Your Launchpad

2008-06-20T13:28:00.000-05:00

Success Takes Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is defined as "Personal feelings or opinions of oneself". It has become the third most frequently occurring topic in psychological literature and by 2003, there were over 25,000 articles and books on the subject. Since that time, the number of new articles and books has increased dramatically. If you query "self-esteem books or self-esteem articles" on Google, you get 2.27 million hits which shows how obsessed we have become with this topic.

Unfortunately, psychologists cannot agree on whether self-esteem is good for you or detrimental. In fact, they cannot even agree on exactly what self-esteem is and what role it plays in an individual's life.

What is known is that self-esteem encompasses a person's beliefs about himself or herself. Psychologists usually regard self-esteem as an enduring personality characteristic, although they also acknowledge that short-term variations in a person's self-esteem can be caused by outside events that affect that particular individual.

If you do something well, particularly if you are praised by someone else for what you have done, your self-esteem will be higher than normal. Conversely, if you fail at something, your self-esteem will be lower than normal.

Self-esteem can apply to a specific trait or ability (for example, "I believe I am a good golfer and feel proud of that particular ability") or have an overall scope (for example, "I believe that I am a good person and feel proud of myself in general"). Here, we are not talking about a narcissistic belief about one's self, but a deep-rooted knowledge that you are truly a good person. This deep-rooted knowledge will be supported by your actions and deeds.

Self-help writers and psychologists have long believed that having good self-esteem ensured success at one's endeavors. However, recent studies of students have revealed that working to inflate one's self-esteem alone, instead of increasing the student's grades actually caused them to decline. Further studies in this regard are underway to determine why this happened and whether the lack of correlation between grades and self-esteem is factual or if the method of increasing the subject's self-esteem was flawed and invalidated the results.

One interesting fact has become known from all these studies. It has been determined that western societies are fixated on self-esteem and the role it plays in a person's success, while other societies, who place little emphasis on self-esteem, seem to have as many or even more successes.

Perhaps in our over zealous pursuit of success, we have placed so much emphasis on self-esteem that we have created our very own myth. Maybe success depends more on doing things than it does on beliefs and attitudes. What do you think?

2008-04-06T20:30:00.001-05:00

What is it?
It's a lot of things, grassfed beef, country living, urban ranching, and more.
Find out about it at:
http://lowlinelifestyle.com

2007-10-10T13:54:00.001-05:00

Pummel Procrastination and Live Your Dreams!

Procrastination is almost a way of life for many people, but it's hard to know exactly why people procrastinate. When people procrastinate, they are usually putting off doing something that will be a benefit, but for some reason there is more energy put forth to put off the task than to do it. This is a very bad habit and is one reason many people do not achieve their dreams.

Procrastination is an easy way of putting off goals and dreams for another time; goals and dreams that you want to come true, but something is holding you back. There may be a subconscious fear of failure, or a fear of change that is stronger than the goal of success. If you want success badly enough you will face your fears and decide to start immediately doing those things you have put off for so long.

Here's the quickest way to get started:

First, make a list of all the things you need to do that you have been putting off, you probably have this "to do" list already drafted in your office. Then, go to a quiet place where you will not be interrupted for about 20 minutes. Go through each item on the list and write down your excuse(s) for not having completed the task already. Maybe there is a money problem, or you do not think you have enough education or the proper qualifications. Whatever it is, just write it down and do not worry about how it will be resolved right now.

Next, go through the list again and write down the benefits you currently enjoy because you are procrastinating on these tasks. Yes, you are receiving a benefit for not doing the task; otherwise you would have done it by now. For example, if you wrote down that you do not have enough education, then the benefit you are receiving right now by not getting an education is that you have more money than you would if you were spending it on school. Another benefit of this same item is that you have more time to do what you want, instead of spending it in school. Remember the old saying "time is money." Are you really making enough money in your current position to make it worth the time spent there?

Finally, look at all the reasons you have listed as excuses for procrastinating, and the benefits you are receiving. Do these still make sense? This is the time to sit down again and make a plan - a plan that you will stick to and not put off for any longer. Now is the time to make a "to do" list that you will actually do! First, while they are still in your thoughts, quickly write down a list of things you will do to make your dreams a reality. Then, go through the list again and put them in the order you will do them (example: Do you need to get a loan before you can go to college?) Also, write down the date that you will complete each item.

Now that you have your work cut out for you in a manageable way, go out and make your dreams come true!

2007-01-19T12:30:00.000-06:00

Where does Self Esteem come from?

How does one get a high self esteem?

How you talk to yourself can be a strong indicator of your self esteem, or lack of self esteem. Have you ever criticized, even cursed yourself for doing something wrong? Have you tried torturing yourself by doing a monologue of how silly and stupid you are, and how useless you are to society? If you have been doing this on a regular basis, then you may have a low self esteem.

Self esteem is the overall image or value you have of yourself, it is how you look at yourself when you look in the mirror. If you look in the mirror and you see a loser who can do nothing more than commit mistakes, then you may have a very low self image.

A person's self esteem does not come from out of the blue. It is not something you were born with, although it is partly determined by the circumstances into which you were born. It is not manna from heaven and it cannot be bought by money.

Self esteem is acquired by a person early in life, when he or she was just a child. He gains a little of it whenever he practices his gait and he gets encouragement from his parents, even if he manages to fumble a couple of times or more. He gains a little more of it as he becomes a toddler and his parents would give him hugs and kisses and tells him he is the their most precious possession.

As the child becomes a teenager, he has more or less developed a certain degree of self esteem gained from childhood. This degree of self esteem can be developed if as a teenager, he is recognized for his little achievements, and given a pat in the back and a comforting shoulder whenever he fails.

