How To Find Inner Strength And Maximize Personal Fulfillment

"If you hear a voice within you say you can not paint, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced." Vincent Van Gogh

We frequently make every effort to fill that space in between exactly what we've got and exactly what we desire focusing our attention on what we think we lack.

This weakens us!

Are we investing so much time and energy attempting to get up to speed where we are doing nothing, and find that we miss out on the chance to take advantage of and make the most of the strengths, skills, and resources that we currently have?

Humankind's manmade illusory forces based on assumptions and projections shut down the idea of being one with our Creator, so that you remain in a mode of littleness that leads to loneliness and loathsomeness.

With regard to abilities, if you discover an ability but doubt or fear it, it might still assist you to get only a "little" better, however you will not experience personal fulfillment.

Rather, as you develop your strengths, by uncovering your inner power, abilities will in fact show most important when they are integrated with authentic skill.

Are you prepared to get familiarized with finding real inner strength?

You might be amazed by exactly what uncovers as your strengths even though it makes sense once you believe it without fear and doubt or judgement.

I mean that when you are utilizing your strengths which is one factor why we do not acknowledge them, life will start to welcome you.

To us our inner power looks like no huge offer, or we believe everybody believes that way.

Let me explain by asking you:

Where are you losing time on something that is not honoring your leading skills and strengths?

Allow those jobs to be handed over to somebody who has the strength to do it remarkably better than you?

How can you establish your service or business and even your household so that individuals included are establishing their strengths?

If the brand-new ability is in line with one of your strengths you will discover it much easier to take full advantage of that ability which is constructed on a strength.

How can you take exactly what you've got and optimize it filled with hope and faith to make a favorable effect in your life and the life of others?

I mean beginning Now!

Previously I discussed how to live the life you imagine now by letting go of feeling hopeless.

Are we investing so much time and energy being hopeless and attempting to get up to speed where we are not taking action, and thus missing out on the chance to take advantage of and make the most of our inner power?

Are we too busy being set in complacency waiting for some outside power to deliver us the resources and skills we need to accomplish our heroic mission?

If there are resources you need to be aligned with your true free will, your inner power will discover how to locate and take full advantage of resources you never before realized were available.

The world will be there to help.

Rather than feeling worried and anxious and calling out through the ego-based mind-- which may start hounding you about loss and lack, only leading to a disastrous drain on your emotions quickly, go within and uncover your inner Light.

- Do so by talking to yourself like you would an old friend in need.

- Ask, "How would I advise a goof friend who is having a similar problem?"

- Then tell yourself you are now living in the light and not darkness.

By uncovering the Light, this will eliminate or undo much of the ego clutter of lack trying to be in control.

The Course in Miracles states, "Decide for the answer and you will have it, for you will see it as it is, and it is yours already."

As the ego chatter fades a new formula will begin conquering what is obstructing the way and renewed inner strength will take over.

If you're still in a bit of a stymie, take one step toward action of some sort, even if it's just a simple phone call to someone for help.

Or, the action could be preparing a checklist of things you can do next.

Do something to shine light on the problems one at a time, and insist to yourself that you must start taking some sort of action.

No matter what, as long as you're moving in the right direction, you will be uncovering a creative attitude supporting productive action.

This new inner power, or, mindfulness muscle, we may say, was not found or delivered to you from somewhere "out there," but it was uncovered from within you.

(Be sure to seek the net for further helpful content on topics like, ways to overcome adversity and get the life you want with a happy life.)

To your inner power!

https://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Find-Inner-Strength-And-Maximize-Personal-Fulfillment&id=9952318

Work Through Your Elephants Without Overwhelming Yourself

Do you ever start projects and don't finish them? There was such excitement in the beginning. The ideas were flowing and you felt that once you had all the pieces you needed, this would be your best project yet. But then something happens. Anything, really. And whatever it is, now feels like a barrier to being able to follow through on your plans. And so we have another unfinished project.

Let's discuss Ways to Follow Through without Overwhelming Yourself

1. DO A SELF-INVENTORY. Before even starting the project, do an inventory of the strengths you already have that can be used in your plan. Then think about what skills you need and what it's going to take to develop it.

2. PACE YOURSELF. Don't go full throttle just yet. Imagine the man running a 5K and he sprints the first mile, powering ahead and taking an impressive lead. Before he has a chance to be too proud of himself, he realizes he still has 2.1 miles to go and he's already winded. You know what happens next - he's no longer in the lead as one by one the runners who paced themselves started pulling in front of him. Not only did he come nowhere close to winning, he had exhausted himself so much in the beginning stages that he didn't even finish the race. Disqualified by his own exhaustion. Moral of the story: don't be that guy.

3. RESPECT THE VISION BOARD. Not your thing? Make it your thing. Go old school with it and clip what appeals to you out of magazines, brochures, and any other material that can help you create a collage of your best life. Get your scissors, glue, and markers ready 3rd Grade Art Class style. (Glitter optional).

4. TALK LESS, DO MORE. I talk to my clients about an interesting habit some people have which is to talk, brainstorm, philosophize, theorize, and conceptualize. Basically do everything except for take real action. It makes them feel like they're working on things when in reality they've just been thinking about working on things. The Visioning stage should be just that, a stage. Not a place where you get stuck in your mind for years instead of moving into action phase.

5. BREAK THE ELEPHANT. Someone (I don't remember who but they must have been wise) once asked me: What's the best way to eat an elephant? To which I gave my thoughtful answer of: I don't know, how. Unknown Wise Person replied: One bite at a time. I liked it. I liked it so much I started sharing that with my clients. Like it so much I'm writing about it. Break the big tasks into bite-size pieces. As great of a multitasker I'm sure you are, take a mindful approach and focus on one thing at a time. And speaking of breaks - have some.

