A small trickle of water can wear away at a rock until there is a huge crevice becoming deeper by the day. It is for this reason that you should always do what you feel is right. Following your dreams and doing what you believe is right will be difficult in the beginning and will become easier the more you stay true. No matter what your goals or dreams are in life, it is always possible to move towards reaching them. It may seem completely out of reach, but by making conscious decision each and every day to move you in the right direction you bring those goals closer to your grasp with each decision and action you accomplish.
A few ways to keep your head on straight when heading towards your goals are:
- Pick one important action regarding your goal that you will accomplish today. No matter how big or small this action is, as long as it moves you towards your goal it is a good choice. This way you will know that each day when the moon is at its peak that you have done something to stay true to your goals and beliefs that day.
- Reassess your priorities regularly. By this I don't just mean write a list of things that are important to you, I want you to go a step further. Write out or think out why these things are important to you. If you have productivity as a priority, why is it important to you to become more productive? Is it simply because you might be able to make more money or look better to your supervisors, or is it deeper than that? Consider all the aspects, and be sure to follow your heart.
- Find a buddy. Another person who has a similar goal to you, who is working towards the same thing as you, or possibly someone who has attained what it is that you are reaching for. Stay honest with this person and hold them to the same standard. By having someone who is on the same path as you, or who has walked that path previously, you open the lines of communication. You make it easier to follow the path because you won't be walking it alone.
Your dreams can be as big as you can imagine them, and you can still attain them. It takes some work, some patience, and the knowledge that this dream will move you one step closer to self-satisfaction. Every single action you accomplish is an action towards personal success. Only you can measure your personal success, so take the leap and start working towards that dream.
Go one step backwards in that if you aren't ready to take and make big actions. Using just your words and thought, start thinking as if you were following your dream. If your dream is to be a doctor, start learning everything you can about health and related topics. Become an expert, and be able to talk freely and openly about the knowledge you have. If your dream is to become a construction worker, start thinking like one and getting little bits of experience in it by doing your own home repairs and offering to help those you know with their minor repairs.
By thinking positively as though you are following your dream, you are mentally setting yourself up for success. Positive thinking is one important part of being able to feel confident in making life changes, no matter how minor or drastic. Keep the level of optimism above the average no matter who you talk to, they will catch your positivity and carry it with them as well.
Love what you do, and do what you love. At least part of your time in each day should be spent doing something that has real value to you. Find what that is, and follow it. You will never regret it.
Every dream has a reality, have you started making yours?
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Productivity and you
What does being productive mean to you? We have come to notice that each person has their own meaning and interpretation of the world, so what does it mean to be productive?
Here is what Dictionary.com has to say:
Pro·duc·tive prəˈdʌktɪv Spelled [pruh-duhk-tiv]
–adjective
1. having the power of producing; generative; creative: a productive effort.
2. producing readily or abundantly; fertile: a productive vineyard.
3. causing; bringing about (usually fol. by of ): conditions productive of crime and sin.
4. Economics . producing or tending to produce goods and services having exchange value.
5. Grammar . (of derivational affixes or patterns) readily used in forming new words, as the suffix -ness.
6. (in language learning) of or pertaining to the language skills of speaking and writing (opposed to receptive).
Now what does that mean? Of course, my interpretation will be different, but I’m going to attempt to go at it from more than one angle.
Productive could mean having a high level of output. Churning out a lot of stuff, be it e-mails, notices, articles, blog posts, etc. Just a lot of whatever it is that you’re doing. So if you are a writer, you will write a whole crapload of short articles that touch on a single subject briefly. Or if you’re a veterinarian, you’ll try to process as many sick (or healthy, if it’s a check-up) animals as you can in your working hours.
Productive could also mean getting things done properly the first time. Doing your best to provide the best possible output you can in an appropriate amount of time. So an example of this would be if you are writing up a report for work, putting enough effort in so that it isn’t sent back multiple times for editing. Or if you are a chef at a restaurant, putting the effort in to ensure that each order is cooked as requested to avoid dishes being sent back.
But to me, personally of course, productivity means spending the majority of your time doing things that are important to you. Doing tons of busy work to fill time just seems like a way to kill time. Why do that, when I can spend my time doing things of real importance?
