7 Tips to Make You More Creative

Many great things have started as an simple, creative idea. Consider donating some of your best ideas to help others. The more creative you are, the more ideas you will be able to create. You can be creative even if you don't think you are. I have known many people that were scared to use a computer for the first few times. However, after diving into it they became more comfortable. They were willing to take a risk and make some mistakes. The result was an ability to learn and do things they would never be able to do without the use of a computer. Being creative and thinking up world-changing ideas occurs in the same way. Everyone can be creative but they have to be willing to start. The creative process will then become more natural over time. Try the following tips to help...

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Burn the ShipsBurn the Ships

One of the keys to reaching your goals is to eliminate any escape routes. It is tempting to retreat to safety and comfort when challenges and difficulties arise. To avoid turning around and abandoning your goals, you must make going forward more compelling then going back. When striving towards a goal, you must focus on what you want to obtain and avoid the impulse to go back to what you know and to what is comfortable. When Spanish Conquistador Hernando Cortez landed in Mexico, one of his first orders to his men was to burn the ships. Cortez was committed to his mission and did not want to allow himself or his men the option of going back to Spain. By removing this option, Cortez and his men were forced to focus on how they could make the mission successful. Eliminating an...

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Simple Weight Loss Tips

Sometimes weight loss can be a whole lot easier than most people believe. Rather than trying to maintain a strict diet regime, the person trying to lose weight should just make small adjustments to their lifestyle rather than a dramatic change that will ultimately result in failure. The simple process of drinking an additional glass of water each day, or a short walk around the block once or twice a week will ease the body into the changes that are required for weight loss. Another wise move is to stay away from the bathroom scales for a week or two, so the weight loss process doesn't become an all-encompassing ordeal that needs to be measured every day of the week. By leaving the weigh-in times a little longer apart there is more chance that they will show a reduction in weight,...

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Take Some Pictures

The older I get, the harder it is for me to remember the people and events of my past. Sure, I may remember that my four siblings and I vacationed with our grandparents every year in Canada, but I can no longer remember what the hotel we always stayed in looked like or the way my grandpa looked wearing his special vacation hat. What I would give to have pictures that helped me to remember those times. As I began to have a children of my own, I realized that I didn't want to forget any of the special moments that each of my kids created. I didn't want to forget the way my oldest daughter used to stick out her tongue or the way my youngest son used to love wearing his daddy's baseball caps over his head. Fortunately, I will not have to forget any of the special things that each of...

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Classy, Convenient Cooking for Two

When you want to serve a quick-and-easy meal for just the two of you, count on eggs. Handily portioned by nature, eggs are conveniently packaged for quick-and-easy meals for one or two. Plus, eggs are one of the most versatile of all foods. You can fry, scramble, poach or bake them or cook them in the shell. You can also turn eggs into omelets or a frittata, quiche or strata. French toast is yet another option -; a special but very economical option. In the Cajun areas of Louisiana, French toast is called pain perdu, lost bread. Long ago, thrifty cooks discovered they could rescue day-old (or older) bread which otherwise would have been wasted by soaking it in a mixture of eggs and milk before cooking it. When it's dressed up with a topping, though, who would ever guess that French...

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So You Have Problems

We are all faced with problems throughout our lives, some are small, others huge. Depending on how we deal with them, they can be overwhelming and devastate our lives, or they can quickly fade into the past. Attitude plays a big role. With a difficult personal or work undertaking, consider all viewpoints, even those you think you don't like. It just might provide relief from your fearful analysis of the situation. Don't oversize the problem which is often a panic reaction. Discuss the actions that you could take with a friend or co-worker which can sometimes provide a good suggestion and some instant stress relief. Lay out a procedure and slowly complete the first task. The next steps should be easier. Often we will keep on worrying after the decisions are made, which of course...

