Think Like An Optimist: Change Your Life

Is optimism an effective mindset or merely a rosy way of looking at things?

Whether optimism is an effective mindset or a rosy way of looking at things is a question that has been debated for centuries. I couldn’t find an easy answer, as there are both benefits and drawbacks to an optimistic outlook.

So, while you may lean to one side or the other in the debate, the answer is probably somewhere in between. Optimism can be a powerful tool for improving our mental and physical health, but it's important to be realistic and avoid excessive optimism.

The best way to use optimism is to find a balance between realism and positivity. It means being positive about our chances of success, but also being prepared for the possibility of failure. Optimism can be a powerful force for good in our lives when we find this balance.

What exactly is optimism?

Some people seem to be naturally more optimistic than others. No matter what fate throws their way, they’re not defeated or angry. They don’t become bitter or even remain cast down for long. So, what is it about some people that prevents them from being crushed by adversity? It comes down to mindset.

Everyone has unfortunate things happen in their life. It’s part of being human. But where some people feel brought to their knees by events, others stay relatively cheerful through bad times. Even seriously bad times like being laid off or going through a divorce. These people are optimists.

Optimism means finding the best in every situation and expecting good things to happen regardless of what’s going on in the present moment. Research shows that optimism can have a positive impact on all areas of your life. From strengthening the immune system to reducing your risk of anxiety and depression, even having a longer life!

Optimists.

    • Don’t blame themselves when things go wrong.

    • Focus on the present and future, and don’t dwell on past hurts.

    • Expect good things to happen to them.

    • Believe they are responsible for their happiness.

Rewiring your thought patterns.

You might be thinking that optimism is innate: that you’re either an optimist or a pessimist. But optimism or pessimism stems from your self-talk, how you react to things, what you expect, and your self-image. The messages we received back in early childhood influenced this. Were you told you were selfish or lazy or no good at math? The feedback that you received about yourself and the world (whether it is a safe or dangerous place) shaped your expectations of adulthood.

These pesky negative thoughts are not you; you can change them. You can reset your pessimistic mindset and become more optimistic by reframing your negative experiences and thoughts into positive ones. If something goes wrong, instead of dwelling on the failure and making it personal, try to be objective and analyze what happened. Did someone else make a decision that impacted whether your project was successful or not? What did you learn from the experience?

Embracing positive thinking also involves being kind to yourself. Optimists don’t stay stuck in the past. If something doesn’t work out the way they thought it would, they move on, confident that success and abundance are just around the corner. Optimists are grateful for the good in their lives right now. They know that there is more than enough to go around, and they understand that the world is full of opportunities for everyone.

You have the power to change your mindset. Have you tended to look on the gloomy side or feel that life is unfair, and you feel powerless? Think about optimism as another skill you can learn. Optimism is a skill of emotional intelligence, a learned habit, and it’s a skill you can begin to develop right now.

When you learn to radiate optimism, you have the power to inspire and uplift those around you.

Optimism vs. positive thinking.

There’s a big difference between being optimistic and thinking positively regardless of what’s going on around you. True optimism stays grounded and doesn’t ignore the facts. It doesn’t mean that you disregard or try to deny feelings of sadness, anger, or grief.

To remain optimistic is to believe that no matter what is happening now, isn’t the end of it. You trust that the future will be better. There will be times in life when things are difficult and look bleak. But remaining optimistic means there’s a way out, something to cling to when times are tough.

Here are some strategies to help you stay optimistic, even in the worst times.

    1. Resilience, optimism, and the reality of your feelings.

An optimistic person recognizes their feelings, be it anger, frustration, disappointment, or sadness, and they don’t stop there. Acknowledging your feelings allows you to feel them, process them, and move forward. Optimism and resilience go hand in hand. You can build resilience and bounce back from challenges with a positive outlook.

    2. Focus on what you have.

The company you keep can play a considerable role in your mindset. Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people who inspire you. Ignore the cynics and the negative things in the world. If you don’t, you may miss the small, positive things that surround you.

Notice the good things in your life that you might usually take for granted. Your morning coffee, a reliable water supply, and clean air, knowing you can get to school or the grocery store or to work safely. Being grateful for the life you have now builds up a resilience credit to help you endure tough times when they come. And they will come.

    3. Refrain from consuming bad news.

Obsessively checking social media and news sites will keep your focus on the negative, competitive, complaining view of the world. It’s a lopsided view that thrives on generating dissatisfaction and despair. Of course, you should be aware of current events but make it a conscious choice to balance it with your mental health. Sometimes reading the headlines is enough. Steer clear of the internet and focus on making a positive change in your own life.

    4. Live a genuine life.

Building optimism can assist you to live the best life you can, being true to yourself and your values. Optimism means you choose to live in alignment with your desires and your best self. Having a deep-seated belief that you can live a good life and that there’s more than enough to go around is not putting a falsely positive spin on reality. On the contrary, an optimist looks squarely at reality and works out how to make the best of what he has.

Embody optimism in daily life.

Optimism has been linked to a number of benefits, including better mental and physical health, increased resilience, and greater success in life.

A daily optimism practice is a simple but effective way to boost your optimism and improve your overall well-being. Follow these 10 simple tips, see the world through a more positive lens, and create a happier life for yourself.

1. Delve into the practice of gratitude. Take a few minutes each morning to write down or think about three things you are grateful for. This will help you focus on the positive aspects of your life and set a positive tone for the day.

2. Find the silver lining. When something bad happens, try to find the silver lining. This doesn't mean you have to be happy about the bad thing; instead, it means you can try to find something positive to take away from it.

3. Focus on your strengths. List your strengths and remind yourself of them regularly. This will help you feel more confident and optimistic about your abilities.

4. Help others. Being kind to someone else is a great way to boost your own happiness and optimism. It can also help you connect with others and feel more connected to your community.

5. Take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. Taking care of your physical and mental health will help you feel better and more optimistic about your life.

6. Spend time in nature. Our surroundings impact our mood and mindset. Being in nature has been shown to increase optimism.

7. Read positive books or articles. Surrounding yourself with positive messages can help you remain optimistic.

8. Listen to uplifting music. Music can have a powerful effect on your mood. So, listening to uplifting music can help boost optimism.

9. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help you focus on the positive aspects of your life and let go of negative thoughts.

10. Visualize your goals. Taking time every day to visualize your goals can help you stay motivated and optimistic.

My final thoughts are.

Remember, cultivating positive thinking is a lifelong practice. By integrating the strategies and mindset shifts we've explored, you'll continue to elevate your optimism and unlock a world of possibilities.

For more information, please check out these posts.

The Benefits Of Optimism

The Power Of Optimism And A Positive Mindset

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Mindfulness And Presence Techniques For Beginners

Gram’s Wisdom 51 Stop, look and listen.