Making sure that any important things are taken care of is certainly important, but do you have to do it all? The short answer is probably no. There is always someone who is willing, and probably able, to do the busy work for you. So hand off the simple things, and focus on what’s really important.
There is a common saying that I see pop up just about every productivity website that I visit, the Pareto Principle, which says basically that 80% of your income/output/rewards come from 20% (the top 20%) of your input/efforts. So if you focus more of your time on the top 20% of your input, you will see greater results. This can apply to just about everything in life.
The simple matter is: the more time you spend on things that are important, the better results you will yield from them. Therefore, the more time you spend writing productive and informative posts and articles, the better the results you will receive from them. Alternatively, the more time and effort you put into your relationship (either with your friends, spouse, coworkers, or child) the better results you will see and be able to benefit from in that relationship.
Spending your time productively, in this scenario, would relate directly to the quality of work and time spent as opposed to the quantity. When you go about your daily life, consider the impact that your work and efforts in even the smallest things will have on those around you. Consider that even the smallest thing you do will have an impact, then strive to create the biggest positive impact you can.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Also, I am featured over at Green ABC's today for a guest post on eating locally! Check it out!
Here is what Dictionary.com has to say:
Pro·duc·tive prəˈdʌktɪv Spelled [pruh-duhk-tiv]
–adjective
1. having the power of producing; generative; creative: a productive effort.
2. producing readily or abundantly; fertile: a productive vineyard.
3. causing; bringing about (usually fol. by of ): conditions productive of crime and sin.
4. Economics . producing or tending to produce goods and services having exchange value.
5. Grammar . (of derivational affixes or patterns) readily used in forming new words, as the suffix -ness.
6. (in language learning) of or pertaining to the language skills of speaking and writing (opposed to receptive).
Now what does that mean? Of course, my interpretation will be different, but I’m going to attempt to go at it from more than one angle.
Productive could mean having a high level of output. Churning out a lot of stuff, be it e-mails, notices, articles, blog posts, etc. Just a lot of whatever it is that you’re doing. So if you are a writer, you will write a whole crapload of short articles that touch on a single subject briefly. Or if you’re a veterinarian, you’ll try to process as many sick (or healthy, if it’s a check-up) animals as you can in your working hours.
Productive could also mean getting things done properly the first time. Doing your best to provide the best possible output you can in an appropriate amount of time. So an example of this would be if you are writing up a report for work, putting enough effort in so that it isn’t sent back multiple times for editing. Or if you are a chef at a restaurant, putting the effort in to ensure that each order is cooked as requested to avoid dishes being sent back.
But to me, personally of course, productivity means spending the majority of your time doing things that are important to you. Doing tons of busy work to fill time just seems like a way to kill time. Why do that, when I can spend my time doing things of real importance?
Making sure that any important things are taken care of is certainly important, but do you have to do it all? The short answer is probably no. There is always someone who is willing, and probably able, to do the busy work for you. So hand off the simple things, and focus on what’s really important.
There is a common saying that I see pop up just about every productivity website that I visit, the Pareto Principle, which says basically that 80% of your income/output/rewards come from 20% (the top 20%) of your input/efforts. So if you focus more of your time on the top 20% of your input, you will see greater results. This can apply to just about everything in life.
The simple matter is: the more time you spend on things that are important, the better results you will yield from them. Therefore, the more time you spend writing productive and informative posts and articles, the better the results you will receive from them. Alternatively, the more time and effort you put into your relationship (either with your friends, spouse, coworkers, or child) the better results you will see and be able to benefit from in that relationship.
Spending your time productively, in this scenario, would relate directly to the quality of work and time spent as opposed to the quantity. When you go about your daily life, consider the impact that your work and efforts in even the smallest things will have on those around you. Consider that even the smallest thing you do will have an impact, then strive to create the biggest positive impact you can.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Also, I am featured over at Green ABC's today for a guest post on eating locally! Check it out!
Getting organized your way
Ever feel that you are responsible for more things than you have time for? Or that no matter how often you try, you can never find what you're looking for in a normal amount of time? These things are but a few symptoms of a problem that is more widespread that can even be imagined.
