Need Energy? - Try a Positive Attitude

By Sally Huss

My Happy Musing for the Day: Focus on the positive and the rest will fall away from lack of interest.

Energy is energy. Might as well make it positive! I've never seen something disappear so fast as when you don't think about it. So many times people work very hard trying to get something or even someone that affects them negatively out of their life, when all they have to do is focus elsewhere. It is like chewing on something that tastes bad. The taste lingers. Eat something else.

There are many in the psychology field who insist on working through things. "You have issues." I say, give up issues. Let them go. Do something else. Analysis paralysis can set in and there one sits. The mind can be a maze of endless turns with personality pitfalls, but the heart is ever-forgiving. It is not interested in the "hows" and "whys". It's interested in the "nows" and "sighs" of something better.

When I taught tennis it was interesting to see this phenomenon of focus in regard to changing a student's motion. Of course many times people would come to me with very unorthodox and cumbersome strokes. Now to change these strokes to something more effective seemed daunting to them. But the truth is I was not interested in changing what they had already learned, only to do something else. It made it so much easier if we did not have to alter what they were doing, but learn something new. That new motion simply replaced the old one without a struggle.

My husband does this trick when he is with his 96-year-old mother. When she gets on a negative jag he just changes the subject. Otherwise it would be an endless dialog of rationalizations for her point of view that never gets anywhere or does anyone any good. Good is what we're after and it's easier had by being positive!

"Life is wonderful. Don't forget it!"
Copyright 2008 Sally Huss

Sally Huss has been a writer and artist all of her life. She is a native Californian who studied art at Occidental College before graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in Fine Arts.

Along with her creative talents, Sally developed her skills on the tennis court. She became National Junior Champion and a Wimbledon semifinalist before putting down her racket for a full-time career as an artist/writer.

Sally's art ranges from large and lively impressionistic canvases to deliciously colorful fish, florals and landscapes on paper. She paints daily in her gallery/studio in the heart of the art district of La Jolla, California at 7932 Ivanhoe.

Sally Huss has written and illustrated greeting card lines for Hallmark, American Greetings and Suzy's Zoo for over 20 years. In the last 3 years she has created a daily feature called Happy Musings, which King Features syndicated for newspapers world-wide. From her archives Sally offers in-depth comments on the meaning of her Musings.

These happy thoughts and the best of her greeting cards are now available as E-cards through http://www.happymusings.com along with a free Happy News newsletter.

To view Sally's gallery of original art and peek at her extensive lines of bright and happy products, including THE HAPPY BOOK, bibs, nursery wall décor, totes and purses, and gifts with thoughtful thoughts, go to: http://www.sallyhuss.com

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Never Give Up

By Sue Craig

When you first start learning about the Law of Attraction and start thinking about how everything is working in your life, it all seems so obvious... you are ready for some major self improvement.

You feel excited and feel the power rushing through you. You understand now why your life has been the way it is, why you are where you are today, and what you need to do to make it better.

You look at the ideas that have been instilled into you through the years, your ideas, your beliefs, and your actions... put the pieces together and WAALAA, there you have it, this is your life.

You set out to make the Law of Attraction work for you instead of against you and know that it is in your hands ( or should I say ' it's in your mind' ). You have the power!

So your going along just fine, changing your beliefs and your way of living and your life is getting better. You see the Law of Attraction in action and you feel yourself expanding into the universe.

Then something happens that is a reminder of your past ,that was negative and held you back. You feel yourself slipping backwards and just can't shake the negative thoughts that are rumbling through your mind.

Once those thoughts start haunting you and you keep hanging on to them, the positive experiences that you were having, turn into negative experiences.The Law of Attraction is reflecting what you are feeling.

When these thoughts arise , you know that they are serving no purpose, so do whatever it takes to snap yourself out of it. Meditate, use affirmations, read inspirational material, or at the least, distract yourself with a comedy or some relaxing music, but never give up!

Remind yourself that this too shall pass... doors are opening to amazing and wonderful things .This is no more than a temporary discomfort so just let it go.

You are a wonderful person and deserve abundance in all things. The past is not a reflection of who you are but it is what made you who you are, and You Rock, so take it as a blessing in disguise.

Sue Craig is the creator of http://www.unlimitedpower4u.com an enlightening and encouraging site designed to assist people in continually moving towards their higher selves. She is a massage therapist, writer, internet marketer, and lifestyle advocate. Sue has made the principles of the Law of Attraction a way of life and shares what has worked for her to give her a life of total fulfillment and wants others to have the same peace in their lives

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Five Tips For Developing an Unoffendable Attitude!

By Doyle Slayton

I recently told a few people that I have been working on being unoffendable. I feel comfortable sharing this because I feel like I'm getting really close! Needless to say, the most common response I'm getting is a funny look. Now, I'm pretty good at reading people, but in this case, I'm not quite sure what these funny looks mean...

"What?!!!"

"I think he's gone over the top with this one!"

"You mean never... for the rest of your life?"

"Yeah right!"

"Is that even a word... it's not even in the dictionary!"

"Do we need to get you some medical attention?"

Pretty funny huh!

When you start to really think about it... you might say... you know what... I want to work on that... I want to build myself up to be unoffendable!

Let's do it... here are five tips for developing an unoffendable attitude!

1. Build your self-confidence. It is the most important factor.

2. Your happiness does not depend on other people.

3. Understand that your state of mind is your state of mind

4. At some point you are going to have to get over it. How about right now!

5. Claim it as true, "I don't get offended."

Best Practice: When somebody asks you, "Did that offend you?" or "Wasn't that offensive?" you can respond with... "I'm not sure... I've reached a point in my life where I don't get offended."

Each day... I pray for wisdom... to see things for what they truly are... to be able to communicate my ideas clearly... in way that everyone can relate and understand the message... so that people may move forward in a positive direction... and achieve great success!

What did I miss... What would you add to these five tips?

Doyle Slayton, Executive Director & Sales Strategist at http://www.SalesBlogcast.com

Join the community where sales professionals network, share best-practices, and just get better! Receive new articles and interviews throughout the week. Participate in sales, leadership, and business discussions. Subscribe today... it's FREE! http://www.SalesBlogcast.com

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What to Focus On to Have Positive Attitude Every Day

By Vincent Kituku

"Muli, get me a basin with water. I want to take a bath and go to Nairobi." This was the request of my mother after I arrived home from school. A visitor in our home might wonder, "How can she go to Nairobi at this time of the day?" My mother seemed to have the punch line ready, "I am going to my husband's store. That is my Nairobi."

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, had its charm, especially for rural folks who rarely had the chance of visiting the, "place of cool water." Nairobi dwellers had different perspectives from those who lived in country sites. They had exposure to different cultures and the Western lifestyle. Their food was different from that in the villages. Cultivation, which roughned the skin of rural folks, was not practiced in Nairobi. Thus, dwellers of Nairobi had smoother skin.

As I was growing up in Kangundo, it was a special event for a woman to visit her husband in Nairobi. When she returned, she brought new clothes for her family. Sometimes, she brought bread and other unusual items. If her visit lasted a month or so, her skin would affirm the comfortable lifestyle of Nairobi. It was smooth and starting to soften. When communicating with neighbors, she would use Swahili or English words here and there, which were the dominant languages of the big city.

My father left the King's African Rifles (British Colonial Army) in the early 60's to start a business in our local shopping center, about one mile from our home, but 60 miles from Nairobi. Every evening, my mother would go to the shop to help him and close the business for the day. Our business was mainly a fabric outlet. By the early 70's, the business was well established, and people knew the best material was found there. Dad made sure that my mother had the newest fabric in the community, which was the best advertisement.

What was fascinating to me was her contentment. She was so proud of it, she could never miss the "real Nairobi." When my mother went to help Dad, she also bought cooking oil, meat, kerosene and other supplies the family would need. For my mother, this was her "Nairobi."

My mother's attitude and contentment were my first encounter with the Biblical teaching, "But Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). It is the contentment that makes the heart leap with joy in the midst of material poverty; contentment of the soul that gives the mind unexpected peace to enjoy the triumphs of the day without focusing on the wants of tomorrow or languishing on past disappointments; contentment that culminates with an attitude of gratitude for the blessing of life, appreciation for divine providence of basic necessities, thankfulness for a closely-knit family and an understanding that God has the best in store for us.