Though the terms were foreign to her, my Gram practiced mindfulness and presence every day of her life. She called what she did focusing on the here and now. When I was young, she explained to me that I should stop and look at how much beauty there is to see everywhere in every season. And stop to listen to the hum of bees, water rushing over rocks, or the songs of birds. 

Many were the times when she would light a scented candle, and we would prepare a pot of tea together in the evening. Sometimes we would talk quietly and listen to hear what the other had said. At other times we would listen to music that we both loved or just sit in companionable silence.

In the early hours of the morning, Gram and I would sit together on the porch listening to the birds sing and watching the sunrise. She would tell me what she was grateful for. And I was absorbing a mindfulness practice that had no name but has grounded me and carried me every day of my life. Thanks, Gram.

The central ideas of mindfulness and presence.

Mindfulness and presence are two central ideas today. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be difficult to find time to focus on the present moment. However, mindfulness and presence techniques can help to bring tranquility and focus into your life.

Presence and mindfulness are not only important for your mental health, but they can also help you to be more productive and efficient in your life. When you’re present, you can focus on what is in front of you and not be distracted by your thoughts. When you’re mindful, you can be aware of your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them or judging them.

Various mindfulness practices are easy and accessible to new practitioners. Try implementing some of the techniques below and see how quickly you can get a grasp on your thoughts and shift them to an inspiring mindset.

Breathe.

One way to practice mindfulness is easily accessible at any time - breathing. Focusing on the breath is a great way to calm the mind. And provide a tranquil environment in which the mind can slow down and allow for curiosity and creativity. Breathing deeply brings calm to the mind and the body and adds fresh oxygen to our brain which allows new thoughts to develop. Breathing brings the body to calmness and regulates the nervous system.

One breathing technique is to focus on your inhales and exhales, counting each one as you breathe. You can also focus on the feeling of your breath as it moves in and out of your body. Another breathing technique is to imagine your breath as a wave, flowing in and out of your body. You can also bring your awareness to your body and how it feels to be breathing. If you notice tension in your body, you can focus on relaxing the muscles.
 

“Eternity belongs to those who live in the present.”

— LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN

Drink tea.

One way to bring mindfulness to the moment is to drink tea with a calm and peaceful quietude. When we drink tea, we can also take deep breaths and take breaks in between sips to allow spaciousness in the mind. This is a simple task, but the key is to be present in the moment and pay attention to the act of drinking tea.

Take a few deep breaths and focus your attention on the act of organizing the tea. Which do you prefer a mug or teacup and saucer? In what form do you like your tea a tea bag or loose-leaf tea don’t forget the tea ball. As you prepare the tea, listen to the sound of the boiling water. Inhale the scent of the tea as it rises with the steam from the cup. Once the tea has steeped, sit down, and take a few slow sips, savoring the flavor and the warmth.

Notice how your body feels as you drink the tea. Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions, letting them come and go without judgment. Just be with the tea and the moment. Drinking tea can be an excellent way to relax and de-stress. The key is to be mindful of the experience and to be present in the moment. By paying attention to the sights, sounds, and sensations, you create a sense of serenity and peace.  

Write a gratitude list.

Making a list of gratitude is an amazing practice of mindfulness. It is a practice of noticing the gifts, grace, and good in your life. Gratitude lists are a way of acknowledging the abundance in your life. Some people find it helpful to keep a daily gratitude list, others do it weekly, or only occasionally. However often you choose to do it, gratitude lists are a way of reminding you of the good things you have. They can also help you to focus on the positive aspects of life.

Each morning, evening, or whenever you can make time throughout the day, sit with a pen and paper and write a list of things you are grateful for. Maybe you set a timer for 3 minutes to write about what you are grateful for or commit to writing down 3 things from the day that you are grateful for. Items on a gratitude list could be big or small, something from the past, or something happening in the present time. Bringing gratitude into the mind is a great practice and can lead to a greater number of positive feelings and recognition of positive experiences.

Here is a sample gratitude list.

1.  I am grateful for my abundant health.

2. I am grateful to my family and friends.

3. I am grateful for my job.

4. I am grateful for the shelter of my home.

5. I am grateful for my dog, Houdini.

6. I am grateful for my ability to walk.

7. I am grateful for the sun shining today.

8. I am grateful for the rain that watered my garden.

9. I am grateful for the food in my refrigerator.

10. I am grateful for my bed, where I will sleep comfortably tonight.

Light a candle.

Lighting a candle is another way to bring mindfulness into your life. As you light the candle, take a moment to notice the sensation of touching the match to the wick. Feel the heat of the flame as it springs to life, the scent of the smoke, and the sight of the flickering flame. Take the time to sit with it and watch it. Fire is one of the most fundamental aspects of nature. It reminds us that we are strong and peaceful and ever-changing.

You can light a candle and sit calmly in front of it and enjoy its presence. Watching a flame flicker can be incredibly calming. Don’t try to control your thoughts or stop them from coming. Allow them to come and go as they please while you concentrate your attention on the flame. It’s okay if your mind wanders. Just return your focus to the flame. As you practice, you’ll find that you can focus on the flame for longer periods.

Listening Meditation.

Listening is one of the most basic and important human skills. You rely on it to communicate, learn, and interact with others. Regrettably, in the fast-paced, modern world, it’s all too easy to get caught up in our thoughts and fail to listen to what others are saying. Mindfulness and presence techniques can help you slow down, focus your attention, and listen to what others have to say. 

A practice of mindfulness that can be implemented anywhere is an audible or listening meditation. Wherever you are, you can take a moment to listen to the sounds around you and recognize where you are and what your sense of hearing is experiencing. Listen to the birds singing, the breeze rustling through the trees, the sounds of traffic, or whatever else you can hear. Don’t try to do anything with the sounds, just be aware of them. If your mind wanders, simply bring your attention back to the surrounding sounds. Listening mindfulness is a practice that can be transformative for attention to the present moment.

Benefits of being present.

When you are fully present in the moment, you are open to new experiences and new ways of seeing things. You are also better able to manage difficult situations and make wiser decisions. The following are additional benefits of being present:

• You are better able to appreciate the good things in life.

• You are better able to connect with others.

• You are better able to find meaning in life.

• You are better able to live in the present moment.

• You are better able to let go of the past and embrace the future.

Mindfulness and presence techniques can be used to improve your mental and emotional well-being. Practicing these techniques can help you to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and to manage any stress and anxiety you may have. With regular practice, you may find that you concentrate better, sleep better, and feel more relaxed and positive.

My final thoughts are.

If you're looking to add mindfulness and presence practices to your life, there are many different techniques you can try. Some key techniques include focusing on your breath and noticing your thoughts and emotions. By incorporating these techniques into your daily life, you can begin to experience the benefits of mindfulness, such as increased focus, decreased anxiety, and improved well-being.