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The SMART Way to Set Goals

Goal setting is equal parts art and science. Many people create goals that simply don't work. If you're in business, you don't have the luxury of creating goals that don't work. You need to work effectively and you need goals you help you do it. Here is a great way to create good goals that work… that keep you on track. They're called SMART goals and the acronym SMART will help you to remember the things that each goal needs to be: * Specific: Your goal needs to be stated in a way that is clearly defined. Saying, I should work more, is not a goal that will be kept. However, saying, I am going  to work a total of 8 hours each day, is a goal that is much clearer and specific. * Measurable: This is closely related to the above attribute except that it also includes a way to make...

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A Simple Formula For Overcoming Fear and Worry

If you ask most people why they have not achieved their goals or the level of success they desire, they will usually respond with some built-in excuse (negative belief) that is holding them back. Underlying this excuse or negative belief is usually a fear or worry. How many times have you attempted something new, only to stop before you ever got started because you were afraid of what others may think? Or you don't think you have the time or money or both? Or because you believe are inexperienced or lack the knowledge to succeed? Someone once defined F.E.A.R. as False Evidence Appearing Real, which means we have chosen to believe in something that is not really true. But because it is our belief, it is our reality. Worry is nothing more than a sustained fear caused by indecision....

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Getting Your Home Organized: Are You Putting the Cart Before the Horse?

Some people have so much clutter and so much stuff all over the place, they think all it's going to take is some fancy storage system they have in the home improvement store and everything will be fine. A few shelves here and a few more drawers there... and presto! Everything is organized. But it's usually not the case. I used to have clients call me up because all they wanted was a "system" for their closet or garage. But when I get to their home, I realize the problem is much deeper and extremely common. TO MUCH STUFF! And usually, adding storage only masks a bigger problem. See, some people think just by putting in storage they can keep more stuff, when in fact all that's happening is you're moving things around, making you think you are more organized, but in reality you...

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Overcome The Symptoms In The First Trimester Of Your Pregnancy

Surprised with the outcome, you abruptly told your husband about this news soon after having a home pregnancy test in one early morning. Afterward, both of you were so contented that you hugged each other for minutes while tears were dropping on your cheek. All the emotions of joy, fear, amazement and acceptance, assembled within you. There was no exact word to describe the feeling. Now you should prepare yourself for the next huge things. The upcoming nine months will be more thrilling than before. You'll experience unexpected, remarkable changes in your body. In general, pregnancy is divided into three trimesters. Each one has its own nature. Take a look at the general symptoms you may have in the first trimester of your pregnancy - a crucial time when you should be careful...

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They Fooled Him For The Seventh Time In A Row - Spirituality Information

What if the top ten billionaires in the world die today? Is the world going to change? No Way! What if the top ten sportspersons in the world die today? Is the world to change No Way! What if the top ten spiritual leaders pass away? Is the world going to change? No Way! What if ten ordinary people die today? Is the world going to change? Of Course, Yes! Ordinary people run this world. Extraordinary ones are not part of this world,they are seeking a different world, a world beyond wealth and fame, a world which they have yet to come to terms with.... Ordinary people are still fighting it out for money. They have to work everyday to earn money. If they do not go to work for a day they are not paid.. They have to work everyday to achieve their goals, their ambitions. Ordinary...

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Passion: Fire In Your Soul

Many people try to hold a raging fire within themselves, but it restlessly and relentlessly gnaws at their core. Some have tried to cover it up with alcohol, numb it with drugs, hide it with shopping, kids, work, or religion, or fuel it with sex. The Baby Boomers looked for eternal youth and to change the world. They thought they would never grow up, but they did. They thought they would change the world and they did. The previous generation looked for the American Dream. Some found it. Many did not. The present generation seems to be seeking success. Yet, the gap between the "haves" and the "have nots" widens. Each generation and each individual, in turn, searches for something, but it often slips from their grasp. The fire carries both energy and discomfort. The key is to use...

