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Intentional Living – How to Add Play and Joy to Your Day!

Play is a conduit for joy. It is about how we connect socially, learn, and experience our environment. When we play, our brains form essential neural connections. Connects that promote empathy, creativity, and cooperation. Play is not a requirement or an obligation.

The definition of play is to engage in an activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than for a serious or practical purpose. It could be the action of playing games, such as board games, cards, or sports. Play is imaginative. It is a state of mind where one has become absorbed in enjoyable activities. Play releases endorphins, a chemical in your body that makes you feel good and promotes well-being.

Play makes up some of our best memories as a child. Yet, many people forget how to play and need to incorporate play back into their daily lives. Play is important to being happy, but also to our social relationships and our creativity.

I am adding joy to play, as it is a side effect of playing. Play is a gateway to joy. Play fuels our imagination, encourages risk-taking, and invites us to explore new ideas.

The Importance of Play

Joy and relaxation

Joy is an emotional state of being happy and delighted. It is a feeling of being uplifted, content, and fulfilled. Relaxation is a state of calmness, free from tension or stress. It allows our bodies and minds to refresh. Play triggers joy and relaxation.

Brain Function

Some play activities, such as puzzles or chess, stimulate your brain. Play can support cognitive development; it is a type of exercise for your brain. It is believed to help to prevent memory problems and improve brain function. Thus, strengthening networks of brain connections.

Creativity

Playing helps unleash creativity. Adults with a more relaxed and playful mindset find increased problem-solving abilities. Creativity involves producing something novel, unique, and adaptive. Engaging in play catalyzes creativity, encouraging innovative thinking. Play is the base of all art.

“Ritual grew up in sacred play; poetry was born in play and nourished on play; music and dancing were pure play. We have to conclude, therefore, that civilization in its earliest phases, played.”

John Huizinga

Social Connection and Relationships

Play is an essential part of building and maintaining relationships. Sharing laughter and fun with others helps us learn empathy, compassion, and trust, strengthening intimacy. Adults take part in many activities tied to others, such as birthday parties, sports, and the arts.

Work Productivity

Play can make work more productive and pleasurable. Playful banter helps people build connections and generate new ideas. Many corporations have integrated the Fish Philosophy into their companies. The Fish Philosophy is based on four principles: Be There, Play, Make Their Day, and Choose Your Attitude. The play component is to tap into your natural way of being creative, enthusiastic, and having fun. It is the spirit that drives your curiosity. It is about changing your mindset in the work environment. We can play at work and become more connected and productive. The Fish Philosophy was born at the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market which draws large crowds to watch the fishmongers work. The workers changed their attitude and made work fun.

Pleasure

When we play, neurochemistry reactions trigger pleasure. We experience joy when our bodies release endorphins, nature’s mood enhancers. Oxytocin, often called the love or hug hormone, is triggered by touch, increasing our feelings of bonding. Oxytocin elicits trust, positive memories, and a sense of satisfaction when we are with people we care about. Then there is dopamine, which is referred to as the reward drug, a feel-good hormone that boosts feelings of happiness and pleasure and improves cognitive abilities.

“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing.”

Charles Schaefer

Ways to Incorporate Play into Daily Routine

Let’s get back to setting intentional goals. Life is busy and sometimes chaotic; our days pass quickly as we live in a complex society. As an adult, you have many obligations limiting your free time. Adding play elements to your day can have health benefits, reduce stress, and bring joy. Embrace playfulness. Engage in activities that make your heart sing.

In our youth, we explore many forms of play; think back to your childhood. What types of games did you play? As adults, we can tap into some of those forms of fun and connection.
Spend time with others; invite family and friends to join you in board or card games.
Look at taking up a new hobby, such as photography, painting, or golf.
Learning can be fun; take a cooking class, or learn a new language. The process of learning is itself playful.
Let’s get physical. Dance, swim, bike, play frisbee, tennis, or any activities that get you moving, engaging with others, and have fun.
Laughter is the essence of playfulness. Watch a comedy show, read funny books, or follow humorous social media. Share laughter and create memories with friends and family. A good laugh lightens the heart.
Playing mindfully helps you chill out. Coloring books, doodling, or practicing yoga can be playful and calming.
Play with your pets. Pets bring out the playful side of you. Take them to the dog park, throw a ball, and run and jump with them. Pets like to play as much as humans, and the play will also enhance their lives.
Create a playful environment, decorate your area at home, and work with playful tokens. Colorful artwork or quirky accessories. Surround yourself with things that brighten your day and make you smile.

The Benefits of Play for Adults, by HelpGuide.org

The Side Effects of Play

Play brings Joy. Joy is a core human experience that often eludes a clear definition. Joy is one of seven core emotions. It’s an enduring, deep delight involving our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Joy makes us want to play, expand our curiosity, and connect with others.

Play is a source of social engagement; it helps us connect with family and friends. Studies show that playful and joyful people have less chance of a heart attack, maintain healthier blood pressure, and tend to have lower cholesterol levels. There’s research to prove that joy boosts our immune systems, fights stress and pain, and improves our chance of living a longer life. Being joyful could literally add years to life.

Joyful people are kinder and more successful. Joy isn’t just a passive feeling; we can actively practice it. Like a habit, it becomes woven into our existence.

Finding your Joy, by Andrea Brandt, Ph.D. M.F.T., Psychology Today

Conclusion

“This is the real secret of life — to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.”

Alan Watts

Play is often defined as an activity done for its own sake; the process is more important than any endpoint or goal. It is self-motivated. When playing, time seems to stop. Psychologists call this “the play state.” Play can be physical activity, such as riding a bike or using your imagination.

Play does not have a specific purpose; it is having fun and enjoying yourself. Play enhances your overall well-being. It has the potential to elevate how you live your life. So, set some intentional goals to add more play to your life; reach out for the joy!

Let’s Get Intentional!

Citations

Photo by Kelli McClintock on Unsplash

Photo by Surface on Unsplash

Photo by D Tan on Unsplash

HOW to Find Joy, Hope, and Positivity in the Darkness, with Gurdeep Pandher. https://dahliakurtz.substack.com/p/gurdeep

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Intentional Living – Sleep, Rest, and Restoring Our Energy

Sleep is a foundation for everything else we do in life; it is a basic human need. Intentional rest is vital for overall well-being, not just for this week, but for your lifetime. Not getting enough sleep or sleep disruptions can have long-term effects on your health. Research shows that getting enough quality sleep at the right time is vital for mental and physical health, quality of life, and safety.

"Sleep is an investment in the energy you need to be effective tomorrow." - Tom Roth

We design our lives by the choices we make. Consciously prioritize sleep and rest by setting time aside; make it a goal to change your habits. We will look at why sleep and rest are essential to your health, as well as look at different types of rest needed to balance your life.

Not getting enough sleep has serious consequences on your health. According to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of California’s Keck School of Medicine, “Sleep debt, also called sleep deficit, is the difference between the amount of sleep someone needs and the amount they get, sleep affects our ability to think, react, remember and solve problems.”

Not Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep can affect our mood, ability to think, memory, and attention span. The American Sleep Association reports that 50-70 million adults in the U.S. have a sleep disorder. Our brains function less efficiently.
Sleep deficiency can lead to injuries and loss of productivity. It can interfere with work, school, and social functioning. As you age, you have an increased risk of dementia.
Can contribute to developing mental disorders like anxiety, depression, suicide, or risk-taking.
Coping skills are compromised, such as your ability to deal with stress.
Lack of sleep weakens your immune system.
Long-term sleep deficiency increases the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, some forms of cancer, and heart disease.
It affects your respiratory system, making you vulnerable to respiratory infections, like colds or the flu.
Lowers your libido; insomnia and chronic sleep deficits have been associated with lower sexual desire in both men and women.
Disrupts hormones that regulate appetite, leading to weight gain.

Lack of sleep leaves you physically tired. You need energy to live each day to the fullest.

Sweet Dreams: Sleep Awareness Week, March 12-18, by Vail Health Foundation

Proper Sleep Facilitates

In children and teens, sleep helps support growth and development.
Studies show that a good night’s sleep improves learning, creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Your immune system produces antibodies and cytokines to fight infection.
Heals and repairs your heart and blood vessels.
Regulates hormones, such as insulin.
Strengthens your immune system.
Decreases your risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and stroke.
Your body removes waste products from your brain during deep sleep.

Hey, what are you waiting for? This is great; all these brain and body benefits from just getting enough sleep each night. In developing your intentional living plan, you must include your sleep quality as a goal. As you can see, sleep affects your daily life, and the longer you go without quality sleep, the more damage you do to your brain and body. Intentional living is about taking control and making deliberate decisions to move toward a better you.

“Sleep deprivation is an illegal torture method outlawed by the Geneva Convention and international courts, but most of us do it to ourselves.” – Ryan Hurd

How Sleep Affects Your Health, by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Taking a Break

Resting is also essential. When we say rest, we mean taking a breather or unwinding. It usually involves activities that are calming. Another good intentional goal would be to schedule breaks and set a time for deliberate rest breaks. This is taking a walk, reading a book, socializing, or doing a puzzle. Try to unplug your screens and technology. Even with the right amount of sleep per night, our days may be taxing, draining our energy reserve. Think of a break as recharging your internal battery. We think and perform better when we have the energy.

7 Types of Rest

Picture of a racoon resting on a tree branch.

There are seven types of rest: physical, mental, emotional, sensory, creative, social, and spiritual.

Physical rest could be hanging out in a tree like this raccoon. Or sitting below the tree, admiring nature. Taking a walk, or it could be meditation, deep breathing, or just sitting quietly.

Mental rest could include listening to music, which has a soothing effect on our mind and body and can relax or excite us. Find something relaxing. When you immerse yourself in melodies, your brain responds by releasing endorphins, which are mood-boosters. Music can also lower the stress hormone cortisol, slowing your heart rate.

Emotional Rest allows us to recharge our emotional energy. We need to learn to set boundaries with others and say no when needed. Find a safe place to deal with your emotions, a place where you feel comfortable expressing yourself. Being authentic will help regulate your emotions, as being anything else drains your emotional energy.

Our senses also need to rest. We live in a loud world with lots of noise and distractions. First and foremost, we need a detox time from our gadgets. I know; I love my digital world like the next person. However, our attention is addicted to the pings, rings, and other ways our digital tools call to us. A constant call! Spend time outside in the fresh air; nature is a great way to unhook.

If you are creative, use your creativity as a form of rest. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s book, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, teaches us about getting into the flow, and art is a form of flow. Your muse could be writing, music, or painting; let your creativity express itself. You will feel rejuvenated. For me, doodling is a form of rest as it brings me back to a quiet, restful mental state. Flow is a state of complete absorption and enjoyment in an activity.

Social rest is allocating time alone. People can drain your energy level, and you may need to regenerate your mental well-being. I am an extrovert and still need time to charge my energy after social encounters. Balance is essential in our lives. Be social, but pull back as needed, and find quiet time to recharge.

Spiritual rest is your connection to a higher power. It is about finding meaning and purpose in our lives. Our soul is just as important as our physical bodies, caring for our soul and restoring our spirit. The rest could be prayer, mediation, or community involvement.

Intentional living moves you to a place of control over your actions and behaviors. Reflection helps you assess where you are now and how to improve your life.

"Early to bed and early to rise makes a man/woman healthy, wealthy, and wise." - Benjamin Franklin

Conclusion

Sleep is essential for well-being and wellness. So, let’s recap: Sleeping can improve your brain and your body’s functioning and help regulate your emotions. A good night’s sleep can make you more productive at school or work. Ah, and yes, you wake up feeling good. You could have enough energy to live your life.

Prioritizing quality sleep, aiming for 7-9 hours per night, can improve your health. Listen to your body for cues. If you are tired, rest. Give yourself time to relax. This could look like cooking, painting, listening to music, or playing an instrument. It could be sitting on your porch with a cup of coffee and a good book. Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, without judgment. Regular practice can increase relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Research by the University of Sydney suggests that people with unhealthy lifestyles are 43% more likely to end up in a nursing home. Even if you are 20, your long-term health depends on your current work.

Making sound decisions about your lifestyle can change the quality of your life. Your daily habits regarding diet, exercise, sleep, and socialization build that lifestyle. Examine your habits and start with small steps. Learn as much as you can about your health and well-being.

It is not just about one habit, good or bad; it is a bigger picture. Our lifestyle is like a puzzle; when all the pieces work well, you are healthy and productive and can reach your highest potential. When any of the pieces of the puzzle break down, you could be faced with illness, anxiety, and unhappiness.

Stay tuned to my blog; next month, I will take you on a journey to finding the puzzle pieces. May will be about well-being. But we have more intentional living topics coming in the next couple of weeks.

Citations

Photo by Kate Stone Matheson on Unsplash

Photo by Isabella Fischer on Unsplash

Photo by Simon Infanger on Unsplash

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Intentional Living – Navigating Challenges and Setbacks

Intentional living is a deliberate way of living your life. It does not make life perfect, nor will it wipe out all your challenges. Intentional living equips individuals with the tools to face life’s challenges with resilience and learned optimism. Studies show that those who practice intentionality are more effective at bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining a positive outlook, even in difficult times.

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." - Henry Ford

We all face challenges and setbacks in our lives. Many things happen around us we cannot control, but we may need to navigate through those hard times. How do you face these dark days?

Resilience is an inner strength that helps us navigate and move forward. It is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to challenging life experiences through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility. You can learn resilience and set intentional goals to build this internal strength.

Learned optimism is another tool, it is a concept introduced by Martin Seligman, the founding father of positive psychology. The concept asserts we can develop a positive perspective by consciously challenging negative self-talk and adopting more optimistic attitudes and behaviors.

Unbreakable You: How Goals Forge Resilience, by Linda L. Pilcher

“Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.”
Roger Crawford

Living with intention unlocks the power to shape our lives according to our deepest values and dreams.

Navigating Challenges and Setbacks

A positive mental attitude helps you overcome setbacks. Sift your perspective from negative thoughts and focus on solutions; change your mindset to a more optimistic view.

Challenges and setbacks are part of life; everyone experiences them. Many setbacks are opportunities for personal or professional growth. Resilience can be learned, so build resilience by learning from challenges and adapting. In trying to get the book Chicken Soup for the Soul published, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen were rejected 144 times. Chicken Soup for the Soul is now a consumer goods and media company based in Connecticut. The book has been translated into 42 languages and published in over 100 countries. It has sold over 500 million copies.

Daily gratitude is about shifting your focus from what you do not have to what you have. Set an intentional goal to be grateful daily. Stop and take time to assess your life, especially during tough times, and find something to be thankful for.

Daily routines can help set the tone for the day. Building intentional habits and rituals into your day provides structure and consistency. Routines eliminate constant decision-making. For example, don’t struggle about when you are going to exercise. Set a time and make that your ritual. Mine is walking a mile at daybreak; I don’t have to think about it or decide; I am up and ready. This one routine sets the tone for my day. Remember, we design our lives by the choices we make.

Learned optimism involves developing the ability to view the world from a positive point of view, by challenging pessimistic thoughts.

Through learned optimism, you can learn to focus on the solutions instead of dwelling on the problem. We need to consciously challenge negative self-talk and adopt a more optimistic attitude. Learned optimism involves recognizing and challenging pessimistic thoughts and seeing them as temporary setbacks.

Resilience is not something someone can give you; you must learn the skills to cope with life’s ups and downs. Feeling overwhelmed after setbacks is common. Allow these feelings, but don’t dwell on them; instead, focus on what matters.

Resilience can be learned.

“You have setbacks in your life, and adversity. You can be discouraged about it or have courage to get through it and be better.”
Austin Seferian-Jenkins

Stories of Resilience and Triumph

Two stories have strongly inspired me as I overcame a silent disease. These two men are my heroes because they pursued their passions, focused on what was important, and affected other people’s lives by showing the way to overcome challenges and setbacks.

Doug Landis

Doug Landis’ story on his website. I was not an artist until I broke my neck in a high school wrestling match and was paralyzed from the neck down. Being a quadriplegic. I decided not to dwell on what I couldn’t do, but to explore what I could do. I taught myself to draw and paint by mouth. To overcome my limited reach, I learned to draw upside down and sideways to create the intricate details that have become my style. I love wildlife, and their beauty inspires me every day.

Doug’s story teaches us that if there is a will, there is a way, and that passion can be a driving force in our lives.

Nick Vujicic

Nick was born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a very rare disorder characterized by the absence of all four limbs. Nick Vujicic is a Christian evangelist and motivational speaker. As a child, Nick was sent to public school, where he was bullied and teased constantly. When Nick was 17, his high school janitor changed his life forever. The janitor told Nick he was going to be a speaker and encouraged him to share his story.

Since then, Nick has traveled to over sixty countries and inspired millions of people worldwide. Nick is married and has four children. Nick took control of his life and found a purpose. He is happy, productive, and able to do so much more than anyone would have expected.

Nick Vujicic’s story teaches us that anything is possible with a positive attitude. Never lose hope and believe in yourself. Keep moving forward without looking back. A purpose-driven life can overcome challenges and setbacks.

Look for stories of people who have overcome their challenges and setbacks.

Stephen King- Rejected by 30 publishers. King has published 65 novels/novellas, five non-fiction books, as well as over 200 short stories.
Stephen Hawking, a physicist, cosmologist, and author who took on impossible odds. Despite his physical challenges of a diagnosis of a rare and debilitating motor neuro disease at 21 and left confined to a wheelchair, unable to speak without a computer. Hawkins became one of our time’s most influential scientists.
J. K. Rowling finally finished her first draft of what would become ‘Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone.’ However, the book was rejected by no less than twelve publishers! She was a struggling single mother living on government assistance. Her books are sold worldwide, and she inspires a global phenomenon. She has become an advocate for social justice and equality, using her platform to raise social awareness.
Margaret Mitchell was rejected 38 times before she published Gone With the Wind.
Jim Carrey faced personal challenges, including battles with depression and the death of loved ones. He shared his story about his struggles and depression and has used his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues.

Conclusion

Being a person who’s dealt with chronic illness my entire life, I am not blinded by the fact that in your dark days, things look different; things feel different. But you need to have control of your mind and your thoughts. You have control over what you can do in your life and how you design each day.

Overcoming specific setbacks in intentional living is about resilience and a positive mental attitude. Life is like a roller coaster; it is full of challenges. Some days, we are on the way up, and other days, we are looking at a deep decline, but in the long run, it balances out.

So, part of intentional living is finding grounding in your life, finding a purpose that you believe deeply in, that will carry you through these hard days. Life is always going to hand us challenges. You can either face them head-on or try to hide or ignore them.

Stories of resilience and triumph have a profound and inspiring effect on people. Stories humanize experiences; we connect with their struggles and emotions. Stories of resilience provide hope. They show that in our darkest hours, there is hope and the possibility for growth, turning challenges into opportunities. Finding role models helps show us that a positive mental attitude can fuel our potential. Look around you; you may find some of these heroes in your close environment. Family or friends who have struggled and overcome those dark days.

Challenges and setbacks are part of life; everyone experiences them. Many setbacks are opportunities for personal or professional growth. Look inside yourself, seek the focus and clarity you need to take control, and become intentional in your daily life. Challenges and setbacks can paralyze you, keeping you from your aspirations. You can learn to deal with these setbacks and keep your life moving forward in a progressive direction.

In John Maxwell’s book Intentional Living, he states that intentional living equips us with the resilience needed to navigate life’s inevitable obstacles. Developing resilience involves building a mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

Setbacks are not roadblocks; they’re detours on the path of intentional living. It is not about avoiding obstacles, but intentionally choosing how to overcome them.

Let’s Get Intentional!

Citations

Photo by Daoudi Aissa on Unsplash, Dark clouds

Photo by Dedu Adrian on Unsplash, Sunny Day

Large cat, art by Doug Landis, www.mouthart.com

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Intentional Living – Nourishing Your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Intentionality is about making deliberate choices in how you live your life. It is about owning your time and actions and developing a purposeful plan. Whether building better relationships, prioritizing health, or becoming a lifelong learner, intentional living leads to positive outcomes. It is a lifestyle that encourages you to identify your priorities and values and live in alignment with them every day.

"Knowledge has power. It controls access to opportunity and advancement." - Peter Drucker

As a teacher, an artist, and a writer, my life’s purpose and work are built on my knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs). The three elements blend harmoniously to create competence – your ability to do something successfully or efficiently. Competence empowers you to exert control over your life, tackle challenges effectively, and change your behavior and environment. Competency is a key to opening opportunities in your personal and professional endeavors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Defined

Knowledge

Knowledge is how well you know concepts and facts, the range of your information and understanding. It is information that you possess and can apply to perform a job, such as understanding policies and procedures or federal regulations. In an office, it might be knowing how to prepare a report. In an industry, you need more specific knowledge, such as in medicine, engineering, or aerospace. It is the process of gaining and incorporating new knowledge and information. It involved actively seeking knowledge through education, reading, research, training, and asking questions.

Bloom’s Taxonomy is a classification of the different levels of thinking or knowledge. It was developed to help teachers and students in the classroom. It is an excellent model for understanding how we think and acquire knowledge.

Bloom’s Taxonomy in education recognizes four types of knowledge: Factual Knowledge of terminology and details, Conceptual Knowledge of relationships among pieces of concepts or theories, Procedural Knowledge of processes and methods of theories and problems, and Metacognitive Knowledge of learning strategies and processes. There are six aspects of learning: Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating, and Creating.

Skills

Skills are proficiencies developed through practice and experience; knowing how to prepare a document professionally is a valuable skill. Examples of skills are public speaking, leadership, time management, and carpentry skills. Learning new skills requires deliberate practice and persistence. To master a skill, practice is critical. Experience builds competence. We also seek training and learning from others to develop our skills. Think of it as a commitment to lifelong learning.

The World Health Organization defines life skills as “the ability for adaptive and positive behavior that enables individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life.” These include critical thinking, interpersonal/communication skills, and coping and self-management skills. Some skills, such as accounting, are complex, so identified as hard skills. They are specific and measurable and can be taught and assessed. Soft skills are difficult to measure, yet essential for a good life. Soft skills include a mix of social skills, interpersonal communication, know-how, and character traits that help one in their private, social, and professional lives.

These skills are usually clubbed into three major categories:

Thinking skills (critical thinking, creative thinking, problem solving, decision making)
Personal skills (self-awareness, self-management)
Interpersonal skills (communication skills, empathy, cooperation)

101 Useful Skills to Develop and Why They’re Worth Knowing, by Indeed Editorial Team

Abilities

Where skills are learned, abilities represent your capacity to perform specific actions that enable you to express skills. Abilities are often innate or natural. For example, you may have a natural inclination to music. Playing an instrument might be your natural talent. Then a musician can set goals regarding this talent, to build on their skills. They practiced, studied, and practiced more. Examples of abilities are physical coordination, problem-solving, organization, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

"Everyone has their own talents. It's up to the individual to see what you can actually do." - Win Butler

These three elements of knowledge, skills, and abilities work together to fully help us live our lives. Acquiring the proper blend of these elements is needed for success. As we determine our purpose, we need to set some goals for managing our KSAs and continuing growth.

Living intentionally requires slowing down, digging deep, and being mindful of your actions. The first step is to accept that life comprises choices. We can choose to connect with our beliefs, or we can choose to let others guide our decisions.

“It is never too late to be who you might have been.”
George Elliot

Being an intentional learner means investing time, energy, and maybe finances into skills and training that will create the future you desire.

As we go through life, we do not always know how to use the skills we are learning. Yet, we practice, practice, practice until we have mastered the skill. As we become adults, some skills are set on the back burner as we learn new skills. Life can take many paths, and we cannot predict which path we will end up on. We meet a new person, get a new job, and move to a new location, all change our trajectory.

My example is that as a child, I immersed myself in art. Art was a part of my everyday life; I drew or painted for hours and hours. I did not know that what I was doing was practicing, learning, and enforcing the skills. But I became exceptionally good at art. Practicing drawing and painting taught me patience, diligence, and clarity, which are the building blocks of vital skills as an artist. It all takes time.

The skills I cultivated as a young artist, evolved as I matured. I learned to plan, visualize outcomes, and mentally grasp three-dimensional spaces. Strategic thinking emerged – seeing patterns, envisioning flow. These skills seamlessly flowed into my work, hobbies, and adaptability to learn new ones.

Intentional living is about making conscious decisions about how you are living your life. Too often, people move through their days without a plan or being aware of the day. As in taking care of your body through exercise and nutrition, we must be mindful of our cognitive abilities. What goals can you set in your life? Improving your knowledge, skills, and abilities requires a proactive plan.

Strategies for Improving your KSAs

Read books, articles, and research materials related to your interest. We may do this for work, but do you study for your other life goals? The diversity of your sources will help you to gain a well-rounded perspective. Take a class or go to workshops or seminars; the internet provides classes and webinars. Or, as many of us know, you can learn just about anything from YouTube videos. We live in a culture where education is everywhere.

“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Dr. Seuss

Practice deliberately. Consistent and deliberate practice is the cornerstone of skill improvement. Focus on mastering each step. The pattern of trying, failing, refining your approach, and trying again is the heart of building all behavior skills. Deliberate practice creates expertise.

Network and collaborate, interact with peers and mentors. Engage in discussions and attend conferences. Exposure to different viewpoints prompts idea exchange and can help you learn.

Practice regular reflection, which is a diagnostic skill that helps intentional learners evaluate themselves to determine their learning needs. It is a simple practice that can have a significant impact on your performance in many ways.

Mind the gap, take an inventory of your KSAs, who you are today, and what tools you need for tomorrow.

Conclusion

Being intentional means making deliberate choices to reflect on what is most important to us. These deliberate choices can help us maintain a positive outlook, reach goals, and experience more clarity. It also allows us to focus and commit to our lives, bringing us more purpose and meaning.

"Make each day your Masterpiece." - John Wooden

This is about resetting your perspective. When you live intentionally, you experience living in the moment; it is not about the past or necessarily the future; you are working on your life choices. Here and Now. You learn from the situations and experiences you are having now, knowing that you have the power to change. Yes, the future is important, but not Here and Now. We prepare for the future we want by being intentional Today.

Improvement takes time and effort. Perseverance and determination will get you there. There may be setbacks, but setting a goal and keeping your eye on the goal will help.

Being intentional is about adopting a mindset that you can deliberately enter into at any time. It creates an opportunity to live purposefully, guided by what is important to you. There is no one-size-fits-all.

