CHANGE IS GOOD. . . SUCCESS IS AS EASY AS

When Nothing Seems to Matter, Do Not Give Up, Keep at it

By Dr. Robert Henry Schwenk

It is so much easier not to have to push, all the time. So much more comfortable to take the path of least resistance. I know. I did. I'll tell you about it here.

When I was a child, especially a teenager, I did not get sufficient to eat. Now, please do not hear me to be saying that I starved. I did not. I was nowhere near as bad off some people who live in poverty in this country or elsewhere in the world. My brain-power was not damaged from not having the correct nutrients. (So far as I am aware, I have all reasonable faculties. But others, outside of me, really have to the judge of that. Like you, reading this article.)

But when I look back now, I see that as a growing boy, I did not receive enough to eat. I was bone thin. No excuses about poverty and the like. My family just didn't not understand the need I had for food.

Then, later in life when I was in charge of my own food intake and had the means to be in charge of it, I learned to eat to feel good about myself. Always went to bed with a full stomach. Consequently I became overweight.

Next, I needed to diet in order to keep my weight under control. But the combination of the two, not enough to eat in my youth and developing the habit of eating to feel good, keep it a daily fight.

One of those days I decided I had had enough with the diets. I was just going to eat. In other words, I gave up. The weight went on. Clothes didn't fit; health deteriorated. Now the weight is more of a problem than ever, in terms of getting it off and keeping it off.

My point: when it comes to yourself, do not give up. Keep at it. I would be in much better shape today, physically and mentally, if I had stayed with weight control of some reasonable and substantial kind. Instead, I am way behind in the game. (Or is that weigh behind in the game?)
What is it your want to do? What is you want to be? Don't give up. Keep at it. The path of least resistance will get you in such a downward slide that stopping and reversing becomes so much harder. Harder than if you had struck with the effort in the first place.

So when you are tempted to give up, when you are tempted just to slide through your life, because it seems so hard, don't give up. Keep at it. You'll be so much better off, I promise. I can promised because I have been there, am there, and it "ain't" pretty.

Start in this minute to keep at it.

And when you want more positivity in your life, claim your Free Instant Access to a Force-Source Resource. Just Click Here. You'll get the Force-Source Resource titled "All the Best - You Deserve It." Remember, one bit of information can save you a lifetime of frustration. You'll get that info here.

Dr. Robert Henry Schwenk - The "I Know the Meaning of Life" guy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Robert_Henry_Schwenk

CHANGE IS GOOD . . . . .WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ?

What is Your Core Safety Switch That Stops Your Success?
By Joyce Shafer


You can apply what follows to any area of your life where you feel attaining success is a struggle, but let's start with money/wealth/abundance-whatever your word choice is... because money has such highly-charged emotional, self-worth, self-esteem attachments to it.

Let's imagine you don't have the financial situation you'd prefer-but you really want it. You use a variety of methods to assist you: affirmations, visions, vision boards, and so forth. You read and sign up for anything about attaining wealth (or even just easier financial months), whether this is specific business or online strategies or ways to eliminate blocking beliefs about money, success, etc. Whatever the means, you put a lot of hours towards this, including thinking or worrying about it.

And you're still not where you want to be.

Give an honest answer: What kinds of comments do you make to others and in your mind about people with money or wealth?

It probably has something to do with them behaving "badly"-even if you know people with wealth and success who don't demonstrate those behaviors. What you probably don't say is, "People with wealth may have other blocks, but they don't have them about having money."

People who behave "badly" will do so with or without wealth; so, this is a good time for you to separate behaviors from having money. The fact there are people of wealth who behave with integrity and generosity disproves such a blanket statement. Is that separate for you now? Can you see they aren't joined?

If what's described above is your core belief, you will never have wealth. Or, if you get it, you won't keep it or consistently replenish it as you use it.

Because at your core is a safety switch. Its program is likely: "We (you, your family, friends, associates) detest people with money: they behave badly. They (fill in the blank)." Your safety switch will protect you from ever becoming One of Those People. No matter how much you desire it. Once you switch your switch, you'll attract or tune in to strategies and opportunities you have head and heart alignment with; and shift and expansion will happen. It will feel more effortless than you've experienced before. Maybe your switch gets reprogrammed to know and allow, "Financial freedom-whatever that means to me-is fabulous, fun, and allows me full self-expression and fulfillment."