Being disorganized is a very common problem, and it is very hard to find a method or system that can organize you. This is because no matter how many experts help you, or how many different methods or organization you try, the fact is that each and every person needs something different to organize their lives.
Personally, I have tried many different methods, and I'm still working on finding the exact solution that works for me. But in continuing to search for and find things that put me closer to being organized, I have come to collect little bits and pieces of various methods. I don't fit into an organizational cookie cutter, and neither will you.
Instead, try different things and keep in mind that just because the whole system may not work for you, a portion of it probably will. Conglomerate a variety of tricks from a range of organizational systems and you will find a perfectly unique system that works perfectly for your life. Don't try to force yourself to fit into a process that does not match your life.
Although I cannot offer a fix-all system for organizing your life, I can provide a few tips on how to start your search for your one perfect mix of systems.
First off, determine why you want to be organized. Is it to find things more easily? Is it to keep track of your goals? Whatever your reason, it is important. You do not need to share your reason with anyone, it's purely for yourself. This is the one thing that will help keep you motivated to keep going, regardless of how many setbacks you may experience.
Secondly, figure out if you are a list-based person or a full-sentence based person. Creating lists seems like a great way to organize yourself, until you want to put in a whole paragraph to explain what needs to be done. There is nothing wrong with wanting to write out specifics, don't beat yourself up over it if you do. Are you perhaps somewhere in between? Try not to confine yourself to the realm of to-do lists. Branch out and decide on how you want to set yourself up for success.
Finally, remember that your idea of organization will be different from others around you. One person may find organization in labeled files and coloured boxes. Another may find piles of relevant and related material all put together is organized. The possibilities are endless. Open your mind and allow your thoughts to lead the way, because they will show you the way to how to sort out and organize your life, your thoughts, and your dreams. Then take the steps to make it happen.
Being disorganized is a very common problem, and it is very hard to find a method or system that can organize you. This is because no matter how many experts help you, or how many different methods or organization you try, the fact is that each and every person needs something different to organize their lives.
Personally, I have tried many different methods, and I'm still working on finding the exact solution that works for me. But in continuing to search for and find things that put me closer to being organized, I have come to collect little bits and pieces of various methods. I don't fit into an organizational cookie cutter, and neither will you.
Instead, try different things and keep in mind that just because the whole system may not work for you, a portion of it probably will. Conglomerate a variety of tricks from a range of organizational systems and you will find a perfectly unique system that works perfectly for your life. Don't try to force yourself to fit into a process that does not match your life.
Although I cannot offer a fix-all system for organizing your life, I can provide a few tips on how to start your search for your one perfect mix of systems.
First off, determine why you want to be organized. Is it to find things more easily? Is it to keep track of your goals? Whatever your reason, it is important. You do not need to share your reason with anyone, it's purely for yourself. This is the one thing that will help keep you motivated to keep going, regardless of how many setbacks you may experience.
Secondly, figure out if you are a list-based person or a full-sentence based person. Creating lists seems like a great way to organize yourself, until you want to put in a whole paragraph to explain what needs to be done. There is nothing wrong with wanting to write out specifics, don't beat yourself up over it if you do. Are you perhaps somewhere in between? Try not to confine yourself to the realm of to-do lists. Branch out and decide on how you want to set yourself up for success.
Finally, remember that your idea of organization will be different from others around you. One person may find organization in labeled files and coloured boxes. Another may find piles of relevant and related material all put together is organized. The possibilities are endless. Open your mind and allow your thoughts to lead the way, because they will show you the way to how to sort out and organize your life, your thoughts, and your dreams. Then take the steps to make it happen.
Resolution Update
Despite falling behind on my word goal for last week (1873 it total for the whole week) I am far ahead for this week! As of Wednesday afternoon, my total for the week is over 8000, averaging just about two thousand words per day. This has been facilitated by having new platforms to write on.
I have started writing articles for ezinearticles.com but I'm still waiting for any of the articles I've written for them to become live. For beginner members, articles take from 7-14 days to be posted live, but they are reviewed by a real person to ensure proper subject matter as well as proper formating. It's a free service that is primarily for sharing information and expanding on your ability to link and backlink. They have fairly strict rules that writers have to adhere to, which helps weed out those who aren't serious about sharing information. So far, this is a very positive platform for me, despite that it will not make me any direct money.
