Day #228: 5 Simple Tips To Make Ones Life Better

Monday is back and this week my recommendation is to apply 5 simple tips/tricks to your week and trial them out and see how they make your life that little extra better.

  1. Rise Early – Early mornings are quiet, peaceful, productive, energizing and my favorite part of the day. Big breakfasts, clear thinking and early sunrise delight.
  2. Eat Right – The food that goes in, becomes the fuel in which we run off. Be wise with what goes in and be sure to include some protein in your breakfast, your mind will be sharper and clearer due to it.
  3. Exercise – People who exercise regularly report to be happier, calmer, and better equipped to handle whatever the day decides to throw at them. I have found that exercising clears my mind, refreshes my attitude and encourages me for more.
  4. Accomplish One Big Task – We all have projects, work, and requirements for our time – things that we need to accomplish. But to make the most of this day, choose one big thing on your list and do it first. If you finish, move on to the next.
  5. Do One Thing You Love – Apart from the day-to-day requirements of living life, you have dreams, goals, and hopes. You have hobbies that you love and activities that breathe life into who you are. Embrace these life-giving opportunities. And do one thing every day that you love.

“Success in life is founded upon attention to the small things rather than to the large things.” – Booker T. Washington

Day #227: Inferiority Complex – Why You Should Punch It In The Face

Inferiority: the condition of being lower in status or quality than another or others.
Seeing other people’s success all around you and their ability to simply be better – can become a little overwhelming. But, you have to realize there is someone also better. There’s absolutely nothing you can do about that.

The only thing you have control over is how you can be your best given what you have and grow in a way that makes you a better you.

Everybody is suffering from an inferiority complex, everybody. Some will show it, some will know it, others will deny it and others will simply not even realism they have it. This whole world that you see around yourself is a proof of our sense of inferiority. Inferiority means, ‘I lack something’. Have you seen how desperate we are to gather, to collect? What all do we collect?

To name a few – good image, good salary.

Labeling people as superior is a stubborn generalization.. You might not be looking rightly, sharply at them. Can you give me a portrait of a man, you think of as superior. Can you sketch a man who appears superior to you? What kind of man would you think of as superior? Who has lots of money? Think of few people whom you take as superior. And tell me what is in them that you think of as their superiority. Why do you feel they are superior? What is it in them that appeal so much to you? What is it? Their looks, their success and what else?

You cannot draw success. There is no “way to look” of success.

The real question is: How well do you know these people?

If one of them says to you, “I suffer from a deep inferiority complex. Can you help me?”

You would most likely now all of a sudden feel like the superior one.

Let me remind you that we are all human. We all have emotions and feelings. The same feeling, that hurts you, hurts everybody. The situation may change, the comparison may change, but the feeling remains the same. Just because you see success, greatness and this idea of superiority in other people, doesn’t mean they are not struggling, learning and have issues of their own. Trust me, they have their own baggage.

You can’t judge a book by its cover – Unknown

By nature we thrive and strive to feel and be ‘just that better’.

Everybody is on the same boat, we feel as if we are specially disadvantaged. It is okay. They are victim of exactly the same game. The richest man in the world feels inferior. So there is no point at which you can get rid of this feeling. And if you have to get rid of it, you can get rid of it, right now. By not allowing it to mean much to you.

Day #226: Keep Moving Forward For A Greater Success

As long as you are moving forward, you have nothing to worry about. Trust me, I’m no swimmer. But I am persistent.

Persistent enough to constantly fight myself about the idea of being where I want to be.

I can see the end, I can see what I want and I know what I want, however I also see now, the present.

The problem is I don’t entirely see how I am going to get to where I want to go or I don’t always see the results coming through.

But what I do know, is if I continue to push, continue to step it up, to bounce back, to fight harder, I will get there… I will get there.

SO CAN YOU!

“Even if you fall on your face you’re still moving forward.” ~ Victor Kiam

This is true because if you’re afraid to fail you won’t make any progress and there is only progress or regress, there’s no standing still. You’re either moving forward or you’re moving backward. You always want to keep forward momentum, even if that involves falling on your face. You’ll learn from the experience and be able to apply that to future challenges, potentially avoiding future face-fallings. When you don’t attempt something for fear of falling on your face, you don’t move forward, and you end up shriveling into a version of yourself that is not as great as it could be.

