10 Ways to Be the Best Version of Yourself

How important are you? Do you feature on your own list of priorities? If you're a parent you no doubt regard your children as your number one priority. If you work as a manager or business owner with staff or targets to consider you'll justifiably treat work as vital. It's important to look after your staff and customers, earn a living and be in a stimulating environment that sustains you.

Family and friends are important too. They're often the reason we work so hard; to provide them with a comfortable home and lifestyle, good schooling and fun times together.

The big question is, where do you fit into all of this? If you went to a restaurant or consulted a specialist and saw that they were stressed, irritable and overworked you'd probably wonder why they'd agreed to take your booking. The same applies if you're being pulled in all directions and not feeling able to cope. Irritability, frustration and resentment can start to surface. No one benefits.

Achieving some balance in life, where you recognise your limits and boundaries, allows you to be the best version of yourself. Then everyone, including you, has a better experience and quality of life.

Here are 10 ways to be the best version of yourself:

- Practise positive self talk. Start to notice those automatic 'I'm so stupid' responses that can so easily surface when you're stressed. Yes, something you did may have been a mistake, but that doesn't mean you're stupid. We often talk to ourselves more harshly than we ever would to anyone else. Learn to be kinder to yourself and recognise your early warning signs of stress.

- Schedule time for things you know you do well. It's especially important in the midst of tough or difficult times to remind yourself of your skills, talents and abilities. Allow time for the things you enjoy and are good at. Sport, DIY, playing an instrument, volunteering can be ways to bring a positive mindset into your life.

- 'Broadcast' what you've done. Household chores, chauffeuring duties, the errands that go unnoticed are often taken for granted. There's no need to be heavy-handed, but occasionally remind others that you've stocked the cupboards with food, the clean laundry and towels don't get replenished by magic. Solicit appreciation for those efforts that support the smooth running of their lives.

- Smile and accept compliments and praise. Don't shrug them off in an 'it's nothing' way. Acknowledge, say 'thank you' and let them know that good manners and appreciation are important to you.

- Pace yourself. Being the best version of yourself means being able to manage stress. Learn to recognise what you can and can't do each day. There's no merit in being invincible or feeling that you've failed if you don't manage to do everything. It's okay to tackle big jobs in stages.

- Let others help. If you're working long hours or have many demands on your time why not engage help with cleaning, gardening, ironing or with business tasks like PR, accounts and social media. The time freed up can be used elsewhere and is often money well spent. Delegate tasks to staff and encourage them to blossom and become more enthusiastic about their work. Let your children help. Even if their efforts are clumsy it's good to encourage them to become more independent.

- 'No' can be the most positive word in your vocabulary when used well. 'Yes' can become a negative habit if you automatically take on too much by way of work, social engagements or family responsibilities. We may be eager to please others, appear efficient and successful. But saying 'no' in an appropriate way allows you to use your time well, focus on your priorities and become the best version of yourself.

- Nurture your relationships. Our partners, families, colleagues, friends cannot be expected to be psychic but will often be understanding and supportive if told what's going on and asked for help. Let them in and they may even come up with great ideas and suggestions.

- Have regular breaks. It may seem counter-intuitive to stop work for a time, but regular breaks allow you to better manage stress and return to work with a fresh perspective and new insights. Being the best version of yourself means looking after yourself and pausing from time to time. Have a healthy snack, plenty of water and switch off for an hour or so before bed.

- Accept invitations and offers that take you out of your comfort zone. Scare yourself a little every day, even if it's simply by choosing a different lunch, speaking to someone new, accepting a challenge. Allow your confidence and self belief to grow by expanding your horizons. Keep a journal and log those mini-successes to sustain you during difficult times.

Becoming the best version of yourself means shaking off old, unhelpful patterns that may have once worked well for you. And interestingly, once we become receptive to positive changes other factors often work to motivate and sustain us.

http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Ways-to-Be-the-Best-Version-of-Yourself&id=9756912

Life Design: What Are the Benefits of Positive Affirmations?

Affirmations are easy to use. And if we strip them of any philosophical meaning (like the Law of Attraction stuff) they are simply examples of positive self-talk.

So that means you can use affirmations without feeling like you're auditioning for a role in the next 'The Secret' movie. Positive self talk is a good thing. And it isn't weird.

