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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.

Empower Your Inner Strengths

Empower Your Inner Strengths

Most people criticize themselves for traits they don’t have, instead of focusing on helpful characteristics  they do have. What if you accepted and relied more on your strengths? They’d be able to support you in your goals and increase your sense of wellbeing. Uncover your strengths, and learn how to use them in a way that benefits you. Watch Empower Your Inner Strengths.

Transcript:

Welcome. Most of us tend to criticize ourselves for traits we don’t have in abundance, don’t we? We tend to pay more attention to them than we do to characteristics that are more natural for us. But what if we empowered those inner strengths? What if we accepted and relied on them more? Wouldn’t it enable us to use them more deliberately, and allow them to help us in life? In this video, I’d like to share a personal experience and help you accept your strengths and use them more productively.

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.

A while back, I was going to give the short presentation at a networking meeting. Before the presentation, the speaker was asked questions about him or herself to allow the audience members to learn more about them.

One of the questions the leader asked me was, “What characteristic do you have that has helped you?”

I thought a moment, and I said the one that popped into my mind. “Stubbornness.”

You could hear a collective gasp in the room. “Oh, you mean determination, don’t you?” the leader asked, and someone else said,  “You must mean persistence.”

“No, I mean stubbornness. It has literally saved my life.” And it has. More than once, by my stubbornly refusing to give in, has saved me in situations in which my life or limb was in danger. It went well beyond determination and persistence.

I know it’s controversial, but I consider stubbornness to be one of my inner strengths. I accept and acknowledge it about  myself.  And knowing that I’m stubborn allows me to recognize when I need to be more flexible. The self-knowledge also enables me to use that characteristic along a spectrum, from persistence to determination.

What about you?

What trait or characteristic has been important in your life? Think about it for a moment. Pick one that comes to mind.

How has it been important or helped you? How has it affected your life? Are there times when you may need to back off from it, as a situation might call for that?

And how can you use it to help you in the future, in a positive way? Think of ways you could use it to your benefit.

When you have those answers, you’ll be clearer about when you can use that strength, and when you need to balance it or soften it. By accepting and empowering your strengths, you’ll be more confident, resilient and have a greater sense of wellbeing.

How can you accept and empower your strengths?

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, Focus on Your Strengths for Greater Wellbeing and Success.

Focus on Your Strengths for Greater Wellbeing and Success

Focus on Your Strengths for Greater Wellbeing and Success

by Linda-Ann Stewart

If you’re like most people, you probably try to improve on your weaknesses. These are areas where you don’t do as well in life. Unfortunately, if they’re a weakness for you, you’ll never excel at them, because they’re not natural for you. You’re just able to manage them. As an individualized part of the Universe, there’s no way you can express all of Its attributes. One of my weaknesses is making small talk. With a lot of effort, I can hold up my end of that type of conversation, but it’s not easy for me.

The Alternative

Instead of working so much on your weaknesses, focus on your strengths. The Universe created you with a whole host of other positive attributes you can call on. Consider what’s right about you, what you do well, and depend more on them. Essentially, you’ll be cultivating the best parts of yourself.

When you keep trying to prop up your weaknesses, you’re likely self-critical about them and that doesn’t help to build you up. But if you highlight your strengths, you feel better about yourself and are more positive overall. You’re accepting your true self, the person the Universe designed. When you’re clear about your strengths, you’re able to utilize them more and be more successful. They also give you a sense of resilience and you start noticing how you use them in your life.

How to Shift Your Focus

To shift your focus from your weaknesses to your strengths, I suggest you make a list of your strengths. These could be positive qualities, such as: optimistic, self-reliant, organized, curious, thoughtful, and so on. List at least two or three of them, if not more. You might even consider the opposite of what you think of a weakness in yourself, especially in specific situations. For me, I began to cultivate a skill I already have that’s good for conversations. I’m a good listener.

As you look over your strengths, notice if you don’t feel more empowered and good about yourself. You may even feel more grounded and authentic. This allows a deeper connection to your Higher Self. Contemplate how you’ve used these traits in your life and how they’ve helped you. And think of how else you could use them going forward. Ask for Divine Guidance to help you utilize them in the best way.

