Personal Development and Self-Help – Page 7

November 22, 2017

Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts. – Arnold Bennett

October 25, 2017

Building Self-Confidence through Positive Self-Talk

Whether you’re at work or just facing a bad day at home, there are many things you can do to make sure you’re back in the saddle and feeling more confident about life.

One of the best ways to regain your self-confidence is to give yourself a little pep talk.

The idea of positive self-talk, or positive thinking, is something many coaches and counselors suggest to their clients and nearly everyone can benefit from it.

Have you ever been in a situation where you think a little bit of positive reinforcement could make things a lot easier? Don’t wait for someone else to lift your spirits; take a moment and realize you can easily do it yourself!

Be Proactive and Gain Confidence

Having negative thoughts, even about a single project at work, can often impact your entire outlook on life.

You may begin to believe that you’re in a trap of bad luck or that things will never get better, but in reality, the only way for things to get better is to make positive changes and that takes both action and self-confidence.

When faced with a difficult situation that leaves negative feelings, step away for a few minutes and take some deep breaths.Think about a resolution to the problem, come up with a smart action plan, then return to propose your plan.
Removing yourself from the situation will help minimize those negative feelings while allowing you to gain some perspective.

What Makes You Special?

Another way to lift your spirits and give yourself a confidence boost is to remind yourself of your accomplishments, both at home and at work.

Did a client praise your work? Have you been promoted? Do co-workers come to you for advice? Do friends marvel at your decorating flair?Each person is so much more complex than what’s visible on the outside. Allow yourself to delve deeper into your soul and treasure what makes you unique.

Rediscover your personal strengths or hobbies that make you proud and happy.

Do you love to cook? Have you traveled extensively? Do you play an instrument? Do you play competition sports?These are all accomplishments you should be proud of because you took the time to develop these different facets of your life.

Think about the journey you took to reach those accomplishments. If something was too easy, you may place less importance on the final outcome, but when you are able to face and overcome serious challenges, it makes you a stronger and more determined person.

How Do I Use Positive Self-Talk?

The term positive self-talk might scare some people away, thinking it involves talking to yourself out loud.

Although you may choose to say positive affirmations out loud, it’s enough to just think positively about your accomplishments and what makes you special.

If you’re having trouble thinking about your strengths, sit down in a quiet spot and make a list of everything that makes you unique. Taking some extra time to write these things down will help reinforce them in your mind.

Once the list is written, post it in a place where you’ll see it everyday. Starting your day positively will make the small nuisances disappear.

If necessary, make copies of these lists so you can take one with you. Anytime you feel down or upset, take out your list and read it. You are a fabulous person and this list proves it!

This list isn’t written in stone; it should be a continuously changing list, just as we continuously change ourselves. So be sure to constantly add to your list as you achieve more accomplishments!

Everyone Can Benefit From Positive Thinking

As you build your self-confidence with positive self-talk, you might feel silly at first but you’ll still benefit from the experience.

Whenever you feel overwhelmed, stop and give yourself a little pep talk. Reassure yourself that you’re strong, that you can get through anything, and that success is within your grasp.

Remembering that everyone goes through ups and downs in life will help you face the day more positively.

Thoughts and feelings are what make us human.

Everyone experiences negative emotions, but if these negative feelings seem to cling to you everyday, then finding ways to dissolve that negative energy can be empowering.

Your life is yours to control so don’t wait for others to help. Positive thinking and positive self-talk can help you come out of the darkness and into the light.

When have you tried controlling your thoughts and feelings to get positive results?

How can you use positive self-talk in feeling great about yourself daily?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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October 24, 2017

Build Your Self-Esteem By Conquering Challenges

Do you feel as though you’re in a rut? Does nothing feel engaging or entertaining? When you want to make sure you’re still in the right direction and you don’t want to settle for a mundane life, you’ll discover that you need to start challenging yourself.

When you take on a challenge head first, you’re forcing yourself to grow. When your self-esteem needs a boost, challenging yourself can help you see yourself in a new light.

What Kind of Challenges Should I Pursue?

