Achieve Your Dreams - 10 Ways to Success

We all have dreams of what we want to achieve in life. Some dreams may be small while others may be so big it's difficult to believe we will ever be able to achieve them. It is advisable to focus on one goal at a time. Trying to achieve two or more goals at the same time can be overwhelming and can result in failing at all of them. It's also important to make your goal specific and not aim for an overall outcome like "I want to retire and be self sufficient". Your best chance to reach that ultimate goal is to break it down into smaller, more achievable segments. The following ten rules for goal fulfillment will greatly increase your chance of reaching your target.

1. Define your goal. Be very specific and add as much detail as possible. Some things to think about could include: how long will it take, will it involve other people, how much money will I need, do I need more education? Take time to add as much detail as possible. Know exactly what will be needed for your project to succeed. Exact details can, and will change as you progress, but for this initial planning phase be as detailed as possible.
2. Justification. Once you have listed your goal in as much detail as possible you need to determine the advantages and disadvantages associated with it. Is this goal absolutely for you to achieve or just something that you would like to do some day? What sacrifices will you need to make to have this happen? Will it impact others? Is it worth it? The best way to determine the answer to these questions is to rule a line down the middle of a page, Mark one side Pro and the other side Con. When you have finished populating this sheet you will be sure that your goal is really what you want to achieve. It will also help to clear any doubts or fears you may as to whether it is the right course for you to follow.
3. Mindset. When you first make the decision to start a new project you will be very excited and motivated, however over time you can lose this spark and negative thoughts and fears can creep in. You can start thinking that it wasn't such a good idea to start with. It's all become too hard, too scary. There are a number of different ways to get our mindset back on track. Share your goal with a family member of close friend. You are less likely to give up if you have someone to support and help you along the way. When you feel like giving up close your eyes and think of how you will feel when you have achieved your dream. It will feel so wonderful. You will be so proud to have achieved your dream. It will be so exciting. Really try to experience how you will feel. Remember how much you really want this. Carry a picture of your goal in your purse or wallet. When those negative thoughts or feelings strike, take out the picture to reinforce your determination. Have a mantra that you can repeat when you are feeling low: eg "I'm so excited that I will soon have my dream". Again, feel the emotion of being in possession of your dream.
4. Make a plan. Now that you have created your dream in your imagination it's time to now create it in reality. You need to analyze your goal in as much detail as possible. Write down how much it will cost; how long it will take; will you need to get a loan or will you save for it? Are there any associated costs involved? Do you need any training? Make a clear and detailed list of what you will need to reach your goal. Arrange them in order of importance and add deadlines for each item. You now have a rough draft of your "to do" list. Put your list where you will see it regularly
5. Getting knowledge. More than likely you will need to get some expert advice in order to reach your goal. Make sure that you do some research and get information from a number of different sources. By using your comprehensive "to do" list you can be confident of covering all areas of your project and minimize those "hidden extras". Study all the information you receive and then make an informed decision on which one is the right choice for you. If you are having a contractor or supplier do work for you make sure you get a firm quote in writing before they start working.
6. Do something every day. Make sure you do something towards your goal every day, even if it's only to look at some brochures or pull up some websites. Consistently working on your To Do List brings you closer to your dream and keeps your enthusiasm up. It's very easy to become disheartened and put the project on the back burner. To make sure this doesn't happen, you need to make an agreement with yourself that you will do something, no matter how small, every single day. You will soon find that you enthusiasm and commitment will return. Break your "to do" list down into smaller segments that are not so daunting.
7. Share your dream with others. Your friends and family will help keep you motivated on track and give you the encouragement and drive that you need when you feel like giving up. Put a post on your Facebook page telling your friends about your project and update them as your plan comes together. Some of your friends may have suggestions that can help you in your own quest. You never know, you may even inspire others to reach for their dreams too.
8. Vision boards. Vision boards are usually used as a goal setting tool but are great to use when you are in the creation stage. Make up a vision board with pictures of your ultimate goal. Include all the steps you need to go through including time lines. It can be a great deal of fun and very encouraging to follow your progress on the vision board. Make sure you put it where you can see it often
9. Measure your progress It's very important that you constantly measure your progress towards you goal to make sure you stay within your timelines. You should already have a list of what you need to achieve by certain dates. Mark these dates on the calendar and check your progress. It's very exciting to find that you're actually ahead of your expectations. If you find that you're behind you will still have time to catch up.
10. Get excited, get very excited. When you have put all these action points into practice you will be well on your way to your dream, so get excited. You should be very proud to have achieved what you set out to do and once you know how to do it, you can repeat it over and over again. Now that's something to get very excited about.