Just look at what you, where you are and what you are doing. Focus on what is good and working for you...that's your Nairobi

Dr. Vincent Muli Kituku, Dr. Vincent Muli Wa Kituku, author of Overcoming Buffaloes at Work & in Life works with organizations to increase productivity through leadership and employees development programs. He can be reached at http://www.kituku.com or (208) 376-8724. Dr. Kituku has been described as a research-based motivational speaker/trainer whose storytelling skills have won awards for both spoken and written words. He is one of the less than 7% speakers to earn the coveted Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) recognition, the highest designation presented by the National Speakers Association.

Wherever he speaks, people from all backgrounds agree that words cannot describe Vincent but that he must be experienced. His ability to captivate audiences with content, interaction and entertainment has made him not only a sought after speaker but an annual presenter for key organizations.

The impact of Dr. Kituku's memorable speeches and workshops has propelled him into a league of his own. He has given presentations for HP, CISCO, MICRON, AIRFORCE, GENWORTH FINANCIAL. He has been the motivational speaker for the successful Boise State University Football Team since 1998-the alumni of BSU selected him the 2003 Homecoming Grand Marshal.

A scientific researcher and experienced corporate America student, Dr. Kituku, a native of Kenya, Africa, draws on his rich cultural heritage and his in-depth experience in corporate America to help others apply the strategies of personal and professional success to their lives. Vincent offers individuals and organizations the necessary spears to change and stay motivated. Since establishing Kituku & Associates in 1995, Dr. Kituku has done research on the challenges and expectations of every group he has worked with. He then uses the data/information to develop and present a customized presentation audiences can relate to and apply in whatever they do to make success a continuous experience.

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Renewal, Hope, and Optimisming

By Pascoe D. Sawyers

As the weather warms, long-buried seeds of possibility start to wake and strive towards the light. Spring brings new beginnings and new energy into our lives. What will you plant in your garden this year?

Optimism is a large part of gardening. You rake the ground, bury the seeds, water and weed and wait. The work you do in a garden doesn't necessarily give an immediate return, but you're sustained by the thought of your eventual harvest of succulent fruits, nutritious vegetables, or beautiful and sweet-smelling flowers.

This spring, what will you plant? Like seeds, even small changes in your life can yield large results. But remember that even though a seed planted will often grow by itself, the best crops come from well-tended garden plots. Once your garden is established - once you've made the decision to change jobs, or start a creative hobby, or improve your communication skills - don't just walk away and hope for the best.

No, that's when it's time to start optimisming. No such word I hear you say. Well, there certainly should be is my very definite response to that. Optimism is such a powerful force that it needs to be a verb, because optimism without action is dangerously close to merely wishful thinking. For those who are serious about achieving their goals in life, being optimistic has to be about action and habitual behaviours. Your positive mental attitude needs to be balanced by an "I can, I will" philosophy of life. Dynamic optimism helps to make your mind more alert and open to opportunities, your imagination and creative powers more active; it will make you more enthusiastic about the challenges of life and, in all likelihood, will help to increase your willpower to succeed. Effective optimists are rational and objective-focused, just as much as they are positive.

Good harvests come from productive activity focused on a goal, with the expectation of a positive outcome. This expectation is important: optimism strengthens your sense of purpose and clarity. You don't tend a garden with the constant thought of "I hate vegetables, and it will all rot before I can pick it anyway." Or if so, perhaps you've planted the wrong things!
Optimism is the fertiliser that nourishes your emotional and spiritual garden. Apply it regularly, in thought and deed, and watch your garden grow strong and healthy!

Pascoe Sawyers is the author of MePLC: Your Life Is Your Business. You can download a free PDF copy of this very powerful self-improvement book from http://www.meplc.co.uk
Pascoe will be leading a workshop on the power of Me FOCUS (being Fearless, Optimistic, Creative, Unique and a Storyteller) at the Mind, Body and Spirit Festival 2008 in London on 26 May. For more information or to book your place on the Me FOCUS workshop go to: http://www.mindbodyspirit.co.uk/presenter.asp?pid=162

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3 Steps To Your Best Attitude

By Rich Vosler

Two summers ago my then 8-year-old daughter Sarah was away at camp and was bit by a deer tick. As a result she contracted Lyme Disease. She also experienced severe paralysis on the left side of her face as a side effect, commonly known as Bells Palsy. The condition usually remedy's itself but Sarah's took a very long time. Even now, 18 months later, she still has some paralysis and our neurologist is not sure if it will ever be completely healed. Her Lyme Disease was treated successfully with antibiotics.

Several weeks after she got the Palsy and her Lyme Disease treatments were completed, her and I were talking and having fun. We were poking fun at each other and having a really good time. She would laugh and smile her half smile at me and it touched my heart. I said to her, "Just think Sarah, in a few months your smile will be back to normal!" She looked at me confused, and said, "Oh, you mean I'm not going to be like this forever?" I was floored. I couldn't believe that she had accepted that she was never going to get her full smile back and yet was content and happy and had a great attitude regardless. I firmly believe that children are given to us as OUR teachers even though we mostly think that we are their teachers.

Sarah gave me the gift of attitude that day. I know how important attitude is but this incident gave me insight on a whole different level. Here are some things you can do right now to get the kind of attitude that will propel you toward your goals:

--Learn To Be Thankful For What You Already Have

One of the best ways to be thankful for what you already have is to start keeping a Gratitude Journal. This is a simple notebook or journal where you spend time daily or several times a week writing down what you're thankful for. If you've never tried it, give it a shot. You'll be shocked at what you are really thankful for. You'll find that little things will bring the most gratitude - a hug, smile or facial expression from one of your children. Or your dog's wonderful attitude (that's a whole separate article!). Or the way your spouse leans their head on your shoulder as you sit together. A journal like this allows you to really appreciate the little things that, in our busyness, we overlook. Resolve that going forward you're not going to let these gems of time slip away unnoticed. Resolve now to spend time remembering them, appreciating them and giving thanks for them. When you know what's important to you and you're thankful for them, you become happier.

--Stop Wasting Idle Time Doing Unimportant Things

This one is a favorite of mine, one that I still struggle with. For some reason, we use this one to avoid what we know we should be doing. And let me clarify what we should be doing. In his excellent book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" Dr. Stephen Covey talks about urgent vs. important things. Urgent things are usually things that are important to others but they need our involvement to complete them and they expect us to make them urgent too. You should never let other people's priorities become your emergencies. You have important things to be done as well. Things like goal setting, dream building and relationships. When we let unimportant urgencies dominate our time we never have time for the important things that really make the difference in our quality of life. Doing the important things in life creates in us a great attitude because we know that we're doing what we should be.

--Start Worrying Less And Enjoying Life More

In his "Little Red Book of Selling" Jeffrey Gitomer says, "Resign your position as general manger of the universe. The less time you spend in other people's business, other people's problems, and other people's drama, the more time you'll have for your own success." How true is that? Especially as salespeople we think we have to fix everything from manufacturing and processing problems to our customer's personal problems. Forget that and start working on yourself. That's the only thing you can affect. This gives you more time to enjoy your life and what you've already accomplished. If you have children, nothing in life will even come close to the love and gratification you get from watching and being with them. We spend all this time chasing other things looking for that certain "something" that's going to make all the difference. If you have children, you already have it. You just haven't realized it or spend enough time with them to realize it. When you continually work on yourself, you improve your attitude because you're making progress in your life.

These are just a sampling of the things that you can do to improve your attitude but I think they are foundational. Getting back in touch with what's important to us aligns us with what's right with the world. I love this quote from author Jack Anthony, "I have never been a millionaire. But I have enjoyed a crackling fire, a glorious sunset, a walk with a friend and a hug from a child. There are plenty of life's tiny delights for all of us." When you're focused on what's important, your life can only improve. I know you can do it and I definitely believe in you!


Rich Vosler is a Sales Success Coach who coaches clients in groups or individually. He was a mortgage professional for 18 years in New York, New Jersey and Georgia. He is also a speaker and author. Rich can be reached at 609-790-8757 or by email at rvosler@verizon.net. His website, Sales Training & Motivation, is at www.RichVosler.com and is full of sales success tips as well as his brand new blog. He is also running a special on his brand new DVD, Secrets of Sales Power sold there. Call today!

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Planting Positive Seeds

By Susanne Gaddis

In a room of fifty participants, Katie was one of the quiet ones. I could tell she was with me, by the way she nodded frequently and the way her eyes followed me around the room. Still, all morning she hadn't said a word. The discussion that day was about the characteristics of people who are ego boosters and ego busters.

