“We have one precious life: do something extraordinary today, even if it’s tiny. A pebble starts the avalanche.” ~K.A. Laity
Do you have a vision of a life you want to lead?
Doing work that you enjoy, being happy, healthy, and having great relationships?
You probably have your own idea of what an extraordinary life means. But how often do you feel that you are living that life?
Life is bound within the confines of our schedules, our money, and our limited resources.
There are many things that you want to do, or want to be, but most of the time you tend to go with the flow, putting things off for later. Either because you are too busy, or because you feel that you lack the means to do so.
What if that’s not true?
What if you are mistaken about the limitations you think you face? What if you can do much more—starting today?
What if, by just asking yourself a few questions every day, you could become happier, healthier, and much more successful?
For me, an extraordinary life is not about being in a permanent vacation in Vegas or having millions in the bank. My vision is not of any particular destination, but a journey. It’s a life where I am content with what I have yet strive for more. A balance of the present and the future.
Last year was one of the best years of my life. And I could make it so because I was able to look past what I had assumed to be major limitations that were holding me back.
Filled with breathtaking natural beauty, fascinating legends, rich history, incredible medieval architecture, wonderful people, and divine food, Scotland is one of the most enchanting places on Earth.
I had glimpses of it all my life through travel shows, books, and movies –Braveheart, The Water Horse, the legend of the Loch Ness monster, R.L. Stevenson’s stories, and more.
For me, this was not just about a vacation. This was connected to the very core of my identity—to my sense of freedom and adventure; to my love for art, beauty, and a desire to live a life of meaning.
The trouble was that I was running a startup business and I was always either too busy or had too little money to spend on personal matters.
My wife and I had this grand vision of a luxury trip to Scotland, when we would have enough time and money. We really didn’t want to go on a regular trip because we wanted it to be ‘extraordinary.’
One day all that changed. But not in the way I had expected.
Did I do my best to (be or do something) today?
The question might seem simple, but it has a very powerful impact. It will make you examine your life and your perceived limitations. It will prompt you to take personal responsibility for your life.
I became intrigued and began to ask myself one particular question that he recommended:
Did I do my best to be happy today?’
Asking this question made me more cognizant of taking responsibility for my own happiness. Initially, it prompted me to practice gratitude every day. But then came a big revelation.
And then, I thought, why not? Why am I putting off something that means so much to me?
My wife and I were planning a trip for the next year, but many ‘next years’ had elapsed without us taking action.
Over the next few days, we did some serious research and realized that it wouldn’t really be as expensive as we had thought. Besides, there are ways to save, like staying in AirBnB instead of a hotel.
Soon after, we were standing in the medieval city of Edinburgh!
Nothing can prepare you for the magic when you actually land in that mesmerizing city. Traveling through the Highlands, visiting castles, and taking a boat ride on the legendary Loch Ness was far beautiful than I had ever expected.
And it all began by asking a simple question every day. Honestly, if I hadn’t asked that daily question, we would have put off our trip again for ‘next year.’
I will share four more daily questions that you can ask yourself about different areas of your life. Each of these questions has the power to transform your life. But first…
Ready? Let’s begin.
Here are four more daily questions for living an extraordinary life.
Most of us are, or have been. Few of us feel completely fulfilled at work.
However, what’s also true is that few of us consider themselves to be responsible for their happiness at work.
Ask yourself, “Did I do my best to enjoy my work today?”
Asking this will prompt you to make a sincere effort to enjoy your work.
The moment you take this responsibility, it will become easier for you to connect with people, resolve conflicts, take more initiative, and lend a helping hand to a colleague.
Over time, taking personal responsibility will drive better results, reduce your stress, and bring you more recognition and success.
Ask, “Did I do my best to stay healthy?”
This question will provide you with the energy to persevere.
Eating better, going for a run every day, or even changing simple habits like taking the stairs instead of the lift takes time and effort to build.
It is important to do your health habit a little every day till it becomes second nature.
By asking this daily question you will remind yourself to take the small steps toward everyday health—eat a fruit, skip the rope, or sit down to meditate for a few minutes
It will also give you the assurance that you can succeed despite your lack of time or inconsistency in the past.
You realize that all you need is some extra effort and perseverance. Let the question be your inspiration every day.
