Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

If You Can See It, It’s Yours

It’s true we think in pictures. Our minds create an image when we think about something specific. Try this... Think of a baby. Think of a bridge. Think of what you ate for lunch. What did you see? Most likely, all of these “thoughts” came to you as “images”. You could actually picture a specific baby, a certain bridge and a nice healthy salad (or perhaps a tuna melt and some chips!). An. . .

Motivational Art Prints

There is no reason why your home office should only be characterized by books, papers and gadgets. Taking the time to personalize your work space can have immense benefits for your state of mind. In particular, surrounding yourself with motivational art can fuel productivity and inspire you to achieve more. Decorating your home office walls with the beauty of art may transform your mood, and pr. . .

Personal Success Through Goal Setting

Setting goals and objectives is a process which has very wide application in business, and it was certainly a part of my own business training which I had to put into practice regularly in the years that followed. Some of the better businesses and organizations will also incorporate personal goal setting into staff development, as part of the personnel (human) resources routine. But what about . . .

Persistence Goes the Distance

"Hang in there! is more than an expression of encouragement to someone experiencing hardship or difficulty; it is sound advice for anyone intent on doing good in the world. Whether by leading or prodding others, or improving oneself, or contributing in the thick of things to some larger cause, perseverance is often crucial to success...Much good that might have been achieved in the world is los. . .

Our Fate is in Our Own Hands

"People who want milk should not seat themselves in the middle of a field in hope that a cow will back up to them." — Elbert Hubbard, 19th century American editor, lecturer, and essayistA few years ago a friend had Ned, a small independent contractor, do extensive renovations to his home. Being a very fussy craftsman and cabinet maker, Ned did an especially superb job on the extensive woodwork . . .

I Don't Want To Do Christmas!

Marianne sat on the edge of her seat, leaning towards me and, through her sobs and hiccoughs, stated very clearly, “I don’t want to do Christmas!” “I can’t, I just can’t.”Marianne was one of my clients, a middle-aged woman whose husband had died the previous year. She had gone through the first holiday season, one year ago, in a state of numbness after the unexpected death of her husband in N. . .

The Pursuit of Happiness

The pursuit of happiness is one of the primary goals of all humans. This, along with life and liberty, was declared as an essential right in the US declaration of independence. Every religion and philosophy has offered its pathway to happiness. Happiness is a state of mind and there are many paths to it. There are common prerequisites to sustained happiness as well as common causes of unhappine. . .

Tuning Out For Success

It would be impossible to list all of the things people have considered crucial to success in life. Honesty, energy, bonding, modeling, control of fear…all are important. For my whole life, I’ve searched for the answers in this arena, and treasured the gems that have been revealed. In July of 2005, I went back to Longview, Washington, where I’d lived for nine years, raising my daughter. When we. . .

Black Hair Care: How to Take Care of Cornrows

Cornrows and braids are one of those timeless styles that have crossed all gender and ethnic gaps. In fact, nothing is more beautiful than heedful of intricate braids and rows and no two styles are exactly alike. That is why more and more people are choosing to express themselves and their individual style through braiding and rowing. But as with all styles, cornrows come with their own special. . .

Ten Tips for Mid-Season Holiday Change

1. Do some research and find a congenial spiritual service somewhere near you, whether it's a church or synagogue, or one of the many alternative spiritual communities that abound today. Write it on your calendar now. Go with your family, go with friends -- or go alone -- but open your heart, and GO. (When I was serving a Unitarian church, I was delighted to greet dozens of strangers on Christm. . .

Are You a 'Yes-Dog'?

There was once a time (and there still is, to a certain degree) when I would say 'Yes' to every opportunity, request, suggestion, good idea, and even mediocre idea that came my way. And let me tell you, it was exhausting.It was like I had this automatic, knee-jerk reaction to accommodate any suggestion that came my way - as if it were my karmic duty. I call this auto-response being a 'yes-dog'.. . .

Smile!

Smile, as an act has much potential in it. It is not that everybody does not like to smile – but it is that they do not realize the value of a Smile. Either they are busy in their own world of worries that they can not smile or it is that it do not come in-built with their nature. Smile is a natural gift for people who keep smiling always. To have a smiling face means “no ill feelings”. To. . .

10 Signs of Career Burnout

OVERWORKED AND STRESSED OUTA misconception exists that careers in social service or postal work are the only fields that experience worker burnout and stress. This notion could not be further from the truth because the fact is every profession is susceptible to mental strain and exhaustion.Learning to distinguish normal stress from the deeper issues that lead to career burnout is important in . . .

