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Break the Habit of Complaining

Break the Habit of Complaining

Did you know that the average person, in general, complains 15-30 times, or about 8 minutes, a day? Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to fall into a habit of complaining without even realizing it. And it can be a difficult habit to break. Discover a mindfulness tip that can help you, and shift your mindset to be more positive. Watch Break the Habit of Complaining.

Transcript:

Welcome to mindset tips.

Did you know that the average person, in general, complains 15-30 times, or about 8 minutes, a day? From what I hear around me, I’d bet it’s a lot more than that. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to fall into a habit of complaining without even realizing it. Have you ever noticed that? And it can be a difficult habit to break. I’d like to share a mindfulness tip that can help you break the habit, and shift your mindset to be more positive.

I’m Linda-Ann Stewart, a focus mentor, writer and hypnotherapist. These videos are dedicated to empower you to focus and align your heart with your vision so you can achieve your goals.

This is a tip that has been used for decades, in one way or another, and it’s very simple. Mainly, it’s to make you aware of when you complain, which means you can then decide whether you want to continue or not. When a habit is brought out of the shadows and into the light, it can be changed. This empowers you and shifts your attention from being negative, to giving you the choice of being more positive.

The technique is to get a rubber band or bracelet and wear it every day. Any kind of bracelet, [Bands, elastic, sparkly, fabric, stones]…. Then, every time you complain, you switch the band or bracelet to the other wrist. No, you don’t snap it. … Just switch it from one wrist to the other. This allows you to turn the page….With practice, it can automatically create a mind shift to a more positive thought process.

You’re bringing the habit out of an unconscious behavior into being aware of it. You may discover that many of the things you grumble about are trivial, and you’re letting them pull you down. Some things may be out of your control, and complaining doesn’t help. Either way, the point is to notice when you’re complaining, and what about, and choose what to do from that point.

Since complaining compounds stress and stifles creativity, you may decide to simply refrain from contributing to the negativity. Shift your attention to what you can control and what you can do about the situation. This is more productive and will bring you greater rewards mentally, physically and in your personal and professional life.

If you’d like to break the habit, find a band or bracelet and start practicing.

Thank you for watching. If you liked this video, please give it a thumbs up. And if you’d like to be notified when I release more videos on mindset, motivation and empowerment, please like my channel and click on the bell. As always, stay focused.

Read the accompanying article,  Complaining Trains You to Be Negative, Part 2.

How to Undo a Complaining Mindset

How to Undo a Complaining Mindset

Did you know that complaining could train you to be more negative? Learn a simple technique that can restructure your brain so you’re more positive, which increases your well being and resilience. Watch How to Undo a Complaining Mindset.

Transcript:

Welcome. Thank you for joining me. Did you know that complaining could train you to be more negative? And that the more you complain, the more you find to complain about? Unfortunately, pessimism and complaining don’t lead to a healthy and happy life, right?  

What if you could learn a tip to turn that complaining tendency around so that you were more positive? Well, that tip is what I want to share with you today.

I’m Linda-Ann Stewart, a focus mentor, writer and hypnotherapist. These videos are dedicated to empower you to focus and align your heart with your vision so you can achieve your goals.

The tip to help you undo your complaining mindset and train yourself to be more positive is probably one you’ve heard before. Gratitude. Just practicing gratitude for 8 weeks can actually rewire your brain to be more positive.

The practice is to write down 3 specific things you’re grateful for each evening for 2 months. Not general, … specific things. Instead of “I’m grateful I went for a hike,” be specific with, “I felt renewed and refreshed by being in nature, feeling the breeze, hearing the birds, and enjoying the trees, rocks and flowers.” This brings the pleasant memory into sharp focus for you to remember.  

As you practice gratitude, your brain changes its structure and the way you process experiences, and also improves your memory. You begin to notice more positive elements in your life. This increases your happiness, resilience and well being, and creates the tendency to be more positive. 

Can you commit to practicing gratitude for the next 8 weeks to improve your attitude and well being? If so, what are you grateful for today?

Thank you for watching. If you liked this video, please give it a thumbs up. And if you’d like to be notified when I release more videos on mindset, motivation and empowerment, please like my channel and click on the bell. As always, stay focused.