Conflicts are one of the biggest sources of stress. How much easier would your life be if you had a way to resolve conflicts quickly, or even better, prevent them from occurring in the first place?
Ask, “Did I do my best to understand people?”
Most conflicts happen because people fail to understand each other. Because we fail to see the other person’s viewpoint, or appreciate their interests. Before you can truly make the other person understand you, you must understand him or her. Why not take the first step yourself?
There have been times when I have felt the same. It’s not unusual to question the direction your life is taking.
But have you considered that you don’t really have to discover a special purpose in life?
What if you can design your purpose every single day? What if your life has multiple purposes, the same way we have multiple roles in life—a spouse, a parent, a friend, an employee, a citizen, a human being.
What if you just strived to be a person who attempts to do the best in one or more of these roles – everyday?
Ask yourself, “Did I do my best to find meaning in my life today?”
Out of all the above questions, this is probably the most powerful of all. Take the responsibility of finding meaning in your life every day. I believe that meaning already exists; we just don’t recognize it. Well, now you can—every day.
All of us will not find equal success in relationships, work, finances, or health. However, we can choose to do the best with the limited means that we have. We can choose to make a sincere effort to live life to the fullest every single day.
These are just a few daily questions that can take you in the direction of creating an extraordinary life.
What areas of your life do you want to focus on? What daily questions will you ask yourself?
Source
Do you have a vision of a life you want to lead?
Doing work that you enjoy, being happy, healthy, and having great relationships?
You probably have your own idea of what an extraordinary life means. But how often do you feel that you are living that life?
Life is bound within the confines of our schedules, our money, and our limited resources.
There are many things that you want to do, or want to be, but most of the time you tend to go with the flow, putting things off for later. Either because you are too busy, or because you feel that you lack the means to do so.
What if that’s not true?
What if you are mistaken about the limitations you think you face? What if you can do much more—starting today?
What if, by just asking yourself a few questions every day, you could become happier, healthier, and much more successful?
For me, an extraordinary life is not about being in a permanent vacation in Vegas or having millions in the bank. My vision is not of any particular destination, but a journey. It’s a life where I am content with what I have yet strive for more. A balance of the present and the future.
Last year was one of the best years of my life. And I could make it so because I was able to look past what I had assumed to be major limitations that were holding me back.
A Dream on the Backburner
Since I was ten years old, I wanted to visit Scotland.Filled with breathtaking natural beauty, fascinating legends, rich history, incredible medieval architecture, wonderful people, and divine food, Scotland is one of the most enchanting places on Earth.
I had glimpses of it all my life through travel shows, books, and movies –Braveheart, The Water Horse, the legend of the Loch Ness monster, R.L. Stevenson’s stories, and more.
For me, this was not just about a vacation. This was connected to the very core of my identity—to my sense of freedom and adventure; to my love for art, beauty, and a desire to live a life of meaning.
The trouble was that I was running a startup business and I was always either too busy or had too little money to spend on personal matters.
My wife and I had this grand vision of a luxury trip to Scotland, when we would have enough time and money. We really didn’t want to go on a regular trip because we wanted it to be ‘extraordinary.’
One day all that changed. But not in the way I had expected.
A Simple Bit of Wisdom
I came across a bit of simple but powerful wisdom by bestselling author Marshall Goldsmith. He spoke about asking ourselves daily questions about things that really matter to us:Did I do my best to (be or do something) today?
The question might seem simple, but it has a very powerful impact. It will make you examine your life and your perceived limitations. It will prompt you to take personal responsibility for your life.
I became intrigued and began to ask myself one particular question that he recommended:
Did I do my best to be happy today?’
Asking this question made me more cognizant of taking responsibility for my own happiness. Initially, it prompted me to practice gratitude every day. But then came a big revelation.
A Revelation
Over a couple of weeks, I began to think more deeply about my life. I really began to wonder, what would make me more fulfilled right now? And the same answer kept repeating itself: I had to go to Scotland.And then, I thought, why not? Why am I putting off something that means so much to me?
My wife and I were planning a trip for the next year, but many ‘next years’ had elapsed without us taking action.
Over the next few days, we did some serious research and realized that it wouldn’t really be as expensive as we had thought. Besides, there are ways to save, like staying in AirBnB instead of a hotel.
Soon after, we were standing in the medieval city of Edinburgh!
