Tuesday, December 25, 2007

7 Effective Ways To Boost Your Self Esteem

1. Get a life purpose statement.

A well thought out life purpose statement is a powerful way to boost your self-esteem. It will define who you truly are, draw out your essence and affirm you. Whenever you read your life purpose statement, you will be reminded about who you are, what you represent and what you intend to accomplish in life.

2. Take personal development courses.

Investing in the acquisition of knowledge and education will boost your self-esteem many levels higher! This will give you control over your life and you will gain self-confidence that will prepare you to face and deal with anything that comes your way.

3. Take action. Do something for yourself.

Start doing something for yourself. Take positive risks with your life. Don’t live your life in chains. If you want to start a business…do it. Don’t live other peoples dreams. Live out loud, live your dream, do something that you feel is important to you. Make sure you accomplish it.

4. Socialize

Involve yourself actively in matters that interest you. Join clubs, networking organizations, associations or groups of similar interest and participate actively. Being part of a group gives you a sense of belonging, acceptance and appreciation. Knowing that you are part of something important and meaningful, does a lot to boost your self-esteem.

5. Stand up for yourself.

Don’t allow people to put you down and don’t allow other people's expectations to thwart what you are capable of becoming. Don’t put up with people or situations that negate all the positive things that you can do. Stand up for your dreams!

6. Volunteer to help the less privileged.

Volunteering will give you a sense of fulfillment, accomplishment and appreciation. Giving yourself in service to others is one of the noblest things to do. The look of gratitude on the faces of those that you have helped is enough to boost your self esteem

7. Set personal goals and accomplish them.

Living aimlessly leaves you with a feeling of emptiness and confusion. Goals give you a sense of purpose. They steer your life in a particular direction. They make your life purposeful. Accomplishing personal goals gives your self-esteem a big boost.

Read More......

Sunday, December 23, 2007

7 Dynamic Strategies for Creating a Life that Works

Everyone wants a life that works effectively, whether that means harmonious relationships, a happy family life, a successful career, or the achievement of an important mission. People with successful lives take certain actions consistently.

These seven strategies can bring more success and satisfaction to your life. There is a question after each strategy to bring insights that apply specifically to you.

1. Follow the Rules

We may not always like the rules, but that does not make us an exception to following them. Rules lend order and organization to everything we do. When followed, they also bring peace and harmony to our relationships. When rules do not work, the successful person works to change them, not break them.

Where might you be overlooking the rules and sabotaging your peace of mind and chances for success?

2. Turn Rejections into Reflections

We cannot please everyone nor conduct our lives based on what others think of us. However, we can achieve our maximum potential. Rejections and failures are learning experiences. Reflect on your strengths and on the advantages in every situation.

Realize that you will experience resistance when you attempt to do great things. Allow rejections to fortify your resolve to become more skillful.

What will you do to focus on your desired outcomes regardless of the well-meaning opinions of other people?

3. Use Your Strengths to Outshine Your Best

Think creatively instead of competitively. Rather than comparing your weaknesses to another's strengths, look at your best performance to date. Think of new ways to out-distance yourself. Respect your uniqueness by focusing on new ways to use your gifts and talents. Set a new benchmark that is all yours.

What are your greatest strengths, and how can you fine tune your performance, attitudes, and beliefs to become even stronger?"

4. Tell and Acknowledge the Truth

Truth is the foundation of integrity and character. It allows us the dignity to make mistakes, admit them, and apologize. The truth keeps us aware of our current abilities and brings a tremendous sense of freedom.

To get where we want to go, we also need to be honest about where we are now. Acknowledging the truth about what does not work allows us to begin doing what works.

What truths do you need to acknowledge that could bring more peace of mind and freedom to your life?

5. Set and Keep Boundaries

We need personal rules and limits for what we will expect and accept from others and ourselves. Boundaries are like compasses that help to guide our actions. They allow us to make decisions with confidence. They add integrity and consistency to our lives. Set firm boundaries that will guard you and guide your daily decisions.

What are the boundaries for each important area of your life?

6. Live with a Purpose in Mind

Living our unique purpose makes us feel joyfully alive. It allows us to envision and enthusiastically dedicate our time to worthwhile missions of our choosing. Living purposefully, we focus on our objectives with the resolve needed to finish what we start.