Read the accompanying article, Complaining Trains You to Be Negative, Part 1.

Get Focused and into the State of Flow, Part 2

Get Focused and into the State of Flow, Part 2

by Linda-Ann Stewart

In part 1, we examined what the state of flow is and how it’s beneficial to your life. The more often you enter the flow state, the more you train your brain to enter it at will. This means that you’ll be able to induce it when you need to work on a project, or complete a task. It also means that your days will have less stress, even if there are setbacks. The Universe has more access to guide and inspire you.

Here are 9 ways to build focus and train yourself to get into the state of flow:

  1. Crafting or hobbies. Knitting, jewelry making, woodworking, or any craft or hobby will allow you to slip into the state of flow.
  2. Meditation. This practice strengthens the ability to focus, and promotes a sense of calm.  
  3. Affirmations or self-talk. By giving yourself positive reinforcement, you’re able to reduce anxiety and promote motivation.
  4. Relaxation practice. When you relax your body, your mind lets go as well, which allows it to enter the state of flow.
  5. Visualization. Imagining each part of your day going smoothly gives your subconscious mind the direction to begin to work out solutions to problems ahead of time.
  6. Mindfulness. Objectively paying attention to your breathing, scanning your body, being aware of your thoughts and emotions, and not judging them, helps you to be in the moment.
  7. Music. Listening to music, without words, engages the part of your mind that opens to flow.
  8. Reading. Just 10 minutes of reading can lower your heart rate, stress and boost relaxation.
  9. Exercise. A work out, even just walking, releases brain chemicals that counter depression and boosts mood.

Focus, and the state of flow, changes the brain, creating new pathways that improve your attitude and resilience. The more at ease and peaceful you are, the easier it is for you to handle bumps in life. As you enjoy the state of flow more, your life can also flow more smoothly. You’ll be more in tune with Universal Good. Just as water flows around obstacles and rocks, so will you.

Affirmation:

I dedicate myself to practicing the state of flow. Each time I slip into the state of focused awareness, I’m training myself to repeat it whenever I want. When I experience this state more often, my life flows more smoothly. I have all that I need to successfully handle any situation or circumstance that arises. I am more easily guided and directed by Universal Mind.

As a focus mentor, hypnotherapist, and writer, Linda-Ann Stewart motivates women entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus and transform their business through deliberate actions that break through distraction and overwhelm to greater success, wellbeing and prosperity.To boost productivity and reduce overwhelm, register for her FREE guide, Design Your Best Day, at https://www.Linda-AnnStewart.com/guide.html

How to Develop the Flow State

How to Develop the Flow State

When you’re in the flow state, or “in the zone,” you’re more productive and creative. Learn how to cultivate that state naturally so your day flows more smoothly. Watch How to Develop the Flow State.

Transcript:

Welcome. Thank you for joining me. In this video, I’d like to give you a tip about how to enter the flow state when you want to work on a task or project.

You know what the flow state is, right? It’s an intensely focused state of mind, where all distractions fade away, and you’re totally involved in your activity. In sports, it’s called “being in the zone.” It’s a peaceful state that enhances productivity and creativity.

The idea I’ll share with you is one I use when starting to write an article, or in any interest I might find a bit challenging.

I’m Linda-Ann Stewart, a focus mentor, writer and hypnotherapist. These videos are dedicated to empower you to focus and align your heart with your vision so you can achieve your goals.

My tip is, at the beginning of an endeavor that takes some effort, you may resist it, and try to distract yourself. This is natural. It’s rare to enter the flow state immediately, so you have to allow it to build. The state takes about 10-20 minutes to develop, if you keep at it.

So, work through the first few minutes of struggle. Don’t multitask or chase any squirrels, no matter how tempting. You could even tell yourself you’ll do something else after focusing on your task for 20 minutes. At the end of that time, you’ll probably find yourself engaged in your activity and want to continue.

Keep at it until you finish, find yourself at a stopping point, or your time is up. Stop when you still feel motivated, so it’s easier to pick it up later. In this way, you’ll train yourself to enter the flow state. This will allow you to get more done, more smoothly. In other words, it’ll flow. And wouldn’t that be nice?

