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

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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

The hard truth about making your dreams come true | Mel Robbins Live

YOUR SUCCESS Is Much Closer Than You Realize (If You'll Only Stop Doing This)

When one of my clients, "Susan," an entrepreneur, first started working with me she was anxious about her lack of success in her own business. She wanted to make more money and have more clients, but that wasn't happening for her, even though she was very good at what she did.

During our initial coaching calls, she'd complain about what others in her industry were doing.

This has happened to all of us at one time or another.

These were some of the topics:

• The results they got for their clients (she thought her results were better)

• The amount of money they were charging their clients (which she thought was outrageous!)

• How they didn't have to promote their business (and how their clients "magically" came to work with them)

• How they had lots of partnerships with other successful people (Susan had none)

• They didn't "like" or "share" her social media posts (she never "liked" theirs)

• They didn't accept her event invitations (and she went to some of theirs)

• And, so on.

Not until I was able to get her to appreciate the success that others were having, did she start having more abundance that she desired. We did this powerful transformation through marketing strategies and a variety of mindset work, such as tapping, Laws of Attraction and neuroscience.

If you find that you're not having the results that you would like, I'm recommending that you ask yourself how you are talking and thinking about other successful people. Take some private time and journal what you come up with.

Here are a few questions to start you off.

When you think of others:

• Do you think of them positively or negatively?
• What do you say about their success when talking to others about them?
• Are you happy for their success? Do you believe they deserve it?
• How do you compare yourself to them?

As I teach my clients, you can't be "rich" if you think that all rich people are evil. You won't attract won't you don't like. That means you need to shift your mindset about what being wealthy means to you. As in the case with "Susan", you can't become successful if you're envious of others more successful than you.

This powerful transformational work can be challenging to do on your own. It may be time for you to hire an expert (me) to help you get to that next level.

Please accept my gift to you of a chapter from my brand-new book "Go or Don't Go: The Complete Guide to Accelerate Your Success and Tap into Your Brilliance.

Here's the link: https://katebeeders.com/chapter-1-giveaway/

My first book was a best seller and I'm so excited to share this new book with the world. It's getting 5-star reviews! Enjoy!

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kate_Beeders/374697

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How to stop screwing yourself over | Mel Robbins | TEDxSF

Your True M.O.T.I.V.E. - 6 Ways To Tell Whether Your Goal Is Really Realistic

When we want to achieve a specific objective in life, whether it's to start a business, become a certain sort of person, improve our health, increase our confidence, one of the ways we can do this is to look at setting a goal.

Often, however, the goals we set ourselves aren't achieved. And there could be numerous factors that contribute to this, one of which could be that your goal wasn't realistic given who and where you are in your life right now.

We need to set bigger and bigger goals if we're to succeed in life and create the life we want. However, we also need to look at how we're going to get from here to there. If our goal is beyond what we see as being realistic, we risk dismissing it before we've event started to work towards it.

A popular model for goal establishment and achievement is the SMART approach. The 'R' of the SMART model stands for 'Realistic'. The others, as you may well know, stand for specific, measurable, achievable and time delimited.

But how do we know whether a goal is realistic or not? Perhaps we need to have a look at our true M.O.T.I.V.E. for achieving a particular goal, and see how realistic that goal really is. Five useful areas to question may well be the following:

1. M: How much Motivation do I have to achieve this goal to the standard I want to reach? And do I have the right motivation to complete it? If not, what do I need to do to increase my level of motivation to achieve the goal? Or how can I introduce more stepping stones on the ways to the goal so it's more achievable with the motivation I do have?

If your goal is to set up or grow a business and you find your motivation is low, what is it about that business model that's deterring you? Is it the right business for you? Have you done your research? Is the business viable? Is the business in alignment with who you are as a person? All these questions can begin to shed light on how to raise your motivation levels so that you can begin to move towards your goal.

2. O: Is what I want to achieve solely up to me or do I have to take Other people into consideration? If I'm taking someone else into consideration, how can we work on this goal together to ensure that both our needs are met? Is there compromise on either side? If so is one of us foregoing our own needs in favour of those of the other person? If this is the case, how can we work together to redress this balance?

In the case of a business, do you need a business partner, a consultant or an assistant in your business? Do you need to draft in the expertise of a business mentor or coach? Or do you simply need to sit down with a friend to hear a second opinion on what you're about to do? If others need to be involved how can you work together so that it's a win, win for both of you? These and other questions you may come up with will begin to help you understand how others may be able to help you reach your outcome.

3. T: How much Time do I have to achieve this goal to the standard I wish to reach? And do I have the right amount of time to complete it? If not, how can I extend the timeframe to achieve the goal? Or how can I change the goal so that it is more achievable in the time I do have?

Time is one of the keys to a successful venture. Your timeframe can be the difference between succeeding in reaching your goal and coming up short. If your timeframe is too short your brain will simply dismiss the goal because the belief that you can't reach your outcome in that space of time will sabotage your attempts to achieve that outcome.

Practise setting timeframes by timing every activity you undertake no matter how small. In this way you'll begin to get an understanding of how you work, and what kind of timeframes are practical and realistic for you. When you get into the habit of setting small timeframes for everyday tasks it becomes easier to set timeframes for your bigger goals.

4. I: What's my real level of Interest in this goal? And do I have the right amount of interest to see it to completion? If not, what can I do to make the goal more interesting, exciting and fun so that I have more Inspiration to achieve it?

Your level of interest is a vital barometer that will help you gauge whether your goal is the right one for you. You won't always necessarily be inspired and interested in the daily actions necessary to achieve your goal (the research, the planning, the administration, the reviewing, the tweaking, the changing... ) but your ultimate goal should at least interest you and ideally inspire you. If it doesn't it's time to look at why this is and whether this is really the right goal for you.

5. V: Is what I want to achieve a goal in its own right or is it part of a wider Vision? If so what's the vision and what's the goal... what is the difference between the two? If it is a vision, are there more goals I need to achieve alongside this one to reach the vision?

It's important to be able to rise up and look at the ultimate vision of where you want to go on a regular basis. Having this higher stance not only helps to put into perspective the individual goals you're working on, but also re-ignites your motivation, interest and inspiration to realize the vision.

6. E: How much Energy do I have to achieve this goal to the standard I wish to reach? And do I have the right amount of energy to complete it? If not, what do I need to do to increase my energy level to achieve the goal? Or how can I change the goal so that it is more achievable with the energy I do have?

Your energy levels will be an important determining factor in how well you achieve your goal. A simple way to establish how much energy you do have is to score your energy levels throughout the day. How energized are you in the mornings, the afternoons and the evenings?

Another useful measuring tool is to become aware of how you feel when you think of your goal. Are you energized when you think about it, or does your energy drop? If it drops look at the points above and consider what needs to be changed in terms of your goal to increase your energy.

These simple questions and sub-questions will begin to help you look at your goal from a more grounded perspective. They'll also assist you to make a better decision as to exactly what you wish to achieve... and whether what you wish to achieve is really realistic.

Carmen Gilfillan is the founder of Stimulus Development & Training. Stimulus specialises in helping people overcome emotional trauma, experience emotional breakthroughs and live their best lives. We do this through Life & Wellness Coaching, Emotional Freedom consultations and training in the areas of personal, professional and spiritual growth. Check out our website at http://www.stimulus.uk.com to book your free Emotional Breakthrough consultation.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Carmen_Gilfillan/694789

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Tony Robbins, Unshakeable, Gratitude & Focusing on Your Steak | #AskGaryVee 242