How To Conquer Any Goal Using Positive Self-Talk

Do you ever feel like you are talking yourself out of success?  Have you ever set goals for yourself, only to suddenly have nagging thoughts about how you aren’t up to the task or how you simply aren’t qualified to carry it through? 

If you have ever experienced either situation, you need to change the way you respond to your inner dialogue.  Instead of obeying your negative commands, you can use positive self-talk to counter the negativity and overcome nearly all anxious thoughts.

Setting Goals and Sticking to Them with Positive Self-Talk

Are you initially filled with excitement when you first set goals for yourself? Are these thoughts then followed by self-doubt and self-defeating thoughts that stop you in your tracks before you even get started?

It can be difficult to make the most of your life when you are constantly talking yourself out of being a success.  It can be frustrating and discouraging to have these thoughts constantly plaguing you. Many of us, in fact, don’t even realize we have them! All we know is that we don’t have the confidence to stick to our plans and reach our goals.

But there’s another way!

Positive self-talk is an effective way to set goals and ensure that you stick to them, even if you have never been able to do this before.  The way this works is that you decide what goal is important to you, and then you plan the logistics of how you are going to attain this goal.  When self-doubt starts kicking in, you will respond with affirmations that prove your success without surrendering to the negative pressure. Since you’re reading this article, it’s clear that you’re no quitter and you’re certainly not a failure, so start believing in yourself!

Re-Programming Your Mind

Affirmations are essentially positive statements that re-program your mind for the positive. The moment you have a self-defeating thought you’d be able to counter the negative with a motivating statement. An example of a positive affirmation is: “I am worthy of great success,” or “I see myself in the winner’s circle.”  What this does is replace negativity with thoughts that will help you move toward your goals instead of further away from them.

Positive self-talk is easier to implement than you might think. You may not be aware of the severity of the negative dialogue currently within your mind. However, once you begin with positive self-talk, you will suddenly realize that you are self-sabotaging the goals you set for yourself from the minute that you make them. This process can open your eyes to exactly how much this inner conversation has been interfering with your life. You’ll feel hopeful that you can now set goals and surpass them.

Through positive self-talk you will be able easily set long and short-term goals for yourself. And when you use affirmations, you’ll have accessible tools to help you push yourself further than ever before. Learning to quiet negativity with positive thoughts is a great move toward setting and attaining future goals with ease.

Wrong Turn? Find Another Route to Success!

Even if I take a wrong turn, I can find another route to success.

If I steer my vessel in the wrong direction, I can find a map and chart out a new course.  Stopping is not an option. I will find my way as long as I keep my eyes on the prize.

Success is a journey, not a destination. That is why I strive to make each step count. A positive attitude helps me move forward and, even when I am unsure of where I am, I am not lost. Instead, I choose to become a trailblazer. The generation coming behind me will have access to another route thanks to my resolve to stay the course and forge a new path.

When I come to a fork in the road I trust my intuition to guide me. Being spontaneous in this way helps me release my inner self and experience success in a new way.  Spontaneity gives me freedom.

Missing a turn causes me no panic because I know that I have countless options; I am not limited to only one way. A wrong turn may lead me to find a new way. The opportunity to explore the unknown excites me.

Although it feels daring to get off the fast-paced highway of life and take the scenic route, detours can be worthwhile because they lead me to discover the beautiful things in life that I otherwise may have missed. The road less traveled is filled with the most stunning sights.

Flexibility allows me to prosper despite failure. Being flexible gives me the strength to keep going when I would rather stop.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What do I do when I reach a dead end?
2. How might I become less rigid and more flexible?
3. What changes can I make to ensure that I enjoy the journey just as much as the end reward?

Cleaning Out Your Cabinets

It’s confession time, ladies.  How many will admit that they have outdated food in their pantry or cabinets?  Cleaning out your medicine cabinet of expired medicines is also a good idea.  You probably realize that removing old food and medicines when cleaning out cabinets can get you extra space.  So what’s stopping you from doing it?

