Getting The Life You Want

An important aspect of our personal development is the ability to provide ourselves the life we want to have.  To do that always costs money and we all have to start somewhere.  

 I recently came across this following article by Samuel Castro which is definitely food for thought.   These are his "secrets" to making money online working from home:

“Back in 2000, when I first embarked on the journey to making a living online by working from home, the words of the great teacher Gandhi kept ringing in my head "Its not the destination that matters, but the journey." I believed that in the destination, lies a vast fortune, but I clearly believed that along the way, there were many hidden treasures.

“It was barely a matter of months that I started seeing the treasures along the way. I realized that I could make good money while still trying to figure out what business I would do full time online.

“One of the major benefits in using the internet to try to make a living is the amount of learning that you have to do. Initially, you might not see the sense, but the many things that you will learn along the way, are essentially opportunities that will eventually be utilized. As I learnt web design and the various hosting companies, I started helping out individuals interested in putting up their websites. One company paid me a thousand dollars to convert their offline brochure into a website. I got about five thousand dollars reselling web space as an affiliate of a hosting company the first year. Money that I continue to earn and has increased tremendously year after year.

“Having passed the first hurdles of creating websites and having them hosted, I was ready to go into stage two of marketing the websites. This is where the real challenges and the most opportunities lay. From researching on keywords to writing and submitting of articles and eventually online advertising, working online has become for me a fulltime job. I have written many articles on how the above topics can earn you money, so I wouldn't be fair repeating the same here. However, I can summarize that you wouldn't be getting money directly for the articles (though there are a few blogs that pay you for this) but you gain publicity and are viewed as an expert in your niche and these lead to a high level of traffic to your website resulting eventually in increased sales and increased income.-Therein lies the secrets to making money online.

“In conclusion, I can say that the main secret to making money online is continuous learning online and using this information to helping others succeed. I will live you with a quote from Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. former chairman of the board of IBM Corporation "The killer application will not be a shrink wrapped program that sells in millions. The killer application will be a website that touches millions of people and helps them to do what they want to do"

When It's Time For A Change

This video by Wayne Dyer was posted today by one of my friends on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/theRudiFabian and I felt compelled to share it with you.  It has a powerful message combined with very beautiful background photographs.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Developing Leadership Skills - How to Engage in Activities That Will Help You to Become a Leader

Developing leadership skills is one way to ensure a greater level of success as you move through your life. These skills may be learned and reinforced in a variety of ways, no matter what your background or age. Some methods that have been identified as being powerful in developing and creating leadership skills include public speaking, daily writing, and community service involvement. Each of these methods deserves further discussion.

Even though you may dread the idea of speaking in front of a group of people, it turns out that public speaking is the single most important activity you can engage in. There are different ways to speak to people, and not all of them require that you show up in person. Holding a teleseminars or speaking on Internet radio also fall into this category. The idea is for you to develop leadership skills by learning how to communicate your ideas, information, and unique perspective on your topic to others.

Writing every day gives you the opportunity to express and develop your thoughts and ideas. The way this develops your leadership skills is to help you explore the areas that are of interest to you. This writing may take the form of blogging, articles, essays, white papers, or other writing styles. You never know, what you start writing today may become the basis of a book in the future.

Community involvement by volunteering for service organizations helps many people to develop habits and skills that bring out the leader in them. Group such as Rotary, an international service organization, have ongoing projects you can become involved in. The day will come when you have an idea for a project that you can lead, or someone else will need to step down and you will be ready to take their place. Giving your time freely in order to help others is a noble cause, and great leaders are sometimes recognized easily as they reach out to help others in need.

As you can probably see, great leaders are not necessarily born that way. You have the choice to become a leader during your life. Opportunities are all around us if we simply take the time to investigate what is available. By purposely seeking out and offering to speak to others, writing every day, and volunteering your time to help others in your community and beyond, you will be able to develop effective leadership skills.

Author: Connie Ragen Green

Seven Effective Tips on Managing Stress

Stress can take its toll on an individual's life. It is not uncommon to hear of people who self-destruct mainly because of stress. Therefore, managing stress is a very important skill that you need to have if you don't want stress to be controlling the way you live your life.

Here are some very practical but effective tips on managing stress. Take note of them. Always keep them in mind. But most importantly, apply them.

1)     Exercise regularly.

The effects of stress can be greatly reduced and prevented by regular physical activity. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can do wonders not only to your stress problems but to your health as well. A lot of people recommend aerobic exercises in dealing with stress. So it's probably better if you start out with it first.

2)    Watch your diet and make sure that it is healthy.

