still get up, go to work and come home to relax with family and friends but to find more than that. To discover that there are hurting people all around us who can use a hand up instead of a handout. To inspire, encourage and enable people to get back up again. To go to bed each night feeling like your contribution to someone else's life has made a difference is a great way to end the day.

No matter what accomplishments you may be able to do in your lifetime, the things that will have the longest lasting effect are the things you do that impact another person's life in a positive way. To feed the hungry when you are able to eat each day and make that happen for others is great; to clothe the naked when your closet is full of clothes is fulfilling. To visit the sick, comfort the lonely and show compassion to the hurting gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling in your heart.

What matters most to you? What encourages you each day to get up and keep on keeping on? What offers you the most fulfillment? Do you realize that you were put here on this earth for a reason? Every life, no matter how insignificant, matters. Actually there are no insignificant lives. Some of us may do things that warrant more attention, make more money or end up in the public eye. But a mother who cares for her children has a significant life. A father who cares for his sick parents has a significant life. A teacher who impacts the lives of her students has a life that matters. No matter where a person is in life, if they make someone else's life better, they are doing something that matters.

Live for more than yourself. Make the lives of others better because you are alive.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Jeff_Davis

How to Improve Your Decision Making Skills

When you are faced with a decision making situation, how do you go about it? Do you decide right there and then or do you postpone your decision up to some point?

While many experts recommend that a decision made quickly has many advantages, it can also lead to blunders. And many decisions are irreversible, if not leading to unpleasant outcomes. A systematic way should be applied to get the most of your decision.

Certainly, good decisions arise from a good understanding of the decision situation. If you do not fully understand or there is a lot of uncertainty in your mind, numbers can help you improve the outcome of your decision.

How does this technique work? The method is simple. Follow the steps below.

How to Improve Decision Making Skills

Step 1. List the advantages and disadvantages of your decision

Get a sheet of paper, make a two-column layout and write 'Advantages' at the left column and at the right column, the 'Disadvantages.' List down all the advantages and disadvantages you can think of related to your decision.

Step 2. Rate your list of advantages and disadvantages

Rate each advantage or disadvantage you have listed using a 10-point scale ranging from unimportant to very important. If the advantage or disadvantage is unimportant, you may just rate it '1' but if you believe it is a major advantage or disadvantage, you may rate it a maximum of '10' points. If it is neither unimportant nor very important, your rate will be between the extremes.

Step 3. Add all the points

Sum up the points you gave for each advantage or disadvantage of your decision. From the total number of points, you will easily see which column has more points than the other. You may adopt the one with the greater number of points.

If the points are more or less similar, you may retry the steps again without referring to the earlier one. This is called iteration. You may do this three times to confirm your decision.

Evaluating Your Decision

After applying the steps above and arriving at a decision where the advantages are greater than the disadvantages, evaluate your decision by answering the following questions.

1. Is your decision urgently needed?

Do you really need to make that decision? If not, then it is better to give more time to ponder your decision. Uncertainty is reduced with the passing of time. Procrastination can offer more opportunities to clear up issues.

2. Is your decision life changing?

What decisions are life changing? Deciding to marry or changing your job are examples. This involves life-long commitment or giving up an equally important choice so you must seriously think about the consequences of your decision.

3. Who will be affected by your decision?

If the only person who will be affected by the decision is you, then your decision should be quick. If something goes wrong, there is no one to blame but you. If your decision affects others, it will be wise to consult them, too.

Finally, when you have made up your mind, the way to go is to take action. There is no such thing as an ideal decision. Go for it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Regoniel,_PhD

The Power Behind Setting Goals

We all have dreams and aspirations. Setting goals is a way to achieve something that most people dream about. What does that mean? To achieve great things, you must have a burning desire to succeed. Thomas Edison once said, "When a person desires something so deeply that he would stake his future on a turn of the wheel, he's a sure bet to win." The goal has to be big enough to make you persist when obstacles come. Michael Jordan is a great example of persistence. Nothing could stop him from being all that he could be. Sure, the skeptics said he would not succeed. Sure he ran into some speed bumps, but his work hard made him who he is today. What made his persistence so strong was his desire. One of his goals was to win championships. His desire was so big that it would not let him quit. To be a champ, you have to believe in what you do. That's the power behind setting goals and having success.

Setting Goals for Better Health

Let's say you want to get healthy and fit. You are going to have some highs and lows. Consistency is the key to your success. You have to decide in your mind that you want it, and then take action. That's what I did. I followed a strict nutrition and fitness plan. Was it easy? No, but the results we're fantastic. You have to do something different to get something different. The more you think about something, the more it gets deeper in your mind. Many times we say, "I think I can lose weight" as opposed to "I will lose 15 pounds by January 31st." A realistic goal with a deadline brings on a whole new meaning. It gives you a sense of purpose and a greater chance for success. Add to that writing down the goal, and you are one step closer!

Questions to think about:

• Why do you want to lose weight?
• Why do you want to have healthier looking skin?
• Why do you want to live longer?
• Why do you want to get ripped?
• Do you have that burning desire to get the body you want?

I can teach you how to get the results but it's up to you get the results.

6 Ways to Get Healthy and Fit:

• Drink more water (at least 8 glasses).
• Eat more fruits and veggies.
• Eat whole grains.
• Replace one meal each day with a healthy meal shake.
• Get more sleep.
• Get more exercise.

Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right! Just take the first step.

How to Succeed with Personal Goal Setting:

• Write down a list of personal goals on paper.
• Make me your coach.
• Set a goal each day.
• be persistent.
• be consistent.
• Stick to the plan.

Why set goals?

Goal setting gives you a sense of accomplishment. When you set goals that are realistic, you have a chance to cross the finish line with both arms up

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_E_Davis

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