After covering ego busting behavior such as being overly critical, being a micro-manager, and gossiping, we progressed to discuss people who always seem to be in a bad mood. Suddenly, Katie's hand shot up. She said, "I was in a bad mood once." She followed with, "for about a year. And I remember the day I snapped out of it."

Katie said she was incredibility sour-spirited that day. She hated her job, she was mad at the world, and she wasn't afraid to let others know exactly how she was feeling. That day, when I came home, she said, "my Grandmother greeted me at the door. Seeing the scowl on my face, she sat me down, looked straight at me, stuck her finger in my face and said, "Katie, I love you. But if you keep spitting negative seeds, you're going to walk in an awful ugly forest one day." To make sure it would sink in, she repeated herself. This time she spoke slower, putting emphasis on each word, "If you keep spitting negative seeds, you're going to walk in an awful ugly forest one day."

As tough as it was to admit," Katie said, "Grandma was right."

Katie was well aware that she had been spitting negative seeds. She knew that what she was doing wasn't working, and yet she, like so many others, continued her negative behavior. The result was that Katie was having to walk daily down the path that she'd paved herself - one that looked less and less like the life she truly desired.

Grandma's advice may very well be some of the best I've ever heard. In my opinion, it is advice worth committing to memory and sharing with others, because it can have a profound impact on the way that we choose to behave.

With every word and every action, we are either building a relationship up or tearing it down. We are either planting a positive seed or planting a seed that will grow up to block the sun one day.

Knowing this, how can we share words intended to intimidate and harm an individual and expect for them to react with kindness and consideration? How can we criticize, belittle, lie, manipulate or be sarcastic without expecting an equal and opposite response? Similarly, how can we with our actions -- ignore others, show up late or not at all, wear a frown, roll our eyes, grit our teeth in anger, and not expect others to respond in kind? The answer is - WE CAN'T.

We are all gardeners of our own life. What we sow, we will one day reap, so we need to choose our seeds wisely. Of course, the flip-side of Grandma's advice is, "If you keep spitting positive seeds, you're going to walk in a beautiful forest one day."

What will you choose? What seeds will you plant? It's your choice. Think about it.
Susanne Gaddis, PhD, known as the Communications Doctor, is an acknowledged communications expert who has been speaking and teaching the art of effective and positive communication through workshops, seminars, keynote presentations, and career saving executive coaching across the United States since 1989.

Dr. Gaddis has appeared on nationally syndicated radio, TV and video programming and has authored articles appearing in The Journal of Training and Development, The Whole American Nurse, and Shape Magazine. Past clients include: NASA, Oracle, Schlumberger, and the American Nurses Association. For free articles written by Dr. Gaddis, or to purchase her book Communication Booster Shots: Prescriptions for Effective Communication visit http://www.CommunicationDoctor.com

To book Dr. Gaddis for your next conference, retreat, or workshop call 919-933-3237.

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Positive Attitude Tips To Motivate You

By Ko Su Piow

Ko Su PiowLevel: BasicMr Ko Su Piow is the expert in Blue Ocean Strategy, Strategic Management, Sales, Marketing & Manufacturing Productivity. He hold MBA and Bachelor Degree ...

The Positive Attitude are a very powerful thing in your life, belief me I have done it and I believe that everybody can do it too. I have suggest the following tip to for you to consider as the first step to go toward the positive attitude.

What people really want in life is to change one of two things: either the way they feel about something (e.g., to move from being frustrated to confident, from sad to happy, from depressed to emotionally strong) or they want to change a behavior (e.g., to stop smoking or drinking, to start taking massive action, to exercise and enjoy it, to follow through on their commitments). But the only reason we want to change our behaviors is we're hoping that if we lose that weight, stop procrastinating, take that action, we'll feel good. Everything human beings do is merely an attempt to change the way they feel, to "change state."

Moment to moment, what we do is powerfully shaped by the state we re in. When we're in a frustrated state, we tend to behave very differently than when we're feeling confident or excited or determined. One of the most important things we can do to create the power, joy, and passion we really want in our lives is to learn to manage our states of mind.

You can do this immediately through two primary vehicles, the first of which is physiology.

1. You can change how you feel instantly by changing the way you move, breathe, use your facial expressions, or make any new demand on your body.

2. The state you're in determines your behavior and also your performance. If you want to change your performance in anything-business, sports, relationships, etc.-the first thing to do is to change your state. In any situation, if you put yourself in a peak state you will be able to utilize more of your true capabilities in life.

3. Remember, you're always responsible for your own states. After the next few days of learning, you won't just be responsible; you'll know how to quickly and easily change how you feel about virtually anything and move yourself into peak performance at will.

Here's how to use your physiology to manage your state.

1. Move your body differently, and develop some "power moves": deliberate, strong, unhesitating movements that give you an immediate sense of certainty. You can also use your voice to put yourself in a peak state. Speak stronger, more rapidly, with a bit more volume from deeper in your chest than you usually d0.

2. Changing your breathing can immediately change your state. Deep, diaphragmatic breaths create radically different emotional states than shallow breathing that begins in the upper chest.

3. Radical changes in facial expressions will immediately change the way you feel.

4. Changing elements of your diet can maximize your health and energy.

5. All of these put together can make significant changes in the patterns of the emotional states you experience day to day.

A second way to manage your states, in addition to using your physiology, is to control and direct the focus of your mind.

1. The way you feel and what you experience in your body comes from what you focus your attention upon during a given moment.

2. At any moment, you are "deleting" most of what is going on aroundyou. That is, to feel bad, you have to delete (not focus on, not think about) everything that's great in your life. And vice versa. For you tofeel good, you have to delete the things you could feel bad about. This process of deleting is an important part of how the mind maintains the balance in one's emotional state. Undirected, however, it can wreak havoc in your day-to-day experience.

To manage your states, there are two things you can control with respect to focus. When you change either of these, you immediately change how you feel.

1. What you're picturing in your mind

2. How you're picturing it, (e.g., dimension, brightness of mental pictures, etc.)

At this moment, how you're evaluating things determines what you focus on.

1. Evaluations are nothing but questions you ask yourself.

2. Your state-and ultimately, your life-are the result of the questions you ask.

To manage your states via focus, you must control the questions you ask yourself.

1. Eliminate limiting, "endless loop" questions.

2. Continually ask yourself questions that empower you.

ECO MAX Training & Learning Center provides self development training for public, public listed companies, private held company, small businesses and Government body.

The author can be contacted via the web-site http://www.ecomaxmc.com/

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How Positive is Your Perspective?

By elizabeth Savino

If asked to visualize your future, is your perspective filled with excitement and possibilities? Or do you envision the life you would like to have but are burdened with the distractions of the obstacles you may have to overcome to create it? If asked to describe yourself, what comes to mind first? Are you quick to sight your shortcomings or would your more attractive qualities come to mind first?

Sadly, many of us are living lives defined by negatives. Such negative thoughts are beliefs as to what we cannot do and have in our lives. Though there is no doubt that negatives, hardships and individual limitations exist in our lives, clearly positives are present as well. Perhaps we are more programmed to look at what is wrong, so we can correct it, as opposed to having love and appreciation for the positive aspects of our lives and the relationships associated with it. By merely acknowledging and focusing on what is right, what is positive and what is a gift in our lives, we actually promote feelings of happiness. The truth is, if we look carefully, both positives and negatives exist all around us. Why not shift our focus to what is positive?

According to Dan Baker and Cathy Greenberg, in their recent book, What Happy Women Know, when one engages in any positive emotion they cannot simultaneously be miserable. This is so because the brain is not wired to process both positive and negative emotions at the same time. Thus, by consciously practicing focusing on gratitude and the joys that are present in our lives, our level of happiness increases. The more we practice such gratitude, the more we are open to the positive possibilities both in our present and for our future.

In moving on or transitioning after any hardship in life, possessing a positive perspective is crucial in allowing us to build the momentum needed to recreate the lives we envision for ourselves. To begin practicing gratitude and focusing of the positive that exists in your life, follow these tips below.

1. Be an optimist- Hold fast to the possibilities that are always available to us. Look for the joy in life and allow yourself to wonder about what possibilities exist in any situation.

2. Believe in the power of you- Despite any hardships that come your way, have faith in and tap into the inner power you possess. Dig deep and pull from the tremendous strength that lives within you. We all possess this strength, but it is up to each of us to grab on to it and use it as our fuel.

3. Know your true passions- Give thought to what really excites you. What do you love? Know what your passions are and what brings you your greatest joy. Once you are aware of what this is for you, do everything in your power to hold fast to living out your passion.