Let’s set goals for knowledge, skills, and abilities.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Abraham Lincoln

Citations

Photo by Manuel Nägeli on Unsplash

Photo by Jackson Films on Unsplash

Photo by Sean Oulashin on Unsplash

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Intentional Living – Nourishing Your Social Connections and Skills

Human interaction is vital to our well-being. Social engagement can boost our mood and make us happy. We do not live in isolation; we need people to survive, thrive, innovate, and find purpose in our existence. Intentional socializing is not about quantity; it is about quality. As we set our intentional social goals, one of our priorities is relationships.

“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship." -Brene Brown.

A strong social support system that nourishes your soul and contributes to your mental health. Intentional engagement can reduce feelings of loneliness. Meaningful relationships provide emotional support.

Intentional living involves making conscious choices that align with your values, beliefs, and aspirations. Setting goals helps us stop drifting through life, allowing us to shape our lives and relationships actively.

Intentional goals for social engagement include social intelligence, which is understanding the world of engagement, as well as your communication skills toolbox. Yes, you can improve your social skills. So, let’s set some goals today.

“I am a part of all that I have met.”
Lord Tennyson

Relationships need to be nurtured – set goals for the critical relationships in your life. Just as we seek clarity in our educational or financial goals, we also need to seek clarity in our relationships. Essential relationships in your life should be a high priority.

Let’s look at some components of relationships and social engagement so we can set goals for improving our current relationships and building new ones. We will look at the definitions of social intelligence, play, and loneliness.

Social Intelligence

Social intelligence is the ability to understand the skills we need to live well in the world. In Daniel Goleman’s book, Social Intelligence, he discusses social awareness, which is a spectrum that runs from instantaneously sensing another’s inner state to understanding their feelings and thoughts to getting through complicated social situations. Social intelligence is learned through experience with people and learning from both successes and failures.

People who are good at social interactions understand the different social roles and norms that govern interaction. They are good at listening and helping others to feel connected after interactions. They pay attention to other behaviors and words. Socially intelligent people are aware of the impression they create balancing authenticity with managing how others perceive them.

Goleman lays out what social awareness entails. Feeling what others feel and sensing their nonverbal emotional signals is our primary empathy. Attunement is our skill of listening to others with complete receptivity, attuning to that person’s communication. Empathetic accuracy relates to our understanding of another person’s thoughts, feelings, and intentions. In any social situation, we read non-verbal signals and verbal signals, taking a reading of the other person. Their facial expressions, hand gestures, and how they hold their bodies are all a part of the communication process. It is also necessary to know how the social world works, with is our social cognition.

Goleman discusses how sensing how others feel or knowing what they think or intend does not guarantee successful interaction. Another term that Goleman uses is social facility, which is how we build social awareness to allow for more effective communication. Social facility includes synchrony, which means interacting smoothly at a nonverbal level. How effective are we at presenting ourselves, and what type of influence do we have on shaping social interaction? The concern about others’ needs and acting accordingly. In essence, the ability to read and sense another person’s emotions, even when they stop sending signals. We all experience an understanding of other feelings or emotions without them saying a word. You ask your friend if something is wrong, even when they have not told you about any problems. You feel their feelings.

Play

Play in childhood is how we learn to navigate the social world. According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology, play is defined as activities that appear to be freely sought and pursued solely for the sake of individual or group enjoyment.

Play is one of the most effective tools for keeping relationships fresh and exciting. Engaging in play brings joy, vitality, and resilience to a relationship. Through regular play, we learn to trust one another and feel safe. By spending more time playing, we can enhance our social connections to flourish.

"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw

As adults, getting together with friends for a meal, having coffee, playing a board game, or taking a dance class are forms of play. It could be as simple as a playful conversation. Play is a time to forget about work and commitments and to be social in a creative or unstructured way. It is a way of cultivating happiness.

“Think back to the most important experiences of your life, the highest highs, the greatest victories, the most daunting obstacles overcome. How many happened to you alone? I bet there are very few. When you understand that being connected to others is one of life’s greatest joys, you realize that life’s best comes when you initiate and invest in solid relationships.”
John C. Maxwell

The Loneliness Epidemic

According to a 2018 survey conducted by Cigna, 48% of Generation Zers surveyed identified as lonely, 69% felt as though people around them are not “with them” and 68% feel like “nobody truly knows them.” Other generations also identified as being lonely overall. Millennials came in at 45%, Gen X came in at 45%, Boomers came in at 42%.

Loneliness is a factor that leads to psychiatric disorders and has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. So, being lonely can lead to a decline in the quality of your life. This is a good reason to gain better communication skills, to connect with others.

The COVID pandemic left a mark across the world, as people were sent home to work and attend school via Zoom. Many people felt loneliness for the first time, and there is still a lingering mark from this global event. Too many people are living much of their days in a virtual world.

Social engagement reduces loneliness and contribute to mental health and well-being.

10 Tips for How to Make Friends, by Dr. John Delony

Can you develop stronger social intelligence?

Yes, you can. Social intelligence is a skill that can be developed. Developing social intelligence is an intentional goal. It is a natural skill for some, but anyone can learn it.

Observe your surroundings and watch people interact. Pay attention to their body language and any unspoken signals. Take note of individuals who excel in social situations. What are they doing to engage with others and create meaningful connections?

Learn more about emotional intelligence, which involves managing your own emotions and empathizing with others. Communication is about emotions; be aware of your own feelings, which will help with recognizing the emotions in others.

Improve your communication skills. Listening is one of the most important of these skills. Truly listen when others speak, understanding their perspectives and feelings. Work on your ability to engage in meaningful conversations, show some vulnerability, and open up to others to help them open up to you. Be yourself; we all want to present a positive impression, but do not compromise your authenticity.

“Friendship is based on the oldest and most intrinsic human awareness that there is more to life than just ourselves.”
Christopher Hansard

Join a social group or organization. These opportunities can expand your personal and professional growth, introduce you to more people, and allow you to practice your communication skills. Let me plug in for Toastmasters International, a nonprofit organization that helps people develop communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. It is a club where people meet regularly to give speakers education and feedback in a safe, supportive environment while working on improving their communication skills, including nonverbal skills.

Relationships

Connecting with others requires you to reach out, have conversations, give of yourself, and to have an interest in the other person. For example, friendship is not a one-way road, social engagement is how a person connects with others in a community. You can think of it as social involvement or social participation; the degree that you identify, interact with, and emotionally link with another.

One of the most important determinants of living a long life is flourishing close relationships and being involved in your community. Social engagements are vital to fighting loneliness, preventing cognitive decline, and having a good quality of life. Strong relationships also help you recover from stress, anxiety, or depression. The bottom line is that we need to be connected to others.

As with other areas of intentional living, we want to become aware of the relationships with family and friends, of our roles in the community. Our social interactions promote a sense of belonging and community.

100 Social Goal Ideas To Help Develop Your Social Life, by Richard Coward

Conclusion

In 1963, the poet TS Elliot warned that the new medium was spreading into homes, permitting millions of people to listen to the same joke at the same time yet remaining lonesome. We often stay at arm’s length, and it has only become worse as the Internet, iPhones, and iPads have taken over our lives.

Goleman states that civilization is in the midst of vast singularity. We live in a meta world, but the issues that matter most are family, community, and social responsibility. We all see it when we go to a restaurant; entire families have phones to their faces, with no contact with the family around them. People actually text each other when they are in the same room. This is a social disconnect we must become aware of and address in our lives. Is Facebook more important than the person sitting across from you? In a world of virtual interactions, let’s prioritize human connection—it’s essential for our well-being.

We need to devote more time and energy to being with people in our lives that we find most nourishing and reducing the number of emotionally toxic interactions we have in our day. Toxic relationships can drag you down. Be aware of these emotional connections. Remember, we design the life we want by the choices we make.

Set goals for developing stronger social intelligence and skills. Get out with people and practice, play, or join an organization. Put your phone down and look at the other person. Connect!

Intentional living and purposeful socialization are powerful tools for a happier, healthier life. Set your goals, embrace authenticity, and connect with intention.

Let’s Get Intentional!

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Intentional Living – Nourishing Your Mind and Body

My daily chant is Eat-Move-Sleep. These are my top priorities each and every day. Remember, we have 168 hours in a week. Do you want to spend time on the things that matter? Health matters. It is the foundation of well-being and finding life satisfaction. Yes, other areas of our day are just as important. These three areas need to be at the top. In this blog, the month of April will be about intentional living. Make choices that will help you reach your hopes, plans, and dreams.

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." - Hippocrates

Our bodies are like machines. They are meant to be used, worked, and stretched. The more we use our brain and body, the healthier we become.

” Eat Well. Move Daily. Hydrate Often. Sleep Lots. Love your Body.”
Unknown

Health matters most; without it, you cannot function optimally. I have shared with you that I battled chronic illness for most of my life. However, I transformed my lifestyle, changing patterns and listening to my inner voice and habits to become healthy. Did all the bad things go away? No! Yet, I am a very healthy version of my old self. I swear by this triad of needs; Eat – Move – Sleep. Today, I will refer to three books to discuss nourishing our mind and body.

Eat Move Sleep: How Small Choices Lead to Big Changes, by Tom Rath.
The Healthy Deviant: A Rule Breaker’s Guide to Being Healthy in an Unhealthy World, by Pilar Gerasimo
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity, by Peter Attia, M.D.

Intentional living is a purposeful way of approaching life. It is about making conscious choices that resonate with your true self. Intentional living is not about perfection; it is about awareness. Remember, you design the life you want based on the choices you make. Intentional living promotes overall well-being.

Mindful decision-making, pausing and reflecting as we make choices. Does this align with your values and your goals? We say we do not have time, but we control our time. Prioritize what matters most.

We are working on a new way of thinking, reframing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I will talk about Eat-Move-Sleep, using some very informative books as guides. Tom Rath’s book Eat Move Sleep: How Small choices Lead to Big Changes outlines three essential elements of health and well-being. Eating wisely, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest. All critical components of a healthier life and improving your overall quality of life. The book outlines three essential elements of health and well-being. Eating wisely, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest are essential components leading to a healthier life and improving overall quality of life.

Rath suggests making slight adjustments to your food; every bite you take is a small but essential choice. Increasing your movement throughout your day is critical. Sleep and rest are your restorative time, vital to your physical, emotional, and brain health.

In The Healthy Deviant: A Rule Breaker’s Guide to Being Healthy in an Unhealthy World,” Pilar Gerasimo combines sociology, psychology, evolutionary biology, functional medicine, and real-world experiences to present a fresh perspective on well-being. His self-help guide rejects the “one-size-fits-all” approach to dieting and health advice. Instead, it offers practical strategies and tools for achieving health on your terms.

The author, Pilar Gerasimo, introduces a 14-day Healthy-Deviant Adventure Program that includes powerful mindset shifts, daily practices, and tools to empower readers to take charge of their health.

Dr. Attia presents an operating manual for longevity in his book, Outlive, The Science & Art of Longevity. Dr. Attia pulls from the latest science to deliver innovative nutritional interventions, techniques for optimizing exercise and sleep, and tools for addressing emotional and mental health. Dr. Attia believes we must replace our outdated framework with a personalized, proactive strategy for longevity, where we take action now rather than waiting.

We are not talking about starting an exercise program or a new diet. We are discussing changing your lifestyle and resetting your mindset for permanent changes. The principles of this topic are widespread throughout self-growth, self-care, and medical information. First, these are the basic needs of your body and mind. If you do not meet these requirements, it could cost your health.

Small choices related to eating, physical activity, and sleep can accumulate over time, significantly affecting our overall health. Tom Rath emphasizes the importance of making sustainable changes to our lifestyle rather than relying on quick fixes.

All three books advocate for personalized health choices and provide practical tools. The impact of our daily choices on our health and well-being.

Eat - Move - Sleep
Socialize - Learn - Work
Mindfulness
Dance - Music - Create
Be Happy
Find your Joy!
"The goal is to be strong, fluid, and agile as you move through the world." Peter Attia M.D.

A Path to Intentional Nutrition

Eat, Move, Sleep by Tom Rath emphasizes the importance of small, intentional habits for a healthier and more fulfilling life. Rath states that every meal matters, every bite and drink count. The moment you ingest something, it moves to your body, creating positive or negative effects in various places.

Dr. Attia looks at the quality of our years, and the only way to create a better future is to set yourself on a better trajectory. His focus is from a medical perspective, and he talks about the “Four Horsemen: heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, or type 2 diabetes. The goal would be to live a heather lifestyle to improve our chances by avoiding these illnesses, which are often caused by poor lifestyle choices. Thus, can be improved by making better choices.

Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Savor each bite. Prioritize nutritional foods that support your body’s needs, work toward quality over quantity. Intentional eating isn’t just about physical health; it’s about nurturing your relationship with food, body image, and overall well-being.

Become aware of the quality of your food. It is best if you can prepare your own food. I am not a dietitian, but I lost over half of my body weight in part by cooking my own meals. If you become aware of the ingredients of your food versus your nutritional needs; you find that food outside of your house is usually filled with salt, sugar, oil, and butter. The ingredients that make the food taste great are the same ones that, if over-consumed, make us unhealthy and overweight.

Intentional Movement

How much you move affects your overall health and well-being. Think of exercise as medicine. The impact on your health is profound. Exercise plays an essential role in preventing and treating diseases. As little as 15 minutes a day of moderate activity can make a difference. But, more important, it is the hours of inactivity that hurt our bodies, sitting in front of the computer, or TV, and not moving. Make a habit of getting up often. When I first started my movement plan, I would set an alarm on my phone to trigger me to get up and move.

Regular exercise can improve your heart health, help you maintain a normal weight, reduce chronic conditions, and reduce stress. It makes you feel better, more optimistic, and motivated. Exercise improves your brain health and function. Your plan could be as simple as taking a walk every day.

Rath states that exercise is a wonder drug that hasn’t been bottled. Exercise is a way of keeping chronic pain at bay. Researchers have found that exercise enhances the expression of specific health-related genes. After an hour of exercise, they found that the activity altered the way DNA produces specialized muscle proteins and boosts metabolism. This change causes the muscles to burn more fats and sugars, which could reduce the need for a variety of medications.

Important Notice: It is best to check with your doctor before changing your exercise or diet. Your intentional living plan should include your doctor as part of your health plan. They are on your team.

Movement is not just about exercise; it is about limiting inactivity. Focus on avoiding long periods of inactivity. Sitting for extended hours can be detrimental to health. The solution is simple; don’t sit for more than an hour. Get up, move around, and break the sedentary habit.

Why is Sleep Important?

Sleep is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Sleep is a foundation of well-being, as it restores your body. The bottom line is that if we eat right, and move more, then we will get better sleep. When you do these things in combination, you will see an improvement.

During sleep, our bodies repair tissues, consolidate memories, and release growth hormones. It’s like a nightly reset button. Lack of sleep affects cognitive function, memory, and decision-making. Intentional Rest is a powerful tool for fighting illness, emotional balance, and energy loss.

Rath discusses your body’s 24-hour clock called your circadian rhythm which regulates your sleeping and waking cycles. Each organ has its own circadian clock genes that help you operate with efficiency all day long. When your biological clock is disrupted, it contributes to a host of issues, from weight gain to heart problems to depression.

Proper sleep contributes to your health and well-being by restoring your immune system and regulating your blood sugar. Quality sleep also promotes cardiac health.

Conclusion

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live in.”
Jim Rohn

Our bodies and minds are like machines in that they decline if we do not use them. Our bodies are complex, and functionality depends on how we maintain our body and mind. Just as machines rust when unused, our bodies and minds can suffer from nonuse. Once we start breaking down, illness and disease can take over our bodies and minds. Let’s not wage war with our bodies but move toward self-care and optimal quality.

Prepare your meals from a place of deep self-love. Choose foods that truly nourish you, both physically and emotionally. Make conscious choices, be self-aware, and develop a positive relationship with food. Choose the approach that resonates with you and supports your well-being!

Exercise is not just beneficial; it is essential for a longer, healthier life. Choosing to move increases our natural healing powers. It helps our bodies function at an optimal level. Lack of exercise has a negative effect on your body.

When we intentionally prioritize sleep, we practice what matters most regarding our bodies and minds. It’s not about perfection; it’s about creating a sleep sanctuary and listening to our inner cues. A well-rested mind and body contribute to well-being and wellness.

These three areas of intentional living profoundly affect our well-being and wellness. Balancing and developing a better lifestyle and habits can lead to weight loss, strength building, depression management, and stress reduction.

Dr. Attia’s book Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity is a manual for increasing your health and quality of life. A roadmap to changing habits that tear us down. How can we move from a life that may speed up disease to a life working toward longevity? It is about the quality of your years.

Intentional living extends to every aspect of our lives, including what we put on our plates, how much we move, and how well we sleep. Small changes add up to significant improvements in health and vitality. Live intentionally by nourishing your body through mindful eating, regular movement, and restful sleep!

Let’s Get Intentional!

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Flourishing: An Intentional Living Journey

Happy April! We made it through the winter. Now, it is time to ensure we are on our journey to flourishing. This month will be about intentional living; as we design the life we want; we must be mindful of how we live each day.

Being intentional means having the ability to see specific results in the future that, if you achieve them, will help you become the person you want to be. Intentional living is about being more deliberate with your day and activities.

Benefits of Intentional Living

Now, we focus on intentional living. Choosing intentional living is like planting seeds that will bloom in a beautiful array of colors. As you nurture plants and give them the care they require, they bloom. We need to be nurtured as well, and we are the ones who provide this self-care.

Some benefits of intentional living are:

Improved mental health
Better physical health
Healthy relationships
Clarity
Reduced psychological stress
You are aligned with your values
You are happier
Achieve your goals
Being present
Gratitude
Greater fulfillment and satisfaction
More control over your life

Sounds great! Sign me up.

Of course, there is a catch – you will most likely have to change your lifestyle and habits. The catch is you have to put time and effort into working toward these changes. Also, remember that change takes time. You will not do this overnight.

We are working toward eudaimonia, which is “human flourishing”; and a contented state of being happy, healthy, and prosperous.

So, are you flourishing? Let’s ask ourselves some questions.

Do you experience joy and contentment?
Are you immersed in activities that light you up?
Are your relationships deep and meaningful?
Does your life have purpose and meaning?
Are you achieving your goals?

We all want a life that is filled with contentment and purpose. If your answer to the questions above is no. Then you have a starting place. If your answer is yes to all of the above well, we all have room to grow.

Practical Steps to Intentional Living

Take an honest look at how you spend your time. Are your daily actions in line with your values? Start with identifying any disconnects or misalignments between daily actions and intentions.

Know what you want. Prioritize your top values; not all values are equal. Focus on the ones that are most important to your long-term goals.

Be deliberate with your day. Plan your time for the things that matter the most.

Revisit your list of goals regularly. Out of sight – out of mind. By visiting the list often, you are reaffirming your commitment. You can then refocus on your daily intentions.

Be authentic; don’t try to live someone else’s life. There is no right or wrong; you are the one designing the life you want.

Be present. Awareness of your daily choices is essential. We will be changing habits; some are deeply ingrained in our lives, and some are unconscious. Reaching for a candy bar without thinking. Remember that the inner voice is a guide, and you may need to teach this internal dialogue some new language. When I look at a piece of cake now, my inner voice tells me we do not eat cake. I used to grab a bit, a plate, without thinking. It was a journey to retrain myself, but the change has been so valuable in my health. My internal dialogue has been aligned with my deliberate objectives.

21 | John Maxwell – Intentional Living – YouTube

Make sure you set aside time for self-care, rest, and self-reflection. Slow down when it is needed. Take inventory of where you are and what you are doing at this moment.

Routine – A Crucial Role in International Living

Routines act as a framework in which purposeful actions are built. Routines can contribute to your plan in various ways.

Routines provide a sense of order and stability. They create a predictable framework for each day, and this reduces our stress and uncertainty. When we know what to expect, we can focus our intentions on planned choices.
Intentional routines allow us to align our actions with our core beliefs and values. By consciously designing our daily habits, we prioritize what truly matters.
Routines can streamline decision-making. So that we do not constantly evaluate each option, we follow an established pattern. This provides us with efficiency and focus.

Intention is not about rigidity; it is about purpose. By incorporating intentional routines into our lives, we cultivate well-being and productivity.

Conclusion

We all want to be the best version of ourselves. We want to live a life that is authentically ours. You design the life you want by the choices you make. This is where intentional living comes into the picture. Determine your identity and set a path to reaching that person.

There are believed to be three universal existential flouring cores. The first is love, nurture your relationships, and express affection; build those relationships. Learning is how we thrive, curiosity fuels growth. Read, explore, and expand your mind. The third core is playing. Playfulness is the substance of flourishing. Dance, laugh, create, and find your joy! Build these activities into your intentional plan of action.

Savor your experiences!

Be present in the moments

Slow down and enjoy life

Create rituals

Practice gratitude

Engage your senses, taste, touch, sight, and sound

Visualize your best self – then make that version of you a reality. You design the life you want by the choices you make.

Let’s get intentional!

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Designing the life, you want by the choices you make

We are not confined to a static state of being. Our life is not a fixed path; we define our lives by the choices we make. Imagine it: a vast expanse of opportunities stretching out before you. Each decision, no matter how insignificant, alters our trajectory. As the doors swing open or closed, we step into a new experience.

The act of making choices is a potent tool that allows you to assume responsibility and shape your future self. In this blog, we will dive into the art of life design. Approaching your life as a project, you can intentionally design the life you want.

Destiny by Design: Crafting Your Ideal Life Through Manifestation

Reviewing this blog over the past couple of months. The essays have been about taking control of your life, setting goals, defining your identity, and planning for the person you want to be tomorrow. As we move into April, the essays will move into intentional living, a purposeful approach to life, where your core beliefs and values guide every action and decision. It is about being present in each moment and making choices that align with your hopes, plans, and dreams. It is about a sense of purpose.

Designing the life you want includes taking care of yourself and making intentional life decisions with the goal of improvement. Intentional living is about your mind, body, and soul.

Take Responsibility – No Excuses

First, no excuses – we have a way of limiting ourselves from moving forward, so let’s take a stand right now. Put the past in the past, stop the negative feelings. Change your vocabulary to “I can” do this. We are all a work in progress, so let’s take the designer role and see what we have the power to change.

Rewrite Your Story. Embracing the Blank Page of Possibility!

What are your values?

What are your hopes, plans, and dreams?
What are your passions?
What brings joy to your life?
What would make your life more fulfilling?

Stop for a minute and think about this; I doubt that watching TV or scrolling social media will create life satisfaction. But what will?

“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
Socrates

Visualization

Visualization – Focus on Personal Growth

If you can see it, it becomes more real. Think about various life scenarios. Visualize different relationships, hobbies, and life goals. Let’s reach for the sky. Do not set limits. You can determine later if the goal is a pie-in-the-sky pipe dream. However, you could find completely doable scenarios. It never hurts to try.

Mind the Gap?

What is your dream? What is the gap to accomplishing this dream? How can you fill the gap? Maybe more education or practice.

Clearly articulate your problem statement. What do you want to improve or change? What do you need to get from point A to point B? Need more skills, take a class, volunteer, or learn from experimentation.

The Magic of Journaling – A Guide to Finding Clarity and Maintaining Focus.

Start Here – Foundational Goals

Choice to

Prioritize Health and well-being, exercise, nutrition, and sleep. A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or stress management.

Financial literacy is essential. Understanding your finances and setting financial goals must be part of your plan. Your finances are the foundation for many other goals.

Do a life audit and assess your current situation. What aspects of your life are fulfilling, and what needs improvement?

Learn continuously, read widely, and explore books, articles, podcasts, and anything related to personal growth. Anything related to the goals in your life, growing your career, or building stronger relationships. Attend courses, workshops, and webinars. We are in an awesome age where knowledge is at our fingertips, 24/7.

How a Lifelong Learning Mindset Fuels Goal Achievement

Network and connect, surround yourself with supportive people. Join clubs, attend meetups, engage with others, and have conversations. Seek mentors who can guide you based on their experiences. A shared meal, a hug, or a good hearty laugh each adds strength to your life. Choose your relationships wisely; they are a vital foundation for a fulfilling life.

Have a Positive Mental Attitude, which means believing in yourself and your abilities. Set ambitious goals. You can overcome the challenges in your life, as your attitude can reframe the situation. Positivity is not just a mental state; it also affects physical health. Optimism has been linked to better health outcomes. You’ve got this! Choose to have a positive mental attitude.

What if? We Leap Beyond our Perceived Limits with a Positive Mental Attitude

Gratitude practice regularly. Gratitude helps us focus on the blessings we already have. It is an appreciation of the abundance of good things in our lives instead of focusing on what we lack.

We have 168 hours each week. Spend your time wisely. Balance different parts of your life, career, relationships, health, hobbies. We have limited time each week, so prioritize your time for the things that matter.

Choose to set clear goals: SMART Goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound. Break the goals down into doable steps. Incorporate a philosophy of continuous improvement incrementally.

Change takes time. Examine your habits, which are specific behaviors. Examine your lifestyle, which is your broader approach to life. Your lifestyle includes choices related to your job, relationships, self-care, and leisure pursuits. Your lifestyle is who you are!

Life is Messy

The best-laid plans can change anytime, embrace adaptability, and make changes as needed. I had 15 years of crippling illness. My life goals had to change for me to function, continue to improve, and work toward my goals. There are things we cannot control. Focus on what you can control. We all face good and bad days. Life is like a roller coaster. Sometimes, we are on the way up, and everything is wonderful; the birth of a child, obtaining a college degree, and finding true love. Yet, at other times, we take dips, illness, death, and job loss. The rest is somewhere in the middle. If you know who you are and what you want in life, you can build the resilience needed to keep moving toward your dreams.

Be open-minded. Again, we often build brick walls in front of our goals or let the dips in life derail our goals. Let’s get around those walls, climb over, and dig under them; persistence and determination will take you a long way.

Conclusion

It is about quality of life. It is about taking control of your life and planning for continuous improvement. Designing your life is an ongoing process.

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.”
John Maxwell

Growth is Intentional!

Dream Big, using the mental sketchbook in your mind to make a plan. Always remember the choices we make design our lives. Make good choices, ones that lead you to the you – you want to be tomorrow.

Start designing the life you want. Start Now!

What if – I wake up with a positive mental attitude
What if I believed in myself and my dreams
What if I keep moving forward

It is about thriving and not just surviving. You have the power to improve your life, to find happiness and joy. Join me during the month of April to work on your intentional living plan.

Recommend Reading

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The Magic of Journaling – A Guide to Finding Clarity and Maintaining Focus

Reaching your goals in life takes work, self-reflection, focus, and clarity. We will discuss multiple benefits of journaling that can improve your chances of success.