When this child becomes an adult, his self worth will be determined by the totality of his experiences growing up and the way he was treated by his family and friends. A high self esteem can serve as his arsenal whenever confronted by damaging criticisms and negative feedbacks from various people.

Effects of low self esteem

People who grew up in a very critical environment, where achievements are rarely praised and where faults are given more emphasis will most likely have a very low self esteem. Among the effects of a low self esteem are:

1. It can cause anxiety and depression. A person with a low self esteem is always concerned about pleasing other people. The more he tries to make other people happy, the more he becomes depressed and unsure of himself. And when he becomes unsure of himself, he will take this as a negative attribute, leading to a lesser self worth. It goes on and on until he does not anymore have a clear view of himself as a person.

2. A low self esteem can result in a setback in a person's performance in school or his career goals. A person who thinks less of himself will more likely have very low grades. If already working, a person with low self esteem will experience some difficulty in his career as he could not even perform his ordinary responsibilities well.

3. Lack of self esteem can create tension in a person's relationship with other people. Because he looks down on himself too much, this person cannot maintain a healthy relationship. He thinks he is lower than anybody and he is not worth loving.

4. Low self esteem can lead to dependency problems. Many people who have very low regard for themselves get into drugs because they look at substance abuse as the only way to confirm their existence. Others become alcoholics, opting to become intoxicated rather than confront the difficulty of facing one's self.

People with low self esteem or low self worth have very little or no self confidence at all. A single mistake, no matter how small, will always be blown out of proportion. A person with low self esteem will always blame himself for anything that happens regardless of the factors involved in the incident.

A person who has low self esteem is fragile and can be easily influenced by people who take advantage of other people's frailty. While self esteem has its roots in a person's childhood, it can be cultivated at any stage of life. With effort and determination, you can build your self esteem and enjoy the benefits of doing so!

2007-01-16T11:16:00.000-06:00

"Self-Esteem - Discover the Hidden Truths About Yourelf and Learn How To Live Up To Your Potential!"

Were you one of those kids in school? You know which ones. Were you one of those kids who had a note from the teacher on every report card that said, “Johnny isn’t living up to his potential!”

It’s funny but did you ever think that the teacher had a rubber stamp with that phrase that she used to label every student? Actually, she wouldn’t have been far from the truth even if she graded you today!

Most people fail to live up to their potential. Why is that? Life gets in the way for one thing. But, more importantly, we have allowed ourselves to be crammed into a mold of how other people perceive us.

The only way this can happen is if you have allowed others to manipulate and define who you are. It’s easy to do. Somewhere it’s written that it takes 21 days to create a habit. If that’s the case then it should take 21 days to eliminate the habit, right?

Unfortunately it isn’t that simple. Why? The answer lies somewhere in between your self-image and self-esteem.

Have you ever heard the story about the fleas in a jar? It goes something like this:
If you place a bunch of fleas in a covered glass jar you will observe them jumping to break free. After a short period of time remove the lid. The fleas will continue to jump only as far as the top of the jar even though the lid is no longer there.

What’s the point? The point is that the fleas have become conditioned. They understand that if they behave in a certain way the result is predictable.

Well, the same thing happens to people. After years of bombarding ourselves with conditioned, negative results we become a self-fulfilling prophecy. We become what we think.

The really great news is that YOU CAN CHANGE! Change your mind and you will change your life. Do any of these circumstances apply to you?

Have you become argumentative?
Do you give or get the silent treatment from your partner?
Does your spouse nag?
Is your home life in shambles?
Kids out of control?
Do you feel angry all the time?
Have set goals only to fail to meet them?
Would you like to laugh more?
Are you experiencing feelings of helplessness?

You can take control and make huge steps toward improving your outlook on life. What you must change is not your circumstances, but your self-esteem.

Somewhere along the line you began to believe the negative input that bombards us daily. The first step to changing our circumstances is to change ourselves.

Again, change your mind and you will change your life! How to Build Self-Esteem will show you how to make those crucial changes to your self-esteem and do it in layman’s terms. Here’s how:
Learn exactly what self-esteem is
Where it comes from
Who gets low self-esteem and how
How to change it
Discover how to eliminate procrastination
How to define your self talk
Attitude equals self-esteem
Are you a perfectionist
How to grow a YOU attitude
Learn how to accept compliments
And much more

Low self-esteem is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed by. It also does not mean you should blame your parents, siblings or school because your self-esteem is not what it should be.
It is true that in some cases, any of those factors could play a role but the majority of those with low self-esteem have just been susceptible to the negative influences that surround us every day.

The "How to Build Self-Esteem" webiste will help you determine
1) Do you have low self-esteem and
2) What you can do about it!
Remember that your self-esteem is analogous to your self-image. Determine what is causing a low self-image and the cure for low self-esteem becomes simple.

If you are wondering why it is that other people are successful and you think you are not you need to explore your own self-image and your self-esteem.

To get started, click here to visit the "How to Build Self-Esteem" website now!

2007-01-15T15:16:00.000-06:00

Your Self-Esteem... It IS What You Think

The way you feel about yourself, your self-esteem, drives your thoughts. These thoughts transform into actions. The actions that you take are the key factors in getting what you want out of life. If you are not achieving your goals, take some time and evaluate how you feel about yourself

Achieving your goals takes repeated action and you can't give up too early. High self-esteem can give you the drive, determination, and personal power necessary to take these actions and be persistent until you achieve success.

However, if you are constantly critical of yourself, then these feelings will lower your self-esteem. If you have low self-esteem, then it will be more difficult to take the right actions to enable you to achieve your goals. This link between thoughts and actions is what keeps you from getting started or what causes you to give up.

