Month: January 2016

Day #031: Confidence & Lifting Others

It’s a bright new day. It’s a new chance to grow and take on opportunity. Opportunities come and go, but an opportunity like today will never be the same. Each day and each opportunity is a key element in striving to embrace a little more. The problem we have with opportunities is we lack the confidence to embrace them, limiting our progress to grow and improve. 

Unfortunately, we get so worked up of what the world is thinking of us, we tend to never really believe we are good enough or confident enough…

It’s not that people can’t love you if you don’t love yourself. It’s that you won’t feel it because it’ll always seem like you don’t deserve it. – Unknown

If we learn to love ourselves and who we are, you may not only notice a smile on your face but a change in perspective and of course CONFIDENCE.

Here are some key points as takeaways if you want to be confident? What to do:

  • Boost your self-image
  • Set realistic goals
  • Get on the positive thoughts track
  • Actions and body language speak louder than thoughts
  • Increase your will power

Look at the people you respect who seem confident – don’t copy them, but identify what it is they do differently that conveys confidence and what you can learn from it. – Steve Errey

Maybe you’re lacking motivation and optimism and if so, then there are actually a few tricks that can help you increase your will power, so that you can get things done.

Try doing this: Researchers have found that those who are partaking a challenging diets should eat with their less dominant hand. This forces them to think a lot more about the quantity and the quality of the food. Little tricks and challenges like this can be exactly what your body and mind needs to embrace change and adaption. 

Once you have become more and more confident, do not forget that self-confidence should always inspire others…

Don’t ever underestimate the influence you have on others. Taking the time to listen, to care and to make conversation can make someone’s day, even if it is as simple as giving a smile. The point is; we are human, we all struggle and sometimes we need people to care for us, usually before we even realize we need it.

So care for others, encourage others and most of all spread the joy!

Day #030: Outside The Zone

Settling into something new, usually requires time to adjust, to adapt and to become comfortable.

Once you are comfortable, your mind will begin to back off and it will seem that there is less and less willpower to learn or aspire to learn.

In parallel we get so focused on being the ‘next thing’ that we begin to set goals and dreams, with unrealistic expectations.

We aspire for greatness, yet we can find nothing to get us there and this usually because we stick with what we know and within the realms and comfort of a box. 

  • If you want to have that willpower, that urge and that excitement to grow further and deeper, then you need to learn how to stretch yourself.
  • If you want to have your goals come together into a masterpiece, you need to be willing to work for it.
  • If you’re not willing to work for it… then something needs to budge.

If something needs to budge, then you really need to work out what it is you want.

Staying comfortable is like an un-watered seed. Nothing sprouts. – Chris Furlong 

With this all in mind, once you branch out of your normal and your comfortable ways, you will learn to challenge yourself for something more and something new.

Start by working hard, but not too hard, being quick with a helping hand and nice to people — without being a pushover. Hard work, people skills and a willingness to learn new things can take a person far in work — and in life. I’d say, these traits make up for a lack of smarts in most cases. – D. Keith Robinson

As you begin to feel relaxed or comfortable, you need to review your life and identify what opportunities there are available. Identify what is currently making you comfortable and identify what is going to help grow and stretch you once again. 

Identify what is making you comfortable, and list out 3 ways you can challenge yourself to grow (5 if you’re so keen). Be sure to write these out on paper. 

Really think about how you can take it to the next level!

But make sure you do it!

Day #029: Stay On Point

Change is not about fighting or trying to fix the old – but it is about creating the new. – Socrates

We are nearly a month into the year and I’m sure you have all had some ups and downs, some highs and lows with your goals and life in general.

A fixed mindset is what stops many of us from trying to improve in certain areas where we think we’ve hit our ceiling. In truth, of course, we’re all capable of reaching new heights. It’s just a matter of shifting from a fixed mindset to what Dweck (Stanford University psychology professor Carol Dweck) calls a “growth mindset,” a belief that we actually are in control of what we achieve. Yes, we all have inherent limitations; no matter how hard you try, you may never play tennis like Serena Williams. But, there’s a giant territory between being better than you are now and being the best in the world.

