‘Mindset’ Archives
First Things First
Okay, I want to jump right into this. I talked about posting daily questions or challenges or thoughts that we could all apply to our own lives in the hope that those things would lead us to a place where we are all living with passion and purpose, and following our hearts to the truest extent of those words. Of course this was really inspired by listening to all of the tributes to Steve Jobs in light of his passing from this world the other day. If you didn't read the post I'm referring to, you can check it out here, so you'll know [...]
No Regrets
"Running through the changes, going through the stages, Coming round the corners in my life, Leaving doubt to fate, staying out too late, Waiting for the moon to say goodnight. And I could cry for the time I've wasted, But that's a waste of time and tears, And I know just what I'd change if I went back in time somehow, But there's nothing I can do about it now" -lyrics from "Nothing I Can Do About It Now" by Beth Nielsen-Chapman Willie Nelson sings that song and it's one of my all time favorites. I [...]
Get Really Good at Failing
A lot of people think that failure is the opposite of success. It's not. Failure is actually a big part of success. In fact, without failure, it's likely that there will be no success. That might not make much sense if you're thinking of failure in terms of it being permanent. So I would challenge you to think of failure a little differently than you may have to this point. Failure is temporary, in the truest sense. It really only becomes permanent when you accept it as permanent and quit whatever it is you were doing. Failure should [...]
The One Thing Changes Everything
Life is what you make it. You can choose to be miserable or you can choose to be content. Regardless of what you have or don't have. You can choose to be happy or you can choose to be upset. Regardless of the circumstances that you think are defining you. You can choose to sit on your butt and do nothing or you can choose to get out there and LIVE your life with passion and purpose. Your choice. No matter what. And that is the plain, no-BS, absolute, bottom line, truth of all truths. You get to choose how you take the [...]
It’s Time to Get Your Positive ON!
Everybody needs a little positive mojo in their life. Even the most optimistic among us can use encouragement each day. Let's face it, the world can be a pretty negative place sometimes. You may be one of those optimistic people who make the conscious decision each day to be positive. If you are, I think that's awesome, and I say congrats to you! You might also stay focused on your goals most of the time. If so, again, I say to you, I love it! However, in the same breath, I would also tell you that you still need some of that [...]
Don’t Sweat the Big Stuff
I think it's pretty much consensus at this point in our history that stress is bad for us. It doesn't solve anything, makes us feel bad, and wastes a lot of energy on things we don't necessarily have control over. It also makes us sick! Doctors have linked just about every lousy thing that can happen to you or I to stress. Not that stress is the sole cause of many of our ailments, but it seems to be a consistent contributor. And certainly, when added to the mix, only seems to make things worse. So why is it that we stress out? [...]
Feeling Lucky?
Have you stopped to consider how lucky you are? Now look, "luck" can be defined a few different ways, and because of that, it's usually a pretty subjective term. Typically, I like to say that luck is that thing that happens when preparation meets opportunity...but I also reference it quite often by saying that I am lucky and blessed in many ways. When I say it like that, I think of it more in terms of good fortune, and that thing that makes me feel grateful. For the purposes of this post making any sense, let's talk about [...]
Right Here, Right Now
One of the most miraculous and wonderful things about this life, is that you can be or do anything you wish to be or do. Now, what really gives that idea power and makes it truly liberating for you, is that you can get started on whatever it is you wish to accomplish right now. Right where you are, regardless of your circumstances. That's the beauty of it all! No matter where you are, you can begin to change your situation and begin to move in the direction of whatever it is you wish to achieve. It may not happen overnight, in [...]
Think About Yourself, Will You?
You've heard the expression, "you always hurt the ones you love", right? In fact, you've probably experienced it to some degree. It's okay to admit...we've all been there. One of the reasons that we sometimes end up hurting the people we care most about, at least in my opinion, is because they're the ones we're the most honest with. So, when we're around them, we have no problem blurting out whatever happens to be on our minds, and we end up throwing some real zingers out there...in spite of our good intentions. Usually, the [...]
Quality Control
The quality of your thoughts will determine the quality of your life. Sounds reasonable enough, right? So what are your predominant thoughts? And how's the quality? I guess the best way any of us can answer that question is by looking around and assessing the quality of our lives. The place we find ourselves in physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Where do you live? Is it where you want to live? How much jack do you have sitting in the ol' bank account? Is it as much as you want? How's your health? [...]
Me, Myself, and the Birds
I'm sitting on my back deck as I write this, and I'm watching the various songbirds and squirrels that visit my yard. I have to tell you, I find it extremely peaceful and very cool to just enjoy the quiet nature of the whole scenario. One of my favorite things to do is to watch the birds. I have hummingbird feeders, songbird feeders, places for the finches to get their thistle, etc. And I've been doing this for a long time. Yes, it's true, while I consider myself to be a man's man...I was watching UFC 131 last night and enjoying [...]
Fear, Itself
Fear sucks. It paralyzes. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. It stops great things from happening. It causes otherwise successful people to quit whatever they are pursuing or to not even muster the strength or courage to get started. It's a monster of the ugliest and most dangerous type. Edmund Burke once said, "the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing". I would say the same thing about fear. In order for fear to grow legs and become real, we have to check out and do [...]
You’re a 10…Right Now
Is it possible that you're living your perfect life right now? I know that might seem absurd to you if you happen to be struggling in any way. In fact you might think I'm a little nuts for even asking that question. But I want you to stay with me on this one and hear me out... The reason that I've been thinking about this lately, is that I'm a huge believer in the fact that you can have anything you want in this life. You can be who you want to be, and you can go where you want to go. The universe is unlimited in potential and [...]
Let Go and Live!
One of the most tiring, emotionally draining, and energy-sapping practices that any of us can ever take part in is that of holding on to resentment. Not only does it put you in a lousy state of existence, cause you great stress, and make those around you feel uncomfortable...but it literally drains you of the strength you need to pursue your real passion and make your own life as productive as possible. I read a great quote the other day. It was about how holding onto hatred or bitterness actually ends up hurting the person doing the [...]
