CHANGE IS GOOD.....DON'T GO IT ALONE

5 Keys to Recognize Friendship

By Carla McNeil

What is a friend? I believe a friend gives advantage, not takes advantage.
A friend can be many things: a partner, because two people together, focused on the same goal/direction, are better than one; someone who helps you, not beats you when you are down; someone who is there in hard times to help you get through your challenging situations; someone who protects you.

A friend doesn't harp or gossip on things! Who wants to be reminded again and again of something one did wrong. We are all human, we all err. Friends assist us with the situation, assist us to grow and then move on. And then there is no gossiping about it to others!
In my journey of personal development the biggest challenge has been "friends". I never realized there could be so many different levels of friendship, I figured if you were my friend, then you were my friend in everything. I was wrong and learned many lessons the hard way.
A few years ago I took a 6 month contract away from my home base. While I was away I found out that two of my "best" friends had gotten together and had a bash-Carla fest. Then they both had to tell on each other to me!! I was devastated - that, however, was my most effective "training" event about friendship.

From that experience, I learned about different levels of friendship and that not everyone is going to be my best friend. The price for that lesson was pretty high. It cost me two friends, one that had been my friend for over 10 years. It was a huge part of my lesson on "Letting Go"!!

I have found there are 5 ways to recognize True Friendship.
1) Friends will comfort and support you when trouble or disaster shows up in your life
2) Friends are devoted to you, are loyal and willing to change their plans just for you.
3) Friends love you no matter the situation or what you have done. Through thick and thin they are still there. We have all done something "stupid" in our life but we do not want to be judged on that one action for the rest of our lives.
"A friend is a person who knows all about you, and still likes you." Elbert Hubbard
4) Friends will speak constructively - even when it hurts. We all know that we have behaviors, habits or actions that could use a little improvement. After all we are human beings and to "err is human". It is the true friend who will let you know about those challenges in a constructive way because they want what is best for you. Remember friends give advantage. If done in a constructive way without malice or cruel intent, it will provide us the opportunity to become better people and improve our own life.
5) Friends will help you. Have you ever asked for something and had everyone run away? People who you thought were your friends? Helping is giving advantage. I know when I help my friends that it will be returned in kind. Maybe not from the same friend I assisted but I know it will come from somewhere in my life.
Last week I had a friend tell me that something I had assisted them with months ago is currently having a positive impact in her life. She thanked me on a day where that positive feedback was just what I needed! I have found that it is always best to be the first to offer that assistance. No sitting around waiting for our friends to help us!! Who wants to have that kind of friend?

Remember all five of these keys apply both ways. Are you being all of these to your friends as well? We all need to evaluate our friendships; some that we may have thought were good friends could turn out to be acquaintances.
I used to think I had some real friends in my "job". Turns out in many cases I was wrong. When I answered these five questions about some of my friends I was surprised that they were not as close as I had originally thought.
The real deciding factor for me was "am I that kind of friend for them?" When I was honest with myself and answered "No" it was a very eye-opening experience. We must always remember what we expect from our friends they have the right to expect from us in return.

"A real friend is one who walks in, when the rest of the world walks out. Never above you. Never below you. Always beside you " Walter Winchell

Treat your friends as you do your pictures, and place them in their best light." Winston Churchill's mother, Jennie.


Send me an email at Carla@RetireWithCarla.com - let me know what you liked best about this article. Is there a way that I can assist you in your personal development? It would be my pleasure to assist where I can!
Hear me live on the Terrific Tuesday Teleclass1-218-486-7200 Bridge 549706Every Tuesday at 5:30 Pacific
http://www.RetireWithCarla.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carla_McNeil

This article has been viewed 114 time(s).Article Submitted On: August 19, 2008
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CHANGE IS GOOD.....MAKE IT HAPPEN

Go Hard in Pursuit of Your Life's Vision!