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What is NLP and How Could it Benefit You?

NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) is a self help technique has been designed to improve all aspects of a person's life. There are many self help programs to choose from today, however few have withstood the test of time and gained as many supporters as NLP.
Neuro Linguistic Programming is a type of therapy which combines neurological processes and language to change patterned behaviours, in order to assist goal achievement and improve the quality of life.

How did NLP begin?
John Grinder and Richard Bandler are considered to be the fathers of NLP, having originated this therapy in the 1970s. They claimed to have miraculous results with all types of behavioural and learning disorders using their technique.Few scientific studies were undertaken to prove its effectiveness so their therapy was never fully embraced by the mental health community.

What are the benefits of NLP?
NLP is very beneficial to those who undergo treatment, because it helps them to quickly end learned bad behaviour and replace this with new improved behaviour. This can have a remarkable effect upon a person.

Where can you receive NLP?
For the best results it is advised to receive NLP training from a certified professional. However, there are many NLP books and DVDs on the market today that will teach you the principals behind this type of therapy. These can help you to learn and apply the techniques of NLP by yourself.

Why do people undertake NLP?
NLP can help all areas of a person's growth and development. Some specific reasons why people choose to engage in these programs include
o Raising self esteem
o Stopping smoking
o Overcoming shyness
What are the dangers of NLP?
NLP in itself is not dangerous. However, since it can be learned at home, there is a danger that you may try to treat yourself for a condition which would be better treated another way by visiting a qualified mental health professional or doctor.
Keep in mind that NLP has been used successfully by many people and it is more effective to learn from someone who can instruct you properly.

Who can use NLP?
Neuro Linguistic Programming can be used effectively by individuals to treat a psychological condition, or overcome other difficulties. It can also be used by sales people, and those who are looking to influence people. Sales people can use the same techniques to find out exactly what customers want, and to help overcome any objectives.
Why not see if you could benefit from NLP in your personal or professional life?

Find out more click here


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How Exercise Reduces Stress

Most people experience stress on a daily basis. Living the fast paced lifestyle that most of us do, stress is often unavoidable. There is a positive link between stress reduction and exercising. Exercise is a great way not only to get in shape but to get control over your stress. In the process you will improve your health. Exercise therefore has both physical and emotional benefits and should be a part of everyone's healthy lifestyle.

Releases energy: When you exercise your body can release the energy it has bottled up from experiencing stress. This release will naturally reduce stress levels. Endorphins: Your body can also release endorphins from exercising. Endorphins are known as "feel good hormones". When you hear people refer to feeling a "runners high", this is an example of feeling very euphoric from the body releasing endorphins. Your stress is reduced as you begin to feel calmer and more relaxed. You usually will experience the most positive feelings about one hour after exercise.

Improves Brain Activity: As stress is reduced the brain begins to function more efficiently. Some studies suggest that exercise can actually lead to the creation of new brain cells, a process known as neurogenesis. For men, exercise also increases the production of testosterone which helps men feel more confident and therefore less stressed.

Muscle Relaxation: A typical reaction to stress is for your muscles to tense up and tighten. When you exercise you allow your muscles to loosen and relax. Exercise will enable you to reduce stress this way by alleviating that unpleasant sensation associated with tense muscles. It's unhealthy for muscles to remain tense for long periods of time as this can lead to spasms and potential damage.