I understand it can be  little scary to move forward with no real certainty of the end result…

When you are faced with uncertainty you should begin by taking:

 Taking a small (smart) step forward toward your goal. 

– Evaluate what you have learned from taking that step. 

– Build that learning into what you do next. 

– Take another small step and see what you learn.  

– Build that learning into what you do next. 

So go on, get out there and make it happen!

Day #225: 6 Ways You Can Keep Your Child-Like Ways

Children will always have a mind full of inspiration, dreams and excitement simply because it is easier for them to imagine and believe. They don’t know any better, so the idea of something which would seem impossible to an adult, comes across as just another question unanswered but with a sure explanation, and usually to them the answer or explanation is innocent and simple. Due to not knowing the limitation and obstacle an adult would; their idea would seem ridiculous to an adult, when really it can challenge our thinking. Kids have racing imaginations, that’s what makes their ideas so unique. They don’t imagine the reasons of why it wont work, but they imagine all the possibilities. 

So how can you remain childlike forever? Here are 6 ways you can:

1. Always Act Like a Child

Celebrate like a kid would. When you are happy, your whole face shows it. Smile whenever you get the chance or opportunity. Life is too short for worries, troubles, and fights. Children wake up each morning looking forward to the day and see opportunity in everything and seize the opportunity.

2. Don’t Let People Tell You “Be More Mature!”

If others tell you “grow up” or mature, don’t heed acting like your child-like self.  As always, do what your heart tells you. The heart forever remains child-like whether we choose to grow up or not. Just know when you are required to professional. But note, you can be professional and still have fun.

3. Hold On To Innocence

Always hold on to your innocence, no matter how selfish people may act around you. Innocence can have no price tag placed on it. It is something that is cherished and should be cherished more often. It is something that is so beautiful and pure that cannot be described in mere words. 

4. Laugh often

Laugh at every opportunity you can get. Life is too short for chances. So, make the most of them and use laughter as the best medicine to act like a child for the rest of your life. Seize every chance you get to laugh till your stomach hurts forever and ever. You will be thankful for laughter is the best medicine. (It also lengthens your life)!

5. Simplicity is key

Don’t get caught up in lies, false statements, and clever tricks. Be the person, simple, innocent, child you truly are. There is the old saying to keep it simple stupid. 

6. Stop over-thinking

When we over-think we needlessly stress out our minds and bodies. Over-thinking only leads to negativity and doubts. It does no one good. Kids never over-think. At times, they don’t even think when they should be thinking.

The great man is he who does not lose his child’s-heart.  ~Mencius, Book IV

Day #224: Follow Your Dreams, Not The World

Don’t let your dreams be dreams. Go now. Begin. Take action.

You have a chance to make it. A chance to finally step up and take up the baton.

You don’t need no permission, you don’t need no confirmation. You just need to know that you can get out there and start making your dreams a reality.

Perspective is everything when it comes to making things happen. People will support you, but they will also be a naysayer too. Remember though… if it was easy, everyone would be doing what you are doing – making your dreams a reality. Taking the idea of something normal and making into something more.

You will have good days and you will have bad days. Some days, you just need to keep swimming. Even if you are swimming against the currents, and it feels like you are not making progress, you are in fact moving forward.

Just keep swimming.”- Dory in Finding Nemo

You might not see it now, but you can feel it. You have the feeling and the longing and urge to have your product, your service, your business or your idea to change the world.  Fuel that urge as a motivation to not stop and to never give up.

“Find a truly original idea. It is the only way I will ever distinguish myself. It is the only way I will ever matter.” – John Nash in A Beautiful Mind

As noted above if you are solving real pain for real people, you have the chance to create something long and lasting and durable that will literally change how people live their lives. 

Be a game changer!

Day #223: Find Your Solution, Solve Your Problem.

