The Secret of Waking Up Early

 

10 Minutes to Start Your Day Right!

 

When Things Go Wrong In Life, Don't Follow Your Problems

 Don't Go With The Problem

Many people are experiencing difficulties in their lives than ever before, given the Coronavirus pandemic and economic uncertainty surrounding it. Problems are inevitable and hoping they go away is only wishful thinking. Challenges are sewn into the fabric of life and there are two ways to view them. We can see them as serving no point in our life, or conversely, that they contain the seeds of opportunities for our personal growth. How about you? What do you believe is the reason for problems in your life? What is your mindset when things go wrong? Do you stay stuck in your difficulties or do you try to find a solution?

I admit, when problems arise in my life, my initial reaction was one of anxiety and worry. I felt I had little control over the situation and found it difficult to deal with. However, I've come to distance myself from the drama nowadays, instead of overreacting. By distancing ourselves from a situation, we create a space between the problem, so we don't ruminate on it. We must also allow the passage of time to reveal more information about what we're experiencing. When I encounter a major problem, it seems that weeks and months later, it has evolved to something completely differently. I had this conversation with a coaching client recently, who experienced the same negative emotions. I invited her to mentally distance herself from the drama, otherwise she was likely to stay stuck in her negative emotions without finding a solution.

Are you happy with the idea that we needn't bring negative emotions to the table each time life doesn't go according to plan? Sometimes, what appears as a problem can be a stroke of luck, if we withhold our beliefs about it. Our problems are similar to horses tethered to a chariot. Given the opportunity, they will run wild and we're unable to keep them from taking off. Things will always go wrong in life and our task is to overcome it as best we can. The key message here is that when things go wrong, don't go with your problems; focus on the solution. We must become solution orientated instead of allowing problems to pull us into a pit of despair.

Problems Are Nourishment For Your Soul

When difficulties emerge, we are inclined to believe life is unfair. I've met many resilient leaders over the years who don't allow their problems to overwhelm them but seek to understand the lessons contained within them. These people have experienced many challenges throughout their life without getting caught up in the drama. You've heard it said that problems are opportunities for growth, but that means minor comfort when we face challenges bigger than us.

For example, think of a recent challenge you overcame? What lessons did you learn from it? What actions did you take to deal with the problem? If we believe difficulties are bigger than us, we remain helpless and stuck, instead of trying to overcome it. I assure you; the most trying experiences contain a solution and sometimes it requires digging deep within ourselves to find it. We may encounter frustration, anger and disappointment, but don't despair when you experience these emotions. It's means you are toiling away in the trenches to find a way out.

What I'm suggesting is; the more problems you face, the better you become at dealing with them. The bigger the problem, the greater your level of growth. Our personal growth is associated with our self-esteem and character, which are indicative of living intentionally and purposefully. We cannot avoid problems because there is always one waiting on the next corner. The problems that frustrate me most are ones that emerge when I least expect it. But I've learned that the universe will test my resolve to see whether I am growing to deal with the challenges.

So, going back to the problem you experienced recently, what is the lesson you're invited to learn from it? What qualities is the universe trying to develop within you? When we resist an experience, we resist the growth associated with it. It is like receiving a present on your birthday, but refusing to open it. You've no doubt experienced enough birthdays to know that a present is a gift to cherish. And so of our problems. The universe rarely gives us an experience packaged beautifully, with a bow on it. They are clothed in pain, disappointment and difficulties. So, when things go wrong, don't follow your problems and create greater worries for yourself. Instead, see the lessons as a gift and your problems will become nourishment for your soul.

Do you want to lead a remarkable life? Are you committed to taking action despite your fears and doubts? If so, download your FREE copy of my eBook NAVIGATE LIFE right now, and start your amazing journey of greatness today!

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tony_Fahkry/837610

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The Five Levels of Deep Habit And Behavior Change

 We develop patterns, which we call habits.

