Let me recommend this great book! This is Your Chance to Learn How to Control the One Thing that Means More to Your Accomplishments and Happiness than Anything Else … Your Attitude!
“Who Else Wants to Discover the Amazing Secrets of How You Can Develop a Positive Attitude, Eliminate Stress From Your Life, Skyrocket Your Self-Confidence, and Program Yourself For a Lifetime of Success!”

It is amazing how people hold up with so much resilience in times of trouble. It is true stories like these that have a lasting effect on us because these are experiences of real people, we can relate to them and they have the power to inspire and motivate us in tackling our issues. It makes us realize that there is so much undiscovered strength in people around us, than we can imagine.

I can give a whole list of people in my life who have inspired me and whose lives have been examples of resilience, endurance and perseverance; from my father for his uncomplaining dedication to his job and responsibilities, my mother for her undaunting faith, my aunt for her unflinching tenacity and perseverance, my friend for her unwavering optimism, my son for his untarnished enthusiasm, and the list goes on.

To be inspired you just have to discover the strength in others and learn from their lives. There are so many people around us that can inspire us to be better people and do better in our lives. There is no situation or person too small to teach us something new. We have to widen our thinking and approach to pursue inspiration and find it in even in the smallest of things around us.

Let me elaborate on this little achievement and how it emboldened my claim for achievement. Though, I enjoy painting and other crafting activities I always considered sewing an activity beyond my capabilities. I never did very well with my sewing grades while at school, and those low grades kept me away from trying it in my adult life too.

I was in dire need of curtains for my living room and being a very picky shopper I was finding it difficult to get stitched patterns that matched my liking. So, I decided that this would be the best time for me to overcome my fears and mental block about sewing.

With new resolve and a plan in place I bought some material that I liked and a sewing machine. After some research online about curtain patterns and sewing, I plunged into my new venture. I first tried a few patterns on some old material I had. I wasn’t very successful in the first few rounds and I must admit that it was quite disheartening. Despite that I didn’t want to give up. I sewed until I got it right. A few wasted materials later I finally succeeded. I hung the finished pieces on my windows and that was my moment of achievement.

With most of us, there are few things we exclude from trying to do because we convince ourselves that we can’t do them. This could be a result of a fear of failure or lack of confidence or a combination of both. There are a few things I too have avoided trying. But, this little achievement has encouraged me to take up bigger challenges, which I have avoided earlier, in life. The lesson for us being: There is nothing we can’t achieve if we try and we will never know what we can achieve if we don’t try!

By,

Mary-Ann Roche

Last week, I was going to pick up my son from his class. It was raining and dark. Since I was running late, I was trying to go faster to make it on time. While taking the ramp to the highway I started slowing down, because of the downhill slope I suddenly felt my car driving itself. I was stunned and frozen for a fraction of a second, when my cousin sitting next to me said “Let go of the brakes, the car is skidding!” It still didn’t register in mind, and I was screaming while holding onto the steering wheel and helplessly looking at the car make a 180 degree turn to face oncoming traffic. I could see the car swerving towards the railing and I thought this is the end. My mind went racing to all the time and the people I am going to miss and all the logistics that had to be taken care of after a crash. Most importantly my concern was, “What about my son? Who will pick him up and who will take care of him if something happened to me?” In the meantime, the car slowly came to a halt, right next to the railing, without touching it. There were no other cars in sight and I sat looking out the window at what could’ve been the end for me and my brother.

The stillness in that moment made me realize that I had been speeding through my life and needed to slow down before life goes past me. I had been so focused on getting things done that I had lost sight of all the little joys I was missing. I was working too hard and fast to catch up with the fast paced world.  I had missed out on talking to my family more often. I hadn’t been spending enough time with my son or family. I started looking at the big picture. My son needs me; the time I can give him is more precious than a toy I can buy him.

Maybe it was some unseen power that saved me from such a disaster or it was sheer luck (mine or my brother’s). Whatever the reason, I have come out of the situation stronger, wiser and slower.

By,
Mary-Ann Roche

Look and Feel Confident – Being confident will convey to the people around you a positive attitude and behavior. Also, when you are confident about yourself you can interact better with people.

Don’t overdo or over talk – Be friendly and approachable, but don’t overdo your enthusiasm. When you are in a new place or meeting new people, and would like to make new friends your friendliness is what will propel your efforts in the right direction. At the same time being over friendly or over involving will steer people away. While having a conversation pick safe subjects and try not to make any controversial remarks. (You can save all those for your close friends, who don’t mind and won’t judge what you say)

Address the person with their Name – I know people tend to forget names, especially if they have met briefly. When you are introduced to someone, attach a cue with the name to help you remember. The next time you see the person, you can address the person with their name. This shows attentiveness and personalizing.

Dress well – Dressing well doesn’t imply wearing any elaborate or expensive stuff. Make a conscious effort to dress for the occasion. Being well dressed will not only make you look and feel good, but will also tell others that you have put in the thought and effort for the way you look. As the adage goes, ‘First impressions are last impressions’. This may seem shallow and there are some who deny this, but in the real world how you present yourself tells a lot about you.

Be Positive – Last but not the least, radiating positive energy is the key to attracting positive relations. So, smile your way through new beginnings.

By,
Mary-Ann Roche

Needs and desires are completely different things. There are times when desires become so strong that they transform into needs. Self control will keep those desires under control. Think of your favorite food, or even better bring it home and don’t eat it yet. As a first step to gain self control set your mind that you will not eat that food for ‘x’ number of days. I know, this sounds kind of ridiculous, but trust me it works. Abstaining from something that you really crave for will develop resistance to impulses and desires in you. When you can resist temptation you have gained self control over your desires.

All our actions are defined by our emotions. Emotions are the most difficult to control, but if you can gain that control over your emotions you have mastered self control. Emotions could be anything ranging from anger, happiness, sorrow, frustration, etc. Out of all these the biggest step towards greater self control is controlling anger and frustration. Anger overpowers your mind and senses; you may do or say something that you will regret later. Anger is self-destructive and you don’t want to walk that path. When any person or situation makes you angry, try this: Count till 3 before you react or divert your attention to anything that will give the required pause before reacting. This pause will mellow down your anger and as you keep practicing you will eventually gain complete control over your temper.