6. TAKE BREAKS. Not the eternal breaks where you step away from your project for awhile only to never return to it again. But legitimate breaks where you stop for a moment even before you get tired. You can take a pro-active approach to self-care. Go ahead and decide when and how long you'll put things down to let yourself regroup and refresh, then back to it.

I think the main key to completing projects is to keep working on them until they're done. That's right, there's no mind-blowing formula to it, and you probably don't need a weekend retreat to have that revelation. What you do need is stick-with-it-ness, self-motivation, and portion control as you work through your elephants.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Work-Through-Your-Elephants-Without-Overwhelming-Yourself&id=9993560

How To Honor Your Sensitivity

Being sensitive means many things. As a sensitive, empathic person myself, I know how painful it can be to feel or see certain things more deeply than other people. Over the years I have learned how to manage my sensitivity so that it has transformed into a gift I truly embrace. It's this process that I share with my clients and students.

If you're a sensitive person, you might notice that when others' don't share your depth of experience, you wind up feeling misunderstood, or even excluded. You might have heightened sensitivities to noise, smell, foods, and environment. If so, these sensitivities can easily contribute to feelings of weakness, illness, and irritability.

In addition, by believing society's negative critique of sensitivity, you might think that you're wrong for being 'so sensitive'. Nothing could be further from the truth!

What's important for a sensitive person, is to take steps to honor your sensitivity so that it transforms from something painful into a true gift of beauty and strength.

Below are some key steps to turn your sensitivity into a gift that will enrich your life, over and over again.

Understand Your Sensitivity - Understand that if you are one of the estimated 20% of folks with heightened sensitivity, you have a nervous system that feels things more deeply than most. This means that you need to care for yourself differently than someone without your depth of sensitivity. Get to know yourself better. Read up on the different aspects of sensitivity - there are a number of good books on the topic. Understanding yourself will help you increase feelings of self-acceptance. And, self-acceptance is key to honoring your sensitivity.

Get Clear About What Feels Right for You - We're often brought up to believe that we 'should' enjoy certain experiences that others enjoy. Getting clear on what feels right for you might mean you don't go to that party, or you opt for one or two good friends over a group of friends. Get clear about your 'shoulds' versus your true desires. Trust your intuition to help you find the right balance for you.

Honor Your Need for Downtime - Sensitive people need downtime. And, it can be easy to implement. Treat yourself to a peaceful nature walk, or sit quietly in a darkened room. A quick nap can do wonders to calm an overwhelmed mind and nerves. Throughout each day, allow for short periods of downtime. Regular breaks of just 5 minutes each can make a profound difference.

Create Self-Care Rituals - As a sensitive person, you likely lead a rich inner life. Honor it by nourishing it. Meditation, music, art, yoga, salt baths, and mind-body therapies are all wonderful tools to help you nourish your creative, intuitive soul.

Get Enough Sleep - Because sensitive people take in more information, more deeply, they need more sleep than people who are not highly sensitive. This means a daily minimum of 8 hours of sleep, preferably 9. If you have trouble sleeping, be sure to create a soothing bedtime ritual. Eliminate stimulants, and forgo electronics at least 1-2 hours before bed. Know that by just closing your eyes, you will help to calm and replenish your nervous system.

Take steps to honor your sensitivity. It's a divine gift. And it's a gift our world needs now.

In Courage,

https://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Honor-Your-Sensitivity&id=9930103

Turn Your Fear Into a Path to Your Strength and Recharge Your Time

Finding time to work with difficult feelings like fear can ultimately recharge your energy and confidence.

And the good news is that it doesn't need to eat up a lot of your time to get there.

Indeed, as you develop the habit of looking your difficult feelings right in the eye, you'll find that it's a big time-saver and energy boost for you. You'll experience the added bonus of exercising a lot more positive, proactive control over your time, too, because you'll stop taking the long way around things as an avoidance tactic.

We'll focus specifically on fear in this post - remembering that as you work with this, you can substitute any feeling that is difficult for you.

Start here...

So, to start, here's a useful mantra. Repeat this to yourself as you begin this empowering journey: "I turn my fear into a path to my strength."

Maybe in the past, you've tried to hide your fear from sight. In fact, maybe you go so far as to deny your feelings to yourself. You would rather not think of yourself as indecisive or uncommitted.

That's a natural-enough feeling, but it's one that actually reinforces your fears and will keep you firmly stuck in them.

There's a far more productive way to approach your fears: consciously reframe them as challenges that will call you to develop new and exciting strengths! This puts them in a positive context, and, even more importantly, places you in a proactive (rather than a reactive) stance toward them. Right there you are taking back your power and putting yourself in charge.

That changes everything!

So, the next time you feel fear about saying no, don't push that fear away. Greet it as a friend with important information to share.

3 Questions

Here are 3 questions you can ask, as you pursue a deeper understanding of your fear. Ask yourself:

How can I turn this fear inside out? (Reframe it as an opportunity.)

What lesson have I been trying to avoid? (Embracing it will ground and empower you.)

How will I reinvent myself once I say no? (The assertiveness you develop will expand your potential.)

Let your imagination roam freely as you work these questions - the answers you receive may surprise you - and I'd love to hear your experience as you make this empowering journey!

So... are you inspired to find even more time and increase your effectiveness, efficiency and enjoyment?

https://ezinearticles.com/?Turn-Your-Fear-Into-a-Path-to-Your-Strength-and-Recharge-Your-Time&id=10051391

Should You Compare Yourself With Others?