4. Take personal responsibility for your life- Life is about choices. Make them wisely and with thought. Then, understand that you and you alone are responsible for the choices you make and the life that you create for yourself.

5. Learn From your mistakes- Though most of us strive to do what is right, mistakes are an inevitable part of life. View mistakes as an opportunity to grow and learn. Assess what happened and take proactive steps to remediate what caused such a mistake to occur.

6. Look for the joy that already exists in your world- Make a commitment to taking a five minute break each day to focus of gratitude. For five minutes do nothing but acknowledge what is positive and what you are grateful for. The more you do this the higher your level of happiness will become.

7. Be courageous- Life is a wonderful journey! Follow your dreams in the persuit of happiness while holding fast to the knowledge that fear is merely an emotion. Feel the fear, and do it anyway!

Elizabeth Savino is a Life Coach and Founder of Sole Life Coaching located in Pennington, New Jersey. Elizabeth specializing in recreating your life after divorce by promoting clarity and empowerment to promote positive changes in the future. She has studied through both Mentor Coach and Coach U which are coaching schools that train individuals to become Certified Coaches recognized by the International Coach Federation. Sole Life Coaching, Pennington, New Jersey 609-737-9980. Email:elizabethsavino@elizabethsavino.com http://www.elizabethsavino.com

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Modeling Beliefs

By David M.

The beliefs that we each have about ourselves, others and the way the world is have a major impact on the quality of our experience. Because of the 'self-fulfilling prophecy effect', beliefs influence behavior. They can support particular behavior or inhibit it.

This is why modeling beliefs is so important.

One of the simplest ways to model the beliefs of people with outstanding abilities is to ask them questions about why they do what they do. The answers they give you will be rich with insights into their beliefs and values.

There is a story of a child in Rome who spent hours watching a strange young man work intently. Finally, the boy spoke, 'Signore, why are you hitting that rock?' Michelangelo looked up from his work and answered, 'Because there is an angel inside and it wants to come out.'

Beliefs will generally take one of three main forms. They can be beliefs about what things mean. For example, if you believe that life is basically a competitive struggle and then you die, you are likely to have a very different experience of life than if you believe that it is a kind of spiritual school with many rich and fulfilling lessons to offer.

Beliefs can also be about what causes what (cause and effect). And so will give rise to the rules we choose to live by. Or again, they can be beliefs about what is important and what matters most, so giving rise to our values and criteria.

In modeling out beliefs, you want to focus on those that are most relevant to and supportive of the particular skills and competencies that you are interested in. Some good questions to elicit beliefs and metaphors are:

• Why do you do what you do?
• What does that mean to you?
• What would happen if you didn't do that?
• What is that like? What do you compare it to?
• What is empowering to you about this?

Once you have elicited the beliefs of your model you can begin to experiment with them for yourself. When you go beyond simple understanding and actually 'try on a belief' to 'see how it fits', the difference can be profound.

You do this by simply acting for a time as if the beliefs were true and noticing what changes when you do. One of Einstein's core beliefs was that the universe is a friendly place. Imagine how different the world might seem if you were to act as if that were true.

• What new actions would you take if you believe that?
• What would you do differently?
• What else would you be capable of?

If you realize that the only thing between you and what you want is a belief, you can begin to adopt a new one by simply acting as if it were true.

Put everything you have into everything you do, the choice is uniquely yours.

Entrepreneur, Visionary, Motivator, Entertainer, Agent of Change & Master Performance Coach ... he has been called all of these and more. David Martin combines over 30 years of "in the trenches" experience to bring you a no-nonsense, get to the point, create results NOW methodology that has become known as Performance Coaching Systems.

info@eperformancezone.com 800-748-6838 http://www.eperformancezone.com

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How A Positive Attitude Can Change The World Around You

By Daniel Alan

Outlines how to start thinking more positive and what a dramatic effect it can have in your day to day life.

I am going to ask you to something very weird right now. First of all, I want you to listen to your thoughts. Now tell me, what thoughts fill your head? Would you label them as positive, or negative?

Now let's say you are walking down the street with these thoughts. Do you think anyone who would meet you would be able to tell you whats on your mind?

The answer to number one is up to you. But, the answer number two can be pretty generic. Although people will not be able to tell you exactly what you think, they will more or less have an idea of how you are feeling.

Here's another question. When you enter a party filled with friends, do they all fall silent as if something terrible had happened? Or does everybody there perk up as if waiting for something exciting to happen?

You know what? The answer to all these depends on your frame of mind.

Thoughts are very powerful. They affect your general attitude. The attitude you carry reflects on your appearance, too - unless, of course, you are a great actor.

And it doesn't end there. Your attitude can also affect people around you.

The type of attitude you carry depends on you. It can be either positive or negative.

Positive thoughts have a filling effect. They are admittedly invigorating. Plus, the people around the person carrying positive thoughts are usually energized by this type of attitude.

Negative thoughts on the other hand have a sapping effect on other people. Aside from making you look gloomy and sad, negative thoughts can turn a festive gathering into a funeral wake.

A positive attitude attracts people, while a negative attitude repels them. People tend to shy away from those who carry a negative attitude.

We can also define attitude as the way of looking at the world. If you choose to focus on the negative things in the world, more or less you have a negative attitude brewing up. However, if you choose to focus on the positive things, you are more likely carry a positive attitude.

You have much to gain from a very positive attitude. For one, studies have shown that a positive attitude promotes better health. Those with this kind of attitude also have more friends. projecting a positive attitude also helps one to handle stress and problems better than those who have a negative attitude.

A positive attitude begins with a healthy self-image. If you will love the way you are and are satisfied, confident, and self-assured, you also make others are around feel the same way.

A negative attitude, on the other hand, has, of course, an opposite effect. So, carrying a negative attitude has a twofold drawback. You feel bad about yourself, and you make others feel the same way.

If you want to have a positive attitude, you have to feature healthy thoughts. This is probably very hard to do nowadays since, all around us, the media feeds us nothing but negative thoughts. A study shows that for every 14 things a parent says to his or her child, only one is positive. This is truly a saddening thought.

If you want a healthier outlook in life, you need to think happy thoughts, and you have to hear positive things as well. So, what can you do? Well, for starters, you could see a funny movie, you could play with children, spend some time telling jokes with friends. All these activities fill you with positive stimuli, which in turn promotes positive attitude.

Although it is impossible to keep ourselves from the negative things around us, you can still carry a positive attitude by focusing on the good things, the positive things in life.

And this positive attitude you now carry can be of benefit to other people. Sometimes when other people feel down, the thing people mostly do is try to give them advice. But sometimes, all they need is somebody to sit by them, and listen to them. If you have a positive attitude you may be able to cheer them up without even having to say anything.

If positive attitude is really great, why do people choose to adopt a negative attitude instead? One who carries a negative attitude may be actually sending a signal for attention. Before you get me wrong, feeling sad, angry, or gloomy is not wrong itself. But dwelling on these thoughts for far too long is not healthy either. There is a time to mourn.

As always, if you are beset by troubles, even in your darkest hour, focus on the good things in life, you will always have hope. Problems become something you can overcome.

You do not have much to lose by adopting a healthy, positive attitude. Studies show that such an attitude actually retards aging, makes you healthier, helps you develop a better stress coping mechanism, and has a very positive effect on all the people you meet every day. So, what's not to like about a positive attitude? Adopt one today.

Article Source: http://www.ArticlesAlley.com/

About the Author: Daniel Alan is the creator of the Perfect Path To Wealth system which helps people around the world attain their financial dreams. He is an expert at making money online and he motivates people around the country with his speaking.

11 Great Ways to be Positive about Change

By Martin Haworth

Look for the positives! Seek them out - those little scary places that it's challenging to let yourself go to - the positives are genuinely scary, because they give you hope and it's hard to let go of all the fears you have right now - so hanging onto them is the easiest path!So try letting yourself go, just for the heck of it!Take that step back from being 'done to' and take the initiative. At work, at home or wherever, this can be a great time, if you let it. There are loads of ideas why. Here are eleven of my favourites...

Personal Growth

Change gives us great moments for self-development and personal growth. It is in times where there is a lot going on, where we have to get out of our box to think, even when change is imposed, that we move forward.

Involving Others

During change periods we can create relationships that are new - and we, as managers, have a great chance to bring others into our confidence and into our network.

Adventure

There is something about change, large or small which creates 'something different' from our routine day. This is pretty cool really. We are being provided with stimulating mental exercise to make the best of things happening differently. It might not look that way, but change brings adventure!