If you have a growth mindset, you think: If I stretch 10 minutes every day, I will become more flexible or If I take a class and practice every day, I will become a better writer. You’ll take on self-improvement projects and you’ll persevere through challenges because, deep down, you know you can succeed. If you think you’ve been holding yourself back with a fixed mindset, how do you go about shifting to a growth mindset? ***

To help you figure things out and ensure you remain on track. Here are some key points & challenges to encourage you, push you and hopefully motivate you to keep doing your best and to soldiering on!

  • Time to get real! If you want change in your life, you need to make the time, the effort and the priority for it to be in your life.
  • You need to apply yourself, even if it does require hard work. If it was easy, everyone would do it.
  • I dare you to make time, prioritize and be the change, or start making the change you have always wanted.
  • Everyday is new progress. Whether it be a little bit, more than before or simply the same amount, it is still better than nothing.
  • Whatever your goal/resolution is… keep working towards it.
  • Today, put in some time. Tomorrow, put in some more time.
  • If you don’t put in the time, then don’t expect to see the results you want. 
  • If it is one thing we are all destined to experience, it is growth. 
  • All those good times, those bad times, those hard times and those easy times, these are all things that will grow you.
  • Everything that is thrown at you, is a chance to bounce back bigger, stronger and better! A chance to stand up again!
  • Just because things are tough now, doesn’t mean they will be forever.
  • Perception and attitude will make the difference in your day. You just need to decide to have the attitude and perception to see it through!
  • Have you progressed this week? Today is a day to remind yourself of where you are going!
  • Have you swerved off track?
  • Remind yourself of why you set your goal, why you decided to work for whatever it is you’re doing.
  • If you have failed already, get back up and start again!
  • Discipline requires self-control just as much as it deserves rewards! Reward yourself as you progress!

The longer you wait, the more gnawingly painful and paralyzingly complex it will feel. – @BenjaminPHardy

Have any of these points encouraged you?  Inspired You? Then please share these with your friends and family!

*** of Lifehack Org

Day #028: Oh It’s Worth It!

Think big and don’t listen to people who tell you it can’t be done. Life’s too short to think small. – Tim Ferriss

Taking the effort to commit to something new can only be done if you want it to be and if you are willing to work for it. If you believe you can do it, you are already half way there.

I’ve been sugar-free for almost 3 years now, I have a strong and consistent exercise resume, I am running almost daily and pushing my limits wherever I can. The best part is, I have never felt this great ever. Being able to do new things I could never do, proves to me that my body is more capable than I had originally thought. 

Was it hard? It still is. But it is a lifestyle, so it is now a second nature to me. I have adapted and trained my mind to have no concern for when it comes to staying disciplined and motivated. 

The point is –  we all have what it takes and we also have the willpower inside of us to get up and do what it is required. #justdoit

Will it hurt? YES.

Is it worth it?  EVERY LIVING MOMENT!

Knowing that you are more capable than you had ever imagined, confirms with me that there is even better things to come. I would have never thought I could do what I do today, yet I am. 

If you want to see results and change – get out there and start kicking some goals.

Get out there and be consistent! Set your goal and don’t stoop until it is done!

Nobody said it would be easy – but if you keep at it, consistently and strictly, you will see the changes. Not just with weight, but just everyday willpower and performance.

Day #027: That’s Called Purpose

Having a rough morning? Place your hand over your heart…feel that? That’s called purpose. You’re alive for a reason; Don’t give up. – Unknown

I want to remind you just how special you are. Take a moment and place your hand over your heart. That beating you feel, that is called purpose. You my friend are here for a purpose, a purpose that will change the lives of others – heck… you may even change the world. But don’t forget you should be the change in the world you wish to see.

Your purpose may either be clear to you or you are still in the progress of finding it. Trust me, I totally understand that not knowing what your purpose or passion is can drive you mad.

I tell you today. Don’t give up. Don’t give in.  You are unique and you are special. What you bring to the world will never be found again and who you are should be known to the world!

If you are not sure on what your purpose is than the only two clears I know are:

1. If you believe in God – ask and trust in him and he will lead you there.
2. Follow your heart, follow where it leads you.