Discover The Hidden Superpower Of Your Mind

The mind is an infinite wonder. It has the fantastic ability to transmute your desires into their physical counterparts. You can do anything that your mind can conceive, as long as you have the belief and will power to back it up.Take the case of cancer patients who were given placebo pills. These are just plain pills that have no healing capabilities. So how did they get well?The power came fr. . .

The Importance of Career Mentoring

One of the things that sets successful people apart from the rest of us is coaching or mentoring. Smart people know they don’t have all the answers themselves, and others have already found out through their own experiences the best approach for a particular field.All of today’s professional sports men and women have coaches. They can be general or specialist – fitness, diet, particular skills . . .

Expect a Miracle - Make Miracles Happen

A long time ago a shopkeeper was opening a package of merchandise from England. He always admired the efficient way the British pack things as it was done with meticulous care. When he opened it, there was a card on top. It said, “Expect a Miracle”. He almost threw it in the trash and thought, “What does that mean? How did that get there?” but stuffed it into his shirt pocket. That night he was. . .

Towards the Fringe

One of the most important questions each of us will at some time in some way deal with has been stated in the admonition: Above all else, know thyself. How does one know themselves?Each of us sense a state that is the "stuff" of self, but what do we mean by that? Serious thought usually yields the idea of mind. The self is somehow inextricably tied up with mind. The world around us changes, the. . .

Success: The Slight-Edge Formula

Self-improvement; A great deal has been written on the subject, but does any anyone really know how to successfully implement a creative and manageable plan for its accomplishment? The concept involves goal setting, planning, time management as well as patience, faith, understanding and real desire. Too many times, people approach self improvement haphazardly, unfocused and unclear as to exactl. . .

Ten Things to Do Before Year End

We attach significance to the turning of the calendar, and when the calendar turns to a new year, it means more than learning to change a digit when we write a check – we’ve started a new chapter.It is instructive for us to think about how we can get the most from the end of chapter 2005. Here are my ten recommendations for you:Reconnect with an old friend or colleague. You know who I mean. . . .

A Recipe for Success

To make a recipe for success you need to find out what successful people are doing to get successful. You need role models and the more you know about them, the better you can copy their behaviour and obtain the same. So what do successful people have in common? Below are some characteristics based on observation of people that have been successful in one or more areas of life. Successful peop. . .

Living in Synchronicity with the Universe

I've always loved the movies where someone says, "Synchronize watches!" A team of heroes would have to split up to do their individual jobs, but to complete their common mission successfully, they had to work in synchronicity. I think I must have enjoyed that so much, because somewhere inside me I knew, even as a kid, that that's how it is for all of us.First documented in the academic world by. . .

The Five Things My Cat Smooshie Helped Me Realize About Life

Although she had a lot of hard times in her ten year lifespan, Smooshie maintained her princess-like demeanor all the way until parting. Smooshie and I first met when I was out of state visiting family. My sister worked at a veterinary clinic, and I decided to drop by to say hello. My sister gave me a tout of the vet clinic, and that was when Smooshie first caught my eye!She was a beautiful . . .

Why are Positive Thoughts So Great?

Like the old adage goes; 'you are what you eat', also goes the thought 'you are what you think'. With positive thoughts you are a positive person. A positive person can accomplish much more in life, in careers, in relationships and financially than a negative one. You've probably heard it thousands of times - think positively! It has become a phrase that has lost it's meaning. But have you. . .

What Do Canoeing, Skiing, and Life Have In Common?

Three Top Tips for Finding Mentors“Turn your shoulders toward where you want to go,” our guide yelled just before the canoe turned sideways to the wave, rolled upside down, spilling us into the ice-cold North Saskatchewan River. “Turn your shoulders downhill, toward where you want to go,” the ski instructor yelled just before I caught the edge of my ski on a huge mogul, and tumbled head-over-h. . .

Unleash the Power of the Mind

Your mind has incredible power. You have an amazing power of your mind. You have abilities that you're not even aware of. You were born with these powers and abilities but unfortunately, you have never learned how to master them. Instead you've probably gone through life like an unguided missile heading toward different targets and by trial and error hoping for the best - but never really mak. . .

Personal Development and Growth

Why does personal development and growth seem so difficult? It's all about change. And change is difficult. Thus, in a positive change management program the first thing you have to work with is your resistance against change. Many people think that in order to change their life or grow as a human being, all they need to do is set goals, make some plans, manage their time better, say an affi. . .

