While practicing self-discipline isn’t easy, there are many benefits to mastering this art of personal control:

* Self-discipline can help you achieve your goals and realize your dreams. Many times, achieving the goals you set for yourself requires you to sacrifice time, money and energy you might prefer to spend on other things. Are you willing to have this dedication?

* Self-discipline helps you get more done. By cutting out time wasters in your day, you can accomplish more every day and reach your goal sooner. Without the self-discipline to stick to a task, you can be easily distracted by less important details. Are you willing to remove these distractions?

* Self-discipline helps you have greater focus. By shutting out the things that take you away from your work, you can focus on what is most important. You can’t say yes to everything and everyone; you must be able to focus on one thing at a time and do it well.

In “The Science of Self-Discipline” Kerry Johnson teaches proven-effective techniques that empowers you to exercise self-discipline Automatically.

Focus is nearly impossible to achieve without self-discipline, and goals are nearly impossible to achieve without focus. Are you willing to focus intensely on your goals?

The keys to self-discipline are simple. If you make a commitment to someone, keep it. If you make a commitment to yourself, guard it with your life!

* If you break a commitment to yourself, remember that you are human. You need to prioritize your commitments to yourself in the same way you prioritize other people’s needs.

Part of self-discipline is self-respect. In order to live the life you truly desire, you need to care for yourself properly.

Respect every part of yourself:

1. Respect your body. Pay attention to the signals your body sends you. We’re masterfully created, and your body will tell you when something is out of balance. Listen to the signals and treat yourself with VIP handling to be the strongest and most productive you can be!

* Consider adding exercise or yoga to your daily routine to help you achieve balance in your body and mind.

2. Nurture your mind by filling it with positive, engaging information.

* Read books for the sheer joy of learning.
* Engage in meaningful discussions with people of all backgrounds and philosophies.
* Avoid negative people and conversations.
* Listen to joyful, uplifting music instead of letting the television flood your mind with commercialism and negativity.

3. Respect the spiritual part of yourself. It’s important to feel connected to something larger than you are. Connect with your Creator by meditating, praying or spending time in nature.

* Attend worship services at a local church, if that’s part of your belief system.
* Allow the spiritual side of yourself to become stronger and more important to you.
* Base decisions on the greater good rather than simply what feels good at the time.

4. Respect your physical health. Taking good care of your health requires self-discipline. Your body will help you accomplish amazing things if you treat it properly!

* Eat a healthy diet.
* Get plenty of rest and exercise.
* Strive to maintain a healthy weight.
* Refuse to smoke.
* Avoid over indulging in caffeine or alcohol.

5. Respect your time. This includes your work time, family time, playtime and personal time. Make space in your life for every area. Schedule family time and alone time just as you do work time and other obligations.

* By adding everything to your written agenda, you create a priority within yourself and self-discipline helps you stick to your priorities.

If you want to live your life to the fullest and achieve your goals, self-discipline is a must. Learning how to control your impulses and make strong decisions is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Self-discipline can bring you the life you always wanted.

When you live a life without inspiration, it can be a life without any real joy or passion.  In those moments where you need a little pick me up or a reminder of the many great things you have in your life, you can turn to the power of inspirational words. You need to have a collection of inspirational sayings in your toolkit that resonate with you so you can get more done and still feel great!

The Top 10 Ten Inspirational Sayings You Can Use Everywhere!

There are a lot of great motivational sayings out there that we can turn to when we are feeling down, but we should be using them all the time, rain or shine!  Strive to incorporate inspirational sayings into your every day life, using them to inspire you to reach higher and push harder so you can achieve all of the things you have set out to do and more.

Some wonderful inspirational sayings include:

1.    There is a beautiful light at the end of my tunnel.
2.    I take small steps in life and value my time.
3.    In order to share happiness with others, I must also be happy.
4.    As I let go of dissatisfaction, I feel happiness in my life.
5.    My life is full of purpose, exciting change, and many recognized deeds.
6.    No matter the challenge, I will see it through.
7.    I am becoming more focused and confident every day.
8.    I welcome positive energy and I use that feeling to accomplish more.
9.    My life is already full of success.
10.    I keep only two mental snapshots of myself: where I am and where I want to be in life.