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Suicide is Not an Option

On December 12th, 1992, my brother committed suicide. The consequences were devestating to everyone involved. Maybe this story will help someone who is contemplating suicide to decide against it. Suicide is not the solution that some may think it is. Problems and unresolved issues will haunt family and friends for many decades. My nephew, who was just a baby at the time, would always ask about his uncle. He eventually learned to point up at the sky and say, "Uncle Scott". But the reality is that he missed out on having the benefit and support of his uncle as he grew up. And of course, there are countless interactions with family members that will be missed over the decades. Suicide is permanent. And the effects that it has on loved ones also lasts over a life time. My brother...

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Natural Stress Management: Howsoever Powerful May Be The Storm-It Has To Pass!

The pronouncement of the very word natural, takes some stress out of your personality. The chances of harmful side effects in natural management in any area, are remote. This assurance is great and likely to have a soothing effect on one's personality. Do not think that your stress is something special and none has experienced the type of stress that you are undergoing. Each individual lives with a moderate level of stress. Some exhibit it, cry about it, others brave it calmly- that's the difference! Nurturing the stress can cause serious problems, both physical and mental! Do not think that stress is due to sad events only. Sterling happy events can also cause stress. Let's know what are some of the common causes for stress and how natural stress managements techniques can be...

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Achieving Success And Progress Through Creative Thinking

Many people believe that the goal of any society is progress, however for most of us it is not easy to get used to something new. It takes more or less time for every person to adapt to new environment, even if it is only using a new tool, cooking a new dish or finding a new bus stop. That is the reason why many people cling to the way things are and it is much easier for them to do habitual things. Any person's every day of life consists of many repeated activities, such as driving car, dressing, eating. People do most of these activities automatically, without much thinking. Automatic operations help brains to avoid unnecessary efforts, but many people also use this natural capability of brain in a wrong way. They create "cliché" for many activities in their life, use same...

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Forget Conventional Dream Interpretation: Learn to Cultivate Your Dreams Today!

One of my favourite quotes of all time and I am sure many of you share my thoughts, is the speech by Martin Luther King at the civil rights march in Washington, 1963, which went like this: "I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood..." "I have a dream..." Indeed. Inspiring stuff. I want to discuss our dreams in a very practical way today. I want to talk about how to cultivate your dreaming. It really is a tremendously valuable thing to do. I want to steer away from conventional dream interpretation and will explain why. As of today, pay attention to your dreaming and your daydreaming. Dreams are important to us in many ways, because they do...

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The Power of Knowing Your Customer

Often times we believe the depth of our customer does not extend beyond that of the business they do with us. In fact, it goes way beyond that. People love to talk about themselves, and if you take the time to talk to your customers about non-business topics, you will find that, more often than not, they are more than happy to engage you in conversation. By getting to know your customers, you can find a whole lot of valuable information from them. Such as where they live, do they have a family, what their hobbies are, do they have pets, etc. By finding out this type of information, you can determine what their needs are, than proceed to tell them about the products you have, that you believe would be ideal for their needs. Another plus when it comes to getting to know your customers,...

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Developing Leadership Skills

The first area that we look at is that of Personal Attributes. This is a blend of knowledge, expertise, and competencies, encapsulated in the approach, the behavior, of the leader. In organizations of all sizes and in all sectors, public and private, these characteristics are key to effective leadership. The essential personal attributes are as follows. Behaving Ethically, by: learning about the ethical issues and concerns that impact on your business sector; adopting a balanced, open-minded approach to the ethical concerns of others; considering the ethical issues and implications of all personal actions and organizational activity; raising and discussing ethical issues before proposing or agreeing to decisions; resisting pressures from the organization or its partners to achieve...

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Karma versus Meditation

The Karma lives with us, the karma is part of our lives from the very moment of our birth to the moment of our death, because every time that we do something and even every time that we stop doing something, that generates karma, and you cannot avoid it in any way. Of course that not all the karma that we generate is the same, there is a kind of karma that ties us or chains us to this life, and another kind of karma that liberates us of the reincarnation cycle. The karma that chains us, known as Vishayakarma, has as fruits the misery and the lack of interior peace, while the karma generated by good actions or disinterested actions, know as the Sreyokarma allow us to reach the prosperity and the happiness of the soul, that it is much more than reaching the simple external...