Nothing can prepare you for the magic when you actually land in that mesmerizing city. Traveling through the Highlands, visiting castles, and taking a boat ride on the legendary Loch Ness was far beautiful than I had ever expected.
And it all began by asking a simple question every day. Honestly, if I hadn’t asked that daily question, we would have put off our trip again for ‘next year.’
The Power of the Question
A meaningful question has the power to prompt you to take a close look at your life and your actions. It directs you to take responsibility for your success and happiness. So what other questions can you ask that have the power to change your life?I will share four more daily questions that you can ask yourself about different areas of your life. Each of these questions has the power to transform your life. But first…
A Word of Caution
Don’t expect an earth shattering revelation when you ask any of these questions for the first time. You will only realize the profound power of these questions once you begin asking them for at least a few days. But over time, these questions can truly make your life extraordinary.Ready? Let’s begin.
Here are four more daily questions for living an extraordinary life.
Improving your Career
Are you less than satisfied with your job?Most of us are, or have been. Few of us feel completely fulfilled at work.
However, what’s also true is that few of us consider themselves to be responsible for their happiness at work.
Ask yourself, “Did I do my best to enjoy my work today?”
Asking this will prompt you to make a sincere effort to enjoy your work.
The moment you take this responsibility, it will become easier for you to connect with people, resolve conflicts, take more initiative, and lend a helping hand to a colleague.
Over time, taking personal responsibility will drive better results, reduce your stress, and bring you more recognition and success.
Improving Health and Fitness
Do you tend to ignore your health because you are too busy? Do you make fitness resolutions without ever sticking to them?Ask, “Did I do my best to stay healthy?”
This question will provide you with the energy to persevere.
Eating better, going for a run every day, or even changing simple habits like taking the stairs instead of the lift takes time and effort to build.
It is important to do your health habit a little every day till it becomes second nature.
By asking this daily question you will remind yourself to take the small steps toward everyday health—eat a fruit, skip the rope, or sit down to meditate for a few minutes
It will also give you the assurance that you can succeed despite your lack of time or inconsistency in the past.
You realize that all you need is some extra effort and perseverance. Let the question be your inspiration every day.
Improving Relationships
Do you often find yourself involved in a disagreement or a conflict?Conflicts are one of the biggest sources of stress. How much easier would your life be if you had a way to resolve conflicts quickly, or even better, prevent them from occurring in the first place?
Ask, “Did I do my best to understand people?”
Most conflicts happen because people fail to understand each other. Because we fail to see the other person’s viewpoint, or appreciate their interests. Before you can truly make the other person understand you, you must understand him or her. Why not take the first step yourself?
Designing your Life’s Purpose
Do you ever feel a lack of clear purpose? Or that there is a special purpose to your life, but you don’t know what it is?There have been times when I have felt the same. It’s not unusual to question the direction your life is taking.
But have you considered that you don’t really have to discover a special purpose in life?
What if you can design your purpose every single day? What if your life has multiple purposes, the same way we have multiple roles in life—a spouse, a parent, a friend, an employee, a citizen, a human being.
What if you just strived to be a person who attempts to do the best in one or more of these roles – everyday?
Ask yourself, “Did I do my best to find meaning in my life today?”
Out of all the above questions, this is probably the most powerful of all. Take the responsibility of finding meaning in your life every day. I believe that meaning already exists; we just don’t recognize it. Well, now you can—every day.
It’s All Up to You
I believe that life is a gift. Life itself is extraordinary.All of us will not find equal success in relationships, work, finances, or health. However, we can choose to do the best with the limited means that we have. We can choose to make a sincere effort to live life to the fullest every single day.
These are just a few daily questions that can take you in the direction of creating an extraordinary life.
What areas of your life do you want to focus on? What daily questions will you ask yourself?
Source
Everyone has days when we're not feeling 100%. I get tired, or grumpy, or just irritated with stupid people/things/circumstances. And I get impatient with the things that I really want to change that haven't yet. I wonder if I'm ever going to get out of my office job... which every single day feels more like a prison. I don't feel quite so young, or invincible. Do you ever have days like that, Dear Reader?
It would be easy on those days, to stay in bed, and eat donuts...