They're like being bundled up in warm blankets with soft pillows on a cold morning; comforting, supportive, relaxing. Who would want to willingly change that? Continuing the metaphor, it can feel like moving to a sleeping bed on a hard floor, no air mattress, and the heater isn't working.

Since we are in a period of paradigm-shifting, life-altering, stress-inducing, overwhelming change, I thought it might be helpful to understand why it's so difficult to get new habits to stick.

Firstly, remind thyself that all change is spawned of fear, force, or pain.

No one wakes up thinking, "I love my life! Let me see how I can change it." We change because we see no alternative and because the "old system" wasn't cutting it anymore. Maybe times are different. Maybe we're different. But something must adjust, and sadly it's us. Being inspired to change by "negative" feelings also automatically puts us at a disadvantage as we're not thinking clearly to begin with.

To that end, know that there are actually five levels we must tweak, each deeper than the one prior if we're going to make our sleeping bag become a cushy, fluffy bed.

The simplest, easiest adjustment is Environment; defined as that which "I see."

Let's say you've decided to be socially responsible and be concerned with the greater good by wearing a facemask. However, each time you leave the house, you forget your mask. An example of Environment change could be relocating your mask to a hook by the front door. Now, it will prompt you to wear it. Simple. Easy.

But it might not stay with you if you don't change the next level: Behaviors, that which "I do." If I don't modify those, my Environment reverts to unsupportive.

Continuing with our illustration, upon returning home, you remove your mask and put it in the washing machine. That makes sense, but that behavior means that when you leave, Environment is no longer provoking you to wear a mask. Consequently, a Behavior change must take place, such as obtaining a few masks and placing them all at the front door, plus remembering to hang cleaned masks there when you finish the laundry. This alleviates the difficulty of "forgetting" to wear one.

"But, I can't keep remembering to put masks all around my house," you might reply. Welcome to level three: Capabilities, that which you "can" or "cannot" do.

Your perceived - and that's the operative word - Capabilities determine which Behaviors will stick or fade.

If your internal dialog is, "I don't have time to do this," or "I have too much else to do," you'll give up new Behaviors, putting you back to square one.

Capabilities are born of Beliefs, level four. Beliefs, despite appearing as facts to us, are really not.

They are feelings. They are not true for all but are to us. Continuing in our mask saga, if my Belief is that "masks are unnecessary and a pain in the behind" (um, poor choice of body parts for masks but you get my drift... ), then you will consider it unimportant and pointless to amend your Capabilities to reinforce that you can indeed managing a couple masks. Resultingly, new Behaviors fade, Environment becomes unsupportive, old habits returns. If my Belief changes to "I feel it's important to wear a mask, no matter how awkward," Capabilities shift, producing a positive domino effect.

With only a few hundred words, I can't really delve deep into the concept of Beliefs, as there are so many extenuating conditions that affect them. \

However, the Universal Truth they have in common is that they are the outgrowth of the deepest level, Identity, those words following "I am... "

We possess multiple Identities in which we adorn ourselves, depending on conditions. For example, my Identity of "Romantic" is certainly welcome and appropriate when it's my wife, yet would be out of line with my co-worker. Identities, like outfits, adjust to the settings in which we find ourselves. Rounding out the now over worn mask tale, if my Identity is "I am too busy to deal with this," my Belief might be "this is ridiculous;" yet again collapse the dominos. Should I alter my Identity to "I am socially responsible and concerned about spreading the virus," then Beliefs correct to "I feel it's important to figure out a way to do this." My Capabilities will now line up that empowerment. Behaviors adapt. Environment adjusts. New habit locks in.

Whether talking about pandemics, weight loss, productivity, or personal relationships, the pattern remains the same.

Scott "Q" Marcus is a motivational weight loss expert who specializes on helping baby boomers live happier, healthier lives. He is a professional speaker, Syndicated Columnist, and the CRP (Chief Recovering Perfectionist) of ThisTimeIMeanIt.com, a site for people who are tired of making promises to themselves but are willing to do what it takes to actually makes changes. He conducts on-line workshops on change each month at http://www.ThisTimeIMeanIt.com/intentions

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Scott_Marcus/214017

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Questioning Yourself To Successful Habit Changes

 Being a professional in the goal-setting field, I find it fascinating to witness some of the machinations we will go through to achieve our objectives.