Your strengths could give you a new direction to follow that will open doors for you. Doing this exercise can boost your optimism and sense of wellbeing. This isn’t to say you won’t work on your weaknesses, as I did to learn to make small talk. Just that you shift the majority of your attention to your strengths so that they support your success.

Affirmation:

The Universe created me with specific positive traits and characteristics to help me navigate my life. As I recognize and cultivate these strengths within me, I discover a deeper acceptance of myself. By embracing my strengths, I’m more authentic and connected to my Higher Self. I am now Divinely Guided about how to utilize my positive qualities in the best way for my satisfaction and success.

Watch the accompanying video, Empower Your Inner Strengths.

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

Affirming Self-Love for Greater Self-Esteem and Well Being

Affirming Self-Love for Greater Self-Esteem and Well Being

We all have some negative self-talk that undermines our self-love and well being. If that negative programming isn’t counteracted, it can sabotage your self-esteem, motivation and goals. Fortunately, there are ways to reprogram your mind to support your appreciation of yourself. Learn a simple way to change your self-talk and how to do it most effectively. Watch Affirming Self-Love for Greater Self-Esteem and Well Being.

Transcript:

Welcome. Have you ever noticed the negative things you tell yourself? The demoralizing self-talk that drags you down and keeps you from doing your best? We all have that negative internal dialogue to some extent, and it chips away at your deep appreciation of yourself, which is what self-love is. If negative self-talk isn’t counteracted, it can undermine your motivation, goals and even your health.

One of the ways to counteract negative self-talk is to replace it with positive self-talk, also called affirmations or auto-suggestions. When you substitute positive ideas for the negative ones, it begins a shift within your subconscious mind. You reprogram your subconscious mind to support your love and appreciation of yourself. In this video, you’ll learn some simple positive affirmations you can use, and how to use them to be most effective.  

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 repeat statements to yourself, whether they’re positive or negative, you’re mentally programming yourself. You then tend to believe your statements and act on them. You know what I mean, right? If you’re criticizing yourself, you feel like a failure and don’t do your best. But if you’re encouraging yourself, you’re motivated to keep going and do better.

The negative programming can be reversed by consistently, and the key word here is consistently, using positive programming. Five of the positive affirmations or auto-suggestions I’ve used with my clients over the years to help improve their sense of self are the following:

  • I deserve love and to love myself.
  • I recognize my true worth.
  • I am worthy of the best that life has to give.
  • Right here and right now, I am enough.
  • I’m becoming the person I was meant to be.

I’ll put these in the description for you. For more affirmations for self-love, you can do internet searches. There are lots of them out there. The secret to being effective with affirmations is to say them out loud several times a day. It takes repetition to counteract the negative messages you’ve been giving yourself.

You can repeat positive statements about yourself while walking, exercising, in the car, getting ready for work, going to sleep or during meditation. Flood your mind with the positive messages, and you’ll notice an improvement in your self-esteem, motivation, and overall well being.  

What affirmation do you want to inspire yourself with 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, Cultivate Self-Love to Flourish.

Meditation for Self-Love

Meditation for Self-Love

Loving yourself is necessary to a strong sense of self-esteem and self-worth. When you love yourself, you have more love, compassion and empathy for yourself and others. Practice this meditation to develop self-love to experience greater well being. Watch Meditation for Self-Love.

Transcript:

Welcome. Today, I’d like to lead you through a meditation to help you cultivate more love for yourself. When I use the term “self-love,” I’m not talking about narcissism, which is more about complete self-centeredness, self-importance and a sense of entitlement.

Instead, self-love means you have a healthy interest in your own well being and happiness. When you love yourself, you have more compassion and empathy for yourself and for others. Does that sound good?

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 goal of this meditation is to allow you to feel your love for yourself. To benefit the most from this meditation, close your eyes.

Imagine someone, such as a child, spouse, family member, friend, or even a pet, in front of you. You care deeply about that individual’s well being. You want the best for that individual, health, harmony and happiness. Imagine that feeling of wanting the best for them welling up within you. That is love. Imagine yourself projecting an ocean of love towards that person, bathing them in love.