Know that when the shift begins to happen, it will be in the way that supports your personal evolution best, whether that's gradual or more immediate. This mostly depends on how aligned you are with the new program as your truth.

Vernon Howard said, "We are slaves to whatever we don't understand." One of the key things people tend to not understand about any success that is fulfilling is that it has to come from what they truly want to do (are aligned with), makes them feel enthusiastic, and yes, even fun for them.

You're told to put focus on the outcomes you desire. That's good advice because if you do this in the most productive way, you're not focused on what you don't want or have, not living in the past (or the future)-you're living Right Now, which is where your power lives.
The well known phrase, "It's not the destination, it's the journey," can also be stated as, "It's not the outcome, it's the desired experience-in this moment (which creates the next moments)."

I know, I know. You want the outcomes; but the quality of the outcomes will shift and expand if you aim at the desired experience quality-because it takes your focus from primarily on outcomes and puts them where they belong: the energetic creative process and you as the driver of your life. You're conditioned to believe what your experience looks like is more important than being able to consciously create experiences you desire, over and over. When you understand this, you won't be a slave to externals-because you'll know the power comes from you.

Check to see if there's a safety switch that runs contrary to any of this information. And, check what your real Self image is such as

• I can only live a smaller, more circumscribed life (though I desire more)
• If I have more money or wealth, I'll be one of "them" (I'll hate me, others will hate me)
• If I do what really fuels me, others will resent me (what others think is appropriate for me is more important/true than what I think)
• I have to accept whatever is "given" to me in my personal and professional life (the external world has the power; it controls my experiences and outcomes)
• I have to have a certain level of education, know the right people, work my backside off-be "perfect"....

Do you know anyone who lives the opposite of the beliefs listed and not listed above, and is successful and genuinely happy in their life?

Consider how all that's been presented here connects. What's the bigger picture for you? Which core safety switches click into the On position or want to? If the switch doesn't serve you, how will you adjust it so it does?

Stop struggling. Identify and more effortlessly attain your ideal experiences and results with, "Reinvent Yourself: Refuse to Settle for Less in Life and Business," by Joyce Shafer (jls1422@yahoo.com), Life Empowerment Coach and Author. Get 8 FREE life empowerment e-books, and see a list of her books/e-books and services at http://joyceshafer-ebookbundle.webs.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joyce_Shafer

Also see http://www.changebythepeople.com/ for more useful information

CHANGE IS GOOD . . .CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS

How to Bounce Back When Your Mood Plummets
By Lorraine Cohen
Article Word Count: 809 [View Summary] Comments (0)