There are countless apps designed to help one achieve goals, ranging from diet and exercise, to being more organized, to simply uplifting one's mood. For those less inclined to make change via an app, I've heard of some who journal, use to-do lists, or even pray and meditate on the desired outcomes. Of course, hiring a coach helps too. (Hint, hint... )

I am not judging any technique. If you're dedicated to your goals and willing to do the work, however you choose it, more power to you - especially in this ever-stressful world in which we find ourselves. That said, if you personally felt stuck and would like to make some changes; whether health-related, financial, or emotional, this four-question process is ridiculously easy to use and amazingly effective.

Question #1: Suppose I was successful; how would I know?

It seems silly to start here, but the reality is oft-times we fall short of our objectives because we've never defined the outcome clearly. We say "I want to feel better," or "I want to get more fit." Whereby those are lofty intentions, they're not concrete enough to drive us to an endpoint. Sure, they might get us started, but we'll often stall because we don't know when we've arrived and the journey feels daunting and without end.

It's more effective to state a goal such as "I will walk 30 minutes three times a week;" or "I will take time each day to write down five things for which I'm grateful.'

Being able to identify a clear change in behavior is essential to achieving goals.

Question #2: What has to happen for that objective to occur?

Obviously, if we were doing what we needed to do, we'd already be where we want to be. Since we're not yet "there," something must adjust. To that end, we have basically four options: start a new behavior; stop an existing behavior; do more of an already-existing behavior; or do less of an existing behavior.

Behavioral changes therefore might be, "put a 30-minute activity appointment in my calendar on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday;" or "reserve 10 minutes each morning to record those things for which I'm grateful."

The trick here is not to line out an entire series of changes, but to define one simple, effective adjustment you can make to move forward.

Question #3: Can I do that?

If you are not in complete control of what the behavioral change, success is left up to fate.

For example, if - in Question #2 - you stated, "Find a walking partner;" that leaves you stagnant until your find someone who shares your goal. Even if you do find a walking partner, what happens if she gets sick or decides she doesn't want to continue your joint-regimen? You're back to square one.

It doesn't mean you can't bring others along on your journey, but the path must be structured to move you forward irrespective of whether anyone else helps or hinders you.

By the way, if the answer to Question #3 is not "Yes," that means your goal in Question #1 is wrong for you. Make it smaller or rework it.

Question #4: Will I do that?

This requires brutal honesty with yourself. Sure, technically you can do that, but will you? Answers such as, "As soon as... " or "When the weather changes... " or "I'll try... " are merely fancier ways of saying, "No." There's no judgement in "No," but it highlights a truth; that truth being, "I'm not going to."

Either commit to doing it or go back to Question #1 and start again.

Repeat these four questions until you can get all the way to the end. Most times, you'll have to go through this process several times, each time whittling down your objective, until it all fits. Once that happens, the final bonus question kicks in:

Special Bonus Question: By when?

You've outlined your goal, determined what you have to do, realized it's indeed in your control, and committed to doing it. Next step is to set a deadline. By the way, "ASAP" is not a deadline as everything else will take higher priority.

Without deadlines, there's no urgency. Without urgency, there's very virtually no chance you'll move forward.

Scott "Q" Marcus refers to himself as "recovering perfectionist" because after losing 70 pounds in 1994, he realized it's better to do something well than nothing perfectly. He now conducts playful, lively speeches, workshops, and presentations throughout the country on how to achieve goals, improve attitude, and enhance communication. His presentations are described as a "cross between business 101, group therapy, and a southern revival." You can contact him for speaking, coaching or consulting, or you can sign up for his free ezine, "This Time I Mean It" at http://www.ThisTimeIMeanIt.com

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Scott_Marcus/214017

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How To CONTROL Your Financial Plans?