Thank you for watching. If you liked this video, please give it a thumbs up. And if you’d like to be notified when I release more videos on mindset, motivation and empowerment, please like my channel and click on the bell. As always, stay focused.

Please read the accompanying article, Get Focused and into the State of Flow, Part 1.

Get Focused and into the State of Flow, Part 1

Get Focused and into the State of Flow, Part 1

by Linda-Ann Stewart

As a nature photographer, when I compose a photograph, I’m so focused that I’m immune to cold or heat. The same absorption is true when I’m weaving. When I enjoy these hobbies, my mind gets totally involved with them. Time ceases to have meaning and hours can fly by without my noticing. This is called the flow state or, in sports, the zone.

What Is the Flow State?

When the brain is in a flow state you’re intensely focused and only aware of the present moment and activity. It feels almost trance-like and is quite peaceful. In this state, you have a clearer channel to the Universe and are more open to Its good. This generally happens when you’re doing something where you feel interested, and engaged. It’s best if the activity isn’t so challenging that it frustrates or disheartens you.

Although, there have been times when I was struggling with a weaving issue (a pattern wasn’t working), I was still completely enthralled and time got away from me. After a few periods of immersing myself in the issue, I would solve the problem.

However, if the activity is too easy and you’re bored, then your mind starts wandering and you drop out of the flow. This is when you start impeding the stream of Universal good. If you’re working on anything that needs attention, you often start making mistakes and having difficulties. So getting in the state of flow is the sweet spot for a more peaceful and harmonious life.

Why the Flow State Is Beneficial

The benefit to being focused and in the flow is that your productivity, performance, creativity, self-esteem and well being increases, while your stress and anxiety decreases. It even improves your ability to think more positively and be happier. The more often you achieve this sense of focus and flow, the more you build inner resources to handle the challenges of life. These are advantages for work, recreation, and a better quality of life.

Unfortunately, our current habits of being distracted by multitasking, cell phone notifications, and scrolling through social media have undermined our ability to focus and to be in the state of flow. The good news is that you can develop the skill of focus and induce a state of flow that you can then use in all areas of your life.

In Part 2 next month, I’ll share some ways you can cultivate stronger focus and create a sense of flow that you can expand into other areas of your life.

Affirmation:

I’m choosing to be focused and present in my life. I narrow my attention to my current activity and set aside all distractions. This allows me to be calmer, more creative and more productive. As I enter the state of flow, I open a channel to Universal good, which streams through me, to me and into all areas of my life.

As a focus mentor, hypnotherapist, and writer, Linda-Ann Stewart motivates women entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus and transform their business through deliberate actions that break through distraction and overwhelm to greater success, wellbeing and prosperity.To boost productivity and reduce overwhelm, register for her FREE guide, Design Your Best Day, at https://www.Linda-AnnStewart.com/guide.html

Mindful Meditation to Ease the Season’s Stress (or any time of the year)

Mindful Meditation to Ease the Season’s Stress (or any time of the year)

There’s so much going on in this season that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But stress doesn’t just happen during the holidays. It happens all during the year. When you practice this 3-step process, you’ll reduce your stress, which allows you to enjoy your life more. Watch Mindful Meditation to Ease the Season’s Stress (or any time of the year).

Transcript:

Welcome to my channel. I don’t know about you, but I tend to get overwhelmed during the holidays. There’s so much to do: find gifts, wrap them, mail some, decorate, write Christmas cards and on and on. All of this is in addition to my normal schedule stresses me out. Can you relate?

Stress like this doesn’t just happen during the holidays, right? Stress happens any time you have a change to your routine. That can be any time of the year.

In this video, I’d like to lead you though a short meditation to unwind. This allows you to be able to handle the adjustments and additions to your life beyond what you normally deal with.

I’m Linda-Ann Stewart, a focus mentor, writer and hypnotherapist. These videos are dedicated to empower you to focus and align your heart with your vision so you can achieve your goals.

When you start to feel stressed, you aren’t as efficient or able to think as clearly. I start feeling like I’m bouncing off all four walls at the same time and trying to do everything at once. And that just wastes energy and creates more craziness, right?  