So what can you do to conquer self-doubt and energize your actions? It all starts with positive thinking. Start off by spending some time congratulating yourself for what you have already accomplished in life.

So what can you do to conquer self-doubt and energize your actions? It all starts with positive thinking. Start off by spending some time congratulating yourself for what you have already accomplished in life.

Remember that there is a link between thoughts and actions. It's time to take control of your thoughts. Whenever you start having doubts, pull out your list.

Negative thoughts are the greatest dream killer known to man! Telling yourself "I can't" will lower your self-esteem, reduce the effectiveness of any actions that you take, and prevent you from achieving your goals. Your list of wins is something that can reassure you whenever negative thinking tries to take over your mind.

Instead, tell yourself "I can". Positive thoughts bring confidence, optimism, and focused action which give you a much better chance of achieving your goals. "I can" is a great way to plant seeds in your mind for positive thoughts. The resulting high self-esteem will provide the extra edge that you need to drive away your fears and eliminate any doubt that keeps you from accomplishing your goals.

2007-01-14T12:08:00.000-06:00

Enhance Your Life with Gratitude

Have we forgotten how to be grateful? Maybe you are asking, "What do I have to be grateful for?" Be grateful for the small things in life. If you ate breakfast this morning you are better off than the 800 million people worldwide who will go hungry today.

Most of us underestimate the power of gratitude. As we constantly strive to add more and more to our lives it is easy to forget about being grateful for things and talents we already possess. Making gratitude a habit will enrich your whole outlook on life, even in the most turbulent circumstances.

What we focus on grows. The more we focus on what we appreciate, the more we will have to appreciate!

Gratitude is a learned skill that must be practiced daily to develop its full potential. Practicing gratitude does not require elaborate rituals or a huge amount of spiritual awareness; simply taking a few moments to note every time something goes right is enough.

At first this may take a conscious effort, but as the habit takes root, seeing things to be thankful for becomes as natural as breathing.

Although grateful people tend to be happier people, being grateful is not the same as being happy. When life is turning out all wrong, being grateful allows you to focus on that ray of sunshine coming through. It allows you to take an honest look at a situation and say, "even in this there is reason to hope."

Do not confuse being grateful with settling for less. Gratitude should never interfere with your efforts to improve and grow. Expressing gratitude simply gives you a better outlook on life, making it easier to attract the true happiness you deserve. By focusing attention on what is going right, more things work out for the best.

Be grateful even for the trials in life. Your trials are what made you the person you are today. It is those very same trials that you strong enough to cope with the difficulties in life.

A big problem in today's world is that we have been conditioned to think we have to live a certain way, look a certain way and have certain things just to maintain a status quo. If we don't then we should be dissatisfied. While dissatisfaction can be a great motivator, without action or personal effort it only leads to frustration, anger and bitterness.

Grateful people have a way of looking at the misfortunes and failures in their lives and turning them into opportunities. These opportunities may not be readily apparent at first, but when the pain and frustration have passed, there they are. Every cloud has a silver lining if only we take the time to look.

You don't have to wait for good things to occur to express gratitude. Gratitude does not mean jumping for joy about everything in your life, but rather, that you see and take note of whatever is put before you. It means taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, whether presented as fortune or misfortune.

Enhance your life. Take a few moments right now and actively notice things you can be grateful for.

2007-01-13T12:30:00.000-06:00

Great Goals Make You Stretch!

I began enhancing my personal energy level three months shy of my 40th birthday and after 2 years of struggling with clinically-diagnosed depression. During this same period, I was challenged, immensely by the debilitating effects of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and being rendered permanently partially disabled as the result of being involved in two car accidents in six days (neither of which was I at fault). I recall an incredible sense of emptiness and a daunting feeling of being completely overwhelmed; especially when trying to figure out which pills went with what ills. Unable to return to the vocation I loved, I received disability payments and simply existed. Most of my time was spent in bed where I eventually became 48 pounds "over-fat." When dreams and reasons for living are wiped out by the greatest, of the least unexpected, most people priorities typically change. My priorities? Well, they just disappeared. I was defeated physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and knocking on "Financially's" door. Making the bed was not a priority; it simply went unmade. And when it came down to paying the bills, many went unpaid. One day I was moved enough to actually cultivate the emotion of being "fed up!" During this awakening, I made the decision to reclaim complete responsibility for my life. And I did.

37 months post accidents, I was 51 pounds lighter, and at least 52 times brighter. Following my "awakening" I set goals to become an author, speaker, consultant, educator, and private investigator. I quickly established myself as a successful personal energy consultant. I began to promote and practice life-altering strategies for change. My philosophy is that of a guerilla's - not a guru's. And, my approach is innovative, strategic, fun, proven and desired-results focused. I figured, if I overcame all of my physical, spiritual and psychological ailments, discovered how to run faster; jump higher; throw farther; look younger, stay up longer - manifest twice as much energy than I did when I was a "starting" NCAA athlete half my age - anyone else can do the "undoable," too! Whatever the "undoable," may be. When clients & friends counter and say, "Maybe it worked for you, Fran, but it won't necessarily work for me." I simply say: "Look, I have a central nervous system and so do you; I'm a child of God, and you are too!" They typically smile then sheepishly roll up their sleeves.

Miracles happen when you audaciously remind one of the Divine.

Paramount to enhancing my personal energy level was to identify, outline and write down my physical goals. Returning to playing competitive softball, being the team's starting "short stop" and winning the league championship were my top three goals. I promised myself I would return to play softball at a competitive level if it killed me. It almost did! Playing softball on several teams simultaneously, is quite challenging - even in the so-called recreational leagues. It left me limping around with a blue, pain-alleviating ointment. I had soreness in muscles I never even knew existed! Nevertheless, by season's end I had accomplished all of my goals.