Under-nourished bodies are more susceptible to stress. On the other hand, well-nourished and healthy bodies can easily cope with the pressures and effects of stress. So always start your day with a healthy breakfast and follow it up with nutritious meals all through out the day.

3)    Stay away from drugs, cigarettes and alcohol as much as possible.

You may think that taking these substances will take your stress away but the truth is they will only make it worse. Yes, drugs, alcohol and cigarettes give relief but it's very temporary. A lot of people actually resort to them in managing stress issues but they will backfire in the long run. The less vices you have, the better you will be.

4)    Get enough rest and sleep.

Being tired all the time and lacking sleep are stress triggers. What's worse is that when you haven't rested or slept enough, your body is weak so it is further more susceptible to succumbing to the pressures of stress.

5)    Set aside relaxation time for yourself.

Just a simple act of doing something relaxing can drive all the stress away. Watch a comedy movie, listen to upbeat songs, listen to relaxation music, do yoga, answer a crossword puzzle, take the dog for a walk, etc...

6)    Find a hobby.

Managing stress is often about doing things that take your mind away from things that stress you out like work. Why don't you take a painting class, join a photography club, do some origami, or whatever it is that interests you. Something that you are very passionate about.

7)     Talk to someone.

Someone you trust and someone who trusts you. It could be a friend, a relative, a family member or a psychiatrist. Tell him what you're going through. Tell him the things that stress you out. Just the mere act of talking about your problems eases and relieves the effects it's causing you.

Managing stress is not easy but it is not that too difficult either. As long as you put your mind into it and use methods that you are comfortable with, controlling stress can be quite simple.

The tips enumerated above would be a very good start.

Author - Euanne Lynne

The Value of Gratitude

Gratitude is so much more valuable and so much more vital in the creation of our lives than many of us have given it credit for. It extends far beyond a simple giving of thanks but is an energy, a way of being that causes everything in our life to shift.

When we express the words "thank you" for even the smallest effort on another person's part it causes the heart to open, not just for the recipient of our words, but for ourselves as well. When our heart is open we become open to receiving more of what we desire. When we live in the energy of gratitude it causes the universe to open up and provide us with our highest and greatest good.

Gratitude is one of the most powerful energies in the universe. It has the ability to break through any barriers caused by fear and feelings of scarcity. It has the ability to melt away any anger and resentment. It has the ability to transform worry into hope. It has the ability to bring us everything we desire as it opens the floodgates of the universe on our behalf. The magical power of gratitude has the ability to change the world, not just for ourselves but for humanity as a whole.

Gratitude opens a gateway for the universe to shower us with an abundance of all things we desire. When our minds are focused on fear and scarcity we create a barrier to our divine abundance. When we are able to hold our minds and hearts in gratitude for our present circumstances we then open a way for us to receive more of what we desire. The love in our heart melts away the barrier that is created by fear and in that feeling of gratitude the universe is able to openly and freely give us what we ask for. Many of us have difficulty finding gratitude in our circumstances and in effect halt our own evolution and unlimited potential. When we allow ourselves to look for the good in all things more good comes to us.

How do you access gratitude when there is so much pain, fear and feeling of lack? It is quite simple actually - begin with the small things. Each grateful thought will lead to another and another until you begin to realize how truly abundant you are. When you embody gratitude and feel it deep within your center then everything in your life must shift to align with that feeling of abundance. From that place of appreciation you will begin to feel a shift within you. Then you will begin to see the infinite possibilities of life and the infinite abundance of the universe. 

From that energetic shift you become a magnet for receiving more good.

Author: Victoria M. Reynolds

Conquer The Negatives And Make Room For Positive Living!

If you are struggling to generate the gumption to move forward because of negative baggage, it is time to take positive action.

You may be dragging around feelings from a disappointment, a failure, or a negative image from the past which is getting in your way. If that is the case, recognize it, deal with it constructively, and decide to make a positive change in your thinking.

Now, what we are talking about here is what many people refer to as being in a rut, lacking motivation, feeling stuck, or focusing on negative emotions. A circumstance that is usually, more or less, a short term occurrence. If, however, you are dealing with a concern that goes much deeper than this, do not hesitate to take healthy action and ask for help from a qualified source.

Negative feelings and images that fester and are constantly revisited can markedly stall attempts to begin fresh and move forward. Both negative and positive self-images are very powerful, and attempting to live with both simultaneously is a clash of brain power that simply does not work. Think of it as one cancelling out the other.

Unless you decide to take control, negative thinking and images have a way of continually bombarding your outlook toward a downward spiral. Such thoughts just seem to feed on themselves, resulting in behavior that only supports being stuck in your tracks.