 After, serving, in, both, management/ supervisory positions, as well as a Registered Representative, for a few investment/ financial services, companies, as well as providing, personal financial planning advice, for decades, it's important to recognize, it's nearly always, at least, largely, up - to - you! How one focuses, and moves forward, in an effort to carefully consider, and CONTROL his personal finances, makes a world of difference, in terms of your ultimate results! Becoming more financially secure, and reducing the associated stresses, and strains, which accompany failure to feel that way, impose a combination of emotional, as well as other challenges and obstacles. With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, discuss, and review, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and why it's a smart way to proceed.

1. Coordinate; create budget: Do you treat your personal finances, as a corporate financial manager, might treat their corporate funds? This means, taking true personal responsibility, instead of lip - service, or, merely, blaming - and - complaining! Wise individuals, consistently, take the time, and make a thorough effort, to create a meaningful budget, which they will honor and respect! Every potential revenue item, as well as each expenditure. etc, should be carefully considered, in an honest, realistic way, focused on the finest path, towards effectively coordinating your life's activities, so money and financial obstacles, don't interfere with enjoying your life!

2. Options; opportunities; open - mind: Remain open - minded, and consider your personal options and alternatives, in order to take advantage of the finest opportunities, and/ or, create your finest opportunity, to achieve your goals, priorities, and objectives!

3. Needs: What are your personal, true needs, and, why do you perceive them, as such? How will you be able to address, the best course of action, to pursue, unless/ until, you fully consider these? It's always, up - to - you!

4. Take charge; time - tested; timely; truthful: Don't lie to yourself, but, rather, be truthful, so you can best plan, accordingly! Take charge of your own destiny, rather than letting, outside forces, control your fate! Your education and commitment/ discipline, should allow your time - tested skills, and understanding, provide you with the self - confidence, to proceed with well - considered, timely action, instead of resorting to the dangers, from procrastination!

5. Relevant; responsive; realistic: Learn from the past, but don't get stuck, in the mud! Pursue, consistently, the most relevant, realistic path, which is responsive to your present, and future financial, and personal needs!

6. Orderly: The finest results come from proceeding, in an orderly, well - considered way! The better you are prepared, the happier, you will be!

7. Listen; learn; lessons; long - term: Commit to effectively listening, and learning from every conversation and experience, and using your lessons, towards the finest, long - term results!

If you hope to live, happily, and feeling, financially security, you must be ready, willing, and able, to CONTROL your personal financial plans! Are you up to the task?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10253996

The 4 Secrets To Build Your Self Discipline - Marisa Peer

 

Use It or Lose Yourself

 Many folks, myself included, had this problem a few months ago.

Now, thanks to the lockdown, it's probably worse.

This isn't something folks talk about much. Sure, it comes up here or there - but, honestly, I see this as a major challenge.

And the source of a lot of our misery.

Since it deserves more attention, here's me doing my bit towards it.

So let's talk about unspent energy.

To see what I mean, imagine you're bursting with energy. It's like you've drank your weight in caffeine except, instead of getting all twitchy, you're able to focus.

You just want to go for a run.

Or maybe write 5000 words.

Instead...

You go to bed and bingewatch something.

When you're tired, there's nothing nicer than slipping between the sheets and letting yourself rest. But when you're bouncing? It's hard to stay still, as if your legs will move even if you don't want them to.

Okay, that sounds unpleasant.

But it's hardly the worst torture in the world.

Until you do it the next day as well.

Then the day after that.

After a while, that twitchiness and restless grows stronger. It starts to feel like the energy is eating you alive.

Then the energy will start coming out in other, unhealthy ways. It'll either disappear, leaving you feeling strangely tired. Or you'll start to act out in strange ways, like lashing out at your loved ones.

Probably both, to be honest.

Now think about other types of energy you can have, besides physical.

