What Are Your Expectations for the Future?

Why do you think everyone has different expectations and beliefs about what they can achieve in the future? I know you are expecting a really profound answer here, but I am afraid the answer is really simple. Your most prominent thoughts drive your expectations. So what you think about, actually does affect the way things turn out in the future. Your thoughts really do have an incredible effect on your life and how it will turn out.

When last did you invest some time to ensure that your thoughts are positive and that you are in a positive mental state, where you consistently reflect a positive attitude to the world?

Your thoughts create Everything in your Life
It has been common knowledge for many years that your thoughts do indeed drive your success or lack thereof. In fact many of the greatest self-improvement books ever written, focused on the power of your thoughts. The titles that come to mind are titles like 'Think and Grow Rich", "As a man Thinketh" "The magic of thinking big" and "The power of positive Thinking" and many, many more. It has been proven many times over that what you regularly think about, you most certainly bring about.

Are you making a fatal Mistake?
The most common error made by most people, who set goals is that they use their thoughts to turn the creative process against them. For example, we are extremely averse to losing things. So when you set a goal to lose weight, you are setting yourself up for failure. Rather set a positive goal in the present tense, something like "I come alive at 95", or "looking great at 58". This positive reinforcement allows you to view your goals as something positive and something you want to take action to achieve.

Another fatal mistake is setting a goal around the things you don't want. For example if you want to live debt free. "You set a goal like I will be debt free by a certain date" This means that your goal is focused squarely on what you don't want in your life. Again you are not creating a positive feeling and set of emotions around your goals. Rather set goals like "I will create a positive net asset value, by certain date". This allows you to focus on taking positive actions to achieve a positive outcome.

Avoid the common mistakes of focusing on the negative, or on setting goals where you must lose something and rather focus on creating a positive vision of what you want to create in the future.

Action Idea: Allow yourself to get centered, grounded and look around your world, see all the wonderful abundance, which exists in you and all around you. This mind-set is best supported, when you explore your world, appreciating all the wonder that you already possess. I must once again affirm the importance of feeling gratitude for everything in your world, as it puts you in a far better place and mind space, where it is far easier to think and believe in all the positive possibility, which abounds.

Clear Negative Thoughts from your Mind
When you focus on gratitude and you set only positive goals. It is far easier to stop negative thoughts and the natural doubts, which flow through your mind all the time. It becomes far easier to redirect your thoughts towards abundance and to see all the wonderful opportunities all around you. Focus on the positive, be aware of the negative, but ensure that this does drive your expectation and you will be able to invite more abundance into your experience. This will will allow you to experience far more well-being, meaning, fulfilment, love and joy in your life.

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Confront Your Fears

There is only one person keeping you trapped in a life, which you do not enjoy. That person is no one other than you. Get out of your own way and everything will immediately begin to change for the better. You are not born with courage or the drive to succeed, but at the same time, neither are you born with fear or doubt about your potential. I believe that your fear of success or failure for that matter is a direct result of all the pressures placed on you by society.

Of course some fears are valid, like the justifiable fear of walking alone down a dark alley. Eliminating your need to fear this justifiably dangerous situation is simple. Be aware of the potential danger and then take steps to ensure that you avoid this situation altogether. Once you have eliminated the potential risk, there is no longer a need to fear it in any way. Irrational fears about failure or even success are exactly the same. Explore the fear; create awareness about the potential risk. Take steps to mitigate or eliminate the risk and you no longer have any need to hold onto the fear any longer.

Fear Destroys - If you Allow

Fear about any facet of your life, is very limiting and will either paralyse you into inactivity or hold you away from performing at your best. Both are not desirable states, if you want to achieve success. Fears, even irrational ones, which have no grounding in fact at all, can and will destroy your ambitions, fortunes and even your relationships. If left unchecked, they will eventually destroy your future success completely. Fear is an unseen enemy to your future success and if you are not vigilant, it will creep into your life and steal your dreams.

Action Idea: Confront your fears. Explore them, until you uncover the reason you have them and then find ways to mitigate and eventually eliminate them from your life completely. If your fears are grounded in fact i.e. you are in imminent danger, because someone is out to steal from you or do you harm, then you need to use the fear to protect you. In most cases though, your fear is not grounded in fact at all. You feel fear, because you are tugged out of your comfort zone, you are moving into unchartered territory or you are taking a calculated risk etc. Under these circumstances you need to find ways to mitigate and even eliminate the fear from your life completely, otherwise it will negatively affect your future.

What else is in your way?

Once you have confronted your fears and found creative ways of eliminating them and the negative effect they have on your life, you need to look to eliminate a few other enemies, which emanate from within too.

Indecision - If you are to begin taking inspired action daily, to achieve the success you desire. You must become decisive and commit to make the tough choices to firstly get off your butt and start and secondly to continue to take daily action until you succeed. Indecision, if left unchecked, will steal opportunity from you before you even start.