"Life's weather is but temporary. It's the seasons that really matter. Finding balance in the storm. Life" - Anon
Do you find yourself spiraling downward when something happens that you find upsetting? If you say yes, it's not usual. Many people feel happy when something happens that they want or like and fell unhappy when something unwanted occurs.
Here's an example:
A few years ago I was in a car accident. I had just left my house and I had a few errands to run locally. I admit I tend to drive fast and I noticed the two cars ahead of me had come to a stop. The lead car was waiting for traffic to clear in order to make a left turn. I quickly applied my brakes and saw I would be able to stop safely as I checked my rear view mirror to see who was behind me. It was evident to me that the car behind was also going too fast and was going to hit me. The impact was strong enough to push me across the opposing lane of traffic bounce off of a guardrail before I was able to stop the car.
You might say, "Boy Lorraine, not a good day!" I agree that it wasn't what I wanted my day to be.
The downside? My car was fully paid for and, a week before had undergone major maintenance work. The accident totaled my car.
Some immediate blessings? I was bruised and unhurt and I could have been killed. Apparently, when I was hit and pushed across the road, the lead car had finally made the left turn because there was no traffic. I called a healer friend who came immediately and met me at the hospital (where I was checked out for any injuries). My chiropractor opened his office to do a session.
When I returned home, my spirits were low and I could have begun feeling sorry for myself and bemoan the ramifications of having to get a new car, etc. It was a perfect invitation for my mood to start plummeting.
So what to do when you find yourself focusing on the negative?
Here are 7 ways to shift your mood to a better place:
1. Gratitude. Focusing on all you have in your life is an immediate mood shifter. Honor the losses that might be part of any circumstance and allow your viewpoint to expand in appreciation for all the riches you have that truly matters.
2. Interrupt negative self-talk and choose a better thought to put your attention. Notice where your thoughts are focused. What stories and dramas are you creating? Are they serving to help you feel better or worse? If you're unable to let the stories go and dramas go immediately, exaggerate it BIG. Really act it out and play with it so that it becomes absurd. It might even become funny! Take a stand and choose to put your attention on a better feeling thought. You have that POWER!!!!
3. Accept what happened. Dwelling on the past and ruminating on the details only adds more stress and upset. What we resist, persists. The more we struggle against our unwanted life circumstances the more power we give our unhappiness to affect our present moments. It is what it is. Each moment is temporary and gives birth to the next. Acceptance opens the door to...
4. Look for the blessings. Every situation is a healing and growth opportunity. Asking questions like: What are the gifts from this experience? (Focus on the gratitude). What can I learn from this situation? Recognize everything happens for a reason even if it appears to make no logical sense. Approaching life from this perspective invites greater ease and flow. Looking through the eyes of the Victim or the Champion/Hero/Creator is a choice. Seeing your life experience with appreciations and gratitude invites possibilities to unfold.
5. Ask for help. Reach out to your circle of friends if you need an ear, a hug, a boost or a kick in the butt to get yourself into a healthier mindset. Be willing to receive help and invite the people in your life to be a loving support if you need it!
6. Help someone. Our natural state is one of loving generosity and well-being. Extending support to another can be a great heart lifter in reconnecting us to our spirit.
7. Do something that brings you joy, makes you laugh, and feeds your spirit. A few months ago, my buddy Anita Pathik- Law and I were talking on the phone and we started laughing. The kind of laughter that turns into side-splitting laughter that continued for over 6 minutes. It was hilarious. She recorded it and if I ever need a boost, all I have to do is play it and I start laughing!
Founder of Powerfull-Living, Rev. Dr. Lorraine Cohen is a spiritual life coach, broadcaster, published writer, and inspirational speaker who is recognized as a cutting-edge expert in her field. For over 20 years, Lorraine has inspired and supported thousands of spiritually-conscious business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, coaches, mentors, and authors to create a prosperous business, meaningfull career and fulfilling life that aligns with their spirit. An expert in transforming fear and limiting beliefs that create barriers to success, she shows people how to get unstuck; to break through the confusion and roadblocks so they move forward in all areas of their life. Receive her free report '5 Secrets to Attracting Everything You Want!"
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lorraine_Cohen

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CHANGE IS GOOD . . . . .WHO ARE YOU?

Why Failure Usually Comes Down to Personality

By Mika Libambu Schiller

One of the ironclad rules of the human condition is that anything difficult takes more than one person to accomplish. In reality, what makes difficult things so difficult is that there are so many variables involved that require the right kinds of people to understand them and to work together.

If you spend enough time working towards something, chances are that you'll get what you want in one form or another...granted that within that period of time you manage to find the right ways to work with the right people. Your success at that will depend to a large degree on your personality.

Your personality is the number one factor in determining your success in life...hands down. Personality encompasses a lot though; drive, persistence, openness, etc.

That means that if you don't have the type of personality that allows you to do things like change your mind when evidence presents itself or subdue your ego to the common good, it's highly unlikely that you'll get far at anything at all.

That's a pretty sobering statement. The good news is that the execution of your personality is something you have complete control over. In other words, you can change the way you do things to increase your chances of succeeding.

Let's take something like starting up a successful music enterprise; band, indie record label, whatever. It's a profit-making enterprise. These days, it's gotten more complicated to start one because of all the new moving parts. If you lead any type of a music enterprise, you've got to think about all of the people who are going to execute on all the new business realities out there; the new stuff like social media and blogs and the other stuff like website maintenance, creative direction, business management, touring, etc.

With so many variables involved and with the multitude of people required to execute on an idea, it's no surprise that most things that get started don't last because of conflicts of interest.
What I've discovered is that for the vast majority of people, their ego often times more important to them than the goal of the group or of the project at any given point in time. It's even worse with highly skilled and creative people. Sometimes, even if they know that an idea is right, they reject it because they didn't come up with it. Or they just won't fully buy into it and it slows down progress. It kills group morale.

One thing I've learned is that the best way to deal with the human ego is through what I call the Law of Positive Reinforcement. It sounds like fluff, but it's not. And it's not an entirely new idea either.

It basically states that, being that people are driven by ego, and that you'll never change that, the best way to make progress is by stroking people's egos. And you do that by compromise through logic and persuasion.