As I continued following a disciplined program to attain goals in every area of my life, something just short of magical happened. My personality sparked with a resurgence of charisma, confidence and boldness. My muscles grew stronger, my energy increased and the fat melted off my body. Taking part in an activity not only became easier, but quite enjoyable. Suddenly, I was living life as I had designed.

Great goals make you stretch. They can take you well beyond anything you could possibly imagine! The most important part of setting great goals is not the goals themselves, but the person you become in the stretch!

Fran Briggs is the founder of The Fran Briggs Companies and is "a motivational speaker of the inspirational kind." She is the author of several articles, manuals and books including her latest, "Seeds for Success." This prominent voice of motivation speaks to audiences of children and adults of all ages and backgrounds with the aim of inspiring them to their respective levels of greatness. Fran can be contacted at http://www.franbriggs.com

2007-01-12T17:27:00.000-06:00

We have all heard the expression, "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again." But to carry on without thinking about why you failed only leads to more failure.

The ability to create is a God given gift. A gift given to everyone without exception. Thought is the first step to manifesting any creation. Thoughts are energy, they are real. Your thoughts act as magnets and attract other thoughts, people, and circumstances that harmonize with them.

Thoughts operate and adhere to certain universal laws. Without these laws there would be no order; the universe itself would sink into chaos.

The Law of Attraction states that like attracts like. Much of what was once considered metaphysical, esoteric knowledge in the past is now scientific fact. Physics has shown that the principles involved in the Law of Attraction are every bit as valid as those governing the Law of Gravity. So it should come as no surprise that dwelling only on your problems simply attracts more problems.

The idea of attracting success by thinking about it is very appealing. So appealing in fact, people often get the wrong impression that it's easy. Affirmations can be helpful, but mindless affirmations alone have no real value. On the other hand, once an affirmation becomes part of your belief system the subconscious goes to work attracting opportunities. It is not the success itself we attract, but the opportunity to succeed.

Our world is ruled by cause and effect, yet we often fail to see how this rule applies to the thoughts we think. This happens because the results of our thoughts are so far removed from the cause that we fail to see the connection.

The subconscious mind is working tirelessly 24 hours a day. It doesn't analyze, it doesn't judge, it simply accepts and attracts more of what the conscious mind is focused on. Are you attracting problems or solutions? By focusing on desire and showing gratitude for what you already have, the subconscious mind is given the necessary material to provide a constant stream of opportunities. Whether we take advantage of these opportunities or not is another story.

It's impossible to operate outside the law of attraction. Consciously or unconsciously your thoughts, feelings, and emotions, determine if this law works for or against you. Stay focused on your success and reaching your goals. As one success leads to another, success becomes a habit. Problems and obstacles are seen as no more than stepping stones on the road to your ultimate goal.

2006-12-10T16:27:00.000-06:00

"Everything's in the mind. That's where it all starts. Knowing what you want is the first step toward getting it."
-- Mae West

2006-11-04T14:26:00.000-06:00

1. Identify the real cause of stress.

2. Events causing stress should be noted and analysed once in a month.

3. Your reactions to each stressful event should be recalled and compared with one another.

4. Try not to give immediate response to stressful events. Take a little time to think.

5. When tension comes ask your inner self (Mind) for a solution. It is often more calm than you.

6. The past is the past. Concentrate on future events, gather courage, and use willpower.

7. Don't be bothered too much by your mistakes. Find out the reason for it and learn from it.

8. Face all situations with confidence.

9. Keep faith in God and worship Him.

10. Always hope for the best.

2006-09-07T17:17:00.000-05:00

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

2006-08-14T23:04:00.000-05:00

Depression can be brought on by a number of causes.

The loss of a loved one, failure in an exam, financial stress, rejection by a lover, can all lead to bouts of depression.

Whilst feeling down now and then is a normal part of living, existing in a state of morbid disposition is not.

Clinical depression happens when you just can't seem to shake yourself out of your mood. Everything in life becomes a chore. Nothing excites you anymore. Before you know it, your body sends you signals by allowing physical changes to manifest. You become listless, apathetic and just plain ill.

All in all, you just don't feel like living anymore!

STOP!

You need to do something about your depression now.

Here are 5 sure fire ways to lift your mood. They are simple things that anyone can do.

1. Get out into the Sun.
This is not for getting a tan, though that in itself might cheer you up, as you look more healthy and tanned. Sunshine actually increases the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that will trigger a more active you.

2. Do Something.
Go and take some action - being actively involved in a task, will take your concentration away from your depression. Find something that you enjoy doing. If you can't think of anything enjoyable, think of something that could be enjoyable, or something other people enjoy. Then go and get active.

3. Stop doing it!
Take a break. A refreshing break from your everyday mundane chores will alter your depressed thinking. Relax and soak in a hot bath, listen to soothing music, with a glass of wine. Just give your body and mind a chance to synchronize.

4. Eat better.
It has long been proven that certain foods are spirit lifting. Do some research on which foods that would be for you, and then spend some time working out recipes or eating patterns. Actually go and start eating these foods. Your body will respond, and your mind will follow. Remember the old saying: A healthy mind lives in a healthy body.

5. Go and touch somebody.
Humans are gregarious and sociable creatures. Make some new friends, get in touch with some old friends, and get some human contact. When you are in the correct environment, a hug can work wonders to side track your depression.

To really multiply the effectiveness of this technique, find a needy child or person and show some caring towards them. That interaction is guaranteed to sway your depression.

Here is a bonus killer technique that always helps.

Sit down and write a list of all the things you are grateful for.
Don't get caught in the trap of saying there is nothing. Just the fact that you have air to breathe, is something. The fact that you are intelligent enough to realize your problem and read about it, is something to be grateful for.