For more information, read these posts.

Mindfulness For Beginners.

10 Best Reasons For You To Become Mindful.

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Establishing The Essential Principles Of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a process of active and openhearted attention to the present moment. It is about paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in a non-judgmental way. When we are mindful, we are not trying to alter or fix anything. We are simply observing what is happening in the present moment, with interest and compassion. Mindfulness can help us to live more fully and with greater clarity. It can lift our mood and awareness and improve our relationships. It is a tool that we can use to respond, rather than react, to the stresses and challenges of life.

Essential principles of mindfulness.

These principles are the foundation on which mindfulness is built. But they are by no means the only principles for mindfulness. By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to accept your thoughts and emotions, be curious about your experiences, and be present in the moment.

Freedom from judgment.

Mindfulness is the practice of present-moment awareness. It is the quality of being an impartial witness to your experience without judgment. Mindfulness allows you to see things as they are, without your ideas, thoughts, or beliefs getting in the way. When you’re caught up in your thoughts, it is easy to get caught up in judgment. You may judge yourself for not being good enough, or judge others for their mistakes. But when you’re mindful, you can see that thoughts are just that, and they are not reality.

When you’re mindful, you are also aware of your emotions and their impact. You may have judgments about your emotions, thinking they’re good or bad. But when you’re mindful, you become observant of your stream of consciousness, and instead of trying to control it, let it go. You can then choose how to respond, rather than reacting automatically.

Mindfulness also allows you to be more present in your relationships. You can see the other person more clearly, without your preconceptions and assumptions getting in the way. You can listen more deeply and be more responsive to their needs. The practice of mindfulness can help you to live more fully in the present moment. And to be more open and compassionate with yourself and others.

Having patience.

Allow things to take their time unfolding. When you're trying to learn mindfulness, one of the core principles is to have patience with yourself. That doesn't mean that you won't make mistakes or have setbacks - in fact, it's typical to have both of those things. What it does mean is that you need to be okay with taking your time and not rushing yourself.

Every moment is valuable just as they come. Be open to those moments and accept them. This can be a difficult principle to follow, especially if you're a perfectionist, or you're accustomed to moving quickly through things. Try to understand that things will emerge in their own time. But remember that mindfulness is about being present in the moment, and that takes practice. It's not something that you can learn overnight.

So, be patient with yourself. Don't expect to be perfect. And don't become discouraged if you have a difficult time at first. Mindfulness is a journey, not a destination. And the more you practice, the closer you'll get to living in the present moment - which is the goal.

Begin to see the possibilities.

Often, your beliefs stop you from seeing things as they are. Be willing to see everything for the first time. It's amazing how your life can change when you see the unique possibilities in each moment. You can begin to see new opportunities and feel more optimistic about the future.

View people with fresh eyes, seeing them as they are. Your relationships can improve, and you can feel more connected to others. You can become more successful at work and feel more fulfilled. It all begins with seeing the possibilities. And when you do, everything else falls into place.

Here are three ways to begin seeing the possibilities: 

• Don't be afraid to try new things. 

• Ask questions and be curious about the world.

• You have the power to change your life.

Trust yourself.

Develop trust in yourself and your feelings. This means that you should have confidence in your ability to manage whatever arises in your life. And to make informed decisions based on your understanding and experience. Take responsibility for your actions and your well-being.

It can be difficult to trust yourself sometimes, especially when you’re facing a difficult situation or feeling uncertain about what to do. However, it’s important to remember that you have all the resources you need within yourself to deal with whatever comes up. If you find it difficult to trust yourself, it can be helpful to think back to times when you’ve made decisions that have turned out well. Honor those feelings.

It’s also helpful to remember that no one is perfect and that everyone makes mistakes occasionally. Just because you make a mistake doesn’t mean that you can’t trust yourself. You can always learn from your mistakes and use them as an opportunity to grow and become even wiser.

So, the next time you’re facing a difficult situation or feeling unsure about what to do, remember to trust yourself. You’ve got this. You can handle whatever comes up, and make wise decisions that will lead you to a happy and fulfilling life.

Focus on mindfulness.

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, and this is something that you can practice every day. When you are mindful, you are aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without getting caught up in them. You can observe your thoughts and feelings as they are, without judging them as good or bad.

You can be mindful while you are walking, eating, or even doing the dishes. All you need to do is to bring your attention to the present moment and be aware of what you are doing. The focus is on doing what you see, notice, and feel.

When you focus on mindfulness, you are better able to control your thoughts and emotions. You are less likely to react to things automatically and instead can choose how you want to respond. You can also be more present in your daily life and enjoy the moment more.

Mindfulness takes practice, but it is something that anyone can do. Start by taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath or your senses. See how it feels and how it changes your day-to-day life.

 Acceptance of reality.  

Believe what you see in front of you. Not a view of what you hope it is. When you’re at the mercy of what’s happening, it can be hard to feel like you’re in control. That’s why one of the essential principles of mindfulness is acceptance. Acceptance doesn’t mean that you’re happy with the situation; it means that you acknowledge it rather than uselessly denying what is happening.

Once you acknowledge reality, you can move towards figuring out a solution. But it’s important to remember that you can’t change everything. Some things are just the way they are, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Learning to accept things as they are is a key part of mindfulness.

Of course, there are those things that can be changed. If you don’t like the way something is, you can do the work to change it. But you must be honest with yourself about what is and what isn’t within your control. If you try to change what is beyond your control, you’ll just end up feeling frustrated.

Accepting yourself is not a passive act. It doesn’t mean settling for how things are. It doesn't mean you should stop trying to achieve your goals. Once you have a clear understanding of the goal you seek and have accepted the reality of how things are, you will be more likely to know how to solve your problem. Acceptance of yourself and the truth of your situation can help you become happier and healthier.

“If it’s out of your hands, it deserves freedom from your mind too.”

— IVAN NURU

Allow things to unfold in their way.

Another principle of mindfulness is to allow things to unfold in their way. This means not trying to control or predict the future, but instead being present in the moment and letting things happen as they will. This hearkens back to acceptance and your ability to see what you can’t control and just let it go. This can be a difficult concept to grasp, but it is a crucial part of mindfulness.

When we try to control everything, we often end up feeling stressed and anxious. This is because we are constantly worrying about what could go wrong, and this can lead to us missing out on the good moments in life. So, next time you find yourself worrying about the future, try to take a step back and allow things to unfold in their way. If you can learn to let go of the need to control, you can relax more and enjoy the present moment.

My final thoughts are.

Whether you are new to mindfulness or have been practicing for many years, there are always new ways to deepen your understanding and experience of mindfulness. By adding the principles of mindfulness into your daily life, you can learn to live more fully in the present moment. Helping you find greater peace, joy, and satisfaction in your life.