Now imagine, that the individual turns into a representation of you. It could be a photo of you, a reflection of you in the mirror, or something else. You want the best for that representation, who the representation reflects. It’s the same health, harmony and happiness you wished for the other individual a moment ago.

Imagine that feeling welling up within you again. That is love. You’re now viewing yourself, projecting love to yourself and receiving that ocean of love. Bathing in it. Open your heart to receive the love. Accept the love.

Open your eyes. Do you notice a difference?

When you can accept that love for yourself, from yourself, you have more love to give to those around you. You not only take better care of your well being, but you also care more about others well being.

If you practice this type of meditation several times a week, you’ll probably notice that your self-esteem and self-worth improves.

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, Cultivate Self-Love to Flourish.

Cultivate Self-Love to Flourish

Cultivate Self-Love to Flourish

by Linda-Ann Stewart

Heart Tree

People always talk about loving others, but what about loving yourself? Loving yourself is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your life. It means that you care for yourself, and will take care of yourself. There are many words that people use to define caring about themselves, such as self-esteem, self-worth, self-compassion, self-care, and self-acceptance.

All of these descriptions go into building self-love, which is a deep appreciation of who you are as a person. Self-love is created by all those qualities, and at the same time, it’s the foundation of them all. It’s a feedback loop that strengthens each of those other qualities.

You’re an individualized expression of the Universe, and the Universe loves you unconditionally. How could it be otherwise? How could it not love a part of Itself? And if you love the Universe, then you must love Its form in and as you.

Self-Love vs. Narcissism

Unfortunately, many people confuse self-love with narcissism. They are actually opposites. Narcissists are concerned with comparing themselves with others, and try to drag others down to build themselves up. Contrary to this, self-love is about having a profound interest in your own well being. Self-Love has nothing to do with comparing yourself to other people.

Narcissism seeks its validation from external factors and at the expense of others. Self-love is developed from within, and dependent on your approval of yourself as an individual. You value your welfare, and don’t sacrifice it to others demands or expectations.

The Universe prizes your well being, and wants you to be true to yourself. Because when you are, then you’re creating the best conduit for Universal Love.

When You Love Yourself

People who want to feel good about themselves work on self-esteem and self-worth issues. Those issues block the flow of Universal love to and through you. And those issues are well worth dealing with, for they’ll help you understand that you deserve love. And when you reach that awareness, you’ll begin to reap the benefits of loving yourself, such as the following:

* You have more love to give to yourself and others.

* You’re less critical of yourself. 

* You take actions that support your physical, mental and emotional well being.

* Your relationship with yourself, and others, improves.

* You’re kinder with other people.

* You make better decisions because you trust yourself more.

* You have stronger boundaries.

It will take some effort to develop self-love, but the rewards are well worth it.

Self-love prioritizes your welfare, and empowers you to live a more fulfilling and satisfying life. When you love yourself, you have a stronger connection to your inner self and the Universe.

How to Build Self-Love

To build a stronger foundation of self-love, take actions that are supportive of your health and well being, such as the following:

* Use positive self-talk or affirmations to counter all the negative messages you’ve received.

* Pay attention to your needs and well being, and prioritize them.

* Use self-care techniques to reduce stress and build your peace of mind.

* Be kind and compassionate towards yourself when you make mistakes.

* Accept yourself as you are now, knowing there’s always room for improvement.

* Acknowledge your achievements, small and large.

* Recognize your values and strengths, and commit to living them.

Challenges

When you reach the point of being comfortable within yourself, and love yourself, you’ll attract people to your warmth and authenticity. But it won’t be all unicorns and sunshine. There will still be challenges.

There will be those who will be jealous of your serenity and try to tear you down. And some people will be uncomfortable around you, and try to extinguish your light. They’ll try to undermine you and make you doubt yourself, so they feel superior. Unfortunately, this is a normal response by insecure people to anyone who is self-assured, talented and creative.

