Think SUCCEEDED

MOTIVATION IS THE KEY

2012-01-07T09:59:00.000+05:00

But Success Is Up to Me

By Osric V Baugham

Everyone dreams about what they want to do or have in their life. The question sometimes is how do I get there? The answer to the question could seem to be complex but it is rather simple. The answer is in two parts explained in one statement: Motivation is the key but Success is up to me. Let's break down this statement so that you will understand that your dreams are merely steps away from being a reality.

Motivation is the key. Motivation is the driving force that energizes us to push forward towards a goal. Motivation is internal and/or external as well as positive and/or negative. You can get words of encouragement from your family and friends. You can get discouraging words from your family and friends. You can accomplish one goal that drives you to push on to your next goal. You can fail in reaching a goal. Motivation is similar to fuel. When someone drives a car, they need fuel. When you set a goal, you need motivation. Other elements are needed such as persistence and perseverance just as you need oil, transmission fluid and coolant for a car. Yet, that car will not move until you have fuel. You need motivation of all types to fuel your tank. The point is: it does not matter if motivation is just from you or if it is positive or negative from others. Embrace it and use it to drive you to your goal. Motivation is the key but...

Success is up to me. So now you have this fuel in your tank. Use it. Do it. You have to believe that you will accomplish your goal. This is worth repeating: YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH YOUR GOAL. Regardless of whom you are or what you know, you and only you can and must have faith in yourself. An abundance of motivation will do you know good if you don't believe you can do it. You simply must proceed on your journey to success. A full tank of gas in a car is useless if the car is not driven. Furthermore, with no direction, the fuel is wasted. You must have a specific goal. You must have a plan to achieve that goal. Failure along the way is always relevant and real. Failure is not defeat unless you choose it to be. Believe that you can accomplish your goal and you will be able to embrace failure. You will not be afraid to fail. You must not be afraid to fail. Failure is nothing more than motivation.
Motivation is the key but Success is up to me!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6794152

PERSONAL LEADERSHIP SUCCESS

2012-01-07T09:52:00.002+05:00

The 5 Characteristics of Personal Leadership

By Joelle Jay

As the business world moves faster and faster, leaders must abandon old models that hasten them to frantically keep up in favor of more powerful paradigms that more wisely leverage their talent, teams and time.

We need a better way. Leaders can improve the situation, as well as their results, by investing in their own possibilities - transforming their business by transforming themselves.

Now and in the years to come, successful leaders will be the ones who practice personal leadership.
Personal leadership is the ability to tap into your rich stores of potential in each and every leader, so that they bring their very best to the attainment of a powerful vision.

Traditionally, leadership evokes images of the visionary. Leaders have the ability to engage and empower an effective team, define and focus on priorities, tie action to a well-defined and relevant mission, and elicit results through motivation, persuasion and encouragement. In this way, they create and attain a new future for a group of people, an organization, or a business.

Yet all of these things presume a sound personal core. Leaders must also work on themselves to be convincing in all these endeavors. That's where personal leadership comes in.

In a very positive, unselfish way, personal leadership means putting yourself first. Literally speaking, personal means 'about you;' leadership means 'coming first.' It's about you coming first - but doing so in the service of the greater good as you propel yourself and others toward your vision. It's about moving forward confident in the knowledge that when you are at your best, people will follow.

Let's look at some of the defining characteristics of personal leadership.

Renewing: Unlike a take-no-prisoners approach to leadership, personal leadership offers an element of renewal - a way for leaders to slow down and move forward in a way that sustains their energy, brainpower and enthusiasm.

Rewarding: You don't have to leave your high-powered job to do volunteer work in Third World countries to find meaning and fulfillment. You can find your sense of purpose in your heart and bring it to your work, no matter what you do for a living.

Reflective: Personal leadership relies on thoughtfulness. It involves constant questioning about where you are, where you're going, what's working, what's not working, and what needs to change. In the machine-gun model of leadership, reflection is the "aim" that's gone missing. Reflection is a way of improving your marksmanship so you know you'll hit your targets every time.

Respectful: One grave issue with current models of leadership is the threat they pose to quality of life. In the name of achievement, leaders everywhere are sacrificing their health, their home life and their happiness. Personal leadership respects the needs of leaders as well as their results.

Raising the Bar: You might think that all of these attributes require a trade-off in productivity and progress. The opposite is actually true. Instead of just meeting expectations, you exceed them. Personal leadership makes it possible to do more, be more, have more, achieve more, and do it with more zeal.

Personal leadership is about leading from within. It is the foundation for all leadership, whether it's the leadership of ideas, of other people, or of organizations. It is clarity of self - of who you are, what you stand for, where you're going, and what you have to contribute. It is the management of your gifts, strengths and talents toward your purpose. It is the constant striving for improvement, a commitment to growth and a devotion to being the best you you can be. Finally, it is the expression of oneself in a way that achieves a compelling vision and a significant contribution.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joelle_Jay

Dream Big, Start Where You Are

2012-01-07T09:42:00.000+05:00

By Usiere Uko

When it comes to setting goals, most people shoot themselves in the foot by setting goals without immediate steps within their reach. They thereby set themselves up for failure. For your goal to be achievable you have to be able to do something about it today, not tomorrow or when things line up. There should be a link between your goal and where you are right now. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, says a Chinese proverb. That step should be within your reach today, not tomorrow. A plan is the bridge to your dreams. If the bridge is such that you cannot gain a foothold right where you are, it may end up a pipe dream. You may locate your boat, but with no gangway to board it, you may find yourself watching it sail away while you are left stranded on the shore. A lot of New Year Resolutions end up in a puff of smoke because folks could not get on board (gather momentum).

You ought to think big, but it does not end there. The journey to your destination should be such that you can start and continue moving. After getting inspired to start, you need motivation to keep going. Nothing motivates more than taking one successful step after another. It gives you momentum to keep going forward. Hence it is critical to cut your first steps according to your current ability. Step out of your comfort zone gradually. Warm up first before you start to run. Your goals should stretch you, but gradually.

If you want to run a marathon, you have to start gradually. You cannot simply wake up one morning and start running. You main focus at the onset will be the state of your health. You need to see your doctor to have a physical examination to certify you fit to start. You will be advised to start gradually and slowly build up your fitness level, which will be reflected in your resting pulse rate. This means your focus will not be primarily on running the marathon itself, but it getting yourself ready to become a marathoner so that you can run one. The same applies to goals. After setting the goals, the next activity should be training and preparation. This involves focus on personal growth and development. It involves learning. To achieve what you have not achieved before, you need to become who you have not been before. To become who you have not been before, you have to grow. When you grow as a person, you upgrade your capability to perform and get results at the next level.

Most of our goals belong to the next level. To reach those goals, you have to step up your game and play at that level. It begins with starting from where you are and upgrading yourself. You need to know what steps you need to take immediately and how to go about it. For most goals, the first step is the commitment to learn. Hence the first step is usually the decision to start signified by getting a book on the subject, reading it with a commitment to action. Every high achiever one day started from ground zero. There is hardly any goal you set for yourself that no one has gone that way before. Even when your goal is truly unique, the principle for attaining success is the same. A lot of people before you have overcome challenges to achieve their goals. The story of their journey is shared somewhere in a book, audio or video product, seminar or the internet etc. There are virtually unlimited resources you can access o learn, and know how to start in such a way that you set yourself up for success not failure.

Dream big but start where you are. Never leave the site of making a goal without taking action immediately. Your goal setting should coincide with taking the first action immediately. Do not allow your goals or dreams go cold. Strike while it is still hot.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Usiere_Uko

Hypnosis Fact and Fiction

2011-04-03T23:22:00.000+05:00

By Veda Kalidas

There are many misconceptions of what hypnosis is. Most of these misconceptions are perpetuated by the popular media. The truth is, hypnosis has been used throughout history and continues to be used today, both legitimately and fraudulently. I decided to write this article to clarify just what hypnosis is exactly and what it is not for inquiring minds and to help those that could truly benefit from the true, legitimate practice of hypnosis.

I will start by addressing the misconceptions of hypnosis and tell you WHAT HYPNOSIS IS NOT. Hypnosis is not a form of mind control despite its portrayal in movies as such... you know, the guy dressed in the black tuxedo with big, bushy eyebrows that can swing his pocket watch as a pendulum before people's eyes to make them cluck like chickens upon the snap of his fingers... No, hypnosis is not capable of taking over another's free will. Hypnosis is not brainwashing and is not capable of controlling a person's behavior and judgment. Hypnosis is not caused by the hypnotist's "power", as this would allude to the possibility of "mind control" of which there is no hard scientific evidence.

It is also a big misconception that hypnosis is possible only upon weak-minded individuals. In actuality the ability to enter a hypnotic state has nothing to do with one's intelligence. The hypnotic state can be reached by any individual through self-hypnosis techniques however the ability to be hypnotized by an outside party (hypnotist) is dependent more upon genetic factors. Neither is hypnosis dependent upon individuals with vivid and overactive imaginations.

Hypnosis as a process is not necessarily time-consuming nor does it require the subject to be completely relaxed. And although named for the god of sleep, hypnosis is not sleep. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, hypnosis is "a trancelike state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject".

Now I will delve into what hypnosis is and real world applications of hypnosis. There is a plethora of ways in which hypnosis has been and still is used today in treating mental, physical and social problems.

Hypnosis is used to treat obesity, anxiety, depression, phobias, fears and habits such as quitting smoking. Hypnosis is used to alleviate the pain associated with cancer and other chronic illnesses. Hypnosis is also used in dentistry (hypnodontia) to decrease anxieties and make patients feel more comfortable with the dental experience. Hypnosis is used to treat skin diseases through a practice known as hypnodermatology.

Mental health applications of hypnosis include the treatment of dissociative disorders, depression and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Hypnosis is used in the educational field to increase memory and learning capacity as well as focus and energy. Hypnosis is also used to improve self-esteem and confidence.

Altered states of consciousness such as relaxation, meditation and sleep have been achieved through hypnosis. Self-hypnosis with binaural beat audio is used to achieve states allowing for astral projection, remote viewing, past life regression, ESP and telepathy. Of interesting note, binaural beats have been used by top secret members of the US government to utilize remote viewing tactics.

Hypnosis has been used in the past to suppress pain during medical procedures before the advent of chemical pain killers and anesthesia. And let us not forget a very important use of hypnosis... entertainment. Unfortunately entertainment is one of the prime sources leading to the many misconceptions involved with hypnosis.

Despite the misconceptions of hypnosis perpetuated through popular culture and the entertainment industry, hypnosis remains a powerful tool that continues to be used today in the medical, mental health and self-help fields to help people to live better, live longer and enhance their lives.

If you are interested in learning more about using hypnosis to achieve altered states quickly and easily to enhance your life, you may want to look into brainwave entrainment. Brainwave entrainment is the process of using audio frequencies, called binaural beats, to achieve altered states of consciousness. Binaural beats can achieve almost any state of consciousness in about 5-10 minutes.

If you are interested in learning more about hypnosis and achieving self-hypnosis through binaural beats Click Here to try out free audio samples for meditation and relaxation. Or, you can Click Here to learn about covert, conversational and self-help hypnosis.

Live longer and better by listening to binaural beat audio 5-10 minutes a day! Brainwave Entrainment allows one to quickly and easily achieve altered states of consciousness and to harness the full power of the mind and body! - Click Here to learn more!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Veda_Kalidas

Self Hypnosis Guidelines

2011-04-03T23:07:00.001+05:00

By Timothy Hansen

Self-hypnosis does not have to be hard work. It's actually much easier than most people think and can provide pretty much everyone with a tool to create great changes in their lives. There are many uses of self-hypnosis, including weight-loss, quitting smoking, improving self-esteem or other habits that you may want to rid yourself of. Self-hypnosis is not something limited to a select number of people. Pretty much anyone can do it with just a little bit of practice.

When hearing the word "the mind" most of us immediately thinks of the brain. Well, there are actually two parts to our mind, the conscious and the sub-concious. About 75% of all our brain activity is sub-concious, meaning tasks completed by our brains without us knowing. It goes on behind the scenes all day. Every one of us have certain things we like and don't like, habits or views of life in general. As we embark into adult life these traits tend to remain unchanged because they have been programmed into us from our early years. People we have met, skills we have attained, experiences we have had, these all have influenced our core programming and made us into who we are today. Most of us like who we are in general, but may feel that if we made a few changes (losing weight, quitting smoking, stop biting our nails etc.) things would just be that much better.

Our biggest challenge is that even though we would like to consciously change things it does not mean that our sub-concious will let us. Think about a smoker for a moment. They know consciously that smoking isn't very good for them and most likely will shorten their lives dramatically. Still, does this mean that because they know that quitting is smart, they will? No, because our sub-conscious mind will always take over in times of struggle (and changing our old ways IS a struggle) and most of the time the sub-conscious mind says "keep smoking", so smoking it is. Self-hypnosis is the key here. Why? Because it provides you with an access to your sub-conscious mind and the tools to re-program it.

The first thing you will learn in self-hypnosis is simply closing your eyes, relaxing and counting down from 10 to 0 whilst exhaling. As a result of doing this, most people will fall into a light hypnotic state. This does not mean that you lose control and do not know where you are. It just means you have found a state of rest and relaxation where you are slowing down and shutting out your conscious mind. This state of ease may be taken a step further by visualizing a peaceful place, such as a beach, forest or maybe in your mothers lap. The main idea here is for you to find a place where you feel safe and secure. Through visualization we can actually have a great impact on emotional, mental and physiological states of our body, to the same extent as if we were there. When we are in this state of relaxation and visualization our mind cannot tell the difference between what is real and what is not.

I am not going to lie to you and say that self-hypnosis is real easy and that five minutes of practice makes you a master at it. What I will say however, is that it is a skill just like any other, and with good practice can be developed and perfected. When going to see a hypnotherapist, they will act as a guide to help you through your mind. With self-hypnosis, you are the hypnotherapist and you provide your own therapy. That way, you choose when to start, how far to go, and when to stop. This is a very important point and should be repeated. Before you start any self-hypnosis session, you have to decide on what it is that you want out of it, how you are going to achieve it and also how you will feel once you're done. It may help to simply write a script or create a map of the journey through your mind. Once in a hypnotic state you will repeat the script over and over whilst following your map. This way you will stay on target and won't get lost.

The vast majority of us don't even realize that they fall into this state of hypnosis many times a day. This may happen while enjoying a book, playing a computer game or simply doing work. This state allows you to narrow your focus of your attention and makes your brain absorb the information much better. The ultimate goal of self-hypnosis is to create an access point for you to the part of your brain (sub-concious) that controls the behaviours, habits or attitudes you want to change.

Tim Hansen is a hypnosis expert. For more great information on self hypnosis, visit http://www.selfhypnosisforall.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_Hansen

Article Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Self-Hypnosis-Guidelines&id=6057891

7 Proven Tips on How to Set Goals

2011-04-01T11:08:00.000+05:00

By Gitana M

If you want to learn about how to set goals effectively, then you will want to read this article. In this article, I want to provide 7 proven tips on how to set goals.

What we will achieve in our life depend on what goals we set. If we want to live a meaningful life, we have to know clearly, what we want out of life. What is the most important to us. Successful people always know clearly, what they want out of life.

What can be worse than people don't know what they want to reach in their life, when they always focus on their problems, when they always talk about what they don't want.

Why set goals?

Our goals give a meaning to our life. They increase happiness, self-confidence and success. Clear and specific goals help us to focus on what is important to us; they help us to stay motivated.

Now let's discover 7 proven tips on how to set goals:

Decide what you really want to achieve in your life. What is the most important to you? What things will make you happy?

Write your goals. Writing will help you to increase the implementation of your goals. Set realistic, clear goals. Clearly defined goals will help you to stay motivated. Motivation makes a big influence on our goals.

Set a deadline for your goals. Make a note for how soon you would like to achieve those goals.

Clearly realize "why" you want to achieve those goals. Strong knowing why you want to reach your objectives increases motivation.

Make a list of things what you will have to do. What things will help you to reach your objectives? Make a clear and consistent plan of things you will have to do. This will help you to focus on what is the most important to you and what can help you to reach your objectives. Take action.

Identify the skills you will need to develop. What skills you need if you want to reach your goals successfully? Try to identify them and then develop those skills.

Recognize resources that can help you to reach your goals.

Goals influence our success and happiness. They give a direction and meaning to our life. It would be difficult to achieve successful life if you don't understand clearly, what you want to reach in your life. So don't delay and take action today. Set your goals. Every day do something what can help you to achieve those goals.