For more information, read these articles.

Key Principles For Mindfulness Practice.

Mindfulness Can Help Improve Or Change Your Mindset.

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Top 5 Ways To Get More Lessons From Life

Gram’s wisdom 50: Lessons from other sources.

Do you sometimes feel like you’re not getting enough out of life? I believe we all have those moments. My Gram once told me that you can never know it all because there is always more to learn and it’s difficult to do without help. Now my Gram was the lifelong learner you may have heard about. She understood one of the easier ways to learn life lessons comes from the experiences of others.

The many lessons Gram taught me over many years were not all her own experiences. She got real-life examples from her friends and from the people she met in her job as a waitress. And Gram was an avid reader. She loved books about people who tell the story of their mistakes and how they overcame them to become successful.

Gram told me we can save ourselves pain and time if we are willing to learn from others. She said we should watch how they handle difficult situations and decide whether we would like to emulate their behavior. What I learned from my Gram is that whatever the source, taking the time to learn from other’s mistakes and successes is always worthwhile.    

Use these five tips to get more lessons from life and you will find yourself happier, more accomplished, and more knowledgeable than ever before.

Be adaptable.

If you want to get more out of life there are few things more important than being adaptable, you must be able to go with the flow. The ability to adapt to change is what allows us to grow in an ever-changing world. It’s what lets us leave our comfort zone and take advantage of new opportunities and overcome challenges.

Try things you’ve never done before if you get the chance, even if it doesn’t necessarily fit into your plan for that day or that week. Goodwin.edu posits that flexible people are also more inquisitive. They aren’t afraid to ask “stupid questions” and might get some great learning experiences out of them. Being flexible doesn’t mean being a pushover. It doesn’t mean the sacrifice of your principles or the compromise of your values. It means being open to new ideas and willing to change your plans if necessary.

The most successful people are usually the most adaptable. They’re the ones who are looking for new prospects and willing to take risks. They’re the ones who are willing to change their minds when they’re proven wrong. So, for more life lessons, be adaptable, be open to new ideas, be willing to change your plans, and always look for new opportunities.

Begin a journal.

Journaling is a terrific way to find out more about what your subconscious is feeling and thinking. This activity gives you a method to track your thoughts and feelings over time. To look back and see how your attitudes and outlooks have changed. As you read about your life’s events and reactions, it can be a helpful way to work through difficult situations. Writing things down is a great way to make sure you don’t forget important lessons you learn and can also be a fun way to document happy memories. experiences you have, and people you meet throughout your life.

Beginning a journal is easy – you only need a notebook and a pen. Decide how often you want to write in your journal and set aside some time daily or weekly. The point is to just get your thoughts down on paper, so don’t worry if your journal entries aren’t perfect. Over time, you’ll find that journaling feels more natural. And, when you look back on yourjournal,l what you will find is a treasure trove of valuable life lessons.

Ask questions.

It’s important, if you want to grow and learn, that you ask questions and listen to the answers. You can learn a lot by asking people the right questions. Globalcognition.org sites that research has shown that even asking and answering your questions helps you learn, understand, and remember. They also found that conceptual questions, such as giving reasons why something happened, help you learn better than detailed questions, such as facts and figures. But often people are afraid to ask questions because they don’t want to seem uninformed. However, everyone must begin somewhere and there’s nothing wrong with being curious and asking questions.

Here are four quick tips on how to ask questions.

• Don’t be afraid to speak up.

If you’re unsure about something, it’s better to ask a question than remain silent and risk misunderstanding.

• Be specific.

Vague questions can be difficult to answer and may not give you the information you’re looking for.

• Be prepared to listen to the answer.

If you’re asking someone for advice or information, be ready to hear what they have to say. They may not tell you what you want to hear, but it’s important to be open-minded.

• Be grateful.

If someone takes the time to answer your question, be sure to thank them. A little appreciation goes a long way.

Asking questions is a great way to learn more about the world and the people around you. So don’t be afraid to speak up and ask away!

Read, read, and read more.

To get more life lessons, you should read as much as possible. There is so much information out there for those who are willing to look for it. Books can provide insights into different cultures and how to deal with certain situations. Reading takes you out of your limited view to find new perspectives on the larger world.

If you are interested in people rather than events, you can read biographies. These will show you how other people deal with life’s occurrences that you could not possibly experience for yourself and the lessons they learned from them. Even a work of fiction can teach you a lot about the world and human nature.

Seek out books and articles about topics that interest you or try some unfamiliar ones that might surprise you. It’s important to choose wisely what you read. Just like everything else in life, you should be selective and not accept everything at face value. Read with an open mind, but consider what you’re taking in. Think about whether the author is presenting a balanced view of the subject.

There are a great many books to choose from, so where do you begin? If you are unsure about what you’re interested in, or you are looking for recommendations, try asking your family or friends. Once you have a few titles, look them up in your local library or online. See if any pique your imagination and look like something you’d enjoy reading.

Reading can be a fantastic way to learn new things, or just while away the time. So, make sure to take advantage of this by picking up a book when you have some free time.

Never give up.

In life, we frequently face obstacles or challenges that seem far too large for us to handle. It’s easy to feel like throwing in the towel, but it’s important to remember that giving up is never the right answer. Give up too often, and it becomes a default habit.

So, if you feel like you’re struggling, maybe it’s time to approach things from a new perspective. You may not see immediate results but persevere, and you will ultimately reach your goals. Regardless of how difficult things appear, remember that if you persist, you can find a way to overcome your challenges.

Each failure as well as each success is a learning experience that can help you grow. Keep trying, and you’ll soon have the life you want.

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For more information, read these posts.

10 Important Life Lessons We Are Often Taught Too Late.

How Good Are Your Adaptability Skills?

My final thoughts.

While lessons don’t necessarily sound like a good time, there are ways of learning that can be interesting, exciting, rewarding, and fun. So, begin asking questions, pick up a good book, or organize that vacation that you’ve always wanted to take. Begin making the most out of your life and learning about all it has to offer.

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Get More Done Optimize Your Productivity and Time Management

We often assume that being productive requires massive amounts of effort. But effective productivity should make your life easier, not harder. There are many productivity benefits, and it’s more important than ever to be productive.

You can accomplish more when you put your most essential activities first. There are strategies for ensuring that you stay on track. Including putting all your tasks in your calendar and having a dedicated time block for each task.

But how can you be productive when there are so many distractions? The key is to find the right discipline and time management system for you. There are a lot of different productivity strategies out there, so it’s important to find one that you like that works for you. The best way to do this is to experiment with different techniques and see what works best for you.