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It All Starts With a Decision

Greetings Self Reader, Decisions are powerful. Doing the right thing or the wrong thing all starts from a decision. We think about things and thoughts are powerful but actions do not occur until we decide that they do. We make good decisions and bad decisions. Productive and unproductive ones. The great thing about it is we can take precautions to prevent against making bad decisions. Great decision makers have great decision makers as friends. They ask the advice of those who have been where they hope to be. It is similar to a person who is lost in a car they would be wise to ask someone for directions to where they are going. In the same way, if you do not know if you are making a good decision ask somone who can give you direction. If you want to be a positive person you should...

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Is Your Work Stressing You? Test Yourself

All of us who are working to earn our living face some stress in our work life. Many of us face more stress than we can cope up with. But sometimes we don't realize that. The stressed life becomes a routine, and we don't bother to check if we are under more than acceptable stress. Can tests and quizes help us find out the true state of affairs? Let us find out. Let me talk about few quizzes that you can take to understand your work life and stress better. For example quizzes that are titled - Are you stressed? Are you a work slave? Do you believe in fun at work? Are you living a tense life? Are you burning out yourself? Are you fighting stresses in the right way? And Are you a good time manager? Will all tell us something about our mental state? How do these quizzes and tests help...

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You Are Empowered By God In Your Finances

In the first article I wrote dealing with empowerment ("You Are Empowered By God"), I outlined several principles that pertain to God's word with relation to answered prayers. We saw how God makes covenant promises (contract or agreement promises) and how we are empowered by God Himself to bring about many of the blessings that are mentioned in the Bible. Now let's look at how Father empowers us specifically in the area of finances. We Are No Longer Under Law, But Under Grace When we, as Christians, discuss finances the subject almost always goes toward tithing. One of the most popular scriptures quoted in relation to tithing is Malachi 3:10 which says, "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts,...

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Hair Loss, Not The End Of The World

So your losing your hair? Feels like its the end of the world does it? Well I'm here to give you some good news and some bad news. We will start with the bad first and that is unfortunately hair loss isn't the only annoying change that goes with breaking into the golden years. Other changes include erectile dysfunction, swelling prostates, urinary symptoms that go with large prostates, decreasing time in stage 4 sleep, and the list goes on and on. The way I see it going bald is the least of your concerns. Ok so the good news is that in today's age of pharmacy, there are several great options to solve many of the above mentioned problems, including hair loss. So you don't have to just accept your genetically determined fate. Not only are there good pharmalogical options but the semi...

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Discovering Your Passion and Purpose

"I can't seem to discover why I'm on the planet." "What is my purpose here? I know there's something I'm supposed to be doing, but I don't know how to find out what it is." "I don't seem to be passionate about anything." I've heard these complaints over and over from my clients. Discovering our passion and purpose is vital to our joy and well-being. The problem is that many people have lost touch with any sense of their passion and purpose and have no idea how to access this information. The blueprint for this information lies within our core Self, our essence, the true Self that is often buried during our early years. If our true Self was not seen and validated by our parents, teachers, or other caregivers, it is likely to have gone underground. The self many of know as our "self"...

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The Problem with the Rebound

One of the most common mistakes in a relationship is the rebound. For those of you who do not know what a rebound relationship is, let's start with that. The definition of a rebound relationship is jumping into a committed relationship very quickly after the end of a committed relationship. Many people fall into this type of trap as they are trying to move on from a break up. There are healthy ways to get past the dissolution of a relationship and a rebound relationship definitely does not belong in that list. There are many reasons not to rebound with someone right after a committed relationship. Some of them include trying to replace an ex, not enough time to heal, and you can hurt the person you start dating. First of all, dating someone on the rebound is not a good idea because...