A conscious choice to release negative thoughts and images must be made in order to allow for new and positive experiences to occur. Doing this gives you the power to let go of limiting beliefs and to change your perspective. It usually requires you to step outside your comfort zone - but that is where most success really takes hold.

In summary, if you find that your thoughts and actions are holding you back from gaining positive traction, then it is time to make a change. Embrace the concept that the more your thoughts are focused on the positive, the less room there is for the negatives to creep in and take hold.

Author: David Schaefer

Personal Growth Is A Choice

Personal growth has everything to do with your business. It has everything to do with your life. To have excitement and passion about what you do and your life you must embrace personal growth.

Personal Growth: The One Key Principle

Whether you are a self-employed business owner, entrepreneur, solo professional or an individual seeking more opportunity for success there is one principle you must understand.

Seldom will your business and life exceed the size of your thinking. Do you want more income? Then you must change and expand your thinking to have more opportunities for income available. Do you want a better family life? Change your thinking and place greater value on your family and more opportunities for a better family life will come your way.

Personal Growth: What Holds You Back?

Novelist Leo Tolstoy said, "Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." The ironic thing is that change is inevitable. The oldest man in the world died in Montana a few weeks ago at the age of 114. He was lucid up until his last few months. He was interviewed in 2010 about his thoughts on living a long life. His first answer to living a long life was to embrace change.

So everyone has to deal with change. That's a given. On the other hand, personal growth is optional. When you choose to grow it is much easier to accept change and to subsequently move forward.

In coaching success I can assure you the people who are unwilling to grow will never reach their potential. What holds most people back? It is not circumstances or things. It's their unwillingness to embrace personal growth. And this unwillingness to embrace personal growth is one of the most important killers of small business success and small business growth.

Personal Growth: The Difference Between Successful And Unsuccessful People

Most people don't realize that successful and unsuccessful people to not differ substantially in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential. And there is nothing more effective when it comes to reaching potential than commitment to personal growth.

Ask yourself this question. In what specific ways have you changed lately to reach your potential? In my personal business coaching practice the clients who embrace personal growth and the change that comes with it are the most successful and more satisfied.

Interestingly, the most successful people, very often, are not the ones that started with the best circumstances, funding, start-up business plan or marketing business plan. They started with one thing. They were open to personal growth and change.

Embrace personal growth. Welcome the change. You will change from within and as a result your outer world will change. When you change more opportunity will come your way. There are many keys to success. A commitment to personal growth is one of the most important.

Author – Steve Scott

Let Gratitude Be Your Attitude

This post was written for us by Michelle Mattsen

 

How can I thank thee, let me count the ways.

1. Thanks for washing the dishes.
2. Thanks for picking up the kids from soccer.
3. Thanks for your support in words and actions
4. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to pursue my hobby.

At certain times of the year; Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day, we as a nation take stock and reflect on what we are thankful for. Of course, we should be doing this on a regular basis but there's nothing like a national holiday to drive the point home.

There are even products out there to help remind you to be grateful.

Cards - There's a card for everything.

Journaling - Writing down what you are grateful for on a continuing basis

List - Making a list of all the things you are grateful for and then keep it handy so that you can read it periodically.

Gratitude Rocks - A special polished stone, sometimes with a saying on it, is put in your pocket or purse to remind you, whenever you see or touch it, to be thankful.

All of these are great ideas to start using. Pick whichever one you feel would be the most useful to you. When we look for things to be thankful for we tend to look outward. I want you to do something different. I want you to take a look at yourself and be thankful for the times you have done something for yourself.

Just like when you are in an airplane, you need to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping the person next to you. Therefore, what have you done for yourself? What have you done to take care of number one, you?

Have you been eating healthy, exercising regularly, read a good book, got a massage, took a college course, or anything else you have done just for you? Thank yourself for putting you at the top of your list for a change. Oh! And while you are at it, be in gratitude for all the natural talents you possess.

The whole point of being in gratitude is that it puts you in a different frame of mind, your outlook on your friends, family, work, community, and even the world changes. Even when things did not turn out the way you would have liked, be grateful for the learning experience because now you have gained the wisdom to handle the situation differently.

Being in a state of gratitude effects your whole being from your language, to your demeanor, to how you carry yourself. It becomes a part of you. You embody the emotion and it shows up in everything you do. And who doesn't like being around someone who is always in gratitude? 

Let gratitude be your attitude.