I’d like to lead you through this short meditation with a 3 step process to help calm you, bringing you back into the present, instead of trying to do weeks of activities in one day.

If you’d like, close your eyes.

First: Take three, mindful, deep breaths. 1: Inhale to the count of 4, exhale to the count of 8. 2: Inhale, exhale. 3: Inhale, exhale. This is a natural tranquilizer and will help you calm your nervous system down.

Second: Scan your body to determine if there’s anywhere you’re feeling tense. If there is, relax those muscles, You can scan from your head to your toes, or from your toes to your head. But anywhere you feel tense, relax that area.

This will also help to quiet your mind, and ground you in the now. You’ll be able to think more clearly and make better decisions.

Third: Use your imagination to imagine that all of your tasks are done easily and smoothly. Imagine that they’re all done in plenty of time to allow you to enjoy your celebrations with friends and loved ones.

Open your eyes.

Being calmer and more relaxed means you’ll be able to accomplish more. In addition, you’ll conserve your energy to get through the holidays with your sanity intact. And that will allow you to have more fun with your loved ones, won’t it? And you can use this guided meditation, these 3 steps, at any time of the year.

I hope you have a happy and harmonious holiday season! Thank you for watching. If you liked this video, please give it a thumbs up. And if you’d like to be notified when I release more videos on mindset, motivation and empowerment, please like my channel and click on the bell. As always, stay focused.

Read the accompanying article, Practice Mindful Self-Care During the Holidays.

Recognizing the Melancholy of Moving On

Recognizing the Melancholy of Moving On

After you’ve moved on from a situation, relationship or even change a mindset, have you ever felt melancholy or even a bit of emptiness? If so, you’re not alone. It’s a normal response, even when it’s a change you really wanted. Learn some of the reason’s why you feel sad, and how you can move through it. Watch Recognizing the Melancholy of Moving On.

Transcript:

Welcome. After you’ve moved on from a situation, relationship or even changed a mindset, have you ever felt a bit of melancholy or emptiness? If so, you’re not alone. It’s a normal response, even when it’s a change you really wanted. In this video, I’d like to share a way to look at that sadness that may help you through it.

I’m Linda-Ann Stewart, a focus mentor, writer and hypnotherapist. These videos are dedicated to empower you to focus and align your heart with your vision so you can achieve your goals.

Whenever you let go of something, whether it’s something you want out of your life, or not, it’s natural to grieve its passing. This could be a relationship that has died, a goal that you’ve outgrown, or a mindset that no longer serves you. Even if the “thing” is something you are happy to have out of your life, it’s normal for there to be some sadness.

Some reasons for the sadness could be that:

  • You may have some wistfulness for the familiar.
  • You may miss the good times, or the benefits, you experienced.
  • You may be grieving that the promise, or the dream of the situation or relationship, is unfulfilled. 
  • You may regret the change you have to undergo as a result of moving on.

My mindset tip is, don’t try to deny or ignore the sadness. Let it flow through you, as long as it doesn’t overwhelm you. Resisting it will just make it last longer. By acknowledging the nostalgia, it will begin to ease and you can truly move on.

This closing of that door empowers you to open a new one. And you can use that energy to focus on your present and future, having faith that you’ll now create a more satisfying life. Thank you for watching. If you liked this video, please give it a thumbs up. And if you’d like to be notified when I release more videos on mindset, motivation and empowerment, please like my channel and click on the bell. As always, stay focused.

Please read the accompanying article, Is It Time to Move On?

Overcoming Resistance

Overcoming Resistance

When you want to work towards a goal, often you’ll have a resistance to getting started. But to be able to accomplish anything, you have to get past that resistance. Learn some of the reasons for  resistance, and how you can work your way through it. Watch Overcoming Resistance.

Transcript:

Welcome. Today, I’d like to talk a little bit about the resistance you might have with getting started on a goal, and how you can work through it.

Have you ever been sitting on the couch, watching TV, all comfy and cozy? You know you have to get up and do some chores, but you keep putting them off? You don’t want to leave your nice, warm nest. It’s hard to get moving and accomplish anything.