I made two lenses (so far) on squidoo.com and plan on adding more. This is a fun little social networking site that is fully focused on specific topics. It's fun, and very user friendly. I recommend checking it out, especially if you're looking to expand your circle of writing a little bit more. It's very easy, and is mostly automated. It's also got levels, so the more active you are on a regular basis, the more special things you can unlock, such as themes. It is also possible to make money through squidoo through advertising clicks as well as Amazon and eBay affiliates. You can also choose to donate a portion (or all) of your revenue to a charity of your choice. I'm still experimenting with this, but so far it has been a very positive experience.
I also have two articles (so far) up on helium.com. Unlike ezinearticles, helium articles post immediately with no need for any verifying before they become live. They are two separate platforms that I'm experimenting with right now. It is also a free service, however it is possible to make some money (slowly) through posting articles here through traffic. Other users can rate your article in comparison to others, and the higher your rating the higher your possibility to make money. From what I have read, it is not a quick or easy way to make money though. It is for more of a pastime and enjoyment writing, but it also expands my writing abilities and the reputation to my name on the internet.
I'll be adding direct links for my writing to the sidebar shortly, so stay tuned if you're interested.
This is just one way that I am working towards my passion of writing. It is also a very productive pastime (link) that may save or even make me money. I am all for that, as I am working on becoming self-sufficient through my writing!
Sharing my thoughts, information, and perspectives is one of my favourite things to do, so if you enjoy my writing, I hope you'll follow along!
Also, I am making preliminary motions towards having my own domain name, so that is exciting news! If you want to share your positive, negative, or helpful advice or experiences with owning a domain name, feel free to share them below!
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
I have started writing articles for ezinearticles.com but I'm still waiting for any of the articles I've written for them to become live. For beginner members, articles take from 7-14 days to be posted live, but they are reviewed by a real person to ensure proper subject matter as well as proper formating. It's a free service that is primarily for sharing information and expanding on your ability to link and backlink. They have fairly strict rules that writers have to adhere to, which helps weed out those who aren't serious about sharing information. So far, this is a very positive platform for me, despite that it will not make me any direct money.
I made two lenses (so far) on squidoo.com and plan on adding more. This is a fun little social networking site that is fully focused on specific topics. It's fun, and very user friendly. I recommend checking it out, especially if you're looking to expand your circle of writing a little bit more. It's very easy, and is mostly automated. It's also got levels, so the more active you are on a regular basis, the more special things you can unlock, such as themes. It is also possible to make money through squidoo through advertising clicks as well as Amazon and eBay affiliates. You can also choose to donate a portion (or all) of your revenue to a charity of your choice. I'm still experimenting with this, but so far it has been a very positive experience.
I also have two articles (so far) up on helium.com. Unlike ezinearticles, helium articles post immediately with no need for any verifying before they become live. They are two separate platforms that I'm experimenting with right now. It is also a free service, however it is possible to make some money (slowly) through posting articles here through traffic. Other users can rate your article in comparison to others, and the higher your rating the higher your possibility to make money. From what I have read, it is not a quick or easy way to make money though. It is for more of a pastime and enjoyment writing, but it also expands my writing abilities and the reputation to my name on the internet.
I'll be adding direct links for my writing to the sidebar shortly, so stay tuned if you're interested.
This is just one way that I am working towards my passion of writing. It is also a very productive pastime (link) that may save or even make me money. I am all for that, as I am working on becoming self-sufficient through my writing!
Sharing my thoughts, information, and perspectives is one of my favourite things to do, so if you enjoy my writing, I hope you'll follow along!
Also, I am making preliminary motions towards having my own domain name, so that is exciting news! If you want to share your positive, negative, or helpful advice or experiences with owning a domain name, feel free to share them below!
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Looking forward to 2011 – Goal #2
For now, I will be creating only two goals for the new year, with smaller goals popping up periodically.
My second goal for 2011 will be:
Make one small change per month towards a greener or simpler lifestyle.
