<![CDATA[Encouragement Life Coaching

<![CDATA[Encouragement Life Coaching - Blog]]>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:34:17 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Don't Take Everything So Personally...]]>Fri, 31 Oct 2014 13:07:45 GMThttp://www.encouragementlifecoaching.com/blog/dont-take-everything-so-personally

"Life is like a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use."
— Charles Shultz

Life Is Not About YOU!

When you become aware of the fact that thoughts are indeed a form of energy and those thoughts hold the power to form your world, you will quickly begin paying attention to those thoughts running through your head. Many times, we fall into the world of misunderstanding and personalization.

Worrying about what others think of us is just one of those slippery slopes we all run into. Left unchecked we start to live our lives to please others, while surrendering our own happiness. Obviously, this is not a path for living fully.

The 18/40/60 rule, developed by Dr. Daniel Amen's offers a simple truth: “When you're 18, you worry about what everybody is thinking of you; when you're 40, you don't give a darn what anybody thinks of you; when you're 60, you realize nobody's been thinking about you at all.”

Check in to see how often you are concerned about what other people think.
Pay close attention to what is driving the decisions you make.
Are your choices supporting the life you want to live?

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

originally posted 10/21/13

]]><![CDATA[Add Life By Really Looking!]]>Mon, 27 Oct 2014 14:24:05 GMThttp://www.encouragementlifecoaching.com/blog/add-life-by-really-looking

“May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien

Shining A Light On Your Life Can Be Revealing...

When you make the choice to shine a little light on any subject things will quickly become clear. That is because light helps you to see what is really going on around you, and sometimes within you as well. If you are going to make positive changes in your life you have to be willing to take a better look at what is really going on with your choices, and why you make them.

However, it will take a lot of courage to look through your life and see what is not working. The real trick is to understand how to impartially look at your life without placing judgment. You need to become an independent and indifferent observer. The first thing you will need to do is create a positive attitude before your looking back. Once you are feeling good about yourself and your life, you will find that your “inner critic” is not as ruthless and that positive insights will come more quickly.

Self-understanding is a powerful ally. The fact is that the more you understand about yourself the more prepared you are to draw on your complete and full potential.

Start by picking a single area where you want things to be better.
Second, make a close examination at what is and is not working in your life. Remember to do this without placing judgment on yourself.
Third, take notes. Write down what you see.
Fourth, write down what you are willing to do to change.
Finally, take action today on what you are willing to change and move forward to a new and better life!

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

]]><![CDATA[Surround Yourself With Positive People!]]>Fri, 24 Oct 2014 13:31:44 GMThttp://www.encouragementlifecoaching.com/blog/surround-yourself-with-positive-people

“Don't walk behind me;
I may not lead.
Don't walk in front of me;
I may not follow.
Just walk beside me
and be my friend.”
― Albert Camus

Create A Circle of Support...

It is more than likely that you have experienced how other people influence the way you feel. When you are around positive people, people who believe in you and encourage you, your life feels unrestrained and filled with possibilities. Likewise, when you are around people who are negative and fill you with uncertainty life feels restrictive and difficult.

These feelings are evidence that the people you spend your time with makes a difference in how you feel. Do you need more proof? Here you go: Several studies have shown that the five people you spend the most time with, your inner-circle of support, impact not only your health, but your overall mindset and motivation as well. A single, happy friend increases your odds of being happy by 15%. Positive energy is contagious.

Take the time to invest in developing a positive inner-circle of friends. Furthermore, be one of those positive friends to your friends as well. Take note and see that you are inspiring and supporting those in your circle in the same way that they are motivating you! It works!!

Jot down the names of the people you spend the most time with.
Then rate each relationship on a scale of 1-10 (1 being negative and 10 being positive).
Then rank them in order, highest number first. This information will help you decide which relationships are healthy for you and deserve the time for you to invest in.

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

originally posted: 12/16/2013

]]><![CDATA[There Is Power In Compassion!]]>Mon, 20 Oct 2014 13:34:22 GMThttp://www.encouragementlifecoaching.com/blog/there-is-power-in-compassion

“Compassion is the basis of morality.”
― Arthur Schopenhauer

Developing A Kind Heart...

If you are like me, it is far too easy to be judgmental. In fact, if you pay close attention to what you are thinking you will begin to notice how often you make the choice to be critical (and even sometimes downright unkind) to yourself and to others. WARNING: You might not like what you see, but understanding your choices is always the first step.

However, when you make the choice to see the best in yourself and others you will be thrilled by the outcome. Simply put, this is done by developing an attitude of generosity, thankfulness and compassion. Here are a few ways you can learn to keep your heart open and bring out the best in everyone.

Start by being aware of your critical thoughts towards yourself and others.
Then, immediately redirect those negative thoughts into positive beliefs.
Finish by seeing how good it feels when you focus on a positive lifestyle!

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

]]><![CDATA[Life Just Keeps Getting Better!]]>Fri, 17 Oct 2014 13:24:15 GMThttp://www.encouragementlifecoaching.com/blog/life-just-keeps-getting-better1

“Be the change that you wish
to see in the world.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

The Ripple Effect of Making Healthy Choices...

It is important to know that every healthy choice you make has a ripple effect throughout your life. Knowing this certainly makes it easier to take action in your life. Research has shown that when you invest in your well-being your emotional, mental and physical states all improve.

The best thing about making those healthy choices is that when you come to grips with how much better you feel, you are more likely to take positive action over and over again. It is simply a matter of making the choice to take that first step.

So, make that choice and get started today!

Commit to making one healthy choice every day and watch the changes it will make in your life.

Start by making a list of all of the ways you can easily improve your health.
It is easiest to start small and follow through each day.
Remember to celebrate your consistency and inspire others to join you in your journey.

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

reposted from December 23, 2013

]]><![CDATA[Two Ears + One Mouth = Success!]]>Mon, 13 Oct 2014 13:53:21 GMThttp://www.encouragementlifecoaching.com/blog/two-ears-one-mouth-success

“We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more than we say.”
― Zeno of Citium

Good Listeners Make Great People...

When you choose to be a good and a patient listener you choose to help yourself work through many of life's problems as well as looking at the world through the eyes of others. Attentive listening enriches your understanding and increases your ability to empathize. Listening also increases your contact with the outside world by helping you improve your communication skills while improving important life skills which you need every day in life.

While it almost seems silly to mention the importance of listening, and acknowledging what you are hearing, doing it well (especially when disagreements arise) takes sincere effort and a great deal of practice, not to mention overcoming the frustration that comes with not being a good listener. In fact, when you listen you will do better at school, work, and at home.

Additionally, being a good listener can also increase your friendship levels and popularity. When you choose to pay attention during conversations your friend(s) know that you really do care about him/her. Not listening is extremely rude; even if it is something you just don't care about or want to hear.

So the lesson here is to make the choice to care…make the choice to listen. Then, you can speak your mind with thoughtful words. Remember, try to stay on subject and never talk over people, especially if they have let you talk already.

Good communication is the key to great success. Start making the effort to hear what is being said today. But, never forget sometimes you need to hear more than the words that are being used, but that is another training, for another day.

Here are ten steps towards being a good listener:

    1.    Face the speaker and maintain eye contact.
    2.    Pay attention, but remain relaxed.
    3.    Always keep an open mind, their opinion matters too.
    4.    Listen to the speaker’s words and try to picture what they are saying.
    5.    Do not interrupt and do not impose your opinions.
    6.    Be sure to wait for the speaker to pause, and then ask clarifying questions.
    7.    Questions should be asked “only” to ensure understanding.
    8.    Try to feel what the speaker is feeling. Put yourself in their shoes.
    9.    Give the speaker regular feedback.
    10. Pay close attention to what is not said; nonverbal cues.

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

]]><![CDATA[Awaken Your Momentum...]]>Fri, 10 Oct 2014 13:39:45 GMThttp://www.encouragementlifecoaching.com/blog/awaken-your-momentum1

“The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.”
― Oprah Winfrey

Cultivate Your Sense of Adventure!

Your daily routines help you to manage life’s busy tempo. They keep you on track and strengthen your productivity. In order to keep the power of your daily routines vibrant and healthy, it is important to intentionally fortify them with new experiences.

By shaking up your routines you become more aware. You feel more empowered. You also create more positive emotions, open your minds to new possibilities and ease the fears that accompany uncertainty.

Whether planned or spontaneous, experiencing life with a sense of adventure reconnects us to the creative energy that reinforces inspired action.

Change your daily routine and try something new
Revive your day with a small, simple change
Feel more connected, inspired and energized

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

originally posted 12/30/13

]]><![CDATA[Sharing Is Good!]]>Mon, 06 Oct 2014 14:10:18 GMThttp://www.encouragementlifecoaching.com/blog/sharing-is-good

“Happiness is not something
ready made. It comes from
your own actions.”
― Dalai Lama XIV

Talking About Your Day Only Helps...