Building it in

Learning about big changes, means that we can closely observe why those changes are necessary. We have to make radical changes because we have strayed well off course. So as we learn, we can make provision to have some minor course corrections rather than completely the wrong destination.

Challenge

In his great book, 'The Inner Game of Work', Timothy Gallwey talks about the fine balance between security and challenge being what gets people motivated. By creating new things to learn, to do, we stretch our people - and ourselves.

Opportunity

Change brings new opportunity. For learning; for understanding ourselves better; for new perspectives; for different roles. These can be grasped personally or they can be dwelt on miserably. The better choice is to go for it!

Team Bonding

Change exercises, big and small can be great to develop a team. Where there is the opportunity to work together, manager with their closest people there are often places, moments where the team spirit; the trust and the shared commitment - the 'Dunkirk spirit' even, enables future potential of a team to be loosened.

Honesty

Where radical change proves necessary it enlightens those involved that where they are is not where they need to be. Carrying out a review of why serious change is necessary and seeking the real truth is very revealing. The icing on the cake for those involved in organisational change processes is to create a feedback loop that renders future major change unnecessary.

Choice

Change is not truly necessary. Change is about choice. You have the choice whether to accept it positively or not. It is your choice and everyone has that - believe it or not. No-one is holding you down to prevent you getting away. Take personal responsibility for the choices you make.

Focus

Change gives the opportunity for and usually gets really down to the gist of the issues that have precipitated the need. This is good. Your organisation is realising that things need to be different, for all sorts of reasons, but usually for the health of the organisation and that means you, usually. For some it may mean loss of role, status and even job - now what positive opportunity does that bring!

Passion

And finally, we have the opportunity to review our own roles, not just in the workplace, but in life too. Are you passionate about your work - or are you just muddling through? Are new opportunities presented to you personally through change - within or without the place where you work today? What is your personal passion and how do you work towards making that how you spend every day of your life?

Hey change can be fun, if you let it be. You life can be a straight line, and if you saw that one ER, what would it mean...

Martin Haworth is a Business and Management Coach. He works worldwide, mainly by phone, with small business owners, managers and corporate leaders. He has hundreds of hints, tips and ideas at his website, http://www.coaching-businesses-to-success.com. (Note to editors. Feel free to use this article, wherever you think it might be of value - it would be good if you could include a live link)...helping you, to help your people, to help your business grow...

The Top Ten Ways To Be Positive In The Workplace Of Life

Riger-Hull

There is a growing volume of research that shows' staying positive is better for your health; you can cope better with stress. It's better for relationships; you keep from judging people and getting the bad habit of gossiping. It takes much more energy to be negative, always worrying, thinking of the " what if's", the "should's". Being positive, living in the present will lighten your life and the mood of others around you.

1. Attitude is everything. It is the lens that you look through to experience your reality. Take a look at your attitude. Are you negative? Do you color everything with fear or need? How will your life change if you change your attitude?

2. Treat people with kindness and respect. Everyone that you encounter should be valued, treated with courtesy. Acknowledge that they have feelings and their own perspective on life, they may be different than yours but they are also valid.

3. Avoid comparison- whether you are looking down at the people who have not mastered special strengths or up at people who may be more experienced or accomplished. Constantly comparing yourself keeps the focus on the other person instead of what you can do, want to do, and are good at doing. Look inside and improve from there.

4. Take responsibility for your work, actions, and life? Don't pass the buck. Don't make excuses. Take responsibility; acknowledge a mistake fix it and learn from it. Don't beat yourself up about the mistake, or hang onto past mistakes. Resolve them, own them and move forward. Today.

5. That doesn't work for me. Keep this in mind when someone offers a put down. When they cross your boundaries. Your worth comes from you; your being, your true self. They cannot change your intrinsic value unless you let them. Make it clear that what they are doing doesn't work for you, keep your boundaries and move forward.

6. Respect other people's time and boundaries. If you are having a bad day, feeling stuck, or you are just enjoying procrastinating. Make sure you don't use that as an excuse to waste other people's time or cross their boundaries. Time is the most valuable thing we have. If you feel like wasting your time that's your decision but don't waste other people's time.

7. Make a "what I have accomplished list". Too often people make huge to-do lists and then beat themselves up when they have only accomplished a few things on the list. Keep your master list of what you want to accomplish so you don't forget things that are important to you, but keep a second list you update daily. Each day keep a specific list of all the things you did and how much time you spent on each thing. You'll know where the day went, can feel good about what you did accomplish and see where you need to focus, to get what's most important to you, done.

8. Take notice of the people around you; co-workers, customers, clients, vendors, and other people you come in contact with each day. Acknowledge what they are contributing and don't take them for granted. Thank them for buying from you, for their help, their value to the relationship, and for a job well done.

9. Enjoy the little things that happen in your day. The compliment someone gave you on the insight you shared at the staff meeting. The big smile the customer gave you when they picked up their order. By recognizing your accomplishments even if they seem small or routine, you are acknowledging a job well done.

10. Coming from a positive attitude and perspective you will feel more in control. Consider each job and interaction as your best performance, rather than just running them together as part of your day. You will see the impact you have and the value you offer. People will be attracted to this. They will notice how well you do things and they will truly value you.

About The Author: ©BZ Riger-Hull. Author of The Soul of Success http://www.in-spiros.com For valuable free articles, mailto:A1@smartautoresponder.com Certified as a Success Coach, "Four Agreements" Facilitator, & Tele-Course leader We help you communicate powerfully, reduce stress, Strategically Attract success, & increase your financial well-being. Our coaching programs and Tele-Courses give you the Tools you need to Succeed.

bz@in-spiros.com

Positive Living Through Positive Thinking

By Raquel Smith

Do you yearn to live a fulfilled life? Do you feel like life has thrown you a curve ball? We all have answered yes to either one of these questions at some point in our lives. Some of us may still be answering yes to one or maybe both of those questions. The good news is you can live a fulfilled life. You can still bat a home-run with a curve ball thrown at you. There is a popular saying that goes like this, "when life gives you lemon make lemonade." That is exactly what you do and more by living a positive life through positive thinking.

You may ask, what is positive thinking? It is simply a mindset. That means, you will always find the good in every situation. No matter what is happening to you, you remain optimistic and know that all is well. Remember, as long as there is life, there is hope. I am sure you have come across people who always have a smile no matter what. Then, there are others who always seem so grouchy. I know you don't have to think twice about which one you prefer to be around. Here is the key, this is where positive thinking comes into play. The person who always says I have no money is constantly broke. The person who believes their needs will be supplied, always gets their needs met.

The fact is not about what we go through but our attitudes and thoughts about what we are going through. We must have a positive mental attitude in order to live a fulfilled life. We cannot be successful in life with a negative attitude. Negative attitude draws negative situations and failures into our lives. On the other hand, positive attitudes bring prosperity into our lives. People prefer to help people with a positive attitude. Here are seven keys to living a positive life through positive thinking:

1. Get rid of old baggage

Free your mind from what happened in the past. Star living in the here and now. You cannot change the past and harboring ill feelings only keeps you stuck in a rut. You are unable to live a successful, fulfilled life because your baggage is weighing you down. Lighten the load; you may even lose some weight by doing that. Your mind must be free of worry or grudges in order to cultivate positive thoughts.

2. Positive Self-Talk

Most of us grew up in families where negative self-talk was the norm. You always talk bad about yourself even in joking with friends. Stop it now. Your subconscious mind believes everything that you say. Therefore, you will always do negative things to sabotage your success because that is all you program yourself to do on a daily basis. Start by looking in the mirror and telling yourself that you are somebody. You deserve to be successful. You are capable of doing, being and creating whatever you want. Whenever, a negative thought pops up in your head say, "thank you for sharing." Then, replace it immediately with a positive loving thought about your self. You will find that you start feeling good about yourself and then the possibilities are endless.

3. Stop complaining

Do you realize that the more you complain the worst the situation gets. That is because you are putting out negative energy. Whatever you put out is what you get. You know that what is sown is the exact thing that is reaped. You cannot plant apple seeds and expect to reap oranges. It doesn't work. The same law applies to our lives. Instead of complaining, thank God for allowing you to see that this is a temporary situation that you are passing through. You know that you will be stronger in the end. Whatever you focus on the most is what you create in your life. Therefore, focus on joy and peace you will find that no matter what happens, you will be quite calm. The journey through the particular situation is quicker and easier. I know, I am speaking from experience.