You’re Stronger When You Love Yourself

But the good news is, with your greater sense of self and well being shielding you, you’ll emerge stable and intact. Remember, their problem isn’t really with you, it’s with them. They don’t have the inner security that you have. Learning to love yourself is a life-long journey, and takes constant awareness and vigilance. And it will bring you the rewards of wholeness, peace and understanding. The Universe completely supports you embracing yourself.

Affirmation:

The Universe loves me just as I am, because I’m an individualized expression of It. When I love myself, I’m loving the Universe and Its creation. I appreciate myself, my needs and my well being. I deserve love and recognize my true worth. I embrace my true self and now commit to taking the actions necessary that show my love of self. The Universe guides my response to people who try to drag me down. I am kind and compassionate towards myself and others. The Universe completely supports my self-love.

Please watch the accompanying video, Meditation for Self-Love.

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

Practicing Self-Directed Goodwill

Practicing Self-Directed Goodwill

Sending thoughts of goodwill towards others can be an effective way to increase your sense of well being. But always thinking of others, and not paying attention to yourself, can eventually deplete you.  To make sure you have the energy to practice goodwill to others, and have energy for yourself, you have to find ways to replenish yourself. Discover some ideas on how to fill your own well of energy. Watch Practicing Self-Directed Goodwill.

Transcript:

Welcome. Sending thoughts of goodwill towards others can be an effective way to increase your sense of well being. But always thinking of others, and not paying attention to yourself, can eventually deplete you, can’t it?

To make sure you have the energy to practice goodwill towards others, and have energy for yourself, you have to find ways to replenish yourself. In this video, I’d like to share some ideas on how to fill your own well of goodwill energy.

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.

How can you practice goodwill towards yourself? Goodwill means to wish the best, in this case, to yourself. So what’s the best way you can recharge yourself? I don’t mean indulging in excess food or drink. That’s not what’s best for you, is it? But what are some ways you can revitalize yourself so you have the energy to care for yourself and others?

Here are some tips on how to fill your energetic battery: Like take a warm bath, take a walk, get into nature, meditate, read a book, do a craft or hobby, call a friend, write down your gratitudes or do something else that is inspiring to you. Do anything that’s just for you that  makes you feel uplifted and that gratifies you.

By setting time and energy apart for you, you’re communicating goodwill to yourself. You want the best for yourself, and are making space to act on that intention. Practicing goodwill towards yourself will fill your energy stores so you have more going forth in your life. What can you do to fill yourself today? Even if it’s only for 10 minutes?

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, How to Practice Goodwill and Preserve Your Peace.

How to Develop a Sense of Goodwill

How to Develop a Sense of Goodwill

Having goodwill towards others creates more peace of mind and happiness in your life. Goodwill develops positive qualities in you, which improves your quality of life.  Discover the various ways to cultivate goodwill, and the one powerful way that will make a profound change in your life. Watch How to Develop a Sense of Goodwill.

Transcript:

Welcome. In this video, I’d like to explore the idea of goodwill, what it means to you, and how you can develop it.

To experience more peace of mind and happiness in your life, having goodwill towards others is vital. When you have goodwill towards others, you also cultivate it in yourself, for yourself.  Having goodwill creates positive qualities in you, such as improved self-worth, which then filter into your having a better life. So it’s a win-win attitude to have.

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.

To develop goodwill, you can practice gratitude, kindness, give without expecting anything back, and compassion for yourself and others. With this attitude, you’re interested in other people’s well being and want it to improve. All of these ways work to increase your ability to have a sense of goodwill about yourself and others.

But one of the best ways to develop goodwill is to think this about those you meet, “I wish you the best,” and mean it. “I wish you the best.” You don’t have to think about what the best for them could be. Just wish them the best, however that shows up for them. Wish the best to your cashier, other drivers (even if they’re rude), family members, even your boss.

It’s hard, but also wish the best for those who have done you harm. By doing so, you’re better able to let go of them and the situation and move on with your life.

A sense of goodwill enriches your life and the lives of others. When you wish the best for others, without knowing it, you’re also wishing it for yourself. This practice can make a positive and profound change in your life. All it takes is a little thought and practice. How can you practice it 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. I wish the best for you.