The benefits of affirmations

The main thing you have to get your head around is the value affirmations have. Primarily, they are used to rid yourself of limiting beliefs. If you take on the challenge and use affirmations regularly and with full conviction, you'll also find that they change the way you think.

And that's the real value.

By changing the way you think over time, you arm yourself. You become resistant to negativity or unhelpful thinking. And the more positive affirmations you have, the better your life will be.

This, of course, works both ways. Too much negative thinking means you're going to feel bad, then worse, and then you'll hit rock bottom.

Stress Killer

When you're under stress, in a social situation for example, positive affirmations are invaluable. They'll help you fight through the stress and find a way around issues.

By saying to yourself, 'I'm funny and charming', or 'Everyone here wants to know my story', you're coaching yourself. And the more you do it, the more confident you'll be. And this leads to incredibly positive social experiences.

You think better

If you're using affirmations, and using them regularly, you're thinking about thinking. You're taking charge of your thoughts and becoming more self-aware. This pushes you towards a situation where you are more in control of your mind, as well as more aware of your own needs and desires.

You'll live longer

Obviously, I can't guarantee this last one. But some research has shown that people who are optimistic will live longer. Your cardiovascular health will improve, and this means you'll be more robust, healthy, and it could indeed enhance your life expectancy.

These benefits can be realised as long as you make the use of affirmations a habit. If they're not done regularly they won't take hold and change your life.

Make it important to yourself to build in affirmations to your everyday life. Like most habits, this will eventually turn into real, tangible results. Simply find some you like and then make it your goal to focus on them every day.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Life-Design:-What-Are-the-Benefits-of-Positive-Affirmations?&id=9932953

The Power of Self-Affirmation

There's an old saying that says sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Of course, we all know that this isn't really true. Words have power, and when they are wielded carelessly, they actually can hurt. In both your personal and professional relationships, the words you choose and the tone you take can shape the way other people feel-about you and about themselves.

Chances are, you know this from personal experience. Perhaps someone said something thoughtless to you once, and it really hurt. It caused you to lose some of your own confidence or self-esteem. At the same time, people who speak carelessly can also do damage to themselves; perhaps someone says something rude to you and you simply lose your respect for them, finding it difficult to look past their haphazard remarks.

As a leader, the way you talk to your team members can have a dramatic impact on the way your team functions, and ultimately on the very way in which your company works. Here's something that's just as important, though, and even harder to implement: The way you talk to yourself also has huge ramifications, and can make or break you in terms of everyday success.

That's why I think it's so important to start each day right-looking in the mirror and speaking a few words of affirmation to yourself. These don't have to be over the top; simply remind yourself that you are capable, that you are hard working, and that you have what it takes to succeed. Build up your own confidence with some positive self-talk.

By no means is this a silly or nebulous exercise. Psychologists agree that the way you speak to yourself can shape your attitudes and your actions throughout the day. Speaking positively to yourself pushes your subconscious to step up, take action, and spur you toward success-whereas speaking negatively to yourself will only suppress your potential.

Getting into the habit of self-affirmation can have other positive effects, too. For one thing, it will build within you a meaningful routine of affirmation. You'll find yourself speaking negative thoughts-I can't do this, I'm going to fail, etc.-much less frequently. You'll be able to shake off those confidence-killers once and for all.

Self-affirmation also helps you stay focused. It allows you to be reminded, each and every day, of what your purpose is, what you're trying to achieve-and how you're going to achieve it.

Speak powerful words into your own life-and watch how that confidence overflows into your daily activities, and even into the way you speak to others!

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Power-of-Self-Affirmation&id=9092155

The Power of Self-Affirmation

There's an old saying that says sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Of course, we all know that this isn't really true. Words have power, and when they are wielded carelessly, they actually can hurt. In both your personal and professional relationships, the words you choose and the tone you take can shape the way other people feel-about you and about themselves.

Chances are, you know this from personal experience. Perhaps someone said something thoughtless to you once, and it really hurt. It caused you to lose some of your own confidence or self-esteem. At the same time, people who speak carelessly can also do damage to themselves; perhaps someone says something rude to you and you simply lose your respect for them, finding it difficult to look past their haphazard remarks.

As a leader, the way you talk to your team members can have a dramatic impact on the way your team functions, and ultimately on the very way in which your company works. Here's something that's just as important, though, and even harder to implement: The way you talk to yourself also has huge ramifications, and can make or break you in terms of everyday success.