Meditation is one of the best methods to gain self control and balance your body and mind. Meditation helps unclutter your mind of unwanted thoughts and emotions and also helps you focus and de-stress. Having a calm and clear mind enables you to control your feelings and in turn your actions.

By,
Mary-Ann Roche

We live in a fast paced, changing and stress-filled world. In combating the daily challenges of life, we tend to not realize our true selves and digress from our path to the divine. We need to de-stress and regain our energies lost and bring in harmony into our lives to be enlightened of our true self. Self Enlightenment is the path in the realization of our oneness with the divine.

To put our thoughts into spiritual direction we need to recognize the world as a divine world based on cosmos, and not a world based on chaos or chance. Our society which is composed of various degrees of intelligence and capacity and personality, does not grasp the full significance of the discovery of self enlightenment. We need to discover a new set of values for the terms liberty, law and love (moksa, dharma and kama), which are impossible to get in the purely political and materialistic society. The social life of man becomes transfigured and civilized by the sublimated direction given to all activities through this discovery. There are various forms of teachings and practices which are directed to the civilizing of man, by taming his lower nature which revels in egoism and competition, jealousy and greed, violence and hatred.

One of the paths defined is the four fold Yoga path of Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. Raja Yoga consists of teachings for the purification of Thoughts, Karma Yoga contains teachings for the purification of Actions, Jnana Yoga is the teachings leading to the path of knowledge and wisdom and Bhakti Yoga is the path to the ultimate realization of the self, through worship and meditation, leading to a higher state of consciousness or enlightenment.

The moral and intellectual education combined with spiritual thoughts will help us conquer our internal nature and control over the senses (indriyas). Learning these elements and following the path to the divine will lead to self enlightenment and help us be better individuals and create a positive influence on our society.

By
Mary-Ann Roche

When you take care of yourself, it slows the aging process and you can stay fit and alert well into your senior years.

The major areas to focus on to maintain  optimum health are diet, exercise and activity that keeps your brain active. When you pay attention to these key health elements, you can help yourself to stay young and slow down the aging process.

Here are some excellent anti-aging techniques for you to try daily:

1. Take antioxidants as they are vital to your health. They reduce free radicals that are known to contribute to common diseases in aging individuals.
  Note that fresh fruit and vegetables are an excellent source of antioxidants.  Including a daily vitamin is also important.

2. Exercise and strength training. Exercise keeps your body strong and helps fight off any infection and stops the body from breaking down. Not only will you feel better, but you’ll also get a lot healthier at the same time!

Exercise provides:

* Increased stamina
* Greater muscle strength
* Better balance
* Clarity in thinking
* A stronger immune system

3. Stay alert and sharp. You can keep your brain sharp by being constantly aware of your surroundings. This sounds rather simple, but how often do we let loose and daydream, instead of focusing on the present? When you stay alert, you’re fully present in the moment and you’re better able to make quick and accurate decisions.  Undertake activities such as puzzles and crosswords that help keep your brain active.

4. Try to constantly learn new things. Remember your brain need constant stimulation. You can easily avoid this by keeping your brain active via constant learning and reading.

* A simple tip is to vary your routines and strive to learn something new each day.

5. Challenge yourself. It always helps to use the problem solving portions of your brain. These skills need to be utilized and if they aren’t, will fade over time.  Puzzles and games are a great way to keep your brain active.

6. Don’t stress over health issues. You see statistics everywhere about certain health conditions that are more likely to affect you as you age. Of course it is important to be aware and to always  be checked by your physician, but don’t waste your precious time worrying about an illness you may never get.
* Ease your stress by taking action to strengthen your health instead of worrying.

7. Get an adequate amount of sleep. Getting enough sleep at night is very important for maintaining good health. 6-8 hours every night is the number you should be working toward. Your body and mind need that time to recoup, and you may be more susceptible to stress or disease without it.

8. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking is a guaranteed way of putting your health at risk and not only that, but it ages your skin and the rest of your body. The harsh reality is that you are shortening your lifespan if you choose to smoke. If you do smoke, then I would strongly suggest breaking this habit as soon as possible. When it comes to alcohol, small amounts here and there won’t cause much harm, but drinking can be a slippery slope into disease if you abuse it.

9. Look after your skin.  I cannot stress this enough, you must moisturize and moisturize and stay out of the sun.  The sun quite simply will age and damage your skin, quicker than anything.  Be sure to establish a daily skin care routine and try beneficial anti-aging gels and creams.

10. Reduce grains and sugar in your diet. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables maintains good health and keeps your calorie intake at an acceptable level. Remember, carbohydrates are necessary for your nutrition, but is eaten in excess they contribute to increasing your insulin levels and speeding up the aging process.

If you include these strategies every day, you’ll notice a big difference in the way you look and feel. Getting older doesn’t have to be synonymous with deterioration. Begin right now to take care of your body and mind and it will serve you well in your later years.

By

MaryAnn Roche

Do you ever get the feeling that your first name should be Doormat?
Would you like to be able to command the respect of others?
Do you feel as if people take advantage of you on a daily basis? Are you allowing this to happen?

Learn about You and Get What You Need – Click Here!
If you responded yes to one or all of these important questions, it’s obvious that you don’t have the respect of others, but that’s why you’re here to learn!

Respect is something you earn. However, no one deserves to be taken advantage of. Fortunately, it’s possible to change how others treat you!

Implement these simple tips and tricks and you’ll command the respect of others you deserve in no time:

1. Live by the Golden Rule.

Most of us are familiar with the Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would want done to you” is a wonderful philosophy when attempting to garner respect. Always treat others as you expect to be treated. People will tend to reciprocate and treat you the same way. If they don’t, then you can ease your way out of the relationships over time, if possible.