Lack of Belief or Doubt - I have emphasised on numerous occasions that all the super achievers, I have studied, have all had an incredible belief in themselves and their ability to achieve their vision for the future. Of course you should explore opportunities and be a little sceptical. You can never just throw yourself into something, without thoroughly doing your homework to ensure that it is indeed what you need. The secret to success though, is to explore, discover whether the opportunity is what you want. Then you must pull the trigger and begin taking action. Once you pull the trigger, you must believe 100 % in yourself and your abilities. Belief fills your life with success and doubt on the other hand, will over time, rob you of everything.

Indifference - Too many people have a lacklustre approach to their lives and the opportunities, which come their way. Their indifferent attitude stops them in their tracks and they never pull themselves out of their comfort zone. Indifference will cause you to drift through life and as you know you can only drift in one direction - downhill.

Risk Averse - Of course you cannot gamble with your future and take irresponsible risks. You can also not afford to be over cautious to the point, where you take the timid approach to life. Timid people don't step outside of their self-imposed comfort zones and therefore they remain trapped in average.

Unnecessary worry - Of course you need to always be aware of what is going on in your world. You need to review and measure your progress daily, to ensure the actions you are taking are delivering the desired results. What you must not do, is get bogged down and trapped in a place where you become paralysed by unnecessary worry. Worry will push into a place of overwhelm and inactivity, a place where average people hang out all the time.

I challenge you to have the courage to confront your fears and work to eliminate any of the other things, which are holding you away from the inspired, fulfilling life you know that you deserve. The moment you start to do this, I know that numerous, new opportunities will emerge and you will start to achieve all your goals and dreams. When you have the courage to take inspired action daily, you will gradually attract the success you really want and will become the person you need and want to be.

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The Short List

A client asked me how I stay so positive. I have worked with them for a number of years, so they know the struggles that I have encountered over the past decade. And while I wouldn't wish all that I have gone through on anybody. I do wish the gift of introspection for everyone.

Growing up I was heavily involved in the martial arts. And while I thought it was cool to learn how to fight and defend myself, little did I know that years later it was the meditation and the realization of "breath" that literally saved my life.

I spent my entire life working in the mental health field. Spending 20 years as a crisis counselor, I would often teach meditation to my clients who went through a traumatic event. More importantly, the use of breath work during an actual crisis is a valuable tool. But, what I didn't realize is just how powerful these tools can be when done on a daily basis over the course of time. Not only has it been life changing, but it has been life saving.

So when my client asked about my optimism, I instinctively took a deep breath and said "It is my thinking". She was puzzled with her look. I said "It's a short list". While there are many thing we can do to increase our happiness, I prefer to go within. I spoke about the power silence and emptying one's thoughts. I embrace where I am and do not lose sight of the fact that I am here at this present moment. By doing so, I can focus my complete attention on what I feel and what needs to be done. The amazing side benefit to this is the connection you have with the people or persons who are sharing that space and time with you.

But now my client wasn't letting me off the hook. She wanted a concrete answer. She wanted to know what exactly was on this supposed "Short List". So as I paused for a brief moment, {again took a deep breath} I said "I will tell you my secret". But bear in mind that my list will differ from yours and everyone else's. That said, here is my recipe for happiness. Here is my short list.

Things that I don't think about-

Things that I don't have.

Getting revenge.

Reliving the past.

Feeling sorry for myself.

Things that make me angry.

Wishing karma would catch someone.

Anything that's none of my business.

Things I think about-

The present moment.

She said "That's it"? Yes, for me it is that simple. Yes, there are times I struggle. Yes, there are times when I would like to give up. Yes, there are times when I think of the Poseidon Adventure wave that is getting ready to flip my life upside down. The difference? My next thought is I'm not flipped upside just yet. I return to breath. I do what I can in this present moment. And I deal with tomorrow, tomorrow.

I explained to her that one day it will be my last. And I want to be present for it. I don't worry about what is missing. I don't concern myself with things like gossip. I focus on this moment. Everything outside of it is powerless unless I put energy into it.

So yes I am optimistic. Bad things happen all the time. The difference for me is that I believe in the power of choice. And at this present moment, my choice is to keep my list short.

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How To Create A Productive Mindset

When it comes to create a productive mindset, a lot of us seem to have the hardest time. Most people get into procrastination mode which is usually an easier choice but is the habit of putting off what you want to start. Therefore, how you can win the battle to build a fruitful frame of mind?

But what is a productive mindset? And what occurs when your intentions to get things done are crumbling? How does it happen? What can you do to focus on what is essential to your progress?

We all have experienced this before. I am no stranger to it. You have the feeling like you are running around and being busy all the time. You spend all day working and doing things, but at the end of the day, you look back and realize that you have done very little. It appears that of the ten different tasks you wanted to complete, you achieved only two or three of them.

Well, it often happens because of your mindset not being established in the right way. To have a productive mindset is to make the best use of your combined resources, time, energy, and efforts. Being productive is something you and I strive to realize.

