empowerment – Page 26 – Empowering Your Mind

How Accountability Can Increase Your Success

April 4, 2019 Linda-Ann Stewart

by Linda-Ann Stewart

You want to start exercising to improve your health and fitness. But you can’t ever find the time to get to the gym or outdoors for a run. Life tends to push you, solving problems, dealing with issues, and handling crises. And your goal to exercise becomes a casualty.

Or you wanted to put together a new offer or product for your business by a certain date. But because other situations came up, you missed that self-imposed deadline. Life kept you distracted, and you didn’t focus on your offer or make it a priority.

With your life being so full and driven nowadays, it’s hard to set and reach goals. Goals take you off the beaten path, and set you on a new one. That takes energy, attention and persistence, qualities that are hard to maintain in today’s world. But if you are accountable, you can have a 76% greater likelihood of achieving your goal.

What Is Accountability?

Accountability isn’t handing over your responsibility or authority to someone else. Nor is it about blame, shame, guilt, judgment or punishment if you don’t meet your goal. It’s simply a way to keep yourself on track to your vision by committing to a goal, writing it down or telling someone about your plans.

For a goal of your choosing, you aren’t required to justify your decisions, actions or inactions if you fail. However, excuses aren’t acceptable. By being accountable, you’re taking responsibility for fulfilling whatever intention you’ve deemed to be important. You’re communicating to yourself and the Universe that your goal is a priority for you.

Ways You Can Be Accountable and Increase Your Success

Whether you want to change a habit, improve your life or build a business, accountability will accelerate your progress. There are a lot of ways you can become more accountable and some are more successful than others. Here are 5 ways you can be accountable. Choose the one that gives you the best chance for success.

1. Be self-directed. Think about your goal, how important it is to you, and what level of commitment and motivation you’re willing to have. This has the least likelihood of being successful, because it’s subjective and based on your level of self-discipline. However, I’ve used this tactic to maintain an exercise practice for almost five years because I was highly motivated.

2. Write down your goals and action steps. You’ve heard about how writing your goals down give you a greater chance of success. A Dominican University study found that if you do this, you have a 60% likelihood of achieving your goal. Keep referring to your goals to see if you’re taking the steps you’ve established.

3. Find an accountability partner. Tell or email a trusted friend about your goal, commitment and action plan. Someone now knows about what you want to do and will support and celebrate your efforts. I don’t generally recommend a close loved one for this role. Unfortunately, the loved one often gets too attached to the result and makes misguided efforts to motivate the goal achiever. These efforts often backfire.

4. Join or create a mastermind or accountability group. This takes the accountability partner approach to the next level. Not only do you tell a person or persons about your goal and plan, you also check in with them periodically (weekly), reporting your progress. With a mastermind, you’re also exchanging ideas to help you overcome challenges. This regular progress reports tactic gives you a 76% chance of achieving your goal.

5. Find a coach. Hiring a coach means you’ve invested in your success. People tend to be more productive when they’ve committed to a goal with their hard earned currency. A coach can not only help you gain clarity and work through obstacles, they can also keep you focused, motivated and on track. They’re objective, and can give you a different perspective and make sure you’re sticking to your priorities.

When you are honest and accountable about your progress, or lack of it, you hold yourself to a higher standard. You are being accountable to and for yourself, and to the Universe. This increases your sense of empowerment, self-worth, responsibility and effectiveness. Choose the best accountability method for you and reach for the stars.

Affirmation:
The Universe responds according to my thoughts and desires. It wants the best for me and will support me in my efforts. When I commit to a course of action, the Universe recognizes my intention and provides everything I need for success. I keep my attention on my goal, knowing that it is possible. And I hold myself accountable for taking the steps that I know to take. The Universe does the rest.

Watch the accompanying video, 3 Tips to Handle Obstacles.

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Book Review-How to Be Your Own Best Friend

April 3, 2019 Linda-Ann Stewart

How to Be Your Own Best Friend
by Mildred Newman and Bernard Berkowitz

This book was originally published over forty-five years ago. Although it has been around a long time, the information and advice in it is as fresh and helpful as it was back then. Written in a question-and-answer format, the two psychoanalysts (who are married to each other) explain what is necessary for us to love and accept ourselves.