Read the accompanying article, The Power of Goodwill.

How to Improve Your Happiness Level

How to Improve Your Happiness Level

by Linda-Ann Stewart

“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Abraham Lincoln

Our western culture pushes the idea that achieving success will bring happiness, when the opposite is actually true. I’m sure you know people who pursue success, money and power, thinking it will bring them happiness. When it doesn’t bring lasting joy, they double down to accumulate more.

In actuality, the elation over a positive event, like a promotion or winning the lottery, is transitory. After a few months, the euphoria wears off, and the person’s level of happiness drops to what it was before the event.

Happiness could be defined as a state of wellbeing, contentment, satisfaction and fulfillment. These attributes depend on whether you have a generally positive mindset or not because happiness and optimism are closely intertwined.

The Good News about Happiness

According to some researchers, about 60% of your happiness comes from heredity and life situations beyond your control. Fear not, however. About 40% of your happiness derives from what you do in your everyday life. This means that much of your happiness is based on the choices you make. Building a well of happiness from within is under your control and more pervasive than seeking it from outside sources.

There are multiple benefits to happiness, beyond just making you feel good. Happiness affects the following and more:

Increases your success. You’re more likely to receive sales, promotions and awards.

Improves your health. Your immunity increases, heart disease decreases, and mental acuity is better as you age.

Opens up doors to greater creativity. When you’re in the flow, you have more mental resources to be inspired.

Causes you to be more productive. You have more energy and seek out more opportunities.

Enhances your relationships. You’re more open, interact better and little annoyances don’t bother you as much.

Builds a positive attitude. You look on the bright side of situations and seek out beneficial solutions.

Strengthens your ability to fulfill your potential. You tap into qualities that allow you to think better and make better decisions.

Raises your vibration. You feel lighter and clearer, therefore your vibration is higher.

Attracts more good to you. Allows you to be a clearer conduit for the Universe and the Law of Attraction.

All of these benefits are within your grasp, based on the choices you make each day. Happiness isn’t just a random occurrence, inspired by a positive experience. The thoughts you focus on develop new neurons and “neurons that fire together, wire together,” creating new connections in your brain. Through repetition of specific thoughts and actions, you can raise and strengthen your level of happiness and optimism.

How to Cultivate Happiness

By keeping your attention on something good, you cultivate new patterns of well being within yourself. And the more you do this, the more you feel good. It’s true that, in your brain, “What you focus on expands.”

Here are 6 ways to build more pathways in your brain to a sense of wellbeing, satisfaction and happiness:

Smile. Not only can a smile be contagious, it activates part of your brain to bring you more contentment. When you smile, your brain releases positive chemicals and hormones to make you feel good. Spend one minute in the morning to smile, and you’ll start the day off well.

Be kind. When you give to others, it also makes you feel good. Being kind activates parts of your brain that bring you a rush of euphoria. Just sending a card or email of appreciation to someone will brighten your day, as well as theirs.

Count Your Blessings. Gratitude stimulates the production of reward and pleasure chemicals in the brain, making you feel upbeat. Studies have found that if you list three things you’re grateful for each day, you’ll notice your happiness and attitude improve within three weeks.  

Detailed Gratitude. To deepen the impact of gratitude, each day find one thing that made you happy or grateful and write about it in detail. Spend at least a couple of minutes on this exercise. When you also visualize and savor the experience, this increases the effect and brings even greater satisfaction.

Meditate. Meditation grows the area of your brain responsible for joy. Whether it’s a consistent five minutes a day or longer, meditation will rewire your brain and your brain’s function. All you need to get started is to take long, slow deep breaths, in through your nose, and out through your mouth. Focus on your breathing. If your mind wanders (as it will), just bring it back to your breath.

Build social relationships. When you hang out with friends, this increases your ties with other people and improves your mental health. This can be done in person or virtually. I have several good friends who live a long distance from me, but we stay connected either through the phone or online.

Greater happiness can be yours using these small steps. Consistency will retrain your brain to be happier and build more neural circuits that support joy.