"Comparison is the thief of joy," - Theodore Roosevelt.

Now there's a smart guy.

Part of the success that you're going to see in life and in business involves how you perceive yourself and how you perceive other people. What a lot of us do, unfortunately, is we compare ourselves to others which is so easy to do isn't it? As we scroll through our Newsfeeds looking at everybody's 'highlight reel' of their lives, and comparing it to our own.

We don't see the one hour beforehand, where they put everything in a particular place to get that perfect photo, put a filter over the top, and publish it. When it's published, everyone looks at it, clicks LIKE, comments "stunning", "gorgeous" "beautiful babe", and in their heart think, "Oh, if only I could be like you," or, "Oh, you've got it all together", "I wish I was more like you".

A majority of the time we only see people's highlights reel. I know for myself, I've gone to take a selfie and things are happening off screen that doesn't line up with the photo I'm taking! For instance, the kids are cracking up and you're cracking up. "Can't you see I'm trying to take a photo here?" You smile for the selfie, then it's back to the drama at hand... "Oh, you guys are just so annoying. Can't you ever behave?"

Stop comparing yourself to peoples' highlights reel. Social media isn't really a place where you put all your dirty laundry out on social media. You have a couple of trusted friends who you take your issues to and confide in, okay? When stuff is going on, you can have a download with them, and they can talk you through it, or smack you out of it, if that's what's required.

When you look at the social media profiles of others, you're also most likely looking at their strengths. My kids were having a talk the other day about school, and square pegs and round holes. One of them said, "It's a square peg in a round hole." The other one said, "Depends on how big the hole is." (I think they've heard a bit of this sort of talk over the years). Then another comeback was, "It's like telling a goldfish to climb a tree."

Can a goldfish climb a tree? That's what we do when we compare ourselves with others. We might be a goldfish. The other person might be a monkey. They can climb the tree, but can they swim as good as you? No. When we're comparing, it's often like, "Here's their strengths and, oh, gosh. I can't do that." By looking at everyone else and what their strengths are, and idolizing those things, instead of celebrating what it is that you're good at, that is just going to rob you.

You go into toxic thinking when you compare yourself with others. When we live a life of comparison you're poisoning your soul. Toxic thinking will devour you. It will just keep going, and keep going, and keep going, and before you know it, you're consumed with envy. You're consumed with jealousy. And it causes you to be dissatisfied with your situation in life. It's just a horrible place to be.

When you have those toxic thoughts against other people's' successes, it's really going to limit yours. That is not something you want in your world.

How do you overcome comparing yourself to others? A lot of us have been going through this ever since we were kids. When our parents might have said to us, "Why can't you be more like your sister?" or your teacher said "Why can't you be more like Johnny?" - someone who was an authority in your life compared you to someone else, and that started the seeds.

How do we stop comparing ourselves and start celebrating who we are? Here are some ways:

1. Be aware. Think about when you scroll through your social media, what thoughts or feelings have been coming up, or be conscious of your thoughts next time. When you become aware, you then acknowledging that you've been doing it, and then commit to stopping those thoughts.

2. Acknowledge your strengths. Years ago, I heard someone ask a prominent leader, "What are your weaknesses?" He said, "Oh, I don't know, really. I focus on my strengths."

A practical example with that, was with my son and his school report card. There were a few subjects that he didn't do so well in. So what do you do? Focus on the subject he didn't do well in - "Oh, well, you better pay more attention to them and get those grades up." For me, I was like, "Okay. You did really good in these subjects, so these are the ones that you're really good at. Let's focus on these and get these grades up."

Instead of pushing a log up a hill sometimes, focus on those things that you are gifted at. Improve them and that is where you are really going to shine. When you keep trying to make things work that aren't designed for you, that's when you're going to get frustrated. That's when you're going to be burnt out and overwhelmed. Focus on those things that you are good at. Focus on your strengths and making them better, and you will be in your sweet spot.

3. Celebrate other person's achievements. Instead of turning into a green eyed monster, "Oh, she's lost 10 kilos and I haven't lost any." Well, celebrate their success. Go, "Wow. That is awesome. I am so happy for you. You so deserved it. You've been working so hard. Good on you. What new outfit are you going to buy? Woohoo!"

Celebrate their success and acknowledge yours, as well. Too often, we're looking at what other people have done. We tend to not acknowledge what we have done or accomplished.

If someone had actually like written up a bio of you that had all the amazing things that you have done, how would you react? Suppose somebody unknowingly created your bio. You would read it and say, "Wow. This person, look at what they've done. Oh, my gosh. Wow. This person's living an amazing life!" Then you discovered it was your bio. "Oh. What? Is that me? No, that's not me." It is okay to acknowledge your strengths and what you're good at, and what you have accomplished.

I hope that's been of great value and you've got at least one takeaway that you can apply. If there's someone that you know, or you think this has been great, share it out. Spread the word. Let other people know to stop comparing themselves with everyone else's highlight reel and to celebrate their own success.

Quit comparing and why don't you right now, write down five things that you are really good at? Five of your strengths or five things that you're grateful for. Right now. Do it. That's a challenge.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Should-You-Compare-Yourself-With-Others?&id=9631938

The Wrong Side Of The Right Plan

Nothing has to go to plan for us all to benefit from what happens. That is what I mean by the title: The wrong side of the right plan. We all seem to want absolute perfection, but with perfection comes boredom and never discovering anything new or exciting. The wrong side of the right plan is also quitting without looking at alternatives just because something does not go "perfectly" or in an expected way. Expand your horizons and realities to include wide arrays instead of the narrow and ideal plans working, and things will genuinely be better than if you took the "narrow view of things".

