Category: Connect - Encouragement Life Coaching

Don't Take Everything So Personally...

10/31/2014

"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

Add Life By Really Looking!

10/27/2014

“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!

Surround Yourself With Positive People!

10/24/2014

“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

There Is Power In Compassion!

10/20/2014

“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!

Two Ears + One Mouth = Success!

10/13/2014

“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!

Awaken Your Momentum...

10/10/2014

“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

Strengthening Your Productivity...

9/29/2014

“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!

Fall Is Here...

9/22/2014

“It’s a hard thing to leave any deeply routine life, even if you hate it.”
― John Steinbeck

Try Something New Today!

Everyone likes a good routine. In fact, I am a big believer in keeping to a routine so that you have a sense of order and peace to your life. In fact, having these routines can help to keep your life on track, thus freeing up the mental awareness and vigor that keeps you going in those tough times. However, when you stick to your routines to often it is likely to reduce the chance of enjoying those new experiences that might have the ability to boost not only our energy but our overall mental awareness as well.

Fall is here and it is a good time to enjoy a new experience. You can use these new experiences to bring you back to the present and nurture your overall motivation in order to enjoy more positive emotions. Take a chance and get outside to refresh your life. Nature has a funny way opening our hearts and minds to what more is possible if we just keep our eye on the ball.

So, take this first week of Fall to try something new! It’s time to mix life up, even if just a little bit. It is time to create new memories, new experiences and a newly improved life…made just for you!!

Try using the two steps below to refresh and renew your life. And, like the shampoo bottle states, “wash, rinse, repeat!”

Wash – Clean up your attitude and refresh your routine with a new experience this week.
Rinse – Enjoy the new experience for what it is and notice how nice it feels to make a change in your ordinary routine.
Repeat – Enjoy new experiences as needed.

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

Spend Time With Mother Nature!

9/15/2014

“The earth has music for
those who listen.”
― George Santayana

Recharge In God's Creation...

Whenever you are looking for a fast, easy way to recharge your overall state happiness, simply take a walk. Take the time to visit God’s Creation and spend time with Mother Nature. There is a natural energy that accompanies the unique and soothing feeling of the world we live in.
But, can being in nature really make a difference?

There are several studies in the Journal of Environmental Psychology that have explained the positive effects that accompany spending time with nature. Personally, I believe that all Creation was designed to work together. We take the time to keep our world in the best shape that we can while nature itself helps to reset our psyche. So the answer to the question above is this: Yes, with the right attitude, simply being in the presence of nature will help us to connect or re-connect with us to our world. And believe me, it just does not get any easier than taking a walk in a park.

Simply put, when you take the time to spend in nature, even for just 30 minutes, will increase your feelings of energy and overall health. Additionally, spending time in nature will also leave you feeling more feeling and giving. The fact is you will thrive when you choose to stay linked to Mother Nature.

Best of all, Fall brings us a beautiful collage of colors that can excite the senses and make even he manliest of men see the world in a new and fresh way.

Here are just a couple ways to keep yourself tied to God’s Creation:

Take time to listen. Go to a park or woodland area. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds that nature provides.

Get off the treadmill and make the time each week to get outside and go for a 30 minute walk. Remember to let nature speak to you.
Be sure to hear, see and feel the amazing beauty and peacefulness that surrounds you every day!

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

What Is Holding You Back?

9/12/2014

"If I hold back, I'm no good.
I'd rather be good sometimes, than
holding back all the time."
- Janis Joplin

Choose To Experience What More Life Has To Offer...

There are an endless number of ways we hold ourselves back from even slightly reaching our potential. We create all kinds of self-imposed limitations as to what is possible for us through our thoughts, intentions and beliefs.

It has been well documented that our belief system affects how we act and perform. Our beliefs even help in molding our life. When we believe something is possible, many times we will find a way to make it happen. When we choose not to believe it is possible we rarely even make the effort. It is pretty easy to feel that truth.

Now, imagine what life would be like if, instead of creating restrictions we created possibilities. We know that the mind cannot come up with a vision or goal that we are not capable of accomplishing. We just have to be willing to think big, or at least bigger, and take inspired action. Go ahead, give it a try.

Take the time to identify your core beliefs and look at how they form your perceptions about life-relationships, finances, health, career, etc.
Determine what beliefs are true and support you in living a fulfilled life. Then look for those that are actually based in fear and limit your potential.
Then, explore what more you could complete if you were willing to let the beliefs that hold you back go. So, what is holding you back?

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

originally posted October 28, 2013

Newsletter

Dr. Robert Newman

Prior to receiving his ministry degrees Dr. Newman had a very lucrative sales history. His unique style of selling and training others to sell gave him a leg up on the competition.

Dr. Newman continues to work as a marketing specialist through his consulting firm located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Dr. Newman's goal is to see all men find a way for themselves, better their lives and achieve the goals that they have set for themselves.

"The world can be a hard place to exist, but we can make that existence bearable by finding God and using His leadership skills in our own daily lives."

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