Affirmation:

The Universe wants the best for me. Success may not lead to happiness, but happiness leads to success. Happiness is a natural state for me, well within my grasp. I no longer wait to be happy but choose to be happy, now. What I focus on expands, and as I open myself to more happiness, more flows to me. The Universe supports me in finding simple ways to cultivate happiness in my life now.

Watch the accompanying videos, Craft a Sustainable Well of Happiness and A Fun Way to Cultivate Happiness.

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 You can contact her at LAS@Linda-AnnStewart.com or 928-600-0452.

Seek Persistence, Not Perfection

Seek Persistence, Not Perfection

by Linda-Ann Stewart

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.” Calvin Coolidge

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.” Calvin Coolidge

There’s an old saying, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” But that concept puts so much pressure on people. They figure that if they can’t do it perfectly, it’s not worth doing at all. So, because they’re afraid of failing, or of doing less than their best, they procrastinate, or they get paralyzed and do nothing.

But perfection is not only overrated, it’s impossible. When you seek perfection, you don’t try anything new, because you’re unsure of the results. Or if you do try something new, it’s only what you know you’ll do well. You don’t do anything new or challenging that will allow you to grow or develop. But you don’t build proficiency in a vacuum. It takes time to develop the skill and knowledge to be able to excel at something.

Perfectionism Affects Your Mental Health

Seeking perfection is detrimental to your mental health, as it creates stress and anxiety. The pursuit of perfection also results in low self-esteem and depression. Your self-talk becomes abusive, as you berate yourself for always falling short of an impossible standard. Perfectionism promotes the opposite of what you seek, which is wellbeing and success.  

The obsession with perfection is prompted by the fear of failure and disapproval. You’re trying to live up to some unrealistic expectations, generally from childhood, and fear rejection if you don’t succeed. So by staying in your comfort zone and don’t try anything new, you can’t fail or be criticized. This causes you to avoid challenges, risk, growth and innovation.

Developing Persistence

My father used to say, “You don’t fail until you stop trying.” There’s a theory that leaders should seek failure, rather than success, because failing teaches you valuable lessons. You learn more about yourself, are able to cultivate creativity, and acquire empathy through failure. You discover what doesn’t work, and are able to apply that to your next attempt. Failure also fosters persistence. Each time you fail, you’re one step closer to success, if you keep trying.

Beginning meditators give up when they aren’t able to quiet their mind chatter. The point of meditation is the practice. The more you persist, the easier it will be to not give attention to the distracting thoughts that fly through your mind. Perseverance also gives the Law of Attraction a focus, letting it know that your idea is something you really want.

Instead of focusing on the outcome of perfection, focus on the process of what you’re trying to achieve. Practice doesn’t make perfect, but it does build expertise. Repetition forms muscle memory, and creates a habit. Training crafts mastery, which is as close to perfection as anyone can get. But you have to continue to practice, or else you begin to lose the skills.

Persistence Builds Character

Simply put one foot in front of the other and keep going. The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, but it continues with taking another step and another. Focus on what you accomplish each day. What did you learn? How can that lesson be put to use in moving forward? You’re more productive, efficient and effective, simply by continuing to take action.

Perseverance is necessary for a child to learn to walk, a writer to finish a book, or someone to change a habit. Giving up isn’t an option if you want to reach your goal. When you persist, despite obstacles, you build strength and resilience. This becomes a positive cycle that will bring you more success and self-confidence. Let go of the illusion of perfection, and embrace the power of persistence.

Affirmation:

I recognize that perfection is the province of the Universe, not the physical world that I live in. I let go of the need to live up to unrealistic expectations. Those ideas belong in the past. Now, I focus on my goal and take steps to bring it into reality. I learn from any setbacks, and apply that knowledge to my path as I commit myself to moving forward.

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 achieve your goals with confidence and ease in 4 powerful steps, register for her FREE training video and accompanying action planning guide at www.Linda-AnnStewart.com/setyourcourse.html. You can contact her at LAS@Linda-AnnStewart.com or 928-600-0452.