If you have an idea for something, it's more likely to get accepted by people if you detach your own ego from it. People are status driven. The minute they perceive that your idea is tainted with your own ego, they dig in their heels. If you argue in a nuanced way with facts, they can't attack you.

It works the other way too. If someone proposes an idea and you have a better alternative, you pick their idea apart with facts, not opinion. Progress is made when people agree on the facts.
Politicians do that all the time. Barack Obama's a master at it. He has the ability to attack any angle of an issue without injecting himself personally. That's why everybody thinks he's such a nice guy. I don't doubt he is, but he's also a sharp-elbowed politician. He just conceals it well.

This is all common sense stuff, but hard to act on because our egos often get in the way of measured action.

So, if you want to get things done, realize that the world is full of flawed human beings. You need them. And you need to stroke their egos.

Mika Schiller author blurb: Mika Schiller is a writer for the Indie music website MADE and he writes about where the music industry's headed and how it relates to the Independent Music artist. He gives irreverent career and personal development advice to the Indie music artist. For more great writing and irresistible advice, along with a free report on effective MySpace music marketing, please visit http://www.letsgetmade.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mika_Libambu_Schiller

CHANGE IS GOOD . . . .THE KEY TO SUCCESS

Think and Grow Rich - Organized Planning Through Masterminding

By Gerrald Hendrix

Napoleon Hill, author of "Think and Grow Rich" stressed the importance of masterminding at two critical phases in his sixth step toward riches. At the onset of our planning we must have mastermind group input. As we implement and adjust our plans we must continue to maintain our relationship with the group.

Most people are ready to grow rich but really have no idea of where to start, much less the processes involved.

Previous steps prior to organized planning include:

Desire or a burning passion to acquire riches or some other goal.

Faith that you will obtain your desires.

Autosuggestion to enable you to build your faith.

Specialized knowledge as may be required.

Imagination to conceive the idea which you will use to obtain your riches or goal.

As we progress through the steps toward our goal, we have arrived at the point where our initial desire will be as Mr. Hill described it, "crystallized" into action. This will require planning.

This is not to be confused with our initial plan which contains our goal, expected date to receive our goal, etc. This plan is where we begin to take definite action.

You may ask why you need to have a plan when you know what you want.

Napoleon Hill said it best. "No individual has sufficient experience, education, native ability, and knowledge to insure the accumulation of a great fortune without the cooperation of other people"
What he is saying is that you will need to jointly plan with your group. The original idea may be your own creation, but the final version and its methods of implementation must be a joint venture.

Masterminding is certainly not a new or unique concept. It is no more than a group of individuals with mastery in various and numerous subjects pertaining to your particular needs, coming together to advise you and critique your plans.

Mr. Hill deemed this step as absolutely essential. Do not neglect it!

How to form a mastermind group:

Research and seek out people who may assist you with your plans.

Form an alliance with as many people as you need to create and help you carry out your plan or plans.

As you form the alliance, decide what service you will render in exchange for their alliance. This may be money or a service.

Arrange to meet with this group as often weekly as is necessary to create and implement your plan.

Establish and maintain a harmonious relationship among all members. This again is an absolute essential.

The advantages of a mastermind group:

Allows you, with the help of the group, to formulate plans that to the best of everyone's collective knowledge are sound and faultless.

Enables you to "fall back and regroup" if your plan does not work and you have to make adjustments or new plans.

Your ideas may indeed be sound, however your plans may not be and therefore you don't achieve what you desire. This is where most simply give up. Most people give up on the idea rather than press on until they find the successful plan.

As Mr. Hill illustrates in his text, Thomas Edison experienced ten thousand "temporary defeats" before he perfected the incandescent light bulb. Yes, ten thousand!

If you really having a burning desire for riches, you will need a fiery persistence to build and if need be rebuild your plans, never admitting final defeat.

"No man is ever whipped, unless he quits in his own mind", Napoleon Hill, "Think and Grow Rich".

My name is Gerrald Hendrix (Jerry). I am an internet entrepreneur marketing wealth creation, education and management products and services. I am one of a team of marketers teaching others how to be successful in challenging times. See what we do and how your life can be changed forever. My associate Michael has more information for you at: http://allseriousentrepreneurs.com/?site=VMichaelF
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerrald_Hendrix

CHANGE IS GOOD . . . DON'T WORRY

A Leadership Truth: It's OK Not to Know It All

By Mark E. Green

Executives and other business leaders who “make it to the top” typically have invested many years in education, hard work, and self-sacrifice. They are seasoned veterans whohave the potential to lead their organizations to new heights of competitiveness, profitability, and success.