No matter what type of challenge you undertake, don’t assume you’re going to get started on it “sometime soon.” Think about what steps you need to take to get there today.

Whether it involves making some phone calls or getting some certifications, make some time to get it done as soon as possible.

If you have the desire to start a new career, call a career counselor for guidance or the local university for class schedules.
If you challenge yourself to achieve better health, call a nutritionist or the local gym for rates and advice.
If you always wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument, call the music store to inquire about lessons or rental fees.

Don’t delay when something is this important, but remember that moving slowly is much better than not moving at all.

When you want to make sure you’re achieving the results that you deserve, you’ll discover that choosing to move at all is a big step.

Practice Setting Goals and Holding Yourself Accountable

Another way you can start conquering small challenges is by setting some achievable goals. For instance, say you want to improve your writing skills.

Then set yourself a goal to write at least a paragraph a day. It’s a simple, realistic goal that will help you improve your skills.

It’s very likely that you will become more productive when you have a limited amount of time to accomplish your simple challenge.

So if you only have 15 minutes to concentrate on your challenge, then make the best use of it and simply focus your energy on making it the most productive 15 minutes of your day.

Measure Your Progress Regularly

In order to build your self-esteem, you regularly need to see how far you’ve come. Make sure you keep track of your progress on a regular basis.

Keep a diary that lists all you’ve accomplished in the day.
Keep a list of all books you read last month.
Keep a weight journal to track how many pounds you’ve lost.

Over time, you’ll find that this is a great way to keep yourself moving forward. Looking at past progress is a great way to replicate your success, so keep note of how far you’ve come.

The Power of Numbers

If you’re struggling to challenge yourself, remember that you can get someone else to work with you. Do you have any goals that you and your loved ones share?

If so, take some time and see if you can encourage each other. This encouragement will help to build your self-esteem because you’ll see progress toward your goal.

We must always strive for constant self-improvement. In doing so, we’ll see just how capable and competent we really are!

How do you deal with the challenges that you encounter in life?

How can overcoming your challenges help you live better and happier?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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October 24, 2017

Challenges are what make life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. – Joshua Marine

October 2, 2017October 10, 2017

I am not perfect, and that’s okay.

I do not expect myself to be perfect. We are all under construction and this requires an understanding that I will make mistakes. That’s okay with me!

I have high hopes for my children and I do what I can to help them to develop their talents and dreams. Yet, I do not expect that they will instantly totter out of the delivery room and shoot hoops or write a novel.

I realize that they are a work-in-progress, and I delight in each step they take – even if they trip over the ball or write half their letters backwards! My children thrill me simply with their eagerness to learn and grow.

I treat myself with the same respect and appreciation. Although it’s true that I am no longer a child, I will always be learning and growing. I do not hold unrealistic expectations; instead, I am always challenging myself to push further.

Being imperfect gives me an incentive to work harder toward my goals and dreams. In doing so, I stretch out of my comfort zone and I applaud myself for taking risks. I take these risks because I know that any mistakes I make will only make me stronger and wiser.

I let go of the need to appear perfect to others. Letting go of perfection leads to deeper and more authentic relationships. It also leads me to greater health and vitality.

When I am open to seeing my imperfections for what they are, I can accurately gauge my strengths and weaknesses. In doing so, I am able to develop strategies that bring out my best.

In what areas do you limit yourself with unrealistic expectations?

How do you respond when you make a mistake?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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September 29, 2017October 10, 2017

Simple Strategies to Defeat Any Challenge

Challenges are a normal part of life. Many people look at challenges and loathe them, but challenges help move us forward. We would stand still without challenges, would never improve ourselves, and would always be the same people we are right now.

This knowledge may make challenges somewhat easier to deal with and may even enable you to defeat challenges or obstacles that are standing in your way. So ask yourself: Am I where I want to be in life? If you’re not happy, then it’s time to take charge.

Overcoming Challenges

Overcoming some challenges can be as simple as remembering that nothing lasts forever. Even though this may sound rather simple, it is true. When you are in the midst of a tough situation, you should pause for a moment and remember that this too shall pass.