I don't recommend it, however. That just feels too much like giving up, and it goes against every fiber in my body. Instead, I have a checklist of sorts, that I run through to guide me out of self-indulgent wallowing, and back to what I think of as "myself."
Let me digress, for just a moment, and tell you what that means to me. I think the way we view ourselves is such an essential part of the way we interact with everyone else. I see myself as a buoyant person, someone who rises to the top in any given situation. I am happy, positive... I'm passionate, and determined, and unstoppable when focused. That's how I see my "true" self.
But on my grumpy, foggy days, I'm not quite so sparkly, and I'm less focused in general. I do well when I know why things are happening. So, my first order of business on off days, is to figure out the reason(s) I might be feeling this way.
- Did I get enough sleep?
- Am I hungry/thirsty?
- Is someone bothering me, and why?
Sometimes, something someone said/did or something I said/did will bother me and I'm not really sure why. Sometimes, it's because I'm not entirely sure if I've offended someone. Sometimes it's because I'm afraid I may have made a fool of myself. Sometimes, I'm irritated because I've perceived some slight or insult. And usually, unless it's pretty blatant, it'll just sit in the back of my head like a little piece of sand that is irritating without being really obvious. But if I think about it for a minute, and I realize what's bothering me, it's much easier to let that embarrassment/irritation go. That's weight I don't need to be carrying around. If it's something I know I need to apologize for, then I do it. Usually, it's a matter of sending a quick text or email, or making a call. An apology goes a long way. And if that's not really necessary, if I just need to forgive myself or forgive someone else for being inconsiderate, or rude, or just plain dumb, then I take a deep breath, and let it go. I imagine a bird flying right out of the top of my head. Give it a try, it's liberating.
Most times, the reason for the fog I'm feeling can be addressed by one or more of those questions. Next, I get to work pulling myself up by my bootstraps. Because why would I want to waste time feeling anything less than amazing? I walk myself through a series of affirmations. I love affirmations. You're the one with constant communication with yourself, that's a powerful tool!
The way you talk to yourself is a central, key part of your attitude and ultimately, your success. Now, if you've never talked to yourself intentionally, it feels a little funny at first. A little practice goes a long way!
Most of us don't even realize how we're talking to ourselves. The things we think about ourselves are a result of habit, and what we've taken from what other's say about us. But the reality is, we each have tremendous power, and it starts with how we're speaking to ourselves. If you're not intentional in what you say to yourself, it's time to take control. Here are some of my favorites.
- I am a beautiful person. I think so many times we (especially women!) can think this and include everything but our physical bodies. Dear Reader, I believe everyone can be beautiful, physically, and spiritually. It all starts with how you feel/think about yourself. Women struggle with this sooooo much. Ladies, you are beautiful... and your men agree with me! Be brave, little piglet... go to the mirror, and find three things that are beautiful. Every morning, I wake up and I'm grateful for a beautiful body that is strong. I'm grateful for beautiful hair, and skin/teeth/nails. And I tell myself all those things are beautiful. Does everyone have to agree with me? Nope. I'm speaking to myself here... and here's the important part, I let myself believe it and feel that it's true. That's where the magic starts to happen.
- I deserve to be happy. In fact, I deserve everything I want in life: love, happiness, success. This one gets after my habit of shame and guilt, and I can tell you, it's been a long road to actually believe that I deserve those things. But I am worthy (that is such a charged word!) of all of those things and so much more. Take a deep breath and tell yourself that one. Feel it in your roots, it feels amazing.
- The universe is full of infinite abundance, and opportunities. There's plenty of room at the top. This one is aimed, in particular, at my competitive side. Here's the thing with competition, it teaches us that there's only room for one at the top. It teaches us that when one person succeeds, it means it's because everyone else did not. But that's a myth, Dear Reader. It's just not true. That's a limiting thought, and I don't have time for limitations. There's plenty of room for my success at the top, and that's where I'm headed.
- Each of those is very personal. Your affirmations should be tailored to your weaknesses, and your goals. Taking that first step of taking control of the messages you're sending yourself is a huge step in the right direction. What do you do that works for pulling yourself out of a funk?
I am going to be pretty straight with you about this one.
I am all about those happy, positive vibes! I repel negativity and personally consider it a sin. Who has time for the sad, lost and the unhappy, when there is a life full of amazing possibilities and exciting opportunities waiting to be lived?!