Cleaning out your cabinets on a regular basis will do more than provide you with much needed space in your cabinet. Depending upon how old food stuff and medicines are, getting rid of them could also keep you and your family healthier.

Recently reports have circulated around the internet about a young man that died because he ate pancake mix that was expired. Old food can grow mold spores that are hazardous to your health, especially if you have certain allergies. Since you want your family to stay healthy, cleaning expired foods from your cabinets can go a long way to keeping them that way.

How do cabinets get cluttered in the first place? Many grocery stores have “buy one, get one free” sales that are too good to pass up. The next time you go to the grocery store they have more of the same items on sale and so you buy more. The newer items are placed in front of the older items. Later, after you’ve used the newer ones, you reach back for the other box. Unfortunately, because you didn’t use the older box first, you could be opening a box that has expired.

Be sure to go through your cabinets often to remove old, opened boxes of cereal, crackers, or baking mixes. Besides opening up space in your cabinets, it could also save the life of someone you love.

Take everything out of your cabinets when you clean them, going through each item to ensure it is still good. Throw out anything that is old, expired, or opened that hasn’t been used in a while. Organize the food in your cabinets by moving the items with the nearest expiration date to the front and use those items first.

Go through the cabinet to see what’s still inside that’s good and make a list of the items you need to replace. When you come home and begin to put groceries away, be sure to put the new items behind the older ones. This way you’ll use up the older food before it has a chance to expire.

It is important to clean out your medicine cabinet as well, since expired medicines lose their effectiveness. Some medicines could also become more concentrated the longer they are past their expiration date and could cause serious problems for someone taking them.

Cleaning out your cabinets – food and medicine – is a great way to dispose of things that have expired. Not only can you make more room in your cabinets, you may also keep yourself or someone you love from getting sick.

Which Bin is Best?

It’s time to start organizing and getting your home cleaned up for the New Year.  There are many ways to hold the items you plan to keep – dressers, boxes, and bins, to name a few.  But what’s the best bin for the job when you’re storing items until they’re needed again?

There are a number of companies that manufacture bins of every shape, size, and material.  You may have heard of companies such as Rubbermaid, Space Saver, and Sterlite, but if you search around you can also find others.  In fact, you can find bins for any organization and storage need you may have.

If what you need to organize is small, look for clear plastic bins with lids on them.  Not only will your items be organized, the lids will keep them from coming out if the box falls and will stop the items from becoming dusty, as well.  Storing like items will make them easier to find, so you may want to stack small bins with similar items in them.

Many people have music collections.  Look for bins that can be hung on a wall as storage.  You can find ones that hold CDs in various numbers.  Organize your collection into styles and then color-code the bins so you can more easily find the CD you’re looking for.

There are multiple bins available that can be used for organizing craft materials.  Scrapbooking, arts supplies, tools and supplies for beading, and other crafts can all be kept in bins.  You can find many that are made specifically for crafts in craft stores, but they can be expensive.  There are cheaper bins that would work as well if money is an issue.

Larger bins and totes can be used for storing clothing that is out of season.  You may want to label the bins so you have an idea of what is in each one.  Bins with lids will keep out water and bugs if they are stored in a basement.  This size bin can also be used as a toy box for your children’s larger toys.  Get a wooden case with open areas to organize and store smaller toys such as building blocks, cars, or doll’s clothes.

Use open bins to help organize the shelves in your kitchen cabinets to keep smaller boxes, spices, and flavorings together.  You can also use tall plastic bins with lids to store different varieties of noodles so you can quickly find the right type for cooking.

Storage bins can be used in virtually every area of your home for organizing.  Use shallow open bins for organizing office supplies in your desk drawers.  These types of bins can also be used in the bathroom to keep your medicine chest in order.  They can even be used in the garage to help keep small items like nuts, bolts, screws, and nails handy and organized.

If you want to get your home organized, bins can be a great way to accomplish this.  Look for the best bin for the job among the many to choose from.  Bins and totes can be found at discount stores, dollar stores, as well as in home improvement stores and on the internet.