By Dr. Mario Barrett

The other day I was having a conversation with a friend of mine. In our conversation, I realized that she lived her life without any sense of urgency or passion, leading her to an unfulfilled life. She has been simply going through the motions when it came to major areas in her life such as managing her career, maintaining relationships with people, and maintaining her health. In our conversation, I asked her why she chose to live her life in this manner. Her response was simple, "I don't know. "
Now, we often use the phrase "I don't know" when we don't want to take the time out to analyze or discuss the issue at hand. However, she like many of us should ask ourselves the following questions-How is my life showing up for me? Do I love my life, or simply tolerate it? Am I actively acquiring what I want out of it, or simply accepting whatever I can get? I would argue that many of us are simply accepting whatever we can get. Take a look around you, do you believe that your neighbors, friends, or co-workers are actively engaged in a life they love? Are you?
I am a firm believer in the notion that the life that we live on earth is a one time deal. You don't have a second chance to do it again. If you agree with this line of thinking and are living an unfilled life, then you need to change your thinking and begin behaving in a manner that is consistent with the fact that you do not have eternity on earth to achieve a life that you love. Therefore, you must take on a sense of urgency, passion, and vigor in how you pursue this ideal life. The mindset that you must incorporate is based on the belief that the actions necessary for accomplishing your ideal life must begin now. This mindset followed by action will enable you to get out of whatever rut you are presently living in and begin taking the necessary steps to create a life that you love. However, unlike my friend, it is important that you go hard!
Use your sense of urgency and passion to support your efforts with vigor. Instead of allowing one day to simply carryover into the next, make every day count. Make your actions count, which will make your life meaningful and your time on this earth a true experience. I challenge you today to go hard in pursuit of your life's vision.


Dr. Barrett has an earned PhD in applied management and decision sciences, with a specialization in leadership and organizational change. He also holds a MS in organizational leadership and a BS in organizational management. In addition to these degrees, Dr. Barrett has completed several executive certificates focusing on various areas of management and leadership development.
Dr. Barrett is proud of his academic accomplishments, as they are the product of his long and sometimes difficult journey out of poverty. Along his journey, Dr. Barrett served honorably in the U.S. Air Force, participating in several vital overseas operations in the Middle East and Europe. He has also taught organizational leadership courses at the graduate degree level at Mercy College. This desire to develop leadership whether it be in myself or others is what drives Dr. Barrett. Dr. Barrett currently lives in NYC, where he runs The Barrett Center for Leadership Development, LLC http://www.TheBarrettCenter.com and produces The Barrett Leadership Blog http://www.TheBarrettCenter.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Mario_Barrett

This article has been viewed 54 time(s).Article Submitted On: August 02, 2008
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CHANGE IS GOOD......THINK ABOUT IT!!!!

Think And Grow Rich - Tips On How To Change Your Thinking To Success Thinking

By Bonnie Holscher


With the growing number of people who want to make changes in their lives, it's no wonder people question that they can think themselves to riches. It is true however that you can change your overall thinking to become more successful and richer. How you think about a lot of areas of your life can determine your amount of success. Here are a few tips on things to be aware of that have an effect on your success personally and financially.
How you feel about people who have more money or success than you change effect your motivation to improve your life. The people you already spend time with probably have about the same income as you do.

One way to increase your success is to find a new friend or two that are in a higher financial arena and learn some of the things they did to get to the levels they are at. When you put some of these things into place you will be pleasantly surprised how your personal and financial situations begin to change. It does not happen overnight but it does happen.

Another way you can insure that you grow and succeed is to continue learning from other sources. There are books, CD's and many types of seminars available to help you grow your know and in turn grow your success. Make a point of seeking new learning avenues and watch how things change in your success level.

One additional tip and one that many overlook is to not give up. And don't quit before you really get started. So many times people get their feet wet and decide that they do not want to take another step. But these are the same people that wonder why they stay right where they are at and continue to be unhappy and unfulfilled in their desires for life.
So the fact of the matter is you can think yourself into a richer future. Your just need to put to work the things that really make the difference in your everyday life. You can change your personal and financial success forever.


