Making Choices - How to Choose

Often, people tell me "I don't have a choice". They continue doing things that are unhealthy or unsatisfying even though they are miserable while doing them.

I think it is important to consider the types of choices that we face in life:

1. Too many choices - There is an interesting video on YouTube that describes the psychology adopted by Costco. Their inventory is based on research that suggests people with too many choices tend not to buy. When you shop there, you might only find a 180-tablet bottle of pain reliever rather than a range of sizes. You likely will purchase the one that they offer. They planned that!

Parents often complain about the fact that their child's room is frequently a mess. When you dig down for details about this you might hear that the child tries on an outfit in the morning and then quickly decides not to wear it that day. Instead of hanging it back up in the closet, the discarded outfit is just dropped on the floor. This can go on repeatedly for days and days until it is time to do the laundry. The child then just gathers up everything that is on the floor and, even though it is all clean, offers it up to the parent to wash. Perhaps the child has too many choices when it comes to clothing. Or toys. Or other possessions. Too many choices can cause a myriad of problems.

2. Not enough choices - When you are feeling "trapped" by life it is a good time to consider what is holding you back from making changes. Is it your own fears or negative attitude? Are you laden by so much debt that you are forced to keep putting one foot in front of another even though you don't like the path ahead of you? Are you living in an environment that stifles creative thinking?

No matter how limited your options might be, there are always choices that you can make. It might take time and sacrifice to pay down your debt, but you can do it! More education or another job search might just open a door that you couldn't previously see. Consulting with a professional or individual who has overcome trouble in the past might provide you with exactly the information and inspiration that you have needed.

3. Making healthy choices - Delayed gratification is the antidote for impulsivity. When you jump into something without gathering enough information or weighing the options, you will likely face regret.

We all want to have fun and nice things, but it is important to consider the difference between needs and wants. I frequently tell teenagers that growing up means doing all the things that you don't want to do - anyway! You need to get enough sleep and a healthy diet even if that means having to invest your time and efforts into planning and preparing for them. The good news is that once you have established a routine you will find realize the benefits.

This week think about the choices that you have and the ones that you have been neglecting. What could you do differently in the future to make your life happier and healthier?

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to a complimentary list of 10 Steps to Making Your Life an Adventure when you visit http://lindahancock.com

From Dr. Linda Hancock, Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Linda_Hancock/152728

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*BEWARE* This TALK Will Make You RETHINK YOUR ENTIRE LIFE AND WORK (life changer)

Beliefs Drive Our Actions

Sometimes people tell me how much they dislike Medicine Hat. They criticize the way the streets are laid out and find them confusing. They describe the river as "muddy" and the people as unfriendly. Others sing praises about our city. They like the unique layout, the fact that we have a river running through the middle of the community and describe the people as being kind and welcoming. Perceptions form beliefs and beliefs drive our actions.

Recently I have been making another attempt at fluency in the French language. I took classes in high school and again a few years ago with a group of "mature" students but never got to the level that I desired. I have also used a couple of apps, hired a private tutor and made some feeble attempts to greet the two francophones that I have met but still struggle. My vocabulary is fairly good, and I can read French quite well but frankly, my pronunciation sucks!

Last week, however, I was able to connect with a wonderful European French teacher who uses his study of psychological concepts to tutor individuals who have been "stuck" with the same disappointing progress that I have had.

It only took one class with this man to realize that the strategy he employs has exactly the same foundation as the ones I use in my private practice!

People who cannot speak French fluently (or any other second language) tend to believe that they will be embarrassed if they take the risk of trying to have a conversation. Their belief is that they will offend, not be understood or look foolish and this prevents them from trying. They focus on the things that do not improve their speaking skills - like reading, doing quizzes and studying at a theoretical level. They progress on paper but, at the same time, they believe that they will not be able to speak fluently in the timeframe that they desire.