And a BONUS my favorite Inspirational Saying …. Compliments of Wayne Dyer ….

“I Want to Feel Good.” By continually telling yourself you want to feel good, things will begin to happen to make you feel good. Remember you can not be sad enough to make another person happy, healthy or wealthy.

These are all very simple inspirational sayings that work to affirm positive thoughts and attitudes in your mind.  Affirmations are simply positive statements that remind you of your goals and positive uniqueness so you can boost your self-confidence.

Accomplish More with the Power of Inspirational Thinking

Inspirational sayings and affirmations can help us move forward in life and accomplish greater things than we could have ever imagined.  After all, we can’t deny the power of a can-do attitude.  If more of us incorporate inspiration into our lives, we would all be happier and more successful people.  When you incorporate positive sayings into your life, you’ll find that you’ll respond on a subconscious level and you’ll no longer need to look very far for inspiration!

If you’re down or lacking confidence, you can use inspirational sayings to find the courage to move forward and force out any negative thoughts that may be cycling through your mind.  When you say these statements with gusto, you are re-affirming positive thoughts in your mind, making them a part of who you are.  Remember to use these sayings at any and every occasion to give you the inspiration you need to get through any challenge, both big and small.

Specific – Measurable – Attainable – Realistic – Time Bound

Specific
Specific tells exactly what you want to achieve by answering the why, how, when and where of your goal.  The clearer your goal, the better odds you have of achieving it. It should be so clear that a child would be able to tell you when you have achieved it. Remember Clarity equals Success!!!

Measurable
You should be able to track and measure your progress along the way. Each measured success builds momentum and motivation as it lets you know you are moving in the right direction.

Attainable
If it is, possible that one person can achieve this goal then YOU CAN too! Be confident that you can and will achieve your goal. The only goal that is never reached is the one that you give up on.  (A goal that would be unattainable would be something in the area of “I want to end hunger in the world” or “I will create world peace”.)

Realistic
Your subconscious needs to believe that it is realistic and possible for you to achieve it. Continue to build your confidence in achieving your goal by reading your goal daily, affirmations, visualization and writing down what achieving your goal will look and feel like

Time Bound
Your goal needs a deadline. They help you to track your progress and keep you focused. Deadlines are not set in stone. Do your very best to achieve your goal on time, but be flexible enough to extend the deadline if you need to.
Download your free SMART Goals Workseet

Example of a SMART Goal:

If your goal is to be healthier, your goal might look something like this:

Specific – I wear size 10 clothing, Exercise an hour a day for 6 days a week, and eat at least 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

Measurable – In the above statement you can measure where you are now in relation to wearing a size 10, exercising an hour a day and eating 9 servings of fruits and vegetables. Where are you now? Begin achieving your goal with smaller measureable actionable baby steps that you can easily attain such as eating one fruit daily.

Attainable – Being healthier is an achievable goal, regardless of your age, sex and current weight

Realistic – Being healthier is realistic for almost every person alive.

Time Bound – How long will it take you to achieve the goal? What baby steps can you take to achieve the greater goal? Set a deadline.

Create Your Goal Statement:

“By December 31st I am healthier than I have been. I feel more energetic and alive.  I am comfortable in size 10 clothing. I enjoy exercising an hour each day and alternate cardio and strength training. I eat a minimum of 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day and enjoy trying new recipes”
Download your free SMART Goals Workseet

Others wait for something “big” to happen so they will suddenly have the motivation they need to complete a task or push through a tough time. When this doesn’t happen, they lose their focus and fall off the task quickly. Instead of waiting for something to come to you, why not create your own motivation? You can… and it’s easier than you think!