But truthfully, most business leaders don’t know everything they need to know. It’s not their fault -- it’s simply a fact that’s helpful to admit. Running an organization of any size is a complicated undertaking. Organizations are living, breathing entities in a constantly changing environment and the folks at the top have one of the toughest jobs around. How could they possibly know everything?

Successfully getting everyone on the same page, developing vision, planning, and then executing to maximize profits and attain other objectives requires a delicate balance of cooperation, coordination, and communication. In the present business climate, executives are expected to accomplish increasingly ambitious goals with a decreasing pool of resources.

To compound this problem, many capable executives heap added pressure on themselves by thinking and expecting that they should know everything. Some may even feel embarrassed if they don’t have all the answers all the time.

In fact, people don’t expect those who are leading them to be self-sufficient. They simply want them to be willing to ask for help when it’s needed, and to know where to go to get the answers. In other words, there’s no place for superheroes or “know-it-alls” in organizational leadership.

An interesting story about Henry Ford will illuminate this point. After World War I, Mr. Ford – relatively uneducated, but one of the most economically powerful men on the planet - filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Tribune for calling him “ignorant.” During the trial, the newspaper’s lawyer repeatedly tried to embarrass Mr. Ford with trivial, needling questions designed to prove how much he didn't know.

Finally, when his patience was fully exhausted, Ford told the court that he had a series of buttons on his desk. He said that whenever he desired information or needed help to accomplish a task, he could immediately summon the right person to fulfill his need. Henry Ford had deliberately surrounded himself with experts.

There was silence in the courtroom. The Chicago Tribune’s attorney dropped his jaw in surprise. Up until that moment the lawyer had been enjoying considerable fun at what he believed to be Ford’s expense. But Ford’s remark spoiled the lawyer’s fun and changed the course of the trial.

When Henry Ford needed help, he knew exactly where to turn. In fact, he planned for it. Business leaders don’t need to be experts in everything. But they do need to be willing and able to ask for help in the areas where they lack knowledge and experience.
So where is it that you may need some help? And what are you planning to do about it?

Since founding Performance Dynamics Group in 2003, Mark Green has spoken to and consulted with thousands of business leaders to predictably convert the promise of strategic change into a reality of performance and results. His clients absolutely do not want yet another "flavor of the year" initiative -- they want measurable and sustainable results.
If you feel the same and would like to understand how his speaking and consulting might be just the right fit for your business, give him a call at 732-537-0381.
To learn more and to subscribe to Mark's free monthly enewsletter, visit us on the web at http://www.performance-dynamics.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_E._Green

CHANGE IS GOOD . . . YOU COULD DO IT !!!

How to Overcome Insurmountable Obstacles

By Dr. Annette Colby, RDAnnette@AnnetteColby.com or www.AnnetteColby.com

Years ago, I realized that our personal challenges offer a special opportunity to understand ourselves, our capabilities, and the meaning of life. Personal challenges are a way of working things out for ourselves, and discovering new solutions within our creative selves for old problems.

We often view personal challenges as shameful, a curse, or an inner enemy that needs to be conquered. It’s tempting to consider frustrating challenges such as emotional or compulsive eating, weight issues, panic and anxiety, obsessive thoughts, and depression as beyond our control.

However, personal challenge offers a unique opportunity to grow, learn, and love. Your challenges ask more of you than you have ever experienced. They take you into new territory and greater possibilities. They ask you to dig deep and discover confidence, self-esteem, and unexplored reservoirs of self-love.

Facing a Dead-EndIf you have an unachievable challenge or a goal, chances are you will find yourself facing a wall. You will feel worn out and discouraged. It’s been a long and difficult journey and now you find yourself staring at a dead-end. All the doubts and negative beliefs you hold about your ability to achieve success rise up from within and swarm into your conscious awareness.

Feelings of hopelessness, ineptitude, unworthiness, or even shame swarm through your mind and body. You want to turn and run away from this wall and your terrible feelings as fast as you can. However, this dead-end is exactly the place you need to be right now, and facing your feelings is the way out.

