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Trending Articles of the Week

Trending Articles of the Week

How to Break Free From Negative Thinking for Good

Negative thinking is a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we think we’re not good enough, then we sabotage ourselves. But you’re in charge of your thoughts, and when you change them, you can improve your life. Learn where negative thinking comes from and how to break the cycle.

How Positive Thinking Impacts Your Stress Level

It can be a challenge to look on the bright side when things aren’t going well. But if you train yourself to do so, and you can, it improves your self-concept, well being and outlook. Learn how your perception affects your attitude and how you can turn yourself into an optimist.

How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain

New research is starting to explore how gratitude works to improve mental health. People who count their blessings are happier and have better mental health. Gratitude shifts the focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in your life. This article explores some of the research of a specific exercise and its beneficial outcomes.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Be Mindful of Your Vision

Be Mindful of Your Vision

by Linda-Ann Stewart

Being mindful and having a vision may seem contradictory. Your vision is all about the future, where you’re going and your destination. Mindfulness teaches you to stay in the present moment, without concern about the past or future. It sounds like vision and mindfulness are in opposition, doesn’t it? But they actually have a lot in common to help you be successful and achieve your goals in life.

For instance, your vision, although you keep it in view, necessitates you to have a plan and take steps to reach your destination. With your vision, the Law of Attraction knows what to draw to you. Mindfulness involves being intentional, focusing on one task at a time. Once you’ve completed that item, you focus on the next goal. In this way, you stay on course to your objective. Being mindful also opens a clearer channel to the Universe.

Vision and Mindfulness Are Complementary

That’s where vision and mindfulness intersect. When you’re mindful about your vision, you focus on one step at a time, accomplishing it, then moving onto the next one. Each action builds on the one before and puts you in flow with the Universe. You know where you’re going (your vision), but your attention is on your current activity (mindfulness). By mindfully working through your plan, you’ll reach your vision with the Universe supporting your endeavors.

Being mindful of your vision can be challenging, as life is full of pitfalls and distractions. Only by navigating through challenges, and staying intentional and focused, can you be successful. Here are some suggestions to help you stay mindful and focused on your path, so you don’t get lost in the weeds. This makes it easier for the Law of Attraction to know what it is you want.

Execute your plan. You can’t just develop a plan and then ignore it. To stay on course, create mini-steps so you take one each day. With a plan, the Law of Attraction knows what to provide you to fulfill your goals. The habit of taking action will propel you along so that you then take bigger and bigger steps.

Be present. It’s easy to get lost in the future of what could be, or the past of what could have been. Instead of trying to leap forward, or berating yourself for what you didn’t do, ask yourself, “What can I do right now?” Pay attention to what you can control now. Those actions add up.

Don’t multitask. This is the very opposite of being mindful. You’re trying to do several things at one time, and this results in not doing any of them well. It gives you a false sense of accomplishment, but when you look back, you realize you haven’t really made any progress. Multitasking dilutes your energy and confuses the Law of Attraction. Take one task, complete it, and only then move on to the next.

Take a mental step back. When faced with the temptation to detour, stop and think about it. Be present with what’s going on. Why are you being distracted? Are you bored or uncertain about your next step? Mentally think it through and decide if that distraction or procrastination is worth taking the detour.

Talk yourself through temptation. If you aren’t paying attention to what you want in the moment, your environment is going to grab your attention. This is when distractions and interruptions pull you off course. After you’ve decided you don’t want to take that detour, keep yourself on course by being your own cheerleader. Tell yourself something like, “Stay the course,” “One thing at a time,” “I’ll take care of that detail later.”

Shift your attention to the positive. Sometimes your mental meandering will take you into the undesirable realm of negative thoughts. You doubt yourself, get upset at something not going your way, or become frustrated at not making progress as fast as you’d like. This blocks the flow of Universal energy. Again, take a step back and ask yourself, “Is it worth it to dwell on these ideas?” “Will this move me forward?” or “How much will this matter in a month?” Then shift your attention to something beneficial and productive. Acknowledge something that you’ve accomplished to change your energy.