Finding the Little Things to Motivate You

The first thing you need is an environment that is conducive to healthy motivation. What does this mean?

Well, it means that you need a clutter-free workspace, a comfortable chair at your desk, and a computer monitor at a comfortable height. Ergonomics is very important when designing the area where you will be working. These little things can zap you of your motivation in a real hurry. After all, how can you be motivated if you have a sore neck and back all the time? You’ll be too busy worrying about carpal tunnel or back spasms than anything else!

Ask yourself honestly: “How much would my attitude change if I worked in a place that I actually liked to spend time in?”

The moment you work in an environment that is congruent with your needs, you’ll nearly instantly find the motivation to get started and follow through.

Identifying Your Motivational Factors

Everyone has different motivational factors so what works for your colleagues may not work for you. Instead, determine the unique things that excite and motivate you. Perhaps you can reward yourself with your favorite snack or a bubble bath after completing an important task, or maybe you can have a friendly competition with your colleagues. Whatever it is, give yourself something to work towards!

You’ll find more motivation by sprinkling mini-rewards throughout your day for each little task you check off your to-do list. When you keep your motivational factors simple, you’ll keep the pressure off and get more done in less time.

How to Find Motivation on the Computer

Even your computer can be a source of motivational energy. Motivational desktop wallpaper can help you stay focused while you work. These desktop wallpapers are free downloads that give you motivation at your fingertips. When you think about how often you see your desktop, it makes sense to put some inspiring thoughts and images there. When you are ready to throw in the towel, just take a quick look at your desktop and just might find the inspiration you need to persevere through!

There are plenty of motivational images and quotes, so there’s no shortage of motivation right on your desktop. You can refresh your desktop wallpaper every day, week, or month as you see fit.

Using the power of motivating imagery is free and requires little time. This method is a prime example of finding motivation in the little things. So go get started!

Do you go about your daily life just getting by from one day to the next, all the while saving your dream goals for “someday?”

Wouldn’t you love to turn that “someday” into today?

Your personal goals can become reality, and sooner than you think, too!

By believing in yourself and taking decisive action, even if it’s one small step at a time, you can wake up one day soon and find that you’re living the life of your dreams.

What’s your biggest reason for putting off your goals until a later date?

Is it because your goals are unattainable or require a tremendous change from the life you’re living now?

The good news is, even with such large goals, you can get yourself on the right track by consistently allocating a little free time toward these goals.

Here Are Eight Tips for Bringing Your Personal Goals to Reality:

1. Clarify your goals. Instead of thinking of your goals as vague ideas, determine exactly what you want. If you want money, how much do you want? If you want to lose weight, how much? Specify your goal in a measurable format.

2. Make a solid plan. The planning phase is very important. This is where you figure out how you’re going to get what you want. It’s as simple as choosing a path toward your goal and writing down each step you’ll need to take to achieve it.

3. Hold yourself to deadlines. Give yourself a reasonable amount of time to achieve each step and hold yourself accountable. When the going gets tough, just picture that big payoff you’ll enjoy when you get past your hurdles and achieve your goal.

4. Be prepared to deal with setbacks. Expect the unexpected. Sometimes, things go awry. When facing a setback, learn what you can from the situation and then fight your way back into the game. Most importantly, continue to believe in yourself. Each challenge you overcome makes you stronger.

5. Explore your options. Sometimes when your circumstances in life change, your priorities also change, and that’s okay! Never be afraid of reevaluating your situation and your goals. If you decide to take a different path in life, it’s your decision. Make new goals, and corresponding plans, for your new journey.

6. Be serious about your goals. When you feel that your goals are a priority, it’ll be easier for you to avoid procrastination. Taking your wants and needs seriously could make all the difference between reaching your goals or not.

7. Break your goal into smaller pieces. This tip is especially important when you’re pursuing a large goal. For example, if your goal is to go after a career that involves a great deal of specialized training, then make each type of training a goal in itself. Celebrate as you complete each step because you’re now one step closer to your dream!