I admit, plans work to the extent that we work the plans. But to expect a perfect result every time is genuinely neurotic at the most and frustrating at the very least.

I used to wonder what would happen if we had perfect lives without problems from the start, sometimes I would even go into a reverie and wonder about that. Then, I saw movie stars, news reporters with high salaries and people with "perfect lives" by the "normal standard" faking it, and having breakdowns, divorces and unhappiness. I did not wonder why, I could only think to myself, if life is not interesting, we make it interesting by creating neurotic imperfections. So, I came to a creative conclusion, only earned perfection or a peaceful after strenuous work or horrible storms is valid to people, because it is earned and not given. Think about what I mean by "if life is not interesting, we make it interesting". Reality is a game of give and take right? Full of obstacles and rewards after the obstacles. If life was just smooth sailing, we would wonder what we are here for.

The real winner starts out behind in some ways or all ways. They end up ahead because they accept the mantle of earning their way, building their strength, and making it all really interesting. The real loser starts out ahead without a seeming problem, but they get lazy and sometimes pathetic, because they feel they have such an advantage or advantages. It is like the classic story of "The Tortoise and The Hare", and how it always ends with the tortoise winning what they earned, while that lazy and advantaged "with speed" tricky rabbit with all "the advantages" always loses due to overconfidence. Being a real winner is like being a strong blacksmith, at first the blacksmith cannot lift the hammer, but at the end he creates swords and shapes metal with that same hammer through natural resistance and natural strength created by their efforts. Three last words: Think about it.

https://ezinearticles.com/?The-Wrong-Side-Of-The-Right-Plan&id=8237045

When Tempted to Retreat, Prepare to Advance (by Steve Wickham)

I received two things recently: a frontal assault of the enemy, and the full support of the Lord.

The enemy attacked my mind, making me overwhelmed in busyness. I was stricken of heart, discouraged by a burden too heavy to carry. I seriously said the words of retreat; I fully intended to act. I even began to act.

And then something happened. God's Presence within me made me aware of something. I recognised the attack. I had not picked it up until then.

God said words to the effect, 'Do not shrink back - I will give you what you need. Don't retreat; advance.' And God did give me what I needed.

Suddenly I was impelled forward in my thinking. I called my wife and withdrew my control. I had previously told her, we must slow down; the pace is killing me (words to the effect). That had diminished the flame within her. I didn't see it at the time. But God gave me the vision. I called my wife, and said it was an attack, and that it would be wrong to slow down and stop. She simply agreed. She knew. And such is her wisdom, she waited.

What I learned again, in a fresh way, is the enemy of God is compelled to discourage us. He loves nothing more than for us to retreat, even quit. One thing the enemy doesn't count on, however, is the inimitable strength we get from God when we advance.

***

After we have been assailed by attack, and we have advanced in honour and obedience for our Lord, then, when things have steadied, it is time to gather ourselves. We are soldiers and the mire is heavy underfoot.

What do soldiers do when they are not being attacked? They prepare for the next attack - yes, they get ready and then they rest up.

Be battle ready.

http://ezinearticles.com/?When-Tempted-to-Retreat,-Prepare-to-Advance&id=9891547

Whispering To The Wind (Keeping Issues In Instead Of Letting Them Out)

Recently, I got rid of the rest of my feelings of envy that were left in my spirit by talking about it with the woman I love. I genuinely lifted the burden by acknowledging it and letting it out. this is what this article is about. Sure,hate is a horrible cancer, but envy in all reality is worse and more nasty because those feelings are so easy to overlook within ourselves.

Some people see the grass as greener on the other side and genuinely neglect their own in the process. That is one form of envy. Another form of envy is to be angry enough to kill for what another has to the cost of neglecting your possessions and consciousness.

Think about the fact that if your life gets proper care, you have nothing to envy within or outside of yourself. Everyone conscious has the potential to be a contained spirit sufficient within itself. Indeed, the ultimate envy is neglecting yourself and wishing you had it better without earning it.

So, my advice, admit everything, especially to yourself. Get clean, clear and real, then make your self what you want to be. The "Buck" stops and starts there. Make a realistically beneficial decision for yourself. The other day, I was reading the book by Napoleon Hill called "Outwitting The Devil" and I realized that destructive envy is not something we consciously choose. We do create it though through our tears of effort and reality. How we deal with it all is as important as how we do not deal with it all.

So what it takes to have opposing or opposite views of my own comes from these spiritual and psychic factors: Fearing to deal with anything is the worst way to live and die. Courage and strength is the way or nothing at all. Freedom of the self comes from ultimate courage anyway. In life, we either do or we do not. So, start thinking, is fear and envying courage really worth it? In my mind, it is not. I cannot answer for you though, I can only answer for me.

After all, all of our answers are within us, not outside anywhere. What do you think the saying really meant about "The Buddha did all he could, gave up, then he found enlightenment"? or my favorite preaching quote: "Nobody else but Christ could be Christ." Think about it and realize, we have to make our own realistic and beneficial choices.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Whispering-To-The-Wind-(Keeping-Issues-In-Instead-Of-Letting-Them-Out)&id=9974686

One's Weakness Is One's Greatest Strength (By Rosemarie Sumalinog Gonzales)

Your weakness can be your astounding strength if used in the right context. In fact, you will not realize your greatest strength until you faced your greatest weakness. I guess my greatest fear in life is to have a broken family. I really don't want that my kids would grow without a father figure. But you know what happened? My being separated for more than five years now becomes the source of my greatest strength because I can do whatever I want and travel where I want to go. I become more independent and reliable compared to the time when I was still married.