A personal journal is an ideal environment in which to "become." It is a perfect place for you to think, feel, discover, expand, remember, and dream." - Brad Wilcox

Keeping a journal is a method of self-discovery. It can be transformative as you tap into self-expression and reflection. These are not just words on paper; they are spaces for introspection.

Examining our thoughts, feelings, and motivations to gain self-awareness or understanding. It goes beyond observation; it involves deep self-questioning and self-evaluation. Then, again, it can be about writing a task list or planning your day or week.

The beauty of journals is that they are simple and cost little money. All you need is paper and a pen. There are no rules. Journaling provides us with a dedicated space for reflection and introspection. In the constant stream of information and stimuli, we are washed with daily noise; taking a moment to sit down with pen and paper (or a digital journal) allows us to pause, gather our thoughts, and make sense of our experiences. This reflective pause is crucial for gaining clarity about our emotions, thoughts, and goals.

“A journal can offer you a place to be someone, anyone, who you want to be.”
Brian Ledger

Why Journaling Matters?

"Writing in a journal each day allows you to direct your focus to what you accomplished, what you're grateful for and what you're committed to doing better tomorrow. Thus, you more deeply enjoy your journey each day." - Hal Elrod

Journaling is a powerful tool for anyone seeking a calmer, more focused mind. It can help you externalize your thoughts, process your emotions, and help solve problems. It can also be used to set and monitor your goals.

Here are some benefits of journaling.

Mental Health Benefits

Writing can reduce stress.
Enhances resilience, building mental agility by putting your words to paper.
Writing can provide an emotional release, a safe outlet for our emotions, whether joy, anger, or sadness. It helps us process our emotions for clearer thinking.
Declutter our minds; our brains are overwhelmed with thoughts, worries, and to-do lists. The clutter makes it hard to think and be productive.
Sharpening your focus is one of the cognitive benefits of journaling. It helps you gain clarity through reflection, externalizing your thoughts,
Writing helps you uncover aspects of your life that you may not be aware of or need more understanding.
Putting it on paper helps you be present in the moment. Mindfulness benefits, such as staying grounded in reality and becoming more attuned to our values, strengths, and areas where we need improvement.
Goal clarity and progress tracking are assisted by writing our hopes, plans, and dreams, and they give us a roadmap that can help us focus and motivate us.
A reflective pause in a busy world, enhancing self-awareness and mindfulness,
Writing about what we are grateful for, we capture moments of awe, appreciation, and positivity. This positivity boosts our mood and enhances our ability to stay focused on what truly matters.

“All the noise in my brain. I clamp it to the page so it will be still.”
Barbara Kingsolver

How to Start Journaling

Find the format that works for you, pen and paper or a digital journal.

It does not have to take long, 10-15 minutes daily. After you write often, it will become a habit.

Consistency is the key. Make it a daily ritual.

The style can be freewriting, a bullet list, or strategic planning; it can be doodles, brainstorming, images, or if you find an idea in a magazine, you can cut and paste an item into your journal to prompt your memory.

What to write about. Use question prompts, then answer them.

What are my strengths? Who do I want to be tomorrow? What gaps do I have between where I am now and reaching my goals?
Write about things you enjoy, nature, your pet, passions, or hobbies
Write about things you would like to change in your life
New things you would like to do or learn
Bucket list, what would you like to do throughout your life
Goals or accomplishments
Gratitude list
Doodles, art ideas, song ideas, poetry – write about what is important to you
Write freely; do not censor your thoughts; let them flow naturally. You can come back later if it needs to be organized or formalized. For now, you want to capture your ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

I am task-oriented, so part of my journal is planning what I will do today and next week and some life plans. My journals resulted in my writing my book “Resolutions: Life Planning Tools.” I started journaling in 1972. As a young girl, I called them diaries. They were filled with Danny, my true love, and how I felt about my parents, school, and teenage life.

As I moved through the years, the journals became a place to think about life and some deep philosophical questions. Who am I? Who do I want to be? The journals moved to strategic planning and a mental picture of what was inside me. A picture on which I could later reflect. I still write daily, usually about my goals and projects, relationships, emotions, joys, and passions. My journals ground me, give me perspective, and are a historical account of who I am, my flaws, my feelings, and my relationships; they reflect everything I am today.

I prefer a free system that lets ideas run out on paper without worrying about grammar or structure. My focus is to capture ideas. I can clean it up later and separate ideas into different folders. For the important stuff, I can then move it to a place where I can work on it. It is not just a brain dump; journaling helps you to organize tasks and prioritize effectively, and gratitude journaling can shift your mindset to a more positive focused place.

“Your journal will stand as a chronicle of your growth, your hopes, your fears, your dreams, your ambitions, your sorrows, your serendipities.”
Kathleen Adams

How Journaling Helps You

Externalize your thoughts, where you can see them, and give them a life with some perspective.
Thought detox. Keeping a journal can help you sort and clean the clutter from your brain. By moving ideas and feelings to paper, you are moving them out of your head – think of it as a filing system. Then, you can work on the ideas later.
Problem-solving; a problem setting somewhere in your mind – and then, Aha, you see the path you need to take, how to solve the problem, put the puzzle together, and organize that project.
Release your creativity and find a place to keep your ideas. Many of our ideas are like butterflies, here one moment and gone forever. Don’t let those creative images fly away. Artists, songwriters, builders, and poets all need a creative outlet and a place to capture the ideas we generate.

Conclusion

Journaling provides a place to analyze what is in your head and look at these ideas and feelings from different angles. It can become a guide to mental well-being and personal growth. During introspection, we explore our inner mental states. It can be a place to be honest, vulnerable, and creative.

Journaling is practice, not perfection. There is no right or wrong way to write a journal. It is a powerful tool that can lead to finding clarity and maintaining focus in our chaotic lives. You will develop a space to process emotions, clarify your goals, and enhance your self-awareness. You are creating a space that guides you toward intentional living and life satisfaction. Reaching for our highest potential.

Use your journal for whatever you feel you need to write. It will become a habit. Journaling can be a fantastic tool to set goals and plan how to achieve them. Writing your aspirations makes them more concrete and helps you visualize success. You can then break down your goals into smaller, actionable steps, creating a clear roadmap for moving forward. This focus and direction will prevent you from getting sidetracked by distractions.

My journals have helped me discover deep patterns in myself, see strengths and weaknesses, and watch early goals become a reality. I take a morning walk with my dog at sunrise every day. My mind is relaxed during the walks and not necessarily focused on anything. I let myself hear the sounds of the birds singing and the wind in the trees; I enjoy the sunrise and the changes in the seasons.

In this relaxed state, I do my best thinking – when I am not focused on a specific topic – ideas come flowing. I can only keep three complex concepts in my head at the same time, so I let myself flow, and then I go home and write the ideas in my journal. I am marketing a published book, writing the next book, and working on an immersive multimedia art show business plan. I work full-time and sometimes ideas come, or problems are solved without effort; I need to capture them.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and unfocused, try journaling. It might just be the missing piece to achieve a calmer, more transparent, and more focused you.

Make it a habit!

Citations

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The Power of Authenticity – Becoming Your True Self

In a world that often encourages conformity and fitting into societal norms, the concept of authenticity stands out as a sign of self-expression and genuine connection. Authenticity is more than just being true to oneself; it’s about embracing your unique qualities, values, and beliefs without fear or hesitation. In this blog, we will explore the importance of authenticity and how it can lead to a more fulfilling life.

One of the biggest obstacles to authenticity is the fear of judgment or rejection. Many people hold back from being authentic because they worry about how others perceive them. However, it’s important to remember that true authenticity requires courage and vulnerability.

Authenticity is about being true to yourself. Well, what does that really mean? Authenticity is a lifelong journey. It’s not about reaching a destination; but about embracing your path.

We strive to be authentic because it aligns with who we truly are. Yet, we worry about what others will think. Will we be accepted? My grandmother used to say that no matter what you do, some people will like you, and others will not. You cannot please everyone. Let’s put this into perspective: the alternative is to be a phony.

Well, this brings a lot of questions to mind. Who am I? What if others perceive my true self differently? Good question: it is possible; that they may not know our depths, even those closest to us. But this is a personal journey, not a collaborative process. Authenticity is not always straightforward. It is about aligning our goals and values. Again, who am I? We should know this, but it is a learning experience. It takes some longer to answer this question.

Overcoming the Fear of Judgment

Self-acceptance is a vital aspect of our well-being and personal and professional growth. Accepting yourself gives you clarity, allows you to see situations objectively, and helps reduce the impact of harsh criticism; from yourself or others.

Overcoming the fear of being yourself can be challenging. Understanding fear is vital. Where is it coming from? Have past experiences shaped the fear?

We often build these walls around ourselves with negative thinking. We imagine scenarios where we are rejected. I am not naïve enough to believe all the fears are unjustified. Some individuals face societal judgment because of their sexual orientation, the color of their skin, or religious choices. Causing people to hide, only showing a version of themselves that sacrifices authenticity. I do not have the answers, but I know living your real life is essential to your well-being. You have to make your own decisions, but not living your authentic life stunts your personal growth. Surround yourself with positive influencers, someone who has overcome their fear, and see what results they have had in their life.

The Power of Authenticity

Accepting our authentic selves lets us live our true selves; it liberates us from the mask. It is not a fixed state; we change throughout our lives as we become more self-aware and define our identity, passions, hopes, plans, and dreams. We are a work in progress.

We crave authenticity in others; look at the main characters in books, movies, and TV stories. Showing their flaws helps us connect with the struggles and vulnerabilities they have. The power of authenticity is vital in relationships. If people see themselves reflected in your imperfections, they are more likely to connect. You open yourself up to genuine connections when you share your true self. Sometimes in life, we feel we need to hide our true selves, so we put on a mask to fit in. But this is exhausting.

Look at celebrities. We love people’s weird hobbies and personal style of dressing. Why can’t we accept them in ourselves?

Authenticity: don’t just be yourself, make the most of yourself, by John Tomlinson

Examples of Authenticity

Authentic people:

Are self-aware, recognizing their feelings and emotions
Accept themselves as they are; authenticity is about embracing yourself, flaws, and all
Willing to show their vulnerabilities
Being present in the moment, fully embracing life as it is
Authentic individuals express themselves with comfort and genuineness. They do not hide their true thoughts and feelings
Generally, they are fueled by passion and purpose; they have a clear vision for their life
They keep their promises
These individuals follow their intuition and inner voice
Make decisions aligned with their authentic self
They value and respect others and appreciate their uniqueness
Treat others with kindness and empathy

How to Embrace Your Authentic Self

Get to know yourself deeply through self-reflection, looking at your core values, beliefs, personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, and passions. What truly matters? You will only know what your authentic self is if you define it.

Practice self-acceptance. Working on compassion for yourself and eliminating the negative inner dialogue.

Show your vulnerabilities and share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others. Do not be afraid to be vulnerable.

Be honest with yourself; don’t live in denial or delusion. Don’t be phony or a version of someone else. Check in to make sure your internal compass aligns with reality.

Be comfortable with imperfection. No one is perfect. Accept your quirks and mistakes. We are each a work in progress. Do better tomorrow!

Let go of approval seeking. Authenticity means being true to yourself, regardless of external validation. We do not have to constantly get approval from others. Trust your intuition and gut feelings.

“I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you are not in this world to live up to mine.”
Frederick (Fritz) Pearls

Find your voice! Express your true self, speak your mind respectfully, dress in a way that feels like you, and engage in meaningful activities.

Connect with your tribes and like-minded people. Hang with people who accept you for who you are. When we find a supportive environment of authenticity, we can flourish.

Celebrate your uniqueness. You are an original.

Live your values. This is your core.

Journaling is an excellent way to learn more about ourselves and explore our feelings. Keep a journal. A journal becomes a history of your thoughts, plans, and actions. Reading past entries can give you a different perspective. As I explore my journals, I am fascinated by days of clarity, introspection, and new things I discover about who I am. Writing gives you perspective and can be a way of communicating with yourself over time and space.

Set boundaries and say no to things that compromise your authenticity. Do not allow yourself to be inauthentic to please others.

Conclusion

Find your voice. Who are you?

Live by your values. Identify the fundamental principles you want to live by, then commit to upholding them, even when uncomfortable or unpopular.

The truer you are to yourself, the more you will have the freedom to seek personal and professional growth. To avoid getting stuck with limitations.

If you are not seeking authenticity, who are you? How much effort does it take to be someone you are not? Is it worth it – are those the friends you want, or the job you want?

The journey won’t be easy, but striving to live authentically allows you to develop deeper self-respect and intimacy in your relationships. Start peeling back the inauthentic layers and flourishing as yourself.

Embracing authenticity is a powerful process of self-discovery, self-expression, and self-empowerment. By being true to yourself and living in alignment with your values, you pave the way for a life filled with genuine connections, meaningful experiences, and true fulfillment. Dare to be authentic and watch as your life transforms in beautiful and unexpected ways.

Recommend Reading

Twelve examples of authenticity: What being authentic looks like, by Wisdom Stirring

17 Examples of Authenticity, by PEX Career Development

13 authenticity examples to improve professional development, by Indeed Editorial Team

50 Authenticity Examples, by Chris Drew

How to Discover Your Authentic Self – at Any Age, by Bevy Smith (TED)

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How to be a Better Person by Setting Personal Standards

Being a “better person” can feel like a big goal. But the truth is, you can reach such a goal by setting goals and taking small steps. We have the power to change our habits and lifestyles to become a better person. First, you must define what being a better person means to you. There is no one-size-fits-all-all, no templates. This is a personal journey. You first need to identify your strengths, which could be anything from creativity to empathy, and build from this foundation.

"There is always room to be a better person. Always."
- Sonya Teclai

Visualize the future you; who do you want to become? This is the person you will establish standards for, creating guidelines for your actions and reactions. Becoming a better person is a noble pursuit that involves self-reflection, growth, and intentional actions.

Personal Standards

Personal standards are the rules and guidelines we set for ourselves in various aspects of life. These standards help shape our behavior, decision-making, and interactions with others. Personal standards in our activities, thoughts, and behaviors that we consider helpful or acceptable. These standards reflect how we treat ourselves and how we interact with others. They also provide a guide for the people we allow into our lives.

“Surround yourself with positive people who will make you a better person.”
Roy T. Bennett

We define ourselves by the choices we make. Setting clearly defined social and personal life standards is crucial to finding life satisfaction and reaching our highest potential. Developing personal standards can contribute to a strong sense of self-identity, which is linked to achieving goals and having healthier relationships. Personal standards can contribute to mental, emotional, social, and physical well-being.

Personal standards may also be known as a credo, which is a guiding belief or principle that strongly influences the way a person lives or works. The word credo originates from Latin, meaning “I believe.” A credo represents our core convictions and shapes our actions and decisions throughout life.

My Credo

Face your demons
Be Yourself – Always
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY – ZERO EXCUSES
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
Respect others
Everyone has wonderful qualities – look for them in each person
Stay on the side of the law
Never Say Can’t – Always Try (lesson learned from sixth-grade teacher Mr. Price)
It never hurts to ask
Get as much education as you can – education cannot be taken away from you!
Read every day
Write every day
Tell the people you love – that you love them
Don’t keep secrets – don’t hide aspects of yourself
Your attitude defines your day
We define ourselves by the choices we make
Qualities I seek in myself

Honesty – Integrity – Loyalty – Humility – Temperance (practicing self-control, moderation, and restraint) – Kindness – Compassion – Open-Mindedness – Wisdom – Creativity – Optimism – Tranquility

“The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.”
James Allen

Virtues

Virtues are traits of excellence that encompass various aspects of our lives. These qualities can be moral, social, or intellectual. A good person often has certain habits and may be considerate, kind, and one who avoids harming others. This is not about how others define you, but how you define yourself. Others will see your virtues through your actions and behaviors.

Virtues are about moral excellence and our character. They emphasize living well by embracing virtuous qualities. We are not born with virtues; they are habits and mindsets that we cultivate through conscious effort. Since they are habits, we may have picked up our virtues by watching those around us, family, and friends. So, again, surrounding yourself with positive people will influence you and help make you a better person.

The opposite of a virtue is vice, which is habitual wrongdoing. We need to identify these vices, as this is where we need to work to improve ourselves. There are no standards for virtues; they are choices. Virtues are culturally relevant, meaning they can vary from culture to culture. What do you feel is important? Who do you want to be?

Virtues are developed through learning and practice. Knowing what’s right is not enough; just like any skill, being virtuous requires consistent effort. Aristotle believed self-discipline was key and that repeatedly practicing self-control strengthens our ability to resist temptation (vices) and make virtuous choices. Bad habits weaken our resolve and make it harder to act with integrity.

Balance is something we should strive for in establishing personal standards and virtues. If your standards are too high, they can become demotivating. However, if you set them too low, you will not be pushed to grow or improve. Also, focusing too much on one virtue can create an imbalance in your life. For example, being assertive is a virtue, but what happens to kindness if you are only assertive?

Balancing your standards and virtues is more sustainable in the long run. You will be less likely to burn out or feel overwhelmed. Life is messy, but balanced standards and virtues allow you to adapt to changing situations while staying true to your core values.

How Do We Set Goals to Become a Better Person?

A good starting place is to identify who you are and who you want to be. Then, identify your weaknesses. Building virtues takes dedication and perseverance. Set goals and make a plan.

Here are a few ideas:

Acts of kindness and altruism contribute to personal growth. Small gestures can make a big difference in someone’s life. Express appreciation, say a kind word, or sit with them when they need your support. Compliment others, as this simple act can brighten their day.

Volunteering is a great way to give back.

Always be respectful.

“Show respect even to people who don’t even deserve it; not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of yours.”
Dave Wilis

Become a better listener.

Practice empathy and try to understand their feelings.

Think before you speak, consider the impact of your words before saying something to others, and try to see things from their perspective.

Become a role model.

Find a Role Model

In the last blog, I talked about role models and how some people set standards for how they live their lives. I want to revisit this topic.

We can find role models in many ways; the simple act of reading books can connect you to how others live their lives. Role models can be in your family or inner circle, a boss, a teacher, or a world leader.

Role models set standards of excellence that we can incorporate into our lives. Benjamin Franklin is one of my role models; 13 virtues were his standard: Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity, and Humility.

Ben Franklin’s 13 Virtues path to personal perfection, by David G. Allan

A few historic role models are Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Nelson Mandela, Leonardo da Vinci, Jesus Christ, and Rosa Parks. There are many others, but we know of these people’s stories; they set excellent standards for themselves. Read about their lives and their choices for inspiration.

Conclusion

On the journey of life, the pursuit of becoming a better person is a noble endeavor. It involves introspection, self-awareness, and a commitment to continual growth. While the path may seem difficult at times, there are steps you can take to cultivate virtues, develop positive habits, and make meaningful contributions to the world around you. Personal standards serve as a compass, guiding your behavior and shaping your life.

Balance is a dynamic process. What works today might need adjustments in the future. The key is to be mindful, self-aware, and willing to adapt as you grow and learn. Change takes time and may not happen overnight. Make a plan and keep working on it until you become the person of your dreams.

By incorporating these ideas into your daily life, you will be on your way to becoming the best version of yourself. The journey of self-growth is rewarding, and every step you take brings you closer to a more fulfilling life.

We live in a complex jungle of modern civilization, where ideas and information are a Google away. However, virtue is a concept used by Stoics, who were members of the ancient philosophical school, a school of philosophical thought.

According to Wikipedia, the Stoics identified the path to achieving a life spent practicing virtues in everyday life: wisdom, courage, temperance or moderation, justice, and living in accordance with nature. It was founded in the ancient Agora of Athens by Zeno of Citium, around 300 BC.

We show high moral standards when we do what is right.

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What happens when you share your goals? Can other people help?

In my book Resolutions Life Planning Tools, I suggest when writing goals; you make them for your eyes only. This is because when others see what you write, you tend to write for them. Your goals are your personal plans for achievement; sharing before they are defined can lead to others making decisions about your life script. However, once you are working on your life plan, there are several ways to engage with others to help you achieve your goals.

After establishing your goals, sharing them with others can help you succeed in several ways. I will discuss the pros and cons of sharing your goals and some ways you might go about sharing.

Increased Accountability

Sharing your goals with someone can create a sense of being answerable to them and not wanting to disappoint them. You feel more committed to achieving your dreams and aspirations when you tell someone about them. Working with others promotes creativity and productivity. You can discuss your goals, brainstorm, and share ideas on the best strategies to achieve your goals.

When you share your goals with someone you respect or consider a higher status, you become more motivated and less likely to quit. Focus on progress and keep the person you share your goals with updated on your progress. This keeps you accountable and allows them to offer specific encouragement.

“Accountability is the Glue that ties Commitment to Results.”
Bob Proctor

Support and Encouragement

Other people can become your cheerleader and help you stay positive. Sharing your goals can encourage you during tough times. Talking it through.

Sharing your goals with others allows them to offer support and encouragement along the way. The support could be words of encouragement, practical advice, or help in overcoming obstacles. Having a support system can make the journey towards your goals easier and more enjoyable. When family, friends, or a partner provides support, they celebrate your successes. Enhancing your feeling of accomplishment. It is a big deal!

If you share with someone more successful or respected, it can boost your commitment. An example would be talking about your goals with a mentor or manager, which could be beneficial in several ways.

You want to be careful. This could backfire if you are overly focused on impressing that person. You are looking for support, not a codependent relationship.

Feedback

We each have unique life experiences; another person can lend a different perspective. This advice could help us navigate the roadblocks and find better strategies if the person you share your goals with has experience and achieved a similar goal.

Constructive feedback from family or supervisors can help you improve. We often cannot see the barrier we place ourselves; others may identify things we do not see in our lives. By providing feedback, they can highlight your blind spots.

Humble acceptance of criticism gracefully allows you to evolve personally and professionally. Refrain from overreacting to hearing feedback you were not expecting. The feedback is to help guide you on the right path to your goal. Others may offer insights or suggestions you had not imagined, which can help you reframe your strategies.

Finding a Buddy for Personal Goals

If you share your goals, you may find someone who has the same goal. A buddy system can create a sense of partnership. You can hold each other accountable and provide support for each other. An example would be walking daily. If you have a walking buddy, this is an added motivational tool. Together, you can achieve a similar goal. This can be used to change your eating habits, maybe by learning to cook healthy foods as a team.

Or a Mentor for Professional Goals

Finding a mentor or manager to share your career goals with can be valuable in your professional development. Define what you hope to learn from a mentor. Outline specific goals you have set for your professional growth.

Having a mentor can accelerate your professional growth. They provide guidance, share experiences, and help you navigate challenges. Interacting with diverse people exposes you to new perspectives, skills, and knowledge. Be patient, build genuine connections, and be open to learning from those who have walked the path you aspire to follow.

You can find mentors anywhere; you just need to ask!

At your job
Reconnect with former colleagues or bosses
Explore industry-specific platforms
Attend conferences, workshops, or seminars
Connect with professionals who inspire you, perhaps via LinkedIn
Investigate formal mentorship programs

How to Find a Mentor in 8 Steps (Plus Mentorship Tips)

Networking is an excellent way to find a mentor. You can also make new connections; it introduces you to new opportunities, potential clients, and collaborators. Attending industry events, joining online communities, and building relationships.

Choose Carefully

You want to make sure the person you share your goals with is trustworthy, supportive, and will be happy for you when you succeed. Be careful about sharing goals with suppressive or competitive people. Their pressure can hinder your progress, and some may even work against you. Jealousy and envy have no room in this process; you may find that sometimes people do not want to see you succeed. Avoid negative influences from those who consistently doubt or undermine your goals. Do they believe in you?

Role Models

Another source of inspiration and motivation is observing others’ achievements and success. You can envision what is possible for yourself and feel inspired to pursue your own goals with enthusiasm. Role models do not have to be a person in your life; you may follow a famous person or find inspiration from people around you, people you admire.

Role models may embody qualities and traits we admire and aspire to reach. By studying their behavior, strategies, and decision-making processes, we can learn lessons and gain insights into our path to success.

So, again, role models do not have to be someone before you; we get inspiration and guidance from many sources. I am an avid reader and seek wisdom and guidance from books.

Ben Franklin’s 13 Virtues path to personal perfection, by David G. Allan

Einstein is another role model of mine. Einstein’s 7 rules included putting effort into the things that matter, doing things you love, even if you’re terrible at them, having a puzzle mindset, and thinking deeply.

Einstein’s 7 rules for a better life.

Role models can also demonstrate positive behaviors and attitudes that contribute to success. Watching how they approach their goals teaches us valuable lessons about hard work and ethical conduct in achieving our aspirations.

Conclusion

Remember that meaningful connections with others contribute to a fulfilling life. Be open, compassionate, and willing to give as well as receive. Setting goals and sharing them with others can increase motivation, accountability, support, and perspective, ultimately leading to a greater likelihood of success in achieving your goals.

Role models and mentors serve as powerful sources of inspiration, guidance, and encouragement on our journeys toward achieving our goals. By learning from their experiences and emulating their positive qualities and behaviors, we can enhance our chances of success and fulfillment in life. Role models come in many sizes and forms, such as the President of your university or an iconic historical character like Benjamin Franklin. The question you want to ask yourself is: Does that person have the knowledge or skills to help you fulfill your dream?

As with any endeavor, sharing your goals has pros and cons. You need to carefully choose who you share your goals with and be able to accept their guidance. Not everyone has your best interest in mind; watch for toxic people.

Are You Letting Other People’s Opinions Stop You From Your Goals? by Bradley Pierce.

Sharing your goals can provide social support, feedback, and vision validation. But don’t get over-focused on others; sharing can be good. In the end, it is up to you to achieve your goals.

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What if? We Leap Beyond our Perceived Limits with a Positive Mental Attitude

Let’s have a philosophical discussion about “What if.” How can changing your mental attitude help you see the opportunities in your future? Our thoughts and attitudes shape our reality. An ongoing process of self-definition and self-creation characterizes human existence; we are constantly faced with choices that shape our identity and future possibilities. The ability to perceive those opportunities in the future requires openness and acceptance of change.

Positive Thinking
Positive Outcome
"Whatever your mind can conceive and can believe, it can achieve." - Napoleon Hill

“What If”

We engage in “What if” analysis in our heads all the time. Often, those “What if “scenarios are negative. Negative thoughts don’t help us and may become roadblocks on the way to achieving our dreams. But “What if “we decided to have a positive mental attitude? If you have followed this blog, you know that we have tremendous power over our life choices, habits, and direction. If we take responsibility without excuses, we can shape our world.