That's why I think it's so important to start each day right-looking in the mirror and speaking a few words of affirmation to yourself. These don't have to be over the top; simply remind yourself that you are capable, that you are hard working, and that you have what it takes to succeed. Build up your own confidence with some positive self-talk.

By no means is this a silly or nebulous exercise. Psychologists agree that the way you speak to yourself can shape your attitudes and your actions throughout the day. Speaking positively to yourself pushes your subconscious to step up, take action, and spur you toward success-whereas speaking negatively to yourself will only suppress your potential.

Getting into the habit of self-affirmation can have other positive effects, too. For one thing, it will build within you a meaningful routine of affirmation. You'll find yourself speaking negative thoughts-I can't do this, I'm going to fail, etc.-much less frequently. You'll be able to shake off those confidence-killers once and for all.

Self-affirmation also helps you stay focused. It allows you to be reminded, each and every day, of what your purpose is, what you're trying to achieve-and how you're going to achieve it.

Speak powerful words into your own life-and watch how that confidence overflows into your daily activities, and even into the way you speak to others!

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Power-of-Self-Affirmation&id=9092155

Good to Great - 8 Step Self-Programming

Have you wondered how there is a median of people whether in the world, workforce or wherever that are Good at what they do? Yes, millions. Right? How about the number of people you know or have read or heard about that are GREAT? Well yes, lots but they are the exception to the rule. Why? How did that happen for them? Many of you may have the inclination to say they were helped, born with it or are just plain lucky.

I am here to tell you that you too can be GREAT at whatever your heart and soul have determined for you. Those gut feelings, excitement when thinking about a passion or wants in your life. I know that feeling and have suppressed it for many years only to realize there is more to me, more to my life and what's more is, just thinking about it makes my soul jump for joy and send me signs that are indicating I knew it all along but for one reason or another pushed that dream, that feeling, that wish down until it was almost lost.

Here are 8 ways to go from Good to Great without winning the lottery... but you never know now do you? I know that one small change in your outlook, habits or beliefs will have immediate effects in your life.

1. Cut the negative thinking crap out of your head and thoughts. This one thing alone will bring you benefits you cannot imagine. It is a habit and like any habit it takes willpower and dedication to overcome. Turn every single thing you normally would have a negative spin to and see what possible positives there is. Is it a learning experience, is it a lesson, is it going to impact your wellbeing? Not likely. I know this is a hard habit to break because I have been there. This was the MOST valuable turning point for me that I have ever experienced.

2. Stop playing the victim. It is the most selfish, self-serving thing you do. It's never your fault, it's just the way your life is going, I never asked for this heartache and on and on. I could probably write a book of all the LAME excuses people have to keep themselves stuck in this comfortable role. Star health, positive self-talk. Think about all the amazing things you have in your life that you are grateful for. Make this a habit. Gratefulness is key to cracking the shell of self-pity which is exactly what playing the victim is.

3. BE GRATEFUL!!! For what you may ask? If we were standing face to face my expression to this would reveal that I would think you were a fool. Honestly! Think about one thing you are grateful for right now before reading on. Got it? I knew it. Nice start my friend! You are well on your way. Now for 30 days IN A ROW, say out loud 2 things you are grateful for each day. Shake it up a bit. Have fun because I know there are so many things we all take for granted.

4. Be responsible for your own life. You own it! No one can tell you what to do and you doing it without you yourself ALLOWING that to take place. Be strong. Set your boundaries so you learn to say no to things that are not really you. Do you want to change careers? Do you want to get rid of clutter but others make you feel guilty about getting rid of it? Do you want to take a course on something? Regardless of what it is. Where there's a will there's a way. There are online courses that are free of charge, Organizations that will come to pick up your donations for free and on and on. IF you want a change and life feels a bit like your purpose is dying... get off the pot and do something about it.

5. Create a Vision Board or wall. Cut out from magazines things you would like to materialize in your life. Print out pictures from the internet. Whatever it is big or small look at this as much as possible and feel deep inside how good that feels to you to have this in your life. My vision board is in my bathroom against the side of the mirror where I can see and feel the energy every time I walk in that room. I also have another vision area by my treadmill. This daily vision helps to visualize what it is you want to materialize in your life and also helps to raise your energy vibrations to create and attract that very thing. It is such a feel good thing.