My fear that my separation would hinder my kids' performance in school turn out to be the opposite because my kids perform better without their father's presence. Basically, it gives me the courage to move on with life when I feel that I don't have the strength anymore to carry on.

Some people believe that holding on and hanging in the sanctity of marriage are signs of great strength for a woman even if that means swallowing her pride and for her to suffer for the rest of her life. However, there are times when we need to realize that it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.

I become a strong woman who can make it even through the worst circumstance. My weakness makes me fearless and independent. I won't need a man in my life. I can raise my kids alone with my own patience and hard works. I won't ever back down to a challenge. I am in fact a risk taker.

I am not afraid to face any obstacles in my line of work because the more you feel alarmed, the greater the danger. And once you are eaten with uncertainty, the chance of succeeding is rare. It takes a lot of guts but if you face all your fears headstrong, then, everything will follow.

We gain strength, courage, and confidence from our experience in which we really stop being afraid and do the things that we think we can't. If you always put a limit in everything you do, it will spread into your life. The best thing you can do is to go beyond them. Have the courage to overcome your fears. Don't be afraid that you will fall, what's important is how you rise back from where you fall. You become better and stronger.

Sometimes people are too preoccupied with their busy lives that if they want something they never had, they just need to do what they never did. every time you feel uncertain, remember how far have you come, all the obstacles you faced and all the fears you have overcome.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Ones-Weakness-Is-Ones-Greatest-Strength&id=9773427

Humility Commands Respect

Humility Commands Respect, for it is often seen as a virtue, in contrast to other forms of pride and arrogance. Not everyone is humble for the fact that we all know. Humans tend to take pride in their worldly possessions by flaunting them when their wealth is the epitome of their glory. For those in power or authority, they will never hesitate to flex their muscles, in the face of opposition. Yet, how many of us are humble enough to make a stand and admit our mistakes when we are wrong? If for one moment, we can declare by means of actions, not words... that "I am humble," which in itself can command respect, even admiration from those around us.

When in the wrong, be humble and be the first to admit the mistake and apologize, so that any conflicts or tensions, can be resolved amicably. Now, that is the Power of Humility! Being arrogant can only cause problem or trouble which we must avoid at all costs. Good leaders typically exhibit good traits that include strength, wisdom, charisma, enthusiasm and vision. The opposite can be said of bad leaders who are selfish, self-centered, arrogant, conceited, corrupted and evil.

Leaders are more powerful when they are humble. Perhaps the world's most humble leader--humbly steps down after five years and he is Uruguay President Jose Mujica. Uruguayans call their outgoing president simply as "Pepe"! Though he is the head of state, he refuses to dress in pomp, ride in a limousine nor resides in a presidential palace. Such is his humility!

Ways that Humility can make us a better person or leader include:-

1. Be open to people's opinions - Managers who possess traits of humility, tend to seek input from their colleagues to ensure that they have all the facts, in order to make decisions that are in the best interests of their team. People would like to work for those who value their opinions, rather than ignore or dismiss them.
2. Tend to the needs of others - Caring about the environment in which you are living or your team is working, is to ensure that they have what they need to do a good job.
3. Admit mistakes - To err is human but to admit our mistakes, is to be humble. Not only do we admit our mistakes but we must be able to rectify them accordingly.
4. Accept ambiguity - Know when to take charge and when to let go. Try not to force anything to go your way and belittle others.
5. Focusing on the needs of others - Focus not on your needs, but also on others at home and at work. This will provide a better understanding and communication.

At times, it is vital to admit that you don't know the best answer and be humble to say that until you have the best information to make a decision or change, you will have to wait to find out. No one is infallible, except God.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Humility-Commands-Respect&id=9720051

Our Greatest Source of Strength (By Rosemarie Sumalinog Gonzales)

Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. This is achieved when you go through hardships and decide not to surrender. Even if I find it very difficult to raise my kids financially but I am still very happy because all my hard works and patience paid off. All my efforts are worth it. Kids achieve much in their own little way.

I think it's my personality to overcome things, learn from them and become stronger, both personally and professionally. To be honest, I welcome those hardships no matter how difficult. I like to do challenging tasks because it makes me braver in life. My perception of hardships is completely different from others. I'm not whining and moaning because of the hurdles I have in my life. The hardships that I encountered in the past help me succeed in every endeavor I take because whatever hardships there have been in my life I am still privileged because I am not afraid of what I do. I love my work very much. It is very challenging and mind-breaking but very satisfying since I love to explore the unknown. I love to do qualitative studies through grounded theories and case studies. The feeling is totally different when you know that you are able to formulate a theory out of the many concepts given to you by your subjects.

The reason why I become braver were the past experiences that I had in life. My willingness to compromise for the sake of my kids did no good to me. There was once in my life that I read in my daily horoscope that if I want to succeed, I need to stay away from people who only want my downfall. Life might be so hard but it becomes harder when you are with people eaten by negativity.

Not that I blame others for my wrong decisions. I accept full responsibility to the consequence of my actions.It just happened that when you realized that history keeps on repeating itself, you are not learning at all.

I am really considerate. But sometimes, this trait becomes my weakness instead of my strength because it seems that people are taking advantage of it. There were even times that even if I am hurt, I still forgive because I am hoping that maybe CHANGE is coming.

What a wrong notion! Change begins in ourselves, not in others. We need to infuse life with action. WE HAVE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!