I invite you to learn more about the secrets to changing your thinking to "Think and Grow Rich" thinking by visiting http://www.yourattitudeandyou.com and find out what you might be missing for your success.
From Bonnie Holscher - Take Action Coach teaching others how to take steps forward on their success road.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bonnie_Holscher

This article has been viewed 77 time(s).Article Submitted On: February 09, 2008
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CHANGE IS GOOD ........YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE !!!!!

You Can Move Mountains

By Dr. Mario Barrett

When I was as a child, I never thought that I would have the ability to lead a change effort, yet here I am imploring humanity to lead itself from the inside-out.

Back then, I didn't believe that I had the power to shift people's thinking about poverty, crime, violence, and most of all, how they viewed themselves. I never thought I had the skills, persona, or proper upbringing to lead others. Like much of humanity, I believed that a new leader would emerge and take charge. Therefore, I waited for our generation's Dr. King, John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, and Ghandi. Well, I waited and waited, while the problems around the world (such as poverty, hunger, racism, and genocide) that called for leadership were not getting the attention they deserved. You see, the problem with me, like with most of us is that we do not see ourselves as leaders, relegating us to waiting for the "one" who we think is. The problem is that while we wait, often times, the world's problems get worse.

So, who is the "one" you ask?

The "one" is that individual that we perceive to be a leader, who will step in and correct all of the world's ills and save us.

The "one" is that individual that we believe is larger than life and can move mountains with his/her charisma, intelligence, oratory skill, or cunning.

The "one" is that individual that can draw large groups of followers to support him/her in causes of concern to all of us.

The "one" is that individual that gets us into action, when we can't get into action on our own.

Crazy enough, it was not until recently that I realized that I am the "one," I mean, we all are. And while, we may not have all or any of the attributes that I just described, we all have a passion to take action on causes that we hold dear to our hearts. In my case, my passion for self-empowerment has led to my development of the attributes necessary for successfully leading others to addressing their causes.

We are all the "one," because we cannot continue to wait for the next coming of King or Ghandi.
We are all the "one," because the world's ills will not go away on their own. We are all the "one," because if not us, then who?
The truth is that the responsibility to solve the world's ills resides in all of us.

We all have the ability to lead others to take action(s) on causes that we hold dear. We all are versions of King and Ghandi, as they were versions of us. Get it through your head, we all are leaders and have the the ability to transform the world into a place that works for all of us.
With all of this in mind, when will you start moving mountains and embrace yourself as the "one"?


Dr. Barrett has an earned PhD in applied management and decision sciences, with a specialization in leadership and organizational change. He also holds a MS in organizational leadership and a BS in organizational management. In addition to these degrees, Dr. Barrett has completed several executive certificates focusing on various areas of management and leadership development.
Dr. Barrett is proud of his academic accomplishments, as they are the product of his long and sometimes difficult journey out of poverty. Along his journey, Dr. Barrett served honorably in the U.S. Air Force, participating in several vital overseas operations in the Middle East and Europe. He has also taught organizational leadership courses at the graduate degree level at Mercy College. This desire to develop leadership whether it be in myself or others is what drives Dr. Barrett. Dr. Barrett currently lives in NYC, where he runs The Barrett Center for Leadership Development, LLC ( http://www.TheBarrettCenter.com ) and produces The Barrett Leadership Blog ( http://www.TheBarrettCenter.blogspot.com )
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Mario_Barrett

This article has been viewed 34 time(s).Article Submitted On: August 02, 2008
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CHANGE IS GOOD......ITS YOUR CHOICE.