Limiting Beliefs

That wall represents your limiting beliefs. It’s not there because the universe is teaching you one big lesson. It’s not there because you’re a bad person, because you’re being punished, or because you are not worthy or capable. Instead, that wall is there because it symbolizes the things you believe about yourself that place limitations on your abilities. Limiting beliefs are ideas that hold you back and keep you from becoming the person you want to be. Most times limiting beliefs are not true, but because you believe them to be true they act like brakes on your progress. Limiting beliefs are ideas that some there is some character trait about you that is inescapable or unchangeable.

If you feel that some area of your life isn’t the way you want it be, yet you feel hopeless, helpless, or worthless to change it, then you probably have limiting beliefs.

Here are a few examples of limiting beliefs:
I can’t.
I am bad.
I won’t succeed, so there’s no point in trying.
I lack the ability to achieve my goal.
I can’t have what I want.
I’m not good enough.
I don’t deserve anything.
I’m afraid of success.

I Can’t Have What I Want
If you are facing a wall, congratulations are in order! We are generally not consciously aware of our limiting beliefs. But because of your personal challenge you took risks and tried new actions that allowed you to consciously wander through your inner landscape to discover what you are currently capable of achieving. Your goal actually did what it was supposed to do. It brought you face-to-face with your limiting beliefs, emotional resistance, and all the reasons why you believe you can’t have what you most want. Your goal showed you the difference between the current reality that you live in and the reality that you want to live in.

Feelings Tell the Truth
You may not recognize your exact limiting belief, but when you are facing an obstacle you almost always can feel the energy that goes with your belief. Sometimes a limiting belief will make you feel anxious or angry. Other times you may feel overwhelmed, irritated, lethargic, or even depressed. If you’re feeling hopeless, helpless, or like you are about to collapse in front of your goal, chances are you are in direct contact with a limiting belief. What’s the solution? Say hello, don’t run, and be willing to admit consciously what you believe to be true about you or your ability to navigate through this situation.

A New Potential Reality
There is the potential of a happier, brighter, more expansive reality on the other side of your wall. Yet, there’s a catch. That reality doesn’t exist yet. It has to be imagined, created, and allowed first – by you. To get to the other side of the wall requires envisioning yourself living the type of life you want to be living, and gaining new beliefs that will support you living that life. That’s the purpose of your challenge. You’re not fighting against what you don’t want, you are in the process of choosing the life you want to live, and then building the self-supportive beliefs necessary to allow you to live that life. If you are facing a wall, back up and examine your challenge. Why you want what you want, and what strengths you will gain by creating that success in your life?

How To Overcome Limiting Beliefs
Many of our limiting beliefs are stubborn, deeply entrenched, and feel unbearable. Yet to get beyond the wall requires facing your current beliefs about life, others, and yourself, and seeing where those beliefs limit and hold you back. Instead of turning back in defeat or pushing relentlessly against an unmovable wall, decide to get acquainted with your beliefs.

Becoming aware of limiting beliefs is typically challenging, since beliefs tend to remain hidden in our subconscious. But if you are attempting to overcome a personal challenge, then you are in luck! With every new action you take, your fears and limiting beliefs are bound to rise up out of hiding. When they do, you can calmly ask yourself these questions:

What exactly are you telling yourself when the situation seems unachievable?
What do you feel to be true about yourself when you are facing a dead-end?
Why is your goal unattainable?
What skills do you lack to attain it?
Why don’t you deserve to achieve your goal?
How does this belief keep you safe?
What benefit do you get from holding this belief?

Although overcoming a personal challenge is frightening and uncomfortable, instead of treating it like an enemy, embrace it like a friend. It’s a golden opportunity to uncover deep, self-limiting beliefs and replace them with new self-empowering beliefs. To overcome your self-limiting beliefs, examine the beliefs you hold. Question their validity. Journal about them. Take a conscious look at them, and decide if those beliefs are really the ones you want to hold in your future. And then take action to replace them with better ones.

(c) 2009 Dr. Annette Colby, RD

About The AuthorDr. Annette Colby, RD can help you take the pain out of life, turn difficult emotions into joy, release stress, end emotional eating, and move beyond depression into an extraordinary life! Annette is the author of Your Highest Potential and has the unique ability to show you how to spark an amazing relationship with your life! Visit www.AnnetteColby.comto access hundreds of content filled articles and sign up for a Fr’ee subscription to Loving Mriacles newsletter.
Note: Are you looking for fresh content for your e-zine or web site? Feel free to reprint this article as long as it’s kept intact and unaltered (including the “About The Author” info at the end).