This will be easy enough to track, and I will definitely be making updates at least once per month. I will be working on deciding which changes to make as the times progresses.
For January, my small change will be:
Spend less than 200$ on eating out/entertainment that is fallen back on for laziness sake.
M and I, as bad as it is, tend to fall back on eating out when we’ve had long days, and it usually isn’t particularly healthy food we choose either. Vacations will be different, not that I foresee making a ton of those in the next few months, but they are no excuse to go all out.
We also have a tendency to buy movies and video games that attract our eyes, despite having more than enough to watch/play that haven’t even been touched yet.
Small changes are the easiest to make, and they also provide the doorway towards larger jumps. Moving towards a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle is a long-term goal for me, and each step will take me closer to that ideal lifestyle I’m looking for.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
My second goal for 2011 will be:
Make one small change per month towards a greener or simpler lifestyle.
This will be easy enough to track, and I will definitely be making updates at least once per month. I will be working on deciding which changes to make as the times progresses.
For January, my small change will be:
Spend less than 200$ on eating out/entertainment that is fallen back on for laziness sake.
M and I, as bad as it is, tend to fall back on eating out when we’ve had long days, and it usually isn’t particularly healthy food we choose either. Vacations will be different, not that I foresee making a ton of those in the next few months, but they are no excuse to go all out.
We also have a tendency to buy movies and video games that attract our eyes, despite having more than enough to watch/play that haven’t even been touched yet.
Small changes are the easiest to make, and they also provide the doorway towards larger jumps. Moving towards a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle is a long-term goal for me, and each step will take me closer to that ideal lifestyle I’m looking for.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Looking forward to 2011 – Goal #1
This year, I’m going to try and create resolutions (or goals) that can be followed up on and reported on. I will be checking in at least once per month (probably around the beginning of each month) with an update.
This year, my first goal will be:
Write at least 1000 words, 5 days per week.
This is relevant to my writing dreams, and will hopefully push me towards expanding my skills and abilities in the writing field.
Seeing as I write each article in Microsoft Word (or whichever word processor is handy on the computer), it will be very easy to keep track of the number of words I write. By the end of the week, my tally of words should be over 5000.
I believe this is a realistic and attainable goal, but it will also be a challenge in terms of finding time to write as well as inspiration. I will not be confining myself to any particular subject for the writing, so long as the words are written.
I am not permitting myself to ‘word buffer’ or repeat words over and over again unless they are relevant to the subject I’m writing about. I plan on writing 100% original content, no matter what I write.
These 1000 words per day will not include any freelancing jobs that I pick up, they will be fully on my own personal time.
Starting January 1st, I will be putting this goal forward and working towards it each day.
Those who read this blog will have the pleasure of reading a very large portion of what I write, but if you are interested in any of the creative writing I will be doing or any non-blog relevant writing, drop by my other site or send me an e-mail.
I look forward to pursuing my writing further this year than ever before.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
This year, my first goal will be:
Write at least 1000 words, 5 days per week.
This is relevant to my writing dreams, and will hopefully push me towards expanding my skills and abilities in the writing field.
Seeing as I write each article in Microsoft Word (or whichever word processor is handy on the computer), it will be very easy to keep track of the number of words I write. By the end of the week, my tally of words should be over 5000.
I believe this is a realistic and attainable goal, but it will also be a challenge in terms of finding time to write as well as inspiration. I will not be confining myself to any particular subject for the writing, so long as the words are written.
I am not permitting myself to ‘word buffer’ or repeat words over and over again unless they are relevant to the subject I’m writing about. I plan on writing 100% original content, no matter what I write.
These 1000 words per day will not include any freelancing jobs that I pick up, they will be fully on my own personal time.
Starting January 1st, I will be putting this goal forward and working towards it each day.
Those who read this blog will have the pleasure of reading a very large portion of what I write, but if you are interested in any of the creative writing I will be doing or any non-blog relevant writing, drop by my other site or send me an e-mail.
I look forward to pursuing my writing further this year than ever before.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Looking forward to 2011 - Making resolutions
Each year, countless people make resolutions that are both non-concrete and immeasurable. A resolution is simply a goal, and to make a goal that will be followed through on, you need certain things.