I read this book in my early twenties, and it improved the way I thought about myself and my world. We tend to be a friend to everyone but ourselves. Instead, we treat ourselves as we might an enemy. The authors explain the ideas we need to entertain to be happier and healthier human beings. For when we treat ourselves with the same appreciation, empathy and compassion that we give to our friends, our lives transform.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Sparks of Insight

March 25, 2019 Linda-Ann Stewart

“Little souls wish you to be unhappy. It aggravates them to have you joyous, efficient and free.” – David Seabury

It took me a long time to really comprehend this. Unfortunately, miserable people want everyone else to be miserable too. They’ll do everything they can to deflate you, undermine you, and sabotage you. You need to do everything you can to minimize your contact with them, even if they are loved ones. You can’t change them and you have to protect your well-being. Just remember, when you start feeling dragged down, this is their issue, not yours.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

4 Reasons Why You Don’t Pursue Your Dream (and What to Do About Them)

March 7, 2019 Linda-Ann Stewart

by Linda-Ann Stewart

Rhoda had always wanted to go to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, the art in the Louvre and the palaces. It was one of the major things on her bucket list. However, she never took any steps to make it come true and it was a longing that she never satisfied. She was content for it to remain a dream and it unfortunately remained an unrealized goal.

Do you have an important dream that you want to achieve? It could be to quit smoking, lose weight, learn to play the guitar, run a 10K, or build a business. Daydreaming about it and not taking any action won’t bring it into reality. Fantasizing may be fulfilling in the moment, but it will leave you feeling empty when it isn’t achieved. Unless you take action, you won’t trigger the Law of Attraction to work on your behalf.

There are many reasons why you may procrastinate and not pursue your dreams. Here are some of the main ones, and what you can do about them.

1. Your dream takes you out of your comfort zone. Your goal means that so much in your life would change that you’re afraid to get started. If you make these massive shifts too quickly, it would upset your world and you’d probably sabotage your own efforts. For instance, almost 70% of lottery winners go broke within a few years of winning. The windfall takes them too far out of what they’re used to.

To overcome this obstacle, establish a long range plan. Create steps that are comfortable for you to take. For instance, if you want to start eating better, don’t overhaul your diet in a week. Start by including more salads. When that gets familiar, eliminate sugar. Work on one piece at a time until you feel comfortable with it, and then add the next step. By taking action, you instruct the Law of Attraction to draw information and opportunities to you.

2. You’re stuck in planning mode. Planning feels like you’re making progress, but it simply delays taking action. I knew an artist who bought brushes, canvas, and paints, but never used them. Gathering the tools triggered the pleasure circuits in her brain. By not painting, she avoided the anxiety of facing a blank canvas. So she got her reward by simply thinking about what she’d do one day.

Preparation is an important part of any goal. But beware of staying in this place too long or you’ll never realize your dream. Pull together a list of things you need, such as tools, knowledge, skills and tasks to complete. Then begin to follow through on them. As you mark the elements off your to-do list, you’ll get a sense of satisfaction. And the Universe will support you by creating synchronicities that help you.

3. Your dream is not immediate enough. The fulfillment of your dream is too far in the future or too overwhelming. For instance, if you want to lose 50 pounds, you could feel like it’s too difficult. You know it’s going to take a significant shift in your behaviors and you won’t see the final result quickly. So you procrastinate on taking action.

You have to fight through inertia to get started. To combat this, instead of focusing on the 50 pounds, take it in 5 pound increments. You can handle losing 5 pounds. When you set that as your goal, you’ll get that sense of fulfillment, and a job well done, when you see the outcome. With any long range goal, create mini-goals that you can accomplish each week. The brain likes to complete things, and bestows a sense of gratification when you do. And the Universe creates new channels for the Law of Attraction to bring benefits into your life.

4. You don’t have enough motivation. The benefits of your dream aren’t strong or clear enough for you to pursue. For instance, you may want to be healthier and fitter, but your desire isn’t powerful enough for you to change your habits or your routine. So you just keep putting it off.

You can build your enthusiasm for your dream by surrounding yourself with things concerning it. If you want to create, spend time in an art store, a museum, gallery or take a class. To start an exercise program, read articles and books about the benefits you’ll achieve. Immerse yourself in the reasons why you want your goal. The energy will grow until you get started.