Winning - You Must Keep Evolving
By Olatunji Ladi Adejumo

In the game of life, you are either evolving or dissolving. Life itself is not static and so cannot support a lack of movement. Cultures evolve; technology evolves as does management techniques amongst others. All these are controlled by human beings and so it goes that human beings must of a necessity evolve in their thinking. This does not mean that their physical makeup will change but their mindset must change and ascend to a higher level in order to bring about advancement in all areas of life.
The story is told of how Tiger Woods desired to bring about a change to his famous swing in order to become even more productive and as a result, had to build some of his arm muscles. The entire process took time and even though he had started seeing the improvement, he had yet to start manifesting them. This prompted people to wonder if Tiger Woods was just a 'flash in the pan'. In the midst of all these negative insinuations, Tiger kept insisting that he was a 'better player' and went on to prove it when he perfected the changes he had made by winning even more than he had before the changes.
He could have just kept on playing the same old way, believing that he was the best. He knew however, that such a mindset will only get him so far. He knew he had to evolve in order to keep winning. He had to sacrifice that period of relative comfort and invest in the agony of re-training and re-invention in order to reap the benefits in the future. He must have lost some revenue during that period but his material worth after that period bears out his decision to sacrifice.
In another article (Unique Selling Proposition: The Crux Of Your Personal Brand), I mentioned that personal branding is built on self-discovery, connects on unique associations, succeeds on delivery and is sustained on consistency and perpetual evolution. You must continually strive to re-evaluate yourself, knowing full well that your 'best' can be bettered again and again. You must continually re-invent yourself whenever you have to in order to surpass your competition and go on to win. Success is not a destination; it is a journey which only has parking lots for losers and slackers.
Remember, when you re-invent yourself, you will face a period of relative lack of productivity during which you will perfect your changes but in the face of criticism and seeming failure, you must push ahead, keeping in view, the new and improved you. You must see only the goal and keep moving to open and widen the gap between you and your competition. You must evolve, not dissolve.
"Remember, if no one is sold on you, no one will buy from you!"


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

CHANGE IS GOOD......YOU NEED A CLEAR VISION

The Top Ten Things to Be Clear On

By Michael Angier

Clarity leads to power. These are the top ten things I think are worthy of you becoming and remaining clear upon.

Here they are in no order of priority . . .

1. What You DON'T Want. As important as it is to know what you want, it's also important to know what you don't want. We highly recommend keeping a Toleration List-a list of things you're tolerating in your life and your business that you no longer want to tolerate.
The mere act of identifying the things you are putting up with that are detracting from your success and happiness will begin the process of eliminating them.
Start your Tolerations List today-and review it at least monthly.

2. Your Path and/or Your Vehicle. When you know what you want, what you don't want and are clear on all the other things in this list, you have to become clear on the path to getting where you want to go. What's your plan? What's the vehicle that will take you there? Is it a good plan and are you using a dependable vehicle? Is there a backup plan?Get clear on your plan and make sure you have the right vehicle.

3. Your Goals. Do you know your top three goals? Are they clear? Can you articulate them in a succinct fashion and have anyone understand what they are?Are they SMART goals? In other words, are they Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Relative (to your mission and values) and Timely?

4. Why You Want Them. This is another area where many people fall down. They might be clear on WHAT they want, but they aren't clear enough about WHY they want what they want. Reasons come first and answers come second.The Universe has a tendancy to hang onto the answers until our desire is strong enough.Being interested in achieving a big goal is not enough. You have to really want it.

5. Where You Are. Before you can determine how to get somewhere, you have to know where you are now. And this is a step that many people either don't or refuse to take.Where are you financially? What's your net worth? How much do you owe? What are your current expenses? How much of your income is passive? What's your credit score? This is all very important information. Where do you stand with your health? What do you weigh? What is your cholesterol? What are the benchmarks your doctor has covered with you in your last physical? What are current sales? How many customers do you have? What is your average sale per customer? What is the lifetime value of a customer?This process can sometimes be uncomfortable-and maybe that's why so many people refuse to do it. But you must know where you are in all the areas that are worthy of measure.So where are you now?