Using the Power of Visualisation to Achieve Your Goals

Visualisation is a very powerful method for keeping your motivation level high and focused on achieving your goals. It works because images are more emotive and memorable than words. It engages your mind on a deeper, subconscious level.  Here are some ideas about
how to visualise:

Relax first

To start with you need to get into a relaxed state. Find somewhere quiet and calm and either lie down or sit comfortably. Notice your breathing and then start to breathe more deeply - breathe in for a count of 5, imagining your stomach blowing up like a balloon, hold it briefly and then breathe out slowly for a count of 5. Repeat this a few times. Now focus on using your breathing to help you relax your body completely. With your next breath feel any tension in your scalp melt away and with the next feel the muscles around your eyes relax. 

Continue like this moving to your cheeks, mouth, chin, neck, shoulders and down your arms (imagine feeling your breath flowing down your arms to your fingertips). Then feel your chest loosening, your lower body, and your thighs and then down your lower legs to your toes.

Form a picture

Now you are nice and relaxed start to form a picture in your mind of what you would be doing having achieved your goal. Where would you be? Who would you be with? What would you be wearing? How would you be standing, sitting, moving? See it as if through your own eyes not as if you were seeing yourself on a screen. Don't worry if at first you can't "see" much; just keep painting the picture in as much detail as possible. What can you see, hear, feel, smell, and touch? Imagine interacting with others; make it a movie rather than a still photo.

Increase the intensity

Increase the brightness of the colours, the clarity of the sounds, etc and as you do you should feel the positive emotions that you expect achieving your goal to bring you. You might make the picture/movie larger than life. Now enjoy the sensations.

Visualise daily

Schedule a regular time at least once a day, preferably twice, to indulge in this visualisation experience. It's especially effective to do it before you go to sleep and first thing in the morning.

Visualisation 2.0

Here are 3 further suggestions to take your visualisation to the next level.

First, create a vision board. This is just a collection of images that relate to your goal. You could use a cork board and place it somewhere prominent so you will see it and reflect on it regularly. If the pictures don't get you excited about achieving your goals, find some that do.

Second, record your voice talking you through an ideal day having achieved your goal as if it was already happening. Then when you do your visualisation, play this back to help your focus.

Third, create a mind movie. This means collecting and combining an inspiring and motivational piece of music with a slide show of images that relate to your goal and add affirmations or affirmations to the slides too. You can do this yourself but there is software available to create these more easily, just type in mind movies to your search engine.

Author - Dawn Marchant

Your Thoughts Create Your Reality

This short video presentation has some interesting information about the Law of Attraction and how it affects our lives ...

 

The Key To Being Happy Is To Flip Your Thoughts

The key to success and being happy is to learn how to flip your thoughts. This sounds interesting right? Well it can be incredibly effective in many aspects of our lives. Many of us start something with full enthusiasm for it, but soon lose that enthusiasm and begin thinking negatively. One of the most negative things that we think is "I can't do it", when the truth of the matter is that we can, especially if we put our minds to it.
 

I have learnt that if I flip my thoughts then the negative ones I originally had can become positive ones. If I can do this, then so can you. It is hard work, but once you learn how to successfully do it then the reward is well worth it. Yes it can be tiring and even painful, but take your time and focus on the benefits, which in this case is being happy.

You will need to think of your goal (happiness and what stands in the way of it). Take the negative thoughts that are making you unhappy and find a way to flip them into positive ones. Don't focus on the difficulties of it. Instead focus on the benefits of it. If you are focusing on things you can't do or can't achieve then focus on what you can do, and what you need to do to achieve being happy.

Before you can achieve happiness and flip your thoughts regarding something, you will need to learn how to become aware of your thoughts. Unfortunately many of us think negatively without realizing we are actually doing it. Start off by monitoring the things that you think, this will make you more aware of the negative thoughts you have, now tell yourself to stop. Spend the first day or two allowing yourself to be aware of your thoughts and then try to flip the negative ones you have. This takes time, and after some practice you will get good at it. It won't take too long before you start achieving your goal of being happy. So let's take a detailed look at how to apply it.

Unfortunately it is the negative thoughts that we have that spoil our happiness, and make us feel down.

There may be a number of different things that pass though our thoughts each day that make us unhappy, so therefore you need to become aware of them and then flip them. For example, you feel like a failure as you haven't got to the place you wanted in life. Now flip those thoughts and think how much you have achieved and what you have to be grateful for, this could be your family, friends, health or even materialistic things. Think to yourself that although you're not at the place you want to be right now, that you are taking positive action and are going to reach your goal of being happy soon.

Try it for yourself and you will see that positive thoughts really do work.

Author: Jonathan Lee Jenkins