This is the problem when you have a goal, but aren’t taking action towards it. You may have have a resistance to change, want to avoid the effort involved in that change, or fear you’ll fail, or any number of other reasons. All of this factors into a resistance to getting started.

I’m Linda-Ann Stewart, a focus mentor, writer and hypnotherapist. These videos are dedicated to empower you to focus and align your heart with your vision so you can achieve your goals.

Many of my hypnotherapy clients would resist changing their mental or physical habits. They dreaded the struggle, the commitment, the time it would take to create the change. This is natural.

I often experience resistance when I’m starting a project, writing, or even my hobby of weaving. I’m not sure all that it will entail, or what challenges lie ahead. Do you ever feel that way?

To overcome that resistance, what I do is take a step, just to pick at it, devoting a few minutes to whatever I want to work on. Sometimes, I have to pick at it, take a break, then come back to pick at it some more. Generally, after a few sessions of that, a few minutes leads to more time, and I’ll be on the way to getting it done.

When you’re experiencing resistance, first, acknowledge it. When you bring it into conscious awareness, resistance loses much of its energy. And sometimes, the reason you’re resisting becomes  apparent and you can set it aside.

Second, take some small action towards your goal. Fiddle with it, work around the edges, for a few minutes at a time. The point is just to get moving. This builds motivation.

Take a tiny step. Not only does this make you feel better, it makes it easier to chip away at it. Pretty soon, you’ll build up some momentum and get into the swing of what you need to be doing to accomplish your goal.

What small action can you take now that will cause you to chip away at your goal? Use that to build your motivation and momentum. Thank you for watching. If you liked this video, please give it a thumbs up. And if you’d like to be notified when I release more videos on mindset, motivation and empowerment, please like my channel and click on the bell. As always, stay focused.

Read the accompanying article, Moving from Motivation to Momentum.

Moving from Motivation to Momentum

Moving from Motivation to Momentum

by Linda-Ann Stewart

Steam locomotive of train

I’m sure you heard of this natural law when you were in school. “A body at rest tends to stay at rest. A body in motion tends to stay in motion.” It’s not just applicable in science, it’s also true of your life in general. Inertia, which is the tendency to do nothing, can be challenging to break through.

When you have a task, goal or vision, sometimes it’s hard to put any effort towards it. You could want to tidy your desk, begin a project, clean out the garage, begin a diet or start a business. But it’s difficult to intensify your desire enough to take steps towards your goal. Any artist, writer or creative knows it’s intimidating to face the blank canvas or page. The Universe waits to help you, but you have to give It something to work with first.

Release the Brake

You may be waiting for inspiration or motivation before you get moving. If so, you could wait a long time. Frustration, and maybe guilt, will build up. The more they do, the more you’ll be stuck in that emotional cycle. You’ll attract more circumstances to keep you blocked and distracted, and the Universe will have a hard time guiding you. It’s easier for the Law of Attraction to draw good to you when you have opened the door.

Once you’re able to get up and get moving, natural law indicates that you will stay in motion. And when you have momentum established, you’ll continue on your way. The Universe can direct you and gives you what you need. It’s like a train pulling out of a station. After the engineer releases the brake, it takes great effort for the train to begin its journey. But once it does, it not only keeps moving, it accelerates until it reaches its desired speed.

You use more energy keeping your foot on the brake, than releasing the brake and beginning to roll. Allow your vehicle (you and your goal) to gather speed as you advance. You are in control of the whole process, and the Universe supports you. Don’t wait for motivation. Just get started by taking that first step.

The 4 Stages of Motivation

However, it’s hard to take the first step when you’re at rest. When you understand the 4 stages of motivation, they can empower you to move through them more quickly and develop your momentum.

1. Resistance. You may procrastinate getting started or just plain avoid it. Your subconscious mind is trying to keep you safe. You’ve probably heard the statement, “What you resist, persists.” Whatever you’re avoiding won’t go away. And trying to ignore it will just make it gain energy to get your attention. Anything you’re evading will always be at the edge of your mind, taking up mental space, and siphoning off energy from the rest of your life.

2. Action follows attention. Wherever you’re directing your focus will influence your conduct. “Energy flows where attention goes.” Spend time considering your task or goal, or gather information about how to accomplish it. Build excitement about it. This could be as simple as assessing what you need to do, and writing a list. Or you could bring together your materials, read articles about your goal or decide how to begin.

3. Action can inspire motivation. Once you’ve devoted time to examining your goal, take a baby step. When I have problems writing, I’ll start writing something, anything, to get in the flow. Taking a tiny action triggers the reward center in brain and you feel good. Even checking something off your to-do list will cause you to feel like you accomplished something. This sparks motivation to do something else, so you experience the mental high again.

4. Build momentum. Commit to dedicating five minutes a day to work on a tiny step of your project or goal. This amount is doable. Since it feels good to achieve something, you’re then motivated to take the next step or do more. Once five minutes becomes comfortable, increase your time or the number of tasks. again.

Philosopher Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the single step.” To put this into practice, take a step, no matter how small. Then, take another step, then another. With motion comes motivation, and that creates momentum. Putting one foot in front of the other will accelerate your progress until you’re unstoppable.

Affirmation:

I now release anything that is holding me back from taking action on my goal. It’s safe for me to take the first step. The Universe supports me, and makes my way smooth and straight. As I take a step, I’m encouraged to take another. I am Divinely guided and inspired to go in the right direction for me. As long as I’m moving, the Universe can guide and direct me. The Universe makes my path smooth and clear. Everything I need is now provided, whether it’s motivation, ideas, contacts, opportunities or anything else. I am now advancing in the right way to fulfill my potential.

Watch the accompanying video, Overcoming Resistance.

As a focus mentor, hypnotherapist, and writer, Linda-Ann Stewart motivates women entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus and transform their business through deliberate actions that break through distraction and overwhelm to greater success, wellbeing and prosperity.To boost productivity and reduce overwhelm, register for her FREE guide, Design Your Best Day, at https://www.Linda-AnnStewart.com/guide.html

Personal Development Tools for Success

Personal Development Tools for Success

Personal development is crucial for your success, as it enhances your self-confidence, motivation and performance. There are many different ways you can improve your personal growth. This video shares 5 tactics that can help you attract more opportunities for success. Watch Personal Development Tools for Success.

Transcript:

Welcome. Did you know that personal development was crucial for your success? Jim Rohn, entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker said, “Your level of success will seldom exceed your level of personal development, because success is something you attract by the person you become.” “… something you attract by the person you become.” That’s something to think about, isn’t it?

Personal development enhances self-confidence, motivation, and performance. This allows you to attract more success. In this video, I’d like to share some of the simple ways you can use to foster your personal growth.

I’m Linda-Ann Stewart, a focus mentor, writer and hypnotherapist. These videos are dedicated to empower you to focus and align your heart with your vision so you can achieve your goals.

Now, there are many, many ways to improve your personal growth. The following five ways are the simplest I know, and you probably know of them, too. They’re ones that will give you the greatest traction.

  1. Affirmations or self-talk or auto-suggestion. These are all very similar. I have used and taught them all to clients. Each of these techniques are ways to program your subconscious mind with the beliefs and motivation that will further your success in life.
  2. Visualization. This is another way to program your subconscious mind with your goals and aspirations.
  3. Read self-improvement books and articles, and watch self-help videos. But don’t just passively consume them, apply what they teach to your life.
  4. Keep a journal. This could be by journaling, which is a stream of consciousness writing for insight and inspiration. Or you could keep a gratitude or acknowledgement journal that celebrates your progress and accomplishments.
  5. Practice kindness and compassion. Open the door for someone, smile at the grocery clerk. Simple acts of kindness improve brain health, brain function, mood and satisfaction.

These are just a few of the ways you can grow within. It’s not difficult to find ways to improve yourself, but it does take some effort to apply the techniques. Doing so consistently will raise your self-esteem and well being, and you’ll attract more people and opportunities for success.

Thank you for watching. If you liked this video, please give it a thumbs up. And if you’d like to be notified when I release more videos on mindset, motivation and empowerment, please like my channel and click on the bell. As always, stay focused.

Please read the accompanying article, Personal Growth Opens the Door to Success.