Personal Growth Cafe

March 20, 2018January 7, 2018

How to Set Clear Goals

Without goals, there would be no passion, purpose, or drive in life.

If your goals are too vague, you’ll find much more difficulty on your journey than if you’d properly prepared in the first place.

Planning Your Goals

The planning phase is the most important stage when it comes to achieving your goals.

Planning might come easy or hard for you, but one thing’s for sure, without planning the end goal may not even exist at all.

While it’s important to set up your own system that works for you, there are some simple goal setting strategies you can use to make your planning easier.

Consider the following tips for finding clarity in your goals:

Decide what you want. Whether your goal is lofty or little, decide exactly what it is that you want.

If you want money, how much?

If you want to lose weight, how many pounds?

If you want success, how do you describe your vision of success?

Don’t be afraid to take your time to figure out what you want.

At some point you’ll need to eventually sift through your thoughts and take action, but make sure you’re acting on what’s most important to you!

Be specific. Be very detailed as you develop every part of your goal.

Instead of a goal like “I want to be better at sports,” consider a goal like “I want to perform exceptionally well during spring tryouts so I can become the all-star point guard for my high school basketball team.”

Just being “better” at sports is too vague.

There are too many options and avenues to take that your mind can’t focus on any one route to your goal.

Write it down. Write down your ideas and decisions.

It doesn’t matter if you use pencil and paper, a computer, or even a cell phone.

What’s important is the fact that you can keep track of a large amount of specific information instead of trying to remember everything.

After all, goals only seem real when you see them clearly before you.

Break down your goal into increments.

If you have a lofty goal, it’ll become manageable if you break it down into smaller pieces.

Smaller pieces will make your goal seem less complex.

Plus, it’ll be easier for you to achieve your goal if everything is set out for you as mini-goals, instead of just one huge feat.

Repeat the process. Once you’ve found a good system, it’s time to repeat the process.

Clarify your other goals that you’d like to achieve.

For example, if you’d like to “spend more time with the family,” which is too vague, make a list of specific family activities you’d like to do together, and then make more lists that detail how you can make those goals a reality.

Don’t Wait For “Someday”

Some of the reasons why people tend to keep their goals vague is that they’re actually afraid of achieving them. It’s true!

After all, it’s a whole lot easier to put off your goals and do nothing, than to take action to achieve it.

But what good is a goal that merely resides on paper?

Once you’ve decided on a clear goal, it’s time to take swift action to make it a reality.

Don’t wait for someday to achieve your goals. There’s no time like the present… so get moving!

What goals have you had in life?

How have you accomplished these goals?

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 19, 2018January 7, 2018

He who believes in nobody knows he himself is not to be trusted. – Berthold Auerbach

March 19, 2018January 7, 2018

How to Think Positively in Tough Times

Sometimes it’s hard to look on the bright side even when things are going fairly well.

When you’re going through tough times, gaining the “glass is half full” mentality can be a feat in itself!

Don’t Get Overwhelmed

When you’re in the middle of a stressful situation, it’s important to disallow over-anxious and over-analyzed thoughts.

You really don’t want to overwhelm yourself with an over-stimulated mind because the added stress will only strain your mind further and you’ll find it nearly impossible to think positively.

Ways To Look On The Bright Side

How you go about transforming difficult situations into positive outcomes will differ each time.

Your goal should be to discover a set of strategies that works well for you.

It might take some experimenting, but that’s okay!

Consider the following ways to achieve a positive mindset:

Avoid feeling sorry for yourself.

Feeling sorry for yourself only wastes precious brainpower and it’s not going to help you out in the long run.

Instead, strive to gain the wisdom to accept your situation and focus on solutions, instead of sorrow or worry.

Everyone has to travel through tough times at some point; it’s just a part of life!

Find the life lesson. It may be hard to find the silver lining, but it’s almost always hiding somewhere.

All of your experiences – both good and bad – contribute to your life’s knowledge.

Be thankful for what you know!

Reflect on the fact that you’ve gained wisdom and knowledge that may help you make better decisions and cope well in the future.

Start small. Take some time to reflect on the difficult situation.

If you’re having trouble finding a positive manner of thinking, just start by smiling at yourself in the mirror.

You might not feel happy right away, but it sure will be hard not to feel happy when you see a beautiful smiling face staring back at you!

You can also consider the use of positive affirmations to help you through tough times.

The more frequently you repeat your affirmations, the sooner you’ll ingrain the positive beliefs into your subconscious.

Stop worrying. When you’re going through a tough situation, sometimes your worries can overtake you.

The future might seem scary and bleak and you’re not sure what you should do.