If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose. – T.D Jakes

Here are some focus points and resources to help find your passion:

Regardless – we all have rough days, weeks and times. If this has been something ongoing for a long time. don’t give up… maybe it is a dry season, but don’t give up. Keep soldiering on! The moment when things will start to change, may be just around the corner. 

Get out there today and own it!

Day #026: Be A Good One!

How does one become successful? Success can mean a lot of different things. For some, wealth. Others, happiness. Many, power. Perhaps success to you is building your dream company. For others, perhaps being financially independent. No matter what your definition of success is, they all have the same requirements — you need to put in the work, every single day.

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily” — Zig Ziglar

Becoming your best at everything you put your mind and hands too, comes down to your ability to persist through day after day, struggle after struggle and challenge after challenge. With an attitude of determination, a willpower of strong discipline, you can be the greatest at what you do, simply by putting in your best. But it comes through daily work.

Some of you will have read/heard this already but let me remind you of the late Steve Jobs and what he said at a Stanford University commencement speech:

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. You have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something–your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life. The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.

To give you a little incentive to take on the challenge, to embark on the road to self-discovery, here are three huge benefits from working to become the best, most genuine version of yourself.

1. It Will Make you Happy
Getting to know who you are, will make you feel more comfortable. Once you have learned to love who you are, you will more confident than you can ever imagine, or like never before!
This will have so many benefits to you.  It will reduce your stress and anxiety. It will make you a better spouse, a better parent, a better friend. It will make you a better person. Those are all pretty good reasons, if you ask me.

2. You Pay a Huge Price When you Engage in Mindless Distraction
You will learn that as you progress through life the real true ones you can rely on are; loved ones, friends and family.
There’s a business concept called opportunity cost. When you choose one course of action, you miss out on all the other opportunities you might have chosen to pursue but didn’t. People rarely stop to consider that until it’s too late. 

3. It’s the Most Exciting Journey you Will Ever Embark On

Opportunity for adventure is out there each day, right in front of you. It is there for you and everyone. Until you take it, you’ll never know what you might achieve, what marvels you might create and what you might discover. All you have to do is start the journey.

Day #025: You Can And You Will

You won’t know you can do it, until you have done it. – Chris Furlong

We all have problems when it comes to giving ourselves credit when due. Humble it may be, but we also hide in a shell, becoming abssent of being confident in ourselves, and we lack the faith to believe that we can do it and do it well.

I have news for you!

You are only as good as you say you are. So what exactly are you speaking over your life?

What are you challenging yourself with? Is it a New Years Resolution? Personal goals? Chasing a bigger dream? 

Regardless, if you are saying each day that you are not good enough or that you cannot do it – how will you ever be? How can you expect to be GOOD enough. We set the temperature of our expectations and our days ahead. So expect GREATNESS and present a POSITIVE attitude. 

There are PLENTY of reasons why you are good enough and you should be saying “I can and I will”.

1. You are smart, resourceful and brilliant.
2. You help anyone that needs you without a second thought.
3. You care about being a good person and living an honest life.
4. You are a kind, compassionate and grateful person.
5. You honor your core values and what’s important to you.
6. You invest in yourself and your own growth and development.
7. You have great hopes for your own future.
8. You are a responsible stand-up citizen of this world and of your country.
9. You are setting a great example for others in everything you do.
10. You believe in the goodness of humanity and have a pure heart.
11. You believe in the beauty of your dreams and plan to pursue them.
12. You have already taken the first step to pursue your dreams.
13. You bring useful and important ideas to life.
14. You put your knowledge and information to good use every day.
15. You affect the lives of those around you even if it seems like in small ways to you.
16. You don’t give up even if things go wrong and life beats you down.
17. You have a creative genius and you let yourself tap into it.
18. You take steps every day towards creating the life of your dreams.
19. You correct your mistakes without shame.
20. You look your fear in the face and don’t let it stop you.
21. You improve yourself with constructive feedback from caring outsiders.
22. You are humble and learn from life’s lesson and let it make you better.
23. You are stronger and harder to break than you think.
24. You are surrounded by friends and family that care about you.
25. You are more generous than you realize.
26. You have worked hard in your life and earned your success.
27. You have not let life’s scars make you cynical or bitter.
28. You have a caring gentle soul and are a gift to so many around you.
29. You are an important asset to your community and your work.
30. You are building a life that will leave a beautiful legacy behind.
31. You are a much better person and the world is a better place because of you.