Once you’ve found a productivity strategy that works for you, it’s important to stick with it. Consistency is key to your productivity. The more disciplined you are, the more productive you’ll be. So, if you’re looking to boost your productivity, don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the best method for you. And once you find it, stick with it!

Understand your optimal productive hours.

One of the most important things you can do to be productive is to identify your optimal productive hours. This may vary from person to person, but some general tips can help you determine when you are most productive. First, look at your daily energy levels. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Do you have more energy in the afternoon or evening? Identify the times of day when you feel the most awake and alert, and try to schedule your most important tasks during those times.

Next, think about how long you can usually focus on a task before you need a break. If you can focus for long periods, you may be able to work on a task for several hours at a time. However, if you find that you need to take frequent breaks, you may want to schedule shorter blocks of time for work and build in some breaks. Finally, consider any outside factors that may affect your productivity.

If you have young children at home, for example, you may need to schedule your work around their nap times or school hours. If you have a long commute, you may want to use that time to listen to audiobooks or podcasts. Identifying your optimal productive hours can help you make the most of your time and be more productive. By scheduling your most important tasks during the times when you are most alert and have the most energy, you can ensure that you are making the most of your time.

Create a daily schedule.

Productivity doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of careful planning and execution. And it all begins with creating a daily schedule. Time management isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to find what works best for you and stick to it. There are a few things to keep in mind when creating a daily schedule.

• First, focus on your most important tasks. These are the tasks that are going to have the biggest impact on your productivity.

• Second, break down your tasks into manageable chunks. Don’t try to tackle everything at once. You’ll just end up feeling overwhelmed.

• Third, build in some flexibility. Things come up and the plan changes. You don’t want to be so rigid that you can’t adjust as needed.

• Fourth, make sure to schedule some time for yourself. This is the time to relax, recharge, and reset. Without it, you’ll quickly burn out.

• Fifth, and most importantly, be consistent with your schedule. The only way to see results is by sticking to your plan.

Set achievable goals.

To get optimized productivity, you need to set achievable goals. Trying to accomplish too much at once can be overwhelming and lead to poor results. When your goals are manageable and specific, it’s easier to create a plan of action to complete them. Time management is a mainstay to being productive. If there is not enough time allocated to complete a goal, it will likely not be done well.

To have an optimized workflow, it is essential to be disciplined. Staying focused on the task at hand and breaking it down into smaller steps will help you to avoid feeling overwhelmed. By being disciplined and staying on track, it will be easier to complete your goals and be productive. Productive workflows come down to setting the right goals and managing your time wisely.

Wake up early.

The most productive people in the world have one thing in common: they wake up early. And by early, we mean 5 am or earlier. If you’re not a morning person, this probably sounds like torture, but there are scientific reasons why waking up early can make you more productive.

You will have the entire morning to get things done before the distractions of the day begin to set in. You can get a head start on your workday or your projects. This is the time of day when you’re most likely to be undisturbed and able to focus on what you need to do. Waking up early gives you more time to exercise. Exercise has been proven to increase productivity, so this is an awesome way to begin your day.

And rising early gives you time to enjoy the quiet of the morning. If you’re not a morning person, this might sound counter-intuitive, but something is calming about the world when it’s just waking up. So, take some time to enjoy the stillness before the hustle of the day begins.

If you’re looking to increase your productivity, waking up early is a great place to begin. It might take some time to adjust, but it’s worth it. Try setting your alarm 15 minutes early and see how you feel after a week. Repeat this process until you find a time that works best for you.

Avoid distractions.

It’s no secret that we live in a world full of distractions. With technology at our fingertips and our social media feeds constantly updating, it’s easy to get pulled away from what we’re supposed to be doing. When we’re trying to be productive, these distractions can be a major setback. The first step to avoiding distractions is to be aware of them.

Once you know what factors are most likely to pull your attention away from what you’re doing, you can take steps to avoid them. For example, if you know you can’t resist checking your phone every time it buzzes, put it on silent or out of reach. If you have trouble focusing on background noise, try using headphones or finding a quiet place to work. When you limit the sources of distraction, you will find it easier to focus on the task at hand.

If you find yourself getting distracted, give yourself some grace. Take a deep breath and refocus your attention on what you were doing. It’s okay to take breaks but don’t get too far off track. You’ll be surprised how much more productive you can be when you allow yourself the time and space to focus.

Take a break.

Spending hours working without a break can have a grave impact on your mental health. Breaks give your brain time to recuperate and recharge after a period of lengthy, focused work. If you don’t take breaks regularly, you will have a harder time focusing when it’s necessary.. But how exactly can you make the most of your break time? And how can you make sure that you don’t end up spending more time on your break than you intended to? Here are a few tips:

• Use your break time to do something that will help you recharge and refocus. This might mean taking a walk, listening to music, or reading something inspiring. Whatever it is that helps you relax and feel ready to work again, make sure to do it during your break.

• Set a timer for your break so that you don’t end up taking too much time off. It can be easy to lose track of time when you’re on a break, so setting a timer can help you stay on track.

• Make sure to get back to work after your break. It can be tempting to keep taking breaks, but if you want to be productive, it’s important to get back to work after a break.

Taking breaks can help you be more productive, but it’s important to be strategic about it. Use your break time to recharge and refocus, set a timer, so you don’t take too much time off, and make sure to get back to work after your break.

Review your progress.

Productivity isn’t just about working hard. It’s also about working smart. And part of working smart is taking the time to review your progress regularly, to see what’s working and what isn’t. If you’re not reviewing your progress regularly, you’re missing out on valuable feedback that can help you optimize your productivity. Here are 7 reasons why you should make reviewing your progress part of your productivity routine:

1 | Helps you stay on track.

If you’re not regularly reviewing your progress, it’s easy to get off track. Regular Reviews help you maintain focus on your goals and ensure that you’re making progress toward them.

2 | Keeps you motivated.

It’s easy to lose motivation when you’re not seeing progress. Reviewing your progress regularly helps you stay motivated by highlighting your successes and progress toward your goals.

3 | Helps you identify areas for improvement.

No one is perfect and there’s always room for improvement. Reviewing your progress helps you identify areas where you can make changes to improve your productivity.

4 | Helps you create an improvement plan.

Once you’ve identified areas for improvement, reviewing your progress can help you create a plan for making changes. This plan can help you focus your efforts and make the most of your time.

5 | Helps you track your progress.

It’s important to know whether your efforts are paying off. Reviewing your progress regularly can help you track your progress and identify patterns that may be affecting your productivity.

6 | Helps you learn from your mistakes.

We all make mistakes. Reviewing your progress can not only help you keep your time and tasks organized reducing the number of forgotten or missed details, but help you learn from the mistakes you do make.

7 | Helps you celebrate your successes.

No matter how small, every success deserves to be celebrated. Reviewing your progress regularly can help you identify your successes and give you the recognition you deserve.