Get free instant access to self improvement tips, secrets and inside information. Visit http://www.path-to-self-improvement.com Now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6041420

Your Guide for Moving Forward

2011-03-28T16:56:00.003+05:00

The Power of Negative Thinking

2011-03-27T18:22:00.001+05:00

by Remez Sasson

Negative thinking appears to be more prevalent than positive thinking. It seems that with most people positive thinking requires some effort, whereas negative thinking comes easily and uninvited. This has much to do with education and the environment one has been living in.

If you have been brought up in a happy and positive atmosphere, where people value success and self-improvement, then it will be easier for you to think positively and expect success. If you have been brought up under poor or difficult situations, you will probably go on expecting difficulties and failure.
We all view everything through our predominant mental attitude. If our thoughts are positive, that is fine, but if they are negative, our lives and circumstances will probably mirror these thoughts.

If you believe that you are going to fail, you will unconsciously sabotage every opportunity to succeed. If you are afraid of meeting new people or having close relationships, you will do everything to avoid people and relationships, and then complain that you are lonely and nobody loves you.

Do you often think about difficulties, failure and disasters? Do you keep thinking about the negative news you have seen on the TV or read in the newspapers?

Do you see yourself stuck and unable to improve your life or your health? Do you frequently think that you do not deserve happiness or money, or that it is too difficult to get them? If you do, then you will close your mind, see no opportunities, and behave and react in such ways, as to repel people and opportunities.

The mind does not usually judge or examine thoughts and opinions before accepting them. If what it hears, sees and reads is always negative, it accepts this as the standard way of thinking and behavior.
The media constantly bombards the mind with a lot of information about disasters, catastrophes, wars and other unhappy events. This information sinks into the subconscious mind, and then manifests as your habitual manner of thinking. By occupying the mind with depressing and pessimistic thoughts you radiate negative energy into the surrounding world, thus creating and recreating more negativity, failures and disasters.

The mind is neutral energy. The way you think determines whether the results are positive and beneficial or negative and harmful. It is the same of energy acting in different ways.
The good news are that persistent inner work can change habits of thinking. You must be willing to put energy and time to pursue positive thinking, in order to change your mental attitude.

A few Tips:

- Each time you catch yourself thinking a negative thought, reject the thought, and think a positive one instead.

- If you catch yourself visualizing failure, visualize success instead.

- If you hear yourself uttering negative words, change to positive words instead.

- When you say, "I cannot", say, "I can".

- Do you repeat negative words and phrases in your mind? Change them to positive ones.

- Open your mind to positive attitude and expect positive results.

- Decide that from today, from this very moment, you are leaving negative thinking behind, and starting on the way toward positive thinking and behavior.

It is never too late to change your attitude and your life.

Source : http://www.successconsciousness.com/index_00002d.htm

© Copyright Remez Sasson
Remez Sasson teaches and writes on positive thinking, creative visualization, motivation, self-improvement, peace of mind, spiritual growth and meditation. He is the author of several books, among which are "Peace of mind in Daily Life", "Will Power and Self Discipline", "Visualize and Achieve" and "Affirmations - Words of Power".

Visit his website and find articles and books filled with inspiration, motivation and practical advice and guidance.

Website: http://www.SuccessConsciousness.com
Books: http://www.successconsciousness.com/ebooks_and_books.htm

Pakistani Students Win Intl Windows Phone 7 App Competition

2011-03-21T00:22:00.001+05:00

In an exclusive on-going set of competitions sponsored by Microsoft and Dell Incorporation across Middle East and Africa, it is a moment of great pride that out of 79 countries, students from Pakistan have won the first and second set of this competition.

Both winning teams are from FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Karachi.

As we reported earlier, the winning team for set one targeted the football fans. Their application “Kick Now” provides live football updates which include live match scores, upcoming tournaments, top stories, reviews and profiles of players.

In set two, winners developed a shared drawing space named ‘Sky Canvas’ where multiple users can share their input on a virtual white board simultaneously through the internet. It syncs anything you draw on it with all the users currently viewing it, everyone can draw on the board.

To know more about winners, click here: http://www.meawp7challenge.com/Winners2.aspx

Sharing his views about the competition, Kamal Ahmed, Country General Manager, Microsoft Pakistan said,

“The MEA Windows Phone 7 challenge is a wonderful opportunity for talented students who can use this competition as a showcase for their creativity and innovation to develop the best applications on Windows Phone 7.

I am very excited to see the results produced by students from Pakistan and Microsoft Innovation Center will definitely keep playing its role in nurturing leaders of tomorrow”

Speaking about the competition,Sandra Fraga, Head of META Marketing-CSMB, Dell commented,

“Dell and Microsoft believe in a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems. The Windows Phone 7 Challenge is a great platform to encourage technology innovation amongst students in the Middle East and Africa.

We have seen exciting, creative and diverse new Windows Phone 7 applications being developed for this contest. Dell encourages students to enter this challenge, as it provides real- life experience and an opportunity to turn ideas into reality. Congratulations to all the winners”.

The prize distribution ceremony was attended by more than 200 academicians including Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments (HoDs) and Professors from major universities in Karachi.

Addressing the attendees Dr. Asim ur-Rehman, Director, FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Karachi, said

“MEA Phone 7 Challenge provides a platform to students to explore new ways of addressing the world’s toughest problem through the power of mobile technology.

The high calibre of the students and their projects is an evidence of the high level of innovation seen in the student community today, as Director of FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Karachi,I really feel proud to see that my students felt the responsibility to address the world’s toughest challenges and are recognized by the companies like Microsoft”.

Source : http://pak1stanfirst.com/201103183283/information-technology/happening/pakistani-students-win-intl-windows-phone-7-app-competition.html

How to Break Bad Habits

2011-03-16T07:52:00.002+05:00

Welcome Stumblers and all newcomers! If you want to lose weight, gain muscle, increase energy levels, reduce stress or just generally look and feel healthier you've come to the right place.

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A show of hands here. Chronic cardio buffs? Halloween candy freaks? Caffeine fiends? Stress addicts? French bread fanatics? Bad health habits come in all forms, we know. But the question of the day is this: how do we finally rid ourselves of those compulsive longings, those simultaneously desired and resented routines? Is it simply a matter of will power? Is it clever strategy? Permanent exile from the world where these pet practices and items can’t taunt us with their presence? We’re interested in what your tips (and those past/present vices) are, but here are some ideas to get the proverbial ball rolling – and that monkey off your back.

Dig up the who, what, when, where, why and how.

More than just a journalist’s framework, you can take advantage of some digging yourself. Sure, the “what” (the habit itself) probably seems pretty clear, but as you look to revise your routine, consider the context of your target habit. Does a certain friend always try to cut into/distract your gym time? When do you feel most vulnerable in the face of sweet snacks? Where is it hardest to turn down that cup of coffee? How does your family’s routine seem to sabotage your own best efforts and goals? Why do you think you keep coming back to the habit, be it anything from breakfast cereal to workout-less weekends to an occasional (gasp!) cigarette? What’s behind that habit anyway? What are you holding onto? Why does it have the sway over you that it does? Is it a stand-in or excuse for something else going on in your life/psyche?

Plan.

As you pinpoint the backdrop that keeps you hooked to those bad habits, take the opportunity to plan some strategies that you’ll rely on when faced with temptation. Maybe it’s an alternate entrée for the Wednesday lunch you have with friends. Perhaps it’s a thoughtful but casual way to decline after-work drinks or a good excuse to change your workout time to a more productive, less distracting time. Write (or record) a pep talk for yourself to dig out when you need it. Or, if it’s more your style, a kick-your-own-butt, what-are-you-thinking speech. What will you do or turn to when you find yourself turning toward instead of steering clear of the habitual path?

But don’t plan too much.

Sometimes it’s easy to put so much energy into planning to give up a habit that your efforts simply allow you to put off the actual leap itself. How many of us have been stuck circling in this pattern for more weeks/months/years than we’d care to admit? At some point, you have to bite the bullet and say that you’ll deal with the difficulties as they come. Decide today to not give into the habit, and then be willing to say the same tomorrow. That’s how it starts.

Toss the triggers.

The obvious point here is to get rid of any items whose sole purpose will be to tempt you away from your best intentions. (As in, bring any remaining Halloween treats to work the morning after, or just be really generous in the last part of the evening. Better yet, give out something that doesn’t lead anyone else down that Pied Piper path to begin with – more help on that this week.) If your triggers are less object-oriented and more contextual, toss the typical routines that encourage bad habits. Meet friends for a walk in the park instead of for dinner. Take up a fitness or dance class with your partner instead of spending Friday nights parked on the couch. Put the kids in charge of their own morning routine and get in a workout or meditation session instead. Taking on a long-held habit usually means taking charge of your life in a new way.

Spread the word.

For those people who are more socially motivated, letting the word out can give you added incentive to stay on track. No, it doesn’t mean you have to shout your intention from the rooftops. It’s more about the people you’re closer to. Letting a few close friends or family members know your intention can make the goal seem more real. Look at it as a supportive group helping you “stay true” in your pursuit. Your success is ultimately your effort and commitment, but it always helps knowing you have a crowd (or even close pal) cheering for you.

Pair up.

Do you have a friend or family member who’s also looking to give up a bad habit? Join forces. You’ll not only have some added support, you’ll also have the motivation of living up to your end of the bargain. When the going gets tough you can share strategies and humor to keep you both on course. One caution: be sure to not become dependent on that person’s participation. It’s ultimately your pursuit, whether the other person sticks with his/her choice or not.

A page a day.

Ever notice the exhaustive chronicles of weight loss, smoking cessation and the like on everything from MySpace to Flickr Commons? Sure, there’s the social element of announcing your intention and success, but we think there’s more to the project than that. Whether public or private, recording your pursuit (in all its flesh and blood humanity) can be therapeutic. Particularly if you’re a more introverted person, bringing your thoughts to the page in whatever form (journaling, doodling, extemporaneous collage…) can offer a sense of personal release and allow a space for you to be 100% candid, no holds barred. Chances are you’ll be able to look back on the collection with gratitude and likely a few good laughs.

Periodic incentive plan.

We approach the idea of “reward” cautiously because, like planning endeavors, rewards can sometimes act as divergent and ultimately derailing factors. What’s at the real root of breaking a bad habit, after all, but undertaking contemplation, cultivating discipline, framing a new routine or even outlook surrounding one’s health and daily practice? Rewards, while they can be a nice pick-me-up when you need them, don’t do much to bolster the real process. Our advice for incentives? Make them health-oriented. Design a “health indulgence” day, whatever that may look like for you.

If you falter, explore what went awry.

Remember that “flesh and blood humanity” bit? We’ve all been there. There’s the old adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” (Then there’s the alternate ending – “you’re running about average”.) Instead of beating yourself up about it, take a day and then do the necessary post-mortem. What do you think inspired the lapse, whether it be a weak moment, an ill-considered decision, or a self-sabotaging act? What about your routine do you think you need to change this time around? Do you need some new strategies, a realignment of life priorities, or some deeper deliberation about what’s fueling the habit?

If you succeed, study what worked.

When it comes to health (or life), we don’t believe in resting on your laurels. Good health choices are ultimately about getting up every morning and choosing to do the “right” thing for your body. Every day requires a renewed commitment and a willingness to be present and accountable in the moment. But you have a lot to learn from your own past success. What did you tell yourself that made you get to the gym this weekend? How did you let go of the stress during the really bad day last week? What did you choose to do this morning when you wanted to go for your morning coffee and donut but didn’t? Knowing what you’ve done to resist temptation in the past can build up your “toolbox” of strategies and also reassure you in less confident moments that you have what it takes to kick the habit.

Now we want to invite your comments and additions. What have been your most difficult health habits to ditch? What approaches, tips, and mantras have worked for you? (And which ones haven’t?) Share your ideas, successes and questions with other readers. And thanks for your input.

Source : http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-to-break-bad-habits/

How to Develop Good Habits

2011-03-16T07:23:00.001+05:00

Posted By Worker Bee

On February 26, 2009 @ 10:35 am In Health,How To

Welcome Stumblers and all newcomers! If you want to lose weight, gain muscle, increase energy levels, reduce stress or just generally look and feel healthier you've come to the right place.

Get the 92-page Primal Blueprint Fitness eBook for FREE ^[1] and also receive my weekly newsletter with tips, advice and special insider-only information.

Learn more about the Primal Lifestyle by visiting the Primal Blueprint 101 ^[2] page. Thanks for visiting!

Aristotle had this to share about habits: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

The motivation for developing a positive health habit may come from the beckoning of a New Year [3], a firm nudge from your doctor or your ever-expanding waistline. A few months ago we talked about how to break bad habits [4]. While bad habits can almost miraculously get set in stone overnight, developing a good habit takes a bit more coaxing, commitment, deliberation and time. But you can become a true master at developing a good habit. You just need the tools and resolve to help you get there.

Here are five practical tips to transform your healthy pipe dream into a solid reality.

Clarity

Anyone who has written a grant, business proposal, or college application, knows that just a few lines below writing your full name, you must state your objective. So let’s start our good habit forming right here. Set your own objective and be clear and specific about it. If the good habit you want to develop is to be active in some small way each day, or to swap out ice cream for fruit, then your road to health just started blazing with a string of green lights. A crisp and sharp objective gives you the resolve to take the consequent steps to execute your plan.

Visualization

Don’t worry – You don’t have to own a crystal or burn incense to practice this good-habit-forming step. In fact, imagining what your life might look like with your health goal fastened securely and proudly to your low-rise jeans is a practice that is used by world-class athletes and leaders. Here’s why: As you mentally rehearse your health goal, your mind and body become trained to perform the skill or behavior. In doing so, you literally “intend” a specific outcome to occur. This visualized intention ups your experience and confidence even if the actual behavior hasn’t been put into action.

Visualize yourself in challenging situations that test your capacity to stick to your commitment. If your co-worker often beckons you to ditch the weight room for happy hour or if your mom, in all of her sweet maternal sincerity, feeds your break-up sorrows with homemade mac & cheese casserole and oatmeal raisin cookies, visualize yourself not caving to the temptation. Mentally-preparing for surprises and executing them in your visualization practice will effectively equip you to handle the real-life situation when it arises. And believe us, it will arise.

Repetition

If you don’t succeed….yeah, yeah, you know the adage. But compadres, it’s true. As you go about making this new habit into a permanent one, aim for consistency rather than for how well you adhere to your newly-made commitment. For instance, your objective is to avoid all refined carbohydrates from Monday through Friday and you encounter three carb challenges throughout the course of your workday. You only cave to one. Rather than focus on the singular slip, get right back in there and stay committed to your cause.

Experts can’t concur on how long it actually takes to form and establish a good habit. Most estimates put it at around a month or a bit less. Instead of measuring the success of your healthy habit by some deadline, measure it rather by your continued focus to recommit to your objective right after being sidelined [5].

As we’ve said before [6]: It’s the day-to-day effort of putting one foot in front of the other; of making one primal choice at a time. In order to form a long-lasting good habit, you have to commit to the change every day. And then recommit to it the next day and the day after that.

Start Out Small

We don’t change overnight. It took you a few decades to develop the body, resolve and habits that you currently own up to. As well-intentioned as the new habit you want to establish may be, you don’t want to go about it in a bipolar kind of way with a rush of adrenaline in the beginning that quickly turns to three months of inaction.

So heed this advice: Slow your pace [7]. Want to (finally) commit to a regular fitness program? Make a pact to hit the gym once a week for the first couple weeks. If you manage to accomplish this goal pat yourself on the back and up the ante to two days each week and so on. Make your goals challenging enough so that real change is actually taking place (one day is better than none!), but not so hard (e.g. exercise every day of the week) that you set yourself up for failure.

Shout it Out

When it comes to establishing that new habit, tell as many people as you can about what it is you’re doing and why you’re doing it. Not only does it create accountability on your end (the heaviness of living up to expectations is a massive motivator for taking the right action) but it also gives you that “ra-ra” pat on the rear just when you need it.

Remember that your habits are you own choices. It is up to you, and only you, to put them in place and stay their course. Luckily, you’ve already made the first step by reading this post. Armed with the right frame of mind and tools to get you from point A to point B you have set yourself up for success. Now get out there and develop some good habits!

Questions for Readers

What good habits have you developed in your life? What helped you form them? Was the change slow and gradual or immediate? What good habits would you still like to develop and what is keeping you from already living them? Share your thoughts in the comment board!