We often get caught up in the drama and the stress of a challenge or obstacle. This blinds us to the reality that this moment is simply a stepping stone to where we are going.

Another way to overcome challenges is to seek help. We often become islands unto ourselves when we needn’t be. Ask friends and family for help, or get professional help if the challenge necessitates it.

Teaming up with those who are in our lives often makes a challenge seem smaller and less threatening.

Breaking challenges down into more manageable pieces also may make them easier to overcome. Many of us look only at the big picture, which often can be overwhelming.

Look at the challenges you are facing and see if you can’t break up the issues into smaller pieces to make the process less intimidating.

Positive thought is a great way to overcome challenges. Many people keep a list of affirmations with them – either physically or in their minds – to help them overcome difficulties as challenges arise.

Affirmations are simple statements to help you quiet negative thoughts that are in your mind. Many people find that positive thoughts are the key to overcoming both big and small challenges.

You can take positive thoughts one step further and incorporate affirmations into your everyday life. These affirmations may include, “If I can say it, I can do it, and I can be it.”

Getting up each day and saying these thoughts out loud reaffirms the positive thought and allows you to live it.

Many people repeat the thought each day at the same time, while others use them only in those moments when challenges present themselves and become overwhelming.

Overcoming challenges is difficult, but this is a vital part of learning more about yourself, who you are striving to be, and what your place is in this world.

In many situations, you can employ just one of these methods to overcome the challenges in your life, and in other situations you may need to use a combination.

Each person finds different methods of dealing with challenges to work for them, but the power of positive thought cannot be overlooked. This power will enable you to see the good in each challenge or obstacle that you encounter throughout your life.

What affirmation can help keep you going?

Who can you turn to for help when you feel you are overwhelmed and need someone to talk to?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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September 25, 2017September 26, 2017

Dealing with Stressful Work Environments

Do you dread getting out of bed every day to go to work because your work environment is too stressful? Many people find that it’s not so much their job that causes them stress, but the people and the environment.

You may find that the people you work with are intolerable or that the setup of your work place is simply not conducive to getting things done efficiently.

Dealing with stressful work environments is something many of us have to face every day, but you don’t have to let it get you down.

Instead, by learning how to deal with your stress at work you’ll be able to boost your energy and reduce frustration.

How to Deal with Stressful Work Environments

Create a space conducive to concentration. If your office is open-concept, you may find the hustle and bustle around you to be distracting. If this is the case, try setting up your work space so that everything you need is right in front of you so you don’t have to continually get up to grab stuff.

Also, try putting up a privacy screen (if possible), or rearrange your furniture or computer screen to create a barrier of sorts between you and the rest of the office.

Use positive imagery when you feel stress coming on. Focus on a happy or peaceful moment in your past, or keep a picture on your desktop that will help to put you at ease. Many people find that they can control stress by allowing themselves to go to a peaceful place for just a couple of moments.

Create a daily to-do list. Many times when we are stressed out, it’s because we are trying to juggle too many things without saying no from time to time. This causes our stress levels to rise quickly and uncontrollably.

When you create a to-do list, it won’t matter how hectic the office gets or how many people are slacking off; you’ll have a list in front of you that’ll remind you what needs to get done for that day.

You’ll feel more in control when you organize your day and you’ll be able to find some peace in the chaos surrounding you.

Learn how to meditate. Meditation is a form of deep concentration that can help you restore peace and balance in your life. You can make prayer or meditation a part of your every day life so when stress levels are rising, you can regain your composure nearly effortlessly.

As you practice your meditation techniques, you’ll be able to do it without anyone even noticing, and you’ll bring a calmer and more focused energy to the office.

Move around within the company or find a better fit elsewhere. Many people simply cannot overcome the stressful environment in which they work. Besides, no one should work in a situation where they always feel on edge!

If you have a job that is too demanding or rarely allows for you to tend to your personal life, then it may be time to find a better fit. Getting a new job can be stressful in itself, but when you find something that is right for you, you’ll notice the old way of stressful living will melt away and you’ll be left with a happier, healthier, and more peaceful life.