 Your goal today is to say:

  “I Can And I Will”

Now take this and set your eyes on the end game. Set your eyes on your goals and you get out there and make it happen. You know why? Because you can! But will you? Are you willing?

I believe you can, as you are more capable then you would know (as noted above)… but only you can chose if you will!

Day #024: Courage At It’s Best

We make all sorts of excuses for not making important changes in our lives and even worse than that, is we LIMIT, DOUBT and DIMINISH our self belief and fail to trust ourselves.

We think that if we get into a new situation, we won’t know what to do or how to react. We become worried that this uncharted territory of the future will be too much for us to handle.

C’mon… Give yourself more credit than that.

Unexpected changes will always come your way and in the end you will always turn out fine.

Have enough courage to trust yourself. No matter what happens, you’ll figure out a way to make it work.

Courage is not found in superstars but everyday heroes such as yourself. YES you have what it takes. YES you have the power which is enough to make a difference and it is enough to change the world and enough to show your true colours.

“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” ― Vincent van Gogh

We have all failed and made mistakes and when this happens again, you need to pull yourself together and take a step of courage and press forward. 

Here are some tips you can try: 

  • Remind yourself that fear isn’t always helpful.
  • Expand your comfort zone gradually.
  • Remember to breathe.
  • Take a step back and get objective and some perspective.
  • Think of how you’d view a friend in the same situation.
  • Ask, “Who do I need to become?” instead of, “What do I need to do?”
  • Take action.

 “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.” — J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

Day #023: Just How Far…

Running isn’t about how far you go but how far you’ve come. I’m always moving forward, looking for the next challenge.” — Bart Yasso

I think we can all agree that we can get so tied up and stuck thinking of what could have been, or where we might have been if we did things differently, that we forget to reflect and actually identify how far we have actually come.

Just take a moment and really think about this? Seriously! STOP what you are doing and just think how far you have come?

Think about all the things that are new in your life. Take a moment to look back over the last few years and identify 3 things for each year which has changed in your life or opened new doors. Think hard and see how many things you can identify to resemble just how far you have come.

In the last few years what have you conquered? Don’t try to find something over the top but keep it simple. Such as:

  • Completing University
  • Starting a new job
  • A promotion
  • Losing weight
  • Started running

What are some things in your life which you have completed? It could be as simple as finishing a 5km run. Identify these and think about what it took to actually complete these chapters in your life. Actually looking back and seeing the growth in the little things, actually reflect the greatness in side you. 

Where you go is all part of the journey of how far you’ve already come. Each day and each step is another chance and moment in your journey. Reflecting on the growth you have achieved, will enlighten you for the present and encourage you to keep growing as you progress forward. 

Day #022: The Best Being You

Have you ever asked yourself – how things could have been better if you had  done this, or that? Have you ever wondered how it always seems that the people around you are doing something more, or something better or stronger? It almost seems that for others, the grass always seems to be greener?

Most of you will be familiar with this – seeing friends growing up quickly, moving away, moving on to the next chapters in their life. Maybe you are still stuck at home, or on a slow path to success. Maybe you thought you would be further by now…

It’s easy to be different, but very difficult to be better. – Jonathan Ive

Well the matter of the fact is – no matter what you’re doing or think you’re doing, the people around you will always seem like they are heading a different direction or a better direction. This does not mean you are going the wrong way, it just means you are structured. Structured in your own way, in a way in which you are moving at the pace which is right for you. However, if everyone else is going another way, maybe this means you’re different, maybe it means you’re following your path. The path that will lead you to the best version of you.

Regardless – we can go more and more into this, but the real point is; you should always aspire to be better today than you were yesterday.

You don’t always get what you want.

And if you do get what you want it won’t be all at once.

What you can always get is a new experience, a new challenge or something that will push you more. You can get this everyday.

The real question is: Are you willing? Are you willing to go the extra mile for you?

Remember: THE BEST IS BEING YOU.