4. Be Thankful

Be thankful for everything, good and bad. Live every moment in a state of gratitude. I have heard many people say that everyone should be grateful for their bills. Yes, that's right. Obviously, you are enjoying the convenience of many things, including a roof over your head and food on the table. The bills are a sign that you have several things to be grateful for. You are much better off than some people. Think about the homeless people, they would love to have a place of their own and some bills. Here is another thought, your creditors believe in your ability to pay your bills. That is why they send you a monthly statement. Be grateful that you are able to pay your bills. Even if you are saying I can't pay my bills, be grateful and a way will appear. Once you are totally consumed in being thankful every moment of you life, you will see a shift in your life. You will begin to live in the abundance that is rightfully yours.

5. Be Accountable

Everyone needs someone who will help them to stay on track. It could be a coach, a mentor or even a family member. You should choose someone who is not afraid to tell you that you are out of line. Let the person know that you are working on living a positive life. You would appreciate being told of any negative thing that you may say or do. It is okay if you slip up. Don't beat up yourself. Simply, be grateful that you recognize the misstep and turn it in a positive step. You should have a regular session with that person to discuss the challenges and success that you have encountered while traveling the positive thinking path. It could be weekly or monthly; whatever is convenient for both of you. You will find that you growth is faster because you have someone cheering you on.

6. Affirmations

Start the practice of using daily affirmations to increase your self awareness. You need to start the day with a positive statement. So that no matter what happens during the day you can refer back to your affirmation to keep your thoughts positive. At the end of the day you should give thanks for yet another successful day. Even if you feel like a lot of things went wrong, you must still give thanks for remaining positive. You will find that doing this continuously will make it a part of you such that you will do it automatically each day.

7. Associations

How many times have you heard the statement, "show me your friends and I will tell you who you are"? Well, that statement is true throughout the ages. You are who you associate with. Your income, your mindset and your success will be on the same level as your associates. Therefore, you must associate with positive minded people in order to be positive. You need people around you who will support you in your efforts to live a positive lifestyle. The more you associate with positive successful people, the closer you get to your goal of having a totally positive mindset.

Once you follow these seven steps on a daily basis, you will develop a positive mindset. You will grow stronger mentally and you will set the stage for massive success in your life. You may even be an example to someone else who wants to change their lifestyle to one of positive living. Positive thinking definitely guarantees positive living and life of success. It is time to change you mindset.

© 2008 Raquel C. Smith, Values Alignment Coach

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Raquel C. Smith, "The Values Alignment Coach," publishes the transformational Golden Life Living' monthly ezine. If you're ready to transform your life into a golden life and start living the life of your destiny, get your FREE ebook now at http://www.goldenlifecoaching.com

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"How to Develop a Positive Attitude"

By Bryce Roadley

A. You Are What You Think.

Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary lists seven definitions for the word attitude. For our purposes, let's look at two:

1. A mental position with regard to a fact or state.

2. A [biological] state of readiness to respond in a characteristic way to a stimulus.

Notice that one definition deals with the psychological and the other looks at the biological.

In other words, our attitude encompasses both what we feel about - as author Douglas Adams calls it - "Life, the Universe and Everything," - as well as how we react to it all. So, even before we begin to ask questions about how to live a better life or how to improve our self-image or grow more prosperous, we must examine how each of us looks at this thing called "Our Life."

If we want to succeed, it's important to understand that how we set our life's compass - our attitude - will determine where we travel for the remainder of our journey.

Notice the two definitions above; the first assumes that attitude is a function of the brain. The second portrays a life in which the wellsprings of the mind flow into what we do physically, in other words, our habits, speech and even our health. Attitude is built from many materials, beginning with our genetic dispositions. That's right, Mum and Dad have some influence on how our brains grow and mature as well as what kind of neuro-chemicals are mixed together in our amazing skulls.

The problem with many self-help programs is that they are based on the assumption that attitude is totally dependent on will or some kind of iron discipline.

Of course, it is true that we are responsible for our thoughts and we must choose to respond to life -there will be more on that later.

For those who truly want to change, however, it is important to approach our attitude from the standpoint of understanding who we are and what genetic traits we have inherited from our forebears. Why? Once we understand what psychological and emotional factors we can attribute to our relatives, we can then approach real change armed with enough information for a reality check.

This is not an argument in favor of determinism (i.e. the notion of "I'm the way I am because of my parents and I can't do anything about it!").

Even if you grew up with two of the angriest parents to ever grace human society, you can still overcome such a temperament.

But, the important thing to understand is that you may possess the same traits.
By acknowledging your heritage, you can move forward knowing what pitfalls (courtesy of your genes) may await you.. Before we use a compass on a long journey, we should always make sure it's going to work properly.

Is it calibrated for true North? Just like a misaligned compass, our lives can become off-center because of our past.

Whether it's mental abuse by a loved one or a negative attitude we absorb from popular culture, any examination of attitude must start with introspection.

B. So, How Do You View Life?

Never had the soil of bitterness and anger been so fertile than it was in Nazi concentration camps in World War II.

Men, women and children who were deemed undesirable by Hitler's maniacal regime were shipped far from their homes on railway boxcars like human livestock to compounds built on humiliation, torture, degradation and usually death.

Starvation was the rule rather than the exception.

The few who survived physical death nevertheless left those camps mentally scarred.

For many, the experience changed their attitude irrevocably from happy, prosperous members of society to virtual skeletons that gnawed on the bones of resentment and hostility for the rest of their days.

It's certainly understandable that a person could change their attitude on life after witnessing such human depravity.

For Victor Frankl, however, attitude always remained a matter of unchangeable direction- a direction that always pointed to a bright outlook on reality and the human condition.

A noted Austrian therapist and physician, Frankl's sedate life crumbled one autumn day in 1942 when the SS snatched him and his wife and parents away to the Theresienstadt concentration camp.

Even as he endured torment after torment - watching his parents and wife waste away and die as they were moved from camp to camp - Frankl never lost his therapist's ability to observe and define human behavior.

While working as a camp counselor and medical technician, Frankl noticed that inmates tended to exhibit one of two attitudes.

They would either give in to despair or they would choose to live a life of meaning despite the beatings, lack of food and outright brutality of their captors.

Frankl writes:

"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms-to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."

In short, our attitude is the one thing we possess that can never be regulated, taxed, stolen or conned from us - unless we allow it be.

Bryce Roadley is an author, speaker and business mentor. He has spent the last 27 years in business and has trained and mentored thousands of people. He has built a number of million dollar businesses and one multi-million dollar business with over 70,000 distributor's, he recently sold that business and is dedicating his life to sharing his principles of success with people world wide. http://www.wealthwithattitude.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Attitude Is Everything

By Ryan Eliason

Have you heard the saying, "Attitude Is Everything"? While attitude might not really be "everything", it is the single most significant determining factor of success in many situations. Here's how it works:

Change your attitude and you automatically change:

1. your perspective
2. the way you interpret things
3. the decisions you make
4. the actions you take
5. the results you get

Changing your attitude can get you there more quickly, but it can also get you there in style, enjoying the ride more fully. This ShortCut is for everyone, because even if you have a great attitude already, it could always be better. It doesn't matter if you have a little goal or a massive dream, a small annoyance or a huge problem, shifting your attitude will help, and it might just radically transform your situation.

People tend to think of an attitude as being simply positive or negative. However, there are infinite possibilities such as: warm, friendly, confident, determined, unstoppable, silly, playful, easy-going, outrageous, peaceful, open-minded, compassionate, optimistic, and all of their negative counterparts. You can ultimately become very creative and experiment with different attitudes for different situations, which will lead you to being more powerful and effective.

Here's the problem. We often think it's hard or impossible to change our attitudes, so we don't try. The truth is that it's easy to change your attitude, if you know how.

Another big problem is that we tend to think our attitude is born of the situation. We think our attitude is the right attitude for the way things are. Therefore, our attitude goes unexamined and unquestioned. Almost everybody is guilty of this, however, our attitude is completely optional and flexible. It is possible to have any attitude in any situation, and there are no ultimate "right" attitudes for particular situations.

We also tend to think of our attitudes as part of our identities. We think, "It's just the way I am." We tend to think of our personalities as static things. In fact, when faced with a new challenge or situation, we make split second decisions about how to respond, and what attitude to adopt, based on our idea of "who we think we are". In this way, we perpetually re-create our attitudes, whether they be negative and disempowering or positive and self-empowering. While our personalities, and the attitudes that go with them, may appear to be somewhat static, they only appear that way because we keep making the same choices (often unconsciously) over and over again, moment to moment. The truth is that you can change "who you're being", and you can change your attitude, at any moment.