I said it numerous times in other articles but let me repeat it; your mindset is everything. It is the groundwork for every achievement, victory, and success in your life. So, it is necessary for you to cultivate a productive mindset. If I am saying this, it is because if you want to reach your goals, you need to create an efficient set of mind.

First Steps to a Productive Mindset
As you know, each of us is different, so it is quite important that you structure your day in a way that works for you. First of all, you should observe your daily routine and be honest with yourself by looking if you do have a productive mindset or if you are just being busy, and correct that.

To be productive means that you are clear minded and focused on what you want to accomplish. It also means that you are using all of your resources to achieve your goals profitably. The next step involves morning habits that would help you get more done through the day.

To continue creating a productive mindset, you have to choose which vital assignment to start doing when you sit down for work. You have to make the right choices so you can kick off your day with dynamic momentum.

Primary Elements of a Productive Mindset
How productive your mindset often begins with your thoughts and habits. You always must start your day by being grateful for what is about to start. Always be ready for possibilities. Plans often change or get rescheduled leaving you with some free time.

Rather than being upset about it or feeling let down, use this time to read a chapter of a book, or listen to an audiobook. Each afternoon, I walk for two hours and during that time I hear some audiobook to educate myself. You could also make some calls, or write a thank you note.

You must have the willingness to know and learn new things. And it is also a great way to get your day back on track. But let me show you some of the primary elements of a productive mindset.

Vision and the Productive Mindset
You have to picture what you want and visualize it. It helps you focus and gives you an ideal image of what the outcome could look like. Without a picture in your mind, it is quite challenging to have the productive mindset to achieve a goal. People with a vision can accomplish what seems impossible.

Inspire Your Frame of Mind
You have to cultivate and motivate your mindset for it to be productive. Without motivation or inspiration, there is nothing to drive you to set goals, apply, improve and make progress. Inaction and procrastination destroy any improvement you wish to make or dream you want to realize.

Self-confidence is a Mindset
You have to believe that you are capable of doing what you set your mind to do. Self-confidence can help you reach your full potential and a more productive mindset. Stress is a natural reaction, so you have to relax by taking a deep breath and a small reflective pause. Then refocus on the day ahead. It will give you greater confidence.

Methods for a Prolific Mindset
In today's world, our mind runs through a list of dozens of things simultaneously. Some of those things keep us living in the future, while memories, good or bad, retain us in the past. Yet, to create a productive mindset is to live in the beauty of the present.

Be in the present. Focus and fully engage in whatever essential task you have to assure your best work and quality. Here are some essential productivity methods to create a prolific mindset.

Having Positive Outlook
In creating a productive mindset, your attitude has to be positive rather than negative, because it can make you or break you. When you have a positive outlook, it allows room for opportunity and option, while having a negative attitude defeat your frame of mind before you even begin.

A Productive Mindset is Being Persistent
Most of us know that the path to success does not come easily. So, you have to be persistent and willing to overcome any barrier or adversity coming your way. Push yourself beyond your limits and persist to achieve your goals. Do not let setbacks, circumstances, or even the opinions of others influence your actions and your determination to become successful.

Refreshing Your Mindset
To experience a productive mindset, you have to be at your best. That means you have to take care of yourself. Getting some rest and enough sleep each night is essential. You have to eat right and give yourself a few small breaks during the day. And you should always be aware of how you feel.

Tips to Create a Productive Mindset

• Write a to-do list for the day the night before. It will help you keep focusing on what you need to get done so that you will have a more productive mindset.
• Get enough sleep, because if you do not, your fatigue will eat away at your productivity. A lack of sleep has an apparent impact on any mental performance.
• Be motivated as it is a crucial element in working towards your goals. You need to have something that is pulling you towards achieving the success you want in life.
• Start your work with the most essential task. It is an excellent approach if you have the discipline to see to it.
• Cultivate the persistence to keep going, even when it is hard. To be persistent and never giving up is essential to any long-term success.
• Always hold a mental picture of the vision of the life that you want for yourself. It is that vision that will guide you and help you to create a more productive mindset through your day.
• Control your attitude and how you feel about things, no matter the circumstances. Even if you feel like you cannot control outside factors, you should positively view everything as it is an absolute necessity.
• Create a routine that helps you awaken your brain and mind, give you motivation and shows you a clear picture of your vision.
• Have an evening routine. Following the same ritual every evening, such as making yourself a caffeine-free hot drink, brushing your teeth, then dressing for bed, helps you get into the right state of mind for sleep.
• Take time to regenerate, recharge and refresh. That way, you will always keep a productive mindset.

A Final Word of a Fruitful Mindset
Finally, whether you are already committed, wandering on the path of least resistance or basking in the waters of procrastination, you now have different tools to be more productive. To be productive means that you are doing what you said you would do, and usually in a specific time frame.

Observe and check your habits and routines, and then create a productive mindset to get more done in a day. I know you can and will achieve more. So set yourself up to be successful with a prosperous start by following these simple methods.

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