Goals need to be S.M.A.R.T. By S.M.A.R.T. I mean the following:
Specific – The goal needs specifics determined, so ask the 5 W’s. Who, what, when, where, why, and how. (Example: General goal “Lose weight” Specific goal “Lose five pounds per week” or “Reach 140 pounds”) Particular importance lies on the “Why” because if you have no concrete reason, or purpose to the goal, then you will be less likely to stick to it. Find the why, and then determine the rest.
Measurable – The goal needs to be able to be tracked. Pick certain traits regarding your goal that will aid in assessing your progress. (Example: BMI or measurements for weight loss, physical abilities for fitness, etc)
Attainable – The goal has to be something that is possible to attain. A goal that says “I will not hurt anyone” is unattainable, it is impossible to avoid hurt as it happens sometimes without us being aware. A better example would be “I’m going to help three people each day without expecting anything in return”
Realistic – By realistic the goal has to be both possible to attain, and you also have to be willing to attain it. Self-destruction is one of the top ways that people stop reaching for goals. It is generally easier to attain higher goals, because you will know that there is more work involved and you will find yourself thinking success because of the challenge.
Timely – A goal needs to have a timeframe. If you want to lose weight, saying “Lose 10 pounds” is not finite, you could be giving yourself years to complete this. Instead, think “Lose 10 pounds by June 1” or “Write first draft of novel by March 1” etc. Give yourself a due date, and stick to it.
With these qualities, you become that much closer to success, because your goal will be something real, something that you have put a lot of thought into and prepared yourself for the steps.
Now, let start making goals!
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Goals need to be S.M.A.R.T. By S.M.A.R.T. I mean the following:
Specific – The goal needs specifics determined, so ask the 5 W’s. Who, what, when, where, why, and how. (Example: General goal “Lose weight” Specific goal “Lose five pounds per week” or “Reach 140 pounds”) Particular importance lies on the “Why” because if you have no concrete reason, or purpose to the goal, then you will be less likely to stick to it. Find the why, and then determine the rest.
Measurable – The goal needs to be able to be tracked. Pick certain traits regarding your goal that will aid in assessing your progress. (Example: BMI or measurements for weight loss, physical abilities for fitness, etc)
Attainable – The goal has to be something that is possible to attain. A goal that says “I will not hurt anyone” is unattainable, it is impossible to avoid hurt as it happens sometimes without us being aware. A better example would be “I’m going to help three people each day without expecting anything in return”
Realistic – By realistic the goal has to be both possible to attain, and you also have to be willing to attain it. Self-destruction is one of the top ways that people stop reaching for goals. It is generally easier to attain higher goals, because you will know that there is more work involved and you will find yourself thinking success because of the challenge.
Timely – A goal needs to have a timeframe. If you want to lose weight, saying “Lose 10 pounds” is not finite, you could be giving yourself years to complete this. Instead, think “Lose 10 pounds by June 1” or “Write first draft of novel by March 1” etc. Give yourself a due date, and stick to it.
With these qualities, you become that much closer to success, because your goal will be something real, something that you have put a lot of thought into and prepared yourself for the steps.
Now, let start making goals!
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Passion and your job
What in your life is so precious that you wouldn’t change your lifestyle because of it? Is there something in your life that is holding you back from reaching for your passion?
Do you think there’s no point in finding a job you enjoy? Do you feel that it isn’t worth it to pursue your passion because, after all, a job is just a job? Do you believe that the majority of your waking time should be spent doing something that you don’t even enjoy and provides no satisfaction?
Can you honestly tell me that you are following your passion and living to your best by staying in a job that not only does not satisfy, but may even contradict your own morals and beliefs? Why does a purpose matter?
By being true to yourself, and being honest about how you think your time should be spent, you open up more doors than you could ever imagine. Physical belongings are not permanent. Where we live, what we eat, our décor and our entertainment, these things are all perceived needs.
Sure you need to eat, but do you need to eat the top quality, shipped from across the world food? Or can you look in your area and find local farmers and vendors who are selling food of equal (or greater) quality for a decent price? Or could you take part in a food-share or community supported agriculture (CSA)? This will provide you with fresher foods that are grown close to home and that don’t have miles of airplane or train gasoline attached to their history.