You can have the desire to work hard on meaningful projects - but, to pay the bills, you do dull, tedious work that doesn't amount to anything. Apart from enriching your bosses, of course. Someone in this situation can lash out in strange ways. You've seen (and probably even experienced) it for yourself.

It can start out with craving distractions - like junk food, video games or worse.

Then it can start to tear you apart, physically and mentally.

I'm not saying this is the only problem an unfulfilling job causes. And I'm not saying spending an hour a day on some other, meaningful project will fix everything.

But it can.

Oh, boy, can it.

(Why do you think I started writing?)

Speaking of, creative energy is another thing that needs an outlet. City simulators, Minecraft and whatnot are all so popular because they give folks a way to release pent-up creative frustration. If everyone were writing a book - something they were deeply passionate about - these games would be much less popular.

And, of course, there's the energy around sexuality. I won't go into the ways a person can go wrong when that's not being expressed.

You might have dozens of sources of energy like this.

Some days, you get up to make a difference

Others, because you enjoy spending time with people.

Others still, it's all about the paycheque - which you funnel into worthy causes close to your heart.

The list goes on.

And it's an important list because any of these energies - improperly managed or expressed - can cause all sorts of problems.

Invisibly wearing at the foundations of your psyche, until things start to collapse.

If I were to give you just one mission for this month, it's this:

Figure out ways your energies are being stifled.

Then figure out healthy ways to channel and express them.

And you know what's useful for both those steps?

Focus, mental clarity and action.

All of which are enhanced by the right sort of mental guidance. And right now, at no cost, you can download 8 easy-to-use mind training audios.

The only thing you need to invest is your email address, where you'll receive an article like this every day. You can opt out at any time of course - but only if you sign up here first:

https://guided-thought.com/daily-email/

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/William_T_Batten/2522089

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Don't Put Off Beating Procrastination

 If you want to write something - whether that's a novel, a self-help book or an email autoresponder campaign - there's one thing you have to do.

You have to put pen to paper, so to speak.

Because all the best writing skills and ideas won't get you very far. At some point, you have to create something.

But, for many folk, something inside blocks them.

They procrastinate.

The hypnotists among you will know this isn't always a big deal. Often I've procrastinated on something because my unconscious mind was telling me I wasn't ready yet. In fact, I'm procrastinating on a project like that right now.

Having said that, the hypnotists among you also know sometimes your unconscious mind "protects" you from failure by never letting you try.

I leave it to you to decide whether you're procrastinating for the right reasons or the wrong ones.

If it's the wrong ones, and you want to get down to work, then here's what's worked for me...

But before I get into that, why should you care what works for me?

Because I'm a natural procrastinator, easily distracted by shiny new ideas. It used to be so bad I could never do much I wasn't forced to. It's a lot better now, though that spectre isn't off my back. I still find myself goofing off, even when I have a deadline.

Even so, I've learned to sit down and churn out a lot of great content.

I'm not a naturally productive person, if there even is such a thing. I train my mind to create by facing the causes of procrastination head on:

Clarity
One of the causes of "good" procrastination can be one of the more frustrating:

A lack of clarity.

This is a strange thing. Often our ideas seem so clear to us. When you close your eyes, you can see it. Then, when you go to create it, you realise what you have in mind is just a phantom. What you had in mind was closer to a felt sense than a blueprint.

If you're procrastinating, this might be why. Your unconscious doesn't have a firm grasp of what you need to do yet, so it doesn't motivate you into taking action.

Even if it wanted to, it couldn't.

Solution: map out what you want to create. Explain it aloud to someone or at least yourself. You'll quickly notice any areas that need fleshing out.

Priority
Let's say you're now clear on what you need to do.

When you have a lot to do, it can be hard to know where to start.

You start thinking about designing your website... but maybe you should write the sales letter first so you know what it'll look like... hang on, have you done enough market research yet?

After clarity comes priority - you know what the end result will look like, but that doesn't mean you know how to get there.