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Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?

This is a question that most people grapple with from time to time and it has largely been on my mind this past week. You see one of the best people I know -- my Uncle Carl -- had a very bad accident this week. While working on the wood lot with his son, his hand got caught in a log spitter. In the end the damage was so severe that his left hand had to be amputated. Although no longer a young man, my uncle is very active and enjoys working with his hands. He is right handed but clearly the use of two hands was an important part of his former life and just as clearly that will have to change. I was devastated when I heard the news and am still shaken by it -- even more so when I think about how much worse the accident could have been. My whole family is upset, especially Uncle Carl's...

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Unhealthy Emotions Associated with Being Dumped

Being dumped can be a traumatic experience for anyone. Relationships are complex and difficult at times. While some people who are dumped seem to find a way to move on without much damage, most people who are dumped have serious emotional issues. Some of the negative reactions to the difficult emotions that come out of the break up can seriously affect the way a person functions and the person's ability to function in life. Finding a positive way to deal with these difficult and possibly harmful negative reactions to these feelings can help you deal with being dumped and move on with your life. Just a few of the emotions you may encounter are hatred, embarrassment and sadness. Hatred is a common feeling to have after being dumped. The common question is, "Why Me?" You may experience...

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From Basics To Mastery

For all of us, emotional intelligence encompasses five basic areas of mastery. They are: - Knowing your feelings and using them to make life decisions you can live with. - Being able to manage your emotional life without being hijacked by it -- not being paralyzed by depression or worry, or swept away by anger. - Persisting in the face of setbacks and channeling your impulses in order to pursue your goals. - Empathy -- reading other people's emotions without their having to tell you what they are feeling. - Handling feelings in relationships with skill and harmony - being able to articulate the unspoken pulse of a group, for example. The scope of these skills means there is indeed room for all of us to learn, grow, and improve. There is a lot to learn here. Learning about emotional...

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3 Simple Keys to Getting Rid of Fear

Fear is your enemy – no other way to describe it. I'm not talking about that natural life preserving action along with a major boost of adrenalin that happens if a wild animal is coming at you. I'm talking about the fears people live with day in and day out. Fear is your enemy. Someone once described fear as, "Sand in the machinery of life." Fear doesn't help you, it hinders you. Fear doesn't get you through an open door; it keeps you in the hallway. Fear never helps you put your best foot forward; it just keeps both of your feet in cement. The psychology of today is, "Learn to live with your fears", "Embrace your fears", "It's normal to have fears – everybody does." It's true; lots of people do have fears. And there are people who are trying to learn how to live with their...

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2 Steps To Stay On Track

Are your goals set? Are you all geared up to get started on them? Have you established some ways to support your goals? What will ensure that you actually stay on your desired path? It is easy to get off path. It is easy to get all wrapped in stuff in everyday life. You know what I mean? I know, I have been off track with my goals. When you do set goals and establish ways to get where you want to go, how do you stay on track? When you have clear goals that you want to achieve, it is easier to set the steps to achieve them. It sounds easy. The fact is you will only take control of your goal when you "stop doing things" that you are doing. Look at your life right now? What does it look like? Did you get the steps done today to reach your goal? What you did today will show up later?...

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Counterfeit Handbags and Terrorism

In most major cities in the world, there is an active and highly profitable shadow economy in phony consumer goods that generates (in some estimates) upwards of 500 billion dollars a year. If have ever been down to "Counterfeit Alley" in midtown Manhattan, you have seen one of the biggest counterfeit marketplaces in the world. While many of us spend our waking hours lusting after the latest fashion designs from our favorite designers, there are a lot of people out there who purchase knock-off or phony items without fully appreciating the consequences. I recently read a book called "Knockoff", written by a fellow named Tim Phillips. It was an insightful read, with a number of interesting and often disturbing ideas presented. I was particularly interested in the section he devoted...

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