If you think about it, there is an abundance of things to be grateful for. List them. Let them work away your depression.

Simple things can and will make a huge difference. Just try it.

2006-08-09T07:52:00.000-05:00

Doers, Talkers, and Writers; Which Are You?
by Lance Winslow

Having been a doer all my life, I always had a problem with talkers. You know the kind of people that I mean. They are always talking about what they're going to do, how great they are and all the great things they are going to do with the future or have done in the past.

As a track star and later as a motorcycle street racer I always used to be able to point them out and rarely was I wrong. Every once in awhile there was a talker who could back up his talk, but it was not often. Nevertheless, some doers are also talkers.

Then there is another category they are the writers and generally they run around complaining about how things should be or could be, but they will never get off their butts to do anything. Sometimes writers are talkers, but generally they are antisocial and somewhat of loners in the positive sense of the word. Many writers are thinkers and not talkers. Sometimes writers are talkers and thus tend to be coaches, speakers and become experts in their field.

Every once in awhile you get a hard-core doer, who is extremely well spoken and also a good writer, but these people are rare. A doer who is a writer can end up doing quite a bit for themselves, community, family, country and all humanity. A doer who is a good talker and a great writer can do anything that they put their mind to.

Nothing can stop that type of individual. I therefore would advise others who possess two of the three skills to work hard to master the third. Once this is done they can write their own ticket for themselves or to change the world. Please consider this philosophical thought in 2006.

Lance Winslow

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

2006-08-06T21:02:00.000-05:00

Go For Your Goals... 3 Tips for Maintaining Motivation

It's not always easy to stay motivated when you're trying to achieve a goal. Some experts say that the "goal" itself should be enough to inspire unwavering diligence toward achieving it...and there is an element of truth in that. However, the reality is that the challenges of striving for a particular goal can sometimes cause us to lose focus.

Want to get in shape, save for a large purchase, "make the grade" in your studies? Don't worry...whatever you're trying to accomplish, the following tips will help you stay motivated and on track.

Visualize the End Result
Always, always, ALWAYS begin with the end in mind. In order to get where you're going, you have to KNOW where your going. No matter what your goal, you need a clear image of it in your mind. See it, feel it, hear it, touch it in your imagination.

Can't you just see yourself pounds lighter and fitting into a nifty outfit? The key question is how do you imagine yourself "feeling"? Healthier? Sexier? More self-confident? When you develop the ability to visualize your goals and imagine what the end results will be, you are more likely to stay motivated.

Many people have found it helpful to compose a "dream board" which is an arrangement of images representative of the goal. For instance, if you were saving money for a tropical beach vacation, then you'd get some travel brochures or create a collage of pictures from a magazine of blue ocean, palm trees, exotic fruit drinks...you get the picture!

Set Intermediate Goals and Reward Yourself for Small Victories
It's human to want results now. However, some worthwhile goals may require a great deal of effort and time to accomplish. Don't let that deter you. By setting smaller goals, you can work on each step that will eventually add up to big results in the end.

And don't forget to reward yourself when you reach small milestones along the way. Knowing that there are little "treats" along the journey to your goal will keep you excited and motivated.

Draw Inspiration from Others
Sources of inspiration to stay motivated can come from success quotes, lyrics, movies that depict people who attained their dreams through hard work or even speaking with others who have achieved what you're working toward. If they could do it...so can you!

If your focus begins to fade or you skid on a patch of discouragement, you may find it helpful to identify an accountability partner who will encourage you to stay the course. And, in instances where your partner is also striving toward an accomplishment, you'll experience the magic of motivating each other toward success.

Visualizing the end result, celebrating small victories along the way and drawing inspiration and encouragement from others are three powerful, easy-to-implement methods of staying motivated toward reaching your goals. So, go for it!

Blast off!

2006-08-06T20:38:00.000-05:00

John Edmond

Staying calm, composed and maintaining strong self esteem in today's tough environment can be difficult but is not impossible if you follow a few simple guidelines. Here are 6 tips you can use as a starter guide to self improvement.

Everything and everyone else around you can affect your self esteem. Other people can deliberately or inadvertently damage your self image. Unchecked people and circumstances can ultimately destroy your self esteem and pull you down in ways you won't even notice. Don't let these influences get the best of you. But what should you avoid?

1 : A Negative Work EnvironmentBeware of a "dog eat dog" environment where everyone else is fighting just to get ahead. This is where non-appreciative people usually thrive and working extra is expected and not rewarded. In this environment no one will appreciate your contributions even if you miss lunch, dinner, and stay at work late into the night. Unless you are very fortunate most of the time you will work too hard with no help from others around you. This type of atmosphere will ruin your self esteem. This is not just healthy competition, at its worst it is brutal and very damaging.

2: Other Peoples BehaviourBulldozers, brown nosers, gossipmongers, whiners, backstabbers, snipers, people walking wounded, controllers, naggers, complainers, exploders, patronizers, sluffers - whatever you want to call them, all have one thing in common - an overriding desire to prosper at the expense of others. Avoid them and do not be tempted to join them. They may get some short term advantage with their behaviour but deep down most are very insecure, unhappy and ashamed of their behaviour. For most their self esteem disappeared a long time ago. Seeing someone like this prosper is sickening but do not join them - you are better than that!

3: A Changing EnvironmentIn today's fast moving society it is difficult if not impossible to avoid change. Changes challenge our paradigms and tests our flexibility, adaptability and alter the way we think. Changes can make your life difficult and may cause stress but, if it's inevitable, you must accept it, don't fight it and in time find ways to improve your life. Try to manage change and try to avoid multiple changes at the same time. If a particular change can't be avoided welcome it. Change will be with us forever, we must learn to live with it.