Organized Home, Happy Family

Experts agree that clutter is costly.  It’s costly not only in the amount of time it takes us to find the things we need, but also in hurt feelings and increased stress among family members who don’t like clutter.  They may want to entertain but feel they can’t because the house is too cluttered. Once you remove the clutter you’ll have a more organized home and a happier family, and you’ll enjoy your home much more.

If you’ve had clutter in your home for very long you may have become “clutter blind”.  You may not even realize how bad it is but your family members may become irritated and resentful because the clutter is keeping them from inviting guests over or being able to find what they need.

Clutter does more than just wear on your family’s emotions.  It may become a way to avoid dealing with what is going in your life - a way to insulate you from something that has hurt you.  Some people hold on to clutter because they’ve had tragedies in the past and are afraid to let go.  Letting go, however, is necessary if you want to reclaim your home, your family, and your life.

Many people with seriously cluttered homes may want to clear the clutter from their homes, however, they are overwhelmed by the amount of “stuff” and don’t know where to start.  Starting to de-clutter is often the hardest thing, because they know that after getting started, they then have to face the task of letting go.

Families that have a lot of clutter to live with may experience any of the following:

* Frustration and anger over the amount of clutter
* Family battles over getting rid of things
* Shame or guilt to the point they won’t let anyone come into their home
* Depression and feeling stuck in a situation of their own making
* Feelings of being overwhelmed by the clutter and life

After the clutter is cleared away you may find that you feel relief, appreciation for the items you’ve kept, appreciation for your family and home, more clear headed, better able to make decisions, more focused, and productive.

There will also be less tension and fighting among family members.  It’s amazing how much more people are able to relax when the home is clutter free.  You’ll also be amazed that you’ll actually have more time for your family because you won’t be wasting so much time looking for things.  What’s more, you and your family will be able to actually invite friends over without fear of embarrassment or being ashamed because of amount of clutter in your home.

Clutter makes your home an unorganized stressful environment.  When you are able to let go of the clutter and organize your home you’ll be thrilled at the transformation that takes place.  So start today, and just get rid of 10 items of clutter.  That’s all, just 10.  Store them, donate them, or just plain throw them away.  In no time, you’ll have an organized home and a happy family, and you’ll feel much better about yourself.

Is Your Car Prepared for the Winter?

Is your car prepared for the winter?  Even though you may have many things occupying your attention at this time of year, taking care of your vehicle during cold weather is important.   So make sure and take the time to protect your car from the weather so it will continue to transport you and your family during the winter months.

Routine maintenance is important for your car all year long, but during colder weather you want to be sure your car will keep you warm and not break down and leave you stranded.  If you’re one of those that procrastinate, you may not want to wait too long to winterize your car.

There are a number of things any car owner can do to prepare their car for winter.  However, some systems are best checked by a qualified mechanic.  For instance, brakes need to be inspected by a mechanic because they are such a vital component of your car to keep you and your family safe.  A mechanic can make sure your brake pads are adequate, but you can check the brake fluid to ensure it is at the correct level.

You obviously want to make sure the antifreeze level in your radiator is adequate.  The antifreeze mix should be at least 50 percent antifreeze to 50 percent water.  Some professionals recommend a 60:40 mix, especially if the area you live in gets extremely cold in the winter.  Follow the instructions given in your car owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.

If it’s been a while since you’ve checked the electrical system in your car, now would be a good time to do so.   Check the alternator belt, and other belts in the system, to ensure they’re in good condition.  Make sure the battery is charged.

No one will argue about the benefits of maintaining the proper pressure in your tires.  You can save on fuel consumption by keeping them properly aired up.  The tread depth and proper inflation can also help with traction on snow and ice.

Change the oil and oil filter before the weather turns bad.  Ensure the all of the exterior lights – turn signals, brake lights, emergency lights – all work properly.  Now would also be a good time to check that the windshield wipers are in good shape.  Verify that your defrosters are working properly, too.