2. Put yourself first.

An example of this would be telling your friend that you cannot babysit her 4-year old so she can get her nails done because you’re busy with your own personal appointments and schedule.

Find the Real You, Meet Your Higher Self – Click Here!

* You have to make yourself a priority. If people see that you respect yourself, then you’ll ultimately be respected, too.

3. Use strong body language.

When speaking face to face with others, portray the fact that you’re strong and important. Stand straight, look people in the eye, and speak forcefully but not overwhelmingly so.

* If your body language shouts, “I am important and I respect myself,” you’ll surely gain the respect of others.

* Those people who stare at the floor when speaking, avoid eye contact, and whisper their words are telling others that they don’t believe they deserve respect and attention. Always remember to stand tall and proud; you’re important and you deserve to be recognized!

4. Speak positively.

In addition to having strong body language, the words you use to express yourself are also extremely important when trying to earn the respect of others. Learn to speak in positively and authoritatively. Don’t be boastful, but don’t demean or belittle yourself either.

* Leave the impression that you’re intelligent, well spoken and confident. If you portray yourself in this manner others will treat you the same way.

5. Surround yourself with the right people.

Let’s face it: there are people in this world who are disrespectful to everyone and everything. No matter what you do to command respect, nothing may work!
Learn about You and Get What You Need – Click Here!

* You may need to take some time and rethink those you’re spending time with. They may not be the kind of people who have your best interests at heart.

6. Stand up for yourself.

If people are disrespectful to you, how do you respond? Do you say something to the offending person or do you just go on with life? People treat us in the way we allow ourselves to be treated.

* If you confront the person and voice your opinion and unhappiness, chances are good that person won’t treat you that same way in the future. It’s not about being confrontational, but a simple “I don’t appreciate how you’re speaking to me” can go a long way.

Final thoughts on getting the Respect you Deserve

We all have a desire and need for respect. By making some small changes, you’ll be able to open yourself to receiving the respect of others, while learning how to also express your respect. Use these techniques in all interactions every day to command the respect of others and gain the respect you deserve.

By MaryAnn Roche.

Have you worked out how to develop your strengths?

Everyone has unique talents and strengths, but whether we’ve discovered and actively developed them is the real question! Maybe we’ve been told that we’re good at something, but we let our skills go untapped while we wait for the confidence and courage to take action.

There are even some people whose self-esteem is suffering to the point that they truly believe they don’t possess any talents at all! If this is you, please believe that your talents are there, just waiting to be revealed to you!

These tried and true strategies will help you develop your strengths to their full potential:

1. Research.

Perhaps you think that you’re strong in one area, but you aren’t completely sure. This is where you need to look into things that interest you or that you believe you might be good at. See what resources are available and what it would take to make the commitment to strengthen your strengths.

2. Patience.

Developing your strengths to their full potential won’t occur overnight. To fully develop a talent, you must be patient. Patience is not easy and many of us tend to struggle with it. But if you can be patient, you’ll definitely reap the benefits at the end of the process.

* A useful way to think of developing your talents is to consider it as a journey. It may take a while, but you’ll learn a lot along the way.

* You’ll make mistakes and celebrate milestones, and by the time you’re done, your strength will be fully developed to the peak of your abilities.

3. Set goals.

People are more successful when they set goals. Write down what you’d like to accomplish and what date you’d like to achieve this by. Remember to be realistic and review your goals frequently to keep yourself on track.

* Post your goals in places where you’ll see them throughout the day. The refrigerator, bathroom mirror, and your computer monitor are a few ideas. This will not only keep you on track, but it’ll also motivate you to reach these goals as quickly as possible.

4. Believe you can do it.

Confidence can be one of your greatest strengths and assets. When trying to improve yourself in any capacity, if you truly believe that you’re able to accomplish anything, you’ve won half the battle.

* The battle with your mind is often greater than any challenge you face in reality.

* You may have tough days when you’re unsure of yourself, but as long as you get back on track quickly, you’ll build momentum. Remember, you can do this!

Final Thoughts on Developing Your Strengths

Strengthening your strengths may be a daunting and overwhelming journey at times. And, yes, it will take some work. But everything worth anything involves hard work!

It’s important to focus on the big picture and remember the rewards you’ll enjoy once this process is over. Also, ensure that you have the unwavering belief that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. By possessing these two attributes, you’ll be on the road to success in no time!

Use the above suggestions to develop your strengths and feel better about yourself today!

By MaryAnn Roche

5 Top Tips to Breaking Bad Habits

I can hear Billy Fields in my head…..”Cant help myself….Bad Habits”

But I’m here to give you some great top tips on how you can start breaking bad habits today!

Let’s face it: we all have a bad habit or two that we would like to get rid of! Whether it be smoking, biting our nails, overeating, or a host of other afflictions, it may be easier to eliminate it than you imagine.

With a little perseverance, willpower, and determination, you can be free from that nasty little habit!

Here are five strategies that can help start Breaking Bad Habits:

1. Commitment.

Make sure this is something you truly want to accomplish. It’s wonderful to “talk the talk,” but you’ll need to back that up by “walking the walk” as well. Be honest with yourself. Do you truly believe that this is the right time to kick your bad habit? Remember, it has to be done for the right reasons.

* Don’t let yourself be pressured by others. Search your soul and be certain you’re doing this for only one person – you! It’s your time and energy you’ll be using to make your goal a reality, so make your decision carefully.

2. Start a journal.

Jot down every time you practice your bad habit. This isn’t to be used as a punishment, but to give you more of an idea when your undesired behavior is occurring, so that you can better devise ways to break it.

* Include your thoughts and feelings that precede or accompany the behavior. This can give you an idea if you’re doing this when you’re under stress, bored, tired, and so on.

Though it may seem time consuming at first, recording these thoughts and actions can be a wonderful tool to speed up your success in breaking the habit.

3. Choose an alternative behavior.

This behavior can either remind you of your desire to quit or be a permanent replacement of your bad behavior with a desirable one instead.