6. Smile. Get that frown or scowl off your face. You are sending out negative vibes to the world and are less likely to have positive people and influences enter your life. It is an extremely powerful message to the world when you are smiling and enjoying life. Good things come faster to happy people. Look around you if you start to feel that smile leaving you. Even on the ride to work there are people, children, bill boards, vehicles, the sun, the moon, the clouds etc that are some of the millions of things that we have in our life and seeing the beauty or fun in them is a great way to look at the world and smile.

7. Stop reading the newspaper and watching the news. I cannot think of anything that is a downer more that those two things. It is that simple and the results are amazing. Who cares if you don't know the latest fad or catastrophe? I hear about things like that and I tell people I chose not to take part in news that will not benefit my positive energy and thoughts. Saves time and money as well. Grab a good book or go for a walk or spend time with family or friends that will keep you in a high positive vibration.

8. Meditate. Many people think this is a waste of time. On the contrary. It is so extremely valuable at any age. The benefits of sitting and quieting the mind and getting rooted with your body and mind is not only amazing it is the direct line to your soul. Meditation reduces stress, improves concentration, is a vital part in a healthy lifestyle, increases happiness, slows aging, increases self-acceptance, lessens worry, anxiety and impulsivity, helps manage ADHD, and increases grey matter concentration in the brain. These are but a few of the amazing benefits of meditation. It does take practice but practice makes perfect.

I have given you 8 simple ideas to assist you from being Good to heading in the fast lane to GREAT! There comes a time in your life that you need to take an inventory of what is working versus what isn't and make a change. This is your life. How do you want to live it? It's up to you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9514084

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Thoughts Are Powerful!

Do you believe you are what you think? Let's test the idea. When you think about de-cluttering your personal life by freeing yourself from over-eating, over-spending, over-scheduling, over-stressing and over-committing, what thoughts come to your mind? If your thoughts are positive and you get excited about simplifying your personal life, it is because you feel powerful and are expecting positive results. But, if you have thoughts of dread and defeat, it is because you feel powerless and are expecting the results to be negative.

When your thoughts are positive about a particular situation your feelings will follow in a positive way. The same is true with negative thoughts. If you think negatively your feelings will follow suit. Most people's thoughts are subconscious. The actual thoughts are not actually put into words. For example, most people do not say to themselves, "Today, I chose to think negatively about myself and today I chose to be a very unhappy person."

The only way to correct negative thoughts is to learn how to become aware of them. Because thoughts are often subconscious, it is not so easy to see the problems. If you don't see problems, then you won't believe there are problems, therefore the motivation to change is slim to none.

"People are their own worst enemy." How many times have we heard that and what does it really even mean? In reality, very few people buy into the idea that our thoughts are powerful. Because of this, gaining control over thoughts and thinking is not a high priority on to-do lists. Negative thoughts can be an ongoing source of problems for people. It keeps people from exploring opportunities that could greatly benefit their lives. The negative thoughts poison relationships, both professionally and personally, it also creates a victim mentality, which is very emotionally harmful and exhausting.

So how does a person become aware of their thoughts and then weed out the thoughts that sabotage best intentions?

Awareness is critical. Become aware that your thoughts are negative and half the battle is won. You admit there is a need for change.

Get the best information for your situation. Gather information so you have multiple choices when it is time to make decisions. We make the best decisions when we gather the best information.

Use your best thinking not just the easiest thinking. Spend time investigating what is really going on. Does your interpretation of the situation match the reality of the situation? Is the person trying to harm you? Are your past thoughts interfering with your current relationship?

It is important to switch your perception. Instead of your glass always seeming half empty, start looking at your glass as mostly full.

Understand positive thinking starts with positive self-talk. The types of unspoken thoughts running through your head will influence how you think. Positive thinking does not mean being unaware of unpleasant situations going on in your world. It merely means you tackle unpleasant things from a more positive position. You have not given up hope that the best outcome could happen.

There are many health benefits when you change from being a negative thinker to a positive thinker. Researchers agree some of these benefits are lower rates of depression, lower levels of stress, increased lifespan and better psychological and physical well-being.

Becoming a positive thinker will not happen overnight. If you practice being a positive thinker every day you will cross over into being a positive person. You will learn to be less critical and more accepting. Begin being more positive today. Quit saying "I am not going to get any better at this" and start saying "I will give it another try!"

https://ezinearticles.com/?Thoughts-Are-Powerful!&id=9301617

10 Skills That Are Hard to Learn But Pay Off Forever

The best things in life may be free, but that doesn't mean they won't take time, sweat, and perseverance to acquire.