In the best of times, mindfulness and vision complement each other. They make each other stronger and improve your success in every area of your life. Mindfulness connects you with the Universal flow and your vision gives the Law of Attraction instruction. As you keep your vision in view, and practice being mindful in your daily life, you’ll make the progress you seek.

Affirmation

The Universe wants the best for me. I develop a vision of what I want, and Universal energy and the Law of Attraction help me to fulfill it. As I am mindful about my steps, I remain on course, and stay in the flow of the Universe.

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Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight

Sparks of Insight

“A positive attitude is like a fire. Unless you continue to add fuel, it goes out.” – Alexander Lockhart

You can’t remain positive in a void. If you try to coast on your attitude, it will falter. In the face of our negative world, you need to read encouraging literature, be around uplifting people, and minimize your exposure to negative news. It’s too easy to be dragged down by the worlds (and other people’s) pessimistic perspectives. Keep feeding your optimism, in any way you can.   

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Trending Articles of the Week

Trending Articles of the Week

How the ‘Gratitude Effect’ Can Reshape Your Life and Its Direction

Expressing gratitude isn’t just a new age fad. There are multiple studies that show that it increases optimism, changes the brain, improves a sense of connection with others and much more. Learn just how important it is and how a small change in your focus can bring you massive rewards.   

Ancient wisdom reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy

To be happier, you have to practice behaviors that lead to happiness. The teachings of the Stoics can help you become more mindful, objective and peaceful. They established some trainings that give you tactics to deal with challenges so you retain your mental and emotional balance.

Mindfulness Made Simple

Mindfulness can not only cause you to feel calmer, more optimistic and kinder, it can also help you professionally. The more you choose to practice this technique the more benefits you receive. This article breaks mindfulness down into three steps: Stop. Breathe. Think about your thinking.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Live in Expectancy of the Best

Live in Expectancy of the Best

by Linda-Ann Stewart

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Whether positive or negative, your attitude impacts your outcome. Your mindset affects how you filter the world around you, and as a result, determines how you respond to situations. When you expect the worst, your behavior makes that belief a self-fulfilling prophecy. Expecting the best can do the same. And isn’t that a better way to live?

If you expect the worst, you’re braced against that possibility. Your mind rehearses how to deal with a crisis, what you’re going to do in the worst case scenario, and how you might avoid it. This means that all your mental resources are tied up with dealing with difficult situations that might never happen. You aren’t left with many mental resources for moving forward. Because you’re focused on the negative, you’re instructing the Law of Attraction to bring it to you.

The Universe wants the best for you. Therefore / However, if you expect the best, then your subconscious mind searches for opportunities to fulfill that belief. Your subconscious mind is a problem solver. When you set your intention to derive the best from a situation, then your subconscious mind seeks opportunities to create that reality for you. You’re creating the mold for your subconscious mind and the Law of Attraction to fill.

How to Create the Best Result

Life brings all sorts of experiences your way, positive and negative. You can always improve your outcomes through altering your perspective. There will be times when you’re working on a goal, or “shift happens” and your results don’t live up to your hopes. When that’s the case, use these tactics to extract the best possible outcome. Your attitude communicates your intention to the Universe, your subconscious mind, and the Law of Attraction, which responds accordingly.

Be aware of the negative, but don’t focus on it. This doesn’t mean that you ignore or deny the possibility for difficulties. You just don’t focus on them, or rehearse them. In “Psycho-Cybernetics,” author Maxwell Maltz uses the analogy of golf to be aware of negatives. A golfer needs to recognize where the sand and water traps are, but not dwell on them. Instead, the golfer puts their attention on where they want the ball to land. Notice the negatives, and make preparations to avoid them. Have a “Plan B,” if necessary. Then shift your attention to what you want to create and put your energy there. This puts you in the flow of the Universe.

Flip your attitude. If something untoward does happen, instead of giving up or getting discouraged, flip it to be more positive. This way you take charge of your response and it gives you more power to deal with the situation. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” or, “How can I make something beneficial out of this?” This instructs your subconscious mind to find a way to extract something good from a disappointing circumstance. You open the way for the Universe to develop a new direction for you.  