* For example, a friend of mine once put a rubber band on her wrist when she was quitting smoking. Each time she had the urge to light up a cigarette, she would snap the rubber band on her wrist instead. Naturally, this was only temporary to remind her not to smoke.

* Some more ideas are to take a walk, read a book, sing a song, or cook. Any activity can be used as an alternative behavior. Of course, you don’t want to replace one bad habit with another one, but anything that can redirect your focus works well.

4. Start a replacement schedule right away.

Start immediately replacing your bad habit with your alternative, but a gradual shift may work better for you than a complete change.

* You may want to start with once a week, then maybe twice week, then three times, until you’re consistently practicing your alternative behavior instead of the bad habit.

* Remember, this won’t happen overnight, so please practice patience. People learn different behaviors at a different pace. Don’t be discouraged if your best friend stopped smoking in three weeks and you’re on your fifth week and still craving a cigarette.

5. Don’t keep this a secret.

If you’ve made the decision to break a habit, tell others. This is the time when you need the support of your family and friends to help you be successful.

* Whether you succeed or not, you’ve taken a major leap in a positive direction. That’s why it’s so important to share what you hope to accomplish with family and friends. Those who love you will be there to encourage you, offer support, and help you wherever they can.

Final Thoughts on Bad Habits….

Breaking a bad habit can be difficult, but it isn’t impossible. Use these techniques to make your journey easier, then celebrate your accomplishment when you’ve succeeded – you deserve it! So, to change the Billy Fields lyrics….”I can help myself…..Breaking Bad Habits“…..lol – have a great day!

6 Simple Ways to Overcome Boredom

Looking for ways to overcome boredom?

Everyone at one time or another has experienced some degree of boredom. Children are usually the quickest to say “I’m bored,” but as adults, we experience our share, too.

Don’t you sometimes wonder why you feel bored? It may be a feeling of laziness, exhaustion, or even a lack of mental stimulation.

Whatever the case may be, we all want to keep our mind and body at its peak. We also want to be an active player in our own lives. When we’re feeling bored, neither of these needs is being met.

However, with a bit of creativity, there’s no reason why you ever need to experience boredom!

Here are some simple suggestions to help you conquer boredom and liven things up:

1. Read.

This sounds rather obvious, doesn’t it? Well, it is! But it’s often the simplest ideas that are the most powerful. 


* Reading is a wonderful activity for the mind that can transport you into another time, place or situation. With so many genres to choose from, reading can be most interesting and even intoxicating.

* If you’ve never been an avid reader, it’s possible that you simply haven’t found the right book. Experiment until you find the one that gets you hooked. You can also explore audio books and podcasts to keep your mind busy.

2. Sing.

You may not sound like Whitney Houston, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying music. Play some of your favorite tunes and sing at the top of your lungs!

* Music provides fun, relieves stress, and can help you forget that the word “bored” was ever in your vocabulary!

3. Cook.

Get in the kitchen and try some new recipes. Remember, this isn’t about perfection. It doesn’t make a difference if you’re a four star chef or can’t cook worth a dime. This is about keeping the boredom at bay, while being an active player in your life.

* Try a new recipe each week to add some interest to your dinner menus.

4. Adopt a pet.

Animals are wonderful companions. They’re loving, non-judgmental, and provide us with unconditional love. Animals also keep us feeling active and young. Most importantly, though, they keep us busy.

* If you have a pet as a constant companion, you’ll never feel alone and you’ll make many wonderful memories together.

5. Cultivate your mind.

Boredom is something we allow and hold control over. By actively using our mind, boredom won’t be a concern again. Try expanding and cultivating your mind by taking a day trip to a museum, going to an art exhibit, or seeing a play.

* Do something you’ve never done before. Find an activity that brings you new knowledge and skills. You may even discover some new talents you didn’t know you had when you take the initiative to try new things.

6. Take advantage of the Internet.

 The Internet is a pantheon of information, and can be a great “boredom terminator,” but there’s also a lot of mindless drivel. If you decide to spend time online to combat your boredom, use that time wisely.

* Each time you use the computer, attempt to walk away knowing something new. It’ll not only keep you busy, but you’ll expand your mind as well.

No one enjoys being bored….

but thankfully there are countless ways to overcome boredom and get our mind and body active again. Use these tips to get you started, and enjoy a myriad of wonderful benefits in the process.

Critical thinking is often characterized as a scientific, analytical way of thinking. It helps us form more knowledgeable opinions and make better decisions. That certainly seems like a beneficial skill to have, but how do you develop the ability to think critically?

Critical thinking doesn’t equal higher intelligence. In layman’s terms, it’s just a more logical way to think about solutions from all angles.

Some of us may have stronger critical thinking skills than others, but we can all learn how to improve and develop our mind.

Here are some suggestions that can help you strengthen your critical thinking skills:

1. Clarify.

Make sure you have a clear understanding of the problem you’re trying to solve. You won’t be able to reasonably analyze a situation and locate a solution if you’re not completely clear on what you’re trying to accomplish!

* It’s also important that you place your own feelings about the situation aside. You cannot get a clear understanding of the issue if you have prejudiced opinions and biases about it.

2. Attempt to find a solution.

Take some time with a pen and paper to define all possibilities. At this time you’ll also want to map out how you’ll be able to reach each of these solutions.

* Include the benefits and challenges of each solution. To learn how to improve and develop your critical thinking skills, you must be open to new ideas, so try and incorporate as much as you can into your list.

3. Information.

Next, gather as much information as possible to support all the solutions you’re considering, as well as information you need to refute them.

* Considering your solutions from all angles will keep you from making a haphazard decision, which would not be classified in the realm of critical thinking.

4. Learn how to analyze.

Now you have a problem, a list of solutions, and all the information you need to support or refute each of those decisions. So what do you do with it all?

* You’ll need time to analyze everything. Take everything into consideration and don’t assume anything. Make sure you have irrefutable evidence to back everything up. The more you practice this, the better you’ll ultimately get at it, so keep plugging away.

5. Conclude.

Make an intelligent conclusion to your original problem. Make sure you have the documentation to back up and prove your decision. Always make sure this is a reasonable conclusion that is relatively simple to put into action.

* If you’ve put the time and effort into analyzing the problem and gathering the information, your conclusion should be able to support itself.

Final Thoughts on Critical Thinking

By following the steps explained here, you have just used your critical thinking skills! Though it may seem unnatural at first, as with everything, as you continue to practice these strategies, your critical thinking skills will continue to improve and develop.

Thinking critically can help you with many aspects in your life. Keep practicing these skills on a regular basis and soon you’ll enjoy the benefits of better decisions and superior choices!

Ever since we were children, we’ve had dreams. The sad thing is, over the years we convinced ourselves that our dreams could never come true. Because we assumed that they were mere fantasies, we didn’t even try to make them come true.

Believe it or not, your dreams can be reality! However, you won’t get anywhere by simply making a wish. You have to take specific actions to increase your chances of living that life you always dreamed of.

Simple techniques that can help turn your Dreams into Reality:

1. You must possess passion and desire.

 These two elements are crucial for living your dream. Interestingly enough, you really can’t have one without the other. You must yearn to have something in your life so much (desire) and for the right reasons (passion).

* A good example to illustrate the difference would be if you always wanted to be a professional singer. You know that you have the talent and all you want in life is to sing on a professional stage some day (desire). Your focus isn’t the money, fame, or prestige; you just have a true love for singing. It’s all you think about all-day, every day (passion).

2. Patience.

Patience isn’t easy, but in most case, our dreams don’t come true overnight. You need to work hard to achieve your full potential. Though it may take longer than you hoped, once you’re living your dream, you’ll realize that practicing patience was worth the rewards.

* Just remember to remain positive, focus on your dreams, and keep taking action to make those dreams a reality. After all, patience is a virtue!

3. Sacrifice.

Achieving your dreams will require self-sacrifice. This is usually where most people can gauge how serious they are about turning their dreams into reality. Whether it is giving up your TV time to work toward your goals, or spending extra hours at work to further your career, you have to be willing to sacrifice something.

* If you’re truly passionate about your dreams, this shouldn’t be too difficult. If you do find sacrifice extremely difficult, it may be that you don’t possess enough desire, passion, willpower, or self-discipline to see your dreams through.

4. Confidence.

If you truly want to make your dreams real, you have to believe they can happen. You must possess an intense confidence in yourself and your talents; otherwise, your dreams will remain dreams forever.

* Sometimes your confidence may waiver, but as long as you can focus on your ultimate goal – and you can actually see yourself achieving this goal – you’re heading in the right direction.

Final Thoughts on Achieving Your Dreams

No one can steal your dreams away from you except you. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy, biggest obstacle, and harshest critic. But that’s not what you need! You need to remember that, by taking action and implementing these simple tips and suggestions, your dreams can come true.

Keep your focus on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow; it will happen if you only believe it can!  Start turning your Dreams into Reality today!

Today I would like to present more content by the wonderful Brian Tracy.My regular readers will know how much of a fan I am of Brian Tracy and you can read all about him on a dedicated page in my menu!

Todays Personal Development article is Self-Discipline for Success

There is one special quality that you can develop that will guarantee you greater success, accomplishment and happiness in life. Of a thousand principles for success developed over the ages, this one quality or practice will do more to assure that you accomplish wonderful things with your life than anything else. This quality is so important that, if you don’t develop it to a high degree, it is impossible for you to ever achieve what you are truly capable of achieving.

The quality that I am talking about is the quality of self-discipline. It is a habit, a practice, a philosophy and a way of living. All successful men and women are highly disciplined in the important work that they do. All unsuccessful men and women are undisciplined and unable to control their behaviors and their appetites. And when you develop the same levels of high, personal discipline possessed by the most successful people in our society, you will very soon begin to achieve the same results that they do.

All great success in life is preceded by…..

 long, sustained periods of focused effort on a single goal, the most important goal, with the determination to stay with it until it is complete. Throughout history, we find that every man or woman who achieved anything lasting and worthwhile, had engaged in long, often unappreciated hours, weeks, months and even years of concentrated, disciplined work, in a particular direction.

Fortunately the quality of self-discipline is something that you can learn by continuous practice, over and over, until you master it. Once you have mastered the ability to delay gratification, the ability to discipline yourself to keep your attention focused on the most important task in front of you, there is virtually no goal that you cannot accomplish and no task that you cannot complete.

Successful people engage in activities that are goal-achieving. Unsuccessful people engage in activities that are tension-reliving. Successful people discipline themselves to have dinner before dessert. Unsuccessful people prefer to have dessert most of the time.

Successful people plan their work, and work their plan.

They take the time to think through their responsibilities before they begin. They make clear decisions which they then implement immediately. They get a lot more done in a shorter period of time than the average person. And it all has to do with their disciplines.

Perhaps the most important benefit of self-discipline is the personal benefit that you receive. Every act of self-discipline increases your self-esteem. It gives you a feeling of personal power and accomplishment. Each time you discipline yourself to persist in the face of distractions, diversions, and disappointments, you feel better about yourself.

As you continue to discipline yourself, you achieve more and more in life. As you achieve more things, you feel more like a winner. Your self-confidence goes up. You feel happier about yourself. You get more done and you have more energy. You earn the respect and esteem of the people around you. You get more rapid promotions and are paid more money. You live in a nicer house, drive a nicer car, and wear nicer clothes.

You get a natural high from the thrill of achievement. And the more things that you achieve as the result of employing your personal habits of effectiveness and productivity, the more eager you are to achieve even higher and better tasks. Your life gets onto an upward spiral of success and happiness. You feel great about yourself most of the time.

Every act of self-discipline strengthens every other discipline in your life.

Every weakness of self-discipline weakens your other disciplines as well. When you make a habit of disciplining yourself in little things, like flossing your teeth every night, you’ll soon become able to discipline yourself to accomplish even larger things, like working long, long hours to bring a major task to completion.

Your entire life is an on-going battle between the forces of doing what is right and necessary on the one hand and doing what is fun and easy on the other hand. It is a battle between the forces of discipline and the forces of ease or expediency. And when you develop the strength of character that gives you complete self-mastery, self-control and self-discipline, you feel wonderful about yourself. You develop a deep inner sense of strength and confidence. You replace positive thinking with positive knowing. You reach the point inside where you absolutely know that you can do whatever it takes to achieve any goal that you can set for yourself.

Self discipline is its own reward.

Not only does it pay off in terms of greater self-esteem and a more positive mental attitude, but it pays off throughout your life in terms of the goals that you achieve and the success that you attain in everything you do.

Self-discipline is a skill and a habit that can be learned by practice. Every time you practice a little self-discipline, you become stronger and stronger. Bit by bit, you become more capable of even greater disciplines. As you become a totally self-disciplined individual, your entire future opens up in front of you like a broad highway. Everything including Success becomes possible for you and your future becomes unlimited.

And that there, my friends is words of wisdom from Brian Tracy!




]]> http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/1505/kymmy-link-presents-brian-tracy-self-discipline-for-success/feed/ 0 http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/1469/healthy-body-healthy-mind-get-a-pet/ http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/1469/healthy-body-healthy-mind-get-a-pet/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:34:36 +0000 Maryann http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/?p=1469 Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Get a Pet

If you are looking for new ways to get a healthy body and healthy mind, look no further! Get a Pet – read on to find all the personal benefits you will experience by having pets!

The bond that develops between a human and animal companion can be just as strong as the bond between two people. Caring for a pet can be good for your physical and mental health. An animal companion can be a loyal friend and a valuable member of your family, plus, pets provide companionship and unconditional love.

Pets Give you a Healthy Mind……

Stress

People with pets also tend to be more positive and have less stress. They’re better able to cope with anxiety and deal with stressful situations. The action of petting a dog or cat can relieve stress and lower blood pressure. Pets help people relax and can even improve their attitude.

Companionship

A pet can bring fulfillment into the lives of those who might otherwise suffer from loneliness or depression. Dogs, specifically, provide a feeling of safety and help keep you active.

Mature adults, especially those who’ve lost a spouse, can find comfort and companionship in a pet. They often go through a period of feeling as if they’re no longer needed, but owning a pet can fill that need.

Socialization

A pet can help break the ice when meeting new people. Pet owners who are new to their neighborhood or have difficulty meeting people may find that their pets give them a chance to make new friends.

Animals are naturally curious and may run up to people in an attempt to make their own introductions. Conversations may start between two dog owners and a new friendship begins.

Children

Children who are shy can benefit greatly from having a pet. Animals can help draw a shy child out of their shell. There are many other benefits of having a pet for a child:

* A pet can be a good way to start a conversation and make friends.
* A family pet can boost a child’s self-esteem.
* Pets can give a child a sense of protection and security.
* Pet ownership can help teach children about interaction, compassion and responsibility.
* Pets can also help children cope with and overcome fears. For example, a child that’s afraid to go to sleep in his own room may adapt more easily if the family cat or dog is allowed to accompany them to bed.

Pets give you a Healthy Body……

Health Benefits

Studies have shown owning a pet provides many health benefits. People with pets tend to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system, and are generally healthier. Pet owners who’ve suffered a major illness recuperate quicker than those without a pet.

Pets have even been shown to increase a person’s immunity to allergies, especially in children. Owning a pet can reduce the risk of allergies, asthma and even heart disease.

Exercise

Pets can keep you active. Dogs need regular exercise and their owners can reap the rewards of keeping fit and healthy in the process. Having a dog forces you to get up and go outside whether you want to or not.

Taking the dog for a nice leisurely walk is a great way to get moving, enjoy the outdoors, and get some fresh air. If you feel up to it, you can always go for a run with your dog. You’ll both get some exercise and have fun.

If health prevents you from walking a dog, consider getting a cat instead. Cats can be very loveable and energetic. Toss a ball across the floor or pull out a ball of yarn, and your cat will keep you both entertained for hours.

With a cat, you may not get as much exercise as you would with a dog, but you’ll get plenty of laughs, and laughter is great for your health, too!

There’s a reason pets were put on this earth as companions, and we’ve only touched on some of them here. If you’re considering letting a pet join your household, it’s proven that they can do positive things for you.

Not only can they help you achieve a healthy body but also a healthy mind! Get a pet, and enjoy!

]]> http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/1469/healthy-body-healthy-mind-get-a-pet/feed/ 2 http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/1465/raising-children-to-do-their-chores/ http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/1465/raising-children-to-do-their-chores/#comments Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:47:26 +0000 Maryann http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/?p=1465 Raising Children to Do Their Chores

Raising children is in my opinion the hardest job out there!
On top of trying to produce conscientious and responsible citizens that are honest and trustworthy – we need to find ways to get the kids to do their chores! – In the past I have ripped out my hair trying….lol

If you have children, you know how hard it can be at times to get them to do the things they should. Between after school activities, video games, cell phones, and computers, convincing your kids to take care of their household chores and other responsibilities can be a real challenge.

The truth is, not every method of motivation will work with your child. Also, what works for one child may be detrimental to another!

* As parents, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting to be a friend to your child, but your goal is to be their leader, teacher, and motivator, too!

Motivating your kids to do their chores:

1. Kids love praise.

Your kids want your attention and praise. If they know that doing the things they’re supposed to do will bring them praise, they’re more likely to do those things. You’re their parent and they want to make you proud of them.

* By encouraging them and praising them frequently, you’re reinforcing good behavior.

2. Offer rewards.

Often, children are motivated by rewards. The rewards don’t have to be large or involve money. You can reward your children by:

* Spending time with them doing an activity they enjoy
* Reading to them
* Playing games with them
* Curling up and watching a movie together

* All of these rewards are positive motivators for your children. They’ll be much more eager to do their household chores if the reward is something they can look forward to.