[1] Primal Blueprint Fitness eBook for FREE: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/primal-blueprint-fitness/

[2] Primal Blueprint 101: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/primal-blueprint-101/

[3] beckoning of a New Year: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/reflect-regroup-resolve/

[4] how to break bad habits: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-to-break-bad-habits/

[5] recommit to your objective right after being sidelined: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-to-keep-new-years-resolutions/

[6] said before: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/common-stumbling-blocks/

[7] Slow your pace: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/primal-living-transition-six-easy-steps/

[8] 10 Simple Steps to Help Motivate a Friend: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/10-simple-steps-to-motivate-a-friend/

[9] The Social Dimension of Eating: How to Eat with Unhealthy Eaters: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/family-health/

[10] StumbleUpon: http://www.stumbleupon.com/submit?url=http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-to-develop-good-habits

[11] Mark’s Daily Apple feeds: http://www.marksdailyapple.com../../feeds/

Source : http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-to-develop-good-habits/print/

Self Mastery

2011-03-02T12:49:00.001+05:00

A Guide to Self Mastery And Mind Power

By M Deskins

I'm assuming you have heard about how we can all "attract" good things into our lives by using the power of our minds. This is true, yes, but there needs to be some understanding about it in order for it to work. What must we do to train our minds? How can we use our training to attract anything we want?

First you must realize that by training your mind, you won't be necessarily be receiving the things you "want". The things we think we want may not always be what we REALLY want. I'm sure you have heard something similar plenty of times before. And there is a reason many people make that claim. You must understand that we attract through our subconscious mind, not our conscious mind. Unfortunately we don't always know what it is our subconscious wants. Even if you want money and luck and fame, you subconsciously may not feel you deserve those things. Why? Well it could be a number of things. From the day you were born until now, you may have been told over and over again that "money is the root of all evil". "Money makes people selfish". "Fame can be a bad thing". I'm sure you get the point. Even if you don't agree with those statements (and I know I don't), they could have been pounded into your subconscious enough times for your subconscious to be influenced by it. The question is, how can you know? And how can you reprogram your subconscious?

One way you could tell is by looking at your life. How would you rate the follow areas from 1 - 10?

Love and Relationships

Business / Work Success

School Experience

Luck

Money and Finances

Health and Diet

Friendships

How do you rate your life up to this point?

If you didn't give yourself a high score in all of those areas, then you know that your subconscious could use some work.

I also want you to take a look at your dreams. Keep a dream diary if you have to. Write in it the second you wake up, even from just a small nap. Even if you don't think you will remember much. Even if you can only remember a few words, then write those few words down. I promise that if you keep this up, you will start to remember your dreams better. You will notice they become more vivid. Take a look at your diary every few days to study your dreams. If overall they seem like happy, positive dreams, then you are subconsciously happy. This means that the things your conscious mind finds happy agrees with your subconscious mind. This is a very good thing because it means everything is aligned enough for you to attract positivity into your life.

If overall your dreams seem bland, unexciting, or even upsetting, it could be a sign that your subconscious mind isn't aligned with your conscious desires. This could mean that you're not attracting all the luck and success and love that you wish. So what do you do? Well there are many exercises to help reprogram the subconscious mind. Many of them might cost you money, such as NLP (neuro linguistic programming) and hypnosis, subliminal messages, self help cds, etc.. But there are also things you can do to help without paying any money at all.

Now remember, this goes beyond some of the things that I'm sure you may have already tried. This takes more than affirmations, raising your vibrations, and receiving healing energy.

Although those things are very, very helpful, they're not always enough for some of us. Some of us still have work to do on reprogramming our subconscious. For those of you who are totally new to these ideas, then I suggest you do them as well as the next steps. Affirmations are positive thoughts that we can repeat over and over and over again as a reminder to stay positive. "I am feeling happy today." "I have wonderful things happening in my life!" "I am filled with good luck!" "I have all the money I need!" Raising your vibes can consist of anything you say or do that makes you feel happy and positive. Do you have any hobbies that fill you with absolute joy? Jogging? Dancing? Joking with friends and laughing? Listening to uplifting music?

Watching funny movies? Try to spend at least a half hour a day doing something that makes you truly happy. Do this nonstop for at least 30 minutes, along with affirmations. Remember to keep your affirmations positive. Never use a negative word. For instance, you could say "I am wealthy! I am thankful for being wealthy!", but never say "I am not wealthy now but I will be". You always want to align your subconscious with positive words, never any negative ones.

For those who ARE doing these things every day but still don't see the results they'd like to see, then it's time to take a step further. It's time for you to try to reprogram your subconscious mind some more. Remember when I said to stay away from negative words as much as possible? I meant it. Firstly you could start with staying away from the news. Stay away from television shows where anything negative is being talked about. If someone is on tv talking about anything bad, anything bad at all, then change the channel. Even if it's a fictional show talking about a fictional murder, CHANGE THE CHANNEL. Anything that you perceive as negative, stay away from. The key is to put more positive words, thoughts, and actions into your mind than negative. The better you can get at this, the sooner you will start seeing the results you like.

Now I have a fascination with unsolved crimes and murder mysteries. Unfortunately the more I read about them, the worse I feel afterwards. I have to force myself to stay away from watching crime shows or crime websites. The more I stay away, the more positive I feel and the more pleasant my dreams are. But this is something that I must force myself to do sometimes for my own benefit. I also recommend that you only listen to happy songs. Make a play list of your favorite, upbeat songs. Read some books that will bring a smile to your face and that have a happy ending. Do whatever you can to stay away from negative thoughts and ideas. Sometimes you may even have to avoid negative people. If you are in a work environment with negative co workers, you must try to not let them get to you. If you start to feel down at work, put your right hand over your heart and take some deep breaths. Breath in deep for four seconds, hold it for four seconds, release it for four seconds, and then hold for four more seconds before breathing in again. This will help you to remain focused and centered.

Another very important factor in your journey, will be to feel grateful for everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. Try thinking of at least 15 things a day to be thankful for. Even if it's something that many people would consider insignificant. Those little "insignificant" things can and will add up in time. For instance, you could be thankful for the pennies you find on the sidewalk or your pet happily greeting you every time you come home. You could even try showing gratitude for having good shampoo or a nice ink pen. You must remember to accept everything that you already do have with gratitude before being ready to receive more. Who or what should you be grateful to? It's up to you. If you believe in the Powers of the Universe, thank the Powers of the Universe. If you're a christian, thank Jesus. If you're a pagan, thank the Goddess. Some people even go outside to find a pretty rock and thank it for every thing. I'm sure if you look around the internet enough, you could read about these "gratitude rocks". What matters most though, is that you ARE thankful. TRULY thankful.

So in summary, if you've tried many different ideas and tips to attract good things in your life, but still haven't seen the results, it could be that you need to work more on getting rid of the negativity that is aligning itself in your subconscious. You may not even be aware of it. Let's run this through again:

1. Pay close attention to your dreams to see whether they are mostly good dreams or not.

2. If not, say positive affirmations and work to raise your vibrations some more.

3. Stay away from as much negativity as possible, including the news and violent tv programs.

Give NLP/hypnosis a try if you're interested enough.

4. Learn to be grateful and thankful more.

Some people may already have some of these steps mastered but may need some more improvement. Some of you may just be beginning and should try working with all four of these lessons. The more you practice these ideas, the more you'll be aligning your subconscious mind with your conscious mind. Once you finally master these lessons, you will be the Master of your own Life.

I'm a spiritual medium and Reiki Master. I love studying and writing about anything that is considered metaphysical and/or paranormal. I have years of experience and feel that my journey still has a long way to go. I enjoy working with other people with similar interests. I also offer my services to others and oftentimes learn from them as well. http://www.avonleestarkeeper.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Deskins

Subconscious Mind Power

2011-03-02T12:38:00.000+05:00

The Power Of The Subconscious Mind For Business And Life Success

By Joshua Benavides

Very few people understand the power of their minds. Most people get glimpses. But few understand and cultivate that power. Oh, the mind. So many different teachings about the mind ranging from Mysticism to Philosophy, Psychology to Religion.

So many ideas of what the mind is and its power. And to be more specific, the power of the subconscious mind.

You see, your subconscious mind is your power center. It has unlimited resources. It's taking care of your breathing, your sight, hearing, circulation, behaviors, reactions, habits...and the list goes on.

In fact, based on numerous scientific studies, your conscious mind, the YOU that's reading this right now, is in charge of only 2-5% of your brain potential.

What takes care of the rest?

That's right...your subconscious mind.

If you want to create massive business results in very little time, it's wise to change things from the source. If you try to clean a river downstream, it's going to take a long time to clean up the river. Make sense?

The most powerful investment of your time and energy is to condition your subconscious mind to be in alignment with your conscious goals.

If you do this, you'll reach your goals without a doubt. If you don't, you'll feel stuck, like something is blocking your progress.

The power of your subconscious mind is vast. Its role is to make things happen. Contrary to popular belief, the conscious mind is not the one that's taking action and making things happen.

It's the subconscious mind. The Conscious mind only steers the ship. It's what creates your goals, your targets. The subconscious mind is what actually gets you there. It's like the crew on the ship.

Now, if the captain (conscious mind) decides to head in a certain direction, say, to make six figures in your business this year when you've never made this much in your life...and the crew decides this isn't possible (your subconscious)...

Here's what you get: MUTINY!

If you want to create results fast, it's not simply taking action. It's taking effective action. And it's the subconscious mind that will notice all the ways that you can do just that.

Joshua Benavides, The Heart-Centered Entrepreneur's Breakthrough Coach, helps entrepreneurs all over the U.S. to let go of inner blocks to attract more clients, more money, more impact and more fulfillment.

Joshua invites you to download - as his GIFT to you - his belief-busting Results Accelerator 3-part video training series. This video series is a down-to-earth practical, tremendously compelling and comprehensive program that demonstrates - once and for all - that Success is an inner game.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_Benavides

Quantum Mind Power

2011-03-02T12:34:00.000+05:00

Get In Touch With Your Mind Power

By Ram Bler

Quantum mind power the system that helped me and so many others to change their lives using our own mind power. many people underestimate the power of the mind not realising the true power of the brain, brain power can allow you to soar to new heights and accomplish all of your goals with ease.

I was introduced to the Morry method created by Morry Zelcovitch more than a year ago and at first I wasn't sure what it was all about. After trying his system of brain wave entrainment for one week I could already feel and sense a difference within me. Did you know that us humans have four prominent brain states Alpha, Delta, Beta and Theta? When we are actively stimulating these different brain wave patterns we can learn how to be more aware of the states we are in at different times and in various situations. This helps us to deal with negative or unpleasant situations with more self-awareness allowing us to do whatever we are doing to the best of our ability. Positive thinking started becoming a normal occurrence for me and there was a noticeable personality improvement that came without me really even trying.

I continued to use it for the next couple of months and the transformation was incredible. I still use it to this very day dedicating only thirty minutes every morning or evening to the Morry method. The Morry method system really helped me and I know it has helped many other people, I am sure there are many other systems like this one out there but if you had to ask me I would recommend quantum mind power.

http://morry-method-myreview.blogspot.com

I Am That I Am.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ram_Bler

MICROSCOPIC vs TELESCOPIC VIEW

2011-02-22T16:30:00.003+05:00

by Saalik Siddikki

An angle of vision matters much when different people look at the challenges of life. Some have a microscopic view; the others have a telescopic view of similar situations and respond or react accordingly.

Positive thinkers and achievers respond to situations while negative thinkers and non-achievers react. Response is a positive act mostly resulting in settlement of matters and reaction a negative act creating and aggravating disputes.

Your angle of vision is, in reality, an indicator of your state of mind generating positive or negative energy. It is of colossal importance that you analyze your thinking pattern every now and then, for if you have not trained your brain to think on a certain and definite pattern, there is a good chance that your behaviour under different circumstances may not be what it should be. Though, generally, it should not be the same as every situation has its own demands and effects, yet your responding behaviour and line of action does indicate your characteristics.

If a person usually takes solace in self-pity and pessimistic thoughts, he/she would always behave the same way while facing challenges either small or big.

On the contrary, a person who has developed the habit of thinking positively would always move ahead to tackle the challenges on the path of optimism.

A pessimist person’s angle of vision is microscopic. He/she habitually looks at his challenges and difficulties through a magnifying glass. This action makes him realize that he is not capable of handling the situation appropriately and authoritatively.

An optimist person’s angle of vision is telescopic. He/she looks at the challenging affairs like an army commander from afar that does not force him to feel smaller or weaker than the situation. And thus, he could better deal with the adversary, be it a personal internal challenge or a social external one.

So, the conclusion of the whole talk is that you should compel yourself to bring a forced tilt in your angle of vision resulting in a positive state of mind.

Try your best to possess a telescopic view of the challenging situations instead of a microscopic one. This action thinking would change the whole of your character and behaviour in a positive way.

(Note : There are certain situations in life that require microscopic analysis, but such a minute, intense and responsible job needs to be done only by those who have strong nerves, positive thinking and responding attitude.)

Double PhDs in Four Years

2011-01-31T11:16:00.010+05:00

Pakistani scholar completes double doctorates from France in Record Time

ISLAMABAD: Higher Education Commision (HEC) scholar Kashif Mehmood has made the nation proud by successfully completing two PhD degrees from France within a period of four years.

Based on his education and experience, Kashif Mahmood secured admission in MS programme at the University Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC) that is ranked among the best universities in the world. – Photo courtesy University Pierre et Marie Curie (www.upmc.fr)

He is among those few fortunate researchers in the world who have secured double doctorates in two different disciplines (Business Administration and Computer Science) from two leading universities, says a press release issued here.

Dr. Kashif Mehmood completed four postgraduate degrees (PhD in Computer Science, PhD in Business Administration, M.Phil in Business Administration, MS in Computer Science) within the last five years.

He was awarded HEC scholarship under Overseas Scholarship Scheme for PhD in Selected Fields (Phase-1) in 2004.

Based on his education and experience, he secured admission in MS programme at the University Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC) that is ranked among the best universities in the world.

During his research internship, Dr. Kashif impressed his supervisor with his technical, analytical and managerial skills for which he was offered a PhD thesis in Computer Science.

After starting PhD in Computer Science, Dr. Kashif applied for an M.Phil (Business Administration) in a leading French business school, ESSEC Business School. Getting into ESSEC was a difficult task and securing full fees waiver (worth 10,000 Euros/Year) was almost impossible.

But Dr. Kashif secured an admission along with a full fees waiver for the first year (renewable each year). He completed his MPhil (Business Administration) within two years along with working on his Computer Science thesis. After MPhil, he was offered to continue towards PhD in Business Administration from ESSEC.

Dr. Kashif defended both of his PhDs in front of a jury consisting of eight senior and eminent professors/researchers. Dr. Kashif received exceptionally good reviews for his dissertation and was highly praised during his defense presentation.

He was offered a full-time tenure track position in a leading university in Canada that he turned down to return to Pakistan and serve his country.

Selfless intellectuals like Dr. Kashif Mehmood are a true inspiration to our youth and a pride to our nation.

Source : http://www.dawn.com/2011/01/30/pakistani-scholar-completes-double-doctorates-from-france-in-record-time.html

O Level - Another World Record by a Pakistani Student

2011-01-29T11:51:00.012+05:00

O level student scores record 23 As
Published: January 24, 2011

Shahid, a student of a private school in Islamabad,
sat for 24 subjects and scored 23 As.
ISLAMABAD: A student in Islamabad, Ibrahim Shahid, set a new world record by scoring 23 As in Cambridge O level exams.

Shahid, a student of a private school in Islamabad, sat for 24 subjects and scored 23 As.

Attributing his success to his parents, Shahid recalled an incident where his teacher in Australia had written him off, stating that he would “never excel”. He added that every child is special and everyone has their own capabilities.

Earlier, Ali Moeen Nawazish, also a Pakistani student, had set a world record by securing 23 As in A level Cambridge exams.

Source : http://tribune.com.pk/story/108500/o-level-student-scores-record-23-as/

Tiger Daughter

2011-01-24T18:59:00.000+05:00

By Bill Powell Thursday, Jan. 20, 201

I sat in our suburban home in Shanghai and read online the excerpt from Amy Chua's Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother that appeared in the Wall Street Journal. My reaction to it was straightforward: Maybe a little over the top, but, yeah, that's about right. My wife's reaction: "I guess I'm not the toughest Chinese mother after all."

Our daughter, age 6, is in first grade. She's bilingual (Mandarin and English). She takes violin and ballet lessons. And she does two to three hours of homework a night, seven days a week. She is not Superkid. The fluency in English excepted ("An accident of birth," I remind her every time she comes home boasting about acing her latest English quiz), she's a normal kid. Pretty much every other child in her class at her Chinese school does the same stuff.

American-passport holder Abby Cui-Powell, in other words, is living a typical Shanghai childhood. That doesn't mean all work and no fun. She goes out to play with the kids in our neighborhood. And she watches movies. In fact, one of the reasons Abby's English is so good is that she spends time watching The Lion King and Toy Story. That's more freedom than Chua's kids were allowed, according to her book.(See a TIME Q&A with Amy Chua.)