I am in no way saying that I stay 100% positive all the time. That's not really possible. Life does throw you a wicked one every now and then. At such a point, laughing would be downright stupid. But if there is the slightest bit of hope in such a situation then you must find it, no matter what the cost!
That's the simple philosophy of positivity.
Most people use the terms 'positivity' and 'optimism' synonymously. That's absolutely wrong and you need to know the difference between the approaches. Because how will you stay positive if you don't know, what all goes into the mix?
So let's get the difference sorted first.
Positivity, means accepting that there is every possibility of things not working out or situations going sour; and still choosing to look for a way out of the problem. It is a thought process, a way of thinking.
Optimism, on the other hand is a belief. It is the belief that no matter what happens, things will ultimately work out. It's also refusing to believe or accept that things could go sideways.
Positivity or Positive thinking is a wider concept, which includes concepts like optimism, happiness, cheerfulness, etc. in it. So the aim isn't to be the most optimistic. That you will become eventually, when things go your way. The aim is to be positive. It is to develop a positive attitude towards whatever you do. It is, in a way, forcing your mind to accept that despite whatever the outcome, it is essential that you stay positive throughout.
While it is easy for someone who is inherently positive, to tell others to stay positive. It can be quite a challenge for someone who is used to being negative, to suddenly wake up and say, "Now on, it's positivity all the way!!" It is never that simple. But, it doesn't have to be all that complicated either. Positivity is a habit that can be easily cultivated. It may seem like an effort initially. But soon it will become part of your life.
Thinking positively will become second nature.
So, given below are some of the most commonly used and easy to apply methods for developing a positive attitude towards life in general.
1. Look the part
Yes. If you look good, you feel great! That is what they say and that is what is true. Don't dress in dark or dull colours, looking prepped to attend a 'mourning' session and then expect to feel all energetic and positive. That's not how it works. Wear clothes that are bright and colourful. I don't mean you need to look like a rainbow! But dress in warm colours. Replace all the dark and morose colours and go for something sunshine and lively. Even if the outfit is a plain Jane. The colours can be bright and happy. Make an effort and look like you have positivity on your mind.
2. Understand that 100% isn't what you always need
Some people have this idea, that if it isn't 100% what they thought, then it isn't worth anything. It may not be what you want. But that does not mean it is not worth anything.What you want and what you need are two entirely different concepts.
When life gives you lemons, you have three options. You can either cry, make lemonade or bring out the tequila. And no I am not joking.
So it isn't the picture perfect thing you imagined or even asked for. But buddy, at least it is something. Would you rather have 50% of something or 100% of nothing?
The choice is yours.
But remember, somewhere out there, someone would kill to have what you are willing to throw away. Appreciate what you've been handed and try to see the bigger picture.
3. Every cloud has a silver lining
Suppose you are faced with a situation and you know that in the end, it will not go entirely or maybe even partly the way you want it to. So what should you do in such a situation? Quit?
No, you go through with it. Not because you want to prove a point to the world, but because you will be wiser for it. Everything that happens in life is either a blessing or a lesson. You win some, you lose some. But you always gain some.
Also, when one door closes, that's the exact time another one opens. So if you waste time being down about what you lost, you won't be ready to accept what is about to come your way.
Every cloud has a silver lining. It is simply a question of finding it.
4. Wait to Worry
Life may be short, but trust me there is plenty of time to worry. So don't rush it. Wait a bit longer. Stay happy and positive about a situation, a little longer. Smile some more and make others happy. When the time comes, you will have to worry as it is. Why rush it?
Besides, it is scientifically proven that worrying unnecessarily is a far bigger waste of time, energy and resources, than being positive is. Because when you worry, you're too preoccupied to see all the other possibilities around you. But when you are positive, you notice and take in a lot more.
So wait a while. Worry later.
5. Don't subject yourself to negativity
This one I find absolutely bizarre!
There was a show going on, on television. It started as a debate, but ended up becoming a screaming match.
Just before the show started, my friend and I were having a nice cheerful conversation.While watching the show, I realized it was too much nonsense and turned my attention away from the screen. But next to me, my friend was watching the show with crazy attention. At one point when there was an exchange of swear words, she shut her ears, but didn't stop watching it.
This made me wonder who's crazier? The people on the show or the ones watching the show?!