“What if”

I change my habits
Develop a new lifestyle
Take control of my life
I decide to change my identity

When achieving your goals, a Positive Mental Attitude can be the difference between giving up or reaching for the stars. “What if” we take control of the what-if scenarios using a positive mental attitude.

Our ability to visualize is a vital part of our imagination. Whether we are daydreaming or creating mental images about our future, our mind’s eye holds immense power.

Visualization

Visualization is seeing mental imagery, seeing with the mind’s eye, or hearing with the mind’s ear. Visualization allows us to have sensory experiences without relying on our physical bodies. Visualization is a powerful tool for influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Certain forms of visualization increase optimism and positive emotions and can help regulate negative emotions, such as anxiety or feeling overwhelmed.

Go a far as you can see. When you get there, you will be able to see further. - Thomas Carlyle

For example, I used visualization for running long-distance races. To prepare for the actual run; I saw myself training, going to a race, seeing the crowd of runners, and crossing the finish line. A mental scenario of the entire process, practiced in my head, to see a positive outcome.

Cultivating a positive mental attitude (PMA) is not just about wishful thinking; it’s a powerful tool that can propel us towards achieving our goals. In this blog, we’ll explore how maintaining a positive mindset can significantly affect your goal achievement and empower you to reach new heights in various aspects of your life.

Research in psychology shows the profound effect of attitude on behavior and outcomes. People with a positive mindset are more likely to keep going in the face of adversity, adapt to change, and focus on their goals, even when the going gets tough.

Seeing opportunities in the future is closely related to the concept of optimism and forward-thinking. If you have a positive mental attitude, you are more likely to view setbacks as temporary opportunities for growth and learning.

What is a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA)?

From a philosophical standpoint, PMA transcends mere optimism. By adopting a PMA, we view the world through an optimistic lens, actively seeking opportunities and possibilities rather than focusing on limitations and setbacks. A positive mental attitude is more than just optimism; it’s a mindset characterized by resilience and a belief in one’s ability to overcome obstacles.

Cultivating a PMS builds inner strength, resilience, and the ability to get through life’s challenges. By focusing on what we can control, our thoughts, attitudes, and actions, we empower ourselves. Let go of what you cannot control; focus on what you can control.

Our thoughts and beliefs significantly affect our actions.

Positivity provides fuel to keep us moving forward, even when facing challenges.
A PMA helps us maintain our focus on our goals and can build confidence
A positive mental outlook encourages you to see possibilities and find creative solutions.

“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”
Zig Ziglar

How Can I Improve my PMA Skills?

Becoming aware of your thoughts, when negative thoughts creep in, reframe them into positive thoughts. Or think about something else, a positive thought.

How Your Attitude Defines Your Life

Surrounding yourself with positive people significantly affects your outlook; the right people will uplift and inspire you.

Keep a gratitude journal; write things you are grateful for daily. Practicing gratitude can help build a positive outlook.

Setting clear and attainable goals provides a plan of action for success and helps direct your efforts and resources effectively. A positive mental attitude plays a crucial role in developing a sense of optimism and self-direction. When you believe in your ability to achieve your goals, you are more likely to set ambitious, achievable goals that inspire you to strive for excellence.

A positive mental attitude is a driving force that keeps us motivated, even when the initial enthusiasm diminishes or when progress seems slow. You want to maintain momentum toward your goals with sustained focus. By focusing on the positive aspects of your journey, you reinforce your commitment to your goals.

Plan the life you want. Plan to transform who you are and who you want to be tomorrow. A mindset focused on continuous personal or professional helps us adapt to change, expand our capabilities, and be open to new possibilities.

Step out of your comfort zone. Stretch a little, try new things, experiment, and test your limits. Be bold.!

“You cannot step twice into the same river.” This statement is an analogy to his belief that everything is constantly changing.
Heraclitus

Cultivating a Positive Mindset

Focus on your strength.

Regularly express gratitude for what you have.

Treat yourself kindly and monitor yourself for self-criticizing self-talk.

Redirect negative thoughts by changing your focus and thinking about something positive in your life, such as your hopes, plans, and dreams.

Look at life through a positive lens; seek the unseen; opportunities exist everywhere, a chance encounter, a phone call, the unexpected twist.

Conclusion

A positive mental attitude is a powerful tool for navigating life’s maze. From a philosophical perspective, a positive mental attitude underscores the profound connection between mindset, perception, and human abilities. By developing a positive outlook and remaining open to possibilities, you empower yourself as you navigate life’s challenges and reach your highest potential.

Your mindset is a guiding force in working toward achieving your goals. Your mindset shapes your attitudes, behaviors, and outcomes. By transforming how you look at life, you are taking control and designing the life and identity of your dreams. By harnessing the power of positivity, anything is possible.

The power of a positive mental attitude lies in its ability to shape our perspective. A positive mental attitude enhances your overall well-being. It is about navigating the maze we live in and managing who we are today and who we want to be tomorrow. Quantum leaps occur when we leap beyond our perceived limits.

What possibilities lie in your future? Go out and find them!

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How a Lifelong Learning Mindset Fuels Goal Achievement

In today’s rapidly changing world, learning and adapting is crucial. Whether you are a professional, a student, or simply someone passionate about personal growth, adopting a lifelong learning mindset can significantly affect your success.

A lifelong learning mindset is a profound philosophy that shapes our perceptions, fuels our desires, and moves us toward making our dreams come true. Lifelong learning is a continuous improvement incrementally toward gaining knowledge and skills. From the moment we are born to the day we depart, we can learn, adapt, and develop. The age of the Internet has brought us 24/7 opportunities to expand our knowledge. We have more access to knowledge than at any other time in humanity’s history. We can take online classes, read books online, watch how-to YouTube videos and webinars, Google the information, or use artificial intelligence, which can answer your questions by searching the web and reporting back to you.

Central to the lifelong learning mindset, cultivating a growth mindset, is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and effort. By accepting challenges, persisting in the face of setbacks, and learning from failures, we harness the power of resilience and open the door to our fullest potential.

How does this translate into achieving goals?

Understanding that your intellectual abilities are not fixed but can be developed through lifelong learning. This will empower you to approach challenges with a “can-do” attitude, embracing setbacks as opportunities to gain experience and adapt.

Lifelong learning is not about achieving perfection but about the continuous journey of growth and development. Finding enjoyment from learning and discovery, appreciating the new perspectives and insights gained along the way. Lifelong learners recognize that mastery is a lifelong pursuit. Continuous improvement and self-discovery bring us closer to realizing our dreams.

Lifelong learners are naturally curious. Possessing a hunger for knowledge and exploring new ideas and experiences. Curiosity is a central driver of lifelong learning. It pushes us to question, wonder, and seek answers beyond the surface. Seek new information, explore diverse perspectives, and challenge assumptions.

The world is constantly changing, and a lifelong learning mindset equips you with the flexibility and adaptability needed to navigate change. You can learn new skills, adjust your strategies, and visualize new perspectives to stay relevant and thrive in an ever-changing environment. Lifelong learners embrace uncertainty as an opportunity for growth, remaining flexible in adversity. This is important as we move into the artificial intelligence age of change. Artificial intelligence will affect every aspect of your life. Best to be ready.

Practice humility, which is the feeling or attitude that you have no special importance that makes you better than others. You do not know everything. As soon as you think you do, you stop learning. Keep an open mind; the more you learn, you will understand how little you know.

“It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.”
Epictetus

The Journey Towards Goal Achievement

Lifelong learning promotes clarity of vision and a deep understanding of our hopes, values, and purpose. Continuously reflecting on our goals, refining our ambitions, and aligning our actions with our deepest desires paves the way for meaningful progress and fulfillment. If you do not know where you are going, you will never know when you will get there.

Take Responsibility for your learning path. Set clear goals, assess your current knowledge, and identify competency gaps. Create a roadmap for continuous improvement. Learning is not a onetime event; it’s a lifelong commitment.

Identify your “why” and reflect on your purpose and passions. What are you passionate about? What motivates you to learn?

Focus on growth; learning begins with you. Research shows that intelligence is not fixed at birth; it can be developed through effort and practice. The most successful individuals dedicate hours to deliberate practice, pushing beyond their comfort zones. The brain is like a muscle; it gets stronger with use. So, adopt a growth mindset and believe in your capacity to learn and grow.

Intelligence. Are You Born with It? by Cathy Giardian

Lifelong learning is not just formal education; it is a planned approach to personal and professional development that involves curiosity, exploration, and growth. It is an acknowledgment that every encounter, experience, and endeavor hold the potential to increase our knowledge.

Try new things, explore unfamiliar topics, and engage with diverse perspectives. This includes having conversations and relationships with people who think differently than you. Get out of your comfort zone. Learn a new language, explore art, or study history.

Embracing the diversity of knowledge is a sign of being a lifelong learner. It encourages us to explore topics beyond our comfort zones, talk with individuals from varied backgrounds and cultures, and recognize the interconnectedness of all learning experiences.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”
Dr. Seuss

Conclusion

In a world where change is constant, lifelong learning isn’t a luxury, it is a necessity. So, commit to growth, stay curious, and remember that every lesson learned brings you closer to your goals. Lifelong learning and goal achievement intertwine, helping us to grow and transform ourselves.

Ikigai, (ee-key-guy) is a Japanese concept that combines the terms iki, meaning “alive” or “life,” and gai, meaning “benefit” or “worth.” When combined, these terms mean that which gives your life worth, meaning, or purpose. A concept that represents the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Find your purpose, the reason that fuels your learning journey. When passion aligns with practicality, magic happens.

The Philosophy of Ikigai: 3 Examples About Finding Purpose, by Jeffrey Gaines, Ph.D.

Your comfort zones are cozy but limiting. To achieve greatness, step outside your comfort zone, take on challenging projects, volunteer for leadership roles, and embrace uncertainty. Personal growth and development happen when you stretch beyond what you thought possible.

Recommend Reading

Lessons from Lifelong Learners, by Alhad Mahajani

Seven essential elements of a lifelong learning mind-set, by Jacqueline Brassey

The Lifelong Learner: How to Develop Yourself, Continually Grow, Expand Your Horizons, and Pursue Anything, by Peter Hollins

From Curiosity to Success: Why We All Should Embrace Lifelong Learning, by Mississippi State University

Free Online Courses

Coursera – https://www.coursera.org/
Open Culture Online Courses – http://www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses
edX – https://www.edx.org/
Alison – https://alison.com/courses

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The Power of Perception: How Reality Shapes Goal Achievement and Wellbeing

We define ourselves by the choices we make. Our perception shapes our reality. There is a subtle yet profound difference between seeing obstacles as overwhelming or as opportunities for growth. It is a mixture of judgment influenced by our upbringing, culture, and experiences. This blog explores the relationship between perception, goal achievement, and well-being and how (our) reality shapes our experiences and outcomes.

“Your past experiences and situations cause you to form perceptions of others and their actions. That’s precisely why your perception, my perception, and their perception can all be distinct in an “Identical” situation and all be right”.
John R. Miles

We all experience the world differently. Our unique views, shaped by personal experiences, beliefs, and biases, all change how we perceive reality. And this perception is how we navigate the world. As we chase goals, we must remember that our perception is not the whole truth.

Perception is not merely a passive reflection of the world around us, but actively constructs our reality. Two individuals can face identical circumstances yet perceive them in very different ways. Our interpretation of events, situations, and interactions significantly influences our emotions, decisions, and actions. Despite being raised under identical circumstances, two siblings will interpret reality differently, even growing up in the same household. Why?

We do not share a common reality. Our daily lives form our reality. Our brains are remarkable at informing us of sensory input, past experiences, and desires. Reality is a construct shaped by our neural circuity. Neuroscientist Patrick Cavanagh emphasizes we are not seeing raw reality, but a story crafted by our brain.

No, I am not trying to trick you; I was hoping you could think about your life on a deeper level, where you can make actual changes toward becoming the person you dream of. Our collective knowledge and memories can fill in gaps using past experiences. Understanding that reality is not fixed but fluid. Meaning you can change your identity.

In Atomic Habits, James Clear talks about identity and how we need to determine our identity and who we want to be and then build the habits that create that identity. If you perceive yourself as capable and successful, you’re more likely to pursue your goals, but self-doubt can stop progress. How we perceive our goals profoundly affects our ability to achieve them. An optimism, resilience, and self-efficacy mindset promotes perseverance and determination in facing challenges. When setbacks arise, people with a growth-oriented perspective view them as valuable feedback rather than indictments of their abilities. They adapt, adjust, and persist until they reach their objectives.

On the other hand, a perception tainted by negativity, self-doubt, and fear can obstruct progress and slow success. The belief that goals are unattainable or that one lacks the necessary skills can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, setting up barriers to achievement. These individuals may fall into a sense of helplessness with a mindset of themselves as mediocrity rather than striving for excellence. Got it – you can look at the world through positivity and reach for your fullest potential.

How Perception of Reality Affects Your Goals and Well-being

Developing a positive perception and strategies, such as cognitive reframing, is a powerful technique that can change the way you see the world. By noticing negative thought patterns and seeing our failures as learning opportunities, you can gradually change your mindset to an empowering perception of yourself. Rewiring you brain to think differently.

Perception extends beyond achieving your goals; it can profoundly influence your overall well-being. According to positive psychology research, a strong correlation exists between psychological states, such as optimism and resilience, happiness, and life satisfaction. People who perceive the world through a positive outlook see possibility. Also, people who practice gratitude experience lower stress and anxiety levels and greater emotional resilience, thus enhancing their overall quality of life.

We all want healthy relationships; people are more likely to approach you with openness, empathy, and authenticity when you have a positive outlook. People can see that positivity and are drawn to you. Building social networks creates resources and encouragement in working toward your goals, increasing your chances of success and fulfillment.

When Negativity Holds Us Back

Our brains are wired for a positivity bias, meaning we focus on positive information over negative. This can be beneficial for goal setting. When you perceive challenges as opportunities for growth and setbacks as temporary roadblocks, you’re more likely to maintain motivation and persist in the face of difficulty.

A self-fulfilling prophecy is a prediction that comes true because of a person’s beliefs or expectations. What if you set a goal and truly believe it is IMPOSSIBLE? This attitude can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, holding you back from any attempt to achieve the goal. In contrast, believing in your ability to succeed fuels your confidence and empowers you to take action. This is where perception and self-belief become interlaced. You are more likely to set and reach ambitious goals when you perceive yourself as capable and worthy,

A negative perception can also be a barrier to reaching your goals. Seeing yourself as incapable or believing your goals are unreachable can lead to learned helplessness and paralyze you from taking action. Also, a focus on negativity can breed anxiety and stress, affecting your overall well-being.

How to Use the Power of Perception

Challenge yourself to become aware of negative thoughts. We all have them; it is a part of being human. When I catch myself being negative, I switch tracks and think about something positive in my life.

Ask yourself if this negative thought is even valid as we often get tangled up in “What if”. Here is what I say about “What if”, a plane falls on my head, a flying saucer parks in my backyard, I get a brain tumor. Yeah, this could go on forever. What if, what if, what if. Yet, these are not real, they are not valid. Stop thinking about the what-ifs. When negative thoughts creep in challenge its validity. Ask yourself if the evidence supports your negative belief.
Okay, we have blind spots and assumptions that promote biased thoughts; these are based on our experiences. You don’t want to doubt everything but become more aware. I think sometimes people just want to be right, so they stick with assumptions that are not reality.
Appreciating the positive aspects of your life practicing gratitude can boost your mood and motivation.

How to Improve My Perception of Reality?

How Our Perception Shapes or Reality: A Dive into the Mind

Remember, your perception is not set in stone. By deliberately nurturing a more positive and empowering mindset, you can strengthen your potential and pave the way towards achieving your goals and experiencing greater well-being.

5 Steps To Change Your Perception To Create a Better Life, by John R. Miles.

Take responsibility, you can control this narrative.

Actively engage your senses. Pay Attention to the world around you—what you see, hear, taste, smell, and touch. Cultivate mindfulness to notice the details that often escape our awareness.

Effective Communication Depends on How You Perceive the World. Learn how to read body language, a non-verbal form of communication. Our body language can speak louder than words, giving you a lot of information about the person talking. The more you understand this concept, the better you will be at communicating. Interpersonal perceptions reflect both what is inside of us and what is outside of us.

Avoid assuming that your perception is the absolute truth. Instead, explore different viewpoints.

Engage in conversations. Seek feedback from friends, family, or colleagues. Their perspectives can provide valuable insights and challenge your assumptions. Remember that our narratives shape our reality. By sharing experiences, we broaden our understanding.

Train your mind to know the difference between facts and personal interpretations. Facts are verifiable, while our biases influence inferences. When assessing situations, ask yourself: “What do I know for sure, and what am I assuming?”

Keep in mind your own bias in determining success and failure. Avoid self-servicing bias, taking credit for positive outcomes while blaming external factors for setbacks.

Align your perception with your authentic self. Knowing who you are, makes your reality more grounded and purposeful. Reflect on your values, beliefs, and aspirations. Understand what truly matters to you.

Conclusion: Our perception of reality serves as a force shaping our experiences, choices, and outcomes. By cultivating a mindset rooted in optimism, resilience, and self-belief, you can move beyond obstacles and become the person you want to be. By recognizing the profound impact of perception on our well-being, we empower ourselves to a more fulfilling and enriching life. As we move along our journey, we strive to perceive the world through eyes of possibility, resilience, and gratitude, embracing each moment as an opportunity for growth and transformation.

Acknowledge that your brain constructs a narrative about reality. Take responsibility for your reactions and perceptions. Remember that other people’s perception of reality may vary from yours. Improving perception isn’t about doubting everything—it’s about seeking clarity, embracing empathy, and becoming better thinkers.

Citations

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Why Habits Are the Secret Weapon to Changing Your Life

Habits are crucial in shaping our actions, decisions, and destinies. From the moment we wake up to when we go to bed, our lives are an intricate tapestry of actions. They are the compass that guides us through the daily maze. And when we establish positive habits related to our goals, they become ingrained into our daily routine.

“We are what we repeatedly do.”
Aristotle

Understanding Habits

At their core, habits are routines and behaviors that we perform almost unconsciously, often triggered by environmental cues or internal prompts. They are the repeated actions ingrained into the fabric of our being through consistent practice and reinforcement.

"Quality is not an act; it is a habit. - Aristotle

Psychologists suggest habits serve a crucial evolutionary purpose. By automating certain behaviors, our brains conserve cognitive resources, allowing us to focus our attention on more pressing matters. However, while habits streamline our daily lives, their impact extends beyond mere efficiency—they are the catalysts for personal growth and achievement.

The Role of Habits for Shaping Your Life

Using visualization, try to look to the future. As you build a new habit or break an old one, try to picture how the habit can change your life. For example, I have lost 127 pounds after years of weight gain from surgeries. I visualized walking twice a day, every day, how would I feel healthier? That visual idealization gave me a reason to stick with the new habits that led me to that goal.

I had to reshape my habits in many areas of my life to reach that goal. Exercise, nutrition, and sleep were all essential areas where bad habits needed to be changed into new habits and routines. This vision would have been discouraging if I had tried to change everything at once. However, my transformation occurred over three years.

My diet was a big problem, and changing how you eat is challenging. The first step was to stop drinking soda. I started replacing this addiction with better drinks, and over the three years, I worked my way to loving water. So, when I need a beverage, I automatically picture water. Water replaced all the sugary drinks, and the habit is so intense now I would not dream of drinking anything else. We know sugary drinks are bad for us, but oh, how we love them, which makes breaking the habit hard. This is where continuous improvement incrementally works. Small steps toward a visual goal.

The Role of Habits in Reaching Your Goal

Habits provide consistency. Regularly performing specific actions reinforces progress. Consistency is critical to achieving long-term goals.

Habits automate progress; they become ingrained routines requiring minimal willpower. Goals are not attained through a burst of effort but through the steady routine of disciplined action. Brushing your teeth, exercising, or reading books every day. Building habits become a part of your daily rituals, contributing to consistent progress toward your goals.

Not all habits are equal; while some move us toward our objectives, others act as stumbling blocks, hindering our progress. It is critical to identify and nurture habits that align with our goals. According to James Clear, Atomic Habits, true behavior change is identity change. What you do is an indication of the type of person you believe that you are, either consciously or unconsciously. You can define your identity by your habits.

Automatic actions can decrease your stress of making decisions every day. When we perform habitual behaviors, we often experience less intense emotions. What should I eat? How should my day be arranged to increase my potential for success? Rituals and routines built through habits can eliminate micro-decisions, freeing your mind for more significant challenges.

"Your habits will determine your future." - Jack Canfield

Continuous Improvement, incrementally; small, consistent actions add up. Habits create momentum, propelling you closer to your goals with each step. By creating daily habits aligned with our objectives, we make steady progress. You see yourself as someone who takes action and follows through.

Small habits, compounded over time, build lasting results. The 1% rule is all you need to make a new habit stick. The daily 1% improvements, the extra pages read, the additional minutes of practice, and the accumulation of progressive direction help us reach the identity we envisioned.

How To Implement The 1% Rule for Habit Change, by Mental Toughness.

When you have rituals and routines, these habits free up time to be creative and find inspiration. You build confidence from consistent progress, which is a foundation for new ideas and breakthroughs.

While building habits may seem like a mysterious process, they require intentional action and commitment. It takes dedication, patience, and a willingness to experiment.

Here are some Tips to get you Started

Clearly define your goals and the habits that will lead you there.
You cannot change your life overnight. Choose one small achievable habit and focus on building it into your routine.
Keystone habits are the anchors that trigger positive change in other areas of our lives. By identifying and prioritizing these foundational habits, such as exercise, nutrition, and time management, we lay the groundwork for transformational growth.
Our environment has a profound influence on our habits and behaviors. By managing our environments to support our goals, we can minimize distractions. For example, if you have doughnuts and candy, you are more likely to grab them as a quick snack. Rid your environment of foods you should not be eating. Then, you will grab an apple.
Link your new habit to something you already do, which is referred to as habit stacking. It works by identifying a habit or behavior you want to start doing and stacking it onto something you already do. An example of habit stacking would be while waiting for your coffee to brew, cleaning up the kitchen, after drinking your coffee, take a few minutes to meditate.
Seeing and visualizing your progress can be motivating; track your progress. There are plenty of apps, or you can go the old-fashioned way and post it on a piece of paper on your wall. I like this method because I can see it throughout the day. An unconscious reminder of my path to change. You can also use your calendar.
Acknowledge your wins. A new habit takes time; pay attention to when it clicks and becomes normal. Regularly assess your progress and adjust your habits as needed.
Oops, you missed a day; do not let this stop you. You have not failed; get back to the routine as soon as possible. It is not the occasional misstep that defines us, but our steadfast commitment to course correction and growth. The feeling of being “over it” can lead us to abandon goals. We might quit even when we have the potential to achieve them. Recognizing this tipping point reminds us to recommit to the goal. Keep habits challenging enough to maintain interest but not overwhelming.

“Your habits shape your identity, and your identity shapes your habits.”
James Clear, Atomic Habits

Achieving your goals is about something other than grand gestures or bursts of inspiration. It’s about the quiet, consistent power of daily habits. By cultivating habits that align with our vision and embodying the principles of consistency, intentionality, and resilience, we unlock the door to a future of possibility and promise.

Habits are powerful tools. Use them wisely, adapt when needed, and stay motivated on your journey toward success!

Citation

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Unbreakable You: How Goals Forge Resilience

Resilience Defined

According to the American Psychological Association, resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to challenging life experiences, primarily through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and change to external and internal demands.

Several factors contribute to how well people adapt to adversities, including how individuals view and engage with the world, the availability and quality of social resources, and specific coping strategies.

Psychological research shows that the resources and skills associated with resilience can be cultivated and practiced. This is important; the resources and skills related to resilience can be learned and practiced.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

I have encouraged you to write your goals and revisit them regularly. This keeps them at the forefront of your mind and allows you to adjust your course as needed. We need to be flexible because even the best-laid plans can change. Goal setting and resilience are interwoven concepts, as they empower us to overcome challenges, grow, and thrive.

Goals give our lives direction and purpose. When we have clear objectives, we are less likely to drift aimlessly. Something that provides control and motivation, even when things get tough.

Goals allow us to see how far we’ve come. Each milestone reached drives momentum. Whether it’s a small step or a giant leap, progress matters. Resilience involves patience. Sometimes, achieving goals requires waiting, sacrificing, and persevering. Delayed gratification strengthens your resolve.

We all Walk Different Paths

“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
Winston Churchill

Stay focused, be positive, keep your chin up, blah.. blah.. blah. Yes, but what about the fireball’s life throws at us? Some people are food insecure, and others are dealing with grief or with chronic illness. How do you get through these events?

I refer to my fireballs as the dark days. Since the age of 9, I have had an illness, and by the time I was 20, it was severe. The doctors and hospitals took me apart and put me back together a lot of times. I swear they should have just put a zipper on my body so they could keep reaching in and pulling out organs. It was bad. I was close to death several times. So, I know about setbacks. I had goals, and typically, I had a great outlook on life.

But when it piles on, it is hard to keep going. It is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel – what if there is no light? These dark days became my training wheels to get through challenges in my life. I slowly learned techniques to help me cope, to keep my mind positive, and to keep going.

We all have challenging issues in our lives. We have setbacks, bad days, and sometimes, bad years.

“Rock bottom became the solid foundation in which I rebuilt my life.”
J.K. Rowling

Transform Setbacks into Success – Let’s Build Some Resilience

Embrace resilience in the face of challenges. Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity. It is developed through a combination of mindset, coping strategies, and social support. On this path toward goal attainment, setbacks are inevitable. However, it is not the setbacks themselves but how you respond to them that shapes your path.

A resilient mindset accepts setbacks as temporary roadblocks rather than unsurmountable barriers. It involves seeing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. You can maintain optimism even amid adversity by embracing a growth mindset.

Coping strategies play a pivotal role in strengthening resilience. Techniques such as positive self-talk, mindfulness, and seeking social support help individuals navigate difficult circumstances more easily. One of the best things I learned from my dark days was to ask others for help. I had to learn to communicate what I needed, and the people around me gave me more than I could have ever expected.

Building resilience is an ongoing process that requires self-awareness, adaptability, and the willingness to seek help. Seek Support. Many do not want to appear weak and resist telling others of their challenges. Reach out to the people around you.

Goal setting and resilience are intertwined. Goals provide the structure and direction necessary for progress. Resilience toughens you against setbacks. Together, they are a powerful framework for personal and professional development. My goals were what I held on to tightly as I battled my medical issues. There was so much I wanted to accomplish, all written on paper. I used these goals to firm up my mental picture of my future. They saved me from the abyss.