You already have a purpose. However, it is important to recognize it and keep it clearly in mind. Think about the things for which you would like future generations to remember you. Give yourself permission to embrace and achieve them. Become the master architect of your life and those things you will leave behind.

What is your action plan for fulfilling your life's purpose?

7. Balance the Roles You Play

Functioning well in our careers, families, and communities depends on allocating enough energy to each of these areas. To care for others, we need to keep ourselves fit mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Staying balanced keeps priorities in perspective and brings success and enjoyment to all the roles we play. Look at where you expend most of your energy now.

What are your most important priorities each day?

The Importance of Personal Responsibility

Woven throughout these actions is a theme of personal responsibility. People who live successfully do not shift the responsibility for their circumstances to other people. They accept ownership of their actions, consequences, and experiences.

Successful people are proactive. Instead of waiting for breaks, they make their own breaks. They identify and fine-tune their attitudes, beliefs, and actions. They search for ways to do more of what they enjoy. Proactive people meet challenges head on and affirm that they will achieve the desires of their heart.

Responsible individuals are life-long learners, always seeking to increase their skills. They welcome change, and they change with the times. They communicate with others clearly and live with a spirit of cooperation throughout the many changes life brings.

What personal challenges repeatedly hold you back? What are you willing to accept ownership of in order for your life to work?"

A Call for Action and Commitment

Think of several ways you could apply each of these strategies. Reflect on each of the questions and write an answer for each one.

By doing so, you will begin to outline a strategic plan that belongs to you. Work your plan, and keep fine-tuning your actions to point toward the results you want to achieve. Commit to turning these actions into life-long habits beginning today. Imagine how attractive your life will be when you have designed it to work the way you want!

Read More......

Monday, December 17, 2007

7 Destructive Habits of Incompetent People

WARNING! If you want to have a fantastic life, never engage yourself in these 7 deadly habits that incompetent people do.

NUMBER 1 - They Think, Say, & Do Negative Things.

Yup. They see problems in every opportunity.

They complain that the sun is too hot. They cursed the rain for ruining their plans for the day. They blame the wind for ruining their hair.

They think that everyone is against them. They see the problems but never the solutions.

Every little bit of difficulty is exaggerated to the point of tragedy. They regard failures as catastrophes. They become discouraged easily instead of learning from their mistakes.

They never seem to move forward because they're always afraid to come out of their comfort zones.

NUMBER 2 - They Act Before They Think.

They move based on instinst or impulse. If they see something they like, they buy at once without any second thought.

Then they see something better. They regret & curse for not able to take advantage of the bargain.

Then they spend & spend again until nothing's left. They don't think about the future. What they're after is the pleasure they will experience at present.

They don't think about the consequenses. Those who engage in unsafe sex, criminality, and the like are included in this group.

NUMBER 3 - They Talk Much More Than They Listen

They want to be the star of the show. So they always engage in talks that would make them heroes, even to the point of lying.

Oftentimes they are not aware that what they're saying is not sensible anymore.

When other people advise them, they close their ears because they're too proud to admit their mistakes.

In their mind they're always correct. They reject suggestions because that will make them feel inferior.

NUMBER 4 - They Give Up Easily

Successful people treat failures as stepping stones to success.

Incompetent ones call it quits upon recognizing the first signs of failure.

At first, they may be excited to start an endeavor. But then they lose interest fairly quickly, especially when they encounter errors.

Then they go & search for a new one. Same story & same results. Incompetent people don't have the persistence to go on and fulfill their dreams.

NUMBER 5 - They Try to Bring Others Down To Their Level

Incompetent people envy other successful individuals. Instead of working hard to be like them, these incompetent ones spread rumors and try every dirty trick to bring them down.

They could've asked these successful ones nicely. But no, they're too proud. They don't want to ask advise. Moreover, they're too negative to accomplish anything.

NUMBER 6 - They Waste Their Time

They don't know what to do next. They may just be contented on eating, getting drunk, watching TV, or worse, staring at the blank wall with no thoughts whatsoever to improve their lives.

It's perfectly fine to enjoy once in a while. But time should be managed efficiently in order to succeed. There should be a proper balance between work & pleasure.

NUMBER 7 - They Take the Easy Way Out

If there are two roads to choose from, incompetent people would choose the wider road with less rewards than the narrower road with much better rewards at the end.

They don't want any suffering or hardship. They want a good life.

What these people don't know is that what you reap is what you sow. Efforts & action will not go unnoticed.