If someone or something around you is not nice or is killing your vibe, why subject yourself to more of it?
Stop! Just stop putting yourself through it!!
You deserve to watch something motivating, energizing, and fun like a cool cartoon movie. Not a bunch of cartoons screaming!
6. Stop and smell the roses!
Get out of the house, take a walk in the garden, actually go smell some flowers, get the good energy flowing in. Surround yourself with all the positivity that nature has already given you. Inside your house your body and mind are both restricted.
Outside, with nature, everything will seem a million times better and so much more beautiful. So make it a point every single day to go out and spend time with yourself.
7. Surround yourself with positive influences
Keep yourself surrounded by people who believe in staying positive. It will eventually rub off. For a few days you'll feel like you're in a crowd of weirdos (believe me, I am one of them). But slowly, their excitement and enthusiasm will spread to you and you will in turn spread it to others.
Positivity is infectious. It spreads without a sound and you'll never know what hit you!
So let this be a mission. Try your hand at some positivity.
Do you think you have what it takes to be positive, come what may?
Good luck!
Our hectic lifestyles often have us running around in circles wondering what to do next. It's not that we don't have an agenda in place; it's that we often feel scattered or derailed when a wrench is thrown into the plans.
1. Upon rising take a minute or two to stretch. According to the Mayo Clinic, stretching increases muscle flexibility, which improves daily performance and overall movement. It also increases blood flow to your muscles and your brain, while at the same it relaxes you, thus easing tension and stress.
5. Take a moment for gratitude. Acknowledge all the good things you have going for you – your health, your family, your opportunities and everything else going well in your life. When you appreciate what you have, somehow more good things find their way to you. Likewise, studies have shown that maintaining a sense of gratitude can help you sustain a more positive mood and sense of well being throughout the day.
Here are 7 useful practices to kick start your day no matter what happens to threaten your sanity! You can implement some, one, or any combination of them into your daily routine. Either way it's bound to give you a boost!
Here's how to kick start your day:
1. Upon rising take a minute or two to stretch. According to the Mayo Clinic, stretching increases muscle flexibility, which improves daily performance and overall movement. It also increases blood flow to your muscles and your brain, while at the same it relaxes you, thus easing tension and stress.
2. Take a moment for mindfulness reflection. After stretching, slow down your breathing by taking in a few deep breaths and then concentrate on how you feel, what you see, and what you smell. Not only will being mindful sharpen your senses, it will help prepare you for the day ahead by increasing your awareness and ability to focus.
3. Have a little book of inspirational quotes or passages handy. Have some inspirational quotes handy from which you can choose one appropriate for the day ahead. For example:
3. Have a little book of inspirational quotes or passages handy. Have some inspirational quotes handy from which you can choose one appropriate for the day ahead. For example:
"A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds." Francis Bacon
"In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins - not through strength, but through persistence." Buddha
Whose day wouldn't hold promise with a fresh, bold attitude to begin it?
4. Visualize a successful outcome for the day. Go over what you want to accomplish for the day and visualize it turning out well. Of course there are always little glitches to contend with, so see yourself dealing successfully with anything that may threaten to get in the way. Visualizing is a great way to anticipate what lies ahead and alerts you to any possibilities. Indeed, research has shown that both physical and psychological reactions in certain situations can be significantly improved with visualisation. An advantage indeed!
4. Visualize a successful outcome for the day. Go over what you want to accomplish for the day and visualize it turning out well. Of course there are always little glitches to contend with, so see yourself dealing successfully with anything that may threaten to get in the way. Visualizing is a great way to anticipate what lies ahead and alerts you to any possibilities. Indeed, research has shown that both physical and psychological reactions in certain situations can be significantly improved with visualisation. An advantage indeed!
5. Take a moment for gratitude. Acknowledge all the good things you have going for you – your health, your family, your opportunities and everything else going well in your life. When you appreciate what you have, somehow more good things find their way to you. Likewise, studies have shown that maintaining a sense of gratitude can help you sustain a more positive mood and sense of well being throughout the day.
6. Let go of any negative thoughts or grudges you may be harboring. Know that harboring ill feelings or negativity towards someone will only drag you down and prevent you from being at your best. Keeping your head clear will leave room for creativity and all the productive things you want to accomplish for the day.