As you know, worrying isn’t going to help the situation in the least.

Instead, the moment worry creeps in, redirect your mind onto something positive or reassuring.

Stay calm and start brainstorming some practical solutions.

Be brave about change. Change is inevitable and most often you don’t even notice that it’s happening.

During tough times, however, you’re likely more sensitive to the changes that are taking place.

Think about change as an exciting adventure.

You’ll never know what you can discover and learn until you’re open to change.

Help From Others

When you’re going through a tough time, your instincts might be to pull inward.

Perhaps you don’t want people to see you in a vulnerable state or you want to solve your problems all on your own.

However, you must resist this urge to shut people out!

Remember, you’re never alone.

Your family and loved ones are always there to help you get through any challenging situation, but only if you allow them to!

Of course, your loved ones may not be able to solve your problem outright, but they can provide you with a fantastic support system and help you brainstorm different avenues for problem solving.

As hard as it may seem now, it is possible for you to think positively when you’re enduring tough times.

Use these simple positive thinking strategies to help you change your mindset quicker than you ever thought possible!

How could you take a more proactive approach to reach your goals?

How can you best reward and nurture yourself today?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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March 18, 2018January 7, 2018

I accept my limitations and celebrate what I can do.

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!

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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 16, 2018January 7, 2018

Practicing the Art of Walking Meditation

The art of walking meditation is not as popular as traditional methods of meditation where you sit down in a form of a cross-legged position.

However, walking meditation can prove to be more accessible and easier to renew your inspiration and energy.

The Art of Meditation

When you engage in walking meditation, you’ll be using some of the same principles as regular meditative practice.

Here are some tips to use when beginning with meditation:

Schedule yourself plenty of time, at least 30 minutes to an hour.
Focus all of your attention on your breath.
Try to avoid making noise as it may distract you.
Concentrate solely on the present moment.
Go with the flow.
Follow the energy that your mind is giving you.

Introduction To Walking Meditation

Walking meditation differs from regular meditation in a few core ways.

The most obvious is the fact that you’re walking instead of staying still.

This is beneficial for those who think more clearly when they’re moving around.

Also, when you practice walking meditation, you can eventually engage in meditation as you complete day-to-day tasks.

This is useful because you won’t always have enough time for a standard meditation session.

Use these strategies to enhance your experience as you begin walking meditation:

1. Start by standing. Don’t begin walking right away.

Stay calm and give yourself time to get into a steady pattern of breathing.

Once you’ve achieved this balance, you can begin walking.

This stage can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes; just do what feels right for you at the time.

2. Choose your location. Have an idea in mind about where you’re going to walk before you start the practice.

If you don’t have a plan in mind beforehand, you may be too distracted thinking about where you’re headed.

It’s up to you where you want to walk, but choose a place that tends to be calm instead of busy.

You can walk in a park and take in nature, or you can even walk in circles in a large empty room.

3. Watch your pace. Your pace will probably vary from session to session, and that’s okay.

Try starting out faster than intended, then slow down to a pace that makes you feel balanced and almost like your body is doing the work automatically.

4. End your session. Most sessions last about 30 minutes to an hour.

This should be enough time for you to enjoy the meditative practice as well as get some exercise in the process.

To end your session, slow down and stand up straight for a few minutes.

Focus on your breathing just as you did at the beginning of your session.

Bringing Meditation Into Everyday Tasks

It’s a good idea to master the art of walking meditation before trying to bring your regular meditative practice into your everyday living.

Doing so will give you a better idea about what it’s like to meditate while your body is in motion.

While you won’t be able to meditate while you’re talking or engaging in activities that you’re not familiar with, you can start to make it a part of your daily routine, whether it be in the mornings during your commute or during your lunch break.

Watch Your Emotions

Walking meditation and regular meditation have the power to get you in touch with your true emotions.

Some people are unsure about what they’re feeling and may end up repressing feelings or acting out in anger.

Your emotions will generally rise up during a walking meditation session, which is why it’s a good idea for you to engage in these meditation sessions often.

With continued practice, you’ll find a powerful tool in your life that can calm, refresh, inspire, and motivate you wherever you go!

How can meditation affect your life?

What healthy habits are you doing today?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Before you leave…

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March 15, 2018January 7, 2018

Posts

How to Set Clear Goals

He who believes in nobody knows he himself is not to be trusted. – Berthold Auerbach

How to Think Positively in Tough Times

I accept my limitations and celebrate what I can do.

Keys to Success: Flexibility

Mistakes are detours that direct me to a better me.

Learning to Accept Yourself

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

Practicing the Art of Walking Meditation

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