When facing challenges, clearly defined goals will help you keep moving forward. They possess a sense of purpose that fuels your resilience and allows you to weather storms and emerge stronger. The setbacks can be valuable learning experiences, informing future goal setting and strengthening resilience.

“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”
Friedrich Nietzsche

How to Improve Your Reliance

Optimism fuels resilience. Cultivate a positive mindset, even when facing adversity.

Prioritize sleep, limit alcohol, practice mindfulness, and engage in calming exercises like yoga. Nurturing your body and mind enhances resilience.

Passion fuels resilience. When you’re passionate about your goals, setbacks become stepping stones. Identify and embrace your passions and let them be an anchor.

Establish boundaries in relationships. Say “no” when needed. Protect your emotional well-being. Boundaries shield you from stress.

Push past your fears. It is okay to be afraid of doing something new, but don’t let that fear stop you. Resilient individuals recognize their fears and move ahead, anyway. They learn to confront toxic habits, distance themselves from unhealthy relationships, and learn new skills.

Setting realistic and attainable goals provides a sense of control, especially during unpredictable times. When children and teens achieve their goals, they develop resilience. It’s like adding building blocks to their inner strength.

Lean on family, friends, or groups. Social connections provide emotional scaffolding during tough times.

Reading books can provide valuable insights and practical tips for setting meaningful goals and developing resilience.

Resilience thrives on adaptability. Be flexible, adjust to change, and find creative solutions.

Conclusion: Mastering resilience through practical goal setting is critical for growth fulfillment. By setting clear and meaningful goals, you chart a course toward achieving your hopes, plans, and dreams. By cultivating resilience, you develop the necessary strength to overcome challenges and setbacks.

Do you have any tips for building resilience through goal setting? Please share them in the comments below!

Recommend Reading

The Resilient Woman

14 Best Resilience Books for Creating Mental Toughness, by Jeremy Sutton, Ph.D.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perserverance, by Angela Duckworth

Psychology Today, Resilience

Citations

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How Habits Pave the Path to Success

In seeking personal and professional growth, setting goals is just the beginning. Whether aiming to advance in your career, improve your health, or develop new skills, the bridge between setting goals and realizing them lies in cultivating effective habits. Habits serve as the foundational building blocks upon which goal achievement is constructed. Understanding how habits shape our daily lives and learning to harness their power is critical to unlocking our full potential.

“We become what we repeatedly do.”
Sean Covey

An interesting note: winners and losers may have the same goals. Every Olympian dream of that gold medal. Every job seeker wants to land their dream position. Yet, the goal cannot guarantee success. It is only a starting point.

Habits are the routines and behaviors we perform almost unconsciously, often daily. They are ingrained patterns of behavior that have been wired into our brains through repetition and reinforcement. From the moment we wake up in the morning to when we go to bed at night, our habits shape our lives. When building a new habit, identify a specific trigger or cue for your desired habit. It could be a time of day, a location, or an existing routine. I am very time driven, so at 8:00 pm. I get up and dance for 30 minutes. It has become so ingrained in my daily routine; it makes me happy, helps me to relax, and I swear it helps me to sleep better. After dancing, the rest of my night is winding down to quiet time, with no devices, lights, and softer sounds.

Every habit’s core lies in a simple neurological loop: cue, routine, reward. The cue triggers the habit, the routine is the behavior itself, and the reward is the positive reinforcement that reinforces the habit loop. Understanding this loop is essential for both breaking negative habits and establishing positive ones.

We have daily practices, routines, and processes that shape our lives. They are the drivers behind consistent progress. Setting time aside during the day for targeted growth and improvement can be built into these routine habits: continuous improvement, incrementally.

Some of our habits have a disproportionate impact on our lives and can serve as catalysts for positive change. These are known as keystone habits. In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear writes about keystone habits, stating that small choices lead to a cascade of other actions. By focusing on changing one keystone habit, individuals can often create a ripple effect that leads to adopting other positive behaviors. So, regular exercise can lead to improvements in sleep quality and overall well-being.

Consistency is the bedrock of habit formation and achieving your goals. Small, consistent actions performed daily have a collective effect that leads to significant progress. Practicing a skill, saving money, or building relationships, the key is consistently showing up. Making a habit helps you push past the days when your motivation is lacking.

Resistance is a natural part of habit-building; procrastination, self-doubt, or external distractions will always be obstacles. Learning to be aware of and overcome these obstacles is crucial for staying on track toward our goals. Techniques such as visualization, accountability, and breaking tasks into smaller steps can reduce resistance and keep us moving forward.

Reflecting on setting New Year’s Resolutions, setting ambitious goals, feeling motivated at first, only to see enthusiasm fade away and progress stalled. So, what happens? Here is where the power of habits can keep us motivated and help us achieve our goals. Once you learn to build or break a habit, you have a powerful tool for designing the life you want. Achieving your goals requires many personal development tools, some of which include focus, determination, persistence, and consistency.

Why Habits Work

“You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.”
John C. Maxwell

Habits become automatic behaviors, requiring minimal willpower. Habits help us by becoming effortless actions that we automatically perform, freeing mental energy for other challenges in life.

Goals are destinations, but habits are the journey. You ensure steady progress by embedding daily practices into your routine, even when motivation dips. Consistency is the driving force. Small, consistent actions add up over time. With each repletion, your habit gains momentum; soon, the habit is ingrained in your routine.

What do good habits look like?

Start your day with a routine. I wake up, eat a small breakfast, and do a little writing on my next book. Then, at daybreak, I take my dog for a walk every day. This gives me a dose of fresh air, clears my head, and allows me to enjoy the day, the sky, and exercise. I start my workday with a positive mindset. Habits are performance patterns that become routines and rituals. These are specific habits I intentionally built into my day.

Good habits are:

Drinking enough water to keep your body hydrated. This is essential for optimal health and well-being. Breaking the habit of drinking sugary soft drinks could save your health overall.

Changing your eating patterns toward nutritionally sound foods. Pay attention to what you are eating, as this is the fuel for your body to do everything. Tom Rath authored a book titled Eat Move Sleep, an excellent read that could motivate you to change your habits. Make it a habit to reach for an apple instead of a candy bar or doughnut.

A regular exercise routine has so many benefits for your mind and body. It enhances your overall health, boosts energy, and improves your mood. Find an exercise that you like to do. If you dislike walking, try yoga or a gym. Exercise improves your brain health, helps manage your weight, and reduces the risk of disease. It will improve your mood and outlook on life.

Use your mind and cultivate the habit of reading regularly. Reading stimulates your mind. You don’t have to read the entire book at one time. How about a chapter each night? Learn something new, an instrument, a new language. Learning can become a habit. Turn off the TV, stop scrolling Facebook, and use your time for self-improvement. We have 168 hours per week; how are you using your time?

It would help if you had a good night’s sleep, over 5 hours. I used to say it as well; I function fine for 5 hours. Guess what? I had no clue what sleeping 8 hours a night felt like. Now, I wake up refreshed, with enough energy to make it through the day. I don’t need naps because I am refreshed. Your brain needs sleep to keep it healthy. Establish a habit of getting more sleep.

17 Tips to Build Good Habits, by Tchlkl Davis, Ph.D.

Habit Inspiration

They say everyone has a book inside them; want to write a book? Write 600 words daily, even if it’s just brainstorming. Build a habit of writing. The more you write, the better you will communicate, think, and convey your ideas to others.

Create a positive association with the habit. Visualize the benefits or rewards you’ll receive by sticking to it. This gives you motivation to keep moving toward the vision. Making goals become a reality. You can use vision books or boards, post pictures on your wall or frig.

Continuous improvement incrementally; start small by focusing on doing a little each day. Gradually increase the effort. This is the same process, whether it is your diet, exercise, or learning a new skill. Progress takes time. The success factor is to keep moving in a positive direction.

Changing your habits by changing your environment. Use cues to remind you of the habit; when it is (time, place, person, activity), then action (desired habit). Leave a book sitting out where you can see it, or a journal located near where you sit to relax, write about your day, about what you are grateful for, or of your vision for tomorrow.

5 Common Mistakes That Cause New Habits to Fail, by James Clear

Conclusion

To achieve our goals, habits are the key to progress. By understanding the power of habits, keystone behaviors, and consistency, you can achieve your full potential and turn your goals into reality. Goals are dreams with deadlines, but habits anchor them into reality. Embrace the power of daily routines, and watch your goals transform from aspirations to achievements!

Let’s embrace the power of habits as our guiding force, moving us forward one small step at a time. Share your habits and goals with a supportive community, be it family, friends, or co-workers. Accountability and encouragement can be powerful motivators! It is not about any single accomplishment—it’s about the journey.

Do you have any favorite habits that helped you achieve your goals? Share them in the comments below!

Recommend Reading

Atomic Habits, James Clear

What Does It Really Take to Build a New Habit, by Kristi DePaul, Harvard Business Review

Citations

Photo by THE 5TH on Unsplash, Breakfast Routine

Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash, Habit to be Made

Photo by Lala Azizli on Unsplash

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Finding Harmony: Goal Setting for a Balanced Life

“Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.”
Robert Fulgham

Balance is not a static state. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Life is so daily, and we get caught up in a whirlwind of responsibilities and commitments. This can leave us feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and disconnected from our passions and joy. After all, we only have so much time in a day. This makes it essential to think about the balance. We need to meet our responsibilities and commitments, but we also need to enjoy life. Do some things that make us feel good and that make us happy.

Friends sailing on a boat, happy and socializing.

Some days, you will need to focus on work goals and other days require nurturing relationships or prioritizing self-care. The key is to be mindful and intentional, constantly checking in with your values and adjusting your goals to create a harmonious life symphony. Work, education, and hobbies are important, but balance them with fun with people you care about. Laugh and be happy!

We all want that elusive ideal, a life filled with purpose, achievement, and joy. Yet we constantly juggle work, relationships, personal growth, and well-being. This juggling can leave us feeling like we are spinning our wheels instead of steering our journey. So, how do we bring balance into this equation? The answer lies in mastering the art of balance to achieve our goal.

The Importance of Balance

Achieving balance means nurturing our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being and finding harmony amidst the chaos of everyday life.

Balance looks different for everyone. For some, it means carving out time for family and friends and nurturing the relationships that enrich our lives. For others, it means prioritizing self-care and making time for activities that nourish our energy and souls. Whether through meditation, exercise, hobbies, or simply unplugging from technology, finding balance is a profoundly personal journey guided by our unique needs and priorities.

Goal setting is more than just writing a list of aspirations; it is a powerful tool for transformation and personal and professional growth. Goals give us direction, helping us move forward with a clear vision of what we want to achieve. But balance reminds us to enjoy the journey, ensuring we don’t become so laser-focused that we miss the beauty along the way. The key lies in balancing ambition and well-being.

Here’s how to compose your harmonious balance

Know what truly matters to you? Is it family, creativity, adventure, or intellectual stimulation? Knowing your core values helps you set goals that resonate with your inner self.

What is the priority? Think of your life as having different sections – career, relationships, health, etc. Each deserves its own goals, but they must be balanced with your other goals. I call it referential integrity; all areas of our lives overlap to create the whole, so setting goals in one area may affect other areas of your life. If you focus solely on one goal, such as your education, what else are you neglecting, finances, relationships? Balance is critical to our well-being.

Remember to add goals for relaxation, hobbies, and activities that rejuvenate you. Schedule them like necessary appointments, ensuring your well-being. Schedule “me-time” strategically.

Life rarely plays out as we plan. There is no perfection. Be willing to adjust your goals as needed, learn from setbacks, and embrace unexpected opportunities. So, prepare to be flexible and adaptable. So, with thoughtful goal setting and a commitment to balance, you can create a fulfilling and joyful life.

Strategies for Finding Balance

Finding balance in a world that never seems to slow down can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are some strategies to help you cultivate balance in your life.

Learn to say no to things that drain your energy and detract from your well-being. Establish boundaries that protect your time, your space, and your sanity.

Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods, or practicing mindfulness, prioritize activities that rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit.

Cultivate mindfulness daily, embracing the present moment with openness and awareness. Whether through meditation, yoga, or simply walking, find moments of stillness amidst the chaos.

Life is unpredictable, and things don’t always go according to plan. Learn to embrace the ebb and flow of life, adapting to change with grace and resilience.

Be bold and lean on others for support when you need it. Whether it’s friends, family, or professional mentors, surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you.

Give of yourself and your talents.

“Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them.”
Thomas Kinkade

Conclusion

In pursuing our goals and aspirations, let us not forget the importance of balance in our lives. By setting clear intentions, cultivating self-awareness, and embracing the journey with an open heart, we can create a fulfilling and harmonious life. Remember, the true beauty of life lies not in the destination but in the journey itself. So, take a moment to breathe, reflect, and savor each moment’s richness, for therein lies the true essence of living a life in balance.

Do you have any tips for setting goals and achieving balance in life? Could you share them in the comments below?

Recommend Reading

How to achieve Work Life Balance (by Using 3 Types of Goals), Brian Tracy

8 Meaningful Areas To Set Goals In Life for Balance& Clarity, by Darla, Famlee of four

Citations

Photo by Sean Stratton on Unsplash, Balanced Rocks

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Independence, Interdependence, and Achieving Your Goals: A Strategic Blend

Setting goals is about pushing yourself, achieving something more significant in your life, and building your path. But should you do it all alone or hand-in-hand with others? Both independence and interdependence have a place in your goal-setting journey, and finding the right balance depends on your aspirations and context.

Independent strategy versus the Interdependent strategy

Taking charge of your life, making decisions, and achieving your goals independently promotes a sense of accomplishment and confidence. Using an independent strategy to reach your goals means you are accountable, and you are the driving force. You can pursue your vision without compromise. Learning to manage your life builds resilience, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills. However, the downside is that you lack valuable insights, resources, or support from others. Complete independence can lead to loneliness, especially when faced with challenges or setbacks. You could limit your full potential; collaboration can amplify your achievements. Limits to your knowledge and energy could cause burnout.

With the interdependence approach to goals strategy, you can engage with diverse expertise, perspectives, and resources. Sharing your journey with others helps to foster motivation and accountability. By leveraging other’s diverse strengths and perspectives, working together allows you to achieve more than you could alone. You can learn and grow by sharing knowledge and expertise, fostering both personal and professional development. Some limitations might affect your timeline. Group dynamics can slow your progress, and unhealthy dynamics can create stress and negativity. Make sure you set some healthy boundaries to protect your individuality while remaining open to connections.

In working with others, learn to express your needs and understand the needs of others.

Independence Vs Interdependence, by Udit Khurana

Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for all of us.
Erik Erikson

So, how do you find the balance?

Asking questions is always an excellent place to start or do a self-assessment.

Are you a lone wolf or a team player?
Could you benefit from other’s expertise or guidance?
Do I have goals in which collaboration would enhance the process?
Are there people in your life whose strengths could complement yours?
Can you help others reach their goals?
Could talking to another person help you visualize and strengthen your goal process?
Has someone you know reached a similar goal successfully? Could that person help you by advising or coaching?

Balance is essential in this process. As many of our goals are highly personal, often things we do not want to share. So, your goal strategy can be a mix of independence, doing it on your own, versus collaborating with others. Look at each goal you have set and determine whether there is a benefit in seeking the help of others.

Interdependence, by Chris Loper

I am a big proponent of seeking counsel from others who have expertise. By asking someone to be your mentor or coach, you extend your knowledge base to achieve your goals. By reaching out, you can save a lot of time and research on how best to reach those goals. I specialize in start-up businesses and have helped others work toward their goal of being entrepreneurs for many years. Being a business owner requires wearing a lot of hats. Financial, marketing, legal, implementation, and operations must be defined. It is a long process for someone new. Tapping into someone who knows how to write a business plan or what resources in the community can help you move toward your goal more quickly. Why reinvent the wheel when it already exists? Collaborating with others can springboard you forward on a proven path. With this example, each business is unique. However, the process of writing a business plan is relatively generic, and these are skills that still need to be learned. Once you delve into the details, it becomes something truly distinctive, and the bonus is the sense of independence it brings. This is an example of using interdependence and autonomy in a balanced manner.

Interdependence does not mean Dependency

You can contribute your unique value while learning from others. Partnerships can be the fuel to individual success. Choosing healthy collaborations can provide insight, positive feedback, and support.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and be flexible. Seeking the balance between independence and interdependence is a continuous journey. Some of your strategies may not work; step back, reevaluate, and find a new one.

The human experience is an exciting balance between two opposing forces: independence and interdependence. On the one hand, we crave the freedom and strength of self-reliance. We also long for the connection, support, and collaboration that others offer. So, which one is better? The answer, as you might guess, isn’t so simple. Both independence and interdependence have their strengths and weaknesses, and the ideal approach often lies somewhere in between.

Ultimately, true independence doesn’t mean being alone. It’s about knowing who you are, being comfortable in your skin, and having the confidence to connect with others in healthy, mutually beneficial ways. This allows you to experience the best of both worlds: the empowerment of self-sufficiency and the joy of meaningful connections.

Now it’s your turn! What specific goals are you working on? How can you strategically blend independence and interdependence to achieve them? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Citations

Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash, Arms

Photo by Adomas Aleno on Unsplash, Collaboration

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How to Unleash Your Inner Motivation

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”
E.E. Cummings

Where do you find the motivation to keep working toward your goals? Do you have half-finished projects, or is your inner voice saying, “Maybe later or tomorrow?” We can get stalled for a few reasons: you feel overwhelmed, or you have too many tasks you are working on simultaneously. In pursuing our goals, dreams, and aspirations, there are moments when we lack the drive to push forward. In this blog, we will explore the essence of self-motivation and discover practical strategies to achieve success.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, motivation is the general desire or willingness of someone to do something. Motivation is more than just a burst of energy or enthusiasm; it is a driving force behind our actions, behaviors, and attitudes. Understanding what motivates us on a fundamental level is crucial to lasting motivation.

Hopefully, you have been following my blog; we have clarified your desires and goals by identifying what truly matters to you. Ask yourself: What are my goals? Why do I want to achieve them? What impact will they have on my life and the lives of others? By clarifying your aspirations and their significance, you can focus on a sense of purpose that will fuel your motivation.

Set priorities. What is the most important? Do the hardest task first, and then everything else is easy.

Eat The Frog Method: Do The Hardest Task First

Setting (SMART) goals provides a clear picture of your journey. SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound. Break down your larger goals into smaller, actionable steps, and establish deadlines for each milestone. This makes your goals more manageable and allows you to track your progress. The Power of S.M.A.R.T Goals.

What truly excites you about your goal? Visualize the positive impact it will have. Connecting to your “why” will add to an emotional attachment.
Chunk it; divide your goals into smaller, manageable steps. Each completed step is a mini victory, feeding your momentum. I like to chunk my work for a couple of reasons, I give about two hours of intense focus on the task. By working in blocks of two hours, I can move to another task, and refocus. Deep focus is vital to many of our tasks and goals. You cannot get it by trying to do two things at one time. By chunking my time, it is easier to visualize getting it done.
Set dedicated time for your goals and use a calendar. Treat it like a necessary appointment, not a mere suggestion.
Silence your negativity; self-doubt is a motivation killer. Challenge the negative thoughts with affirmations and focus on your strengths. Be aware of that inner voice and cultivate positive self-talk.
Embrace progress, not perfection. Perfectionism paralysis is real. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them. Progress, not perfection, is the accurate measure of success.
Exercise can improve your mood and energy levels. Get your blood pumping with some physical activity. It can energize you, improve focus, and reduce stress, contributing to motivation. When I hit a wall, I walk or dance. It clears my head, energizes me, and makes me happy. The prize is that I return to my task refreshed and more focused.
Experiment and discover what works best for you. The beauty of motivation is that it’s personal. What works for one person might not work for another. Be open to trying different strategies and find the formula that unlocks your full potential.
Embrace a growth mindset, a belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and effort. Recognize that setbacks and challenges are opportunities for learning and growth, rather than indicators of failure. By reframing obstacles as stepping stones to success, you can maintain resilience, and an optimistic outlook that sustains your motivation.
Seek inspiration from various sources, whether books, podcasts, TED talks, or conversations with mentors and peers. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and empower you and learn from their experiences and insights. Draw inspiration from role models who have overcome adversity and achieved greatness, reminding yourself that you, too, are capable of extraordinary accomplishments.
Create a supportive environment that fosters motivation and productivity. Organize your workspace, eliminate distractions, and surround yourself with motivational quotes, affirmations, and visual reminders of your goals. Establish routines and rituals that energize and focus your mind, whether it’s morning meditation, exercise, or journaling. By cultivating an environment conducive to success, you set yourself up for sustained motivation.
Be kind to yourself, especially during moments of self-doubt or setbacks. It is okay to experience fluctuations in your enthusiasm and drive. Practice self-care by prioritizing rest, relaxation, and activities that replenish your energy and creativity.

Uncover Your Limitless Potential

We are humans; there will be difficulties, which is normal. Celebrate your progress and stop seeking perfection – it does not exist. It would help if you found the motivation inside yourself and stopped seeking external validation.

In seeking success in your life, self-motivation guides your hopes, plans, and dreams. By understanding the essence of motivation and embracing practical strategies to nurture it, we empower ourselves to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and reach our full potential. Remember, the power to motivate oneself is within. You have the power to reach your goals.

So, what are you waiting for? Put these tips into action, light the fire of motivation, and watch your goals come to life!

“Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.”
Madam C.J. Walker

Intentional Living

“Intentional living means having the courage to live the life you truly want, rather than settling for a life others expect of you.”
Unknown

What is intentional living?

Intentional living is a philosophy and lifestyle approach where individuals purposefully make decisions and take actions that align with their values, goals, and priorities. It involves being mindful and deliberate about how one lives, focusing on meaningful experiences, relationships, and personal growth rather than passively reacting to circumstances.

Our intentions hold the power to manifest fulfillment, and the only requirement is clarity. Our energy flows where we direct our intentions. This is the take responsibility part of your hopes, plans, and dreams. Intentional living often involves practicing mindfulness and being present in the moment. Paying attention to one’s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. By cultivating mindfulness, individuals can make more conscious choices in their daily lives.

We intend to thrive rather than survive to enhance our overall wellbeing. Seeking our inner peace and life satisfaction. Taking control of our goals and intentions can make us more positive and develop a more robust outlook on our happiness and finding meaning in our lives.

Intentional living requires individuals to identify their core values, passions, and goals. Finding Clarity of Purpose, by clarifying what truly matters to them, they can prioritize their time, energy, and resources accordingly.

Intentional living encourages Authenticity and Integrity in all aspects of life. It involves aligning one’s actions with one’s beliefs and values, being true to oneself, and living with integrity.

Intentional living emphasizes the importance of Balanced Living in various areas of life, including work, relationships, health, and leisure. It encourages individuals to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and maintain equilibrium to prevent burnout and promote overall wellbeing.

Intentional living acknowledges the significance of Meaningful Relationships and Community Connections. It involves fostering genuine connections with others, supporting community initiatives, and contributing to the wellbeing of society as a whole.

Intentional living is a dynamic process involving Continuous Growth and Learning, and self-improvement. It encourages individuals to seek new experiences, step out of their comfort zones, and embrace personal and professional development opportunities.

Goals vs. Intentions: Understanding the Difference

We have been talking about goals to this point in my blogs. There is a difference between goals and intentions. Goals are future-oriented, something you aim to reach. “Take a class.” Intentions are present moment guiding principles that shape your actions and choices. “Be healthy.” Goals are driven by external rewards or desires, and intentions are driven by intrinsic values and purpose.

As far as outcomes are concerned, goals are measurable results with a clear endpoint. Intention is an ongoing process of being. Goals can be rigid and change depending on the situation, while intentions provide a guiding compass even when plans change.

Setting Achievable, Aligned Goals

Start with intentions by identifying your core values and what you want to cultivate. We are each unique, and our intentions will be different. Your intentions could include kindness, growth, or connection. My intentions are integrity, honesty, caring, and authenticity.
Translate your intentions into goals by choosing specific, measurable actions that support your intentions. Again, we each have our path, volunteer, take a college class, or share our knowledge by blogging or teaching.
Set SMART Goals and make them Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Align your goals with values to ensure your goals contribute to your overall intentions and values.
Review and revise as you learn, grow, and adjust your goals and intentions to reflect on your developing self.

Remember, goals and intentions are valuable tools for guiding your life journey. By understanding their differences and using effective strategies, you can set achievable goals that align with your deeper desires and values.

Tools for Your Intentional Living Plan

Mindfulness. There are tools you can use to help with mindful living, such as meditation, breathing exercises, and stepping away from your digital habits, to help seek your peace. Take a walk in nature, talk to a neighbor.

Gratitude. Practice gratitude daily, and appreciate what you have, your experiences, and your relationships.

Living with purpose. Knowing your purpose gives you a guiding light. Purpose can also be referred to as a calling. For me, my purpose is a powerful drive to move in a certain direction; to help others reach their life goals.

“Intentional days create a life on purpose.”
Adrienne Enns

Visualization. Visualize your ideal day. See the daily routine and steps you plan to take to reach your goals. I often tell people that I have had the perfect day. If they have not experienced their perfect day, they do not relate to what I am saying. It is, however, genuine, and more, and more I can say it has been a perfect day. It is possible. To see your perfect days, you need to step back and become more aware of each day. For me, the perfect day is when I fully control what I work on and when. These days I can touch multiple passions of mine, such as working, caring for my indoor plants, painting a picture, reading a book, exercising, getting out in nature, and lots of sunshine and fresh air, and socializing.

Making conscious choices. Small, intentional choices can lead to a more fulfilling life. I make my own food, intentionally watching that I have a balanced and nutritional daily intake. I exercise two hours a day – not at one time, because I would hate it, but 30 minutes of walking at daybreak, 30 minutes of walking in the afternoon, and 30 minutes of dancing in the evening.

I have done this daily for the last three years; it is a habit. When I cannot get my walks or dancing, I feel I have missed something critical to my long-term health. However, realistically, I know that one day, here and there, will not destroy progress. It is just that it has become a habit, what feels right.

I intentionally sleep 8 hours, down at 10:30 pm and up at 6:30 am. The longer I do this, the more in-tuned my body becomes, to where I am naturally falling asleep at 10:30 and waking at 6:30 without an alarm.

Repetition can become your ritual-built habit. The habit then becomes a built-in part of your day.

Living authentically. Explore the importance of aligning your actions with your values and overcoming self-doubt.