Problems, solutions and inspiration are all connected. Everywhere you look, you will see what you want to see. What do I see? I see inspiration. Everything you see, use and potentially even smell is all the result of someone’s inspiration. Someone’s idea, someone’s dreams and someone’s passion. 

Just think about it. Everything from a stitched jumper you’re wearing to the colourful arm rail down the stairs. All these things have come from the minds of people with the intention to change, to make a difference, to inspire and to aid to a problem.

Problems are what make many of the ideas reality. You have a problem, you create a solution. The solution then becomes the new inspiration of  a problem. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, the solution can be made extra creative, exciting, fun and inviting. People are attracted to new and enticing things. Especially when it is going to fix a problem.

So my question to you is. What are the problems you face? What are the problems you see everyday as you commute to work and school? What are the things that inspire you, that make your mind tick and flash into excitement. These are the things, which hold innovation and change. 

These are the things which hold the keys to something more. Next time you see a problem, write it down. Make a list and see how it can be fixed. Not only is this going to challenge your mind and grow your cognitive skills. But you may just stumble across something which could make a greater difference, a solution to a problem. 

“Vision without execution is just hallucination.” — Henry Ford

Day #222: 15 Ways You Can See How Your Life Is Tracking Well

Life will always have its ups and downs. Let’s face it, sometimes life feels like it’s falling apart. Sometime’s it just all feels too tough, too hard and that your life is going nowhere…

I get it. We all have bad days, we all want to see the results now after all the effort we put in day after day. 

Today I want to remind you why, even though you may be feeling a bit like a failure, you are most definitely not.  Here are 15 signs that show you are doing well in life and that your life really isn’t that bad.

Simply read through these and see how many are relevant to you. Then ask yourself the question… how is your life really going?

  1. You’ve lived and you have learned
  2. You have a comfy bed to sleep in
  3. You are striving to be better
  4. You have had a job, or have a job
  5. Knowledge is at your fingertips
  6. You have food to eat
  7. You have free will, the power to choose
  8. You’ve had butterflies before, or something like it
  9. You have clean water
  10. You have a dream
  11. Your happiness is real
  12. You have clothes on your back
  13. You have the ability to forgive
  14. You believe in something greater than yourself
  15. You have a chance, an opportunity to build global friendships

Strive to find things to be thankful for, and just look for the good in who you are! – Bethany Hamilton

Day #221: Mistakes Will Help You Kill It!

Have you made mistakes before? Welcome to life. You’re making progress then.
We are back here again. Another week, another chance. Monday is just that. A fresh reminder of a fresh start. A fresh way to jump up, to tackle a new week and come through bigger and stronger than the last. 

I know personally, I want to get out there and give it a better shot. Give it a greater shot. Why? Mistakes.

When it comes to mistakes, I’m afraid. I become frustrated, I become immensely overwhelmed by the horrible feeling it gives me. 

So when it comes to making mistakes and you are scared, or fearful to give it a go… I get it.

But the truth is, mistakes can be like gifts. Any successful person can tell you that without the mistakes they made on their journey, they wouldn’t be where they are today. So here are 10 reasons why you should be proud of making mistakes and the next time you feel scared to move forward due to making mistakes, just remember to embrace it and go in to conquer. If you slip up, GET BACK UP!

  1. Mistakes help us gain knowledge. If we hadn’t made the mistake we would never have learnt the new lesson. It is an opportunity to grow. Own it and make it work. 

    “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” – John Powell

  2. Mistakes will trigger our creativity. When we are trying to do something which isn’t working, we are forced to look for a new solution. This forces us to step outside our normal thinking box.

    “The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.” – William Connor Magee

  3. Mistakes help us learn to be more resilient. We learn to understand that adversity is required to overcome the challenges we face in life. Being flexible is important and making mistakes, can help us go from the same old to something new.

    “The more we can embrace failure, the more we will be able to open to it and the more confident and resilient we will become.” – Karen Kimsey-House

  4. Mistakes show us how to be humble. Making mistakes proves we are human, and knowing humility is what makes us beautiful.

    “If you have made mistakes, even serious ones, there is always another chance for you. What we call failure is not the falling down, but the staying down.” – Mary Pickford

  5. Mistakes provide us reference points, check points and bookmarks. Every time you slip up, it is a lesson. A lesson to remember, but also a lesson to teach and share with others. Use these as reminders and references.