When you have a hundred tasks that all need doing, where do you start? You could pick on at random... only to have your mind constantly interrupt.

"What about X?"

"Don't forget to do Y before you publish!"

With a head that noisy, no wonder you don't get much done.

Solution: you don't want to ignore these interruptions - they tell you vital things. Write them down. Make a note of what needs doing before what, and what has a deadline. Sort your tasks by priority and work your way through them.

Overwhelm
You're clear on what needs doing and when. But when you look at your list of tasks, you get this sinking feeling inside you.

It's common to procrastinate when there's just so much to do.

You might find the big picture overwhelming, thinking ahead to all that you need to accomplish.

Or you might look at today's list of tasks and think there's no way to get through them all.

If failure is inevitable, why fight it?

I won't indulge a broken premise. You haven't failed until you've quit.

Maybe your list of tasks needs tweaking. Or maybe you really do have to get through all this. Either way, you'll be surprised what you can accomplish once you get typing.

Solution: the best approach I've ever come across is the Pomodoro technique. Set a timer and work without distractions for 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, take a quick break. Stretch your legs, have a cup of tea. Then get back into it.

That's not all there is to teach you about your victory over procrastination. There are other causes of it, so there are other techniques for resolving it.

And there's more to learning to write like a demon than even all that.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10276210

Two Things You Must Know to Create Wealth | Bob Proctor

 

Thoughts Are Machines

 Mankind has invested in machines for many centuries. From the first labor-saving device to what has become artificial intelligence. The world is run by machines and we have given our power away to them. Proof of this statement is evident in the dependency of which we have on our computers and cell phones. Tied to these realities it is difficult to conceive of a world without them, particularly for the younger generations and the children who were born into this world with no recollection or experience of a life without cell phones.

All of these technological advancements, when stripped down to what it truly is, becomes a life-enhancement device. A vehicle for adding to one's life. Joined with other technologies, it creates a social environment of devices that are orchestrated by mankind. Men and women use these to project themselves onto the world stage. Albeit hiding behind these altered personalities. Who lives behind these realities?

Where I am going with this is the idea that this is the same manifestation that has been created by mankind in the beginning. Interesting idea, you ask? Consider the concept of thought and what that is as well as the role it has played in the overall evolution of the human race. We have recorded our thoughts in our minds and have transmitted them to each other through the vehicle of communication. Language passed from person to person froms a continuity of a dialogue that begun in ones own head as thoughts. Saved in the form of written books, the thoughts live for as long as the book does, often superseding the person who originated it. As time goes on, perhaps a face remains and a guess as to who the person was. His or her thoughts remain though.

Like a computer program these thoughts can travel the world, reaching all of its inhabitants. Well, not quite all. These are ones whom I want to focus on, for they are certainly in the minority. People who have not been caught up in the western world of the last fifty years at least are at an advantage if they choose to explore the potentiality. These individuals coming into the western world can make the juxtaposition of thoughts and the information age.

People are able to think faster than a computer does, but the tools of which he or she was taught to express the thinking is limited to its creator. Each word has an association and each association brings with it an image that creates a deeper association depending upon the person's history be it cultural, educational, religious, etc. These boxes, are connected and could be viewed as personal websites. Communication between two people could be seen as websites interacting with each other. As they do information is passed back and forth. Sometimes one challenges it and then it branches out into another website. All of it creating a complex dialogue of interconnected websites.

On the surface it may appear that thoughts and their expressions are unlimited but in truth, like the borders of a website, they are not. The parameters are there and if not seen for what they are then thoughts will forever be a machine that runs in your mind and entangles with your emotions and causes a third entity which given the tumultuous tendencies of emotions and mental entanglements either within oneself or with another person will cause disharmonies or disease within the body. The body is the resting place for thoughts. Consider that for a moment, and then thank your body, or apologize to it.

Machines play out programs, as I've said before. Thoughts play out programs too. What stops a machine? Who has the power to stop thoughts? There was something smarter that created the machine or the computer. There is something wiser that allows the thoughts to run amok in the mind.