6. Your Mission Statement. What's your personal mission? What's the mission of your company?A mission is a direction. It's not something you ever actually achieve-it's your purpose. Being clear on your mission and being able to articulate that mission to others is critical to your success and that of your organization.

7. Your Target Market. Few business owners I ask can give me good answers to the following questions: Who is your ideal client? With whom do you like working with? What are the psychographics and demographics of your target market? Where are they? How can you best reach them?Knowing your target market is essential to your overall success.

8. Your Values. What do you really care about? What are your personal values? What are your company values?Sound core values are the foundation of a truly successful life and business. By discovering and becoming acutely aware of your core values, you make decisions easier. Invest the time to get clear on what you stand for. And then articulate it in a compelling fashion. In doing so, you'll make it easier for people of like mind to find you and do business with you.

9. Obstacles and Constrictions. What stands in your way? What do you see as your biggest constraint? I will warn you that most of what you come up with will be excuses. Write them down anyway.
But dig deeper for the REAL challenge, the one-or ones-that aren't so obvious. The ones you may not want to admit to at first.Hint . . It's rarely "out there".Unless you know what stands in your way, it will be hard to plan around or fight through an unknown enemy.

10. Your Strengths. Most people are well aware of their shortcomings, but not all that clear on their strengths. They focus far too much on improving what they're not good at.It's much more productive to build on your strengths, to improve what you're already good at than to to try to make up for perceived deficiencies. What are YOUR strengths? What are you good at that you can leverage to your advantage. Invest some time into determining your strengths. Ask others what they see as you strongest assets. The answers may be quite different than you expect.

For how to write a Mission Statement and for getting in touch with Your Core Values, Success Principles and more...........go to: http://SuccessNet.orgArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Angier

CHANGE IS GOOD.......YOU COULD DO IT !!!

So - You Want to be Rich? 7 Wealth Attraction Tips for Entrepreneurs

By Sandra Martini

We all hear it. We all say it. Everyone wants to be rich but, short of picking the lucky numbers or winning the Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes, most people go don’t know how to amass the wealth they dream about.
Here are the top tactics of successful entrepreneurs:

1. “Dig the well before you’re thirsty” – Confucius
We discussed this last week. Marketing, whether your business or yourself, is the one task that wise people do daily – YES...DAILY. You should do at least one thing each day to keep your marketing funnel full.

2. “The moment you begin to think of time as precious and that it has a price, the richer you will become.” – Robert Kiyosaki, Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing
Do you spend your time wisely or do you squander it by spending hours in front of the TV? Successful entrepreneurs understand that how they spend their time determines their future. It’s critical to do the things that will move you/your business forward each day.

3. Have a wealth mindset
Successful entrepreneurs are focused, first and foremost, on being secure. Then on being comfortable and finally, on being rich. It is this focus on security that forces them to build systems and look at the big picture as opposed to doing what is best only for the short-term.
Successful entrepreneurs also understand that they need to invest in themselves and their business in order to reach their long-term goals. Doing things “quick and dirty” or for the fast buck doesn’t create the long-lasting success that you are looking for.

4. Have a sense of urgency
Successful entrepreneurs are not procrastinators – they get things done and done today! Their sense of urgency is borne not only of their appreciation for the value of time, but also as a way of insuring their clients are always satisfied. Why make them wait? Happy clients purchase from you and they do so repeatedly.

5. “Don’t feel overwhelmed...just do one thing at a time.” -- Rose Lindsey character in “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead” movie
The above quote may sound familiar and is a trademark of all successful entrepreneurs. Have 100 things to do? Don’t know where to start?
Just pick one and do it. It doesn’t matter which one, just do something. Sitting and staring at the pile or fretting about how much you need to do won’t get you anywhere. But doing one thing, and then another, and then another will.