Starting the day off right is essential. You have heard people say they got out of bed on the wrong side, which is about the attitude you open your eyes to. Is it going to be a bad day or a glorious day? You have the ability to make that decision.

Plan your day the night before, do your morning routines, and then you are ready to rock and roll.

“Live by design, not default.”
Anonymous

Practice Self-Care, which could include taking time for a walk, getting up early, and watching the sunrise. We all push through our days, moving from one task to another. Yes, we have many obligations, children to care for, homework assignments, and a big presentation at work. But it would help if you cared for yourself, so it does not become overwhelming.

Spend your time wisely.

If you want something (a goal)

Work every day toward the goal.
Use the tools for intentional living to motivate and assist in the journey.
Find strategies for overcoming distractions and staying focused on what matters most.

Two important concepts for your intentional living plan.

Balance and Moderation

It is too easy to fall into a frenzy of compulsively following a plan. We all need to learn to live a balanced life with healthy boundaries. Moderation is staying in the middle, not too far out either way.

Conclusion

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

Overall, intentional living is about living with purpose, mindfulness, and authenticity while consciously shaping one’s life in alignment with personal values and aspirations. It is a profoundly individualistic approach that can manifest in various ways, depending on individual beliefs, preferences, and circumstances.

We are not perfect; embrace your imperfections. Have self-compassion and acceptance of challenges on the journey to intentional living.

Citations

Photo by Coen van de Broek on Unsplash, Bicycles

Photo by Lukasz Szmigiel on Unsplash, Trees

Photo by Quino Al on Unsplash, Ocean

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Groundhog Day’s Guide to Goal-Setting Mastery

The entire world went through the COVID-19 pandemic. We were all trapped in a strange twilight zone, similar to Groundhog Day, the 1993 comedy starring Bill Murray. It may seem like just a humorous tale of a weatherman stuck in a time loop, but beneath its surface lies a profound lesson about goal setting and personal growth. Murray lives the same day over and over until he decides to Seize the Day.

Your Future is hidden in your daily routines. Use Your Time Wisely!

Back to everyday life. We have these events that happen year after year, like holidays and vacations. These are the high points, the ones we are likely to remember. However, life sometimes feels so daily, as if we are stuck in the hamster wheel. Get up, go to work, have lunch, go home, clean the house or yard. Blah..blah..blah.

Endless Loop or Routine

Yet you have the power to change the daily routines, add spice, and change your life. You have the power to become who you want to be.

In the movie, Phil Connors, played by Bill Murray, relives the same day repeatedly. Initially, he indulges in his vices and surrenders to the monotony of the situation, much like how we sometimes fall into routines without clear goals. Again, many of us experienced this monotony during the pandemic. Like we were all stuck in a bad dream. What did you do? Was it the same day over and over again?

8 Ways to Deal With Groundhog Day Syndrome Try new foods, engage in mental gymnastics, and more. By Susan Albers Psy.D., Psychology Today

Recognizing the Need for Change

As Phil experiences the repetition, he begins to realize the futility of his actions and the need for change. This mirrors the moment many of us have when we recognize that our current habits and goals are not leading us where we want to go.

How GroundHog Day could change your Life for the Better, by At Rite Academy

Setting Clear Goals

A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow. You’ve gotta do something and you’ve gotta do something fast. You just sitting around talking about it and hoping for things to get better isn’t going to do anything.
Andrew Tate

Phil’s transformation truly begins when he starts setting clear goals for himself. Whether learning to play the piano or becoming a better person, he sets specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, which are crucial in any journey.

Hit the reset button. We often fall into the trap of thinking mistakes are setbacks. But just like Phil waking up to a fresh February 2nd, each day is a chance to start anew. Adjust your strategy and try again.
Specificity is vital. Phil starts with vague desires like “be a better person.” But no progress happens until he sets specific goals (learn piano, speak French). Be SMART with your goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
It is about action, not just talking. Phil practices piano scales until his fingers bleed. Consistent action, even in small, daily steps, is the fuel that ignites progress.

Failure and Iteration

Despite his initial failures, Phil persists in his efforts to improve himself. He embraces failure as a part of the learning process, iterating and adjusting his approach each day until he achieves his goals. This resilience in the face of setbacks is critical to practical goal setting.

How to Own Failure, the Iterative Mindset, by Bryce Nobles

The Importance of Self-Reflection

Throughout the movie, Phil reflects on his actions and their consequences. He learns from his mistakes, grows from his experiences, and ultimately becomes a better version of himself. It is crucial to regularly evaluate how we are doing in reaching our goals.

Why Self-Reflection is An Important Part of Personal Growth, by Passion Planner

By Alphonse Lamartine

Time Loop – Break Free

As the end of the movie, Phil leaves the time loop by changing himself, not his situation. His journey is a powerful reminder that true fulfillment comes from personal growth and self-improvement.

Phil eventually finds joy in the day, mastering skills, connecting with people, and appreciating the little things. Goals are guideposts, not prison walls. Savor the journey, celebrate milestones, and find joy in the process.

Why We Get Stuck in Bad Habits and How to Break The Habit Loop, by Nate Klemp, PhD

Conclusion

As we reflect on the timeless lessons of “Groundhog Day,” let us remember the importance of setting meaningful goals, embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, and approaching self-improvement continuously and incrementally. Let us take inspiration from Phil Connors and make the most of each day, using it as a chance to grow into our best selves.

February 2nd isn’t just about Punxsutawney Phil and his shadow. It’s about Phil Connors, stuck in a time loop, doomed to relive the same Groundhog Day over and over. But for all the existential dread, Phil’s story is also a surprisingly potent lesson in goal setting.

Think about it: Phil starts out crabby, selfish, and stuck in a rut. Sound familiar? We all get overwhelmed by goals sometimes, the mountain seeming too high, the path unclear. Like Phil, we wake up to the same old routine, wishing for something different. But then, the loop begins. Phil had a chance to reset, try new things, and learn from his mistakes. And that’s where the magic happens.

Groundhog Day isn’t just about a furry weatherman. It is a reminder that every day is a fresh start, a chance to learn, grow, and make progress. So, set your goals, embrace the stumbles, and remember, just like Phil, you have the power to make something beautiful out of the same old day.

Free Online Classes

Check these sites out. Maybe you will find something new to learn.

Coursera – https://www.coursera.org/
Open Culture Online Courses – http://www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses
edX – https://www.edx.org/
Alison – https://alison.com/courses

Citations

Photo by Jexo on Unsplash, Clock on table

Photo by Robert Collins on Unsplash

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Rewrite Your Story. Embracing the Blank Page of Possibility!

Up to this point, I have been writing about defining what you want your life to look like down the road and setting goals to achieve your hopes, plans, and dreams. Today will be a recap of the past couple of months as we move into the action part of the plan. Keeping perspective on the journey and the future goal.

The way to make this happen is through action. No one else is going to do it for you. RESOLVE to make your dreams a reality.

Imagine that your next step is an open book with blank pages. What would you write? Now, we are moving beyond our New Year’s resolutions. It is time to start your journey of personal transformation. This journey is a continual dance between who we are today and who we long to become tomorrow.

It is a continuous process, moving forward and changing the plan as each day goes by. Your plan is a living, breathing document. It should change as you do. I say document because you should record your progress in some form. As we progress through February, I will provide tools to help you track your progress.

I have maintained my resolutions for decades. My written resolutions are a combination of journaling and tracking. Because I have written records of where I started and where I am today, I have gained much perspective on many aspects of myself. I can see my growth, struggles, and dreams coming true, or sometimes being destroyed. Life is messy. It sometimes goes differently than we plan. We must be ready, agile, and flexible in our plan. Knowing where you are going is your compass, your focal point.

Redefining Your Story

This introspection, this questioning of identity, lies at the heart of personal transformation. We stand at the fork in the road, asking, “Who am I, truly?” It’s about acknowledging the storylines we have built around ourselves, the chapters written by circumstance and choice. But here is the POWER – we are not bound by these stories. We can rewrite, redefine, and fill them with new meaning, essentially writing a new story. Tomorrow is a new Day!

Blueprint for a Successful Year

We define ourselves by who we are, but also by the choices we make. Each step, each decision, leaves a mark on our lives. This is where resolutions transform into action. Our deepest desires become the roadmap, guiding our choices.

Designing a successful year is not about rigid resolutions but setting clear intentions. The intentions are the GPS, not the path itself. They remind us of the importance of personal growth, overcoming obstacles, and finding life satisfaction. They say clarity is key, progress is everything, and discipline makes us who we are.

“Transformation does not start with someone else changing you; transformation is an inner self reworking of what you are now to what you will be.”
Byron Pulsifer

New Perspectives, Fresh Possibilities

But even the best-laid plans encounter detours. Resilience becomes our compass, navigating us through unforeseen challenges. We learn to view adversity not as a roadblock but as a teacher, learning our lessons and adjusting our path. We discover new perspectives, untapped strengths, and the seeds of creativity.

We are a work in progress.

Visualization: Seeing It to Believe It

Visualization fuels this transformation. We can imagine ourselves reaching our goal, with the sun shining on our faces as we cross the finish line. These mental images are like magnets that pull us towards our goals. Each step and triumph reinforce the vision, the belief in who we can truly be.

The Journey Unfolds

This is not a linear path, but a winding pilgrimage. There will be stumbles, moments of doubt, and days where your focus wanders off. But when we’re consistent and determined, we have the power to keep moving forward. The sunset at the end of each day marks the end of a chapter, as the sunrise marks a new beginning.

The Transformation Never Ends

So, let us move beyond resolutions, embracing the ongoing saga of self-discovery. Let us redefine our stories with intentional choices. Let us chart our journey with clear goals fueled by resilience and unwavering focus. Embracing this change helps us discover who we’ll be tomorrow and all the amazing things we can be daily.

This is your journey. CHART it. OWN it. TRANSFORM it.

Thinking of this journey as your life story, what is the next chapter? It is how to stay focused and motivated to keep on this path toward a specific goal. I love life and am excited by what is around me. Harnessing a focused approach was one of the hardest things I have had to do. But a steel focus on what you want is necessary.

During February, this blog will be about motivating yourself, keeping yourself on the path, and building momentum. When people write their goals on New Year’s, they often stop by February. Signed up for the gym; well, it is too cold to go today, and the next day another excuse. Planned on changing your diet, but one donut will not hurt? Or one more?

“It’s not about perfect. It’s about effort. And when you implement that effort into your life. Every single day, that’s where transformation happens. That’s how change occurs. Keep going. Remember why you started.”
Anonymous

Your Blank Sheet of Paper

What are you going to write in your next chapter? What does February look like?

Citations

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash, Speaker

Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash, Trohpy

Photo by Duy Pham on Unsplash, Friends/Vacation

Photo by Charles DeLoye on Unsplash, Graduation

Photo by David Billings on Unsplash, Climb a Mountain.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash, Blank Paper

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

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Visualization – Focus on Personal Growth

See the possibilities!

“Visualize this thing that you want, see it, feel it, believe in it. Make your mental blueprint, and begin to build.”
Robert Collier

How to use visualization to achieve your goals

I ran long-distance races when I was younger, 6.2 miles, 13.1 miles, and mini triathlons, which are events with competitions in swimming, running, and biking. I started running because I was my terminally ill mother’s caretaker and a single mother of a 7-year-old boy. Running was my release from all the stress; it helped. I learned to use visualization to see myself finishing the races. I mentally rehearsed the races and firmly believe that running is as much a mental challenge as a physical one.

The reason my mother is in this story is that there was a professor at UCLA who was teaching visualization to cancer patients. My mother would have never attended any type of session, but I went to see if it could help. This session changed my life in profound ways. I learned to harness my mental pictures for success.

See It to Be It

How can visualization be used to fuel personal growth?

We all have dreams, aspirations, and that little voice whispering about the person we long to become. But how do we make desires into reality? Visualization is a tool to help you format those dreams into something tangible.

Visualization is the act and practice of creating a mental image of your goals. By imagining how a particular event will look, you can work backward and create smaller steps to help you make that goal a reality.
Devin Swan, ClickUp

Mind Mapping

How to use visualization to help your brain map a vision of your future.

Create vivid images of your goals. Picture yourself accomplishing your goal, whether landing that dream job, conquering a personal challenge, or mastering a new skill. Engage all of your senses. See the success, hear the praise, feel the satisfaction. The more detailed and realistic your mental picture, the stronger the message to your subconscious and the higher your motivation. It is like a vision board inside of your head.

Visualize the process. You want to see the entire process, not just the end goal. In the case of running, visualize stretching to prepare your body for the run. Engage your senses, feel the cool air when you step out of the house, feel your feet hitting the ground, and see yourself pushing through the minor aches and pains that come with running, a pull in your side, a cramp in your leg. See yourself finishing the set goal. When I was actually running a 13-mile race, I would visualize the food that would be waiting at the end of the race. By the end of the race, I was starving. Whatever helps you get to your goal.

Engage your emotions. The deeper the emotional connection you have with your visualization, the more profound its effect will be. Feel the joy of success and the determination to meet the challenge.

Be specific and realistic. The more detailed your goals and visions, the easier it is for your mind to process them and turn them into reality.

Consistency is key. Just like building any skill, consistency is crucial. Dedicate daily time, even just five minutes, to your visualization ritual. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and see your future.

Action must follow the mental image. Visualization is a launchpad for action. Use the energy from your mental image as a springboard to fuel your journey. Create a plan of action and write the steps you will take.

Looking for extra inspiration? Create a vision board! Fill it with images, quotes, and symbols that represent your goals. Hang it somewhere you see it daily, and let it serve as a visual reminder of the beautiful masterpiece you’re co-creating with your mind.

Ready to share your visualization journey?

Leave a comment below and let’s inspire each other!

New Perspectives Ignite Your Growth Journey

How to Expand Your Perspective for Exponential Growth

Personal growth is what this is all about. As you reach for your goals in 2024, let’s step back and think about our perspective on life. Who you become is defined by the choices you make.

Ask Questions. Start at Why!

NOWHERE
NOW HERE
It's just a matter of perspective. Choose your views wisely!
- unknown

What kind of person do you want to be?

How does perspective affect your life?

How is perspective critical in everyday life?

The river’s flow carves a path through the landscape, just as our experiences and stories of personal growth carve our path. This flow defines who we are and where we are from, creating our perspective of our environment. A perspective that we can take control of and to help better determine who we will become. There are endless possibilities if you can learn to change your perspective.

“Perspective has a Latin root meaning “look through” or “perceive.” It is the lens in which you view ALL things in your life.”
Brian Covey

How to expand your perspective. Open-mindedness is the starting point, becoming aware of what our perspective is and assessing if it is helping us achieve our personal goals. Much of our perspective is invisible to us. It can be conscious or unconscious choices or viewpoints we hold. It could be taught to us as a child, through family or culture, or in church or school, it could be from media sources.

Why Perspective Matters: Understanding the Importance of Different Viewpoints. The way we view and interpret the world. It shapes our thoughts, emotions, and actions and can affect our overall well-being. By learning to shift our perspective, we can gain new insights and find creative solutions to life’s challenges.

Our perspectives are continuously changing. Our experiences, both positive and negative, shape our view of the world. This viewpoint determines how we respond to challenges, navigate relationships, and how to define who we are.

Shifting Perspectives can be a Powerful Tool

A fixed perspective limits our understanding of the world. It can trap us in negativity, fear, or complacency. But when we embrace the power of shifting our perspectives, we open ourselves to a world of possibilities. We can see familiar situations in a new light by considering alternative viewpoints. Challenges become learning opportunities, setbacks become steppingstones, and even failures become valuable lessons.

“Changing your perspective, changes your experiences.”
Paul McGregor

Accepting New Experiences

Stepping outside our comfort zones and actively seeking new experiences is one of the most commanding ways to shift our perspectives. Immerse yourself in a different culture, learn a new skill, or strike up a conversation with someone you wouldn’t usually talk to. Each of these experiences has the potential to alter our worldview and reveal something new about ourselves and the world around us.

Challenge your Assumptions – Small Shifts, make Big Transformations

We all have unconscious biases and assumptions that influence our perspectives. Becoming aware of and actively challenging these biases is essential for fostering personal growth.

By questioning our assumptions and seeking different viewpoints, we can break free from limiting beliefs and expand our understanding of the world, and thus ourselves.

80 Life Lesson – Quotes that will change your perspective

This is just good advice. What is your perspective on your life?

Personal Growth

Personal growth is not a linear journey. There will be times when our perspectives feel stuck, and we may have setbacks and fall into old patterns of thinking. But the important thing is to keep moving forward, to keep seeking new experiences, and to constantly challenge ourselves to see the world through different lenses.

“When you change the way, you look at things, the things you look at change.”
Wayne Dyer

By incorporating these tips into your life, you can unlock the power of perspective and launch a transformative journey of personal growth. So, what are you waiting for? Start shifting your flow today!

Recommended Reading

The reason I add the recommended reading is for those of you who are interested in learning more about the topic; I am providing some additional guidance, or food for thought.

The Importance of Perspective, by Brian Covey

How your perspective shapes your life, by Olujimi Jiboye

Shaping Your Growth: The Crucial Role of Perspective in Personal Development, by Perspective Gear

Citations

Photo by Pavel Nekoranec on Unsplash – White Building

Photo by Maarten Deckers on Unsplash – Blue Building

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Cultivate Empowering Self-Talk

How Your Mindset Shapes Your Reality

Self-dialogue drives goal achievement, but it can also hold you back. We have a constant stream of self-dialogue shaping our thoughts, emotions, and, ultimately, our actions. The way we talk to ourselves matters immensely. So, how can we harness the power of self-dialog to become our own coach?

"It you tell yourself; you can't do something; you will never be able to do that something" -Unknown.

The inner voice can cover a wide range of thoughts and emotions, such as self-reflection, problem-solving, self-criticism, planning, decision-making, and even daydreaming.

Do You Have an Internal Dialogue? Not Everyone Does.

How Does Your Mind Shape Your Reality?

Our minds shape reality in many fascinating ways, both consciously and unconsciously. Self-dialogue is one way. We also have a predictive brain; our brain constantly predicts what we’ll experience based on our past experiences. It fills gaps in sensory information.

Attention is another way our mind shapes reality. We selectively focus on specific aspects of our environment, neglecting others. This is because of our interests, goals, and emotional state. When I walk my dog, I try to practice being present in the moment, yet my brain wanders off on its own. I have some great ideas, but I may also miss the sunrise. Whatever happens, I have an ongoing inner dialogue. This is how I process the world. Where is your attention, and can you use your inner voice to refocus on what is important?

Then, there are our beliefs and biases. Our existing beliefs influence how we interpret the world and our worldview. We screen the world through what we believe to be true, and our self-talk.

We organize our experiences through language and creative stories to explain them, shaping our understanding of ourselves, others, and the world. We also have shared beliefs and understandings within groups that create social realities. Our inner talk is the vehicle that helps us to decide where to focus our attention, what stories are related to us. With creative minds, it may be a letting go of the attention and daydreaming floating around in your head. We are all unique, and self-dialogue will differ for each of us as we live in our own reality.

It’s important to remember that this is just a glimpse into the complex relationship between the human mind and reality. Each individual’s experience is unique, shaped by a lifetime of personal and cultural influences. Understanding how our minds shape our experiences can empower us to be more conscious of our biases and perspectives and make choices that create a reality we find meaningful and fulfilling. Talk to yourself about this, ask the questions, and answer them.

How powerful is self-talk?

Self-talk is something you do naturally throughout your waking hours. People are becoming more aware that positive self-talk is a powerful tool for increasing your self-confidence and curbing negative emotions. People who can master positive self-talk are thought to be more confident, motivated, and productive.
healthline.com

How does Self-dialogue Fit into Our Reality?

Self-dialogue is crucial in fostering a growth mindset, acting as the internal engine that fuels your belief in your potential and your willingness to learn and improve. Self-dialogue and our moral compass are internal vehicles for right and wrong. Internal conversations guide our decisions and actions. Of course, these mental conversations are only sometimes profound. We have self-conversations about what we will wear and mental rehearsals about what we will say to someone.

What you say to yourself is powerful. It can take you down a negative path or it can lead you toward opportunity for growth. Think of it as your internal cheerleader. We have the power to reframe our thinking into a more positive outlook.

Life is messy, and setbacks are a normal part of life. We all experience them. What you say to yourself determines how you move through challenges. For example, if you make a mistake; do you destroy yourself and quit, or do you coach yourself? Do you get up and say I will try again. Positive self-talk fuels your determination and helps you get back on track.

In my last blog, The Power of Self Discipline, cultivating those positive habits and mindset will change the way you speak to yourself. Instead of I can’t say I can. Instead of saying I am afraid to try something new, say I am excited. The words you use have power. We have the power to hinder our progress with negative self-talk, or we can shift our language to focus on positive affirmations.

First, you must become aware of the dialogue. It is a conscious process. Actively practice reframing your thoughts. You can turn your inner voice into a powerful tool for achieving your full potential.

Reframing negative thoughts: how to challenge negative thinking.

Recommended Reading

The Experience Machine: How the predictive brain shapes your reality., by Andy Clark

The Self-Talk Workout: Six Science-Backed Strategies to Dissolve Self-Criticism and Transform the Voice in Your Head, by Rachel Goldsmith Turow

Citations

Photo by Taylor Smith on Unsplash, Self Talk

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The Power of Self-Discipline

What is Self-Discipline?

“Self-discipline is the ability to make yourself do what you should do when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.”
Elbert Hubbard

How does discipline fit into your life?

Self-discipline crosses many areas of our life. As we approach this subject, we need to be mindful of how discipline fits into our lives. From improving your finances to your nutritional habits, taking control is required to be successful. These areas of your life cross paths. If you are not financially stable, you may not meet other goals you have set. What about keeping in touch with the important people in your life? Maybe you have a goal to be a better communicator? If you want to write a book, creative discipline is essential. This is only a sample of the discipline you may need to reach your goals.

How does discipline help to achieve goals?

“There are 999 other success principles that I have found in my reading and experience, but without self-discipline, none of them work. With self-discipline, they all work.”
Brian Tracy

It involves consistency, focus, and the ability to push through challenges. Discipline connects our intentions to our actions. Turning your hopes, plans, and dreams into reality takes action. This is not a simple task; it requires effort, and it could require you to move out of your comfort zone. Achieving anything worthwhile takes time and dedication. Discipline keeps you going every day, even when you’re not feeling motivated. It helps you build habits that contribute to your long-term success, by continuous improvement incrementally, one small step at a time.

The path to achieving your goals is rarely smooth. There will be setbacks, distractions, and moments when you want to give up. Discipline strengthens your willpower, making resisting temptations easier and staying focused on your priorities. It also builds resilience, allowing you to bounce back from challenges and keep moving forward.

Discipline helps you train your mind to focus on the task at hand and avoid distractions. In a world full of noise and competing demands, this is vital for making significant progress in your goals. It allows you to use your time effectively and maximize your productivity.

You build confidence in your abilities when you consistently show up and work toward your goals. You start to believe that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. This newfound confidence fuels further motivation and success.

Remember, discipline isn’t about being perfect or never making mistakes. It’s about learning from setbacks, adapting your approach, and never giving up on your dreams.

Can you learn discipline?

Neuroplasticity is the unique ability of the brain to adapt and change throughout life. Self-discipline is the ability to control your impulses and behavior to achieve your goals. Our brains are constantly adapting and forming new connections based on our experiences. Disciplined behavior creates neural pathways that make repeating those actions easier. When you consistently practice self-discipline, you strengthen neural pathways associated with this action. You can build new neural pathways to build habits or weaken unwanted pathways to break habits.

Yes, self-discipline is a learned skill that takes time and commitment. There are no magic formulas or 3 best ways to gain self-discipline. You must reach deep into yourself and push. Below are resources to walk you through the process of developing self-discipline.

Know your strengths and weaknesses. Assess and change your habits, learn new habits, and eliminate bad habits. A Guide to a Personal SWOT Analysis: Preparing for your Next Role.

Clearly define your goals. Develop a clear picture of what you want to achieve.

Consistency is the key to reaching your goals; take small steps toward the goal every day.

Develop rituals and routines in your daily life. These become anchors to consistency. You can use routines and rituals as a tool for mastery. There is power in routines and schedules. Schedule dedicated time for your goals and prioritize them in your calendar.

Develop a disciplined mindset.

Take responsibility – No excuses.

Change your vocabulary. Simple statements such as 1 can’t versus I can make a big difference in your perspective. Changing your habitual vocabulary, the words you consistently use to describe emotions – you can instantaneously change how you think, how you feel, and how you live. When you change your words, you change your mindset. In the next blog, I will cover self-dialogue. How our inner voice guides us.

Write your intention, create a plan of action, and write out your goals. I have maintained journals since I was a young girl. Writing helps me work the issues out and determine what is important. Also, you can revisit the writing and gain perspective when you write it down.

Embrace growth and personal transformation. Sure, routines and rituals help you with self-discipline, but as we are doing so for personal growth, you will transform your habits and lifestyle.

The best news? Regardless of your starting point, anyone can cultivate discipline with deliberate effort and the right tools. It’s a powerful skill that unlocks potential, empowers goal achievement, and fosters personal growth. Neuroplasticity is the how your brain grows, and self-discipline is the guiding hand. Together, they allow you to sculpt your brain and build a stronger, more disciplined version of yourself.

Recommended Reading

The Power of Discipline: Achieving Goals, Managing Time, Overcoming Challenges, and Building Relationships., by Aaron Hall

How to build the discipline of self-discipline, BetterUp.com.

Citations

Photo by Patrick Schneider on Unsplash

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Why Consistency is Key to Reaching Your Goals

Could consistency be the missing part of your puzzle in achieving your goals? Your daily habits can fuel your goals.

Now, work begins. You know what your aspirations are and what the big dream looks like; you can almost see the future of you. But now the journey starts, from a wish to reality. What is the missing ingredient? That ingredient is consistency. Life is so daily; your daily habits are how you reach your goals.

Consistency is the rope that pulls you steadily along the path, one step at a time. Progress adds up. A single intense run will not get you to the race, but regular, consistent training builds endurance, muscle memory, and mental strength. Your goals are marathons. You have a starting point, and you have a goal that you wish to reach. Each small, consistent step paves the way to mastering your target goals. To gain momentum.

But it is important to note that momentum can also be negative. If you are stuck or falling into bad habits, you can also build momentum in the wrong direction. You have set aside time to exercise daily, but… for today, I will just lay on the couch and watch TV. The next day, well, one day will not hurt. You see, it is not all that hard to get off track. Shift your perspective to prioritize completing tasks today rather than postponing them for tomorrow.