When you take action, it tells the Universe that you’re serious and ready to move forward. And the Law of Attraction then begins to draw to you what you need for success.

The solution to each one of these reasons is to start working towards your dream. It doesn’t matter how small the step, as long as you’re moving toward your dream. The brain likes to accomplish things. And achieving small goals is every bit as satisfying to the brain as big goals. Don’t procrastinate any longer. The sooner you begin to work toward your dream, the sooner you’ll reap the joy of the results.

AFFIRMATION

I know I can have what I desire through the Power of my Higher Mind. The Universe wants the best for me, and will support my endeavors to create an improvement in my life. As I take the actions necessary to fulfill my dream, I create the channels through which more good flows to me. The Universe rewards my actions with positive and beneficial results.

Watch the accompanying video How to Build Your Momentum to Achieve Your Goal.

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Money Beliefs That Sabotage You

February 26, 2019 Linda-Ann Stewart

by Linda-Ann Stewart

Terri was a very successful counselor. She had a full practice and got plenty of referrals. But she had deep issues with money, and struggled with the idea of being financially successful. A friend used this as leverage against her. When he browbeat her for taking money for her services, she was swayed by his arguments would often not charge her clients.

He said that if you want to be of service or spiritual, you shouldn’t charge for your gifts. She took his perspective to heart, and eventually lost her business. And because of this, many people lost a counselor who could have guided them into a greater sense of well-being.

What Money Actually Is

This is just one of the myths about money that many people have. Unfortunately, money is one of the most misunderstood tools that we have and need. When money is a problem, it’s generally not about the cash. It’s about something much more basic. Much of our core beliefs, judgments and lack of self-esteem are projected onto money.

Money is merely an exchange of energy, a symbol. It substitutes for a barter system. When one person offers a product or service, a buyer offers money in return. The buyer presents the money they’ve received as a result of their product or service. Of itself, money is only metal or paper.

Some Money Beliefs That Limit You

Here are some of the money beliefs that people have that are keeping them from having their best life.

“Love of money is the root of all evil.” This one comes from the Christian Bible and is pounded into its followers. When money is made more important than anything else, then it can instigate greed, unethical behavior, and stealing. It’s the worship of money that causes problems. But without money, you can’t pay your bills or have an abundant life. Kept in its proper perspective, as a tool, money can do a lot of good.

“Money doesn’t grow on trees” or “Do you think I’m made of money?” Did you hear this one as a child? It was created by harried parents to discourage kids who wanted something more expensive than the budget could handle. Instead of handling it maturely, by explaining why they couldn’t afford the desired item, parents brushed off the child with these expressions.

“The rich are selfish/dishonest/corrupt/etcetera.” There are some wealthy people who give the rest of their class a bad name. They have worshiped money, and didn’t care what they had to do to get it. There are also a lot of poor people who have done the same. But there are also a lot of rich and poor people who are honest, fair and caring.

If you have the attitude that the rich are bad people, then your subconscious won’t allow you to become rich. Your subconscious wants you to be congruent with your beliefs. Therefore, if the rich are bad, and you aren’t and don’t want to be bad, then you can’t become wealthy. Your subconscious will protect you and keep you “good” and lacking cash. This attitude needs to be adjusted before you can allow yourself to receive more prosperity.

More Money Beliefs That Undermine You

“If I receive money, I’m taking it from someone else.” If there isn’t a circulation of money energy, then the pool gets stagnant and starts to shrink. When money comes to you, you’re receiving it through (not from) others. And you then pass it on to other people. It goes to the Mortgage Company, utility company, and grocery store, which then pay their employees. The employees then use it for their bills and to circulate it to you. The more money you receive, the more you’re able to pass on.

“If you serve and/or are spiritual, you have to offer your gift for free.” This was the belief that sabotaged Terri. After she lost her business, she still counseled, but only once in a while. Suppose you have a gift you want to share. If you’re working 40 plus hours a week for someone else, how much time and energy do you have to serve others?

Just because you want to serve doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your time and well-being. If people want the benefit of your gift for nothing, then it means that there’s a market for it and there are going to be folks willing to pay for it. And they also will want to show their gratitude for what they receive, and can do this through the exchange of energy called money.