4: Past ExperienceWe all carry "baggage" - past experiences which have moulded us to who we are today, but some people live in their past experiences - usually something that hurt and still hurts. It's okay to cry out when you experience pain but don't let pain dominate your life as it will transform itself into fears and phobias. If something painful happens, or has happened to you, find a way to minimise the effects. Discuss it with a friend, a family member or a professional if necessary and move on. Don't let it continue to dominate your life and dictate your future actions. Because something bad has happened doesn't mean it will happen again. Learn what you can from any bad experience and move on.

5: Negative World ViewThe television news is full of doom and gloom and it is true that around the world there are many people suffering war, famine or other natural or man-made disasters. Whilst I do not suggest you should not care and do nothing, remember that there are many beautiful positive things happening too. Don't wrap yourself up with all the negative aspects around the world. Learn to look for beauty too for, in building self esteem, we must learn how to be positive in a negative world.

6: Determination TheoryAre we a product of our biological inherited characteristics (nature) or a result of the influences we absorb throughout out lives (nurture)? I believe how we are is due to a mixture of both nurture and nature and as a result our behavioural traits are not fixed. Whilst it is true that some things are dictated by genetics (for example race, color and many inherited conditions) your environment and the people in your life have a major effect on your behaviour. You are your own person, you have your own identity and make your own choices. The characteristics your mother or father display are not your destiny.

Learn from other people's experience, so you don't suffer the same mistakes.Are some people are born leaders or positive thinkers? I don't believe so. Being positive, and staying positive is a choice. Building self esteem and drawing on positive experiences for self improvement is a choice, not a rule or a talent. No-one will come to you and give you permission to build your self esteem and improve your self. It is in your control.

It can be hard to keep positive, especially when others and circumstances seem to be conspiring to pull you down. You need to protect yourself and give yourself a chance to stay positive. Improving your self esteem gives you that protection.

One way to stay positive is to minimise your exposure to harmful influences while using affirmations to boost the positive influences in your life. Constantly reminding yourself of the good things in your life will keep the impact of negative influences to a minimum.About the

AuthorJohn Edmond has 4 grown up and successful children and recently obtained a creative writing degree. He now writes on a number of topics including Building Self Esteem. To improve your self esteem get your free copy of The Affirmware 7 Part Affirmation Course now. Article Source: ArticleWorld.net
John Edmond
John Edmond is 51 and lives in Manchester in the UK and worked in insurance and finance for many years. He recently returned to education and graduated university with a degree in Creative Writing and Writing for Performance. He now writes full time for a number of web sites.

2006-08-03T09:40:00.000-05:00

End Self-Doubt and Procrastination!

Self doubt and lack of motivation are the cause of personal failures in the lives of millions of people. Not living up to your true potential can lead to anger and depression. Overcoming procrastination and building a positive self image is not impossible. There are some very practical steps you can take that will lead you to personal success and keep you motivated.

Fear of failure (or success) and a lack of energy leads to procrastination. People who procrastinate become frustrated and generally accomplish nothing. To change this negative behavior, you must first identify the things that cause you to procrastinate in the first place. Feelings of fear, rejection, and unworthiness take a real toll on your self-esteem. Taking steps to improve your self-esteem will make a huge difference in your energy level and will motivate you to make other positive changes in your life.

Human beings are motivated by two things: pleasure and pain. Make a list of the things you would like to accomplish and how you will reward yourself when you do reach your goals. When you are making your list, be sure to include the consequences you will suffer by procrastinating.

Keeping the reward in mind will make it easier to stay motivated. Overcoming irrational fears and phobias are crucial to your self-esteem and energy level. The act of procrastinating itself creates self-esteem issues. Guilt, stress, and anxiety are results of low self esteem and lack of motivation.

Procrastination is a habitual behavior. You can break the cycle of self doubt and procrastination if you make the decision to do so. Keep a list of the things you need to accomplish, both long and short term goals, and reward yourself for each thing you cross off your list. It is not easy to break old habits, but it can be done and soon you will find that the new behavior is second nature.

Keep in mind that your emotional health is closely related to your physical health. A sensible diet and exercise will do wonders for your self-image.

You will find that when you make an effort to change your negative behavior you will have more energy and your self-esteem will soar. Procrastination will no longer control your life and you will be motivated to accomplish your goals. You can change your self-image and become a highly motivated individual if you take the time to find out why you lack motivation and take steps to improve your self-esteem.

From This Page You Can Go Anywhere You Want To

2006-07-27T19:46:00.000-05:00

By John L. Mason

Do you know what this page is noted for? This page is the springboard to your future. You can start here and go anywhere you want to.

God has placed within each of us the potential and opportunity for success. Yet it takes just as much effort to lead a bad life as it does a good life. Still, millions lead aimless lives in prisons of their own making - simply because they haven't decided what to do with their lives. It always costs more not to do God's will than to do it. In fact, "a lot of people confuse bad decision-making with destiny" (Kin Hubbard).

The Bible says, "Where there is no vision the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18). That's not God's plan for you. Dissatisfaction and discouragement is not the absence of things but the absence of vision.

When you are an original and walk in God's plan, you shine like a star in the firmament. Copies are like the darkness in which they float. You can predict a person's bright future by his awareness of his destiny. Life's heaviest burden is to have nothing to carry. The significance of any person is determined by the cause for which he lives and the price he is willing to pay. What you set your heart on will determine how you spend your life. A man without principle never draws much interest.

Do not take lightly the dreams and hopes God has given for your life. Cherish them, for they are like children birthed within you. As long as God's direction is your friend, don't worry about your enemies. It is not the man with a motive but the man with a purpose who prevails.

Launch Out!