By seeing thoughts as machines, you are afforded the opportunity to see them from the limited perspective that they truly have. People get lost in their thoughts because they do not understand their history nor their origin. By relabeling your thoughts into something other than what they are conventionally thought as allows for new light to be shone upon them.

At that moment you can ask yourself, do I want to set my cell phone aside and spend time with what is most important to me, or do I want to continue scanning through the social media page that I have been on for the past half hour? Are your thoughts any different? This is your choice; it is your limited time here. Choose how you spend it wisely. Be the master of your mind, not its slave.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Joseph_Machney/1929986

5 Tips To Achieve Financial Freedom - John Assaraf

 

How to Develop Conscious Habits

As you go about the project of reinventing your life, one key factor is to develop new habits and shed the old ones that no longer serve you. It is difficult to let go of an old habit unless you replace it with a new habit. Get your emotions involved in creating a new habit and you will have a much stronger chance of making that habit fully ingrained in your life.

The most important thing in developing a new habit is to be conscious about it. Realize that what you are doing is programming your brain as if you are programming a computer. Repetition is what creates a habit. However, repetition can feel mundane and ineffective.

Practice mindfulness as you develop a new habit and understand that it takes your body and mind time to take on this new programing. So, start out slow and in bite sized increments. Be focused on enjoying the new experience. Even when the experience starts feeling repetitive, take the time to connect with the vision of what you intend. As with most things, begin the pursuit of the particular habit with the end in mind.

You have heard that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. You have also heard that it may actually take 28 days. In 1960, a plastic surgeon, Dr. Maxwell Maltz noticed that amputees took an average of 21 days to adjust to the loss of a limb and he proposed that it takes people an average of 21 days to adjust to any new change.

However, new research recently published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, details the findings of a study done with 96 people who were interested in forming a new habit each day such as eating a piece of fruit with lunch or doing a 15 minute run each day. Each participant was asked to rate how automatic the activity felt each day and that ranged from “hard not to do” and “done without thinking.”  On average, the participants reached a plateau where the habit was automatic after 66 days.

Therefore, when you are creating a new habit, stick with it, every day if possible, for at least two months or more.  Start developing meaningful and mindful rituals that signal certain emotions to your brain. For instance, meditating daily for as little as 15 minutes is proven to have significant impact on your level of stress and coping capacity.

Also, be sure to include in your habits play and fun, creative expression and new experiences. We are a product of our thoughts beliefs and emotions. It is important to bring all these three factors into your quest to develop new habits and make the necessary changes.

If you take a habit and stay on it for at least two months on a daily basis, at the end of the year you would have acquired six new habits. Here are habits that are life enhancing and will support you in the long term:

~Daily movement or exercise.
~Drinking adequate amounts of water daily.
~Eating at least one piece of fruit every day.
~Daily journaling.
~Eliminating the white stuff from your nourishment.
~Eating fresh veggies every day.
~Listening to soothing music every day.
~Meditating every day.
~Daily laughter and playtime.
~Reading and absorbing affirmations.
~Enjoying your hobby each and every day.
~Being more positive in your thinking.

I encourage you to only work on one habit at a time for at least thirty days before you add another habit. This way, you get used to the habit. However, remember, stick with each habit for at least sixty days for maximum effect.

http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/self-help/how-to-develop-conscious-habits.html

Tony Robbins: What You Say to Yourself Matters

How to Reprogram Your Mind Using Affirmations

Positive affirmations can be incredibly powerful. They can help us overcome difficulties. They can reduce stress. They can even make you money.

However, it's not always easy to make them part of your routine. In fact, it's pretty hard work to bring a positive affirmation into your life and use it effectively.

There are some 'cheats' that will help to make the task a lot easier.