CHANGE IS GOOD . . . KEEP IT LOOSE

Can Kayak Rules Keep You Successfully on Top?

By Dan Ohler

My brother, Emil, is a genius as well as being an exceptionally talented kayak paddler. Since one of my goals this summer was to learn how to pilot a kayak, it made sense to ask Emil for his help.
Picture this: A sunny, warm day on Crimson Lake in West-central Alberta. There were six student kayakers, bobbing like corks on the waves, eager to hear the words of direction and wisdom from the master of the craft.

Emil's first three phrases are indelibly imprinted in my mind, with immense life implications for you and me. These gems will keep you successfully on top, regardless of the rapids, changing currents, or tides. They'll keep you feeling good about yourself and confident in your direction through life. They will help you create powerful, positive results - professionally and personally.
You may be thinking (and so might Emil), "Ah, come-on, Dan. You've got slough-water on the brain."

Please let me explain and then I'd like to know what you think.

Kayak cockpit gems

Imagine the drum-roll of fingers on the hull of my kayak.
1) Every stroke is a correction stroke.
2) It doesn't need to be pretty; it needs to be effective.
3) Look where you want to go.

Profound, huh?

Let's take a closer look. And I challenge you to consciously apply these gems in all areas of your life.

1) Every stroke is a correction stroke.

Face the fact: the river of life rarely flows in a straight line, and the currents are continually changing.

Think about it. Is today going exactly the way you wanted it to be, or planned it? Have there been: unexpected surprises and challenges; exhilarations and disappointments; peacefulness and disturbances? Have the recent economic burps caused you to cogitate, detour, or pull back? Have people treated you the way you thought they "should?" And, have you treated every person you encountered in the most effective way?

Here's the deal. You and I accept millions of bits of stimulus every day through our eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and skin. We may not be able to control the outside stimulus, yet we can always choose our thoughts, words, and actions in response to the stimulus. Our action or reaction determines our result, or our new direction - but not for long because we soon face another group of stimulus that has us correcting again.

Example: Recently, I was the Master of Ceremonies for an event. Part-way through the event, a gentleman approached me and told me how poorly the whole event was organized. In the past, I would have taken that as an attack on me and may have reacted by saying something less than appropriate. This time, I noticed my blood starting to boil, and with the thought,"that's an interesting response to his words," I listened attentively, thanked the gentleman for his comments, made some slight corrections, and proceeded with a very successful event.
I've been working on becoming more consciously aware of my thoughts at all times. It is like being a fly on the wall, an observer of my life, somewhat removed from my reactionary emotional attachment to situations. As I practice this, I've learned that I can choose to think, speak, and act honestly, lovingly, and respectfully toward myself and others, and my general direction through life is easier and more fun.

I continually correct with every stroke. Am I crazy, or do you do it too?

2) It doesn't need to be pretty; it needs to be effective.

In this dynamic, shifting current, we must be willing to make lightening-fast, effective choices to avoid life-threatening rocks, walls, and waves. It doesn't matter if you have the most expensive kayak, the best wetsuit, or top-of-the-line paddles sticking out your ying-yang, what matters is that you use your skills and abilities to move effectively.

It works this way when you're up the creek, and even better yet before you get there.

I make mistakes - and if you're honest with yourself, so do you. You may call them failures if you want, and that's OK as long as you recognize that failure is an event, not a person. Mistakes are my greatest teachers because I get to learn what to do next time so I don't repeat the same mistakes again. Doing that would be ignorance.

Correcting mistakes requires me to become vulnerable, to apologize, and to admit my weakness in that area. These actions may not seem pretty to me, but I've learned that they are the quickest and most effective way to get back on stream, build relationships, and surge forward in life.

Many years ago, when Jamie and Brad were little boys, I reacted negatively to something they had done. I yelled, called them "bad boys," and spanked them both. Yikes! Physical, mental, and emotional abuse all at once. Had I continued with this form of parenting, I doubt they would want anything to do with me now.

Thankfully, I recognized my mistake and was courageous enough do make a correction. It was humbling to gather Jamie and Brad close to me, apologize, and ask for their forgiveness. I remember saying, "I made a big mistake and I'm sorry. I've never been a Dad before and I need your help to learn how to be a good one."

For me, it didn't feel pretty, but it sure has turned out to be effective.