Of course you need somewhere to live, but do you need the five-bedroom, four-bathroom mansion, or the three-bedroom townhouse? Or could you just rent (or own) a small house or apartment that fits you (and whoever lives with you)? If leaving your residence now is not an option, there are plenty of people looking to rent a room. This would provide you with extra cash in pocket while keeping your residence.
Entertainment is what you make it. Having every cable channel is not going to make your life more satisfying (it may even be a huge detriment to your life and health). Adding on every possible unlimited plan on your phone because “you never know” if you’re going to talk for 2500 minutes in one month (highly doubt it!) just wastes money because you’re paying for benefits that you’ll never use. Subscribing to “On Demand” for every show you want to watch that isn’t on your regular channels is a waste of money; instead consider watching your shows on your computer (project-free-tv) for FREE! Or you could even sign up for NetFlix , where you can stream videos and TV shows onto your computer for somewhere around 9$ a month.
“This is a classic situation where many self proclaimed ‘realists’ will be quick to jump on. They constantly cite it as an example to justify (to themselves or others) why they are staying on in a passionless job they do not feel strongly about. They keep lauding about earning money, having to pay bills, living up to responsibilities, etc without any seeming end point. They harp on how they are not pursuing their passion because it will lead to nowhere. They advocate staying on in their current path as the ‘safer’, ‘more practical’ route.” (source: http://celestinechua.com/blog/pursuing-your-passion-with-no-money/)Are you allowing your fears to hold you back? Do you let what other people think you should be doing affect what you are doing? By allowing those around you to dictate your life, you release any and all control that you have over your life choices. It’s time to take it back. Your life is yours to live, not for others to live vicariously through you.
Simply because someone else succeeded at doing one thing does not mean that it is the right thing for you to be doing. Each person, no matter what they’re lot in life, has the potential to do something great. Something that means more to them than anyone else. All it takes is to look for what that something is, and go for it.
Maybe you can only pursue your passion for an hour or so a day right now, maybe more. Every single moment that you put towards your goal puts you that much closer to satisfaction. The 5 minutes, or 5 hours, that you put towards doing what makes you feel fulfilled will create more than just satisfaction, you will be sharing your love and your passion with the world. By sharing, you will also find others who share your passion, and it will only snowball from there.
Don’t know what your passion is? Try this exercise at Steve Pavlina’s site: How To Discover Your Life Purpose.It may take longer than 20 minutes, as he mentions. If you’re really stubborn it could take an hour or five. But stick to it, and you will not be disappointed. Let loose, free your mind, and discover what your subconscious has hidden away.
By discovering what it is that you truly want to do in life, and discovering a way to benefit from it financially as well as emotionally and psychologically, you will open your eyes and mind to the beauty of this world.
There is a point to enjoying your job. That point is happiness, satisfaction and contentment. How can you be content if you spend 8 hours a day doing things you don’t enjoy, which gives you no satisfaction to completing it? Simple answer, you probably can’t. So find your passion, find something that truly inspires you, and go for it.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Compassionate Parenting: Needs Explained - Autonomy
Autonomy: Independence
Based on this definition, it is a fairly important emotional need that may not even be recognized as a need. The ability and willingness to have and exert personal actions or choices creates the feeling of independence.
A child who is not given any freedoms and is expected to fully conform will have no real understanding of their own ability to make decisions. As the child becomes a teenager, they will be thrust into a world where they must make their own decisions and are expected to be able to make educated choices. If this child has not learned through action how to make educated decisions, and then how to act upon them, how can that child be expected to succeed?
Assisted autonomy in other adults
Allow those around you to make their own decisions and choose their own methods for their actions and behaviours. Trust in them to make decisions, and if that doesn’t end well ensure that the issues that arose are discussed. That way they learn from the experience and will be more capable of making an informed choice the next time it comes up.
By discussing the issues that arise when complications with someone else’s, or your own, decision, you open the door for constructive assistance and avoid judgment. The other person will be more capable of trusting your judgment and will be less afraid to make mistakes knowing that someone will be there to help them.
Assisted autonomy in children
In a child, the ability to have a choice in a matter is of utmost importance. They relish in being able to choose between wearing the red or green shirt, in being able to decide if they want cheese or no cheese in their sandwich, in being able to decide to help mom with the laundry.
They may not make the choice you would have made. Maybe you would have chosen the red shirt, but they want to wear the green one. Regardless of whether or not it clashes with their pants, that shirt is the one they chose. If you take back your word now and tell them they must wear the red shirt, they will feel defeated and helpless. The child may feel that their choice was not good enough, or that they are unworthy of making their own decisions.
Once the child makes their choice, let them follow it through. If it doesn’t end well, don’t be there just to shake your finger and tell them “I told you so” because that will not help them. If it doesn’t end well, be there to tell them that it is okay to make mistakes, and that it is okay to try something different. Because it is okay to make mistakes and try something different. That is how we as humans learn.
Small victories lead to bigger goals
The faith in oneself to make a decision, see it through, and then assess the results will invariably lead to the faith to then make bigger decisions. Bigger decisions that can be goals, either short- or long-term, that are essential to testing ones own limits and deepening the sense of self-confidence and self-trust.
The capability to create realistic goals that bolster and solidify self-confidence comes in having the confidence to make decisions. If a person can not honestly believe in themselves to make smaller decisions that will not affect their current lifestyle or future, how can they be expected to have the confidence to make goals or have dreams that can affect their current lifestyle or future?
Creating goals and having dreams is also essential to developing strong and positive personal and ethical values. Sticking to values if you have no confidence in your own choices and decisions can be virtually impossible, and can destroy the feeling of integrity. It is a downward spiral that can easily be stopped in childhood, and challenging but possible to stop into adulthood.
Peace and serenity,
Simply Me
Enjoy the Compassionate Parenting series? Click the link for a full list from the series.
Cancelled my cable? Why yes I did!
After much deliberation, and discussions with the wife, we decided to cancel the cable subscription.
What? I hear some people cry in outrage, How can you LIVE without cable?
I'll tell you, it's simple. There are so many things in the world that I want to do, that she wants to do, and that our daughter wants to do. Why should we pay for a service that is a detriment to our lives? Without the cable subscription, there is no pull towards sitting on the couch watching television all day.
We are given only a limited number of hours per day.
Eight hours are spent sleeping (on average)
One and a half hours spent commuting to and from work
Eight hours spent working
One hour spent getting everything ready to go to and from work
You're left with seven and a half hours. Seven and a half hours in one day to do something great, something inspirational, or just something that will make you feel content. In those seven and a half hours, you also have to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, take care of your pets, spend time with your children and spouse, tidy the house, wash the dishes, etc.
How can you do that if you are watching television?
Not to mention the advertisements that are non-stop. I won't miss those, let me tell you.
Do you have a cable or satellite television subscription? Why or why not?
If you don't, do you try to convince others to cancel theirs?
If you do, do you think people without televisions or cable are odd?
Peace (in the home, at last) and serenity,
Simply Me
What? I hear some people cry in outrage, How can you LIVE without cable?
I'll tell you, it's simple. There are so many things in the world that I want to do, that she wants to do, and that our daughter wants to do. Why should we pay for a service that is a detriment to our lives? Without the cable subscription, there is no pull towards sitting on the couch watching television all day.
We are given only a limited number of hours per day.
Eight hours are spent sleeping (on average)
One and a half hours spent commuting to and from work
Eight hours spent working
One hour spent getting everything ready to go to and from work
You're left with seven and a half hours. Seven and a half hours in one day to do something great, something inspirational, or just something that will make you feel content. In those seven and a half hours, you also have to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, take care of your pets, spend time with your children and spouse, tidy the house, wash the dishes, etc.
How can you do that if you are watching television?
Not to mention the advertisements that are non-stop. I won't miss those, let me tell you.
Do you have a cable or satellite television subscription? Why or why not?
If you don't, do you try to convince others to cancel theirs?
If you do, do you think people without televisions or cable are odd?
Peace (in the home, at last) and serenity,
Simply Me
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