Consistency is not about perfection. It is about showing up, even on off days, and taking some action, no matter how small.

Consistency: A Real Key to Success, by Psychologs Magazine.

Consistency means staying focused and dedicating oneself to the goal. It is the ability to remain committed to a task or habit without deviating. But being consistent is difficult. There are many reasons consistency is so important for success.

What matters?

Hard work and dedication
Motivation and passion
Resilience
Time management
Self-Discipline
Positive Mindset

Habits Build Success

Consistency isn’t just about brute force; it’s about building habits. By taking small, consistent actions daily, you ingrain them into your routine. Over time, these actions become effortless, part of your daily rhythm.

Good habits promote positive changes

How to develop a good habit. In psychology, there is a 21/90 rule regarding habits. It takes 21 days to build a habit and 90 days to make it permanent. We can backslide into old habits that provide comfort, but you guide yourself back to the new habit. Stick with it.

Yes, it takes discipline. You need to take responsibility for your actions, no excuses. Set the goal, say it is exercising daily, then Do It! It would help is you found the power within yourself to keep up the new routine. I am very time-driven, so at 7:30 a.m., I take my dog for a 30-minute walk, and at 8:00 p.m., I dance for 45 minutes. When the clock hits the right time, that is my trigger to move. The consistency of the timing helps me to stick with the habit. This habit of moving every day has transformed my life.

Life throws curveballs

As I have stated, we can backslide to the old habit. There will be days when motivation wanes and doubt creeps in. But consistency provides a safety net. Skipping one practice might sting, but knowing you’ve built a consistent framework of action makes getting back on track easier. Consistency breeds confidence, reminding you that even a stumble won’t derail your progress.

“When life throws you curveballs, grab a bat and swing.”
Unknown

Recommend Books

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business, by Charles Duhigg

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, by James Clear

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R Covey

Featured

Destiny by Design: Crafting Your Ideal Life Through Manifestation

Let’s go back to the big picture once again. What does manifestation mean?

Manifestation brings your desires and goals into reality through focused thought and intention. It’s about aligning your mindset, emotions, and actions to create the life you envision.

“Manifestation is the bridge between imagination and reality.”
Deepak Chopra

Manifestation is the idea that we can actively shape our lives through focused thoughts, beliefs, intentions, and actions. Manifestation is a powerful blend of psychology, intentionality, and taking inspired action. It is about aligning your mindset and emotions to create the life you want. Manifestation is not just a buzzword; it’s a profound practice that can transform your life.

Our minds are powerful. Much of our reality is shaped by what we believe. So, believe that you are worthy, strong, loved, joyful, and unique. Believe that you can make your dreams come true. Well, let’s get started on this journey to self-actualization. Some core principles of manifesting your destiny, and some tools to help you on your way.

Define Your Destiny

Let’s seek clarity and focus on what we want.

Before you can manifest anything, you need to be clear about what you desire. Take some time to reflect. A good starting point is to keep a journal which can help capture your thoughts. In this journey, ask yourself a lot of questions and write down the answers to help define what you want in life.

What does your dream look like?
What are your deepest longings and aspirations?

Believe in Yourself and the Power of Possibility

It is crucial that you have a firm belief in yourself. This powers all other actions toward the dream. Remember, your thoughts and beliefs have a powerful impact on your reality. Nurture a mindset of possibility and self-worth.

“Keep your thoughts positive, because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive, because your behaviors become your habits. Keep your habits positive, because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive, because your values become your destiny.”
Gandhi

Focus on Gratitude and Positive Emotions

Gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions you can cultivate. When you focus on the good things in your life, you have better psychological and physical well-being. Check out this blog about focusing on good and positive things in life. https://www.trackinghappiness.com/how-to-focus-on-the-good/

Take some time every day to appreciate the blessings you have, both big and small. It takes some practice to stop the mad rush we call life, slow down, enjoy the day, and become aware of how you feel. Have you watched the sunrise lately? Breathtaking beauty! Have you taken time to sit with a loved one and have a conversation without rushing out to some other tasks? Look around your life. What do you have to be grateful for today?

Take Inspired Action

You cannot just sit back and wait for your dreams to come true. You must take action toward your goals. Sitting back and thinking about the big dream is dreaming, going after the dream requires actions. Your actions need to align with your intentions, then break the dream into smaller steps. Continuous improvement, incrementally, small steps, every day.

Be Patient and Persistent

Manifestation doesn’t always happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and persistence. There may be setbacks and detours, but don’t get discouraged. Trust in your long-term vision and stay focused on that vision.

Guidance for Your Journey

Practice visualization by visualizing your desired goal in vivid detail. See yourself achieving the goal and feeling the emotions of success. I used visualization the finish line when I ran long-distance races.

Positive affirmations can help to reprogram your subconscious mind. Affirmations harness positive thinking. Positive statements can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts. Repeat affirmations that resonate with you on a daily basis.

Simplify your life and declutter. Clear out your mental, emotional, and living space, and let go of anything that you no longer need.

Connect with nature, by spending time away from the hustle and bustle of life. Take a walk, enjoy the sunshine, get some fresh air, or go to the park.

Serve others and your community. Giving back to others is a powerful way to connect with people and bring positive energy into your life. Volunteer your time or talents to make a difference in the world. Reach out to the people in your life and help where you can.

Manifestation is not about sitting back and waiting for things to happen. Take inspired action towards your goals. Break down your vision into achievable steps, and consistently work towards them. Action is the bridge between your dreams and reality.

Manifesting your destiny is not a one-time event, but a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth. By aligning your thoughts, intentions, and actions with your vision, you can unlock the door to a future filled with purpose and fulfillment. Embrace the power within you and start manifesting the life you deserve.

Remember, your destiny is not predetermined; it’s a canvas waiting for your brushstrokes. Manifest wisely and watch as your life transforms into a masterpiece of your own creation.

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”
Walt Disney

Recommend Books & Other Links

Manifest Your Destiny: The Nine Spiritual Principles for Getting Everything You Want, by Wayne W. Dyer.

The Power of Positive Thinking: A Practical Guide to Mastering the Problems of Everyday Living, by Norman Vincent Peale

Find Your Purpose in Life: Live Each Day with Passion and Clarity, by Gregory L. Jantz Ph.D. and Keith Wall

10 Straightforward Tips To Manifest Your Destiny, by Kirsten Deans.

How Does Manifestation Work: A Gude to Manifest Your Dreams by Tatiana Azman, Expertise by Michael Beckwith, Regan Hillyer.

Citations

Photo by Clark Tibbs on Unsplash – Do Something Great

Photo by Donald Giannatti on Unsplash – Ships Anchored

Photo by Markos Mant on Unsplash – Sailing to Your Destination

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Transforming Purpose into Meaningful Action

If you have ever stood at the ocean’s edge, there is an awe at the raw power as the wave crashes at your feet. On a windy day, you can feel the raw power of the wind as it sweeps through the sky, pushing through the trees. What if we could find that kind of power, or energy in ourselves, and channel it into purpose and meaningful action? This blog is about transforming a clear vision into a powerful passion and driving it toward a positive impact.

So, you have your New Year goals ready. The work begins. How do you transform the list into meaningful action? You have a vision of what you want to accomplish. Whatever it is, hold it close, and follow it with determination.

Passion is a force that can drive you forward, your raw power. It is the idea in your mind and the rush of adrenaline you get when you get out of bed in the morning. It is a belief in yourself that you can do this! You will now take this desire and shape it into action. You have a big goal in hand, but to make it a reality, you will need to break the goal down into smaller steps. It is the daily choices and pursuits that bring you closer to the goal. If you have not broken down your goals into these smaller steps, check out S.M.A.R.T. goals, an excellent way to define your goal.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to sink into the quicksand of cynicism and inaction. Tomorrow is a new day! Keep moving forward.

Finding Your “Why”

The first step to meaningful action is finding your “why.” What lights your passion? What is your burning desire? What kind of future do you dream of creating? When you connect with your core values and motivations, your actions become infused with purpose and direction.

“Power is the facility or capacity to act, the strength and potency to accomplish something. It is a vital energy to make choices and decisions. It also includes the capacity to overcome deeply embedded habits and to cultivate higher, more effective ones.”

Stephen R Covey

Meaningful action is an essential part of this vision. I will repeat often that continuous improvement, incrementally, is vital. Having a plan, taking small steps each day, and staying focused on the outcome. It does not matter what your goal is, but it matters that you continue to work toward the goal daily. You may want to start a business, go back to school, write a book, or just change a habit. It is important to ensure that your actions have significance and impact.

“Inner power is the quiet force within you that knows when to act and when to move and gives you the strength to do so.”
-Tae Yun Kim

Every time you choose to act with purpose, you create a ripple of positive change. These ripples may seem small at first, but as you move forward, you will gain momentum. Slowly, a wave of personal transformation will build and swell, just like an ocean wave.

Momentum, to build to a place that we cannot stop. Persistence promotes consistency and enables us to overcome obstacles we may face. Life is so daily; it can be a boring or an exciting journey.

“Thoughts mixed with definiteness of purpose, persistence, and a burning desire are powerful things.”
Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)

Focus on your strengths and passions, do not be someone that you are not. Use your authenticity and use your unique skills and talents to reach your dreams.
Be patient and persistent, change takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep moving, one step at a time.
Celebrate your successes. Take the time to acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. This will help you stay motivated and keep going.
Have fun! Enjoy the journey.

The journey is about moving forward toward the vision. There will be challenges and setbacks, moments that you might feel doubt. You will want to keep focused on the vision and push through the emotions and self-doubt. Tomorrow is another day if this day does not go as planned.

Conclusion

A positive outcome of following your smaller steps, continuously improving incrementally, is this will build a positive habit of moving forward. Once you develop the habit of moving forward with your dreams, you build a skill that is transferable to other endeavors.

As humans, we have the same raw power of the ocean and the wind. Just look around at what humanity has accomplished: architecture, science, art, literature, health care, technology. People with dreams and goals built it all. Whether your dreams are small or on a grand scale, the path to get there is the same. Persistence, determination, and finding your inner power will help drive you to achievement.

Recommended Reading

Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor E. Frankl

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, by Simon Sinek

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey

Citations

Photo by Matthew Kerslake on Unsplash – Lion

Photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash – Wave on coastline

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Welcome, 2024 – New Year, New You

Let’s Make Dreams Come True This Year

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln

This year, it is time to break the cycle. Time to turn those ambitious dreams into reality. Don’t get stuck. Rewrite your narrative.

So, here we are 2024. What now? What is the big picture of what we want to accomplish in our lives, but especially, what do we want to accomplish in 2024?

Let’s step back for a moment and think about this question.

What is your big goal? See the big goal, and then back up into the individual steps needed to make it a reality.

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King

I want to share with you some food for thought about the important things in life that we cannot see or touch. Concepts or elements of human life that you may want to include in your goals for 2024.

Love and Connectedness. Maybe one of the most intangible things in our lives. But certainly, one of the most important things we cannot see or touch. We can feel it, and sense it with a smile or a wink. From an evolutionary perspective, our very survival depended on interactions. Our well-being requires strong social connections for both physical and mental health, and personal growth is linked to human connections.

Purpose. What drives you? What do you want your life to be dedicated to? What is important to you?

Passion. Do you know what your passions are? Passion is an intense emotion or feeling that drives us toward something. Deep interest. Passion can be about individual expression or your life’s mission.

Quality of Life. Is about your well-being, physical, mental, and emotional balance, your social connections, your material security and comfort, and your freedom and autonomy. It is an integral part of personal growth and development. Quality of life and self-actualization are reached by knowing oneself. Socrates said that the unexamined life is not worth living.

Optimal Health. Is a dynamic balance of physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health. It is core to finding quality in your life.

Joy and Happiness. Two positive emotions connect to your quality of life. Happiness is associated with feelings of satisfaction, peace, and gratitude. Joy is an intense feeling of excitement, delight, and euphoria. Joy is more temporary than happiness. Have you ever set a goal to find your joy and happiness?

Living Your Best Life. All of these components add to living your best life. So, it is important to think about where these concepts fit into your big picture. How do you incorporate them into your goals?

Human flourishing also requires solitude, introspection, and connection with nature. Exploring our inner landscape, by contemplation and self-discovery has the potential for profound discoveries about who we are and what we want.

The exploration of our inner space has the potential to be life-changing, leading us toward greater wisdom, compassion, and self-actualization.

Here are some ways to think about these unseeable things. Our values guide us in our decisions and actions. Our virtues represent desirable qualities like kindness, courage, and wisdom. Emotions drive our experiences and relationships, adding depth to our lives. And yes, meaning and purpose provide us with a sense of direction and motivation.

This year my blog will take you on a journey to find ways to set your goals, make a plan that works, and achieve your goals. During the first two months of 2024, I will discuss how to achieve your hopes, plans, and dreams. We will go into motivation, consistency, changing habits, determination, and perseverance. Steps to get from point A, where you are now, to point B, where you want to go. Then once you reach a goal, what next? How to continue building upon the goal.

Embrace the journey. Focus not only on the goal but also on the amazing dance to get there. Remember the New You is not a fixed destination. Hopefully, you have already created your goals for 2024. If not, check back through my blogs, which lead you through the process of setting goals, with links to lots of great resources, articles, and recommended books to read.

Citations

Photo by Mohamed Nohassi on Unsplash – Shout from Mountain Top

Photo by Jesse Bowser on Unsplash – Solitude

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Resolution Revolution Preparing for Your Most Epic Year Yet

The New Year is fast approaching. For many people, this time of year is a time for setting goals. We see a new starting point, to visualize ambitious plans and to kick the bad habits, find new challenges; to transform ourselves into the best version of ourselves.

Believe you can and you're halfway there. - Theodore Roosevelt

This year let’s ignite a Resolution Revolution! Instead of setting yourself up for failure with vague aspirations, let’s focus on strategic preparation and intentional action. Here’s how to gear up for your most epic year yet.

Know Your Why

Take time to sit back and ask yourself; what is it all for? What do you want to achieve in life, and how can you take steps toward that goal in the next year?

Ditch the List

Instead of overwhelming yourself with a never-ending to-do list, prioritize. Choose 2-5 key resolutions that truly resonate with you and will have the biggest impact on your life. Remember, quality trumps quantity.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals

Once you’ve identified your goals, make sure they’re S.M.A.R.T. Make sure you set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This will define your goals, create a clear roadmap, and set you up for success.

Prepare Your Environment

Your surroundings can make or break your resolutions. Declutter your physical space to remove distractions and temptations. Surround yourself with positive influences and resources that will support your goals. Visualize your success; use vision boards to display your goals. Out of sight out of mind. Put the vision board in a place where you can see it every day.

Become Award of Your Habits

To create real change in your life it comes down to habits and lifestyle. Identify the habits that are holding you back and replace them with positive ones that will set in motion a plan forward. Remember, Continuous Improvement Incrementally yields big results.

How can the habit of Awareness drastically change your life?

Share Your Goals

Find an accountability partner or group who shares your goals. Sharing your journey with others can provide encouragement and support. It may also give you some perspective on how others go about the same task. What is their important goal?

Celebrate Your Wins

Don’t wait until you reach your final destination to celebrate. Acknowledge and reward yourself for every milestone along the way. This will keep you motivated and on track.

Embracing a New Year: Celebrating Wins and Setting Exciting Goals.

Track Your Progress

Use a journal, planner, or app to monitor your progress and stay motivated.

3 Easy Ways to Track Your Progress Towards Goals

Be Kind to Yourself

Self-care is vital. Change takes time and effort. Do not stop because you stumble along the way. Just pick yourself up and keep going. Continuous Improvement Incrementally.

Be Kind to Yourself Today!

With the right preparation and mindset, you can turn your resolutions from mere wishes into reality. Let’s make this year the year we conquer our goals and create the lives we truly desire!

I hope this blog helps you prepare for your most epic year yet! Remember, the key is to take responsibility, zero excuses, and stay committed to your goals. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

It is about intentionality, action, and progress.

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My Story: Triumph Over Adversity: A Journey of Resilience and Creativity

Challenges – Life is Messy

From the age of nine, life pitched its fair share of obstacles to me. With 37 major surgeries and 150 hospital stays, chronic illness became a constant companion. Despite the odds, I not only faced these challenges head-on, but went on to lead a life that defied the expectations set by my health. A journey marked by health challenges.

Education became a cornerstone of my journey. Two college degrees stand as a testament to my dedication and passion. The pursuit of knowledge became a driving force, helping me navigate the delicate balance between health concerns and academic aspirations. A journey of triumph through education.

Faced with adversity, I turned to the written word to leave a lasting legacy. A book for my family became a heartfelt testament to family, love, and the resilience that defines my story. But that was just the beginning. Writing my story helped to clear my mind and let me see what my best self would look like in the future.

Life Planning Tools

Fast forward to November 2023, and I published “Resolutions: Life Planning Tools.” A guide and exploration of goal setting, this book not only shares personal experiences but provides steps to improve your life. A journey for others seeking their hopes, plans, and dreams.

Sometimes we make the process more complicated than we need to. We will never make a journey of a thousand miles by fretting about how long it will take or how hard it will be. We make the journey by taking each day step by step and then repeating it again and again until we reach our destination. - Joseph B. Wirthlin

An Artistic Journey

Amid these literary works, I have embarked on a new artistic venture—a large-scale immersive multimedia art show inspired by a painting that took me over a year to paint. A painting that was started for no reason but to paint. Everyone kept asking what are you going to do with the painting? I keep telling them, the painting will speak to me at some point, and I will know. The idea of an art show became my next goal. An artistic journey of creativity.

A Book of Resolutions

My journey started long ago when I started keeping diaries in 1972. In 1980, I wrote my first book of personal resolutions. From construction, paper covers stapled together, and magazine cutouts to provide me with a visual book of goals.

I write my resolutions from birthday to birthday and amend them as the new year approaches; this is my approach to personal growth. The resolution book becomes a historical record, a psychologist, a friend, and a guide, helping navigate life’s twists and turns. A journey of my personal growth.

Conclusion

My story is more than a narrative of personal triumph; it’s a testament to the transformative power of vision, determination, and resilience. As I continue my journey with words and art, all of my life goals have converged to where I am exactly where I was always meant to be.

My goal is to share my journey, and the lessons I have learned over the years, on how to stay on the road to personal growth. To help you find ways to face adversity, a reminder that even in the face of challenges, one can not only survive but thrive. A journey that has only just begun.

My goal for 2024 is to be a catalyst for inspiring people to take responsibility for their destiny. To help guide readers to explore their capabilities, dreams, and passions; and to believe in themselves. Cultivate a culture of taking responsibility with zero excuses, encouraging individuals to acknowledge their potential, cultivate resilience, and actively design the course of their lives.

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The Writer’s Roadmap: Setting Clear Goals for Your Creative Journey

We all have hopes, plans, and dreams. What aisle in the store do I pick up a map to get to the hopes, plans, and dreams? Can I buy it on Amazon? A roadmap is a good way to think about this journey. There are different roads you can travel, some have heavy traffic, and others are less traveled. This journey is personal and unique. Each of us has vastly different goals. No roadmap could be developed.

One step you should take before writing next year’s goals is to take a look back at what you have accomplished this past year. This can boost your confidence and motivation. It is a reminder that you are capable and can inspire you to continue the journey. Reflecting on the past year can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge is important for setting goals, focusing on your strengths, and addressing your weaknesses.

Remember, your goals are not static, they live and breathe with you, and may need to be altered as you travel your road. Do not be afraid to adapt, refine, or even completely change your goals if needed.

Setting goals is about taking control of your life. It is about your creative passions, purpose, and direction. Every step brings you closer to your destination.

Also, celebrate your achievements along the way! Reaching a goal, no matter how small, deserves a victory dance. Keep yourself motivated and celebrate the joy of progress!

How to use your creativity in developing a plan of action for 2024.

The new year is like a blank canvas, full of possibilities. But how do you decide what is important, and where you need to spend your time and energy? Well, let’s get creative.

Dream Big

Think beyond the should-do, must-do list. What truly excites you? What skills could you add to your current skills that will help you reach your big dreams? What do you long to experience? Write a list of your wildest dreams. What if they could come true? What is standing between where you are now, and this dream?

“What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” – Robert H. Schuller

Embrace the Unconventional

Your goals need to become actionable steps. Creativity thrives on thinking outside the box. Break out of the rut, do this for yourself, and set unique goals that fit your view of who you want to be tomorrow.

What it Means to Truly Think Outside to the Box, by Sabrina Meherally, Harvard Business Review

Take an online class to start building a new skill. Read some books to increase your knowledge of what it takes to reach your goals; add some of the book titles to your goals. Volunteer, get outside of your comfort zone. This could open new possibilities. Challenge yourself. Push a little harder. Explore – experiment!

Find like-minded people who inspire you. Join online communities, attend workshops, and share your ideas. Collaboration can spark inspiration. Collaboration is a cross-pollination of ideas, giving you a new perspective. Take time to embrace the unexpected connections.

Celebrate the Journey, Not Just the Destination

Be here and now; be present. Enjoy the process of learning, the thrill of experimentation, and the joy of overcoming challenges. Track your progress through milestones achieved.

Embrace the stumbles and setbacks as steppingstones, and don’t be afraid to adjust your course as needed. Your creative plan is a living document. Unleash your inner artist and paint your 2024 story.

Here are some additional tips to ignite your creative spark.

Keep a creative journal, and note your ideas, inspirations, and sketches to revisit later.
Take breaks and play. Then come back and write your goals, it frees your mind.
Challenge your assumptions. Question the “how” and “why” of things and explore alternative perspectives.

Remember, the most creative plans are often the ones that start with a simple question: What if? So, ask yourself that question, dive into the possibilities, and watch your 2024 unfold as a year unlike any other.

Recommended Books

Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals, by Michael Hyatt.

Goal Setting: What You Need to Know About Setting Goals and How to Create Action Plans and Habits for Success that Don’t Require Immense Willpower (Reaching Goals), by Deon Hillman

Finish What You Start: The Art of Following Through, Taking Action, Executing, & Self-Discipline (Live a Disciplined Life), by Peter Hollins

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New Year’s Resolutions with Substance: Why Referential Integrity Matters

Every year, as we move into the New Year, we feel a clean start and optimism for what comes next. Many of us set goals, to start a business, go back to school, learn a new language, or how to play an instrument. Some people set goals for their relationships and jobs.

In your New Year’s goals, referential integrity means basing your goals on a solid foundation of values, resources, and self-awareness. Referential integrity is a term borrowed from database management; yes, computer stuff. However, there are many overlapping pieces of data that need to be brought together to make it useful. In terms of our existence, these overlapping areas are mind, body, and soul. It is our intellectual abilities, our need for belonging, our jobs and school, our psychological, physical, and nutritional health.

Part of the problem lies in a concept that is relevant to both personal growth and database management: referential integrity. In simple words, this means ensuring the data references something that actually exists.

Here’s how it works:

Internal: Your Inner Values: Every resolution needs a core value anchoring it. What are your top priorities, health, career, or creativity? Identifying your core values acts as the primary key, ensuring your goals remain aligned with your deepest desires.

Identify what really matters to you. Is it personal growth, or maybe financial success? Your core values. Who are you?

External: Skills and Resources: Learning a language takes time, dedication, and access to learning materials. These are your external keys, the external factors needed to support your goals. Without them, your resolutions become forsaken aspirations, floating aimlessly without a path to fulfillment.

Do you have the time and resources needed to achieve your goals? Are you willing to use your energy for this goal?

Limitations: Time and Energy: No matter how much you want to write a book, unless you set time aside regularly, it will not happen. Setting realistic goals acts like a database trigger, preventing you from overloading your system with impossible dreams. It keeps you focused and grounded.

It helps you to picture a week with 168 hours; and how you will spend your time.

34% sleeping, 6% eating, 34% working, 6% exercising, 8% entertainment, 2% grooming, 4% home management – well, this is 94 hours. Where are you going to add your goals? There is a need to plan what goals to tackle, what is important, and what is not. What is your long-term plan? Time and energy are valuable resources.

Break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps. Factor in your schedule, limitations, and potential obstacles to creating a roadmap that feels sustainable, not overwhelming.

So, this New Year, instead of blindly writing down wishes, take a data-driven approach. Prioritize values, assess resources, set realistic limitations, and watch your goals blossom with the integrity of a well-designed system. Happy (and achievable) New Year!

Recommend Reading

The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal, by Jim Loehr, and Tony Schwartz.

Focus: Bringing Time, energy, and Money into Flow, by Pedram Sholjai

The Energy Advantage: How to Go from Managing Your Time to Mastering Your Energy, by Ricardo Sunderland

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We Cannot Become What We Want by Remaining What We Are: Embracing Growth and Transformation

An artist digs deep, seeking to paint a masterpiece. An athlete desires to break records. Humans yearn for growth, for transformation, for becoming something more than we are today. Large and small goals drive us to reach higher, to seek our potential. This is part of the human experience.

Think of a musician afraid to try new notes, stuck playing the same old tune. Or an athlete who never pushes past their limits, always running the same lap. Staying safe keeps us stagnant!

Yet, we cannot change by remaining who we are today. Personal transformation requires reaching goals, requires moving out of your comfort zone. Reaching for your full potential is not a passive activity. There is no pill or magic formula. It requires work.

“If You Always Do What You’ve Always Done, You’ll Always Get What You’ve Always Got.” – Henry Ford

Your Comfort Zone

A place where you feel safe. However, it is also a place that can keep us trapped. Fear of failure, of the unknown, may hold us back from doing new things, going to new places, and meeting new people. Become aware of your comfort zone and ways that it may hold you back.

It took me longer than it should have to publish my book.

What if?

What if it is not good? What if no one buys the book? What if I don’t know what I am doing? Yes, we have these internal dialogues without even paying attention. We can defeat our goals with our self-doubts. Fearing failure. Many times, this is just a fear of change. It is safer to stay in your comfort zone.

Embrace Change

Personal growth requires change and challenge. It is necessary to step outside of our comfort zone; into the unknown. Yes, we might fail. But we can get back up and move forward, learning from our failure. If my first book is a failure, I can always do better in the second or third book. I moved out of my comfort zone and learned new skills. Skills that can be improved with each attempt.

“A mistake is only a mistake if you don’t learn from it.” – Albert Einstein

The Journey of Transformation

Each challenge you face and overcome will make you stronger and more resilient and move you closer to your goals.