Chua may be extreme in the discipline she tries to impose, even by Chinese standards. But where she is not extreme is in the intellectual and emotional underpinnings of why she does what she does. The most important assertion she makes in the piece, in my view, is this: "Chinese parents assume strength, not fragility."(See "Roaring Tigers, Anxious Choppers.")

This is exactly right. The assumption undergirding my wife's attitude toward Abby's education at home is that life is tough, you have to be educated to get through it, and what we're doing is aimed toward that end. You may not like it very much now, but it'll be worth it.

So she takes the lead. My role is pretty much limited to English; I read to Abby often and help correct her spelling mistakes. Joyce does the heavy lifting. Each night, she drills Abby relentlessly in math and Chinese. (Joyce and I both were lousy in math as kids, so we're assuming that Abby's gene pool is missing a few chromosomes when it comes to numbers.) Sometimes Abby cries and mopes. But every single night, she does the work. If she gets it wrong, she does it over until she gets it right. And I see no evidence that she's turning into a tortured, malfunctioning kid.(See more on the global debate about parenting, identity and family.)

Mind you, this is only first grade. The competitive pressure of the Shanghai school system intensifies as students get older and closer to the fateful collegeentrance exam that determines which university they can attend. We had lunch recently with friends whose daughter, a 10th-grader in an elite high school here, is frequently up until midnight doing homework. "It's too much," her father said. "Something has to change." This attitude is growing among middle-class Chinese parents, and the government is looking at ways to foster more creative thinking in schools.

But what you'll never see here is an adoption of what Chua calls the obsessive concern in the U.S. with a kid's self-esteem, which from my expatriate viewpoint has practically become a form of dementia among some parents: the Little Leagues in which they don't keep score, for example, lest the kids on the losing team get their feelings hurt.

There are things that are not quite right with Chua's piece. "What Chinese parents understand," she asserts, "is that nothing is fun until you're good at it." That's not only wrong, it's ridiculous. Kids — even Chinese kids! — enjoy sports at all levels, not just the Olympics. Abby, unprompted, loved to draw from an early age, and like everyone else, she started with stick figures.(Comment on this story.)

But the bottom line, to me, is the studies Chua cites reporting that Chinese parents spend approximately 10 times as long every day as Western parents "drilling academic activities." Even if it's only three times as long, that's still a lot. Whatever Chua's excesses — and don't worry, we don't call Abby "garbage" if she flubs a math problem — when it comes to a child's education, having a Chinese mother is a big advantage; I'm very glad my daughter has one.

J.K. Rowling's Victory Over Suicidal Depression

2011-01-19T18:03:00.002+05:00

"Harry Potter" Author Contemplated Suicide

Tuesday March 25, 2008

In an interview with Adeel Amini for a student magazine at Edinburgh University, J.K. Rowling revealed that she had once been suicidally depressed.

Rowling, 42, went through a low period in her mid-20's, following her separation from her first husband. She had not yet found fame and fortune with the "Harry Potter" series of books and was a single mother, struggling to make ends meet.

"The thing that made me go for help," said Rowling, "was probably my daughter. She was something that earthed me, grounded me, and I thought, this isn't right, this can't be right, she cannot grow up with me in this state."

Her first attempt at getting help was a failure, however. The substitute doctor who was covering for her regular physician overlooked the signs of her suicidal urges and sent her home with an admonishment to come speak with the practice nurse if she felt "a bit low". "We're talking suicidal thoughts here," said Rowling, "we're not talking about I'm a little bit miserable."

Luckily for Rowling, her regular doctor was more sensitive and called her back into her office and got her into counseling. "She absolutely saved me because I don't think I would have had the guts to go and do it twice."

"I have never been remotely ashamed of having been depressed," added Rowling. "Never. I think I'm abnormally shameless on that account because what's to be ashamed of? I went through a really tough time and I am quite proud that I got out of that."

Source : http://depression.about.com/b/2008/03/25/harry-potter-author-contemplated-suicide.htm

5 Ways to Start Letting Go

2010-12-30T10:27:00.000+05:00

Discover what’s holding you back—and how to get to your good place

By Susan Crandell

Posted July 07, 2010 from Woman’s Day August 2010

“Letting go is all about adjusting your mindset,” says Pam Peeke, MD, MPH, assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of Maryland and author of Body for Life for Women. “It starts to happen when the pain of being who and where you are exceeds the work you must do to let go,” says Dr. Peeke. “Once you stop saying ‘but’ and start saying ‘and,’ you’re ready.”

For example, you used to say, “I hate my job, but I don’t have time to look for a new one.” Now you’re saying, “I hate my job, and I’ve rewritten my resume.”

Letting go not only helps you move closer to change, it also has a positive impact on your health. “When you’re holding on to something or stuck in a situation, your body holds on to that anxiety and is in a perpetual state of fight-or-flight—which can do serious damage to your health,” says Dr. Peeke.

Constant anxiety ups your heart rate, blood pressure and even the production of stomach acid: Research shows people who are under constant stress have a twofold increase in GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Research has also established that chronically elevated blood pressure also increases your risk of a heart attack.

“But when the anxiety dissipates, the physical benefits happen within seconds,” explains Dr. Peeke. “Your heart rate drops, as does your blood pressure, and every system of your body that was reacting to the overproduction of stress hormones relaxes.” So how do you actually let go? Follow this roadmap.

Disarm Fight-or-Flight

“You can’t let go if you’re anchored in fear,” says Kay Cannon, an executive coach in Lexington, Kentucky. “We may feel frustrated or confused or overwhelmed, but it all distills down to fear. And when you’re afraid, your body’s fight-or-flight reaction is in overdrive.” To let go of fear, you have to identify the mindset that’s driving it. “Often people don’t make connections and walk around wondering,Why am I so frustrated?" says Dr. Peeke. “You have to make an inventory of stress to pinpoint what’s causing your fear. Write down everything that’s bugging you and try to understand where it’s coming from.”

Say you’re overwhelmed by the demands of a new baby and you feel like you’re a bad mother. Ask yourself, “Is this really true?” Probably not. Consider all the parenting knowledge you have and the network of people you can call on to help.

Acknowledge that being a new mom is hard, and that just because you’re not loving every minute of it doesn’t mean you can’t do it well.

Or say you want to leave your job for something totally different but can’t imagine what else you’d be good at. Think about how your skills might translate into another job; seek the advice of a career coach; talk to friends about making the change and find out if they know anyone who could help guide you. “Once you learn to trust yourself to handle a situation, it turns off the stress response system,” Cannon says.

Step Back

To let go of a mindset or a situation, pull back and go through your emotions about it. Observing something instead of living it allows you to step away from the action and see more clearly how you feel.

Say you’re angry with a friend who always breaks lunch dates at the last minute. You’ve already told her that it annoys you, but her behavior doesn’t change. Rather than react, “work through your internal emotions,” advises Martha Beck, PhD, author of Steering by Starlight: Find Your Right Life No Matter What!

You love your friend but can’t stand the behavior. Is it worth suffering through her behavior to keep her friendship? Would the loss of her friendship be greater than the annoyance of her actions? “Taking yourself out of the situation can help you come to a place where you can let go of your negative emotions and make a clear-headed decision about what to do,” says Dr. Beck.

Diane Brennan, president of Brennan Associates, an executive and life coaching firm in Tucson, Arizona, calls it “the 30,000-foot look.” A woman she was coaching felt angry because she wasn’t getting the promotion she felt she deserved. “When she stopped fixating on the fact that she wasn’t being recognized, she realized that her resentment was draining her and negatively affecting her relationships, personal and professional,” says Brennan.

Observing the emotion for a moment instead of living it finally enabled her to let go of—and move past—her anger.

“She then took inventory of what she was doing at (and after) work and realized she wasn’t taking very good care of herself,” says Brennan. “So she made a conscious This made her interactions with coworkers more positive and helped her approach her boss in a calm, candid way to discuss her career path. She didn’t get the promotion, but she did renegotiate her job duties, which made her feel happier and more in control of the situation.”

Pinpoint Your Roadblocks

We all have emotions and mental habits that stop us from letting go. Guilt, negative self-talk, always striving for perfection and ruminating are common ones for women. And they tend to build on each other. We’re expected to always be taking care of (and worrying about) everyone else. If we focus on ourselves, we often feel guilty.

“A woman I know used doing community service as a way to stop herself from becoming an artist. It was a convenient (and altruistic) excuse to avoid doing what she really wanted to do. She put her ambition on hold because it felt selfish,” says Laura Berman Fortgang, author of Now What? 90 Days to a New Life Direction. “We want to do everything really well: be a parent, be a friend, have a successful and fulfilling career. When that doesn’t happen, we take it out on ourselves, and this can lead to negative self-talk,” says Fortgang.

The solution lies not in going over and over a situation, trying to figure out how to get it right or what went wrong (that is, ruminating), but simply recognizing that you’re dwelling on things, which only makes you feel worse. “Some people think they’ll get closure or be motivated by continually focusing on the negative,” says Robert Leahy, PhD, a clinical professor of psychology at Weill-Cornell University Medical Center in New York City and author of The Worry Cure: Seven Steps to Stop Worry from Stopping You. “But really it just stops you from moving forward.”

Give yourself a specified amount of time (say, 24 hours) to go over a problem or situation. When time’s up, so is the ruminating, the guilt, the negative self-talk.

Remember, The Only Person You Can Change is Yourself

You may have heard this one before, but it’s really crucial to getting in the mindset to let go. And it leads to a big benefit: feeling in control. Maybe you’ve struggled for years, trying to break your family of the little habits that drive you crazy, whether it’s your husband leaving a trail of dirty laundry across the bedroom floor, or a sullen tween who’d rather slam a door than talk to you. You may not be able to reform them, but you can let go of (and control) the anger and frustration you feel about it.

Start Small

A change in mindset doesn’t happen overnight—little changes lead to big ones. Dr. Leahy recommends starting by scheduling some stress or worry time every day. “If you have a negative thought at 10 a.m., say to yourself, I’ll set aside that thought and come back to it during my worry time later tonight,” he explains. “You’ve just let go of that thought. Yes, you’re going to come back to it, but you didn’t let it take over. Doing this helps you practice letting go in a small way every day.”

4 Small Changes to Make Today

1. Embrace the mantra "don’t worry, be happy."

Yearning for a new job, a new house? Consider your circumstances. You may find that you’re grateful for and content with what you already have.

2. Take a joy test.

Home in on the little things that’ll make you happy by finishing these sentences: “I’ve always wanted to…” or “I’d love to…” Think about what’s doable. Maybe you’ve always wanted to speak Spanish or enter a 5K race. Then take steps to weave those things into your life.

3. Make things better right now.

Feeling sad because a good friend has moved away? You can’t follow her, but you can stay in touch. Make a regular date to call her on Skype.

4. Ignore the peanut gallery.

Fear of being judged by others is often what causes us to stew in negative emotions like guilt. “How could she leave her child with a stranger while she works?” “How selfish is she for going out with friends instead of home to her kids!” If family and friends criticize, don’t react instantly with anger. Take a breath and consider where they’re coming from: Often criticisms come from people’s own insecurities. If their comments aren’t constructive, say, “Thanks, but no thanks.” This will help you let go of any guilt and anger toward them.

Source : http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Family-Lifestyle/5-Ways-to-Start-Letting-Go.html%20

How to Say “No” Gracefully

2010-12-30T10:16:00.001+05:00

by Woman's Day, on Tue Dec 21, 2010

Learn how to politely decline time commitments without the guilt

by Beth Levine

No. It’s one of the shortest words in the English vocabulary, but it’s also one of the most difficult for many of us to say.

We all know that setting limits will lower our stress level and save our sanity, but sometimes we are caught off guard by people who simply won’t take no for an answer. Read on to learn how to put your foot down with these master manipulators.

Read about how to deal with common bad habits that can hurt friendships.

The Flatterer

Whether it’s the friend who tells you how smart you are and how much she’d appreciate your help on a volunteer project she’s working on, or the school mom who insists that the students will be so disappointed if you don’t make your special cupcakes for the class holiday party, the flatterer plays to your vanity by making you feel indispensable. Photo: © Jessie Ford/Woman's Day

Reality check:

If you want to help out because it gives you pleasure, fine, but no one is irreplaceable. “If it’s not brain surgery, others can do it—maybe not with your pizzazz, but it will get done and the cosmos will not explode in the process,” says Susan Newman, PhD, author of The Book of No: 250 Ways to Say It—and Mean It and Stop People- Pleasing Forever.

Your response:

Turn the tables—flattery goes both ways. Instead of giving in, put the ball in the flatterer’s court. Say something like, “You’re such a fabulous baker—I could give you the recipe! Why don’t you try your hand at it; I’m sure the kids would love it.”

The Guiltmeister

Your mother insists that you never call—never meaning your three calls a week aren’t enough. Or your friendsighs that you seem to have time for everyone but her—and does it while the two of you are together having lunch.

Reality check:

Step back and get perspective. If it were a perfect stranger in your position, what would you think? If your grown kids behaved this way toward you, how would you feel? Ask a friend for some insight. If it seems like a bigger minefield than you know how to handle, consider talking to a psychotherapist to help you sort it out. (Find one at locator.apa.org.)

Your response:

“You can’t do enough for some people, so don’t try,” says Dr. Newman. Arguing is futile—you’ll never win—so just calmly tell the other person how it’s going to be. “Mom, I’d rather we didn’t have this same argument over and over. If we can’t talk about something else, let’s hang up and call back when we can.” Or tell your “neglected” friend, “I’m sorry you feel this way, but I try to see you as much as I can.”

The Saboteur

You’re committed to losing those excess pounds, but every time you go out with a certain friend, she tries to get you to order dessert. “Just this one time can’t hurt!” she says. “But you can’t come and not have the chocolate cake!” The saboteur tries to validate her choices by making you behave as she does.

Reality check:

Be a leader, not a follower, and think about how angry you’ll be when the number on the scale climbs after all that hard work. “Saying no is not about selfishness but about self-respect. You’re standing up for what is right for you,” says William Ury, PhD, cofounder of Harvard University’s Program on Negotiation and author of The Power of a Positive No: How to Say No & Still Get to Yes.

Your response:

Stand firm, and then redirect the conversation. You don’t need a lot of excuses or explanations. “No, thank you. Tea is just fine for me. Are you going to watch American Idol this season? I wonder how the new hosts will be.” the whiner Every time your coworker receives a difficult assignment, she starts in on how unfair it all is, that she’s the one who always gets the hard stuff. She keeps going until you finally offer to help just to make her stop complaining.

The Whiner

Every time your coworker receives a difficult assignment, she starts in on how unfair it all is, that she’s the one who always gets the hard stuff. She keeps going until you finally offer to help just to make her stop complaining.

Reality check:

Even if she has a point—your boss does give her more difficult work—this has nothing to do with you. It’s between her and the boss, and it’s up to her to deal with it.

Your response:

Cut her off at the pass before she really gets rolling. “You know, you may have a point. This does seem to be a pattern. Why don’t you set up a meeting with the department head to see if you can sort this out?”

The Bully

Bullying among grownups is more common than you may think. A 2007 study of nearly 8,000 working adults conducted by the Workplace Bullying Institute found that 37 percent of workers had been bullied. Adult bullying can take many forms, but the bully always uses his anger and intimidating demeanor to get you to do more than you want.

Reality check:

No matter what you have done or not done, no one deserves to be treated disrespectfully or in a threatening manner.

Your response:

A bully wants to get under your skin, so don’t let him see you sweat. Don’t respond in anger (he feeds on negative emotions) and don’t allow yourself to be browbeaten into doing something you don’t want to do. “A calm, quiet, firm, neutral voice is more powerful than a loud no. It conveys more self-control and strength,” says Dr. Ury. “Speak assertively and be very clear about what you want to happen. Say, ‘I don’t appreciate being treated this way. Come back when you calm down,’ or ‘I think I’ve made myself clear—I won’t discuss it anymore.’”

Source : http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/how-to-say-no-gracefully-2431590/;_ylt=AhYHheDMGBP8WOTkQHUBPvykfqU5

Guinness book of world records

2010-12-23T01:17:00.000+05:00

19 girls and 1 car on top of the world

Hassaan Khan

December 16, 2010

KARACHI:

Aymen Saleem, a second-year A’ Level student at Karachi Grammar School, was browsing newspaper headlines in her living room, when she came across a story about the world’s largest cake. The story sparked her curiosity and soon enough she was searching for her very own record to break. After a quick search on Google, she found the perfect challenge. All she needed was 19 willing girls and a Smart Car, a two-door micro-car manufactured by Daimler AG in France and Germany. Luckily for Aymen, she happened to have one of them parked in her very own driveway. It was a birthday present from her father Yousuf Saleem.