Where in your life (at work or home) do you react to situations and make mistakes in your interactions with others, but shrug it off as "that's just the way I am"? Where do you blame others, the economy, or bad luck for your mistakes? It may seem to give you power and make you look good. Yet are these choices effective in your relationships long-term?

3) Look where you want to go.

What you focus on; you attract. It's true. If I think I'm going to swim in the upcoming rapids (kayak-ectomy), I inevitably will. If I think I'm going to manoeuvre them with ease, I do.
Our minds are extremely powerful. As we think about and focus on something, we tend to attract people and situations which are congruent with our thoughts. This works for things we want - and things we don't want.

Example: When we work with couples in coaching sessions or at seminars, we ask each of them to describe their ideal relationship. Often, they have a hard time doing this. They want a happy, loving relationship, but what the heck does that mean in specific terms?

They have little peeves about what their partner says or does. They definitely know what they don't want. They go to their workplace with their grievances and challenges weighing heavily on their hearts and minds. Creativity and productivity are hindered. Their relationships at work suffer too. The more they focus on these undesirables, the more they see. And yet, they are getting exactly what they focus on.

In our 25 years of marriage, we have learned that the more we talk about, and focus on what we want in our relationship, family, and business, the more easily and quickly we create our desires. By making our relationship rock-solid, we are both far more creative and productive in our careers. Our minds are not distracted by home-life polluted thoughts that we experienced in the past. We continue to look where we want to go and we continue to get what we want.

So, my friend, what do you focus on in your life - what you want, or what you don't want? I encourage you to evaluate your results. They will indicate exactly where you look most of the time. Consciously look where you want to go.

You and I can choose to apply these kayak cockpit gems every day - or not. The waves are big, the current is strong, and there's lots of learning and fun to be had on this big river of life.

Are you coming along for the ride, or clinging to the mud on the bank?

Copyright © 2009
Author, coach, and professional speaker, Dan Ohler, helps thousands of people every year to vastly enhance their professional and personal relationships. His book, Thinkin Outside The Barn And Steppin Into Fresh B.S. will challenge you to evaluate your own Belief System (B.S.) and choose to create your life by design, rather than by default.
Dan is based near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He and Carol (his wife) offer weekend seminars, coaching, and get-aways specifically designed for couples.
Read and download 2 chapters of his book for free at Thinkin Outside The Barn
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CHANGE IS GOOD . . . .WHY NOT BE POSITIVE

Be Optimistic - You Have it in You!

By Sucheta Roy

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." ... Maria Robinson

"There's always a next chance"...we may have consoled our friends when they were passing through a difficult phase. But things may not be that easy when you confront the same situation...isn't it! Stress, depression and anxiety disorders have turned out to be a part and parcel of our lives...we struggle hard to overcome our negative emotions but often end up being unsuccessful.

Come out of this monotonous life...don't live your life trapped in worries. Don't feel dejected when you find things taking a reverse turn and not meeting up to your expectations. Live your life to the fullest...Bring in positive thoughts and you are sure to flourish in whatever endeavor you take! Dream...and make them come true. Chase your negative thoughts so that they think twice before confronting you.

Positive thinking is the greatest virtue that you need to implement in your life for enjoying it to the fullest. You can define it as an art of living that needs to be incorporated to your routine work schedules. Over and above, this remarkable virtue plays a viable role in the accomplishment of your goals.

Think twice before making any choices as the decision you make today will affect you in the days to come. This doesn't imply that I am discouraging you from taking up new ventures. Instead what I intend to say is that be confident and at the same time choosy while opting for any new venture. There's still time...start off from now...pave the way for optimistic thoughts to your mind and see the difference.

"Charity begins at home"...you may be familiar with this saying...try implementing it your life as well...start with trying to be good to your own self and followed by showing benevolence to others. Last but not the least; explore your inner power by meditating as well as praying daily. Keep your work loads at bay...don't allow them to take control over your lives.

Do you know that optimistic outlook paves the way for constructive thoughts and pleasant feelings? Even after being completely inclined towards positive thinking, our mind at times betrays us when asked to bring about a change in its thought patterns, thereby preventing you from looking towards the positive side.

Explore the power of positive thinking and see how it changes your life for the better. Good Luck!

Sucheta Roy is a Content Developer at Primediart, a premier web solutions provider specializing in providing Web Designing, Website Development and Content Writing Services. You can reach her directly at info@primediart.com or visit http://www.primediart.com
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