1. Write the affirmations down. This is quite possibly one of the most useful tips I've ever seen. Plenty of self-help leaders are huge advocates of writing stuff down. But the impact of doing this, along with a ritual that gets you to do it every day, makes for an explosive combination. Write your affirmations down every day, and you'll soon see incredible results.
2. Repeat them at least three times a day. This will keep feeding your mind with positivity and strength.
3. Always carry out your affirmations somewhere quiet, where you won't be disturbed. It allows your mind to more receptive and your affirmation to be more effective.
4. You can't fake belief, but you certainly can use your body to help you believe. If you are able to, try and state your affirmations with absolute conviction.

Why you are doing this?

If you've ever 'tried' affirmations before, you'll know how challenging it is to continue after three days. By that third day, you're starting to get tired and you may even forget to use an affirmation.

Then you realise, you aren't clear on the purpose of affirmations. Saying these phrases and sentences is absolutely meaningless and futile if you don't understand the logic behind affirmations.

Essentially, you are feeding your mind with scenarios that will please you if they become part of your life. And just like a computer hard drive clogged up with files, you've got to start filling your mind with positive stuff.

The more you do this the better. And it takes time, but you will find it becomes easier the more time you invest in it.

Using a goal-tracker app, or even just a pen and a pad, will allow you to monitor your use of affirmations. After a week, you'll go back over your log and see how far you've come.

It's okay to cheat

If you find shortcuts and tricks like those outlined in this article, you should use them.

Using them brings you a feeling of control. You feel you have the ability to change your life.

And that's worth the effort.

If you want even more great content to read, check out my Medium profile on;

https://medium.com/ @sahailashraf

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sahail_Ashraf/5465

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9933517

Tony Robbins Tips On Changing The Way You Feel

Are Your Daily Habits Killing Your Chances Of Success? | John Assaraf

Jim Rohn - FOCUS ON ONE THING

How To Have Better Control Over Habits

When we seriously start thinking about doing MBA from one of India’s top B-schools, we realize that we do not possess the skill sets required for corporate life. For example, handling procrastination, thinking less emotionally, managing relationships etc.  Therefore we realise the need to change.

In the initial stages, we are enthusiastic about the change and go for it with “vim, vigour and vitality.” Over time, this enthusiasm fizzles out and we revert to our comfort zone, and then rationalize our inaction.

What is this comfort zone?

As we develop a habit, neuron paths are created in our brain, as the habit moves from the conscious into our subconscious.  This becomes a convenient path and familiar path, a path of least resistance. The more we use it, the smoother it becomes. The psychological reasons for using this path also become ingrained.

When we change the habit, we are trying to create a new path, through a jungle. we need to cut down trees (overcome resistance from self and others) we need to smooth the path (try the new method enough numbers of times) and become familiar with it.

This is tough, and in most cases we give up, as the other, familiar path is there.

Even if we create a new path, we now have choices. The new, untested one, and the old tested one. We take the old one.

How do we handle this?

1. Before making even the first path, decide if it is the right path. My friends in the IAS say that agreeing to the politicians the first time is tough, but it gets easier. The first time you pay the bribe, you feel bad, and then it becomes easier. A path is created.
2. Create the new path only after you understand the benefits, so that you are motivated to take the new path. Walk on it enough number of times.
3. Close the old path, so that even if you want to go on this path, you are unable to do so.

Take addiction as an example.

1. Decide not to smoke.
2. If you do start and it becomes a habit, then, since smoking is also an emotional desire, you need to find an alternate emotion, that is more powerful than the current emotion.
3. Make sure that your friends and family are supportive and stop you from smoking, reward yourself for not smoking for a certain number of days, etc. Work in a smoke free zone.

Sometimes, teachers are trying to create new habits in you. To create the new path, they force you to do things which you do not like because they force you to get out of your comfort zone. Sometimes you ask the purpose of the change – which is a right approach – and sometimes you try to avoid doing what they recommend.

Either you know more than the teachers, or you need to trust them to do the right thing on your behalf.

The choice is yours.

Article source: http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/self-help/how-to-have-better-control-over-habits.html

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