On Wednesday, Aymen and 18 other girls, from different A’ Level institutions across the city, including KGS and Southshore School, managed to break a previous record by fitting into the vehicle with its doors closed for five seconds. The current official record holders are the Climb FitTeam of Australia who compressed 18 students into a standard SmartCar at the Warringah Mall, Sydney Australia on January 25, 2010.

The girls managed to meet the challenge at the BBQ lawn of Creek Club in front of a jury at a historic event organised by Karim Mohammadi and Rehan Elahi. The chief guests included the federal adviser on textiles Dr Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, adviser Sharmila Farooqi, Sindh Assembly Speaker Nisar Khuhro and former cricketers Wasim Akram and Saleem Yousuf. The girls had been through the drill numerous times. They positioned themselves and with precision crammed one by one into the two-door car in layers. Within a minute they were all inside the car and not only did they manage to break the world record, they managed to stay in the car for a gruelling 10 seconds, double the current record time.

“I want parents around the country to encourage their children to achieve greater things and believe that when you try, you achieve,” said Aymen. Other participants Tanya Pabani, Fatima Ismail and Zahshanné Malik were thrilled about their feat but more interested in meeting Wasim Akram.

Baig said he had initially been sceptical but was won over after he saw them fit in the car in three layers with one literally on the floor mat. Aymen’s parents Yousuf and Shireen told The Express Tribune that even though at first they felt it was just another outdoor activity, they provided them with a coach Hassan Aslam once they realised how determined they were.

The participants included Sarah Ahmad, Hafsa Naveed, Alina Akram (the extra in case someone got injured), Zashanne Malik, Fatima Ismail, Rabbya Kamran, Anam Afridi, Muneezeh Jamal, Hala Faruqi, Dania Fayyaz, Sana Ghazi, Sana Currimbhoy, Zoya Currimbhoy, Hiba Javad, Sana Javad, Nadia Khan, Neha Salauddin, Rida Ashraf, Eman Samir, Tanya Pabani and Aymen Saleem. The team coaches were Hassan Aslam, Sharam Saleem and Shereen Saleem.

Source : http://tribune.com.pk/story/90394/nineteen-girls-one-car/

New Year's Resolutions

2010-12-22T17:46:00.000+05:00

Short Term Goals Are The Best Resolutions

By Saalik Siddiqui

(Reposted)

With every passing day of December, millions of people around the globe start creating beautifully worded resolutions for the New Year but unfortunately, most of them forget their own self-commitments before the end of January.

Whether New Year resolutions bring any positive or desired change in our lives could not be determined collectively. Individually, it is my personal observation and experience that such artificial bindings rather damage our character. Failure to follow our resolutions disheartens and disappoints us. Instead, everyday resolutions with short-term goals to achieve play a pivotal role in developing our confidence, building our self-esteem, polishing our persona and fueling our passions to achieve our targets comfortably.

There may be some successful people who manage to fulfill their commitments with themselves but for the rest of the majority it is quite irritating to not get any results from irregular efforts. It is not possible for every person to suddenly become a die-hard achiever without a persistent pursuit of goals. Keeping focused on a single target needs perseverance, determination, will power and total concentration, which is in fact bitterly difficult to attain.

However, setting a series of short-term goals on day-to-day or weekly basis is comparatively much easier to achieve.

Constant success in achieving short-term goals acts like hi-octane to keep the vessels of our ambitions and passions not only running but also moving ahead at a faster pace towards our destiny. We do not need exceptional motivation or a driving force of a jet engine to keep dashing for a 100-metre distance. Collecting our positive energies to attain success in accomplishing small tasks does not even require any mentoring under ordinary circumstances, though a mentor's presence around is always inspirational and no lesser than a magnetic field.

So, try to change your track by switching to short-term goal setting and go all out to achieve them.

I'm a Freelance Journalist, Freelance Writer, Poet, Photographer, Blogger and moderator of siddiquees.com (to go online soon).

With a career background of Business Communication and Public Relations and a flair for writing plus an obsession of Photography I look forward to sharing my knowledge, experience and passions with the rest of the world.

My primary goal is to become a successful top Blogger and Affiliate Marketing Expert through moderating my own websites and blogs and groom the newbies to independently earn money online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Saalik_Siddiqui

7 Common New Year Resolutions

2010-12-22T17:33:00.002+05:00

7 Free Inspirational Quotes

By Steve Nash

"Party like it's 1999"

That's what Prince said in his famous song, 1999, written all the way back in 1982.

But, whether it's 1982, 1999, 2009, 2010, 2011... it sounds like a very good life philosophy to take into a new year, don't you think!

Especially, if you think of 'partying' - like I do - as another form of living in the moment, enjoying what you do as much as you can, flowing with what life brings you, and - above all - growing...

So, on that note, I give you 7 free inspirational quotes to inspire you to GROW this coming new year.

And I shall link these inspirational quotations with the most common new year resolutions, to help illustrate the benefits of making AND achieving those resolutions (should they apply to you).

Just in case you needed any convincing, so to speak.

Common New Year Resolution #1: LOSE WEIGHT

"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live."
--Jim Rohn

So, does it really matter than you lose weight, or is it actually more important that you look after your body via healthy eating, and regular
bouts of exercise.

Losing weight is hard, maybe even 'impossible' for you right now. But walking a bit more, and taking a little bit of extra care about the temple that is your body (don't laugh!) is something you CAN do.

Choose a resolution you can achieve. It's only fair on you.

Common New Year Resolution #2: STICK TO A BUDGET

"A fool and his money are easily parted."
--Proverb

Hmm, it can be difficult to stick to a budget, it really can.

After all there are so many 'shiny things' to buy. There are so many items on sale at such cheap, cheap prices. And you're going to go into debt at the end of the month, anyway, so what harm does this little extra spend make now?

Still, it is hard to argue with proverbs, you've got to admit.

Common New Year Resolution #3: FIND MY SOULMATE

"There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread."
--Mother Teresa

Love makes the world go round.

It also makes the world go 'round the bend' with frustration:
* Why are there so many frogs to kiss?
* Why are all the best women taken?
* Why can't he (or she) be more, y'know, 'normal' like me?

Quite simply - and it's time to stand in front of the mirror now, Dear Reader - if you're serious about finding a great partner in the new year, then you seriously have to change what you're doing to attract them into your life.

Stop blaming the supply of fish.

Look in the mirror. The blame lies there. (Ouch.)

Common New Year Resolution #4: QUIT SMOKING

"If people don't love themselves enough to cut down on their smoking, they may love someone else enough to do it."
--Anonymous smoker

I've never been a smoker, so I don't know how confoundedly difficult it is to quit the habit.

I don't know how this habit weaves itself into the patterns of daily life, so that something as simple as that first cup of coffee in the day also yields a yearning for a quick drag.

I don't know how someone else's smoke can do the same.
But if you're a smoker, you do - you know all of these things.
And you also know that it is possible to quit smoking - IF you want to.

It's up to you...

Common New Year Resolution #5: FIND A BETTER JOB

"Without work, all life goes rotten. But when work is soulless, life stifles and dies."
--Albert Camus

What is the point of work, at the end of the day, if it's NOT a means to a satisfactory end?

Work to live or live to work. It's a simple choice. It involves costs you might not be willing to pay - like saying 'bye bye' to the very latest car or TV or iPhone, etc. - but it IS a simple choice.

Work to live or live to work. Again, it's up to you...

Common New Year Resolution #6: LEARN SOMETHING NEW

"Education is the best provision for old age."
--Aristotle

There is nothing better for an aging mind than to be kept busy - busy with learning.

Just like the body needs exercise, so does the mind. And this is especially so when you consider the often mind-deadening impact that

'popular' TV has on it.

So learn a new language.

Or find a new hobby.

But keep stretching your mind...

Common New Year Resolution #7: GET ORGANISED

"The way to do things is to begin."
--Horace Greely

Of course, it's important to plan - to plan your day, to plan your week and even to plan your new year. (It's probably not going to be possible to achieve ALL of your goals, your new year resolutions, without some
form of planning.)

But planning only takes you so far. Action needs to get involved, too.
And that just means taking the first step...
--

So there you are, 7 free inspirational quotes and 7 of the most common new year resolutions.

Let's hope you're able to put these inspirational quotations into practice - this time, this year.

Let's hope that these final, cutting words WILL NOT apply to you...
"Many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits."
-- Author Unknown

Happy New Year

What better way to learn something new, to stretch your mind, than to try and do the 'impossible' - to earn an income from your very own website. It's all explained here... http://www.site-buildit.com.

And if you'd like to read more about common new year resolutions (and why you're not going to achieve them), visit this pagehttp://www.selfhelpcollective.com/common-new-year-resolutions.html.
From Steve M Nash - Owner of SelfHelpCollective.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Nash

New Year's Resolutions For Better Brain Health - Part 4

2010-12-22T17:21:00.002+05:00

By Lucy Barlow

Fun - Resolve to enjoy life. Play. Take up a hobby or renew an old one. Choosing an optimistic outlook helps lower stress. Stress causes toxins to develop in your body and damages neurons in your brain. Playing games, involvement in creative hobbies and participating in sports can help you to learn new skills and each new skill learned builds more brain connections. A hobby leads to a sense of accomplishment and often requires you to "think outside the box," thus developing problem solving skills. One of the best ways to improve cognitive functioning is to use more areas of the brain simultaneously.

When you are playing a game, painting, crafting, woodworking, playing sports, etc. think of all the areas of your brain you're using. Motor skills, language, imagination, memory, your 5 senses and more are all activated. Your brain is an organ which grows and learns new things by interacting with the world around you. The more opportunities you take to experience through perception and action the greater your cognitive functioning. Play is also important to cognitive development in young children. Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them. Play allows children to create and explore a world they can master; free play allows children to learn how to work in groups, to share, to negotiate, to resolve conflicts, and to learn self-advocacy skills. In very young children there is a definite link between "pretending" in play and language skills. When play is allowed to be child driven-not parent or adult directed, children practice decision-making skills, move at their own pace, and discover their own areas of interest. As they direct play and play with others their brains are constantly taking in new information and producing neurons to store that information.

Use it or Lose it - Recent research in neuroscience has shown that the brain remains remarkably flexible as we grow older-that is, it retains its ability to reorganize itself, to adapt to new tasks, and to build new neuro-pathways as demands are placed upon it. This means that older brains don't "wear out" and are fully as capable of meeting challenges and learning new information as younger brains are. When we are young, the brain is constantly being exposed to new and novel stimuli. We are constantly exposed to new sights, sounds, and experiences. We are exposed daily to new information and are required to build new skills. This forces our brains to constantly build new neural networks in order to deal with and integrate this new data. But, as we get older, the exposure to new stimuli lessens. Our physical world becomes "old hat" to us. We no longer get the constant stimulation from new information that we did in the classroom, etc. We settle into a routine and we begin to feel very comfortable with those routines. The end result is that our brains no longer receive the constant stimulation that they did when we were younger. We tend to gravitate toward activities that are more comfortable to do, not realizing that the brain needs the stimulation from more difficult activities if it is to stay active, challenged, and working at its best.

Find a way to stay mentally active. Don't read just one newspaper, read two or three. Think about what you read, how do you feel about it? Do research, evaluate the facts and form your own opinions. Think critically, make your brain work! Learn sign language, the younger the better but even older folks and seniors can benefit from learning a new language. Word searches, Sudoku and crossword puzzles are another great way to challenge your brain. A study published in Neurology magazine September 2009 reports that engaging in mentally challenging activities as little as twice a week can prevent cognitive decline and reduce your risk of dementia by as much as half. A warning though-to be truly beneficial to the brain, an activity must be novel and challenging. Finishing the "easy" crossword or Sudoku puzzle while watching T.V. probably isn't doing you much good. Turn off the T.V. and spend a day working an "expert" puzzle or try computer based brain exercises which provide more variety. An individual activity, no matter how novel, is not sufficient to sustain the kind of challenge most beneficial to your brain. For example, reading or doing crossword puzzles, though each is good on its own, provides little variety on a day-to-day basis. We now know that brain fitness depends on combining a variety of activities that differ in frequency, intensity and variety. We need to keep our brains "on their toes" with activities that are unexpected and require us to think.

De-Rut - Use your brain in new ways. Sometimes called "Neurobics" or brain exercises, these simple changes to your routine are a great way to build strong neuro connections. If you are right handed, try brushing your teeth or working the TV remote with your left hand. If you normally have the phone up to your left ear while you converse, try switching to the right ear. Write a sentence each day with your non-dominate hand, when walking or climbing stairs, try starting off each step with your non-dominate foot. Walk backwards! You are essentially doing things you normally do but doing them differently. While your brain is adjusting to performing these tasks, underused neuro-pathways and connections get activated. This stimulates the growth of new brain cells and brain connections. Try multi-sensory activities pairing senses in new ways. Shower or get dressed with your eyes closed, listen to music you wouldn't typically listen to-and write a letter (while you're listening) detailing what you like or don't like about it. Change your routine, drive home a different route, shop in a different grocery store, and rearrange your bedroom. To be considered a brain exercise, the task must be challenging, novel and include variety.

Lucy Gross-Barlow: As a Speech/Language Pathologist of over 26 years and having practiced in a wide variety of therapeutic settings, Lucy brings to her clients a diversity of patient care knowledge. For the past 12 years, she has specialized her practice in the area of processing disorders and remediation of learning impairments, and she has a passion in seeing her clients succeed in their communicative and learning skills. Lucy now desires to extend the knowledge she has gained in processing and learning remediation to as many children as possible to enable them to reach their full learning and communicative potential in life.

Lucy is a founding partner of The Therapy Group, an association of Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, learning specialists, Speech-Language Pathology Aides, parent teachers, administrators and advocates pioneering an industry in web-based consulting for parents who seek to help their children with learning challenges or those learning with disabilities in achieving academic and social success. Providing parents with resources, learning therapies, proprietary products and programs worldwide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy_Barlow

New Year's Resolutions For Better Brain Health - Part 3

2010-12-22T17:14:00.001+05:00

By Lucy Barlow

Exercise. You knew it was going to be on this list, it's on every resolution list. We know that exercise has positive effects on the brain and has been proven an effective antidepressant. Movement and exercise increase breathing and heart rate so more blood flows to the brain, enhancing energy production and the removal of toxins. 25% of the oxygen, blood and glucose from each heartbeat goes directly to your brain! That's more than any other organ in your body and obviously indicates the importance of keeping your heart beating at an optimum. Exercise improves higher mental processes of memory and "executive functions" that involve planning, organization, and the ability to multitask.

As you exercise your muscles contract, that contraction releases a protein (IGF-1) into your blood stream. When this protein reaches the brain "good" chemicals are produced including brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) which support and protect the synapses or neuron connectors. Regular exercise increases levels of BDNF. BDNF stimulates neurons (brain cells) to branch and connect in new ways. New junctions between neurons are the basis of learning. Strenuous exercise specifically has been found to provide brain-boosting effects in the hippocampus, a region of the brain linked to learning and memory. If you're having trouble figuring out a problem, feeling down in the dumps, suffering from writer's block, or just not up to whatever the current mental challenge might be, Exercise! Studies have shown higher levels of thought clarifying and mood enhancing neuro-transmitters present in the brain within an hour of exercising. Most experts agree that exercising for 30 minutes or more at a time is most beneficial to both body and brain.

Get physical with your kids. A survey taken in the late 1980s by the National Association of Elementary School Principals found that 96% of surveyed school systems had at least 1 recess period. Another survey a decade later found that only 70% of elementary schools allowed students a recess period. Many school districts responded to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 by reducing time allowed for recess, the creative arts, and even physical education in an effort to spend more time on reading and mathematics. This change may have implications on children's ability to store new information, because children's cognitive capacity is enhanced by a change in activity.

Further, some children need proprioceptic (sensory) or vestibular (movement) input to absorb and process information properly. A change in academic instruction or class topic does not offer the needed change in cognitive effort and certainly does not offer a physical release. Even a formal structured physical education class may not offer the same benefit as free-play recess.

Expecting children to sit quietly at their desks and learn what it being taught is unacceptable. Numerous studies have shown that children pay better attention in the classroom after they have returned from recess. Reduced time for physical activity may be contributing to the effect of behavior on academic difficulties because as schools promote more sedentary styles of learning, classrooms become a more difficult environment for sensory or vestibular learners to navigate successfully.

Lucy Gross-Barlow: As a Speech/Language Pathologist of over 26 years and having practiced in a wide variety of therapeutic settings, Lucy brings to her clients a diversity of patient care knowledge. For the past 12 years, she has specialized her practice in the area of processing disorders and remediation of learning impairments, and she has a passion in seeing her clients succeed in their communicative and learning skills. Lucy now desires to extend the knowledge she has gained in processing and learning remediation to as many children as possible to enable them to reach their full learning and communicative potential in life.