6. Be a “big picture optimist and detail pessimist”.
Direct marketing guru Dan Kennedy tells the story of how he travels a lot and never worries about the plane going to the wrong city or exploding in midair or experiencing some other trouble that would result in his never reaching to his destination (big picture optimist). At the same time, he plans for the plane to leave late and arrive late, for his luggage to be lost and for the food (when you get it) to be inedible (detail pessimist).
Using this approach in project (and travel) planning insures that you’ve anticipated the potential problems which Murphy’s Law usually provides and have solutions already in hand. The worst that can happen is that you never need your “Plan B”.

7. You can't (and shouldn't) do it all
Successful entrepreneurs know and understand that trying to do everything themselves is a prescription for overwhelm and burnout.
The truly successful create teams and delegate effectively. Having one (or several) good virtual assistants, a bookkeeper, a pre-paid legal plan, etc. takes the day-to-day minutiae off you so that you can focus on the big picture.

No matter where you are today, I encourage you to do one thing today that will move you forward in your goals. Remember Confucius (knew a lot, didn’t he?): “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Take that step today and feel the momentum carry you forward.


Online Business Manager & Entrepreneur, Sandra Martini, publishes the 'Effective Entrepreneur' weekly e-zine. She also coaches small business owners to more efficiently manage their businesses while increasing profits and having fun. Sandra's coaching programs are available via teleconferencing, emails and telephone calls. For more information or to sign-up for ‘Effective Entrepreneur’, visit http://www.online-biz-coach.com today. Email "sandy@online-biz-coach.com" for a free Time Assessment Tool to see how effectively you're spending your time.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandra_Martini

CHANGE IS GOOD.......HERE'S SOME HELP

3-Golden Rules of Innovation

By Pete Koerner

It isn't always easy to be different; yet, if you want to be innovative, you've got to break with trends, traditions, and even your own habits. There's no way around this; innovators are bringers of new things - not old things. New means change; change means different. You won't find those inspirations and motivations to do new things, however, by staying in your comfort zone. Innovators in business, industry, and technology all follow certain rules - their own rules - not the standard rules of thinking and acting that most of society uses. To break through to a new reality, try following these "golden rules" for creating change:

Be Creative. Do something new; do something different. You can use old things and ideas for inspiration; but avoid repeating old ideas. Instead, seek that which is new - no matter how scary it might be to be radically different.

Be Bold. Stand and face the world courageously; you are not really any safer sitting at home with your un-tried ideas dying a slow death. When you do something new and different, never apologize; always move forward learning and growing from each new experience. Don't be afraid of being different; be proud of being different - revel in your uniqueness and boldness.

Be Focused on Your Vision. Diligent thought, imagination, focus and concentration are the true tools of successful innovation. The Wright brothers did not solidify their vision of a powered airplane by casually chatting about the possibility for a few minutes each day; they were beset with a firm belief that they could fly - and they stayed focused on that vision until it came to fruition.

The stimulus of the outside world (television, news media, entertainment media, family drama, friends, schedules, conflicts, etc...) is always pulling at our focus and attention; and, combined with all of this environmental "noise," the repetitive programming and conditioning we are exposed to make it nearly impossible for anyone to have a truly original thought. Coupled with the unfortunate fact that many people's spirits are often "beat into submission" at a very young age with verbal, emotional, and physical abuse, creating something new - and stepping out of the box - can present quite a challenge. But you will find that the journey is worth it if only you stay the course, stay awake, and follow these simple rules for realizing your goals and dreams - and creating a positive change in the world.