    “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work” – Thomas Edison

  6. Mistakes help us create and find new ideas. They force us to grow and push our limits to new regions. They help us find new things and new inspiration.

    “The only sure way to avoid making mistakes is to have no new ideas” – Albert Einstein

  7. Mistakes give us the a new courage. We become stronger each timer we accept what has happened and move on. We learn to be brave.

    “Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.”  -Bruce Lee

  8. Mistakes will make us all the more wiser. Each time we make a mistake, we will see how people react. We see new things about the people helping us or who are simply there.

    “Some people come into your life as blessings. Some come into your life as lessons.”  – Mother Teresa

  9. Mistakes teach us how to go about and experiment. Trying new things and new approaches, encourage a new way to innovate. If we continue to make mistakes we learn to innovate again and create something better.

    “Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes, It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.” – Steve Jobs

  10. Mistakes help us understand better who we are. We get to know the worse enemies of them all. Ourselves. We learn to overcome, we learn to adapt and mould how we do and react. Without the mistakes, we would struggle to understand our complexes.

    “In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield.” – Warren Buffett

    Just remember – Your mistakes do not define you, they help create you into the greatness you are.

Day #220: Stop Sitting Around. Get Up And Make It Happen

Will you make it happen? Today you have a choice. You can take action and finally take the steps to ignite your dreams. Or, you can continue to make up silly excuses of why you can’t or shouldn’t.

I’m serious. What is stopping you? Like really stopping you? Don’t blame time and don’t blame resources. What is it that you are really blaming? What’s holding you back?

“The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It’s as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer.” – Nolan Bushnell

If you have something you are passionate about and that you enjoy. You should chase it. You should follow it. You should make it happen. 

I know it can be a little scary to chase our dreams. Look, you may even fail. But that is OK! The late and great Steve Jobs said:

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

You have limited time here and you may as well enjoy it and do what you love. Even if you do fail, everyone fails. It just depends if you will sit in it, or jump out of it and keep on keeping on.

“Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.” – Richard Branson

The more you wait around, the harder it will be to make an impact, because more and more people are following and chasing their dreams and there are people out there with some neat ideas, which I am sure will give yours a run for it’s money. But if you can make and create something outspoken, brilliant, yet also simple and fun, you wont have a problem. All you need to do is put your idea into action and put some work to it. 

“Work like there is someone working 24-hours a day to take it all away from you.” – Mark Cuban

These are all valid and important inspirations for any new starter or rising entrepreneur that is looking to take their idea and turn it into something tangible.

But like I have said numerous times and so did Madam C J Walker, the first self-made female millionaire in America:

“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity! But I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.”

Day #219: Get Rid of The Tomorrow Mindset. Take Action Today

It is time to TAKE ACTION. But before you can. Just stop.

Stop a moment and just realise that today is the mark of you now completing 60% of the year. It’s official, you have now progressed, achieved and survived 60% of the year. Now lets buckle up for the 40% to go. 

Let’s checkpoint. You’ve come this far, so what are you going to do about the rest of the year. I personally believe you can do whatever you put your mind to. The only limitation is what you say it is, or believe it is.

Don’t hold back.

If you have already conquered your new year resolution! Kudo’s to you! See how much further you can go.

If you are still in progress, well that’s just as good, because this is the whole idea of a new year resolution. To complete it by the end of the year.

If you haven’t started because you never had a goal in the first place, or maybe you have been too lazy. Well there is still time. Still time to succeed. It only requires you to start today. To take action today. If you don’t start today, you miss out on getting ahead. Yes there is always tomorrow, but with that mind-set, tomorrow will never come. You will wait and wait until tomorrow becomes today and then you do the whole cycle again. Stop waiting around for something to happen, stop waiting around for you to somehow start. Decide to start. Decide to take control. 

All you need to do is make some progress each day, little by little. Every little step adds up to big results.

Do your self a favor. Start today, otherwise…

A year from now you may wish you had started today – Karen Lamb

So what will you do? Will you take action?