This article is about how we can turn our hardships into our strength. Positive traits can also be our weakness but it does not mean that we cannot overcome this because life is what we make it.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Our-Greatest-Source-of-Strength&id=9625986

Self-Motivation Finding The Strength To Keep Going

Find The Strength To Keep Going

When it comes to self-motivation one thing you have to remember is not giving up when things are great. You don't have time for that. When you get to the top and when you feel the most successful, success in any area of your life, you finally have the nice car or that great job you can eventually start getting lazy.

Remember one thing, you can't be wasting your time doing that. You have to do everything you can to not lose your strategy, your self-motivation; and most of all always keep that burning desire bright all the time. You don't have time to loosen up or you'll fail.

You cannot stop.

One thing you have to constantly remind yourself is you cannot stop no matter what. It doesn't matter how great and successful you are; you cannot stop working on yourself. This is your golden rule to live by.

Even when you believe that you don't have any room for self-improvement you need more of it; there is room for getting better and stronger.

Self-motivation is constantly working on you. There's always room; there will always be more room for you. You are not born perfect and you never will. So you have to keep working.

You have to keep working on yourself; it's the only way. Do not fool yourself that you're done. Just because you achieved your goal. Oh no, no, no, no!

There is more to you that you can improve and must meet. You dived into this self-motivation journey for a reason. You want the best for you and your family. This is a process that will demand the most out of you.

You have chosen this life. There is no time for resting just now. You must work, ripe your fruits and enjoy the sweets later.

Don't Play Around

What I want you to get from this is you have no room to loosen up or get lazy. That is not you. This idea should never come across your mind. You are better than this. You're a person that is on a constant journey for self-motivation, self-improvement what ever it is you're working for.

You are a person who believes and deserves more, deserves better and wants to live greater. The only way you'll get better is by being the best that you can be inside and out, by constantly working on yourself.

As you keep growing in life remind yourself what you're aiming for; what it is that you're shooting for? This will help you keep growing in life and becoming a better person in life.

I am telling you this because I have seen successful people and as soon as they meet their goals they easily loosen up. Some have even lost everything because they have stopped doing what they're supposed to be doing.

They stop working on their bodies, their mind, their career. They felt it was okay to stop what they were doing that got them there in the first place. Overconfidence is deadly. You have to be careful with that.

They lost everything they have worked for. Even when you believe that you don't need to keep working on yourself you still have room to polish yourself a bit more.

You will never be as bright as you believe you are, but keep polishing. Do not stop.

Keep yourself healthy, strong, and most of all vigilant at all times because you will slip and fall and lose everything you have worked for.

You have to protect your dream, your desires, protect yourself from when you're at the top. You do not want to fall.

Help yourself get there. If no one else can help you get there faster then create a plan, maintain it and keep it next to you day in and day out.

Have your plan under your pillow and sleep on it so you can remind yourself that you have to keep working on yourself every day even when you're successful.

I know it's tiring, but you have to do it. You want to be successful, don't you? This is part of you, doing habits, creating rituals, it's your daily diet.

You have to look at your plan and work on it and work on it as if your life depended on it.

What ever it is that you desire most in life whether that be a job, material possession, wealth, a family; you cannot afford slacking off any day. This is not you and don't start now.

Always, I mean this, always keep working on yourself until you become so damn great that maintaining yourself at that level becomes easy.

The only enemy you will face is yourself when it comes to constant self-motivation. You have to keep fighting with yourself everyday and once you conquer yourself you will have a new you.

No one is your enemy, but yourself. Conquer your scared self and you'll win in the game of life.

How strong you get how smart you get depends all entirely to you. Learn to be strong, learn to be vigilant; when you see yourself slacking off.

Do not let your negative voice win, you are here in this earth to live a better life you deserve and you need to go get it.

Life will not walk up to you at your front door and hand it to you, unless you're born a billionaire but that is not you. Work for your dreams, work for your desires, but to get there; you have to work on yourself first. You first, desires second.

Last but not least, do all these things above and you'll achieve self-mastery of yourself and nothing in the world will stop you. You'll become a much happier person, peaceful and self-motivated.

Never give up on yourself even if you see very minimal results. Kick your own ass once in a while if you need that extra boost. You need it.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Self-Motivation-Finding-The-Strength-To-Keep-Going&id=9391283

Leaders: Be Decisive - Use The STRAIGHT Line Method

We've all heard the expression that the fastest way to get from one point to the next, is a straight line. While there are instances when obstructions, obstacles, or other common sense considerations, force you to take a detour, doesn't it make sense to make the direct approach, the first method considered, etc? When one decides to become a leader, he will be confronted by challenges, and need to make a timely, reliable, well-considered, decision. How one does so, often differentiates between the potentially, great leader, and the mere, wannabe! One must discipline himself to seek the best, most direct approaches, not only because of expediency, etc, but, most importantly, because doing so, reduces adding to one's potential woes and obstacles, and opening up, some Pandora's Box, which did not originally exist! Therefore, let's review, in a mnemonic manner, using the STRAIGHT line method.

1. Strength; sustainable system: The more direct the approach, the easier it is for others, to recognize advances and improvements, and thus, more quickly, buy into the leader's philosophy and goals. The goal of a true leader must be, to not merely either be a space-holder, or a crisis manager, but to lead the way, towards addressing current needs, concerns and priorities, but, doing so, in a sustainable, easily reproducible, system.

2. True: You've heard the expression that you can fool some of the people some of the time, etc. However, the best leaders make decisions based on the truth and needs, rather than any sort of personal agenda, or politics. Be direct, explain your reasons, and proceed forward, step-by-step!

3. Relevant; rational: You'll be challenged finding supporters or followers, unless your vision, is considered relevant and rational. Don't beat around the bush, but rather, directly explain what you hope to achieve, and why!