3. Lead by example.

If your kids see you doing nothing all day long, they’ll feel as if it’s okay for them to do the same thing. Remember that your children are like a sponge and they look up to you and want to emulate you.

* Show your kids that regular tasks can be rewarding. For example, seeing a bunch of separate ingredients transform into cookies that get compliments can give your child a confidence boost to help out again next time!

4. Fear of consequences.

There’s a big difference between consequences and punishment. When your children don’t do the things they’re supposed to do, you can teach them how their actions or inactions can have a negative impact on their lives and the lives of others.

* Take something away for a short period and explain why you’re doing it and how they can earn it back. This example of natural and logical consequences is essential preparation for adult life.

5. Show love.

Your children need and want your love and devotion. Get involved in their lives. If your child is really interested in something, do it with them!

* Showing children you appreciate them and respect their choices will build a deeper bond between you. When you ask them to get something done, they’ll be more likely to do it because of the mutual respect between you.

Raising children isn’t always easy.

It takes dedication and consistency to provide the example and direction needed to build a child’s character.

While it may seem easier to throw in the towel and do things yourself, standing steadfast and finding new ways to motivate your kids is much more likely to help them become a productive, responsible adult.

As a parent, it’s your job to mold your children into caring, responsible and respectful adults. Remember, children are people too and are motivated by the same things that motivate anyone else.

Things like love, attention, pleasure, rewards and recognition top the list of things children crave in their lives. Heaping these essential motivators onto your children will provide great rewards throughout their lives.

Try the above suggestions when raising children and you just might find they actually want to do their chores!

]]> http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/1465/raising-children-to-do-their-chores/feed/ 0 http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/1459/lose-the-frown-how-to-get-out-of-a-bad-mood/ http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/1459/lose-the-frown-how-to-get-out-of-a-bad-mood/#comments Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:30:19 +0000 Maryann http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/?p=1459 Lose the Frown, How To Get Out Of A Bad Mood

A bad mood is a great way to bring you – and everyone around you – down a dwindling spiral. So how do you feel better and get out of a bad mood?

Bad moods are the dumps. No one likes bad moods and even more so, no one wants to be around someone who’s feeling sour.

Get out of a bad mood and feel better now!

Just try out one of these simple ideas to turn your frown upside down:

1. Get dressed.

That’s right. Get up, take a shower, put on some nice clothes and gussy yourself up to the nines.

* Studies have shown that your mood has a lot to do with your self-image. How different do you think your self-image is between a just-rolled-out-of-bed look and a ready-to-hit-the-ground-running look?


* By getting dressed and doing what it takes to make yourself look good on the outside, you feel better on the inside. When you feel better on the inside, your mood changes significantly and you’re ready to face the day.

2. Get moving.

Exercise releases hormones that help alter your mood. Cleaning your space gets you moving and makes you feel better about your surroundings. It doesn’t really matter what you do; just get up, get out, and get moving.

* Many times your bad mood can be amplified by your lack of movement. Getting up and doing something, whether it’s exercising or even walking over to the nearest coffee shop, can give you a big mood boost.

3. Read a book.

Reading a book takes you to a different place and allows you to step into someone else’s shoes. Why not pick up a book by your favorite author and let them transport you out of your bad mood for an hour or so?

4. Meditate.

Deep breathing exercises and a focused mind can break you out of any sour mood. Remember back in grade school when you were taught to take deep breaths and count to 10 when you got angry? It was actually for a very good reason.

* When focusing on one thing and breathing deeply, our bodies tend to respond in a positive way by relaxing and releasing tension.

5. Hang out with friends.

What are friends for? Be around any of your good friends for any length of time and you’ll be snapped out of that bad mood so fast you won’t even know what hit you.

6. Laugh.

There’s no possible way that you can laugh and stay in a bad mood. It’s proven that your emotions follow your actions, which is why many therapists recommend taking action to cure things like anxiety and stress. Next time you’re in a bad mood, try laughing.

* I guarantee that you can’t stay in your bad mood after more than 5 minutes of continuous laughter!

7. Treat yourself.

Do something just for you. You deserve it anyway. The key is to just go a little overboard and do something you wouldn’t ordinarily do. Have fun with it and make it memorable.

* Go shopping for one of your favorite articles of clothing and splurge a little if you can afford it.


* Have a massage or spa treatment. Similar to the meditation, this is a great tool to relax and break you out of whatever might be dragging you down.


* If you’re short on funds, go dream shopping. Go to one of the most expensive stores around and try on clothes or go test drive your dream car. Give yourself a reason to get back into the swing of things and get rolling again.


* Get a hot fudge sundae with extra hot fudge.

Lots of Ways to Get Out Of a Bad Mood!

While there are many other ways to shake yourself out of a bad mood, these are a few great ways to start. Try some of them next time you’re feeling down.

Better yet, see how many of them you can make it through before your bad mood has completely vanished.

My guess is you might only make it to the second tip, then you’re just doing it because it’s fun! Feel better now and get out of that bad mood!

]]> http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/1459/lose-the-frown-how-to-get-out-of-a-bad-mood/feed/ 0 http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/1430/what-to-do-when-youre-facing-sudden-job-loss/ http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/1430/what-to-do-when-youre-facing-sudden-job-loss/#comments Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:30:32 +0000 Maryann http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/?p=1430 What to Do When You’re Facing Sudden Job Loss

In today’s economy, unemployment and the thought of losing your job is a real possibility. Perhaps you’re already in that situation. But don’t despair, there are things you can do and places you can go to help you through this tough time.

Of course you need to get out there and find another source of income but in the meantime, here are a few suggestions that may help…

The first place you must go is to your unemployment agency. You may even be able to apply for benefits online. Either way, contacting them is the first step you need to take. The unemployment agency provides financial benefits to those who qualify and they’ll help you find another job.