If only they would be willing to sacrifice a little, they would be much better off.

Successful people made it through trials & error. They never give up. They are willing to do everything necessary to achieve what they aspire for in life.

Read More......

Monday, December 10, 2007

6 Simple Steps To Accelerating your Learning

What is Accelerated learning?

Simply put, accelerated learning is the ability to absorb and understand new information quickly, and also to be able to retain that information.

It involves the process of unleashing the abilities within us. Every one of us learn differently. Accelerated learning calls upon us to learn techniques of learning that exactly match our personal learning styles. When we are learning in our preferred ways, learning becomes natural, easier and faster. That's why it's called accelerated learning.

Basically, the brain can be thought of being made up of the "Left Brain" and "Right brain". The left brain is the expert in language, mathematical processes, logical thoughts, sequences and analysis. The right brain specializes in rhythm, music, visual impressions, color, and pictures. Although each is dominant in certain activities, both sides are involved in almost all thinking. The point is that to learn the accelerated way, you must involve your whole brain.

Have you heard of the 8 intelligences? Can you name all 8 to me? There are 8 multiple intelligences : Linguistic, Logical-Mathematics, Visual-Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Naturalist as put forth by Harvard professor of education Howard Gartner. In accelerated learning, we use our strongest form of these 8 intelligences and learning will then be more enjoyable.

To master the art of accelerated learning overnight is impossible. It takes time and effort to increase the rate at which you learn. Still, let me give a brief overview of the entire process of accelerated learning. The 6 simple steps to accelerating your learning are:

Motivating the mind - motivating yourself so that you are in a confident and resourceful state that best supports learning. There are several ways, including the use of visualization, affirmations, and goals-setting.

Acquiring the information - using your personal and preferred way of absorbing the information. There are 3 distinct styles of processing information that we use. We'll use all 3 styles, only the degree to which we use them differs and that accounts for our varying styles of learning. The 3 styles are Visual ( seeing ), Auditory ( hearing ), and Kinesthetic ( physical activities and involvement ). So, your job is to find out your preferred style of learning and use methods of learning that correspond to your style.

Searching out the meaning - when what you're learning has meaning to you, remembering it is will be an easy feat! Again, this depends on the most dominant form of intelligence in you and how you exploit it.

Triggering the memory - recall whatever you've learned at will with proven memory techniques. Such techniques may include the link method, the number-shape methods and so on. You have to consider the workings of memory and learn only when your memory is in an optimal state.

Exhibiting what you know - show that you know and fully comprehend what you've learned. If your learning and absorption of the information have been effective, you must be able to be fully capable of showing it anytime and anywhere. If you can really show that you know, you have absolutely comprehended the material you've learned!

Reflecting upon what you've learned - learning is a continuous process; we must learn from our mistakes. Self-analysis is important as it marks the end of the accelerated learning of a skill or new knowledge. When, upon finishing your learning of something, you reflect upon the process itself.

Of course, reading about the process and not taking action will not in any way serve you to master accelerated learning. If you're still unsure of how to proceed to really go into deeper depth into accelerated learning, you may download my free accelerated learning ebook course at: http://self-improvement101.uni.cc/free-self-help-courses/mental/accelerated-learning.htm

Remember, the essence of accelerated learning is in using methods of learning that really suits your natural learning style. Good luck with your quest towards accelerated learning!

Read More......

Friday, December 7, 2007

5 Ways to Lose Those Holiday Blues

What a great time of year! It’s a time to be thankful for what we have and enjoy all the festivities that mark a renewal of our hope and faith in the “system” that will carry us toward a bright new year.

Right… So if this is such a wonderful season, how come so many of us wind up in Yucksville? It may have something to do with losing our rational map about the time we made the turn at the Grotto of the Great Pumpkin. Let’s see if there isn’t something we can do to help brighten up this holiday season just a bit.

1. Focus the real reasons we’re celebrating.

It doesn’t make any difference if we’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day – there is a special significance attached to every holiday. When things start to get out of hand, just take a perspective break to think about why we’re observing this special event.

2. Plan ahead.

There are only 24 hours in a day and we need to sleep sometime. By doing just a little planning (and in general, sticking with the plan), we won’t be trying to accomplish everything at the last minute. Be sure to include plenty of leisure time just for you and your family or friends so you can step back and enjoy the season together.