4. Attention; attitude: Are you ready, willing and able to pay keen attention, to needs, details, and alternatives? Will your well-considered plan, consider alternatives, ramifications, and contingencies, and will you proceed forward, rather than in a horizontal manner? Is your positive, can-do attitude, so consistent and true, it becomes somewhat contagious and compelling?

5. Ideas; ideology; intent: Are you merely restating the same-old, same-old, or introducing ideas, which will move your organization forward? Are you consistently true to your ideology, because, otherwise, you are not truly making meaningful progress? How often will your introspectively examine your intent?

6. Generate growth; goodwill: Organizations which do not consistently evolve, often stagnate and diminish. A plan must seek to generate growth, without merely making changes, for change-sake! Doing this effectively, means focusing on consistently adding to the overall goodwill.

7. Head/heart: Either too much logic, or too much emotion, are poor approaches to leadership! There must be a head/heart balance, where one probes, understands and satisfies the emotional needs of his stakeholders, while doing so in a rational, logical, meaningful, sane way.

8. Timely: Unless action is taken in a timely manner, you are not effectively leading! Taking timely action, means understanding needs, concerns and priorities, considering alternatives, developing quality strategic and action plans, and doing so, without procrastination, or unnecessary delay.

If you decide you are ready to be a leader, understand you must be decisive and prepared. Using the STRAIGHT line approach, helps you focus on the bigger picture.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Leaders:-Be-Decisive---Use-The-STRAIGHT-Line-Method&id=9455640

Powerful Spiritual Words - These Words Will Change Your Life!

'This is my day', the day to live, love and enjoy! As you rise, get dressed and eat your breakfast say 'This is my day!'

If you are facing difficulties and feeling afraid or anxious about the day say,

'This is the day I express strength and courage'

If you find yourself dwelling on the past and long for the good old days, affirm these words, 'This is my day of joy and happiness'

Repeat these words many times and welcome with open arms the good that is running to meet you. The gifts of spirit are always good. They draw health and peace towards you. What you see with your five senses, essentially the thoughts of others, may be helpful or may be harmful. The practice of connecting with the indwelling spirit will help you determine what is true and what is false. Turn your attention within, let all thoughts of disappointment drop away and replace them with ideas of love, joy and prosperity. Allow a new energy to enter your body.

When we know what we want we usually find a way to achieve it. Give yourself time for meditation and reflection. Give yourself time to sit quietly and listen to the still quiet voice within. What do you need to fulfill your desires? Do you need a different attitude? Are you willing to do the very best? Is your attention on your inner voice? Are you moving forward with courage and confidence?

If your need is for more courage, then be happy that spirit provides you with the unlimited life and strength to assist you in doing what is required. For it is through spirit that the life flow in you increases and prompts you to fulfill that which is required. By going within and connecting with your spiritual self, you will be led to outwardly express your true self.

If you feel that you carry a heavy burden then say,

'I release all seeming burdens to Spirit. I am free and at peace'

If your body needs health then say, 'I am renewed, healthy and whole'

Remember, this is your day! Do not be concerned about yesterday or tomorrow. Invite love, joy and happiness into your life now. Give thanks for the blessings you have received and for those not that have not yet been bestowed upon you. Open your arms, have courage, live fully and freely, this is your day!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Powerful-Spiritual-Words---These-Words-Will-Change-Your-Life!&id=9124374

Holding On When You Can Hold On No Longer

Whenever we find ourselves on the seas of fury, tossed and thrown around, so ready to give up, we just have to find a way to keep going.

One more step... then one more...

With each step made is strength... found... from nowhere.

That's faith.

Faith is acquired as a necessity, an indispensable journeying companion, for hellish trips and fearful expeditions.

Courage is the meal faith dines on immediately before it enters intrepidly on the journey; a snack partaken of as fear rises up like a beach-breaking wave; a morsel for calming the nerve enough to keep going in blindness.

Keep going!

Tough as this quest is, tough as the present moment seems, and tough as endurance feels impossible, to keep going is possible. The options otherwise are untenable. We daren't go there! For hell is an abyss, a very certain spiral into a nether land of purposeless confusion.

But it's still impossibly hard.

Faith says that what seems impossibly hard is possible if we refuse to believe it's hopeless. A conviction of, and a commitment to, resolute cognition. Faith insists on believing upon the invisible; the barren wasteland makes way for a vision that is hoped for - that which we insist be seen!

Bring in hope, as if an abating of the winds, the calming of the swell, the ceasing of driving rains - at least as our mind's eye sees for the hope coming.

And it is tenacity that facilitates the break through, about the time we were, again, about to give it all up.

Faith believes in God when there is so much evidence - in our human minds - that God is a figment. And faith is confidence on loan in a vacuous hope; it will get us through if we don't give up.

***

Yes, so, whenever we find ourselves tossed and thrown on furious seas, so ready to abandon everything, we just have to find a way to keep going.

To keep going in the throes of hell is to go the way of hope and faith; the apparent denial of human reality in belief that God has a different plan.

To keep going when all seems utterly lost; that's courage, faith, hope, tenacity, and a determined resolve that waits on God.

To keep going is the only way to a certain victory.

Keep going. A harvest awaits. God is with you. All is not lost as it seems. Pray for serenity in the hopelessness, for strength from nowhere in weakness, and for poise under the extremities of pressure.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Holding-On-When-You-Can-Hold-On-No-Longer&id=9266466

The Courage to Live Consciously

Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature,

nor do the children of men as a whole experience it.

Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure.

Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.