Don’t take it personally. When someone hurts or offends you, instead of taking it personally, realize it’s probably not about you. They have their own issues that they’re taking out on you. It’s likely they’re defending themselves against a perceived threat, which is probably from their past. It doesn’t mean you excuse their behavior, but you can seek to understand their motives. Ask yourself, “What’s their agenda?” or “What are they trying to achieve?” That can give you valuable information on how to positively respond to the situation.

Achieving a goal. When you’re working on a goal, don’t just focus on the end result. This gives your subconscious mind a direction to follow, which helps you take steps towards it. For an even greater outcome, open your mind to the possibility of something even better happening than what you can currently conceive of. The Universe has greater plans for you than you know. Not only does this give your subconscious mind permission to find other paths to accomplish your goal, but it instructs your inner mind to “achieve this or something better.”

Living in the Possibilities

When you live in the possibility of your best case scenario occurring, you instruct your subconscious mind to put its resources to work to that end. You may not have the information to imagine what the best outcome could be. You can only provide your subconscious mind the image of what you can consciously conceive of at the present time.

There may be a greater outcome than you can imagine. Opening your mind to the possibility of something better means that your subconscious can override outdated, limiting beliefs. And when you choose to live in an attitude of expecting the best from every situation, you create a life of joy, abundance and success.

AFFIRMATION:

The Universe wants the best for me. Therefore, I choose to expect the best out of every situation. If there are challenges, I shift my attention to what benefit can come to me as a result. When I decide on a goal or outcome, I set the intention of, “This or something better.” Only good comes to me from every circumstance.

Watch the accompanying video, How to Achieve Your Goal More Easily.

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For Success, Seek Well-being First

For Success, Seek Well-being First

by Linda-Ann Stewart

Many people chase after the elusive dream of success, thinking it will bring them happiness. They work harder and harder, but continue to feel unsatisfied. They achieve periodic goals or milestones, and get transitory elation from them, but that jubilation doesn’t last. What if they have it backwards? What if a sense of well-being leads to success, rather than the other way around?

We all know successful people who are driven and unhappy. So, it’s true that some people are successful even though they’re miserable. However, they’re using work as a drug to avoid their distress. They’re trying to fill a deep well of insecurity and inadequacy with power and control. But they’ll never have enough success to feel happy or complete.

Why Well-being Matters

Studies show that people who have a sense of well-being and optimism have a likelier chance of achieving the success they seek. They also have a greater sense of satisfaction in their lives, both personally and professionally. They’re more productive, creative and resilient in life. Since that’s the case, wouldn’t it be a better idea to seek well-being before success?

Your brain and subconscious can be altered by your focus. When you take positive actions, you rewire the brain and build more resources for the subconscious mind to use to help you. You can improve your happiness and well-being with some simple exercises to change the way you think.

How to Cultivate a Sense of Well-being

You can train your mind with the habit of being more positive and peaceful. Here are four ways to cultivate a sense of well-being and create more satisfaction in your life.  

Be kind to others. Volunteering and helping others engenders well-being and improves productivity.  Even just smiling at others increases your happiness. Recently, a couple of my friends have been sending cards to their acquaintances and they feel uplifted by doing so. I’ve been one of their recipients and it’s uplifted me as well. For this kind of boost, you can also send an email that acknowledges or compliments a friend or coworker.

Be mindful. For only a couple of minutes a day, just be present with yourself. Notice how you feel, mentally and physically. Become aware of your thoughts and feelings. Scan your body to notice where it might be tense, and then relax that area. Because I spend so much time on the computer, I will periodically close my eyes and relax various areas of my body. What impacts the mind, impacts the body and vice versa. When your mind is tense, so is your body. And when your body is relaxed, your mind is at peace.

Do deep breathing. A couple of minutes every day do some deep breathing. Breathe in for a count of four, breath out for a count of eight. This signals your nervous system to calm down. After stressful experiences, practicing this activity has quickly lowered my blood pressure to almost normal. This is a good exercise when you feel pressured with a deadline or decision. You’ll be more effective coming from a peaceful frame of mind.