If you're ready for change, and ready to break-through old barriers and overcome old limitations, try using EFT* to set yourself free of old limitations and unlock your creativity.
If you're ready for change, and ready to break-through old barriers and overcome old limitations, try using EFT* to set yourself free of old limitations and unlock your creativity.
*To download your FREE, Illustrated Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Manual, go to: http://www.ExploreExpandEvolve.com/free_download/ (It only takes about 10-seconds to get your Free EFT manual and start erasing fears and limiting beliefs!)Pete Koerner is the author of The Belief Formula: The Secret to Unlocking the Power of Prayer. The Belief Formula is a look at how you can use ancient wisdom and modern scientific awareness to learn how to use your mind to reclaim your health and create the life of your dreams.For a Free Report on Making The Belief Formula Work for You, visit: http://www.TheBeliefFormula.comArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pete_Koerner

CHANGE IS GOOD.....DON'T WORRY

What Me Worry-Not Anymore!

By Carol Giannantonio

Many of us work very hard to organize our lives and work to minimize surprises and problems. However, despite your most diligent efforts, things don't always turn out this way. Life is unpredictable. Life happens.

I have been the so called "worrying" type for many years and can relate to the pain and no gain of worry. However, by setting a goal around easing my worry, I am now able to control my worry situations and turn them into positive productive, happy moments in my life. As a result, I experience less stress, more happiness and success. Not a bad prize for taking a few simple yet committed action steps towards changing my worry times to wonderful times.

Worry sets in for most of us when our plans don't turn out as we expect and our life takes a few sharp turns or we are faced with a decision to make. Ultimately, worry is a form of fear and anxiety caused by lack of decision.

However, spending hours of worrying is unproductive. You begin to feel trapped, confused, frustrated. You loose your ability to focus on solutions. You find yourself caught in the drama of the situation- a situation that may not be as severe as you perceive it to be because your focus is blurred by your worrying. However, by shifting your perspective to gain clarity on your situation, you can begin to focus on realistic solutions. It is these solutions that will stop your worrying.

Here are four steps to get you started living a worry free and wonderful life.

One: Gain Clarity on the "current reality". Define the worry situation clearly in writing. Most of our problems can be solved by clearly defining them in writing. Remember, "Awareness and Acceptance is half the battle.

Two: Determine the worst possible outcome of the situation. What is the absolute worst that can happen?

Three: Resolve to accept the worst should it occur. The first step in dealing with any negative situation is to be willing to have it so. Once you resolve to accept the worst, your mind will become calm and clear and you'll be ready to take constructive action.

Four: The final step is to take immediate action. Begin doing everything you possibly can to improve upon the worst. The cure for worrying is to engage in meaningful action daily.
Involve yourself in positive actions that move you forward. These actions alone will get your mind excited about the new possibilities that lie ahead vs. worrying about what has passed or what may happen. You'll find you don't have time to worry since your too busy taking positive actions and enjoying the excitement.
As you take action, your confidence, courage and sense of control will return. Your fears and anxiety will disappear. Infect, you will feel happy and energized.

Try these three action steps and you'll be amazed how quickly your worries disappear.

1. Take out a piece of paper and make a list. Down one side of a page list all the situations causing you stress or worry at the moment.

2. On the other side of the page, write out the worst possible thing that could happen as a result. Review your list. Read it out loud. You'll be amazed to see much of your worry disappear with this simple exercise.

3. This is my favorite, when I catch myself worrying I stop, close my eyes and remember how good it feels when I am not worry.

Good Luck and Remember Enjoy the moment!


For over 10 years, Carol Giannantonio has helped individuals positively transform their lives and careers through her unique coaching and goals setting process. Carol's knowledge of and passion for coaching combined with her compassion and wisdom provide her clients with an enriching coaching experience. Her clients quickly see an improvement in their performance, experience positive changes in their overall quality of life and learn new and improved ways of thinking that allow them to reach their full potential. Carol is a Life Coach and Educator who specializes in helping people clarify what's really important to them and supports them in having a life they want and love. Her guiding principle is, "Go The Distance to Reach Your Dreams. Please visit her Web site http://www.carolgcoach.com and sign up for a free consultation, her newsletter, daily quotes and much more. Contact her at carolgcoach@aol.com for a truly unique coaching experience.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Giannantonio