Lucy is a founding partner of The Therapy Group, an association of Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, learning specialists, Speech-Language Pathology Aides, parent teachers, administrators and advocates pioneering an industry in web-based consulting for parents who seek to help their children with learning challenges or those learning with disabilities in achieving academic and social success. Providing parents with resources, learning therapies, proprietary products and programs worldwide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy_Barlow

New Year's Resolutions For Better Brain Health - Part 2

2010-12-22T17:11:00.000+05:00

By Lucy Barlow

Sleep. Everyone knows you should have 8 hours of sleep each night right? Unfortunately only 27% of Americans report actually getting 8 or more hours. A recent Gallup poll reported that Americans get an average 6.7 hours of sleep each night. Sleep deprivation can have serious effects on your health in the form of physical and mental impairments. Inadequate rest impairs our ability to think, handle stress, maintain a healthy immune system and moderate our emotions. Sleep deprivation results in the loss of sleep's benefits for cognitive processes such as memory and insight formation: the building blocks of learning, creativity, and scientific discovery. Rather than slowing or shutting down while we sleep, our brains are using the time to process information. Your brain is elaborating on what it has taken in during the day.

Elaboration ties the new information with previous knowledge, these connections become part of the brain's organizational system and enable that information to be solidly stored and easily retrieved. Not only is it important to get enough sleep, it is similarly important to maintain a regular sleep cycle or Circadian rhythm. These rhythms are regular changes in mental and physical characteristics that occur in the course of a day and are synchronized with the sleep/wake cycle. Studies indicate that the brain needs regular daily cycles of sleep and wakefulness for memory consolidation or to process and file in long term memory the information we learn. Scientists believe that as we take information in, the brain stores it in a holding area "short term memory", waiting to embed the information in long term memory while we sleep. If we often disrupt the brain's schedule, some of the information held in short term memory may not be fully processed and stored. Strengthen your sleep cycles by exposing yourself to bright light and by waking at the same time each day. Those weekends of sleeping in can actually do more harm than good to cognitive functioning by sabotaging your circadian rhythm.

Find moments of Peace. People who meditate or practice relaxation exercises say it increases their energy, relieves stress and improves both physical and cognitive performance. However, what effect meditating has on the brain has long been a matter of scientific debate.

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital used MRI to compare 15 subjects who report meditating regularly and 15 subjects who have never meditated. They found that the subjects who regularly meditated displayed an increase in the thickness of the prefrontal cortex and the right anterior insula, areas involved in attention and sensory processing. The growth of the cortex was not attributed to the development of new neurons, but rather from wider blood vessels and more supporting structures and connections. While meditation is often seen as a religious exercise, I'm not suggesting that you must take up yoga or join an ashram to improve cognitive functioning.

Meditation is primarily about learning to relax and breathe. Find a comfortable, quiet place to sit uninterrupted for 15-20 minutes each day (set a timer so you won't be tempted to keep checking your watch). Close your eyes relax and breathe. Pay attention to your breathing, your inhale, and your exhale, how some breaths are naturally deeper than others. Just breathe naturally but pay attention to each breath. Focus on breathing and progressively relaxing your muscles. If you find your mind wandering, just go back to focusing on your breathing. As you learn to use this focus to relax, you'll find that you will be able to take short 2-5 minute "meditation" breaks throughout the day. If you find disruptive thoughts drifting in, something you need to do, grocery lists, recalling an argument, etc., think about a happy place or happy time then go back to focusing on your breathing. Learning to relax takes practice, don't expect to master meditation right away, but the benefits of improved memory, focus and emotional well-being make the effort well worthwhile. This time for you is an important part of brain health. Learn to say "no" when you're asked to do something you simply don't have time for, give yourself 30 minutes every day just for you, reduce your number of volunteer obligations if you're over extended, help your children learn to engage in one activity at a time.

Article

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy_Barlow

New Year's Resolutions For Better Brain Health - Part 1

2010-12-22T16:52:00.000+05:00

By Lucy Barlow

Nutrition. Scientists know that certain nutrients and other key chemical compounds are essential to human brain function. Nutrition plays a major role in the optimum functioning of the brain by providing it with required nutrients to maintain cellular integrity, support the ability of brain cells or "neurons" to communicate and properly process information and to meet its energy needs. And, we know that the effect of nutrition on the brain begins before birth-with the nutrition of the mother. The brain's billions of neurons "talk" to one another through chemical neurotransmitters that convey signals through neural pathways. These chemicals include norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine which can be hampered or destroyed by toxins produced by your body. Vitamins and minerals in plant foods provide protective antioxidants, and fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains contain thousands of other types of compounds that contribute significantly to the overall dietary intake of antioxidants. A 2005 report issued by the USDA stated every person should consume between 5 to 13 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits daily. But, what is the average American person of today feeding their body? A recent national survey indicated that 40% of American people eat NO fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis! Further, many studies indicate a severe "dilution" in the nutrient content of fruits and vegetables harvested today when compared to those grown 20-30 years ago, making an adequate daily intake even more important to good health.

A nutritious, low fat diet with plenty of fresh fruits (berries are the best for antioxidants-the darker the better) and vegetables, fish, beans (legumes) and healthy fats can improve brain health, cognitive functioning, learning, and lower your risk for Alzheimer's disease later in life.

Learning foods. Before we talk specifics lets agree on one major point- breakfast is the most important meal of the day! You know it, we know it, and science has confirmed it over and over again, Harvard researchers found that students who ate breakfast were "...significantly more attentive in the classroom, earned higher grades in math, and had significantly fewer behavioral and emotional problems." When you eat breakfast before school, you're giving your body the necessary vitamins and minerals and nutrients that convert into energy and affect the way you concentrate, the way you absorb information, and the way you function in class. You're fueling your brain and its ability to process information. Think of it this way: it's pretty tough to pay attention to a lecture on President Lincoln when your eyes are beginning to droop and you can't focus on the blackboard. It's also hard to remember what you learned in class when your mind wanders and it seems impossible to pay attention. One of the most important things you can do to help your child in school is to assure that their bodies and brains are properly fueled. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks in the afternoon can all affect how your child learns, studies, does homework and how he or she perform on tests.

Breakfast should be high protein and complex carbohydrates. Choline is found in eggs and nuts. It augments brain and memory development. Whole grain foods are complex carbohydrates which contain iron, folate and other B vitamins which help improve mental alertness, memory function and are rich in fiber, providing a steady stream of energy so your child can "endure" a full day of learning and ace that math test. Iron is also found in lean red meat and leafy vegetables such as spinach. Omega-3 fatty acids are important in bolstering and maintaining cognitive function, omega-3 fatty acids are "healthy fats" and are found in a variety of foods including fish, avocado, or ground flaxseed, nuts, and heart-healthy oils (like flaxseed or olive oil). Caution should be used however in incorporating fish into children's diets. Trace levels of mercury may be found in most fish, but swordfish, shark, mackerel, and tuna can contain levels that exceed safety limits. Mercury toxicity has been linked to neurological, cardiovascular and immune system health effects in infants and children. Most importantly, try for a balance diet meeting the guidelines of the USDA food pyramid. You may have to get creative to get your kids to eat healthy but you'll be building a habit that will serve them well through school and beyond.

Brain Drains. Steer clear of certain items that can quickly drain energy and attention levels, often causing short spikes in activity but then crashing lows from excess sugar and artificial ingredients. Check labels and ingredient lists. Bypass sugary cereals, processed snack foods and anything that includes artificial sweeteners or coloring, high-fructose corn syrup, refined white sugars and breads, trans fats and partially-hydrogenated oils because sugary fruit drinks, colas and juices, caffeine and some drinks billed as "energy drinks" may work for some people and may give short bursts of energy but the crash as the sugar is burned up is much like running out of gas in your car.

Water Intake - Given that your brain is over 85 percent water, the first rule of brain nutrition is adequate water to hydrate your brain. Even slight dehydration can raise stress hormones which can damage your brain over time and hamper your cognitive functioning. Fluids/hydration should come from liquids without sugars (natural or artificial), caffeine or alcohol. Adequate hydration is not only essential for tip-top cognitive function, it also:

o Maintains your body temperature
o Flushes toxic waste from your body and aids in digestion
o Metabolizes fat and helps maintain proper weight
o Lubricates and cushions your organs and joints
o Transports nutrients throughout your body
o Reduces wrinkles, improves skin elasticity-keeping you looking and feeling young

For years physicians have been telling us to drink 8-10 eight ounce glasses of water each day. Don't wait until you're thirsty, by the time you experience thirst, you're already dehydrated.

According to "Hydrate for Health" by NutriScience "Your brain-the highest maintenance organ in your body and the one which controls all of your physiological functions-is the most devastated by dehydration. In fact, the number one cause of memory loss, at any age, is dehydration." Staying well-hydrated is extremely important and helps prevent fatigue and helps children maintain adequate concentration levels.

Lucy Gross-Barlow: As a Speech/Language Pathologist of over 26 years and having practiced in a wide variety of therapeutic settings, Lucy brings to her clients a diversity of patient care knowledge. For the past 12 years, she has specialized her practice in the area of processing disorders and remediation of learning impairments, and she has a passion in seeing her clients succeed in their communicative and learning skills. Lucy now desires to extend the knowledge she has gained in processing and learning remediation to as many children as possible to enable them to reach their full learning and communicative potential in life.

Lucy is a founding partner of The Therapy Group, an association of Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, learning specialists, Speech-Language Pathology Aides, parent teachers, administrators and advocates pioneering an industry in web-based consulting for parents who seek to help their children with learning challenges or those learning with disabilities in achieving academic and social success. Providing parents with resources, learning therapies, proprietary products and programs worldwide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy_Barlow

How to Develop Strong Will-Power

2010-12-19T16:33:00.001+05:00

By Crisologo Ramasasa

Will power is within a person's personality, it works as an energy which assists us to overcome some difficult situations in our lives and successfully defeats bad situation to become the other way around.

Your success derives from a serious situation depends how you use your will power to combat such a tremendous roadblock that hinders you to reach your goal.

There are some occasions when a weak person with a strong will power succeed, while there are some healthy able bodied person fails because they have a weak will power to act.

One of my friend who was very weak to walk because he suffers from a serious illness was brought to the hospital for operation. Sensing his condition, he could hardly cope with the operation and it may cause his death due to poor health condition. Upon entering the operating room, he whispered to me and said. "in a couple of days my friend I'll be alright, and we'll be happy together again". The nurse look at me with a pity, knowing that my friend may not survive with the major operation.

But after, six months, my friend visited me with a big smile in his face, strong and healthy. Asking him how he survived the operation, he told me, "My friend I want to live longer, so I was confident I will be fine with the operation".

His will power to live was very strong that he didn't think of anything else but to get will soon and live happily.

The lesson here, is no matter how the problem is so serious, if you're confident and trust that you can solve it, the result would be satisfying.

Ways to develop a strong will-power

It is a proven principle that a clean environment, including your personality has something to do with the development of a strong will-power. Hygiene includes, eating it right, sleeping properly, proper exercise. Eating too much or less greatly affects your health balance. You should guard yourself the food you take by following the food pyramid to get the right nutritive value for your body.

Same is true with your sleeping habit. To get the right health you desires, you should at least sleep 6-8 hours a day. This is mostly recommended by doctors to make your body in good shape.

The most important aspect of making you always in perfect condition to develop a strong willpower, exercise play an important role to let you fit to any physical activities your body encounters.

Through a proper exercise, some toxic substances comes out from your body by way of heavy perspiration and later cleanses you all the bad elements that hinders your mental capacity to think properly.

An active body makes your mind active and easily push you to actively make decisions with precise outcome. This is so, because an active mind has the ability to think intelligently.

The last most important ways you can develop your will-power to the climax is to avoid self-pity. When you begin to pity yourself, you becomes weak, your mind can't think properly, since you're drowning yourself to self surrender. You accept that you've no more hope with your life.

Don't embrace negative attitudes with your life. Put all those bad elements aside and focus on the positive things to safeguard your strong will-power to rule over you.

Cris Ramasasa, Freelance writer, writes about home gardening and Internet marketing tips. You can get a copy of his latest ebook "Discover How to get started in Flower Gardening" and "Vegetable Gardening Made Easy", also get lots of tips, Free articles, and bonuses at: http://www.crisramasasa.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Crisologo_Ramasasa

Take Action to Condition Your Brain

2010-12-19T16:20:00.000+05:00

By Johnf Assaraf

We all tend to think there's a magic pill just around the corner, the next teacher, the next audio program, the next workshop or the next book. But the truth is, no matter how good the information may be... it will do you absolutely no good as long as it stays only in your conscious mind. You have to apply it, put it into action, and put it into action in such a way that it gets into your non-conscious brain. That is the only way any information can consistently serve you and support you in changing the path of your life.

If you are like most people, you already have much more information than you are able to use. But the key to making affirmations and visualizations work is not the information; it's the application of the information. It's the Law of Action. Here are some best practices and insights to put your affirmations and visualizations to work for you.

Natural laws work. Even when natural laws appear not to be working, they are working. The only question is how are they working? Are you clear about your vision? Are you consistent in your neural programming? Do you consistently take steps toward progress? Take, for example, the Law of Gestation. If you want to lose 10 pounds, you can have it surgically removed in a matter of minutes or you can begin to exercise a little every day, watch how you are eating and steadily move toward your ideal weight. It may take weeks or months, but you're a lot more likely to keep it off that way. Finances work the same way. You can win a lottery or you can plant the vision and the beliefs you need to support those financial goals. You have to want for the seed to grow, and you have to water it and weed it every day, but if you do, it will come to fruition.

Determine what works for you. Do you like affirmations that are short statements and easy to remember or do you like full paragraphs with room for descriptions? Don't think in terms of right or wrong, just find a way that works for you. What evokes your senses and makes things vivid for you? Whether you choose one way or both, it all works.

Use various types of vision boards. You can create one vision board that represents the life you want or you can have multiple vision boards that focus on different areas. I have a health board where I display photos of the physique I want to maintain, and agreements I have made with myself concerning my health. Another vision board represents things I want to acquire. I also have my "achieved board," where I remind myself of the things I have accomplished. Use one or several types.

Gauge your progress. If you want to know if you are headed in the right direction, try asking yourself, Am I moving toward what I want? Am I headed toward something that is genuinely fulfilling? Is this goal worthy of my life? If you find yourself heading in the wrong direction, you have to adjust and change course. Anytime we stretch ourselves, we are uncomfortable. There is a deep part of us that loves growth and seeks self expression. That's our creative side. But our smaller self loves comfort and opts for status quo. Just remember change is the very essence of everything. There is actually no such thing as status quo. It's an illusion. We are always changing. The question is, in what direction are we heading?

So, yes, seeing results sometimes takes time, but you probably will be surprised by just how quickly it happens. At first you may feel like it takes a lot of effort without much result, but soon the momentum process takes over. It's like pushing a stalled car downhill to get started. It takes the most effort to get it rolling those few inches. After a foot or two, you can feel the weight of the car itself working for you. Before you know it, the car accelerates through sheer momentum, and now the engine sparks into life. The muscular effort that it takes to start the process is the focused power of your frontal lobe, the car's engine is the nonconscious part of your brain. Hop in and you are off and running.

John Assaraf is a spiritual entrepreneur and teacher with an insatiable passion for brain research, quantum physics and helping others. He has authored New York Times bestselling books on the topic including "The Answer," "Having it All," and The Vision Board kit. He was also a featured teacher in the movie and book "The Secret".

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johnf_Assaraf

Mind Matters - -

2010-12-19T10:28:00.001+05:00

Ideas To Master The Mind

By Mike Bond

Meditation in one form or another has become quite the ‘in’ thing over the last few years. People rush home and meditate for half an hour, either when they reach home, or half an hour before bedtime. Some prefer to meditate first thing in the morning, as soon as they rise.

But how much good do they really do themselves? Do they really come anywhere near the condition where they master the mind? They meditate, say first thing in the morning, and for a few minutes, feel lovely and calm. Then they have to face the hurly-burly of the day. How much of the meditation is actually sticking, as it were?

The Buddhists have been at this for 2,500 years. Two thousand years ago, the old Celts were still rushing around in woad and bashing each other over the head with any heavy object they could find. The big problem that we have is mental discipline. It takes so little to distract us and all that meditation we did before going out that morning has really been for nothing.

Buddhism’s emphasis on psychology is unique. The basic teachings persuade meditators to shake off suffering and discover happiness. As the Buddha stated, our default mode may be to suffer, but only because of our ignorance. We can float above the clouds by quieting the mind, letting go of bad mental habits, while on the way relaxing and coping with stress.