Keep a gratitude journal. Every day, write down three things you’re grateful for. This exercise makes you notice positive things around you. One day last month, a heavy rainstorm came and passed while I was in the grocery store. It seems like a small thing, but I was grateful that my timing was such that I didn’t get wet. Studies show that within three weeks of daily gratitude practice, you’ll be more optimistic.

You only need to do one of these each day to notice an improved mood and mindset within a few weeks. When you have a sense of well-being and a more positive mindset, your actions have a better outcome. Instead of waiting to be successful to be happy, why not feel better while you’re working towards success?

Affirmation:

The Universe created me to be successful and supports me in my endeavors. There is a Divine plan for my success in life. Everything I need for success is provided. To align myself with the Universe’s plan for me, I cultivate my sense of well-being, happiness and positive attitude.

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Trending Articles of the Week

Trending Articles of the Week

To Feel More Productive, Take a Break to Do Something Selfless

In our pressured, hectic lives, it seems like we don’t have enough time to get everything done. Crossing an item off your to-do list gives you a feeling of accomplishment, but then you add three more items. Self-care is important for your wellbeing, but doesn’t make you productive. However, being altruistic gives you a sense that you have more time to get things done.

How to Stay Motivated and Reach Your Big Goals in Life

To accomplish your goals, you have to stay motivated, even for the tasks you don’t like. Here are 5 simple, yet effective, ways on how to get motivated and stay on course to your goal. You don’t have to use all of them to be effective. Mix and match the ones that work for you.

Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress

Sometimes it seems like there’s nothing you can do about your stress. You may feel overwhelmed and powerless over it. But you have more control than you think. You can take charge of how you manage your thoughts, actions and how you handle your problems. Explore the 6 strategies in this article to manage your stress and discover a more balanced life.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Trending Articles of the Week

Trending Articles of the Week

Stress Makes It Harder to Recognize Danger

New research reveals that stress makes you slower to identify threats. To understand this, it helps to learn more about stress and how it impacts you. Stress disrupts how you think. This article explains how stress affects you and why it’s important to reduce it with common sense practices.

The Essential Resource We’re All Wasting

What you pay attention to creates your life. Your focus is fundamental to your relationships, your personal and professional lives. The good news is that your attention is a resource you can manage with some practice.

How to Stay Positive When Everyone Around You Is Complaining

It can be difficult to remain upbeat when other people around you are upset and dissatisfied. You have to learn how to balance empathy with taking care of yourself. This article gives you some ideas on how to create strategies to deal with the different types of complaining people.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Book Review-Activate Your Brain

Book Review-Activate Your Brain

Activate Your Brain by Scott G. Halford

You already have the best tool within you to achieve your goals. It’s your brain. It’s wired to help you succeed, but you have to know how to use it. When you learn how to activate it properly, not only will you be more successful, but you’ll feel less stressed and more in control.

By understanding the neurochemistry of your brain, you’ll discover how to motivate yourself and stay focused. This book is fill with exercises to lead you step-by-step to get started on a new pathway to getting the life you want. In addition, you’ll learn how to adjust your moods and become more positive.

This book is a delightful, easy to read manual to help you take small, steady steps to change your behavior and improve your results. The author’s mantra throughout the book is “start small, start now.” All those tiny steps will propel you to wonderful shifts in your life. Although the book is directed towards businesspeople, it can help anyone who wants to maximize their potential.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Trending Articles of the Week

Trending Articles of the Week

Why Our Brains Like Short-Term Goals

Achieving goals is more than just staying the course and taking action. It has to do with your brain. Your brain likes the feeling of reward when you accomplish a task. The more you succeed, the more you’re motivated, encouraged and inspired. Learn what kind of goals to set to keep your brain happy and ultimately create more success.  

The Neuroscience of Savoring Positive Emotions

You are in control of your mood  by what you focus on. And you can turn a positive mood on or off, like a switch. Sustaining positive emotions is key to your sense of well being. Learn how you can take charge of your emotions and improve your well being.

Self Awareness Is Underrated: Why the Conscious Mind Leads to Happiness

Being self aware helps you improve your well being, behavior and success. It enables you to be more authentic. Follow these 5 tips to self awareness to help you to be more successful personally, professionally and emotionally.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart