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Make a Career Out of Being Happy

By Royale on May 3, 2012 in Happiness, Work

A friend sent this excerpt to me recently and it struck a chord, so perhaps it will with you as well.

“A very good career choice would be to gravitate toward those activities and to embrace those desires that harmonize with your core intentions, which are freedom and growth—and joy. Make a “career” of living a happy life rather than trying to find work that will produce enough income that you can do things with your money that will then make you happy. When feeling happy is of paramount importance to you—and what you do “for a living” makes you happy—you have found the best of all combinations.”

- Excerpted from the book “Money and the Law of Attraction: Learning to Attract Health, Wealth and Happiness”

Let me be very clear, I’m not saying quit your job if it doesn’t make you happy and go on some spiritual quest for happiness and hope that money flows to you.

What I am saying is that, I think there is validity in the premise that if we try to align our career choices with our intentions, values, passion and talents, that not only will we be happier, we are likely to be more successful as well.

Your turn

Have you found this to be true in your life? Care to share?

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Motivation + Perseverance + Meaning = Life Success, Part 2

By Royale on April 24, 2012 in Goals, Habits, Motivation, Personal Growth, Productivity, Work

Perseverance is the second steppingstone to a higher quality life. We covered motivation in last week’s post. If you miss that post, I suggest you read Part 1 first.

What is perseverance?

Perseverance, according to the dictionary is a “steady and continued action or belief, usually over a long period and especially despite difficulties or setbacks.”

Perseverance is what keeps us from giving up, when the going gets rough. It’s what helps us get up when we’ve been knocked down. It pushes us to knock on that door, when the last 100 have slammed in our faces. It even helps us keep our focus on the goal when the path seems exceedingly boring. Most of all, it enables us to strive for the goal, even when it doesn’t seem within our reach.

Most of the important things we hope to accomplish in life will require at least a small dose of perseverance. The really important things, a huge dose.

“The more we must persevere, the greater the accomplishment.”

Real-life examples of perseverance

Building a successful business or career
Ahieving a weight goal
Running a marathon
Completing your education
Having a long-lasting, satisfying marriage
Parenting through the teen years (enough said)

Perseverance can be learned

Perseverance is a trait, a behavior, a skill that can be learned like any other skill. It’s a muscle. It takes time and effort. But it does get easier with practice. We practice perseverance by being a completionist. By setting smaller goals as well as large ones. By pushing ourselves, a little further beyond the point to which we think we cannot pass. A little bit more each time

Perseverance strategies:

1. Follow through on promises, to others as well as yourself.

2. Set small goals that are just a bit beyond your comfort zone. Repeat.

3. Envision achieving success in your endeavor when your hard work will finally pay off.

4. Use affirmations or motivational strategies to get in the proper mindset.

5. Finish everything you start! (Barring major catastrophes)

6. Tie up loose ends. Everything you leave undone is a constant reminder of your failure to successfully complete a project.

7. Get an accountability partner that you can count on to push you.

8. Celebrate! You are building your perseverance muscle.

All of these strategies help to build confidence in your ability to persevere when faced with obstacles. Building your perseverance skill, it’s all about believing that you can do it. Once you have done it, you know you can do it again. And over and over and over…

We know you can do it. We have faith in you. Now you just have to convince yourself.

Your turn

Where do you most need or want to persevere in your life?

Choose at least one strategy and get to it. Care to share?

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4 Strategies to Overcome Any Obstacle

By Royale on March 19, 2012 in Goals, Habits, Health, Personal Growth

There are few among us, who don’t have dreams, desires, projects or goals that we haven’t been able to achieve. Or perhaps it’s a nasty habit we want to break. Often we haven’t even been able to take the first step.

I Want….

For some it’s career goals; start your own business, change or advance your career, or continue your education. For others, it may be a health goal: quit smoking, lose weight, or exercise more. So many seem to struggle with disorganization and clutter (if you have piles, you know who you are.) Financial goals can be especially difficult, as can habits of procrastination and lackluster productivity.

The good news is, we can be successful in any area. The bad news is, we do have to put in some work. Simply deciding what we want or making the decision to change a behavior is not enough.

We first need to understand, that it makes no difference what we’re trying to achieve, the process, preparation and strategy is the same. The most important step is the first; START. Just take that first step, it the most difficult. As with anything, it gets easier as you gain momentum.

Overcome Obstacles

1. Be aware of barriers – Examine past failures. It’s important to gain an understanding of what has stopped you from getting what you want or making positive changes in the past. Look back at personal failures (failure is not a dirty word, just an opportunity to learn,) as well as professional aspirations where you just couldn’t quite hit the mark.

What got in the way? Why did you stop trying?

If you want a different outcome this time, you have to eliminate the obstacles, the barriers to success.

2. Examine patterns of behavior – We are creatures of habit, easily slipping back into behaviors we have learned and practiced in the past. Unfortunately, many of these behaviors are not helpful. In fact, they may be the biggest reason we are unable to change.

Do you have a certain pattern of behavior that keeps popping up and getting in the way of your goal? Do you self-sabotage, or make excuses? Do you keep so much on your plate that there is no energy left for something new? Do you tend to give up or refuse to ask for help?

All of these are common disruptive behaviors that stand in the way of change. As the famous saying goes, we are our own worst enemy.

3. Watch out for triggers – What situations are most likely to cause a relapse? Do you slip into unhealthy habits around particular people? Are certain surroundings more difficult than others are?

If you want to quit smoking, don’t take breaks with other smokers.

Trying to lose weight; minimize eating out, especially buffets.

Is the mall a temptation to spend money? Stay away or leave credit cards at home.

4. Plan ahead – The secret is to determine what has prevented you from succeeding in the past and to plan for a different outcome. Develop a strategy to overcome obstacles before they happen. Put a strategy in place before a problem arises. That’s much more effective than trying to use willpower at the time.

If you struggle to exercise with regularity in the morning, put your clothes out the night before.

Always wanted to start a business, but just couldn’t get started? Find a mentor to walk you through, to help identify pitfalls and suggest strategies that work.

Has procrastination become a habit? Or spending too much time on Facebook? Set a timer.

Finally

Whatever your goal, get help, enlist support, find a partner, or ask someone who’s already been successful at what you want to do.

You can do it. Change is possible.

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Review: Life is a Choice

By Royale on March 16, 2012 in Books

Life is a Choice. I would certainly have to agree with that perspective. Dr. David Washington, in his new book, “Life is a Choice: A Guide to Success in Life,”, presents a concise compendium of best practices for success and life fulfillment. As a respected speaker and consultant, he shares the strategies that he has used with his clients.

A quick read, “Life is a Choice,” is a handy guide to the basics of life success. Presented in a simple, conversational style, this book offers straightforward, fundamental strategies to improve lives. Dr. Washington is earnest and heartfelt; his desire to encourage others is evident throughout the book.

While the information presented may be basic for some of the more advanced practitioners of life success, it would be a useful manual for young professionals, especially new college graduates. Those just opening their eyes to the possibilities of life or those struggling to get on the right path, would also enjoy “Life is a Choice.”

In fact, I may pass my copy along to my college age children. They could certainly use a primer on life success, since they don’t seem to want my advice…

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If Only it Were That Simple

By Royale on March 2, 2012 in Happiness, Work

If only…

Family Circus cartoon 2012

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Want to Know the Secret to Achieving Goals?

By Royale on February 27, 2012 in Goals, Health, Inspiration, Motivation, Personal Growth, Stress, Work

The secret to achieving goals in life, whatever they may be lies in the attitude and level of commitment with which we approach them. We are capable of so much more if only we believe it is possible.

Whenever we approach our desired goals with a committed, unswerving attitude, no obstacle is too large and no setback too severe to overcome. Attitude and perception can be a shaping influence in how successful our individual pursuits of achievement will be because it is our mind-set that allows us to triumph over adversity.

We are more likely to pursue our dreams persistently when we trust that success will be the ultimate and foreseeable result of our efforts. Unanticipated difficulties will not deter us, prepared as we are by the expectation that our paths will be littered with the unexpected. Confident in our ability, we move forward, assured of the attainability of our goals. Our unwavering determination will enable us to achieve our goals with less stress and a more positive attitude.

What goals are you wholly committed to?

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How 1 Simple Strategy Can Change Your Life

By Royale on February 6, 2012 in Books, Goals, Health, Personal Growth, To-Do

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Trying to reach a goal, get organized, be successful, improve relationships or get healthy, but feeling frustrated? Our goals, projects, can appear so daunting, so unreachable. The end result seems so far away; we’re never going to get there.

This simple strategy can help anyone.

Go for the quick result, the small victory.

What does that mean exactly? A quick result is a doable action that gives you tangible results quickly. Picture a mini-goal, a small portion of a larger undertaking. It can be anything as long as it moves you toward your goals.

Some examples:

Your house is a mess – straighten and purge one closet, clean one small area or wash the windows so you can see a visible result.

Trying to get more organized – make a master list of everything you need to do, eliminate one or two piles, clear off your desk or the kitchen counter, go through old mail or clear out your email inbox.

Want to be more successful – contact one person who can help you with your project, complete one small portion, spruce up your resume, set up a LinkedIn profile.

Longing to write a book, but can’t get started – Forget about the finished manuscript; write one chapter or just create an outline.

Trying to get healthier or more fit – Don’t go on a severe diet or try to run a race out of the starting gate; plan your meals for the week so you can avoid take-out, sign up for an exercise class that interests you (and actually go,) concentrate on losing 5 pounds, or being able to run 2 miles, whatever is doable for you and that you can achieve in a short period of time.

Remember the saying. life is a marathon, not a sprint. That is also true of achieving goals and making significant changes in your life.

To give you a real life example that we can all understand; my mother struggled with her weight her entire life, fad diets, exercise attempts to no avail. One day she had a revelation; this life change could not be achieved overnight. Small steps were the answer. First step, join Weight Watchers and establish accountability. Second step, eat more vegetables, lose 5 pounds, again and again and again. Third step, walk around the block every day. This was a small victory for a 60+ woman who had never been physically active. Then walk a mile, then two, then three.

The process, small victory after small victory after small victory. 18 months later, a large victory, over 100 pounds lost, the elimination of nearly all medications, a new wardrobe and a clean bill of health.

Another example, a young woman longing to write a book. A wife, a mother, a career, too busy, no time. She decides to write an hour at a time while her children are at swimming lessons. One chapter at a time, week after week after week, small victories. The end result, The unbelievably successful Twilight Series. A string of bestselling books and movies that have grossed more than 2 billion dollars.

One small victory at a time… Imagine what you can do.

What project are you struggling to finish? What goal seems unreachable?

What small victory could you manage?

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7 Types Of Effective Communication And Why You Need To Know Them

By Royale on February 1, 2012 in Personal Growth, Relationships, Work

It’s not enough to know whom you are talking to, communicate, influence, and in the case of our children perhaps teach. If you want to be effective in your communication, you need to understand the best way to reach them. This has been proven time and time again.

This is the key to success, better relationships, and higher productivity at work. In fact, this strategy has been shown to lower stress by minimizing conflict and encourage camaraderie and teamwork, whether personal or professional.

Roosevelt and Churchill in conversation (Zorba the Geek) / CC BY-SA 2.0

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a customer, client, child, spouse, co-worker, or members of a board or committee. You must connect in the manner that resonates with them. It sounds difficult, but it really isn’t once you start practicing it.

Types of communication:

Informing – Some people just want the facts laid out for them. They pay attention to facts and figures, studies and other concrete data.

Analyzing – These people don’t want specific facts, but rather a summary. You need to offer an analysis and boil down the information or request in a meaningful matter.

Persuasive – This type of person wants to know what’s in it for them. Why should they agree to act in a certain way or perform a specific action? They must be convinced. Present your argument.

Mediating – Compromise, compromise. With these people, you have to be willing to give a little. They need to feel heard and respected. Find the common ground and find the solution that satisfies you both.

Emotional – This kind of communication is all about feelings. Knowing what is important and what touches these people is the key. Appeal to their emotions and connect on a compassionate and understanding level.

Entertaining – Wit, humor and levity influences these people. Serious facts are useless, be interesting and lighthearted when possible.

Inspiring – Offer motivation, inspiration, and big picture results. These people need to feel as though they are making a difference, some kind of impact.

The way to practice communication that is more effective requires that you improve your observation and listening skills. Pay attention to the people around you and be more interested in general. We could all use a little more of that.

What type of communicator are you? It helps to understand that too.

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13 Warning Signs That You May Be Burned Out

By Royale on January 30, 2012 in Health, Life Balance, Stress

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Burned out, stressed out people have become so commonplace that we hardly pay attention to the signs anymore. But that is a serious mistake. Burn out has a tremendous impact on both your physical health and mental well-being.

The first step is learning to recognize the signs. We often dismiss them. We are just dedicated to our jobs or honoring our commitments, or even being a good parent, child, or friend. That is merely a lie we tell ourselves so that we can keep doing what we have been doing.

Stop doing that to yourself. Be aware of the signs and take heed.

Some common warning signs, though there are many others:

You don’t take a lunch away from your desk
Either the quantity or quality of your sleep has deteriorated.
You frequently forget where you put things, or what you are supposed to be doing.
You are distracted when involved in a conversation.
You can’t remember the last time you took time for yourself.
You are exhausted all the time or have no energy.
You have become irritable and impatient much of the time.
You experience frequent headaches or stomach upset with no discernible reason.
You work long hours and don’t take time off.
Alternatively, you call in sick or come in late frequently.
You have lost motivation and interest in your job, hobbies or family.
You are always on, afraid to shut off your electronic shackles.
You feel like you are juggling and most of the plates are crashing.

When you see the signs, pay attention. Take a step back and realize that you must make some kind of change. Sometimes it is a small change and sometimes it can be a complete overhaul. If you do not do something, your body will eventually force the issue.

Have you experienced burnout? Have you taken any steps to change your stress levels? Any signs I missed?

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Got a great idea? How to Do Something About it!

By Royale on January 16, 2012 in Goals, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Work

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We all know someone – probably more than one someone – who has said, “I had that idea!” “If only I had pursued it, I’d be rich.” Well, actually that’s not necessarily true. Having an idea or concept is no guarantee of success. So many other factors come into play, but the reality is thinking, dreaming, and planning means nothing without action.

Many people have great ideas, few actually act on them. And believe me, if you don’t somebody else will. It’s what you do with your creative notions that matters, not what you think. Whether it is an innovative design, a brilliant invention, a fabulous book idea or a unique business concept doesn’t matter. The world needs pioneers who have ground-breaking ideas.

So, you have a dream, an idea, a splendid thought for a new and improved or never before done…something. Do something with it. Just start moving forward. If you don’t know how…ask, research, find out. There are many resources available. Get a mentor; pick the brain of someone who has done something similar.

Tell someone

Get support

Brainstorm possibilities

Flesh out your idea

Determine what need it fills

Decide what end result you want

Make sure you have the proper motivation or desire

Make a plan of action

Now, do something!

Just start in some small way to take steps to move your idea forward. Otherwise, in a few years you will be that sad, pathetic person who says, “if only…”

Is there something you’ve thought of but never pursued? Care to share?