Pack an emergency kit and keep it in your vehicle at all times.  The purpose of the emergency kit is to be prepared just in case your car breaks down and you’re stranded.  The kit might include:

First aid kit
Blankets
Extra gloves for each family member
Flares
Snow shovel
Tire chains
Kitty litter
Spare Tire
Jumper cables
Flashlights and extra batteries
High energy food, like energy bars, and water

Is your car prepared for the winter? With the above list of items, you know what items are important to check and keep in your vehicle to ensure you and your family arrive at your destination or are able to survive in case of a breakdown.

Warm Winter Family Movie Night

Well, in most parts of the U.S., winter is actually here.  Daytime temperatures are cool but night-time temperatures are frigid.  We are already trying to find ways to keep warm.  Winter movie nights are a perfect opportunity to snuggle up and share body heat.

Since winter will be at least three months long, longer in some locations of the country, you may want to plan at least two winter movie nights per month.  Perhaps you can let the children choose one night, Mom choose the movies another, and then Dad choose some for another night.  Whether you allow each child to make all of the movie choices is up to you.  It may help keep bickering over which movie to get down to a minimum.

Movie night can become a monthly tradition.  Either order pizza to be delivered or find something easy to fix for dinner.  Plan on having a warm drink such as hot chocolate, cider, or tea to drink to warm you up.  Have blankets at the ready to snuggle under.

Does your family love popcorn, like most movie goers?  Get the microwave ready or purchase a hot air popper.  Season the popcorn in a way that everyone will enjoy it.  Plan on having one bowl per two people in your family to ensure everyone gets some.

You may want to head out to your favorite movie rental store to see which new releases everyone is interested in.  Or, if you have a good collection of movies at home, you may want to re-watch some of those.

What type of movies does your family enjoy most?  The males in the family probably would prefer movies with guns, explosions, and action galore.  Women are known for preferring “chick flicks” and romantic comedies.  Regardless of the movies you choose, it’s important that your family spends the time together.

Find some older movies that you enjoyed when you were a child or young teen.  Most likely you’ll still think the movies are funny and your children may very well have fun with them, too.  Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and many of the early Disney movies are some choices the children may like to watch.

It would be great if Mom and Dad could try to get a babysitter for the children every once in a while so you can have a movie night for just the adults in the family.  Mom and Dad can choose movies that may be a little more mature than would be appropriate for young children.

Cooler weather means spending more time indoors.  Warm up this winter by enjoying some movies, snuggling up with your loved ones, and relaxing for the evening.  You may find that you enjoy movie nights so much that you carry them through the remainder of the year.

Surviving Flying with Your Children over the Holidays

The old song goes, “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go.”  These days it’s not a horse and sleigh that gets us there but an airplane.  You have to admit, if you’re flying with your children over the holidays, you’ll be much warmer in the airplane than on a sleigh.  You’ll also get there quicker.

Despite the long waits at the airport to get through luggage checks, Americans choose to fly when they have to travel long distances during the holidays.  This may be partially due to the fact they may not have much time, but often travelers like the convenience of not having to drive to get somewhere.

Flying with your children over the holidays may be a new experience for you.  If it is, be prepared for long lines, unfriendly people, and possible delays.  Here are some ideas that may help make the trip more enjoyable for everyone in the family.

• Make your reservations way ahead of time if you can.  This will help you get the cheaper fares.  Remember to tell them if any of your children are under two and will be in a car seat during the ride.  In most cases they will give you a discounted fare for children under two.  Be sure to pay for the seat for the young child rather than holding them in your lap to get a free ticket for them.  They’ll be much safer strapped into a car seat on the plane than in your lap.

• Pack as light as you can but include some of everyone’s clothes in each suitcase.  This way if one of the bags is lost during your travels, everyone will have some clothes to wear, at least for a few days.

• Take along books or games for your children to enjoy while you’re waiting for the flight and during the flight.  Try to do your best to keep them occupied so they don’t bother other passengers.  You may also want to bring along some sugarless snacks your child can eat if they begin feeling hungry.