Extending Unemployment Benefits

Many states are now offering programs that extend unemployment benefits so you can go back to school and learn a new trade or skill. Be sure to ask your local agent about any special programs they’re currently offering.

Although they can make a significant difference in the short-term, unemployment benefits are usually much lower than your normal salary. However, there are many other sources you can also take advantage of to help you get by during this rough financial time.

Facing Job Loss? – Let’s look at some of your options:

1. Reduce monthly expenses.

Take a serious look at some of the things you can live without for a while until you get back on your feet. Go through all of your bills and expenses and cut out the things that aren’t necessities. Be honest with yourself – just because you think you can’t live without your cable or cell phone, doesn’t mean it’s true. Some of the first places to look include:

* Television
* Phones – both cell and land line
* Cell texting or other data communications
* Transportation
* Eating out
* Power usage
* Air conditioning and heating

2. Save money by meal planning.

You can save over $100 (based on a family of 4 with bi-monthly pay periods) on each trip to the grocery store simply by planning meals ahead, using coupons and shopping your grocer’s weekly sales flyers.

* Not only will you reduce how much you spend on food, but you’ll probably reduce some weight around your waistline as well. Who couldn’t use that added benefit?

3. Waiting tables.

One of the fastest ways to earn some quick cash is to wait tables. This may not be glamorous, but it can bring in some immediate cash, and many restaurants beef up staff for the summer months.

4. Community agencies.

If you’re in dire straits and need assistance right now, there are many local agencies you can turn to for aid. The United Way and Salvation Army are located in most areas and offer a variety of programs that may be able to help you.


* Your area may have different agencies, so check online or in the phone book for the ones in your community.

5. Government agencies.

Besides the unemployment agency, most areas have a Department of Human Resources, Social Services, or Health Department that can help or guide you to assistance.

6. Sell items on eBay.

Take a good look around your home, shed, or garage. How many boxes do you have lying around filled with stuff you never use? You’ll be surprised at what people will pay for what you consider junk!

7. Have a yard sale.

You can make a nice chunk of change by selling off furniture, clothing, and other household items you don’t use anymore.

8. Set up your own online or offline shop.

If you can make arts and crafts, sell your items on eBay, Etsy or at local craft fairs.

Cope with Losing Your Job

With some communication, research, and creativity, you can take advantage of your time off to learn a new skill or start a new venture with skills and passions you already have. Have some fun utilizing your creative ability while making the extra money you need to make ends meet.

These tough financial times don’t have to be devastating. Use these tips to take advantage of the resources available to you to reduce the negative impact on your life. You may even look back on this time as the lucky stroke that pushed you toward success in your new career!

Facing sudden job loss or losing your job anytime can be devastating, but dont let unemployment get on top of you! The sooner you pick yourself up and move forward, the better!

]]> http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/1430/what-to-do-when-youre-facing-sudden-job-loss/feed/ 1 http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/1424/body-image-and-loving-the-female-body/ http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/1424/body-image-and-loving-the-female-body/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:41:38 +0000 Maryann http://www.completepersonaldevelopment.com/?p=1424 Body Image and Loving the Female Body

Do you have a good body image? Do you like your female body the way it is? With the media today focusing on super skinny women, it’s hard to think that you could possibly be desirable if you don’t look like the women on TV and in magazines. The reality is, the average woman in America weighs 164 lbs. and is a size 14.

A positive self-image is one of the top things most women struggle with. So, how can you learn to love your body the way it is?

First of all, you need to focus on what you do like about your body.

Here are some questions to get you thinking about the things you DO like about yourself:

* What areas do you get complimented on the most? What do others notice about you first when you walk into a room?

* Are you shapely with a larger busts and hips? Do you have a womanly figure?

* Do you have nice legs? Are they thin and long? Are they muscular and strong?

* Do people comment on how pretty you are or often say that you have beautiful eyes?

* Do you like to show off your feet with pretty sandals or open toed shoes?

* Is your hair shiny and beautiful? Do you like to touch it or play with it?

Instead of being overly critical and negative, be grateful for the body and health you do have. So give yourself permission to see and accept the good!


Loving Your Female Body Image with the Perfect Clothing

Learning to love your body is important because having a good self-image empowers you in many ways. When you love the way you look, you feel more confident and confidence gives you the ability to do anything you set your mind to.

Dressing for your body type also plays a big part in how you look and see yourself, so it’s important to know what color, style, shape and material of clothing looks best on you. If your closet is full of worn out t-shirts and old faded blue jeans, it’s time for a wardrobe makeover.

Take a good, honest friend or family member shopping with you to help you choose clothes that fit well and colors that look best on you. Updating your wardrobe doesn’t have to be expensive either. Begin by shopping resale stores. Oftentimes you can find brand name, never worn clothes at prices greatly below retail. However, don’t settle for less than the best for your body type. If you can’t find the perfect items for your body, then don’t buy the clothes just because they’re cheap.

Top Female Body Image wardrobe from the bottom up, starting with the basic necessities:

* Black dress pants for work or an evening out
* One dressy blouse for work or an evening out
* One power suit for job interviews or business
* A black skirt
* Camisoles in a variety of colors for layering
* A well fitting pair of blue jeans for casual days
* 2 to 3 casual tops (by casual I’m not talking t-shirts either)
* 2 pair of shoes: 1 for dress and 1 for casual

When you’ve got the basic necessities, then you can build your wardrobe up from there by adding dressy blouses or tops in different colors and styles, more skirts in various styles and colors and so on.

Once you start loving your body by recognizing what you do like about it and dressing to fit your body type, you’ll gain a whole new confidence like you’ve never felt before and other people will take notice too. You may notice others reacting somewhat differently toward you as they respond to your new confidence. Heck, you might even get a raise!

So start learning to love your female body now. You’re beautiful!

A positive self or body image is essential to all around happiness – after all you have to live in that body – it will work better for the both of you if you like each other…lol

Whatever shape or size you are – love yourself and your female body!

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