Life – Page 94 – Personal Growth Cafe

March 18, 2018January 7, 2018

Keys to Success: Flexibility

You’ll find success as soon as you learn to be more flexible!

Flexibility in all areas of life can help you achieve success and help you inspire others to find their own version of success, too.

But what exactly does it mean and how can you get there?

What Is Flexibility?

Of course you know what flexibility is.

It’s the opposite of rigid, the opposite of being set in your ways.

When you’re flexible, you’re open.

You’ll easily be able to roll with the punches.

When a non-flexible person is thrown a curve ball, they’ll fluster, complain, or even give up.

But that doesn’t have to describe you anymore!

Why Is Flexibility A Key To Success?

Flexibility is a key to success for several reasons.

Perhaps most importantly, flexibility helps you overcome challenges.

It can open up your world to opportunities that you never thought you’d experience.

Flexibility can be the key to helping you enjoy the true spices of life.

It’s important to remain flexible in the workplace.

When you’re flexible, your co-workers and boss will like you.

Why?

Because they know that they can count on you during times of uncertainty or change in the workplace.

You’ll also notice that this added flexibility gives your days a variety that helps you get out of bed in the morning.

Flexibility also helps your home life.

When you’re flexible, there will be less conflict and more understanding between family members.

In turn, you’ll enjoy easier and more fulfilling relationships with your family.

Flexibility helps you re-organize your schedule when something unexpected happens without having to fret over the details.

This could be as simple as coming up with a quick alternative dinner plan in case someone burns dinner.

How Can You Become More Flexible?

So now you know why it’s important to be flexible, but how can you get there?

Try these strategies to enjoy more flexibility in your life:

Work on self-awareness. Part of being adaptable is being aware of your immediate reactions.

They may not be very appropriate, so you can consider keeping them to yourself.

An example would be to complain because someone is bringing home a dinner guest at the last minute.

This wasn’t something you planned for!

Remember the big picture and set a new place at dinner.

Later you can remind your family to give notice next time.

Step out of your comfort zone. In order to become more flexible, you’ll need to get used to regularly stepping out of your comfort zone.

It may help to start with small things because it won’t be as much of a shock if you’re a really routine person.

While it may take a bit of a personality change, stepping out of your comfort zone can prove to be exhilarating because you never know what you might learn.

Speak up. Some people may be unaware that you’re inherently flexible.

Make yourself heard by those around you.

Suggest alternatives to solve problems at home or work. When you do, people will remember that you helped out.

Take Small Steps

A great strategy is to take small steps to get to where you need to go. Everyone comes with a different skill set.

You may be a flexible person that just needs to expand, or you may need to work on gaining flexibility as a whole.

You can’t expect to be a different person overnight, but with small steps you’ll be there soon!

What would your life look like if you were satisfied with the status quo?

What can you do, today, to begin the process of getting organized?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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March 17, 2018January 7, 2018

Mistakes are detours that direct me to a better me.

March 17, 2018January 7, 2018

Learning to Accept Yourself

You may be surprised at how many people lack the ability to accept themselves for who they are.

Many people are able to put on a front so they appear self-confident when they really aren’t.

The good news is that, even if you’re one of these people, you can learn how to accept yourself.

If you’re suffering from low self worth and confidence, you really do have the ability to turn things around!

Why It’s Important To Accept Yourself

It’s important to accept yourself because that one move can mean the difference between a life of happiness and a life of sadness.

When you accept yourself, you’re more likely to accomplish more in your life.

The reason is the fact that self-acceptance can be seen as a foundation.

After you accept yourself, you can continue to build from there and add on: confidence, tranquility, enthusiasm, drive and happiness.

Steps To Acceptance

There are many methods and tips that you’ll encounter on your way to acceptance, and you’ll soon find your own unique way of getting there.

Try these strategies to help you accept yourself:

1. Allow for mistakes. Sometimes you may try too hard to be perfect, and this in itself is another mistake.

Allow yourself to make mistakes because you’re a human being.

You’ll make small mistakes and big mistakes in life, but it’s how you bounce back from them that’ll make all the difference.

2. Live in the present. The reason you haven’t accepted yourself could be the fact that you’re living your life in the past.

Maybe you’re unable to forgive yourself for something that has happened or a certain trait that you have.

Getting over the past is an important step to build confidence, self-respect, and hope for the future.

3. Avoid comparing yourself to others. Others have different skill sets and life experiences, which may make you envious.

In these situations, come to terms with the fact that you don’t have what they have.

However, on the bright side, there are many things that you do have that they don’t.

Each and every person is unique.

Be grateful for what makes you different from others, as this is part of your own inner beauty!

4. Have realistic goals. If you don’t maintain realistic goals, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

The truth is, you won’t even have a chance from the start!

So instead, give yourself a reasonable chance to achieve your goals.

How can you do this?

By setting realistic and manageable goals that you can confidently achieve.

5. Be comfortable in your own skin. Sometimes you don’t want to accept yourself because of the way you look.

Society puts some serious pressure on people that way.