Academic programs tend to teach vocabulary and grammatical structures that can feel overwhelming, especially when you might only need a few words and phrases to communicate about the things that interest you.

Clients often face the same challenges. They are "stuck" in a situation where they feel embarrassed, inadequate or frustrated. They come for help but often have already decided that they will not succeed. Failed attempts to change have not only affected their confidence but also strengthened their belief that things will not get better.

There is an old adage that states "Practice makes perfect". But practice takes time, involves making mistakes and presents risks that not everyone is willing to take.

What are the beliefs that are holding you back from doing something that you really want to do? Are you afraid that you cannot find a good friend or partner? Are you worried that you might not do well in a new job or academic program? Are you holding back from improving your health or financial situation because you don't believe you will succeed?

This week write a list of beliefs that are limiting your progress. Then write a list of things that you have accomplished in the past. Build up your belief and then start taking action towards your goal. One step at a time. One day at a time.

And remember to help those around you to think positively and build their belief levels and confidence through your encouragement and example.

Bonne chance!

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to a complimentary list of 10 Steps to Making Your Life an Adventure when you visit http://lindahancock.com

From Dr. Linda Hancock, Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Linda_Hancock/152728

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10172431

Jim Kwik: How to Break Bad Habits That Hold You Back (One of the Best Speeches Ever)

Yet Another Benefit Mind Training Has Over "Brain Training"

I've often criticised brain training - those cutesy computer games that supposedly make you smarter. It's easy to judge when they don't work. Stanford looked into the industry ages ago and found it was nothing but a pile of huge claims.

Play those games and you get better at them. That's about all you could honestly say about them.

Do the benefits translate into a sharper, healthier and more resilient brain? Stanford doesn't think so. And this is anecdotal, I know, but during my long stint of playing these games, I didn't notice much change in my everyday life.

Unlike with the stuff Stanford says does work - unsexy, commonsense things like exercise, socialising and getting your hands dirty. I noticed a difference once I started deliberately doing these.

But I can make another criticism of brain training. After all, maybe some of them do work. Perhaps tomorrow someone will invent a game that actually makes you smarter.

This, I think, is the most damning accusation:

Brain training games are boring.

Sure, they start off kinda fun. You click here and memorise that. It's all an exciting whirlwind of colours and shapes - especially as you get better at the game.

It gets old, fast. Eventually you start seeing it for all it is - a really simple computer game.

Mind training, on the other hand, is anything but boring.

It's like how exercise engages your entire body and mind. If one routine bores you, there are billions of things you can try. Is the gym no longer cutting it? Try jogging, tennis, dancing or gardening. Find the right activity and you'll struggle to feel bored.

That's how you know it works, in a way. The brain wants to grow stronger. Mind training works, so you never lose interest. In fact, the more you do it, the more you crave it.

It's the same with hypnotic trances. I can, and have, spent 9am to 6pm in various hypnotic states. What did I do as soon as I got home?

Put myself in a trance to experience it all over again.

Entering the trance state, whether through meditation or self-hypnosis, makes your mind stronger. It brings unconscious material into conscious awareness, expanding what you're capable of. And the brain is meant to do this in the way your arm muscle is meant to lift heavy things.

The more you do it, the smarter you become... and the more you crave it.

And it doesn't hurt that you can use hypnotic trances to clear old emotions, create new habits and access powerful mental states.

Because it's so natural, it isn't hard to learn. It takes the right sort of practice - like exercise, there's a right and wrong way to do it. Work with your mind and you'll learn quickly while having a ton of fun.

And I happen to have a self-hypnosis guide right here. Once you have this, you have everything you need to train your mind, enter trances and uncover great reservoirs of intelligence.

This skill changes everything. Once you grab it from here, you'll never look back:

https://guided-thought.com/downloads/unlock-vault-self-hypnosis/

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/William_T_Batten/2522089

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Dr. Joe Dispenza - Learn How to Reprogram Your Mind

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