To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits

in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.- Helen Keller

In our day-to-day lives, the virtue of courage doesn't receive much attention. Courage is a quality reserved for soldiers, fire fighters, and activists. Security is what matters most today. Perhaps you were taught to avoid being too bold or too brave. It's too dangerous. Don't take unnecessary risks. Don't draw attention to yourself in public. Follow family traditions. Don't talk to strangers. Keep an eye out for suspicious people. Stay safe.

But a side effect of over emphasizing the importance of personal security in your life is that it can cause you to live reactively. Instead of setting your own goals, making plans to achieve them, and going after them with gusto, you play it safe. Keep working at the stable job, even though it doesn't fulfil you. Remain in the unsatisfying relationship, even though you feel dead inside compared to the passion you once had. Who are you to think that you can buck the system? Accept your lot in life, and make the best of it. Go with the flow, and don't rock the boat. Your only hope is that the currents of life will pull you in a favourable direction.

No doubt there exist real dangers in life you must avoid. But there's a huge gulf between recklessness and courage. I'm not referring to the heroic courage required to risk your life to save someone from a burning building. By courage I mean the ability to face down those imaginary fears and reclaim the far more powerful life that you've denied yourself. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of going broke. Fear of being alone. Fear of humiliation. Fear of public speaking. Fear of being ostracized by family and friends. Fear of physical discomfort. Fear of regret. Fear of success.

How many of these fears are holding you back? How would you live if you had no fear at all? You'd still have your intelligence and common sense to safely navigate around any real dangers, but without feeling the emotion of fear, would you be more willing to take risks, especially when the worst case wouldn't actually hurt you at all? Would you speak up more often, talk to more strangers, ask for more sales, dive headlong into those ambitious projects you've been dreaming about? What if you even learned to enjoy the things you currently fear? What kind of difference would that make in your life?

Have you previously convinced yourself that you aren't really afraid of anything... that there are always good and logical reasons why you don't do certain things? It would be rude to introduce yourself to a stranger. You shouldn't attempt public speaking because you don't have anything to say. Asking for a raise would be improper because you're supposed to wait until the next formal review. They're just rationalizations though - think about how your life would change if you could confidently and courageously do these things with no fear at all

What Is Courage?

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.

- Ambrose Redmoon

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear.

- Mark Twain

Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.

- John Wayne

I like the definitions of courage above, which all suggest that courage is the ability to get yourself to take action in spite of fear. The word courage derives from the Latin cor, which means "heart." But true courage is more a matter of intellect than of feeling. It requires using the uniquely human part of your brain (the neocortex) to wrest control away from the emotional limbic brain you share in common with other mammals. Your limbic brain signals danger, but your neocortex reasons that the danger isn't real, so you simply feel the fear and take action anyway. The more you learn to act in spite of fear, the more human you become. The more you follow the fear, the more you live like a lower mammal. So the question, "Are you a man or a mouse?" is consistent with human neurology.

Courageous people are still afraid, but they don't let the fear paralyze them. People who lack courage will give into fear more often than not, which actually has the long-term effect of strengthening the fear. When you avoid facing a fear and then feel relieved that you escaped it, this acts as a psychological reward that reinforces the mouse-like avoidance behavior, making you even more likely to avoid facing the fear in the future. So the more you avoid asking someone out on a date, the more paralyzed you'll feel about taking such actions in the future. You are literally conditioning yourself to become more timid and mouse-like.

Such avoidance behavior causes stagnation in the long run. As you get older, you reinforce your fear reactions to the point where it's hard to even imagine yourself standing up to your fears. You begin taking your fears for granted; they become real to you. You cocoon yourself into a life that insulates you from all these fears: a stable but unhappy marriage, a job that doesn't require you to take risks, an income that keeps you comfortable. Then you rationalize your behavior: You have a family to support and can't take risks, you're too old to shift careers, you can't lose weight because you have "fat" genes. Five years... ten years... twenty years pass, and you realize that your life hasn't changed all that much. You've settled down. All that's really left now is to live out the remainder of your years as contently as possible and then settle yourself into the ground, where you'll finally achieve total safety and security.

But there's something else going on behind the scenes, isn't there? That tiny voice in the back of your mind recalls that this isn't the kind of life you wanted to live. It wants more, much more. It wants you to become far wealthier, to have an outstanding relationship, to get your body in peak physical condition, to learn new skills, to travel the world, to have lots of wonderful friends, to help people in need, to make a meaningful difference. That voice tells you that settling into a job where you sell widgets the rest of your life just won't cut it. That voice frowns at you when you catch a glance of your oversized belly in the mirror or get winded going up a flight of stairs. It beams disappointment when it sees what's become of your family. It tells you that the reason you have trouble motivating yourself is that you aren't doing what you really ought to be doing with your life... because you're afraid. And if you refuse to listen, it will always be there, nagging you about your mediocre results until you die, full of regrets for what might have been.

So how do you respond to this ornery voice that won't shut up? What do you do when confronted by that gut feeling that something just isn't right in your life? What's your favorite way to silence it? Maybe drown it out by watching TV, listening to the radio, working long hours at an unfulfilling job, or consuming alcohol and caffeine and sugar.

But whenever you do this, you lower your level of consciousness. You sink closer towards an instinctive animal and move away from becoming a fully conscious human being. You react to life instead of proactively going after your goals. You fall into a state of learned helplessness, where you begin to believe that your goals are no longer possible or practical for you. You become more and more like a mouse, even trying to convince yourself that life as a mouse might not be so bad after all, since everyone around you seems to be OK with it. You surround yourself with your fellow mice, and on the rare occasions that you encounter a fully conscious human being, it scares the hell out of you to remember how much of your own courage has been lost.

http://www.stevepavlina.com/articles/courage-to-live-consciously.htm