Workplace stress is at an all-time high, but in many cases, you’ll be able to overcome this stress using the workplace stress tips mentioned above.

If the work environment becomes too stressful and toxic to deal with, you’ll want to take action.

After all, you must put yourself first if prolonged and unmanaged stress becomes destructive to your body and mind.

What changes will you start doing today to lessen your stress at work?

How can this help you feel better and work better?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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September 12, 2017September 26, 2017

Communication is the master key that I use to open the door to happiness.

The quality of relationships in my life is determined by my sense of well-being. This is built on a strong foundation of communication.

I create ever deeper relationships by sharing my thoughts and feelings honestly. I have let go of the notion that people should be able to read my mind. I speak up when I feel hurt or offended because I am confident that our love allows us to work through conflict. I share my thoughts and ideas because I know we are strongest when we work together as a team.

I also take the time to ask others what they are thinking and feeling. I actively listen to them, and repeat back what I think they are saying until I am confident that I am truly hearing not just their words but also the meaning behind them.

I have let go of the idea that I will be happiest if other people tell me what I want to hear. I have no interest in illusions, even ones that feel good. I am more interested in sharing truth and using it to create bonds that strengthen everyone involved as we reach our goals together.

What do you feel when you hear the truth from the people you love?

What do you think about taking the time to share and listen rather than expecting people to read your mind?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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September 12, 2017September 26, 2017

Building a Life Full of Success

Do you have friends or family members who have achieved immense success in their lives and you find yourself wishing you could have that the same? Are you filled with envy toward the people who have everything they want?

Most of us experience these feelings from time to time, but instead of allowing jealousy to make you miserable and negative, you can create your own success. After all, you are the only person who can control how you define “success.” So instead of spending your time feeling jealous, you can spend your time filling your life with success.

Creating Success for Yourself

Many people spend their lives wondering when success is going to magically appear on their lap but, of course, it never happens this way. If, instead, we spend less time dreaming and more time building, we’d be much happier and success will be well within our grasp.

Rather than waiting passively for success to whisk you away, it’s time to create your own version of success. When you are proactively taking steps every day, you have a better chance of realizing your goals. After all, it’s far more productive than watching other people achieve success.

A great way to create the successful life you have always hoped for is to set clear, actionable goals. How do you want your life to be defined? What do you want to be doing a year from now, five years from now, or even ten years from now? What sort of goals can you set for yourself that will help motivate you and keep you going in the right direction so you can reach out and grab what you want?

You will want to make sure the goals you set are attainable. The best way to do this is to start with short-term goals that help you work towards your long-term goals. This will help you move forward and build momentum without becoming discouraged. Besides, it’ll help to keep your eye on the prize. If you set goals that are too ambitious, you will be more inclined to give up before you even get started.

Building a “Success!” Attitude

Your attitude and thoughts determine your success, so make sure they are congruent. If you have some negative or self-defeating inner dialogues, it will be much more difficult for you to achieve your goals and build the life of success you have always wanted. That’s why it’s a good idea to use the power of positive affirmations to propel you forward.

Affirmations can help people from all walks of life reach great success, even if they started out in the lowest of low places. So remember that success isn’t limited to the rich and famous!

Having a list of affirmations on hand can help you overcome those moments of self-doubt, envy, or even anger that you may feel toward others. Affirmations are simple thoughts like, “Each simple, completed task propels me towards success,” or, “I am worthy of great success.” These affirmations help to remind you of what your goals are and, in turn, remind you that you are worthy of all you desire, and more!

What makes you feel successful in life?

How can affirming yourself help you in your daily living?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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September 12, 2017September 26, 2017

Category: Personal Development and Self-Help

Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts. – Arnold Bennett

Building Self-Confidence through Positive Self-Talk

Build Your Self-Esteem By Conquering Challenges

Challenges are what make life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. – Joshua Marine

I am not perfect, and that’s okay.

Simple Strategies to Defeat Any Challenge

Dealing with Stressful Work Environments

Communication is the master key that I use to open the door to happiness.

Building a Life Full of Success

Success breeds confidence