Cortisol: When you are stressed your body releases hormones into your bloodstream. One in particular is known as cortisol. If cortisol levels are too high you will experience increased stress symptoms such nervousness and irritability. If cortisol levels are high in the body for long periods of time you can become more susceptible to a variety of stress related illnesses. When you exercise you help your body to release the cortisol and reduce its levels. Continued exercise can help you to keep your cortisol levels under control.

Additionally exercise helps fight stress by reducing your cholesterol levels. When you are stressed your liver has to work harder and therefore produces more cholesterol. By exercising you help you liver to expend this cholesterol thereby keeping you healthier. High cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Exercise Reduces Anxiety: Stress can create anxiety for many individuals. Anxiety levels can range from mild to severe. Exercise helps your body to relieve this pent up stress and anxiety. It also helps to change your focus from your problems to a more positive experience of doing something good for your health.

Looking Better Reduces Stress: When you look better you feel better. Losing weight and toning up will boost your self confidence levels. Feeling better about your physical appearance will definitely reduce your stress.

Stay Committed to Exercise: If you want to keep stress levels under control you have to be consistent in your exercise program. Many people feel they are just too busy to fit exercise into their lives but it is really a matter of reprioritizing. Make small goals and commitments to exercise that are reasonable and that you can achieve. For example you can start at a gym 3 days per week for a half hour. After you have succeeded in this goal you can gradually increase your exercise to 5 days per week. If you push yourself too soon with too much you will become overwhelmed and quit exercising. The goal is to make exercise a part of your lifestyle. It needs to become a happy and positive experience that you look forward too.

Clearly exercise can have a very positive impact on your life and on reducing your stress levels. Find an exercise activity that you will enjoy and that you can commit too. Remember whenever beginning any dietary or lifestyle changes, always consult with a medical professional, particularly if you are taking prescription drugs or suffer from any disease or ailment.


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7 Common Characteristics of People Who Are Successful in Love

People who have success in love (and usually life) share similar characteristics. Keep in mind that by success I don't mean that they have necessarily had it easy. Success is getting up just one more time than you fall down, so in love you have to keep getting back on the horse if you fall off. The bad news is we don't all naturally have these characteristics, but the good news is we can develop better habits. Developing the right mindset and attitude will make your search for your soul mate much more enjoyable!

1. They assume responsibility for their love life.
Those who succeed in love realize they are in control of all aspects of their life, love life included. They don't waste time and energy blaming someone else for their misery or playing the victim role. They admit they made poor choices in dating and don't blame parents, past mates, and life in general for those mistakes. Then they learn from those mistakes and move on.
This can be frightening for some people, but it is actually quite empowering. No more excuses, you are the boss of your life and you have the ability to create the reality you want!
What is the main cause for where your love life is at? What could you have done differently? Were there people you should have passed on or people you should have gone out with that you didn't? Were there relationships you should have gotten out of sooner?

2.They are optimistic.
They realize they may have to kiss a few frogs to get their prince, but at the end of the day they know their perfect mate will come. They also find a way to enjoy the journey while they wait.

3. They have self-confidence.
People who succeed in love have loads of self-esteem that prevents them from entering bad dating patters. They know they deserve someone who is perfect for them and don't settle for less. If your confidence is lacking, a bad relationship will only make it worse and send you into a downward spiral. When a relationship doesn't work out you need to take responsibility for your part, recognize the other person's faults, learn, and move on. You shouldn't go into self-defeating mode and start dating losers. If your confidence is at a good level you will be able to look at the situation logically and have a foundation to fall back on.

4. They Don't Complain
Your thoughts and words have very powerful energy and can make or break your success. Don't complain about exes or your dating life. Watch every thought and word for a month and see if you don't start getting better results. Read my blog on this specific subject for more info.