That's especially the case when it comes to learning important life skills.

In an effort to ascertain which talents are worth the investment, one Quora reader posed the question: What are the hardest and most useful skills to learn?

We've highlighted our favorite takeaways.

1. Time management

Effective time management is one of the most highly valued skills by employers. While there is no one right way, it's important to find a system that works for you and stick to it, Alina Grzegorzewska explains. 

"The hardest thing to learn for me was how to plan," she writes. "Not to execute what I have planned, but to make so epic a to-do list and to schedule it so thoroughly that I'm really capable of completing all the tasks on the scheduled date."

2. Empathy

"You can be the most disciplined, brilliant, and even wealthy individual in the world, but if you don't care for or empathize with other people, then you are basically nothing but a sociopath," writes Kamia Taylor.

Empathy, as business owner Jane Wurdwand explains, is a fundamental human ability that has too readily been forsworn by modern business.

"Empathy — the ability to feel what others feel — is what makes good sales and service people truly great. Empathy as in team spirit — esprit d'corps — motivates people to try harder. Empathy drives employees to push beyond their own apathy, to go bigger, because they feel something bigger than just a paycheck," she writes.

3. Mastering your sleep

There are so many prescribed sleep hacks out there it's often hard to keep track. But regardless of what you choose, establishing a ritual can help ensure you have restful nights.

Numerous studies show that being consistent with your sleep schedule makes it easier to fall asleep and wake up, and it helps promote better sleep in general.

4. Positive self-talk

"Ultimately it doesn't matter what others think of you," writes Shobhit Singhal, "but what you think of yourself certainly does, and it takes time to build that level of confidence and ability to believe in yourself when nobody else does."

On the other side of positive self-talk is negative self-talk, which Betsy Myers, founding director of The Center for Women and Business at Bentley University, believes can slowly chip away at your confidence.

5. Consistency

Whether you're trying a new exercise routine, studying for the LSATs, or working on an important project, Khaleel Syed writes that consistency is vital to maintaining any kind of success.

People often stop working hard when they reach the top, he explains, but to maintain that top position, they have to work harder and be more consistent in their work.

6. Asking for help

"I once was told in a job interview, 'You can't have this job if you can't ask for help when you need it,'" Louise Christy writes. "Naturally, I said I could. Later, I found out that the previous person with that job had screwed up big-time because he was in over his head but couldn't admit it and didn't ask for help."

She explains that knowing when you need help and then asking for it is surprisingly difficult to learn and do because no one wants to be perceived as weak or incompetent.

But a recent study from the Harvard Business School suggests doing so makes you look more, not less, capable. According to the study authors, when you ask people for advice, you validate their intelligence or expertise, which makes you more likely to win them over.

7. Knowing when to shut up — and actually doing it

"You can't go around whining about every other thing that seems not-so-right to you in this world," writes Roshna Nazir. "Sometimes you just need to shut up."

There are many instances when keeping to yourself is the best course. "When we are angry, upset, agitated, or vexed," writes Anwesha Jana, "we blurt out anything and everything that comes to our mind." And later, you tend to regret it.

Keeping your mouth shut when you're agitated is one of the most valuable skills to learn, and of course, one of the most difficult.

8. Listening

Along with shutting up comes listening, says Richard Careaga.

"Most of us in the workplace are so overwhelmed with things to do — instant messaging, phones ringing. I mean, our brain can only tolerate so much information before it snaps," Nicole Lipkin, author of "What Keeps Leaders Up At Night," previously told Business Insider.

One tip for active listening is repeating back what you heard to the other person. "It makes things so much easier when everyone is on the same page," she said.

9. Minding your business

"It takes ages to learn and master this," writes Aarushi Ruddra.

Sticking your nose into other people's work isn't helpful and wastes time and resources, she says. "You have no right to put forth your two or four cents, even if you are the last righteous person standing."

10. Mastering your thoughts

To do what you want to do and accomplish what you want to accomplish, you need to consciously direct your thinking, writes Mark Givert.

"The challenge is that we are the product of our past experience and all of our thinking is the result of this," he says. "However, the past does not equal the future."

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/247295