My final thoughts.

It’s truly possible to optimize your productivity and time management if you are disciplined. However, it isn’t always easy to maintain these habits. So, you must find a system that works and stick to it.

For more information, read these posts.

What Is Productivity? A Complete Guide For Improving Yours.

5 Tips to Improve Your Concentration.

Thank you for reading this post. Please share it with people you love.

It's Never Too Late To Begin A Journaling Habit

“The best time to begin keeping a journal is whenever you decide to.” Hannah Hinchman

Writing your thoughts down as a daily habit is better known as journaling. It’s one of the best ways to track your everyday life. You can use journaling to figure out what is or isn’t working in your life. Things become more tangible when written down on paper. As you write about your motivations, struggles, or things that you feel remorseful about, you will be in a better position to solve them, live with them, or let them go. 

In addition, you will also have a written record of your positive thoughts and feelings, your desires, your dreams, and what makes you proud. Your journal is also a good place to consider the ideas you have for improving relationships with family and friends. And you will want to celebrate your achievements and express your gratitude. A journal can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. Either way, the future you will be thankful you began.

How to leverage a journal in your everyday life.

Choose a quiet place.

It's best when you begin to journal that you choose a place that is peaceful and comfortable. Being in a busy, noisy, atmosphere makes it more difficult to focus on the thoughts and feelings you want to get down on paper. Journaling helps bring stability when your life feels like it’s going through a rough patch. It helps you get to know yourself better by revealing your innermost fears, thoughts, and feelings. When you are journaling, it’s a moment for personal relaxation, a time when you do soul-searching and relieve stress and wind down.

Observe the patterns.

A written record of the challenges in your life becomes reference material for you. You will be able to see the problems that you are facing now and those you have been able to overcome. It allows you to notice patterns, make improvements, and change over time. Being conscious of the strength that you had in other circumstances helps you to move ahead with more confidence. Through journaling, you can create a meaningful connection with yourself which is as important as creating meaningful connections with family or friends.

Gain control.

Many people struggle with stress, depression, or anxiety; however, keeping a journal can help you gain control of your emotions and improve your mental health and memory. You should avoid an excess of stress as it can be harmful to your mental, physical, and emotional health. It has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that journaling is an incredible stress management tool. Having a written record of your thoughts and plans reinforces your control over the things that happen in your life. 

Build accountability.

Journaling is great training in accountability. If you can build a habit of writing each day, then you can also stick to the goals or plans you set for yourself. Moving forward the thoughts you set down are tracking the progress of your plans for the short term. In the future, looking back, you have a broad overview. Writing a journal allows you to discover what makes you happy, what moves you, and how to navigate your feelings and behaviors most proficiently. Developing a habit of journaling as a pre-bedtime meditation habit can help you relax and cool down emotions.

Solve problems.

Every day journaling allows you to work through some difficult emotions you may have such as depression and anger, reducing the intensity of those emotions and comforting yourself.  It also helps you to solve problems through decisive thinking and right-brain reflection. Through journaling, you can realize compassion, resolve conflicts, and cultivate understanding, love, and kindness for yourself.

Connect with inner needs.

One of the best ways to strengthen your emotional function is through journaling. Writing down what you feel when something triggers a strong emotion helps you understand the cause and can help you find a solution. As journaling habits are developed, benefits become long-term. This means that diarists become more in tune with their mental health by connecting with inner needs and desires.

Have a happier life.

Journaling can be a good way to have a happier life. Journaling enhances your mood and gives you a better sense of overall emotional well-being and happiness. Focusing on being grateful for what you have helps to lessen the power of the things not achieved yet. Writing down how far you have come or how thankful you are for your blessings, friends, and families.

Improve your confidence.

Journaling can help you to have a greater sense of confidence and self-identity. In addition, it also helps in the organization of important patterns and growth in life. Research shows that expressive writing can help a person to develop more planned, adaptive, and cohesive schemes about themselves and others.  Through journaling, one can also open and engage the right brain creativity, which gives you access to your creative potential.

Discover the lasting benefits of habitual journaling.

Writing has always been a popular tool for self-expression. It renders what our minds produce into tangible records, either on paper or on a digital platform. Writing your thoughts and plans is insurance against the loss of your mental expressions.

If ever there was a useful method of recording your vision, goals, and dreams, it is journaling. People often confuse this with keeping a diary. The two have similarities such as the fact that both involve writing and are about personal record keeping. Both are an extension of your mind, but there are variations that characterize them.

Journal vs Diary.

A diary is a record of daily events. It is a description of what the day has been like, with details of activities one has engaged in, and feelings evoked by the events. It is an exploration of one's emotions as triggered by events. Diaries are private entries, which is why some come with locks. When one hears the term diary, thoughts go to the teenage kinds where one records crushes, heartbreaks, and rivalries. That is not only what a diary is for. You can keep a diary at any stage of your life with more mature investigations of your thoughts and feelings. We can also use diaries when making nostalgic reminiscences for different stages in our lives.

A journal is more extensive as it includes more than just emotional examination. Journals let you write your thoughts and experiences around future goals and plans. It is less about ranting as people assume a diary is for and more about writing for reflections on important issues. Keeping a journal allows you to assemble your ideas and observations, so you can create a plan to move forward. An example would be a journal of personal goals where you can record a weight loss goal and a detailed plan to achieve it. You can record the small steps of victory and any drawbacks along with your plan to overcome them. 

You use journals as organization tools whereas diaries are about exploring feelings. A journal can be a tool for tracking progress for personal or corporate goals. It helps you keep track of everyday life.

There are different journals that one can keep. The list includes a personal journal, a business journal, a prayer journal, a workout journal, a gratitude journal, a bullet journal, and so on. All these journals explore different areas of one's life.

The use of a gratitude journal would involve recording what you are grateful for on a regular basis. You could record daily or as often as you can, citing people that you are grateful for. This process is more reflective, allowing you to examine your life for what you have around you that adds meaning and value to it. In that journal, you could plan how to express gratitude for others and record how doing so has improved your perspective on life. You can even record how doing something for others as a sign of gratitude makes you feel.

In a business journal, you can describe your vision for your business and write plans to take it to new heights. You can record completed daily tasks that feed into your dream and allow for evaluation of previous achievements or failures and suggestions for future enterprises. What matters is honesty and imagination. Your journal is a safe space where you can convey your dreams and reflect on your life. 

Benefits of journaling.

A personal journal is like a memoir. It is a window into history- a pathway of your life that other people can trace generations later. There are several prominent people in history whose journals were discovered and studied long after they died. These contain information on some of the most pivotal moments in the history of humanity. From the travel journals of explorers like Marco Polo to creative journals by Leonardo da Vinci, they offer us glimpses into the world of inventors and people who made significant contributions. There are scientific journals from Marie Curie documenting findings in the early research into radioactivity, and memoirs of captains of great wars on their battle strategies. All these are records of the lives of people who made an impact in various sectors of the history of mankind. 