The Buddhist doesn’t use meditation as an end in itself, but to investigate the mind and change his worldview. Meditation isn’t tuning things out, but improving your capacity for the expansion of thought. Self improvement translates into ‘bhavana,’ which is the Sanskrit word for meditation, although it literally means ‘cultivation.’ It has the same connotation as when we say we’re going to ‘cultivate a garden.’

It’s interesting to note that Western psychologists are still very wrapped up in treating the mentally ill, rather than improving the lives of those who are mentally sound. I quite understand what they mean by this criticism, but the poor old mentally ill person needs to be treated. Period. There’s no point in having half the population in a state of high mental health and advancement, while the other half is suffering from anxiety, depression and goodness knows what other mental ailments.

Western science also has the idea that we all have a set point of well-being and that love and happiness merely happen to us. This, without the use of meditation, is perfectly true. We drift through life, hoping to find happiness through love, wealth, health, etc., when if meditation is applied correctly, we can be masters of our own ships, so to speak.

But we come full circle to the point where what we benefit from meditation must change our minds for the better—despite all the troubles and problems that the day might hurl at us.

Buddhists have developed such a high state of mental discipline, that they may indeed direct their minds to much higher plains. It’s well worth a visit to Mike Bond’s website, The Hypnosis Attraction, where you may read a lot more about the mind, how to control it and how you may benefit from doing so.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Bond

Beta Brainwaves - -

2010-12-19T10:02:00.003+05:00

The 7 Best Benefits From Beta Brainwave Entrainment

By Steven T

First off what are beta brainwaves and what do you mean by entrainment? To really understand the seven benefits of beta brain wave entrainment you need to first understand what it is. Beta brainwaves are the frequency of your brainwaves that operate in the 14-32Hz range and are primarily responsible for concentration, focus, and your day to day activities. Entrainment is the process that gets your brain to operate on a specific frequency and allows you to get your brain in the right frequency range to do certain things at optimal levels. Below I'm going to give you the seven top reasons why beta brainwave entrainment is helpful.

Increased Focus - Everyone has experienced it before where you are trying to think about something but it is just like a fog is on your mind and you just can't quite figure it out. Those times are usually due to a lack of focus to what you are trying to figure out. If you are able to increase your beta brain waves you will be able to increase your focus and more then likely lift the fog in your mind.

Ability to Think Quickly - Elevated levels of beta brainwaves increase concentration and focus which will in turn lead to you being able to think quicker. People that think quicker are usually more happy and successful and enjoy increased self confidence.

Optimal Performance - With an increase in focus and energy you naturally enter a level of optimal performance. This goes for athletic events as well as academic ones.

More Energy - People that suffer from a lack of energy tend to have lower beta brainwaves. If you are looking to increase your energy level just try increasing your beta brainwaves.

Increased IQ - Studies show people with increased levels of beta brainwave tend to have higher IQ. This makes perfect sense because with increased focus you will find it much easier to learn new things as well as retain them longer.

Goal Orientation - When you are more focused it is easier to stick to task which will also make it far easier to complete your goals.

Positive Thinking - With all of these other benefits you will have more positive thoughts and a more positive outlook on things.

Now that you know the seven benefits of increased beta brain wave activity and what they can do for you what can you do about it. Brainwaves are very hard to learn to control on your own experienced mediators practice for many many years before they are able to even start to control their brainwave function. That is where brainwave entrainment comes into play. With this technique you are able to learn to control your brain waves in a much shorter time then it takes with meditation or any other method I have heard about.

If you want to find out more about brainwaves entrainment and the best methods to increase your beta brainwaves click the links.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_T

Alpha Brainwave Meditation

2010-12-19T01:11:00.001+05:00

Can Help You Regain Your Creativity Lost From Childhood

By Jim Woodruff

We are at out the most creative when we are kids. The reason is that kids mostly use the right side of the brain which produces the most alpha brain waves. As we age into adulthood, the left side of the brain begins to take control by having more of the higher frequency beta waves. This pushes the alpha brain waves into a lesser position.

During our normal daily activities we are typically focused on finding logical and analytical to problem and this can block the ability to find creative solutions. Alpha brain waves are the source of creative solutions and we have to restore this balance so that we don't just become blind followers and do'ers in task executions.

This is not all bad. Beta brain waves are totally essential when we are involved in daily activities. They are necessary for routines tasks, doing math problems, and just in general getting the things done on our "To do" lists. However, beta brainwaves can also represent a state of high and anxiety.

If we are constantly in a state of high stress, this can result in a wide range of health problems, difficulties in emotional stability, mood swings, and lowered productivity. High stress and anxiety leads to an overproduction of the stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol is always present in our bodies at low levels, but the excessive amounts produced by high stress can result in the longer term into heart problems, faster aging of the mind and body, and higher blood pressure.

Alpha brain waves are a slower brainwave frequency and are a state of high relaxation but still somewhat mentally alert and aware. This is a stress-free state of mind. Alpha is more or less the opposite of the conditions of beta brainwaves.

Alpha brainwaves are able to open up creative thinking, work on issues for more emotional stability, and produce more productive hormones such a melatonin and serotonin.

There has been research that has shown that even short sessions of relaxation and meditation can result a roughly 10% increase of psychomotor vigilance. Taking notice of this, there are a number of corporations that now offer free classes for employees who want to learn meditation. These companies have discovered that employees who meditate on a consistent basis tend to be more productive, have better abilities for interpersonal relations with others, and also tend to have the most innovative thoughts and able to find creative solutions that no one else has thought about.

Learning how to achieve effective meditation can sometimes be difficult to master. Fortunately there is a modern technology aid known as binaural beats that can make this easier.
Binaural beats are specially designed recordings that utilize the principle of brainwave entrainment to help your brain slow itself down to the meditative ranges of alpha and theta brain waves. This makes it easier and quicker to get into the more relaxed state where positive changes can be made. You still engage in the traditional meditation techniques, but you get a boost in intensity and quickness by listening to a binaural beats download at the same time.
By engaging in regular and consistent sessions of alpha brain wave meditation, we as adults can actually regain some of the intelligence and creativity that has gradually been lost from early childhood. While this loss is a natural process of aging, it can be reversed if we work on it the right meditation techniques.

Visit this site for more information about applications for binaural beats downloads and how they can help you become more creative, emotionally stable, and reverse the aging process.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Woodruff

Brainwaves

2010-12-19T01:04:00.002+05:00

By Theresa Parker

Awake or asleep, our brains put out specific frequencies measured in Hertz (hz) that can be recorded as a wave pattern by an electroencephalograph (EEG). These patterns can determine how we function in our daily lives. But, can these brain waves help us to achieve our goals, whatever they may be? Can they help us to be smarter, healthier and happier? Yes, they can.

There are four kinds of brain waves, actually five, now that EEG machines are more sensitive. They are Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta, and Gamma. I am sure some of you have heard about at least one of these and no, I am not talking about the local college fraternity. I am going to give you a general understanding of these brain waves, so you can better understand how you can use them to improve your life.

Let's start with Beta waves. Beta waves are associated with waking consciousness and are considered to be the normal brainwave pattern in healthy adults. Beta waves have a designated frequency of 13-38 hz. People who operate in a high state of beta brain waves are able to think faster, are more goal oriented, generate new ideas quickly, have more positive thoughts, and more energy than someone with a low state of beta brain waves.

The alpha wave state is a state of wakeful relaxation. Its frequency range is 8-13 hz. Light meditation and daydreaming are done in the alpha state. It is also in this state where the brain learns faster and at an even more deeper level than beta. The alpha state is associated with creativity and it is where most meditation and energy healing techniques, such as Reiki, utilize this brain wave for relaxation and healing. It is interesting to note that alpha waves have been associated with fibromyalgia when they appear in non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM) where delta activity is expected. The alpha wave state is the ideal state for autosuggestion and for practicing creative visualization.

Theta brain waves range in the 4-7 hz frequency. They are associated with a drowsy or meditative state. This is also the state known as rapid eye movement sleep (REM) or dream sleep, which is the barely conscious state you experience just before sleeping and just after waking up. While in the theta state, we can access and influence that subconscious part of ourselves that is normally inaccessible to our waking mind. Deep and profound learning, healing, and growth can be achieved in the theta state. It is also where we experience lucid dreaming, where our minds connect to the divine, and where we can manifest changes in the material world. The theta state also consolidates certain memories such as procedural memory (our memory of how we do things) and our spatial memory (how we navigate our environment).
Delta brain waves have a frequency of less than 4 hz. It is most closely associated with non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM) or slow-wave sleep where the sleeper is in a state of deep sleep or unconsciousness. Although it is said that dreams in delta slow-wave sleep are disconnected, less vivid, and less memorable than dreams occurring in REM sleep, some believe this is the state to achieve astral projection or an out of body experience. The Delta state is important for consolidating our declarative memory (explicit or long-term memory).

Gamma brain waves have a frequency of 25-100 hz, although 40 is more typical. Someone is the gamma state is said to be in a state of hyper-alertness. A good example of this state is when time seems to slow down during an accident. Those of us this has happened to, remember it well. This slow motion feeling is caused by the brain entering a high gamma state. It is interesting to note that experiments on Tibetan Monks show a correlation between transcendental mental states and gamma waves. The data showed that mediation masters have the ability to put their brains in a state which is maximally sensitive and consumes power, briefly, at a lower (or even zero) rate.

Studies have show that hypnosis, isochronic tones, binaural beats, and some meditation can help our brains reach these states. By knowing the frequencies of each brain wave, we can utilize these techniques designed to bring our brains to the desired frequency and take one more leap in achieving our life's dream.

I author several articles for the blogsite http://www.ibn2thought.com. This website is a great tool for gathering information about thought manifestation, hypnosis, brain entrainment and meditation.http://www.ibn2thought.com offers free downloads with great posts and articles such as this one.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Theresa_Parker

The 5 Brainwave Frequencies

2010-12-19T01:01:00.000+05:00

By Edward Haycock

You most likely already know that brainwave frequencies are grouped together into bands: delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma.

Although boundary states between these bands exist, in this article I will focus on these five groups of brainwave frequencies and describe the mental states and functions associated with each group.

The 5 brainwave frequencies are:

Delta Waves

Brainwaves of a 4hz frequency or less are classed as delta waves. These are associated with deep sleep, and are thought to be generated by the thalamus (a part of the brain that integrates information from the different senses, and use it to direct attention). Most of a baby's brain activity is in the delta range, but by adulthood delta waves are no longer present when a person is awake.

Theta Waves

Brainwaves between 4 and 7hz are classed as theta waves. These are associated with REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, during which dreaming occurs. They are generated by the hippocampus, which is a part of the brain responsible for forming memories. They also appear during meditation. Delta and theta waves together make up the brainwave frequencies which appear during sleep.

Alpha Waves

Brainwaves between 8 and 12hz are classed as alpha waves. Alpha waves appear when an individual is relaxed, and are associated with associative thinking - daydreaming, for instance - and the imagination. Closing the eyes (whilst awake) causes an instant surge of alpha activity.

Beta Waves

Brainwaves between 12 and 30hz are classed as beta waves, and appear when an individual is alert and focused. They are associated with concentration, "busy thinking" and general movement. Alpha and beta waves together make up the brainwave frequencies which appear when an individual is awake. Alpha dominates when an individual is in a state of relaxation, and beta when an individual is in a state of alertness.

Gamma Waves

Brainwaves of a 40hz frequency or above are classed as gamma waves. Flashes of sudden insight or understanding ("a-ha" moments) are associated with sudden surges of gamma activity. High gamma wave activity is associated with above average intelligence, and children with high gamma activity have been found to have higher than average language abilities, cognitive skills and attention spans.

Experiments on Tibetan Buddhist monks have shown that long term meditation causes an overall increase in gamma wave activity - perhaps as a consequence of techniques which stress concentration and focus. In fact, there are many correspondences between meditative states and brainwave frequencies. However, those are to be covered in another article.

Copyright © 2010 Edward Haycock. To find out more about brainwave frequencies and altered states, including the three boundary states, visit: http://MeditationAndHypnosis.co.uk/brainwaves-and-altered-states.html.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Haycock

Alpha Brainwaves

2010-12-19T00:54:00.001+05:00

3 Reasons to Activate Your Alpha Brain Waves

By Colin Edwards

Do alpha brain waves really reduce stress and anxiety, increase creativity, and promote peak performance? Generally, people have four basic brainwaves; Delta Waves, Theta Waves, Alpha Waves and Beta Waves. These four brainwaves emit electrical activity in their individual frequency range. The method for measuring these frequencies is an EEG (electroencephalograph or electroencephalogram).

Scientists have spent a great amount of time studying the ways that brainwaves work. What they have discovered is:

Delta waves oscillate between 1-4Hz. This frequency is associated with deep sleep patterns.
Theta waves oscillate between 4-7Hz. This frequency can be associated with REM sleep or lucid dreaming.
Alpha waves oscillate at 7-13Hz. This frequency is associated with relaxation and meditation.
Beta waves oscillate at 14-40 Hz. This frequency can be associated with an excited state or our normal waking state.

What benefits do Alpha Brain Waves provide?

You will notice from the earlier discussion that each brain wave (Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta) create different states of consciousness. But, our interest for this article is the benefits of the alpha state. It can be considered the "meditation" brain wave.

People that are considered the elite in their respected fields, live a balanced lifestyle of peace and relaxation. Living a stressful and high anxiety lifestyle is a recipe for failed health, limited creative functioning, and being unable to experience our full potential in our lives. Understanding the power of alpha activity states, provides a way to tap into areas of our minds that are waiting to be released.

3 Reasons To Use Alpha Brain Waves

More relaxed Thoughts and Relaxed Body-People that practice deep meditation or yoga are quite familiar with the benefits of a relaxed mind and body connection. When you increase your alpha brainwave activity, you can reduce stress, anxiety, and other nervous feelings.
Access Creative States-People that seem to have above average creativity, have been known to experience burst alpha brainwaves. This increase in of alpha waves appears to provide insight and special problem solving skills. If you are an artist or other creative type of person, then an extra burst of alpha waves will give you a new range of creativity.
Peak Physical Performance-You have heard the saying, "He/she is in the zone." There is published proof that when top athletes are at the height of their game, they have alpha activity burst in the left side of their brains'. Marksmen, golfers, and elite basketball players are most likely to display an increased alpha rhythm, whereas regular folks have not been able to tap into those levels. With brain entrainment in alpha state you can improve your peak performance.

Imagine what your life would be like if you had the ability to access your alpha brain wave activity. You could have clear and calm thinking, which will enhance your creativity and problem solving skills. You will also have the opportunity to reach peak performance in your golf game or any other athletic activity you participate in. Binaural beats have been shown to help people entrain their brainwaves to the four basic frequencies.

What would you do if you were suddenly able to enter a calm and creative state without having to try hard. Take advantage of this right now! Download 3 FREE Binaural Beats Mp3 samples and you be the judge! Alpha Brain Waves entrainment will help you reduce stress, anxiety, increase creativity, and produce peak performance. Click here to learn more http://binauralsounds.info

Colin Edwards enjoys sharing resources that have helped to improve his life. In doing so he has created relationships with certain experts and in recommending their products may receive compensation for doing so.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colin_Edwards

Setting Goals and Taking Action

2010-12-18T22:32:00.000+05:00

By Avril Betts

All successful people write down their goals. Goals are like a road map or business plan for your life that you constantly change and update as your life progresses. Once you achieve one goal you set the next, and you will be amazed when you look back just how many of your goals you have achieved.

Somehow our minds respond to what we write down, and even without thinking about it our sub-conscious mind triggers us to take the actions to achieve the goals.

A study of a Harvard class showed that 10 years later the ones that had written down goals were extremely successful when compared with those who had no written goals.

You should have a clear definition of the life you want. There are 3 key things that everyone wants and what you should consider when developing your goals Health/Relationship/Wealth. Life should be a balance.

Make the decision to have goals, be committed to the goals you choose, have a strategic action plan and be accountable for taking action towards them. Allow for and manage variances (things that take you off track either positive or negative)

Writing Down your goals:

1. Write down the 20 or more things that you would like to have in your life in the next five years if there were no restrictions - just write the first things that come to your mind however ridiculous you might think they are for you to achieve. You can fine tune them later.

2. Take them one at a time and determine the order of priority 1-20 or more so the ones most important to you are at the top.

3. Now take the time to clarify in detail each of your top 10 goals as clearly as possible by filling in as much detail and information as you can on each goal to the point where you can actually visualize them.

4. Then set a time frame in which you would like to achieve each of the 10 goals based on 1-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-1 year, 1-3 years and 3-5 years.