8. Get the help you need. There are many people willing to help you reach your goals in life. Whether it’s someone to lean on to give you an extra confidence push, or someone to outsource work to, it’ll show you that you can count on others for help. With help, you can accomplish more.

It all comes down to your attitude. Once you’ve got your goals organized, if you have a positive mindset about achieving them, you’ll also have the drive necessary to keep working until you reach success. Take these strategies to heart, and live the life you desire – and deserve!

It is a little long – but it goes by quickly. It holds my attention everytime I see it. It has humor, love and shows you just how we affect the people around us. ENJOY

I love this video because it truly shows how we can affect other peoples lifes.

One thing that my family has done since seeing this video is taking time out of every day, to compliment each other. As humans we so often compliment co-workers and strangers but rarely our family – why is that?

I hope you enjoy the video and get as much out of it as I did and remember ….

YOU ARE GREAT!!!!!!

“What is Motivation?”

Simply put motivation is the motive – or the reason that a person chooses to act in a particular manner (or to simply do nothing.) A motive is based on our emotions and beliefs.

“Motive is the word originally used in speaking of that which determines the choice” according to the Online Etymology dictionary.

Motivation is the strong emotions we feel – such as a burning desire to have or to do something. It’s these strong emotions that keep us going until we achieve the desired result.

Often times people think that to be motivated there needs to be a prize or a reward to be received once the action is completed. This isn’t necessarily true…

There are two types of motivation:

Intrinsic Motivation
The motivation comes from deep within your soul. It’s something you want to do out of your own free will. It’s that inner drive within you that causes you to get up in the morning, to learn a new skill, to plan your dream vacation etc.

Since intrinsic motivation comes from within, you’ll do things just for the sheer joy of it. The only reward you want or expect is the feeling of self-accomplishment. This is what motivates you to keep on going after you fail. In matter of fact, you don’t see a failing as being a failure; you see it as an opportunity for growth. You are able to learn from it and develop a new strategy to achieve your goals.

Extrinsic Motivation
The motivation comes from an outside source or person. The only reason you’re doing something is to receive a reward.

Since extrinsic motivation comes from an outside source you’re not acting in your own free will. Basically your behavior is being manipulated by the incentive of a reward or the fear of punishment.

People who are led by extrinsic motivation see a setback or failure as a negative reflection on themselves. They don’t believe they have any control of their life and constantly look to the outside for rewards and motivation.

Please note that I’m not saying you shouldn’t reward yourself for a job well done. Rewarding yourself can be a motivator – as long as your motivation comes from within and you are creating your own rewards.

According to brain researchers we are born with a tendency towards intrinsic motivation. That’s why a toddler shows no fear when he is exploring every new thing that he sees. He is motivated by exploring the wonders of his world.

However adults begin teaching extrinsic motivation to children at a very young age.

“If you’re good you can have a piece of candy.”
“Clean your room and then you can go outside and play.”
“Be quiet or you will get a whipping.”

You can see from these statements that a child quickly learns that his behavior has rewards and/or punishments. It is true that a child needs to learn his behavior has consequences, but they also need to learn that they can do or achieve anything they desire.

The problem is many people in todays society have been raised by caregivers who believed they had no control over their lives. Therefore the only way they knew how to motivate (or control) is through the use of extrinsic motivation.

Sadly, overtime intrinsic motivation is squashed in the person that grew up with the constant use of extrinsic motivators. If this describes you, don’t lose hope. With time and practice, you can rediscover your intrinsic motivators and take control of your life.

It’s interesting to note that some studies suggest that if you have both an intrinsic and extrinsic motive for a certain behavior, that people discount the intrinsic reason. If the extrinsic motive is removed, people will lose motivation to continue the behavior.

For success you need to begin looking for your own intrinsic motivators. This is why successful people from all walks of life are more confident and self-assured. Their motivation comes from within. They don’t have to look to the outside to be rewarded for a job well done.