You can also record your history for your family to trace for generations to come. Here is a link to my What Is A Grandparent’s Journal? If you are a pioneer in a certain field or continuing with research done before you, you can add your contributions and let others know your achievements by keeping a journal detailing the progress from their work to yours.

Keeping a personal journal helps you analyze events in your life and explore your feelings more constructively, without limitation. It can be as therapeutic as finding someone to confide in, helping you to process your feelings and thoughts much better. This impacts your mental health as you unload the burden of thoughts and feelings onto paper. Your journal can help you deal with stress and ensure overall wellness. 

A gratitude journal helps you to focus on the things that matter. It improves your outlook on life by keeping you positive about what you have.

A creative journal gives your mind the freedom it needs to capture and expand a dream. You can be as creative as you want in articulating your vision without judgment.

Writing your goals for your business or your personal vision makes them more real to you and encourages you to go for them. A journal allows you to focus on what you want to accomplish. 

Keep a journal as a way of finding clarity in any area of your life. It is the best form of expression and evaluation we have at our disposal.

My final thought.

Grab a cup of tea or coffee and begin putting what’s on your mind into your journal. Just begin where you are. This is good for you — physically, mentally, and emotionally. You don’t have to be the greatest or most skillful writer for you to begin journaling. But you do need to set aside a dedicated space and time for journaling.

For more information on journaling, read this post.

8 Spiritual Benefits Of Journaling (That Might Surprise You).

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. Pass it on if you know someone who would benefit from the information.

Developing A Success Mindset

Are there dreams and ambitions that you haven’t reached? Are you frustrated and overwhelmed? If so, relax, you’re not alone. Sometimes, it seems like there are a select few people who attain great heights – and then there’s the rest of us.

What differentiates the people who realize their aspirations from those who always appear to struggle? The difference is that successful people have taken control of their thoughts, beliefs, and their vision of the world.

They have mastered the important mindsets necessary for the achievement of success.

No one is born with this success-oriented attitude. You can acquire it by unpacking the way you think now and ridding yourself of old unworkable attitudes. Shift your mindset by mastering new skills and practices, and adopting a new stance.

What Is a “Mindset”, and does it help?

A mindset is an assemblage of related beliefs that shape how you see the world and function in it. For example, if you have a positive mindset, you are optimistic and focus on the good things, rather than dwelling on the negative.

Mindset is important because it influences how you behave. Your behaviors are based on what you think and believe. Everyone works from an acknowledged mindset, even if you’re not aware of it. Mastering these methods of thought is a matter of choice.

An important thing to remember about mindsets is that they’re learned. You’re not born thinking a particular way; you pick it up from others and your experiences in the world.

Hey, this is great news. It means that anyone can intentionally transform their mindset.

A shift in your mindset carries benefits.

The right mindset can have a major impact on your personal and professional life. Advantages are:

• Greater overall happiness and well-being. By seeing the world in a positive light, you’ll be healthier and more satisfied.

• Higher self-esteem. You’ll have more confidence. You’ll view the things you presently can’t do as skills you have yet to master.

• A healthy attitude towards failure and setbacks. You’ll recover from bumps in the road and use each challenge as a valuable learning experience.

• A successful career or a business owner. You’ll be able to identify opportunities and act on them.

• Improvements in your relationships. With your focus on growth and development, you’ll be an inspiration to others and like-minded people will be attracted to you.

• Stress reduction. You’ll be better able to handle stress and won’t feel overcome even when you’re busy or under pressure.

• Increased creativity. You’ll combine creativity and innovative thinking in all areas of your life.

5 Key mindsets for success.

These are the mindsets that encourage success:

1. Growth Mindset. This mindset is the foundation of all change. Without it, you’ll have trouble adopting other positive mindsets. If you have a growth mindset, you tend to believe that your talents, intelligence, and skills can be developed through a combination of hard work, effective training, and guidance from others.

2. Abundance Mindset. The abundance mindset says that there’s plenty to go around for everybody. When we operate from a perspective of abundance, we make better decisions and radiate generosity.

3. Creativity Mindset. The creativity mindset says that anyone can be creative, not only artists. It uses various tools to unlock imagination and innovation and apply it to a variety of issues.

4. Problem-Solving Mindset. This mindset says no problem is too much to conquer. It uses brainstorming and other techniques to identify and solve problems.

5. Entrepreneurial Mindset. CEOs and business owners with this mindset seek out opportunities and act on them. They innovate in the face of challenges and don’t let risk dissuade them from pursuing a new idea.

If you pursue skills and techniques to adopt and cultivate these 5 mindsets, you’ll experience benefits in every area of your personal and professional life. It takes time to begin seeing results, but there are actions you can do each day to get one step closer.

Observe your thinking.                              

A good place to start is to evaluate your current mindset. This is the way of thinking that’s been unconsciously shaped through your experiences and the influence of others over time.

Ask yourself these things:

• How positive are you?

• How do you see topics, difficulties, and challenges?

• Do you celebrate the successes of others or feel envious?

• Are you very bothered by how others see you?

• Are you fixated on what you don’t have rather than what you do?

• Do you see the world’s resources as limited and scarce, or abundant?

• Are you an imaginative thinker?

• Where do you use creativity in your daily life?

These questions will help you understand where you’re starting point is. Providing you with ideas for improvement that you can begin working on right away.

Allow yourself grace when you make a mistake.

A part of what most people need to work on is how to view their blunders and failures. And yes, mistakes will be made. The question is, do you beat yourself up when something goes wrong?

One thing that sets success-minded people apart from the rest is how they view obstacles. To them, every failure is a valuable learning experience. Begin by asking yourself, “what can I learn from this”?

When you make a mistake, extend the same kindness to yourself that you would offer to someone else. Try to fix it and then let it go. Look for the lesson. Note what went wrong and what you could have done to improve your chance of success.

Practice gratitude.

What do you focus on – the things you have or the things you want? People who practice gratitude are much happier and more successful than those who only see what they are lacking.

You can begin practicing gratitude immediately by brainstorming a list of things you’re grateful for. There’s no item either small or seemingly inconsequential to go on this list. Think about your family, friends, job, health, and hobbies.

A daily practice of giving thanks is even more effective. Buy a notebook and make it your gratitude journal. Each day, jot down a few things you’re grateful for. This reminds you of the abundance that’s present in your life. 

Discover what inspires you.

Inspiration helps when you’re trying to come up with ideas or solve problems. You may incorrectly believe that it comes as a flash out of the sky, but this is not how creativity works.

People who are in touch with their creativity make it a daily practice and can tap into it when they need it.