- John Mason, from the book You're Born An Original Don't Die A Copy (Want a free book? Go to www.freshword.com/resources)

John Mason is a national best-selling author, nationally recognized speaker and book coach. You can visit his site at http://www.freshword.com/signup to receive this nugget and ones just like it in your email inbox every week. Very inspiring!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Problem Solvers' Top 10 Traits

2006-07-21T16:57:00.000-05:00

We all have problems. Some see problems and give up immediately while others thrash about or throw money at their problems. The results are that the problems continue without resolution, often getting worse. I have watched people carp, duck and hide, pull their hair, cry, lash out, etc. None of these produces the desired effect of solving the problem. Certainly, it never solves the problem in ways that are good for all parties involved.

People who aim to truly solve problems seem to have several traits in common. Here's my top 10 list of these traits.

#10 - Problem-solvers get a good fix on reality. They do not spend a lot of time in dreamland, wondering about what coulda been or woulda been if things were different. Things are NOT different - problem-solvers know this and act accordingly.

#9 - Problem-solvers do not gripe and do not make trouble for others.

#8 - Problem-solvers are self-starters. They do not wait for someone else to point out that there is something wrong. And they don't wait for someone else to tell them how to fix it.

#7 - Problem-solvers do not keep lists of grievances. Problem-solvers may keep a few objective examples of a problem to use as evidence when problem-solving discussions arise.

#6 - Problem-solvers engage their imaginations to come up with new solutions that they can try out, and they have the guts to go forward as they test their solutions.

#5 - Problem-solvers do not look to others for assurances that cannot be delivered. They know who does and does not make decisions, and try to work with those who do.

#4 - Problem-solvers are nimble-minded, tough-love optimists who work tenaciously to solve the problems facing them.

#3 - Problem-solvers are capable of allying themselves with others so that if a problem goes beyond their personal abilities, they can make use of the talents of others.

#2 - Problem-solvers effectively juggle their entire load of problems so that they all get resolved. They don't let any one problem so dominate their attention (except in emergencies), that they can't multitask. Here they attend to one problem. A few minutes later they're busy solving another. They don't make everything else wait until something is solved completely. They work on multiple fronts as best they can.

And the number one attribute of Problem-solvers:

#1 - Problem-solvers go the extra mile to solve problems and to help others solve their problems. They value win-win solutions whenever they are possible.

Are you a problem-solver?

Fear - Bring Death to This Foe

2006-07-17T13:32:00.000-05:00

In order for you to change the things that you are unhappy with in your life you must change your thinking. If you never change the way that you think you will continue to get the same results over and over again. In order for you to see the changes you desire in your life, you have to face your worst enemy – FEAR.

About 90% of people live their lives in fear and never become the person that they dream of becoming. Fear paralyzes them, and they fail to take the actions necessary to achieve their dreams. They are afraid of change, what they don't understand, the unknown. You have to look at fear as nothing more then a word and a learning process. Did you even know what FEAR was when you were a young child? Probably not, at least not until someone that you trusted or looked up to told you that you should be afraid or fearful of something. Mark Twain said it best with this quote, "Do the things that you fear most and the death to fear is certain." You owe it to yourself to understand this principle.

To conquer fear, learn to leave your comfort zone. When you leave your comfort zone you become a more rounded individual. When you do the things that you fear and look back at them afterwards, you see that what you feared has become of no consequence anymore. You gain confidence from the courage you’ve used to defeat your foe. The next time similar situations arise you will no longer stress over it, you’ll just do it.

You must set your mind on always conquering the unknown, on boldy going forth where you once feared to go. Always "think outside the box". Look fear in the face and just do the task. Chances are that you will succeed and come to find out that your fears were not the big, scary monsters you’d thought. Fear is just a word. Every successful person has faced fear many times. Yet they have succeeded in spite of their fears. So can you!

Think back to when you were a child. Like most of us, you probably had limitations put on your life very early. You were taught how to think, what schools to attend, how to make a living, and finally, even how to plan your retirement. Most of us end up fearing anything that is different than what you are taught. Once you understand this, and can change some of the beliefs that have been programmed into you, you can take control of your life and your destiny. You can fly high, leaving fear dead in your dust!.

You to can become successful in every aspect of your life that you choose. You just have to get past one thing, YOURSELF! When you do this you will start to become the person that you have always dreamed of being. Today is the day you are going to take what is rightfully yours, a life lived victorious over fear.

Believe in yourself! Vanquish your foe! Put an early death to fear!

Blast off for the life of your dreams!

Courage is....

2006-06-20T13:37:00.000-05:00

“Courage is the discovery that you may not win, and trying when you know you can lose.”

Tom Krause quotes ( motivational speaker, Teacher and Coach, b.1934)

Motivation Magic!

2006-06-20T00:09:00.000-05:00

If you surveyed 50 people asking each their definition of success, chances are you would receive fifty different answers. Even so, there are certain steps everyone must follow in order to be successful. One of the most important is - staying motivated.

Do you have a new job? Have you started your own business? Are you in the process of earning a degree? Do you have the desire to lose weight? If one of these scenarios are a recent event in your life, you are probably still excited about the opportunity. That also probably means you are motivated, as well. Excitement and motivation, often, work hand in hand.

But, how do you stay motivated after several weeks or months have gone by? How do you maintain the same level of excitement that you had when you began your new adventure?

There are many things you can do to stay motivated. It is important to set aside a few minutes or more, each day, in an effort to keep your motivation level at its highest. There will be days that you may feel less motivated then usual. Let's face it; we all have a bad day now and then. So, by doing all that you can to maintain a positive attitude, your "down days" will probably be few and far between.

Read a book. There are hundreds of books that have been written on the topic of motivation. Visit your local bookstore or library and browse the shelves. Ask the clerk or librarian for author and title recommendations. Both will be happy to help you.