• Don’t let what others think keep you from flying with your children over the holidays.  Do your best to keep your children happy and quiet during the trip, but don’t worry too much if they aren’t.  It’s unlikely you’ll ever see the other passengers again, so don’t stress out too much about noise.

• Try to use smaller, regional airports instead of the larger, international airports.  The number of people flying out of the smaller airports is greatly reduced.  Because there are fewer people, the people who work for the airlines will be less stressed and friendlier, as well.  If you choose this route, be prepared to have to drive a little to your final destination.  It’s unlikely you’ll get a direct flight to larger cities from regional airports.

• Book your flight so that it’s a direct flight, if you can.  If you can’t, try to have a minimum of an hour layover between flights.  This will allow you to get something to eat, use the restroom, and get from one gate to the other before your next flight.

Flying with your children over the holidays doesn’t have to be traumatic or stressful, for you or anyone else in your traveling party.   Use these ideas to help make your trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Happy Pumpkin Carving

Well, it’s that time of year again.  And even though we don’t go “all out” and celebrate Halloween, I do love fall and many of the fall activites.  This year we went to a pumpkin patch, and each got a small pie pumpkin as part of the deal.  Well, my daughter has been on me all week to carve the pumpkins, so I finally gave in.  After carving the usual triangle eyes, triangle nose and toothy grin, I decided that I needed a little help on my son’s pumpkin.  For those of you who want to be the coolest mom on the block, visit JamminPumpkins.  It’s a really cool site with patterns for amazing pumpkin designs.  At only $2 a pattern (and a few available for free), you’ll be glad you did!

Beware of Junk Foods Being Promoted As Health Food - HFCS is Not Healthy

Beware of Junk Foods Being Promoted As Health Food - HFCS is Not Healthy
By Mike Geary

You may have seen a whole new slew of advertisements online and on television trying to revamp the poor image of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). They are basically trying to promote this junk food additive as “healthy”.

The advertising campaigns don’t come right out and make the claim that high fructose corn syrup is “health food”, but they do try to get clever and fool people into thinking that it’s not bad for your health. In fact, they make these misleading claims:

“It’s all natural”

“It’s no worse for you than table sugar”

“It’s made from corn”

“It has the same calories as table sugar”

As you can see, these ads are trying to deceive us into thinking that HFCS isn’t so bad after all… I mean, they do say that it’s “all natural” and “made from corn”. These ads are pure sleaze!

In my opinion, these ads are highly immoral. For one, as if our nation, and the world for that matter, wasn’t already suffering an obesity epidemic, as well as skyrocketing degenerative diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Now, they’re trying to make matters worse by fooling innocent people into thinking that high fructose corn syrup is somehow healthy. Meanwhile, as society and our kids get fatter and more unhealthy, they’re lining their pockets with massive profits since HFCS is in the majority of processed food.

As for their claim that HFCS is “no worse for you than sugar”… I’m not even going to discusss any of the science about how HFCS affects the leptin and insulin process in your body, your blood sugar process, appetite levels, etc. Instead, I want to make a more important point:

Who cares if HFCS is “no worse for you than sugar”… because sugar is one of the worst things you can ingest in your body anyway, so it is not even a valid argument!

The point you need to understand is that if you want to be lean and healthy for life, you should be minimizing, or even eliminating all sugar and high fructose corn syrup. In fact, most processed food should be eliminated altogether if you want to be serious about getting lean.

As for their claim that HFCS is “all-natural”… don’t even get me started! It’s just a ridiculous statement to begin with. I don’t care if you call it “natural” or artificial, the bottom line is that it’s a highly processed, refined substance that makes you fat!

So the next time you’re thinking about drinking that can of soda, or eating that candy bar or cupcakes, just think about how that is only going directly against your efforts to lose body fat and can even lead to other health problems in excess.

If you want to lose your stubborn belly fat, check out these strategic workouts and diet tips at Ab Exercise Workouts

Also, learn some of the best tricks to live healthy and enjoy life while also losing body fat at Healthy Fat Loss Tips

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Geary
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