How To Shift Your Attitude

Intention: Decide what attitude you want to have, then set your intention to adopt that attitude. Frequently, this is all that is necessary to shift your attitude dramatically.

Break Your Pattern: If you catch yourself with a bad attitude, it can be useful to do something radical and surprising to break your pattern: jump up and down, dance in a circle, poor ice water over your head, sing at the top of your lungs, whistle a silly tune, put on some great music, or whatever to break your pattern. Then create a fresh attitude.

Role Models: Find people who are getting the kinds of results you would like to be getting. Watch them carefully to see what kind of attitude they have and how they express that attitude. Copy them.

Surround Yourself With Positive People: Attitudes are contagious. Who you surround yourself with and spend time with is probably influencing your attitudes way more than you are consciously aware. Enough said.

Ask Better Questions: We are constantly asking ourselves questions. Most of the time this is not a very conscious process. For example, something bad happens and we ask ourselves, "Why me?" Our minds start to find answers to that question, effectively building a case for why bad things happen to us, leading to a bad attitude, leading to more bad things happening. Make a list of the most empowering questions you can think of, and ask those instead. The possibilities are infinite.

Here are a few to get you started:

1) How can I turn this problem into an opportunity?,

2) What would I do if I was already very successful?,

3) Who do I need to be to achieve my dream?,

4) What would my future (successful) self do?

Fake It Till You Make It: If adopting a new attitude feels difficult or awkward, just fake it till you make it. It really works. Act as if you have that attitude. Walk like someone with that attitude. Talk like they would talk. Breathe like they would breathe. Make the decisions they would make, etc.

Expose Yourself To Empowering Messages: Feeding your mind positive messages on a regular basis can really impact your attitude. You can read books, listen to recordings, go to seminars, etc.

Meditation: One of the things meditation is great for is supporting you to slow down and notice that your personality is not so static. Your personality, and the attitudes that accompany it, are something that you generate from moment to moment. This is an empowering realization.

Play With Perspectives: If you have a problem or a goal that you're not making enough progress on, it can be useful to play with perspectives. This loosens up your attitude, and helps you discover new possible attitudes. Get creative and try looking at your situation from several different perspectives. For example, you can ask yourself:

1) What would a child's perspective be?,

2) An elders?,

3) How would I approach this if I knew I could not fail,

4) What would Jesus/Buddha do?,

5) What would be the CEO's perspective?,

6) What would an expert think?,

7) What is the customer's perspective,

8) What would be the perspective of a wealthy person?,

9) A poor person,

10) What would (person you admire) do?,

11) What would my future self say?, etc... the possibilities are endless.

Give Up Reasons and Excuses: This is a big one. We tend to stubbornly hold on to our attitudes. They become habits. We learn to justify them. We have reasons and excuses for them. You can choose to give up all of your reasons and excuses. Just give them up. Would you rather have your reasons and excuses, or would you rather get results?

Reminders: Write the attitude you want to adopt on a post-it note and put it
somewhere so that you'll see it regularly. Ask a friend to remind you. Set an alarm that goes off every hour, etc. You get the idea.

Change Your Belief: If the above techniques don't work, you probably have an underlying negative belief that needs changing. For example, imagine a woman who believes all men are lying cheats. She would have a very hard time trying to create a positive attitude about dating. The above techniques will work to change most negative beliefs, but sometimes changing a stubborn belief requires stronger measures. However, that is the topic of a future article.

Exercise - Creating An Empowering Attitude

Step 1: Choose either a goal that you are having trouble achieving, or a stubborn problem that won't seem to go away. Write it down.

Step 2: Write down your current attitude or attitudes about this goal or problem

Step 3: Decide what attitude you want to have. Write it down. If choosing a new attitude is not easy, use the above technique: "Play With Perspective" to explore new possibilities.

Step 4: Set your intention to adopt the new attitude. Choose one or more of the above techniques to support you in adopting the new attitude. Write down the technique(s) you will use.

For more articles by Ryan Eliason click here.

Ryan Eliason has been a professional, full-time Life and Business Coach since 2003, successfully supporting hundreds of clients to produce extraordinary results in their businesses and personal lives. An entrepreneur since a young age, Ryan has founded several successful businesses and a non-profit. He developed his unique approach through 15 years of business consulting, designing and leading workshops, and working with both coaching and therapy clients. He received his formal training with the renowned Coaches Training Institute in San Rafael, California. He is also a certified Master Hypnotist, massage therapist, polarity therapist, and Transformational Therapist through the Heartwood Institute.

Ryan publishes a popular FREE monthly eLetter, ShortCuts To Success, with strategies to get everything you want in business and in life, quicker and with less effort. You can learn more about Ryan and sign up for his eLetter at: http://www.ryaneliason.com

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Positive Mental Attitude - Getting the Most from Life by Developing Hope Filled Thoughts

By Ron Stephens

I remember when I first began to understand the importance of attitude and how it determined my progress in life. I entered the work force at the young age of eighteen. I grew up in a blue collar family and my first job was working in an auto body shop painting cars. Funny thing is I hated the job but I stayed with it for six long years! The only reason I can think of that I stayed there that long was I had the attitude that this is all I can expect from life. I didn't have the means or desire for a college education. I was not born into a wealthy or even middle class status (no money, no family business, no vocational guidance from my parents) and my attitude was take whatever job you can get. I did not understand the power of developing hope filled thoughts.

I'm not sure exactly why or when I had an attitude change but I did. It drastically changed the course of my life. Somewhere in my early twenties I began to think about, and then desire a new job. It was a job that I just knew I would really enjoy. I began to think and dream about what it would be like to have a job that I actually enjoyed. The thought of being able to go to bed Sunday night without a knot in my stomach because I dreaded going back to work on Monday to a job I hated, became a powerful driving force inside of me and my attitude began to change. I began to believe that it might be possible for me to have some of the things that I wanted from life. Things that before, I didn't think were possible for me.

I began to pursue that new job with that new company. It took me nearly two years but I finally got hired. I remember before I began to seriously pursue this new opportunity that I told my best friend at the time, "I'd like to go to work for that company." I will never forget his response. "You can't get a job with them unless you know someone there or you have a family member that already works there," he replied. And he said it with such power and conviction that I immediately doubted myself and nearly gave up on my dream right then! But after a few minutes I began to get angry on the inside. Logic took over my thought process and I realized that he could not possibly be right because it just would not be fair or even make sense that everyone in a company of several thousand employees all knew someone or was related to someone else in the company in order to get hired.

Without saying much else about it, I just made a mental note of that conversation and referred back to it in my mind many times over the next two years. I set out to prove him (and my own doubts) wrong and I eventually got hired by that company. And honestly it was not him that I was necessarily wanting to prove wrong as much as I was determined to have a different attitude than I had all the years before. That was a big turning point for me. What it did for my confidence and my attitude was more valuable than the job or the pay increase themselves. The fact that I had accomplished something that I really did not think was possible for me two years earlier (neither did my friends and family) boosted my self esteem and gave birth to a new attitude.

I don't work at that job any more. Since then I have voluntarily made several career changes and each one has been a step up financially and professionally from the one before. I've learned to hold onto a positive expectation about life and the possibilities available to me. Here is a huge key that has helped me and I believe is necessary to anyone who wants to move forward in life: I have worked on my attitude ever since those early years. To this day I very purposefully study and learn about personal growth and positive attitude. I feed my mind through books and audio teaching put together by men and women whom I've learned to trust and respect. I'm in my mid fifties now and let me tell you this: life keeps getting better and better. Life is good! The possibilities are literally endless! But if you don't think that is true, and you believe that the best in life is reserved for a blessed few who are better educated, or more deserving or whatever...then your attitude is holding you back my friend. I encourage you to make your own quality decision if you have not already. Become a life long student and commit to a life of hope and positive expectation.

About the Author: Ron Stephens has been successful in business and ministry for over 23 years. For more information and access to many of the resources he recommends to help move you forward in your own life and to view his website go to: http://www.ron-stephens.com/links.html

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Affecting Positive Results Through Affirmations

By Joel S. Nelson

Last time we talked about how to begin building the mind's powerful framework for success. The lesson we needed to learn was that self-talk has a powerful affect on the results we achieve. We learned that the mind will manifest whatever we dwell on, be it negative or positive.

This week, I would like to continue with our discussion of self-talk and suggest how you may supercharge your self-talk and the results you achieve through the use of affirmations.