Personal growth: Embracing transformation on the journey of life – FasterCapital

Some tidbits for your journey:

Identify your goals. Who do you want to be? What do you want to achieve? Set short and long-term goals. Step outside your comfort zone. Find new challenges, learn new skills, and push yourself.

Embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Instead, use them to learn and grow.

Surround yourself with supportive people. Find your tribe, a mentor, friends; people who believe in you and who will encourage your personal growth.

Acknowledge your achievements. No matter how small.

“The only thing that stands between you and your dream is the will to try and the belief that it is actually possible.” – Joel Brown

In Conclusion

Set big goals and stop letting fear of leaving your comfort zone hold you back. Remember that failure is often just one of the steps to reaching your goals.

The author J. K. Rowling faced many rejections before her manuscript was accepted. Everyone has heard of Harry Potter.

Walt Disney’s first animation studio went bankrupt. He never gave up. Everyone has heard of Walt Disney and his successful enterprise.

Michael Jordan, an outstanding basketball player, had many failures on the road to greatness.

Colonel Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) did not achieve his success until he was 65. It is never too late to dream, to achieve your goals.

Remember, the key takeaway is that failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a part of the path to success. So, keep moving forward, learn from your mistakes, and never give up on your dreams!

“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”
— Albert Einstein

Recommended Reading

Everyday Thoughts and Perspectives, by Kayume Baksh

Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation, by Daniel J. Siegel

Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential, by Brian Johnson, yes, I had this as recommended reading in my last blog, BUT – this is an excellent book for self-discovery.

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Setting the Scene: Writing Resolutions That Stick

How to decide what goals you will pursue in 2024?

By setting goals, you will need to make changes in your behavior and lifestyle. Change is often uncomfortable. People who are successful with their resolutions or goals develop a plan of action.

One problem is that people write their resolutions a few days before New Year’s Day. People have a tendency to write one-liners. I will lose weight. No plan of action, no definition of what the goal actually requires, how much weight? How will you lose weight? You need to set goals that define the action.

who, what, when, where, why, and how

If you need some ideas on goals that you can tackle in the new year, here are a few areas to consider. Where do you need to improve?

Education
Career
Exercise
Health
Relationships
Spirituality

So, again, how to decide what goals you will pursue in 2024?

On American Family Insurance’s website, they have listed 100 Life Goals & How to Set Them. This is an excellent list to help you think through what you want to accomplish. If what you dream about is not on the list, at least it will help you with ideas.

What Are Life Goals?

Life goals are all the things you want to accomplish in your life. Often, your life goals are very meaningful to you and can make a lasting impact on your life. They can be large and challenging goals, or they can be smaller and more personal. It all depends on what you want to achieve.

“Every year you make a resolution to change yourself. This year, make a resolution to be yourself.” – Unknown

Once you set your goals, what is next?

The Power of Written Goals – Get Everything you Want Faster, by Brian Tracy. Wealth Mindset.

I start my goal setting by dividing my goals into three areas: Mind – Body – Soul. Then I make a list of each heading. For example:

Body

Weight Maintenance
Exercise
Appearance
Health
Nutrition

I like to think about each area, and often write focused essays, or you can record your thoughts. But, thinking about the subject with some depth, then writing a short essay, helps you think through the ideas. So that you set realistic goals that are achievable.

I follow a plan of consistent improvement – incrementally. Meaning, I take small steps. If you are changing your diet, don’t go guerrilla warfare overnight and throw out all the foods you love. Change one item at a time until you are comfortable with the change. A good place to start is soft drinks; they are filled with empty calories, and do not provide any nutritional value to your body. Remember, food is fuel for our mind and body.

Don’t over consume, use smaller plates, spread your meals out; make slight adjustments you can live with; then you can move to the next item. I did not like avocados, but knew they were good for me. So, I started eating them and eventually fell in love with this fruit. Break the goal down into smaller steps, so that you are not overwhelmed. Be specific about what you goal is and what the outcome will look like.

Here are some free Goal-Setting Templates & Worksheets for Achieving goals from PositvePsychology.com. Use tools to help you write and monitor your goals.

Tricks to Make your New Year’s Resolutions Stick. This is just to give you a heads up on what is next. This video gives you some simple steps that might help. Especially if you are new to setting goals. 6 Psychology Tricks to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick, Psych2Go.

Recommended Reading

The Power of Discipline, How to use self control, and mental toughness to achieve your goals, by Daniel Walter

Goals: How to Get the Most out of Your Life, by Zig Ziglar.

The workbook for SMART goals – the scientifically proven template for successful goal setting: SMART goal setting templates with guided questions, tips and examples, by Clove books

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Ink Your Intentions: Crafting Resolutions for the Year Ahead

What are Resolutions?

Resolutions, in the context of personal development and goal setting, are firm decisions or intentions to do or achieve something specific, usually over the course of a set period, such as a year.

"What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year." - Vern McLellan

Resolutions often involve making positive changes in one’s behavior, habits, or lifestyle. They are typically set at the beginning of a new year, symbolizing a fresh start and a commitment to self-improvement.

The History of Resolutions

“The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions. Some 4,000 years ago, they were also the first to hold recorded celebrations in honor of the new year.”

Today, setting a New Year’s resolution is a tradition of writing goals for the coming year. The goals could be to continue doing something well or resolve to change a habit, learn a new skill, or plan a vacation.

Resolutions most likely conjure up the faithful list as people prepare for the new year. Yet resolving to improve your life or make profound changes in your habits goes way beyond the New Year’s list. Follow along with my blogs and I will share ways to move in a progressive direction.

We define ourselves by the choices we make. If we decide to be in control, we allow ourselves an excellent opportunity to manage the outcomes in our lives. The other option is to let your friends and family decide on your path.

What areas should you set goals?

This is personal. What do you want to accomplish in 2024? Maybe get a promotion at your job, build a stronger relationship with those close to you, or learn to dance. It is about where you want to focus your time. The only way to make changes is to focus your time and energy on a destination in mind. We each have 168 hours in a week. We focus much of that time on areas of work, school, eating, sleeping, and grooming. Did you really mean to spend 3 hours on the Internet, or 5 hours watching TV? Is there some other way you can use your time to make your tomorrow’s better? I have been maintaining resolutions for most of my life, and now have a plan of action that works for me. You will need to develop your own system. That is why I want to provide other sources for you to see how others go about setting goals. Then you do it your way.

Maintenance Goals –A different kind of New Year’s Resolution – YouTube

Own your personal development: self-improvement goals that motivate.

Keep it Simple

2024
New Year's Resolutions
Have gratitude
Be present - Be award of the here and now
Fill my plate with fruits and vegetables
Take a walk every day
Tell the people I love, that I love them
Use my creativity every day
Embrace each day

Four Steps to Write a New Year’s Resolution You’ll Keep

How To Write a New Year’s Resolution in Four Simple Steps (languagetool.org)

S.M.A.R.T. Goals

I would like to introduce S.M.A.R.T. goals. I encourage you to use this goal-setting method as we move through this journey. S.M.A.R.T. goals are a method of follow-through, answering all the questions about the goals.

George Doran, Arthur Miller, and James Cunningham, in their 1981 article “There’s a smart way to write management goals and objectives developed S.M.A.R.T. goals.” The same principles apply to an individual’s goal setting.

S – Specific (simple, sensible, significant)

M – Measurable (meaningful, motivating)

A – Achievable (agreed, attainable)

R – Relevant (reasonable, realistic, and resourced, results-based)

T – Time bound (time-based, time limited, time/cost limited, time-sensitive)

For example, – Specific: A specific goal is much more likely to be accomplished than a general goal. To set a specific goal, you must answer the six “W” questions:

Who: Who is involved?
What: What do I want to accomplish?
Where: Identify a location.
When: Establish a time frame.
Which: Identify requirements and constraints.
Why: Specific reasons, purpose, or benefits of accomplishing the goal.

EXAMPLE: A general goal would be, “Get in shape.” But a specific goal would say, “Join a health club and workout 3 days a week.”

For more on S.M.A.R.T. Goals, check out UMass Dartmouth’s website – Creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals | UMass Dartmouth.

Recommended Reading

The New Year Resolution 2023: A simple resolution that guides you to create positive changes, achieve your goals, and improve your life in 30 minutes, by Ewin Hutson

My book Resolutions: Life Planning Tools, Hopes, Plans, and Dreams, by Linda L. Pilcher

Smart Goal Setting Templates, Journal Contains 88 Pages of Templates for your Current and Future Goals! by Keith Junor.

The Written Goal: The Mindset Behind Writing Your Goals & Reading Them Daily (Success with Swag(ger)), by Sam Kabert.

#Goals, #GoalSetting, #NewYearResolution, #NewYear, #Goals, #Lifeplan

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Dream, Plan, Achieve: My Blueprint for a Successful New Year

Resolutions are used for personal development and goal setting and are firm decisions or intentions to do or achieve something specific, usually over the course of a set period, usually written as a New Year’s set of goals. They are often direct resolutions for making positive changes in one’s behavior, habits, or lifestyle. They are typically set at the beginning of a new year, symbolizing a fresh start and a commitment to self-improvement.

This blog is about taking steps to make your hopes, plans, and dreams become a reality. By developing a blueprint and preparing to write New Year Resolutions.

Dream until it becomes reality.

“A dream written down with a date becomes a GOAL. A goal broken down into steps becomes a PLAN. A plan backed by ACTION makes your dreams come true.”

– Greg Reid

My goal for December is to help you make a plan for the New Year, write resolutions, and prepare for 2024. To help you go on a journey of self-improvement, working toward reaching your fullest potential. To help you find your hopes, plans, and dreams.

Why set goals?

Is there some area of your life that you want to improve? Even in areas where you are on top of your game, there is always room for improvement.
Do you lack direction, have unhealthy habits, or just lack focus?
Are you a procrastinator?
Do you need to manage your stress better?
Do you need to take more control of your time management?
Do you want to reach your fullest potential?
Are there relationships you want to nurture?

I will create blogs that lead you to other resources on each topic. There are many resources to help motivate and educate yourself on doing a better job. For example, I love TED talks, videos, and blogs. Sources could include experts in their fields of self-improvement, setting goals, and achieving those goals. I strongly encourage you to follow the links in the blogs. Saturate yourself with how to dream big and set goals you can achieve. Follow me on this journey.

Once you have your goals set, as we move into January, we will switch gears and cover topics of momentum, persistence, consistency, and intentional living.

What is your dream?

It is time to prepare for the new year 2024 and answer this question. First, let’s look at a major roadblock on your new journey.

I can or I can’t

The difference is:

I can, or I can’t. These two simple statements can make a difference in how you approach each day. Check out this Ted Talk by Charles Parker; What should I do with my life? What is the first statement you go to? I can do this, or I can’t do this.

STOP using, I can’t. Ignore your inner doubt.

Believe in Yourself!

How to achieve your dreams

How to actually achieve your goals, according to Eb Gargano; Productive Blogging. How to actually achieve your goals: The Real Secret to turning your dreams into reality.

Setting Goals

What is your goal? A Goal is a dream with a plan, transform your dreams.

Write your goals out on paper. This helps you to visualize as well as revisit as often as needed. Out of sight - out of mind!

I use many tools to help me gain a big picture of what my next year will look like. What do I want to accomplish? My journals are divided into Mind/Body/Soul, so that I set goals for my entire essence. I use spreadsheets to track my goals, and a daily list to make sure I keep on track – just a little notebook. My Google calendar is my best friend. As I schedule my life, I make a note on the calendar. For example, writing blogs. I have a task noted on my calendar as a prompt. I will not offer 3 steps to success, or 5 ways to reach your dreams, because we all approach life differently; you need to develop your own system. I will only offer guidance to resources, and some of the tools I have found along the way.

I truly believe that we each need to find what works best for us. In the next blog, I will start discussing how to write your resolutions.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Recommended Reading

Start with the Vision, by Robert R. Shallenberg

11 Secrets Successful People Know about Goal Setting: A Science-Based Guide That Turns Goals into Reality, by Kevin Kruse.

How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen, by David Brooks. This is a great book if you are setting goals for improving relationships in your life.

#intentionalliving, #goals, #happiness, #lifesatisfaction, #lifejourney, #selfreflection, #fulfillment, #settinggoals, #dreambig

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Embracing Clarity

Seeking Purpose and Direction in Life

Seeking Purpose and Direction in Life

In our busy lives, it is easy to get lost in the fog of ambiguity and uncertainty. The lack of a clear purpose, vision, and direction can confuse us, making it difficult to make decisions, set goals, and follow our dreams with confidence. But in this uncertainty, clarity can be the guiding light to finding purpose and direction. Clarity can pave the way to a more productive and fulfilling life. In this blog, we explore how embracing clarity can help you move away from ambiguity and uncertainty, opening the way to a more purposeful and productive life.

What does clarity mean?

Clarity means to have a clear understanding or view of something. This includes the ability to see things distinctly and without doubt. It can mean that the person has a clear mental image, understanding, or insight.

Clarity is the key to letting go of doubt. The goal is to understand your core values through self-reflection. Take some time to reflect on your core values, desires, and aspirations. Check out these journaling prompts for Self-Discovery. What truly matters to you? What are your long-term goals? Once you understand your values, you can build a foundation for clarifying your sense of purpose.

Clarity increases in a focused state. Identify the distractions that are pulling you away from your goal and eliminate them. Eliminating distractions could mean decluttering your physical space or limiting your digital distractions. By creating a clear and focused environment, you can enhance your clarity of purpose.

Clarity is essential for success and personal growth. It is up to you to go from dreaming to making your dreams come true. Clarity is a powerful force for imagining the future you want. It can be a gateway to productivity. With a clear sense of purpose, the decision will become more straightforward. Clarity allows you to align your choices with your goals, making it easier to weed out options that don’t contribute to your vision.

When you have clarity of purpose and direction, it empowers you to focus on personal and professional growth. It motivates you to seek opportunities for learning, skill development, and self-improvement.

How do you create clarity?

Ask and answer some of the deep, probing questions about life. Get to know yourself.

What are my actions?
Do they reflect my core values?
What is my purpose?
What is most important right now?
What is most important for my future?
Who do I want to be?

Develop a mission or vision statement for your life. Become aware of your values and beliefs.

Photo by Nila Maria on Unsplash

On a clear day, you can see tomorrow!

		On a clear day, you can see Forever Lyrics by The Peddlers. Rise and look around you And you’ll see who you are On a clear day How it will astound you That the glow of your being Outshines every star You’ll feel part of every mountain, Sea and shore You can hear From far and near A word you’ve never, never heard before… And on a clear day… On a clear day… You can see forever…

I find clarity when walking my dog. It seems as if my mind lets go of work and daily life. A time that I can be completely present. By not focusing on concerns or ideas. My term is popcorn. It seems ideas and plans just start flowing as soon as I let go.

Hours slide by like minutes. The accumulated clutter of day-to-day existence — the lapses of conscience, the unpaid bills, the bungled opportunities, the dust under the couch, the inescapable prison of your genes — all of it is temporarily forgotten, crowded from your thoughts by an overpowering clarity of purpose and by the seriousness of the task at hand.

Jon Krakauer

Conclusion

We each seek quality and life satisfaction. We are indeed a work in progress. In the journey of life, finding clarity of purpose and direction is like discovering a treasure map. It guides you and keeps you on track. Embrace the process of self-discovery.

Cyrus Aram, in a TED talk, discusses ambiguity and how to manage it, which touches on self-discovery, identifying where you are at, and setting goals. Having hope will help you move through the ambiguity. Uncertainty Tolerated: The Surprising Clarity when Managing Ambiguity, Cyrus Aram.

Cyrus Aram: Uncertainty Tolerated: The Surprising Clarity when Managing Ambiguity | TED Talk

Recommended Reading

Focus, The Hidden Driver of Excellence, by Goleman, Daniel

Stolen Focus, Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How to Think Deeply Again, by Hari, Johann

Deep Work, Rules for a Focused Success in a Distracted World, by Newport, Cal

#purpose, #selfdiscovery, #clarity, #purpose, #settinggoals, #definingyourself, #corevalues, #selfreflection, #personalgrowth, #skilldevelopment, #selfimprovement

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The Journey of Personal Transformation

What is Personal Transformation?

Personal transformation is a dynamic, individual process of expanding awareness so that you can become aware of the current you and start defining the new self-view. Then, choose to integrate these views into a revised self-definition.

An article in Psychology Today, posted on August 31, 2021, by Nina Ahuja BScHons, MD, FRCSC, CHE, states that personal transformation is a continual process. A positive outlook, a growth mindset, and introspection are all essential in helping you become a more robust and better version of yourself as you transform.

So, personal transformation is about improving yourself.

What do we need to do to reach our highest potential?

We need to take responsibility for our decisions and actions. The outcome will be personal satisfaction and a better quality of life.

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." George Bernard Shaw

The Road to Transformation

Become empowered!
- Self-empowerment is a conscious decision to take control of your destiny. Focus on what you can control.
- Set goals and cultivate positive habits.
  - Set reasonable goals. Check out S.M.A.R.T. goals as defined by UMASS Dartmouth.

Embrace change
- Accepting and welcoming new situations, ideas, or ways of thinking without fear, resistance, or hesitation. It involves being open-minded. Expanding out of your comfort zone by exploring possibilities and opportunities.

Embrace resilience
- Which is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, learn from failures, and adapt to new situations. Resilience empowers us to face challenges head-on, turning threats and challenges into opportunities.

Develop a Positive Mental Attitude
- Self-dialogue is the discussion we have with ourselves. Develop positive self-talk. Become your own cheerleader. Have a pep rally on what is good about your life.

Beautifully colored butterfly - to symbolize our personal transformation.

Photo by Alfred Schrock on Unsplash

Articles & Blogs

Personal Transformation Is a Continual Process | Psychology Today

How to Become Self-Empowered, by Lisa Marie Bobby, Ph.D., LMFT, BCC

“Everything you want is just outside of your comfort zone.”

-Robert Allen

Conclusion

Transformation is a continuous process. It is not a quick fix; you must leave your comfort zone to grow. Who will you be tomorrow? What will the new version of you look like? Empowering personal transformation is not just a goal; it is a lifelong commitment to self-discovery, growth, and fulfillment. Take a journey of setting goals, building positive habits, and seeking support.

Through these actions, you will empower yourself to transform into who you want to be and design the life you want. Seeking to become the best version of yourself. Making a conscious decision to take charge of your destiny. Embracing change is a mindset that helps you navigate life’s transitions.

Give yourself permission to be in charge. Take Responsibility!

Recommended Reading

Flourish, by Martin E.P. Seligman

Mindset: How we can learn to fulfill our potential, by Dweck, Carol S., Ph.D.

Resolutions: Life Planning Tools, by Pilcher, Linda

#selfdiscovery, #Inspiring, #accountability, #selfgrowth, #selfrealization, #purpose, #destiny, #dreams, #goals, #improvement, #resilience

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We Define Ourselves by the Choices We Make

We Define Ourselves by the Choices We Make

Every decision you make defines who you are. It takes work to become who you really want to be. If you live by default, without a plan, without understanding how your actions affect your future; you may end up somewhere you never wanted to be.

So how do we make better choices?

Awareness
Habits
Continuous Improvement Incrementally
Take Control – Zero Excuses!

Awareness

Awareness is vital. Becoming aware of our actions, the way we perform them, and the underlying motivations behind them. Subconscious habits dictate much of how we move through our day. In part, this is necessary, so that we can focus on more complex issues.

Awareness of habits, choices that we’re making, and the outcomes we want.

Habits

A lot of what we do in our lives is guided by habits that we have built over our lifetime. Many of these habits are unconscious, so we are performing tasks at this subconscious level without even really thinking about it. Have you ever driven to work, and then realized you do not remember the drive? The driving is on autopilot.

Habits are good for us because they help us get through our lives without putting huge amounts of mental and physical energy into completing every task.

However, there is a drawback to this because those habits are so strongly built into who we are. They dictate a lot about how we work our way through each day. Some habits are excellent for us and yet others, not so much. Changing your habits takes effort and time.

Continuous Improvement Incremental

Continuous Improvement Incrementally is enhancing and refining something gradually and steadily. Acknowledging there is always room for improvement, even if something is functioning well. It could enhance your skills, knowledge, or habits. Incrementally means taking small steps toward improvement. In self-development, this could be any aspect of your life where you feel you need to grow and improve.

By making changes incrementally, they are easier to implement, assess, and adapt to. Making changes over time can lead to significant positive outcomes.

Kaizen Philosophy: Continuous improvement incrementally aligns with the Kaizen philosophy, a Japanese term meaning “change for the better.” Kaizen emphasizes making small, continuous changes to improve efficiency and quality.

Personal Kaizen is the philosophy of life to change without being overwhelmed.

▷ Personal Kaizen, the philosophy of life to change without being overwhelmed (psychology-spot.com)

Take Control, Take Responsibility, Zero Excuses

Take control of your choices. Stop all the excuses. Who are you today? And who do you want to be tomorrow? What changes need to take place? The healthier you might mean, better food choices, and more movement. Looking at your life, ask what wellbeing means. A more work-life balance might look like taking more time to be with your family; not living for the job.

Take responsibility. It is not someone else’s responsibility to make your decisions. Taking responsibility means your health, education, job, financial, and career choices. It also means choices about your behavior and how you spend your free time.

No excuses, we often are the limiting element in our lives. You either have a mindset of I can, or I can’t.

Art by John Hain from Pixabay

Everything is a Choice

Life is a series of choices and our decisions shape who we are. Acknowledging that every action allows individuals to consciously define their path.

We can correct our course

Life is complex. We need to work out a plan. We can float, day by day, unconsciously doing the same thing repeatedly, hoping for a different ending. Or we can take control of our destiny and become the person we really want to be.

Some of our choices can be like a brick wall in front of us — one so high we cannot climb over the wall. Yes, some people manage to have plans A, B, C, D, and Z if needed. They find a ladder and climb over the wall, take a sledgehammer, and break the wall, dig a hole underneath it, or just walk around the side of the wall. Meaning we can live in a self-imposed box or break out and take responsibility for our choices. No excuses.

How to define yourself before others do it for you | LinkedIn

We can choose to be healthy, to get up early, to get eight hours of sleep. If we choose not to do these things, we have defined our path.

“Our lives are fashioned by our choices. First, we make our choices. Then our choices make us.”

– Anne Frank.

Conclusion

We are all that we experience. Everything is a choice. Pay attention and be aware of what you’re doing throughout your day. Have a bigger plan. Visualize the bigger picture so that you can understand how today’s actions impact future outcomes.

Success is built on daily choices and activities, usually in small steps. Again, I will repeat that continuous improvement incrementally is a way to start making those changes.

Habits are our comfortable place and when we’re stressed, tired, or lazy, we fall back on those habits. Changing those habits takes time, it takes effort, and awareness. But you can change your habits. Some people make radical transformations in their life but that’s usually based on incremental changes.

I invite you to embrace a philosophy of taking responsibility for who you are today, and who you will be tomorrow, with zero excuses. As Nike’s tagline says, “Just Do It.” You have the power within you to change your life to the life you really want.

Recommended Reading

· Kaizen: The Japanese Secret to Lasting Change—Small Steps to Big Goals, by Harvey, Sarah.

· The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Covey, Stephen R.

#habits, #awreness, #continuousimprovement, #definingyourself, #habitbuilding, #kaizen, #whoami

Featured

Who am I?

Just a puppet on a string

To dance and sing

And make them laugh

A game called survive

Put her down

See how long she lives

Till she dies

A dream

Only to disappear

When they awaken

The mind of a single thought

One word of an infinite song

Who Am I?

Just a puppet on a string?

I wrote this poem when I was sixteen years old. My personal pilgrimage had just started. My guides were self-help books, ancient philosophers, and current psychologists; who taught me how to improve. Today, I am no longer that lost little girl; I am a woman who knows her strengths and weaknesses, knows what I want from life, and how to achieve my goals.

What Defines Me?

This question is personal and deep; it involves a lifetime of likes and dislikes, passions, visions, hopes, plans, and dreams. Is it my perspective of me that defines me or others’ perspectives of me? I vote for my perspective, yet that does not make it true.

Yes, we are influenced by others.

What does your mother see when she looks into your eyes?

Your significant other
Your children
Your co-workers
Church community
Teachers
Your best friend

The chances are that each person sees a different you. The attributes they know. No one really knows us, but I also feel we do not fully know ourselves. We put on masks for different roles that hid parts of ourselves from others and sometimes ourselves. So we are going to take a journey seeking to define “Who am I.”

On our journey, we are seeking what is true; what is real? We are looking for our authentic selves. The problem with this is we are the architecture of this self. The truth is that we are complex creatures. Part of our identity is created by where we are born, our family’s biological traits, culture and religion, and worldview. Then a part of our identity is defined by us – we have the ability to design who we become.

So let me answer a few questions about why I am blogging instead of keeping a personal journal.

I have kept a personal journal since I was 16. My pilgrimage on the search for self has been lifelong. At this time, I want to bring others who are seeking on this journey.

The main question will be, “Who am I? It would help if you answered these questions in-depth as you start your journey.

I will be writing about self-insight, self-growth, self-improvement, and reaching your highest level of human potential. I want to connect to people who want to grow in a direction that is progressive, people who want to be better humans.

My goal is to build a community of like-minded individuals who want a better life, a better world.

Who am I? I am an artist, writer, businesswoman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, neighbor. It is my responsibility to be the best at each role I hold.

The Importance of Play

Ways to Incorporate Play into Daily Routine

The Side Effects of Play

Conclusion

Recommended Reading

Citations

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Not Enough Sleep

Proper Sleep Facilitates

Taking a Break

7 Types of Rest

Conclusion

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Citations

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Navigating Challenges and Setbacks

Stories of Resilience and Triumph

Conclusion

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Citations

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Defined

Strategies for Improving your KSAs

Conclusion

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Citations

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Social Intelligence

Play

The Loneliness Epidemic

Can you develop stronger social intelligence?

Relationships

Conclusion

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Citations

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A Path to Intentional Nutrition

Intentional Movement

Why is Sleep Important?

Conclusion

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Citations

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Benefits of Intentional Living

Practical Steps to Intentional Living

Routine – A Crucial Role in International Living

Conclusion

Let’s get intentional!

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Visualization

Mind the Gap?

Start Here – Foundational Goals

Life is Messy

Conclusion

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Citations

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Why Journaling Matters?

How to Start Journaling

How Journaling Helps You

Conclusion

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Overcoming the Fear of Judgment

The Power of Authenticity

Examples of Authenticity

How to Embrace Your Authentic Self

Conclusion