With life's fast pace it can be easy to get wrapped up in the trials of life, which is typically followed by a downward spiral of thoughts and emotions. When you choose to leave your thoughts unchecked, troubling moments turn into troubling days. It is times like these when you fail to see how much splendor and happiness exist in your life.

That is when sharing comes to benefit you. When you choose to share the day's highpoints you are actually making the choice to appreciate and celebrate the positive experiences you had throughout the day.

The fact is that studies have shown that when you choose to share what brings you happiness with the people who support you your energy and motivation increase exponentially. Sharing strengthens your overall health by reducing your daily stress. Having less stress makes it easier to access your creativity and make problem solving more readily available. The result is that it leaves you feeling happier and more content.

Start working today to create a new habit. Take the time to become aware of all of the positive experiences you experience each and every day. Begin to see and feel all that life has to offer you. Then take the time to share it. Believe me, it is a great feeling!

Here are three steps towards increased happiness:

Pay attention to your day. Look for the best experiences in the day.
Be sure to write them down. Be honest about how you feel.
Then, make the time to share them with the people who support you.

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

]]><![CDATA[It's Time To Lift Yourself Up!]]>Fri, 03 Oct 2014 13:38:55 GMThttp://www.encouragementlifecoaching.com/blog/its-time-to-lift-yourself-up

"Instead of giving myself reason why I can't, I give myself reasons why I can!"
― Unknown

Find Your Power...

There is nothing quite like a new habit to give you a boost of energy and assist you to see what more is out there for you. When you take steps to create inspired change you will see a positive influence in all of the patterns that spread throughout your life. Just one small change can give way to the next - etc., etc., etc.

Many times we write off the power in making even a small change. Thus, believing that only an epic effort is what is needed to have any visible impact. However, the truth is that change always happens through a string of small steps. This is also the same way we create habits. We simply take that small step, and then repeat the same small steps over and over, until it becomes easier to follow the action than to stop.

Be willing to work outside of your comfort zone and experience what more is out there for you. Then, look for ways to expand the boundaries in your life. One of the ways I do this is by working on my fear of heights. Whenever I have a chance to grow, one step at a time, I will take that chance. It might not be easy, but it is always rewarding. Last, you will need to teach yourself to live in the state of mind that will strengthen and stimulate you to keep growing.

Find areas where you have chosen to stop growing and recognize where you feel excited to broaden your horizons.
Commit to develop those areas and make the time to invest in your growth.
Next, make a list of actions you agree to take for your growth.
Then, get started. Remember, YOU CAN DO IT!

Remember, life cam ALWAYS BE BETTER!

originally posted November 18, 2013

]]><![CDATA[Strengthening Your Productivity...]]>Mon, 29 Sep 2014 16:40:07 GMThttp://www.encouragementlifecoaching.com/blog/strengthening-your-productivity

“On every level of life, from housework to heights of prayer, in all
judgment and efforts to get things done, hurry and impatience
are sure marks of the amateur.”
― Evelyn Underhill

Many Times...In Order To Speed Up, You Need To Slow Down!

The world has told you that the more you do the more productive you will be. Sadly, you then are more than willing to trade your valuable time and energy for the possibility of increased happiness and gratification from your life.

You fill your calendar and To-Do list with far more than you are capable of completing. You take great pride by staying in a perpetual motion and work hard to push through your life each and every day. Then, after you have worked yourself to complete exhaustion, feeling totally empty and unrewarded you ask yourself one of these questions: Why am I so unhappy? Why don’t I like what I am doing with my life? When will it get better?

Fortunately, you can change! It is possible to slow down. You can keep your focus. You are capable of prioritizing your life. All it takes is your decision to make better choices. You can start by saying “no” to all those things that just don’t matter. It is possible for you to be a participant in your own life, which will strengthen your overall productivity. Make a schedule for your life. Give yourself permission to take time off. But, most importantly, schedule yourself that necessary breathing room needed to enjoy every day, not just some days.

Start making a difference in your own life this week and enjoy the magic you create for yourself. Remember the steps below for success.

Start by doing less – choose to identify the things in life that matter most to you. Then, do that!
Participate in your own life – Be single-minded and focus on one thing at a time.
Remember to create breathing room – schedule that free time on your calendar.

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

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