5. They take action.
Successful people know to achieve what they want they need to do more than just talk. They put themselves out there and learn more. If they aren't where they want to be yet they know it's simply because there is something they haven't done or tried yet. Then, they starting learning and doing. If you want to be in a different situation then you have to make some changes to your life. I get complaints from women all the time that they aren't meeting the men they want. Then after questioning them I find out they haven't tried any new strategies in years. If you want different fruits, you have to change the roots, so shake it up and think outside the box.

6. They don't let their egos get in the way.
People who are successful in love don't let their egos get in the way of having a great love life. If you are constantly afraid of rejection or embarrassed to get help you are likely to stay in the same place for a long time. Don't be afraid to read dating advice articles and books, hire a matchmaker, or get help from a dating coach. Also don't be embarrassed to tell people you meet that you want to settle down; one of the best ways to meet a great person is through mutual acquaintances. There is no shame in seeking help; there is only shame in staying stuck and not doing what it takes to get out of a rut!

7. They know when to walk.
Those who are most successful in love will often jump before the ship sinks. To some this may seem like giving up too soon, but it's important to know when enough is enough. In dating there is obviously an amount of compromise and work involved to keep the relationship in a good place, but knowing when to bail is crucial. Don't let past plans and dreams for the future cloud your judgment about a healthy relationship. The relationship needs to be working for you in the present and moving forward and if it's not it could simply be time to move on. You can have new dreams and future plans with someone else who is on the same track as you. We all know that when one door closes at least one more opens, but if you are starting at the shut door you may not even see the open door across the hall. If you keep a relationship past its expiration date you could be missing out on the opportunity to get someone even more perfect for you!


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The Top 5 Best Time Management Practices

The top five time management practices are often considered the best techniques by those using them and most recommended by the experts. Check out the five actions suggested below to create a time management system to best fits personal need.

1. Create a daily "To Do" list. This is always the number one suggestion of time management experts, business leaders, and others who are good at managing their time. Having a list of necessary and nice-to-do tasks focuses thoughts on the work so that nothing important gets neglected. It allows the list-maker the opportunity to plan their day. Keeping the list always handy makes it easy to add new items as they come up and check-off completed items. Reviewing the checked-off tasks can help motivate the user to continue completing tasks and feel a great sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.

2. Write down appointments. Write-it-down is another axiom of time management experts, not only for the "to do" list but for the appointment calendar as well. Writing appointments on a calendar when they are made frees the mind for other creative things. It also helps to prevent forgetting the meeting or appointment in the future. It should become a regular practice to review the calendar the beginning of each day to make sure nothing is missed. In checking the appointments, a decision can be made to attend, send a substitute, or try to reschedule if necessary.

3. Determine work priorities. Determining what work is important to do each day and what can be put off until another time is another key to improved time management. A high priority task or appointment would relate to an important project, something that may lead to advancement, or a promise due to another. Low priority to do list items are those that are nice-to-do but are not necessary right away or it might be requested attendance at a meeting where personal input is not required. Medium priority would be regular work tasks or standard team meetings.

4. Set alarms. Those who find they are often late to meetings or forget other types of appointments, find that setting alarm on a watch, computer, or phone works very well as a reminder. Set the alarm at least ten minutes in advance of the appointment start time so necessary data can be gathered and to allow for walking to the meeting room. If the appointment is not in the same building, then set the alarm out further to allow for travel time. Some people even reset their alarm when they are at a meeting for 10 minutes before the meeting should end to insure appropriate time for meeting wrap-up and to still get out on time.

5. Break-up large projects. Many people find they procrastinate starting large projects because it seems like too much to do or too hard to accomplish. To make it easier to start on a large project, break it into several sub-tasks. Then plan to add different sub-tasks onto the daily "to do" lists working backwards from the due date in the order tasks should be accomplished. This way each sub-task becomes part of the scheduled work and the project gets completed on-time. Some experts refer to this simple project management process as "the Swiss-cheese method" since it is poking holes in the bigger cheese (project) until all is gone (tasks done).
From the five suggestions above, create a personal time management system that fits individual needs. Be sure to consider these top five time management practices in the future to improve techniques being used and recommend those found effective to others.


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