There are many sources of inspiration that you can use, including:

• A walk in the park

• Yoga or meditation

• Music

• Quotes

• Painting, playing music, or some other creative activity

• Blogs or books

• Good conversation

• Good memories

• Your gratitude lists

• Friends or family members

It can be anything that makes you feel inspired. Choose something that excites you that you can turn to whenever you need a boost.

Try something new.

All 5 of the success mindsets are concerned with growth and a love of learning. A great way to transform your mindset is to discover something new to learn. It doesn’t have to be something related to your career or something practical. And you don’t need to excel at it. The process of learning itself will help you transform.

Pick up a musical instrument or a new language. Take up a new sport or explore a topic like cosmology or philosophy. Learn about the history of your hometown.

Remember, the whole point is to get you learning and expanding your perspective. It shouldn’t be stressful. Choose something fun that captivates your imagination.

Study successful people.

It’s much easier to transform your mindset when you have an example. Therefore, it’s a good idea to learn from people who’ve mastered this process.

One way to do this is to read biographies and autobiographies of successful people. Choose business leaders, athletes, movers, and shakers and read about how they did it. If you’re not a big reader, you can listen to interviews and watch videos. Try to get insight into how they think and how they conduct themselves.

Even better, seek out people you consider successful and spend time with them. Pick their brain and feel their positive influence transform your mindset – and your life.

My final thoughts.

Everyone wants to be successful, if not always in the same way. So, you can take these ideas and mold them into something that reflects what success looks and feels like to you.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post.

Want to learn more about how to get a successful mindset? Head over here.

What’s Most Important To Your Success - Mindset Or Strategy

9 Best Mindsets For Success

Taking Action On Your Intention

Gram’s Wisdom 42 Act on what you want from your life.

Actions speak louder than words. We are all familiar with that saying. Right? Yet, moving through life unintentionally is taking the path of least resistance and stumbling into what success you can find. The people who find success in this way are the exception, not the rule. Luck will always run out for people who do not prepare or have something to fall back on.

The basis for the feeling that life happens to you and is out of your control begins in childhood. It’s hard to go from being that child, told how to live, to “well, what do you want to do with your life now that you are out of school”? Is it any wonder that many people only live on the surface, unfamiliar with what it is they want from their life?

My Gram challenged me as a teenager to get to know myself and my values on a deeper level. She told me; that I should use the knowledge of what I learned to understand what I want my life to look like. She said a person successful in life can see the link between where they are now, what their goal is, and what it takes to move toward that point.

Gram believed this kind of life success aimed to provide direction and focus. Gram told me that is how you become the person you want to be, so you can live the way you want to live. Her thought was that your life should reflect who you are. Fast-forward to today and people call this an intentional living mindset.

If you don’t act these are just words.

There is more to choosing a life that matters than having good intentions. You intend to catch up with your friend over coffee, but you never do it. You intend to volunteer at the local soup kitchen, but there is always a reason why you can’t. Or you intend to leave the job you hate and begin a new career, but you never do.

If you make an intention to change, but you don't change, your true intention is to never change. The biggest problem that many people have when trying to act with intention is they do not know what they want. They chase one shiny object after another, and they never get anywhere.

To do something intentionally means to do something purposefully. It's intended. That means it involves a plan of action. You need an objective, a destination.

So, acting with intention means thinking about it. Acting intentionally means acting on a purpose. So, while people talk about acting with intention, you can focus on being intentionally intentional. You are going to think about it, and then you're going to act. This is what it will take to reveal your potential. Once you crack that nut, everything will feel possible.

How do I begin?

The first step is to set a goal, but before you can set a goal you need to know what you want. If you don't know what you want, your first step is to figure it out.

The second step to acting intentionally is setting an end goal. You can't run a race if you don't know where the finish line is. So, where is your finish line?

Now that you have a finish line in mind you can develop a plan. How are you going to get to the finish line?

The next step is the biggest – you can't get to where you're going unless you start acting. You can set all the intentions in the world, but unless you start acting on those intentions, nothing will change. You need to act on every intention you set.

Once you begin your journey, don't give up. You can't give up if you want to be intentionally intentional. You can regroup, you can correct course, you can reboot your plan – none of those things are quitting.

Quitting means stopping and if you stop you will have failed. Nothing less than that counts as a failure because you're on a journey that will take time and effort. You need to give yourself the space and grace to take that journey to its completion.

Just remember, lasting change will never happen by accident. Despite this, a lot of people choose to cruise through life without a plan. And while some of them will find success regardless, you can't rely solely on luck to get you by.

More Than Intentions.

Intentional living forces you to question the significance of your life. It motivates you to act, to find creative ways to succeed, it's energizing, inspiring, and encouraging.

So, what do you do when you want to make a difference and choose a life that matters? You can start small and do common things better than anybody else can because ultimately, you'll reach excellence. How do you start small while believing big?

• Begin right where you are, with just one thing before you expand.

• Pay attention to the words you use.

• Make small changes, little changes accumulate into big things.

If you want to lead a life that has meaning, you need to put others first. Instead of thinking about what you will get out of doing something, think about how your actions could benefit others. Start by learning to appreciate others and listen to their stories. Before you act, take a moment to see things from their perspective and put yourself in their shoes.

You can add value through positive thinking and positive actions. You can impress people by bragging about your success, but you can add value and impact people by discussing your failures.

Your why is one of the biggest aspects of intentional living. If you have a good handle on your why you can focus on it completely. It helps you make sense of what you encounter on your journey, it is the lens through which you see everything and will help you find your way.

We are made to live out a purpose, and they will all be different. If you live without meaning, you live without hope. If you live with meaning, you live with significance. Knowing your why will help you focus on the right things, boost your self-confidence, and keep you motivated.

Live intentionally.

You are the main character in your story, so, start living like one. And you can begin by asking yourself the three questions below.

1.  Can you become the best at what you do?

This is a question about your skills and talent. You already have skills you can use to help others. 

2.  Do you feel passionate about what you're doing?

This is a question about your heart. The feeling of leading a significant life begins in your heart because that's where your desire stems from.

3.  Do you have the resources to make a change?

This is about your tools and resources. If you want to make a difference, do you have the resources necessary to go out and make that change in your world?

My final thoughts.

Living intentionally will form the cornerstone for all your growth moving forward. It will serve as the foundation of everything you hope to achieve.

Think of purpose as the rudder to steer your direction. If you need a reminder, ask yourself every morning why do I do what I do? This is your focus, and the answer should fuel you through another day.

If you want to change something, the only way to make those changes is to act with intention. If you try to make changes without intention you will be unlikely to meet much success.

If you found this post beneficial, please share it with someone you love.

For more information, read this post.

6 Steps To Live With Intention: Live Intentionally Not Habitually