Affirmations are a powerful mental programming technique that are underutilized and laughed at by many. You may remember the Saturday Night Live skit with Stuart Smiley sitting in front of the mirror saying "I'm good enough; I'm smart enough and doggone-it, people like me!" The image of this character makes one laugh, however when understood in the context of how powerful Stuart's technique really is, it shouldn't!

Affirm means to "make firm." So affirmation simply means to make a strong statement that something is already so. We know that we will eventually reap whatever our conscious mind sows onto the field of the subconscious. So through affirmations we will develop into whatever image of ourselves we create, be it good or bad. I suggest using positive affirmations to develop into all that you desire to be!

One of the most poignant examples of the power of affirmations comes from the boxing legend Muhammed Ali. When you think of Muhammed Ali, what vision comes to mind? Actually, two visions come to my mind:

The first is of Ali standing in the ring over a defeated opponent with a sweat covered face, surrounded by his trainers. Ali yells, "I'm the king of the world, I am the greatest, I'm Muhammed Ali. I shook up the world, I am the greatest, I'm king of the world. I'm pretty, I'm pretty, I'm a baaaad man, you heard me, I'm a baaad man."

The second is of Ali wrapped in his boxing robe, dancing from side to side before a bout. He exclaims, "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." Is this simply brash talk from yet another cocky athlete? I don't believe so. I believe that Muhammed Ali knew the power of affirmations. He spoke what he wanted to be, and as a result became it.

For the purposes of improving yourself and achieving the successes you've always desired, I want you to take it on faith that affirmations DO work. Give it a try, if only for a couple months and then make up your mind whether to keep using them.

In order to do this, you will need to know some basics about how to get the most out of affirmations. First, the subconscious mind does not understand the future tense. When you use affirmations, you should always speak of the present. The past does work but not nearly as well. Speak as if the things you want are happening in your life right now. For example, if your goal is to become the manager of a division you currently work in, you need to picture it now:

"I am enjoying the title and responsibility of being manager for the ABC Division of XYZ Company and am doing successful and important work. I am being recognized by my peers and my employer for my good and honorable efforts."

The affirmations need to be positive and personal! You should usually start your statement with "I." The affirmation should be specific. Tell your mind exactly what it is that you want and you will get better results.

The affirmation should also be short, easy to remember, and easy to apply.
Finally, your affirmation should be emotionally intense! Don't just say it, BELIEVE IT. Shout it at the top of your lungs if you must, but convince your mind, no matter how hard, that it is actually true. This is so important! Your success in using affirmations will live or die on how intensely you can get your mind to buy into your spoken words.

I believe that you should write down and repeat your affirmations at least twice a day. I recommend that you do it as soon as you wake up and right before you go to bed. Your assignment for the next two weeks is to write down five affirmations that you want in your life. Repeat them, at least twice a day, for two weeks. If you do so, I believe that you will be quickly on the path to achieving the success you desire.

To Your Success,

Joel

Joel S. Nelson operates Harvest Mind Enterprises, an operation targeted to individuals interested in developing personally by harvesting the power of the subconscious mind. For more articles on the topic, go to http://www.harvestyourmind.com/newsletter.html

© 2004 Joel S. Nelson

Joel S. Nelson has spent years studying the power of the subconscious mind and the science behind success. He believes that growing up we were all taught the wrong things about success and personal achievement by our parents, in school, and on T.V. and that society perpetuates those misconceptions. Joel's goal is to reverse the damage done by bringing the science of achievement to one million people by the year 2020.

Using The Negative in a Positive Way - God Does It All the Time

By Rev Bresciani

I loved Norman Vincent Peale's, Power of Positive Thinking as much as any book I have ever read. I have read Napoleon Hill's books and I am an ardent believer in almost everything Dale Carnegie ever wrote. I have notes scribbled on the back pages of my Bible from Carnegie's?How to Win Friends and Influence people, albeit I refused to read it at first thinking the title was too corny. For years now I have both pondered and studied the effects of positive thinking and talking, as against negative thinking. I have agonizingly and carefully begun to approach something that might at last qualify for a conclusion.

The sum of my conclusions could be found in one single verse of the Bible. And we know that all things work together for good to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 KJV The key words in this passage being "all Things." That is understood to mean the negative and the positive.

Few believers would not agree that difficulties and problems are part of the building of our faith and character. But in today's world of positive thinking buffs it would be a weakness, an admission of defeat or even an act of faithlessness to even make mention of our problems. God has warned us that we will have tribulation in this world so who are these believers who seem to think that just to mention them would be faithless or negative. Since Jesus said it is enough that we be like the master (Mt. 10:25) then mentioning our troubles is no different than what our Master did. Jesus also said that we should be of "good cheer" when we were beset with troubles. The Apostle Peter said we should "count it all joy" when our faith was tried. It would seem that God is looking not for people who deny problems but face them differently than anyone else. The negative kept, silent or spoken openly has much less effect on our future than you imagine. Conversely, how you handle these matters has a more profound effect than you can imagine. God, it would seem, is watching the latter more than the former because after all this life is more of a battle ground than a playground according to the Bible.

Can the painful moaning of a dying soldier be thought of as complaints? Can that same moaning take anything away from the debt of gratitude a nation may feel for his sacrifice? A little show of pain isn't an alliance with the negative forces of the universe it is merely a show of our humanity and our vulnerability. But today there are those who would rebuke us for even the slightest hint that we are undergoing pain, a problem or a negative outcome of any kind.

I was amazed to see that when Christianity Today reviewed Joel Osteen's, Your Best Life Now, that they were not squeamish about saying that his emphasis on being positive became a negative. I couldn't have agreed more. I see negative and positive together in this world but above that I see the will of God unfolding through it all. When I put my key in the ignition of my car as I prepare to drive to a crowded interstate highway, I see that as positive. I don't think I will die in a huge accident, but just before I take off I do a very negative thing, I buckle up! God forbid I had to explain why I was doing that to a pathological positive thinker. To speak out loud that I may get in an accident after all would be the grand no-no.

The outcome of wars is often accurately predicted by military analysts that delve into the negative. That is they take the worst case scenario and make provision for that occurrence and thereby are prepared for such with contingencies. It Works, ask Norman Swartzkoff. Dale Carnegie advised many people to do this in order to take away the nagging power of doubt. The banana grower who was afraid that the trains might stop running before the crop could make it to market was told to envision that very thing. He made contingency plans, perhaps two or three of them and then he got on with the business of growing bananas without any further worry. He was told to see and plan for the negative to clear the path for a positive experience. Are you paying attention?

By now someone is saying, but God spoke the worlds into existence so we must recognize the power of the spoken word. Yes, and I do, his word not mine or yours. For your words and mine I would tone down their importance in the light of one very important verse of scripture. Jesus said?But let your communication be, yea yea; nay, nay for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. Mt 5:37 KJV

Rev Bresciani has written many articles over the past thirty years in such periodicals as Guideposts and Catholic Digest. He is the author of two books available on Amazon.com, Alibris, Barnes and Noble and many other places. Rev Bresciani wrote "Hook Line and Sinker or what has Your Church Been Teaching You," publisher, PublishAmerica of Baltimore MD. He also wrote a book published by Xulon Press entitled "An American Prophet and His Message, Questions and Answers on the Second Coming of Christ." His book is now being heralded as the clearest book on the subject of the second coming of Christ since Hal Lindsey's "Late Great Planet Earth" Rev Bresciani's website is,
http://americanprophet.org

Positive Attitude and Thinking

by Remez Sasson

Positive thinking is a mental attitude that sees the bright side of life.

Positive thinking is a mental attitude and state of mind, which focuses on the full half of the glass and not on the empty half.

It is a mental attitude that expects positive results.

People with a positive frame of mind think about possibilities, growth, expansion and success. They expect happiness, health, love and good relationships. They think in terms of 'I can', 'I am able' and 'I will succeed'.
Positive thinking people are not daunted by failures and obstacles. If things don't turn out well or as expected, they will try again.

True positive thinking is not just saying that everything will be okay, as a lip service, and at the same time think about failure. In order to bring beneficial changes and improvement into your life, positive thinking has to become your predominant mental attitude throughout the day. It has to turn into a way of life.

Real and effective positive thinking requires that you focus on positive thoughts and positive emotions, and also take positive action.

How can you develop this state of mind? You can do so by reading inspiring and motivating literature, and through visualization, affirmations and meditation. Explore this website and you will find many articles, information and guidance about these subjects.

Article Source: http://www.successconsciousness.com/positive_attitude_thinking.htm