Change Your Beliefs

Your beliefs about money are based on what you were told and ideas you’ve reinforced by thinking of them often. But they limit you and what you allow yourself to receive. Since beliefs are created by what you think, by changing what you think, you can change your beliefs. When you start recognizing what you’re thinking about money, and start letting go some of the distorted beliefs, you open yourself to more of this energy flowing into your life.

AFFIRMATION

Money is only energy that flows. This energy is circulating smoothly and harmoniously through my life. I discard any outdated limiting ideas about money, wealth and riches. The Universe wishes me to have enough financial support to live an abundant life. The more energy I have, the more I can circulate through others.

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2 Simple Ways to Calm Stress

February 20, 2019 Linda-Ann Stewart

When you feel rushed, pressured or overwhelmed, it triggers the stress response in your body and mind. You act reflexively and can’t think clearly. Learn a couple of very simple tips on how to reverse the stress response and be able to respond more effectively.

Transcript:

Thank you for joining me. I’m Linda-Ann Stewart, a vision strategist coach with a coaching tip for you. Do you ever get rushed or pressured? I’m sure you do, what with everything you have to handle in a day. I want to share a couple of simple techniques that can ease that pressure and improve your ability to handle your challenges.

When you feel anxious or overwhelmed, it triggers the stress response, otherwise called the fight or flight response. You’ve heard of this, right? And when you’re stressed, you can’t think creatively or resourcefully or plan effectively.

Your choices are limited to simply reacting to whatever is happening in that moment. And when you react impulsively, it may not be the best way to handle the situation. Have you ever snapped at someone and then regretted it? That’s what I’m talking about. It’s a reflex.

The remedy is to reverse the stress response. To activate the opposite response. And it’s really simple. Before you react to a situation, or when you need to slow down, stop. Take a few long, slow, deep breaths. This calms the stress response down and allows you to think more clearly. It gives you more resources to handle whatever the situation might be.

And your second tip, wait about 10 seconds to gather your thoughts and before you make a decision or respond to the situation. Remember your mom telling you to count to 10? Well, she was right. This engages the executive center of your brain, the part of you that thinks things through and manages your emotions. You can then make more informed decisions that will bring you better results.

I know these seem too easy to be effective. But they’re natural remedies for when you’re stressed. The fun is trying to remember to do them when you’re stuck in “go, go, go” mode. When you do use them, you’re going to notice a difference.

If you’d like more tips on how to make your day flow more smoothly, download my free guide, Take Control of Your Day.

Thank you for watching. I’d love to hear how these two simple tips work for you. Take care.

Read the accompanying article, The Hurrier You Go, The Behinder You Get.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Sparks of Insight

February 19, 2019 Linda-Ann Stewart

“All of Life is for me, supporting me, encouraging me, and benefiting me. I am now in a cooperative position with Life and allow It’s expansion to flow through me with ease and harmony.”

Many people feel that life is against them and they have to fight for every bit of good that they have. That’s only because that’s what they believe. When you change your mind to allow Life to uplift you, and you allow it to flow in and through your life, things become much easier.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Sparks of Insight

January 22, 2019 Linda-Ann Stewart

“God doesn’t recognize the idea of recession or constriction. The only thing the Universe knows is abundance of all good things. Circulation and an increasing expansion of prosperity is mine now.”

As a friend of mine once said, “The recession has nothing to do with my prosperity.” When you have a consciousness of abundance, it doesn’t matter what is going on in the world around you. Your consciousness will attract what is like it, and when you keep your mind focused on prosperity circulating in your life, that’s what you’ll experience.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Empowering Your Mind

Mindset, Motivation and Empowerment

Browsed by
Tag: empowerment

How Accountability Can Increase Your Success

April 4, 2019 Linda-Ann Stewart

Book Review-How to Be Your Own Best Friend

April 3, 2019 Linda-Ann Stewart

Sparks of Insight

March 25, 2019 Linda-Ann Stewart

4 Reasons Why You Don’t Pursue Your Dream (and What to Do About Them)

March 7, 2019 Linda-Ann Stewart

Money Beliefs That Sabotage You

February 26, 2019 Linda-Ann Stewart

2 Simple Ways to Calm Stress

February 20, 2019 Linda-Ann Stewart

Sparks of Insight

February 19, 2019 Linda-Ann Stewart

Sparks of Insight

January 22, 2019 Linda-Ann Stewart