Remember that people in magazines are usually unhealthy and airbrushed and you shouldn’t strive to look like them.

Instead, focus on your positive attributes and overall health.

6. Think positive thoughts. One of the most important accomplishments on the journey to accepting yourself is learning to think positively.

It’s easy to forget how much power there is in thought.

If you make an effort to think a certain way, you can actually change your manner of thinking and, therefore, change your actions.

Positive thinking leads to positive actions, which lead to feeling good about yourself.

Help From Your Loved Ones

Remember that you can always ask for help from your loved ones.

It may help to get some outside perspective on your problems.

You tend to be your own worst critic, but you can count on your loved ones for their generous support and love.

Your loved ones have almost certainly accepted you for who you are.

You’ll be happier once you’ve come to this same realization as well.

Take these strategies to heart because, once you learn to accept yourself, you’ll find the world is a wonderful place and you’ll enjoy your place in it!

Have you taken care of yourself today?

How have you discovered new things about yourself today?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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March 16, 2018January 7, 2018

The world is filled with willing people: some willing to work, the rest willing to let them. – Robert Frost

March 15, 2018January 7, 2018

Perhaps our eyes need to be washed by our tears once in a while, so that we can see life with a clearer view again. – Alex Tan

March 15, 2018January 7, 2018

You ARE Worth It! A Guide to Healthy Self-Esteem

A healthy self-esteem is a starting point for a happy life.

Unfortunately, when you lack self-esteem, you also lack the ability to reach your true potential.

Why?

Because your thoughts are truly powerful!

It All Starts With Your Beliefs

Most people have heard the statement, “If you can dream it, you can do it,” but few people actually take it to heart.

For some reason big goals seem unattainable and an “I can’t” mentality takes over.

While everyone experiences negative thoughts from time to time, you may need to make an extra effort to get through these challenges.

Positive thoughts must be victorious in the end!

Tips For Developing Self-Esteem

Developing a healthy self-esteem doesn’t need to be a difficult task.

There are small changes you can make to get yourself on the right track.

Try following these strategies to help you develop a healthy self-esteem:

Ignore negativity from others. For some reason, many people get into the habit of putting others down.

You know you shouldn’t listen to these people, but sometimes you take what they’re saying to heart.

It’s especially hurtful when it’s coming from someone you love.

Some people will even steer you in the wrong direction because they think they’re doing the right thing.

When it comes down to it, you’re the only one that knows yourself and your dreams.

You simply can’t let anyone stand in the way!

Learn to accept compliments. You might toss off compliments as lies because some people may have ulterior motives.

While this might be true, in most cases people are being genuine.

After all, most people won’t go out of their way to give you a false compliment.

Accepting compliments will help you discover what you’re good at and strengthen your self-confidence.

Get a life coach. Life coaches are in the business of helping you live your life to its fullest potential.

You don’t need to be scared or embarrassed to seek one out.

If a life coach doesn’t seem feasible for you, you can look into getting some self-help guides.

Go online or to a local bookstore to find some relevant workbooks and resources.

Use affirmations. Affirmations are great self-esteem boosters because they show your brain what you already know you can achieve.

They bring positive energy into the present moment.

You can read affirmations on the subjects of your choice or you can get into the habit of writing your own affirmations.

Nothing can be more targeted to your true feelings than your own words!

Avoid comparing yourself to others. It’s easy to get into the habit of comparing yourself negatively to other people.

Remind yourself that everyone is unique.

You’re equipped with your own set of strengths and weaknesses, so the best thing you can do for yourself is concentrate on developing your own strengths.

Follow Your Dreams

Once you’ve worked on your initial feelings about self worth, it’s time to take a step in the right direction.

A part of a healthy self-esteem is having the drive to take action toward your goals.

Have a plan and follow through.

If you feel that you’ve improved your self-esteem but then fail to take action towards your dream, it will only be a matter of time before your self-esteem begins to wane again.

When you’re faced with challenges, actively seek solutions.

When you do, you’ll soon notice what a positive role your healthy self-esteem plays in your life!

What makes you feel happy and successful?

How has your attitude towards life affected how you live?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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March 14, 2018January 7, 2018

One of the secrets of life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks. – Jack Penn

March 14, 2018January 7, 2018

Present Moment Mindset – Bringing Eastern Philosophy to the West

You may have been advised to spend more time in the “present moment,” but what does this really mean?

Present moment thinking has been the concentration of eastern religions for thousands of years.

Religion And Philosophy

Some people are tempted to turn away immediately when Eastern philosophy is brought up just because they think it might threaten their core religious beliefs.

There are no religious impositions though; the present moment is available to everyone in every moment no matter who you are.

In fact, most religions, in one way or another, agree with the belief of living in the moment, not in the past or future.

Eastern Religions And The Present Moment

There are many different divisions of religion in the East, just like the West.

Many of them differ with certain beliefs and philosophies, but many agree on the importance of the present moment.

In recent decades, the West has been picking up on these ancient philosophies and many people use these lessons to help cope with modern problems.