Letting go and forgiving others is also good for your heart. A study from the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found forgiveness and letting go to be associated with a lower heart rate and blood pressure as well as relieving stress. Having a healthy heart and mind would certainly help anyone’s overall performance on a daily basis.
7. Come up with a personal positive affirmation to motivate you. Invent a slogan, or saying, that pertains to you and will inspi
re you to be at your best. It could be something like, "I endeavor to make a positive difference whenever I can," or, "Challenges help me grow". It has been shown that positive affirmations (realistic ones, of course) serve as a great tool to program your subconscious mind to help you perform well and have a productive mindset.
Letting go and forgiving others is also good for your heart. A study from the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found forgiveness and letting go to be associated with a lower heart rate and blood pressure as well as relieving stress. Having a healthy heart and mind would certainly help anyone’s overall performance on a daily basis.
7. Come up with a personal positive affirmation to motivate you. Invent a slogan, or saying, that pertains to you and will inspi
re you to be at your best. It could be something like, "I endeavor to make a positive difference whenever I can," or, "Challenges help me grow". It has been shown that positive affirmations (realistic ones, of course) serve as a great tool to program your subconscious mind to help you perform well and have a productive mindset.
As many athletes, performers, business people and politicians can attest to, there are many little techniques you can employ to help you rise to an occasion - in this case to positively kick start your day. So why not begin every day with these helpful little practices?
“Never go to sleep without a request to your subconscious.” – Thomas Edison
Your subconscious loves to do work while your body performs other tasks that are easy. I can prove this very easily by asking you how many good ideas you have had while driving or in the shower. When you are relaxed yet slightly distracted, your mind is often at its best.
Using subconscious requests will…
- Improve your motivation.
- Help you become happier.
- Increase your emotional intelligence.
You’ll see improvement in less than a month.
My last request was…
“Please give me more patience when commuting to work and allow me to even enjoy my time in the car.”
Within a month I was enjoying my ride to work.
My latest request is…
“Let’s find creative ways to grow my blog.”
I took this approach because it’s going to take a request to my subconscious and action in my waking life to make this happen. This request is only a few days old, but it’s already working. Instead of just asking people to help vote for my blog on social sites that rate articles such as Stumble Upon and Digg, I’ve change my communication. I now friend someone, give a compliment (only if they are worthy) and tell them that they ever need any help to shoot me a message. They are much more willing to help me out.
Mindset
My mindset is changing by setting my subconscious on a certain issue. I start to see new angles that I’ve never seen before. This subconscious request works for personal issues as well as work related concerns.
The 3 step request only takes five minutes:
Step 1: Before you turn out the light, close your eyes and take one minute to make a request to your subconscious. It can be anything. I would start small and make it open ended. I wouldn’t request to be an astronaut by the end of the month. Your subconscious is good, but not that good.
Step 2: Take two minutes to visualize yourself actually able to do this thing. Whether it is getting the motivation to jog before work or eating a healthy snack, you must visualize yourself doing the request that you asked your subconscious. Let’s say you want to jog before work: imagine yourself getting up a few minutes earlier than usual, putting on your exercise clothes and jogging shoes, and heading out into the crisp air. Then you start jogging, watching the sun rise over the buildings, the birds chirping, and you are feeling good.
Step 3: Take two minutes to imagine the feeling that will occur when you are able to accomplish this new thing. How do you feel when you walk back in your front door after a morning jog? Energized? Whatever feeling you want to achieves imagine that you have already created this emotion inside of yourself. Let it sink in, then go to sleep and let your subconscious do the rest of the work.
Your subconscious mind wants to help you improve your life; you just have to trust its vast resources and allow it to do its thing.
Action Makes Your Request Real
You may not want to go jogging after the first subconscious request, but try to visualize yourself going through the motions the first couple of weeks. Then just start putting on your exercise gear and go for a five minute walk. Taking these baby steps will set you up for your jogging routine. Then after a few weeks just go for it. Now that you have your emotions geared toward jogging it should spur you into action.
By allowing the emotional momentum to build, you can create motivation that will help you accomplish things that make you happier.
Do you have a motivational tip to share? Have you ever tried making a subconscious requests before bed? We would love to hear it. Let’s discuss in the comment section.
Try these and tell us what you think?