CHANGE IS GOOD.......TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Keys to Feeling Powerful In An Uncertain World

By Lorraine Cohen

Life has always been full of uncertainties. Over the last several years with downsizing, bankruptcies, scandals, crime, the economic environment, and the threat of war, people are feeling power-less, fearful, and stressed about their present and future lives. I know people give their power away, often in ways they don’t realize.
#1 SECRET to Being "In Power"
No matter what life situation you are experiencing; your interpretation (perception/attitudes) towards that situation is the key to shifting from power-less to power-full. Do you see the experience as a problem, barrier, something too big for you to handle – a negative that evokes emotional distress? OR do you perceive the situation as a challenge, something that moves you forward, excites you, evokes creative problem solving? How you (1) view that situation and (2) view yourself in that situation can shift you dramatically from power-less to power-full in an instant!
Example: Consider any situation you perceive as having no control. Is that really true? Ask yourself….
In this situation, is there anything I do control?
In this situation, is there anything I can influence?
Now, consider that situation once more. Has your original perception of having no control changed in any way? If yes, how?
Strategies that Help You Stay Strong and Focused:
Ramp up extreme self-care. I use extreme because taking the best care of You is serious. Identify ways to replenish and strengthen yourself – mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When we feel replenished, we handle situations with strength, clarity and focus. Consider what fuels and energizes you?
Decrease/eliminate energy drains. What are you tolerating/putting up with that drains your energy? We put up with, accept, take on and are dragged down by people’s behavior, situations, unmet needs, crossed boundaries, in-completions, problems and even our own behavior (avoidance, silence, compliance) We can even normalize things because we have become conditioned to put up with it! You are putting up with more than you think, so what are you tolerating? Be specific. Here are some examples; needed repairs, clutter, unanswered correspondence, debt, a job, a relationship. What about the subtle energy zappers that drain you? What is this costing you? What are you willing to do to change? Want to direct your energy more productively, feel more revitalized and focused?
Create and enforce boundaries. Find your voice! Boundaries (limits) separate us from other people and situations; keeping us safe from threats, real or imagined. When we set boundaries (and reinforce them!), we create a "living space" for ourselves that tells us where we "end" and someone else "begins." By setting and maintaining your boundaries, you will educate people how you wish to be respected. The result? You become a great model for others and your relationships benefit by being with a happier YOU!
Monitor self-sabotage. What is self-sabotage? Self-sabotage is the combination of attitudes (beliefs, thoughts, feelings) and actions (behaviors) that create obstacles and roadblocks to our success, life fulfillment, etc. Self-defeating behaviors are the result of self-defeating attitudes. To be open to change is to be willing to accept yourself exactly as you are, Moving beyond self-sabotage requires having an open mind; letting go of self-judgments and criticisms. Forgive yourself for past choices and take the lessons/experiences learned to strengthen and empower you.
Surround yourself with people and things that life your Spirit. What brings you joy? We are influenced and impacted by the people in our lives especially within our inner circle. Allowing the special people in your life to love and support you is a gift and a blessing from which to draw strength, clarity, and courage.
Practice daily gratitude – Recognizing your daily blessings, big and small evokes peace and trust. Taking time to express sincere gratitude generates joy-full thoughts and feelings. Put your attention on the glass half full rather than the glass half empty.
Be a risk-taker. MOVE! Take action! Focus on the outcomes you can control or influence in your life.



Copyright 2003, Lorraine Cohen
Lorraine Cohen of Powerfull Living (http://www.powerfull-living.biz) is a Business Coach and Life Strategist and Team Member of Solo-E (http://www.Solo-E.com). Lorraine Cohen is a Business Coach & Life Strategist who brings more than 25 years of experience in life coaching, counseling, and sales. She helps people through career change, life transitions, and the process of breaking through FEAR and removing barriers to success.
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