It works and it proves that the human condition has always been the same.

The Present Moment Defined

The present moment can be defined as your attention being solely on what you’re doing right now.

It’s when you’re not thinking of “other things.”

If you’re washing the dishes, your mind is fully aware when you start the faucet, grip the sponge, and wipe the plates clean.

There are no other thoughts in your mind other than what it is you’re doing in the moment.

While staying in the present moment may seem boring at times, you’ve probably already felt its true power without really knowing it.

Have you ever been outside enjoying nature and a feeling of peace flooded over you?

Have you ever stared up at the sky and stars and contemplated the meaning behind them?

The past and future wash away, and the only thing that’s important in that moment is the “now.”

Staying in the Present Moment

The process of staying in the present moment may take some practice.

If you try for any length of time to stay fully present, your mind will likely try to bring you out of it.

This is because thoughts about the past and future are constantly creeping up.

This can be a source of frustration, but you must fight the urge to judge yourself since that negative emotion would defeat the purpose.

Be aware that your mind will reach for the past and future; yet be ready to let go of those thoughts when they come up.

The more you practice remaining present, the easier it’ll become.

Practicing Meditation

Meditation is an art that’s not only reserved for Eastern religions.

It’s a method of bringing yourself into the present that’s available to you at all times.

Here are some tips to follow when beginning meditation:

Choose a time of day when you can relax and be alone.
Sit in a position that gives you good posture.
Concentrate on your breathing.
Take deep breaths in and out and focus only on your breath.
Try to meditate for at least 30 minutes each day.
Fight the urge to fall asleep.

You’ll find that you get better at meditation with practice.

Don’t give up on yourself! Every session may not feel as good as the last, but it’s important to stick with it.

Meditation will enable you to get to know your mind and body better.

You’ll maintain awareness for when your mind is in an agitated state, and you’ll be able to place better focus on fixing your problems and moving toward your goals.

All in all, developing a present moment mindset can bring you more peace and fulfillment in your life. Isn’t that worth a little practice?

Which of your current qualities are the result of a lesson learned from a mistake?

How often do you take time to reflect on the results of your mistakes?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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March 13, 2018January 7, 2018

A joy shared is a joy doubled. A sorrow shared is a sorrow halved. – Author Unknown

March 13, 2018January 7, 2018

Simple Gestures to Show Appreciation

You’ve heard the expression that a little can go a long way, and there’s no exception when it comes to showing your appreciation.

Learning how to express your gratitude will enable you to enjoy improved communication and more fulfilling relationships.

While a grand gesture is always nice and has a time and place, simple gestures are habits that you can add to your everyday routine.

It’s important not to keep all of your love and appreciation stuck inside your head.

Instead, let it out and you’ll give meaning, purpose, and joy to everyone around you!

Try the following simple gestures to express your gratitude:

1. Talk more. Make your thoughts known.

Your simple gestures of appreciation can be at the office, at home, with your kids, with your partner, and more.

When you verbalize how you feel in a positive manner, it can make all the difference in a person’s day.

If you think of a compliment, give the compliment. It’s simple and it works.

2. Give a card out of the blue. Give friends, family, colleagues, or your partner a sincere card or note.

There’s something extra special about getting a message when you aren’t expecting one. Plus they make nice keepsakes.

3. Go out of your way. Take a moment to think of something you can do each day or every once in awhile that’s above and beyond.

Taking even a small burden off your loved one’s shoulders shows that you care.

For example, if your spouse is usually the one who handles the laundry, surprise them and take care of it.

4. Develop your listening skills. Practice being truly aware of what you’re told when people are speaking to you.

You’ll likely commit certain bits of information to long-term memory.

You’ll be surprised at how happy you can make someone simply because you remembered something they told you.

5. Show affection. When it comes to affection for your loved ones, some simple affection can go a long way.

Bring more hugs and kisses into the relationship. Chances are everyone could use more “I love you’s” in their lives.

6. Consider a handmade gift. When it comes time for gift giving, consider a handmade gift.

It doesn’t have to be something expensive or complex as long as it’s coming from the heart.

These gifts are often the most cherished of all.

7. Cook something. If you’re showing appreciation to your family, plan a special meal one day.

Maybe try something you haven’t tried before, or go for an old family favorite.

If you’re showing appreciation for another group of people, consider bringing them some baked goods.

A cupcake or a brownie just might brighten someone’s day!

8. Always say “Thank You.” You’ve learned to say please and thank you to strangers and the people in your life shouldn’t be an exception.

It’s easy to fall into a pattern where we take others for granted.

Make it a habit to always thank people for anything they’ve done for you, even for simple things like holding the door.

Live a Life of Gratitude

If you continue to live your life in the presence of gratitude, it won’t be difficult to maintain simple gestures of appreciation.

When you concentrate on the needs of the people you love and fight the urge to fall into predictable patterns, you’ll set yourself up for a happy life.

Those around you will always remember your positive gestures!

How do you feel when someone shows they appreciate you?

How can you make someone smile today?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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