5. Once you have these top 10 defined clearly and with a time frame then determine on a scale of 0- 9 where you feel you are with that particular goal - obviously if you haven't done anything towards it would be a 0 and if you are just about to reach your goal it would be a 9. 10 means you have reached the goal. Anything over a 7 would mean you are well on your way to achieving that goal.

6. To further assist with your process and for reinforcement write a statement as if you had already achieved or are achieving each goal.

i.e. I am in the process of becoming wealthy. I have a luxury car

7. Now taking those same 10 goals and the scoring, determine any small steps you can take each day to reach the next level - the key here is to take action however small each day to move you to the next level.

Tip: If you are stuck with how to move forward with any of your goals, try this backwards method. Start each goal with the end result, and then draw a set of stairs as your guide and take small steps backwards. Mark each step backwards with where you feel you should be on that step from where you feel you would be on the next step up. If you do this right back to where your goal is currently, this will then give you an effective guideline on what your next actions should be to move you forward.

8. Determine to take at least one small action each day on each of the 10 goals. Persistence and determination are key. Focus on a straight line process to achieve your goals, don't get side tracked with obstacles.

9. Carry action notes around with you with as a reminder to take action on them during that day. Put energy into your actions, and determine to be persistent and keep trying until you reach each goal.

10. Do this consistently every day, and be persistent in taking some small actions every day and you will be amazed at just how fast your goals will be achieved.

11. Even if you miss a few days of action - once you have written down your goals your sub-conscious mind takes over and you will find yourself doing things to achieve your goals without even realizing it.

12. As you reach a 10 score on any of the goals congratulate yourself on reaching your goal, and add an additional goal from your original list one at a time up to the top 10. Define and score each new goal added to your top 10 list as you move them up.

13. Add new goals to your list so you always have at least 20 on your list, 10 clearly defined and scored at the top and the others ready to move up as you achieve the ones in the top 10.

14. If you determine any of your new goals should be prioritized to your top 10 move them up and move the bottom one in your top 10 to 11 until you have achieved another goal. This way you are always working on 10 goals. Anything more than this becomes hard to manage and focus on.

If you follow this process you will be amazed at how fast and how many of your goals with be achieved. Taking action steps however small every day is the key. It helps to tell people about your goals and if you have someone who can hold you accountable.

Avril Betts CHA - Entrepreneur and Mentor

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Setting-Goals-and-Taking-Action&id=5337223&opt=print

Failure - Life's Greatest Teacher

2010-12-18T18:38:00.000+05:00

By Blake Beattie

"I've learnt more from my failures than my successes" - (Richard Branson)

"Failure is the chance to begin again more successfully" - (Thomas Edison)

So, you have failed at something. Well done! Now, this might seem like a strange thing to say, but failing at something can offer us some important learning opportunities. I am a firm believer that you are only ever a failure if you fail to try or your fail to learn. And the sad thing is: there are so many people that do not try things for fear of failure. They are too worried about what other people might think, and therefore prefer to stay within personal life areas that they feel comfortable.

Some of the most important lessons I have gained in life have come directly from failing at something. I have failed at relationships. I have failed with my money, my time, my health, my work, my friends, my family and my life. Yes, I am proud to admit it - I have failed many times. Many of the most successful people in the world agree that they have as well. But it is through the failing that one can truly grow and become the person they were born to be. Through failing, I believe I have become more successful and will continue to do so as long as I keep improving.

I once averaged 6 runs per inning in a cricket season. I learnt from the experience, changed my mindset and averaged 132 per inning for a season.

I was once in a relationship where I was blinded by beauty and it took me a long time to realise that our personalities were not in tune to be truly happy together. I am now in a wonderful relationship.

I failed my Learners driving license the first time. I have now had my license for over 12 years with an excellent driving record.

I did poorly in my trial HSC exams at school and barely made it into my undergraduate university course of choice. Since then, I have finished a degree, and have now finished my Graduate Diploma in Business at UTS with distinction and have several other qualifications that I am proud of.

Life is full of ups and downs - it is what you do about it that makes the difference. Donald Trump was once more than $900 million dollars in debt. He is now a billionaire and one of the richest men in the world. Now, you might not have lost $900 million dollars, but I would bet that you have failed at things in your life and turned many ordinary situations into wonderful experiences.

I am not saying that you shouldn't 'look before you leap'. When taking any kind of risk, you always need to weigh up the risk versus the potential reward and do all the homework required to make an informed decision. If you can avoid making the mistakes that others have made then do that instead - the learning still applies, often without the pain.

Some people, however, shield themselves away from any possible pain and never step outside their comfort zone. It is like a large tree being put into a small pot: it wants to grow and be all it can be, but it is constrained by limitations.

It is okay to make mistakes as long as you always ask yourself the following questions:

"Why did I make this mistake?"
"What will I do differently next time to ensure that I succeed?"

Learning from mistakes is a vital ingredient in living happy, successful lives. Life itself is an amazing teacher. There are multitudes of experiences which provide learning for us.

By the way if you haven't made a mistake for a while, ask yourself the following question: Have you been pushing the limits of your current capabilities? If the answer is no, then your personal growth and development may not be at a level it could be. The trick is not to get too comfortable in your comfort zones - otherwise you tend to stay there, and learning stops. I am often amazed at how many people finish their tertiary studies after completing school, get a full-time position and do not complete any further training. If you don't exercise your bicep muscle, it becomes weak. The same applies with your mind. If you do not challenge your mind and expand it, it will become weaker and less effective.

Step outside of your comfort zones, make mistakes. Learn, grow and then you will begin to unlock your immense potential.

Enjoy the journey.

The Performance Engineer, Blake Beattie, is a dynamic, world-class speaker, author & consultant who has worked in Australia, Canada, USA, New Zealand and Singapore. His high-value, engaging seminars transform motivation and build outstanding work habits. He first book is hailed as 'the yellow brick road to success' by world iron man champion Guy Leech and a 'brilliant system' by Joe Vital from 'the Secret.'

Blake is recognised as one of the next generation leaders of Australia after being awarded the Summit Leadership Award by the premier of Queensland at Parliament House. Blake is a director of Inspire Consulting and is the Vice Chairperson of the Life Changing Experiences Foundation. He is also the President of the National Speakers Association of Australia (NSW) and founded International Pay it Forward Day which has seen over a million amazing random acts of kindness in more than 28 countries.

Visit http://www.blakebeattie.com where you can: subscribe to Blake's inspiring free newsletter 'Momentum'; complete 4 free online quizzes + read the best inspiring quotes & articles.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Failure---Lifes-Greatest-Teacher&id=5523507&opt=print

What is Success and How Do We Achieve It?

2010-12-18T11:24:00.001+05:00

By John Watson

To be clear about what success is must be the first step to achieving success.

So far, the best definition I have come across is: "Success is the completion of anything intended." In other words success is finishing what you planned to do.

Even robbing a bank is a kind of success if that is what you wished to do. However, you probably did not intend to end up in prison!

The above definition of success shines a light on failure and success. Make a plan and follow it and you will have succeeded. Make a plan and do not follow it and you will have failed.

This gives a yard stick for judging every day of our lives. We can say at the end of the day "I have failed" or "I have succeeded."

This may seem very obvious but it is amazing that only about 85% of the human race end up doing what they intended.

I asked several people what they thought success was. One person said that "Success is making loads of money." Another said that success is "Achieving your goals". Some one else said that success is "Fulfilling your potential". An interesting answer was that success is "Making others jealous".

Brian Tracy agrees with the connection between success and goals. He has said "Success is goals, and all else is commentary." Tracy believes that people with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them.

Stuart Goldsmith in "The Midas Method" has an important section on how to set goals so that they are achieved using the full power of the subconscious mind.

Maria Nemeth gives this definition of success: "Doing what you said you would do, with ease".

"Doing what you said you would do" is currently not achieved by the majority of the human race especially politicians! Doing it with ease is achieved by even fewer and requires making the most of the subconscious mind.

Jim Rohn argues that success is just a few simple disciplines practised daily.

The power of daily discipline is HUGE. Because the discipline is practised daily the effect is cumulative. The good practice is carried out 365 times a year with, perhaps, a few lapses.

It cannot fail to have tremendous influence. Once the discipline becomes a daily habit, it can be forgotten about until the rewards start coming in.

The writer who writes every day has written well over 300 pages by the end of the year. If he or she does not write every day they lose momentum and inspiration. If they keep up the writing (even just a few words a day) a magnet for relevant thoughts develops.

Recently a Liverpool student of American media studies applied for 600 jobs and received only one interview which he failed. He decided to write a novel. He determined to complete ten pages a day. He worked in the evenings at a dead end job to make money and then wrote until about 5 in the morning at his novel which has now become famous. It also looks like becoming a Hollywood blockbuster film.

He points out that if you write only one page a day for 100 days you can write a screen play. He wrote his novel by studying the structure of two other novels and noticing how they were structured and wrote his screenplay after studying video of films and noticing how long each scene lasted before there was a change.

I can't remember his name or the name of his book as I just happened to hear part of his interview on television.

The practice of daily disciplines alone can change our lives totally. Another benefit of daily disciplines is that they quickly create habits and habits create character.

A great quote by Jim Ryun, the American Athlete, is as follows :-

"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going"

Another brilliant quote is:

"Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value." Albert Einstein

The next quote says more or less the same thing:

"Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it." Henry David Thoreau

Many would argue that success is not about making money but about developing oneself into a person who is valuable to others."

However, this quite often will lead to making money because people will pay for value. Any one who is very good at their job can usually command whatever pay they wish.

Adam Hollioake is one of the most successful English county cricket captains. He realised what is important in life when his brother Ben was killed in a car accident in Perth Australia. Adam learned that he should be kind to people and have fun and "that's what life is about."

His view of success in cricket is not necessarily winning. He is not afraid to lose a cricket match. He is only concerned that his team put 100% effort into the game. He comments:

"If we do put that effort in we usually win anyway".

Success then is putting in 100% effort whatever the results. More often than not, however, the results will be excellent.

Michael Angier has a great definition of success.

"Success is the result of steadily taking action on our most important goals. When we consistently focus our energies and our efforts upon what matters most, we can't help but be successful".

Angier also admires Ralph Waldo Emerson's comments on success:

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; this is to have succeeded."

What are the causes of failure and success?

William James, the great American psychologist, puts failure down to lack of faith in one self

"There is but one cause of human failure. And that is man's lack of faith in his true self."

Faith in one self is a huge part of success. Stuart Goldsmith in "The Midas Method" talks about two kinds of belief that are necessary for success. You must believe that you deserve to succeed and you must believe that you have the ability to succeed.

Another big cause of success is discipline.

"The ability to discipline yourself to delay gratification in the short term in order to enjoy greater rewards in the long term is the indispensable prerequisite for success." Brian Tracy

Another cause is the willingness to try to succeed even if the possiblity of success is remote.

"Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see the beauty, believe in them and try to follow where they lead."

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) American Writer

My computer guru, Danny believes that you should hold on to your dream in all circumstances and never let go. Grab hold of your vision with an iron fist and even if you are down on your luck and in the gutter never give up.

Danny himself has held on to a dream for 22 years. His dream is to develop the best languages translator in the world.

It does not matter if you are 72 - grab hold of your dream. Actually visualize your hand holding on to that dream. Too many people are worn down by life and give up their dreams.

Every dream is personal but the principle is the same. You are an idiot if you let go. You have to have a reason for living. Set yourself a goal and never let go until you die.

There is nothing you can't do. If you can't swim 10 lengths without a rest, train for a few months and you will be able to swim 50 lengths.

Danny's comments about swimming reminded me about how little is taught at school about how training can improve your abilities.

At my school in the Isle of Man, there was an annual half mile swim in the sea. I knew I would drown if I attempted this but no one ever suggested that I start training hard so that I would be capable of completing the swim.

I was just classified as someone who could not do the swim. It did not occur to me that through determined training I would be able to do what I could not previously do.

When Danny was young he was a skinny weakling. But one day he decided that this was not a good thing. He filled out and did some weight training and set up his own fitness, strength and flexibility routine.

He performs this every other day. This avoids the boredom of a daily routine. He does 200 situps, 30-50 leg raises and three or four sets of 20-30 bench presses.

He also does 2 sets of 20 or 30 squats with dumbells to develop leg power. The dumbbells avoid the danger of overbalancing with a barbell across your shoulders. There is also little likelihood that you will drop the dumbbells on children or family pets! Dumbells allow for greater control than barbells.

Danny's advice for success is to do something. If in doubt, read a book. The worst thing you can do is sit on your backside watching TV. If you do, nothing will ever happen. He notes the hypnotic effect of TV on the spectators. Danny seldom ever watches TV.

Danny also is impressed by Arnold Schwarzenegger who has just been elected Governor of California. If Arnold wants something, he does what is necessary to get that thing. If he had to eat 50 mars bars, he would eat them. If he had to stand stark naked on his head in a field for half an hour he would.

This is an example to us all. If you have to put stamps on thousands of envelopes to send out your direct mail sales letters, you just have to do it.

The basic principle is that you have to do what is required. Some things require certain actions to achieve them and you have to do them whether you like doing them or not.

It is no good saying I want to be Governor of California but I don't want to do any public speaking or travel on the campaign trail or be friendly to thousands of people you don't like. You have to pick up babies and smile at people you may not like.

If you want to be rich you have to do those things which will make you rich. It's no good saying "I don't really want to do it." Danny gives himself a virtual smack round the head every time he is tempted to give up on his projects.

Some people think they will make money by taking short cuts like suing people or fraud. The world would be a much better place if people just got on with doing what they had to do.

Many successful people stress the importance of action in achieving success.

Michael Masterson of the Ezine "Early to Rise" writes:"Action is the key to success, and failure to act is the reason most people will never achieve the kind of success they dream about."

Another approach to achieving success is to stay cool about it. Just get on with doing what you think is important and what you love to do.

"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally." Sir David Frost

Elvis Presley gave his cousin Donna some advice to help her achieve her goals for the future. It seems good advice to me:

Donna's best memory of Elvis was when she was 18 and she spoke to him one on one. He asked her about her plans for the future and told her she could achieve anything she wanted "so long as you have faith in God;have faith in yourself; work hard and never let anyone tell you, you can't do something".

Elvis himself had plenty of discouragement which he successfully ignored. The later part of his life was not too successful but as Donna commented, we should focus on what he did achieve which was amazing.

Peter Vidmar explains how he achieved success at the Olympic Games:

"There's only two things I had to do to win the Olympic gold: Train when I wanted to, and train when I didn't."

This is possibly my favourite quote of all time. It sums up the essence of success and the will power and discipline necessary to achieve it. Sometimes training will be easy but sometimes it will take effort because one really does not feel like training. This is simple and beautifully easy to understand.

Another quote I like is concerned with the kind of success which depends on people liking your work or product. Don't worry about whether they will like your work. Just do your best and leave the liking or disliking up to them.

"Success has a simple formula: 'Do your best and people may like it'". Sam Ewing

Any success involves some kind of cost; usually some boring work is involved as suggested in the following quote. The word 'drudgery' sums this kind of work up exactly. Almost any kind of business involves marketing and marketing is the last thing many businessmen enjoy doing.

"Success is the child of drudgery and perseverance. It cannot be coaxed or bribed; pay the price and it is yours".

Orison Swett Marden, 1850-1924.

Mike Litman comes up with golden statements frequently. Here is just one of them:

"The biggest secret of success in life is: You don't have to get it right; you just have to get it going. Perfectionism can kill success. We never get going because we are always waiting to get everything just right. Instead, let's get going."

One success breeds another. Bobby Robson, now over 70, is one of Britain's most successful managers. He should know what creates success. He recently commented about his team's performances:

"Success breeds success"

This makes sense. Write one successful book and you will have the confidence to write another. A lady over 70 wrote a book about overcoming the pain of arthritis. It was a huge success to her total amazement and made hundreds of thousands of dollars. Not surprisingly she has now written two more books.

Success is a key goal for most people but it helps to have a clear idea of what success means to you. I hope this article will have shed some light on possible definitions of success and provided some ideas about how you can achieve your kind of success.

John Watson is an info publisher on the internet and a martial arts school owner. He taught Religious Studies and Life Skills to teenagers in London schools for about 33 years before retiring in 2000 A.D. His own e-books and those of the English multimillionaire, Stuart Goldsmith, can be found on his site at http://www.motivationtoday.com

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?What-is-Success-and-How-Do-We-Achieve-It?&id=6456&opt=print

Think SUCCEEDED: HOW TO SURVIVE IN TOUGH TIMES

2010-12-18T10:48:00.000+05:00

Think SUCCEEDED: HOW TO SURVIVE IN TOUGH TIMES