3. Budget wisely.

It’s not very relaxing to think about having to spend the next year paying off the debts you’ve accumulated in the spirit of over-zealous giving. Put together a logical budget and stick with it. The basic rule of thumb is “If you ain’t got it, don’t spend it!”

4. Help others.

It’s the season for giving – and the most precious gift we have is ourselves. Find a way to help those less fortunate. Volunteering our services is a great way to take our minds off of the loneliness some of us may experience at this time of year.

5. Don’t over-indulge.

Too much of a good thing – food, beverages, spending, celebrating – may be fun at the time but it can also produce moderate to severe consequences. Use a common sense approach to the festivities this season. Position yourself so you will be able to truly enjoy the weeks and months that follow.

Read More......

Monday, December 3, 2007

5 Ways To Having The Happiest Valentines Day Ever! (Even When You're Alone)

The thought of Valentine’s Day conjures up romantic evenings, a candlelight dinner, and long walks with your loved one. It is, without a doubt the most romantic day of the year. So how could you possibly be expected to enjoy Valentine’s Day when you’re alone? Well, while it might not be all hearts and flowers, you can still spread the message of Valentine’s Day: Love.

Over the years, I’ve interviewed numerous people and asked them what their favorite Valentine’s Day memory was. Surprisingly, very few couples actually mentioned a gift or a special night out. In fact, most of the people I interviewed remembered their special Valentine’s Day by things they did for others. Gifts they gave, whether they were store bought or home made that gave them the feeling of joy and happiness.

A heartwarming Valentine’s Day for Jacque from California, was when she was in charge of bringing little treats for her daughter’s 3rd grade class. After agonizing on what to do, she decided to make the extra firm red Jell-O, and cut them into heart shapes. After running to the store to get more mix, and spending a lot of time cutting out the heart shapes, she was frustrated and wondered why she ever signed up for the job in the first place. Was this a big mistake? When she passed out the treats in school, the kids’ eyes lit up, and their sweet little voices filled the room with laughter and excitement. All the kids loved it! Jacque remembers feeling incredible that day. Her heart was glowing with happiness to see how much those kids loved her little treats.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our daily chores, that we often forget that children need to be remembered too. Teenagers often feel left out on Valentine’s Day, but a handsome Colorado man gave two giggling teenagers a Valentine’s Day they will never forget. Geoff was working on a resort property trimming trees, and noticed there were two smitten teenage girls sitting on the balcony watching him while he was working. Geoff knew he would be finished on February 13th, and thought he would he would surprise them with a dozen red roses on Valentine’s Day, and signed it, the tree trimming guy. The girls were thrilled to get flowers on Valentines Day, and were still talking about it four years later! Geoff ranks that day as his all time favorite Valentine’s Day!

Making someone happy (especially when it’s unexpected) has a euphoric effect on you too. It’s happiness shared twice. Is it possible to have a happy Valentine’s Day even when you are breaking up? If you have a sister like Linda, you can. Linda’s sister was going through a divorce in February, and she was heartbroken and distraught. On that Valentine’s Day, Linda secretly sent her flowers at her office, and signed the card, “From your Secret Admirer.” As soon as her sister received them she called Linda and said, “Oh my God, you will never believe what just happened, I got these beautiful flowers today, but I have no idea who they are from!” Linda had all she could do to keep from laughing, and giving away her little secret. Linda’s sister went on to say that the entire office was trying to figure out who her secret admirer could be. Linda was happy that she could give her sister a happy Valentine’s Day even when she was facing unhappy times.

Yes, it is possible to have a great Valentine’s Day, even when things are looking a little dismal. Here are a few ways you can share your love this holiday.

5 Ways to the Happiest Valentine’s Day Ever!

  1. Send a heartfelt Valentine Card to someone who has really inspired you and tell them how much they mean to you.
  2. Make a homemade Valentine Card and send it to your favorite relative you haven’t seen in a while.
  3. Send flowers or candy to someone who doesn’t have a sweetheart, and sign it anonymous.
  4. Make a Valentine’s Basket and send it to a family that has gone through a difficult time and sign it, From Your Guardian Angel.
  5. Take your little niece, nephew, or cousin out for ice cream.

Giving is the fastest way to feel good about yourself. It doesn’t have to be expensive, even a single hand picked flower will do. Anything coming from the heart will surely be felt and appreciated. It’s two gifts in one. One is for the recipient and even a bigger gift for you.

Read More......