If you have a busy schedule, don't despair. Set aside 15 or 20 minutes each day. Even if you only read a few pages, during that time, it WILL help to keep you motivated. I do it and can attest to the fact that it really DOES work!

If you are in the process of achieving a goal such as weight loss or top salesperson, make a "dream board". A dream board is a poster, of sorts. If a trimmer figure is your goal, cut out pictures of the new wardrobe you will someday buy. If you dream of out-selling your peers, find pictures of your dream home or vacation destination... of the new car you would LOVE to drive. Make a collage with these pictures and hand it somewhere where you will see it each day.

There are many other things you can do to stay motivated. Believe in yourself. Stay healthy. Maintain a positive attitude.

You will be amazed at what you can achieve! So BLAST OFF!

Watch Procrastination Perish with These Simple Steps

2006-06-18T23:07:00.000-05:00

How to Overcome Procrastination!

Problem:
People procrastinate because many are paralyzed with fear of failure, loss, pain and some, success! What we fear becomes our reality.
Solution
1. Fear is “False Evidence Appearing Real.
2. 90% of what we fear never becomes reality.
3. The best way to overcome fear is to do what we fear.
4. It helps if you visualize the worst case scenario and accept it as a possibility and realize it will probably never come to pass.
5. Our imaginations exaggerate negative fears completely out of proportion and in most cases never occur!

Problem
Few have a strategy to accomplish their goals.
Solution
1. Make a contract with yourself.
2. Identify specific rewards for positive action.
3. Establish certain penalties for procrastination.
4. Break your goals down into small steps.
5. Schedule a time segment for each activity.
6. Give yourself rewards for correct action and penalties when you do not follow through.

Problem
Many have a lack of discipline. It takes 30 days to break old habits and establish new ones.
Solution
1. Create a Success-Habits-Reminder card with boxes for checkmarks to record your daily activities.
2. Tape it to your bathroom mirror.
3. Stick it on your desk to keep track of your actions.

Problem
Most people do not have a plan or assign priorities.
Solution
1. Create a “To Do” List.
2. Determine immediate, intermediate and long-range goals.
3. Plan the goals that are in immediate reach of your abilities and assign priorities: Important & urgent, Important but not urgent, Not urgent or important.
4. Do the urgent & important tasks first.
5. 80% of your activities are not important to your goals.
6. Only 20% are urgent & important.
7. Learn to eliminate the 80% activities that do not help you attain your goals.

Problem
Many try to complete the most urgent & important activities at the last moment.
Solution
Every day schedule a block of prime time to work on an important activity that is due in the future. Soon you will find the time to analyze and polish your projects many times before they come due.

Problem
There never seems to be enough time to contemplate your decisions
Solution
Schedule quiet time to make important decisions. Listen to relaxing music that balances both brain hemispheres. If you do not schedule time for exercise, rest, entertainment, fellowship and prayer your will spin out of control.

Problem
You are overwhelmed.
Solution
Learn to say, “No!” to activities and individuals that do not contribute to the attainment of your goals. Often, people take advantage of your kindness and generosity without ever realizing you have better things to do with your time.

Problem:
Most people do not have a master plan.
Solution
1. Create a master list of all personal, spiritual, physical, emotional and financial goals for 1 year.
2. Assign priorities for each.
3. Predict a date for completion.
4. Write everything in pencil so you can change it.

Problem:
Few people use an organizer or daytime planner to coordinate their activities.
Solution
1. Transfer the things on your master list to the correct dates in your organizer.
2. Check off each item as it is completed.
3. At the end of each day, reschedule the things that were not completed. 4. If an item is rescheduled twice, you are procrastinating.
5. Ask yourself, “What if I never do this?”
6. If the answer is, “No big deal!” Delete it.

Problem
Some people suffer from perfection paralysis.
Solution
1. Make the decision that you are not perfect and never will be. Everything you do will be imperfect in some way.
2. Realize that if it is worth doing, it’s worth doing wrong until you get it right.
3. Stop judging yourself according to your accomplishments.
4. Learn to trust yourself by developing intuition and following your hunches. You will find your first premonition is usually the correct one.
5. Discover just how right you are by making predictions and observing how a high percentage of them are correct. (Predict the line at the supermarket or bank that will move the fastest and take action accordingly.)
6. Make quick decisions in 20 seconds or less.
7. Make your decisions the correct ones by believing in your choices and acting with confidence.
8. In difficult situations, flip a coin, choose heads or tails and then observe how you feel about the outcome of the toss. Your response to the coin toss will help you make the right decision.

Mastering Change

2006-06-09T13:50:00.000-05:00

Change

That one word causes so many emotions. We seek it. We hate it. We often times fear it. Changes in our lives can leave us feeling out of control, helples, a victim. How can we deal with change?

"The secret of change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting for the old, but on building the new." – Socrates

There, in a nutshell, is the answer!

Change IS going to happen. Nothing will remain the same. Once we embrace that concept, it becomes possible for us to build the path that change will follow. I'll write more about that in days to come. But to put it simply, work on where you WANT things to go. Put your imaginations and efforts into becoming the person you WANT to be, and the changes you see will be ones you'll like.

Let's BLAST OFF!

Maxwell Maltz on Success

2006-06-06T14:02:00.000-05:00

Author of the classic self-development book "Psycho-Cybernetics", Dr. Maxwell Maltz has this to say about success:

"Often the difference between a successful man and a failure is not one's better abilities or ideas, but the courage that one has to bet on his ideas, to take a calculated risk, and to act."

What are some of the great ideas YOU have had?
Can you take a calculated risk on one of them TODAY?

Blast off!