How to Keep Peaceful Relationships

Jesus said in the last days many will be offended as the love of the church will grow cold (Matthew 24:10).So many people are majoring on minor issues today such as whether or not we should speak in tongues, whether or not we should baptize babies, whether or not we should prophesy, and a bunch of other stuff that shouldn't be causing us to gossip, get upset, and run off looking for another chu. . .

The Truth About Life's Challenges (Living By Zen)

“The great gate is open, but travelers seek everywhere” EshinIn the midst of our lives, hungry, thirsty and often weary, there comes a moment when we stop and wonder, “Is this all there is? Is there another way to live my life that will bring the joy and contentment that eludes me?” Caught in the patterns of our lives, each of us has an intu. . .

Nine Ways to Get Your Productivity Up

We’ll all been there. Ballplayers call it a slump. Some call it a lull or a funk. These are the times when you don’t seem to have as much energy or passion for your work. You can’t seem to get as excited (or excited at all) about the tasks in front of you. You are less productive, and you don’t feel as good about your work either. Beyond that, the quality of your work you are getting done . . .

Working Toward a Debt-Free Lifestyle

As debt becomes a greater factor in the day-to-day life of more people, many wish that they could arrange their lives so as to completely eliminate their personal debts. Though it may seem like little more than a pipe dream, it actually is possible to eliminate most if not all of your debt and live the debt-free life that you've longed for.Below you'll find basic information on ways to reduce o. . .

The Power of the Pen

Every leader, supervisor, coach, team member and parent has been told of the value of giving positive feedback. We’ve heard reasons why. We’ve heard we don’t do it enough. We’ve learned all of the basics about giving positive feedback successfully: make it timely, make it specific, and when giving positive feedback consider sharing it publicly.All of this is good advice, but it falls short o. . .

Creative Money – Why Working Long Hours Doesn’t Make You ...

Most people measure money by time. They believe that by working more hours they make more money.That perspective is hard to overcome. Since the quality of your life depends on it, I’m hopeful to change this belief in you.First, write this down: “Only ideas make money, not time!”Writing things down allows your words to reach the subconscious mind. That’s why, anytime you set your goals, make sur. . .

Stay The Course, Success Is Waiting!

Ok, so you have thought about it and you are now sure you are in line for or have a good plan for being successful. Are you currently on course toward success? If not, let’s go back a few years or more. Remember when you were in high school, that old lunch line. Do you remember how long it took to get your utensils; milk and plate of food, and then you hovered around to find a good seat to talk. . .

Embrace Change

Last Sunday I was sitting in on a class we conduct for newcomers at our church. One of our pastors said, "If we don't change, we aren't growing, and if we aren't growing, we are dying". Isn't that so true? If you want your life to remain status quo, then your best guarantee is to resist change. However, if you want a better marriage, more life balance, higher self-esteem, better behaved chi. . .

Become A Visionary – Tapping Into The Artist In You

Purpose is what you’re created for. Mission is what you’re meant to do about it. Visions are the evidence.We are all visionaries.Anyone who has ever dreamed of a better way or a bigger brighter future on a broader plain is a visionary. If you see a more vibrant life in you than you are living, you’re a visionary.America is founded on our ability and our right to dream and then bring those drea. . .

Believe in Your Dreams!

I went to see the movie “Miracle” the first weekend it came out. Not once, but twice. I loved it. The Dream, the Vision, the Commitment, the Determination, the Spirit. Most of all, I loved the message: BELIEVE. Believe in the possibilities of life. Believe in yourself. Believe that your dream, too, can come true.Believe that you deserve to have the very best life has to offer. Believ. . .

Does Fear Control Your Future?

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face...You must do the thing you think you cannot do." --Eleanor Roosevelt, 1884-1962, Social Activist and Former First Lady.Does fear stop you from striving for something you dream of doing? For some people, fear paralyzes them into inaction and appears as real as their reflection in the. . .

Keep Playing

Recently I had the great pleasure of hearing one of my favorite bands, Groovelily, perform their original musical theater piece Striking 12 in New York City. Before the show, as the band was warming up, the lead singer/violinist Valerie told us a powerful story. Valerie had recently performed with her father at an event to celebrate his lifetime contribution as a cantor. After the performanc. . .

Time: Do You Spend It Or Invest It?

Time is our greatest and most precious asset. Time is the great equalizer of all us human beings. Why then do we not recognize and treat it with the respect it deserves?Whether you are rich, poor, healthy, ill, or just humming along in your life somewhere in between, we all have only 24 hours in each and every day to invest wisely. We often spend a great deal of time and energy thinking and . . .

A Basic Sales Planning Strategy That Really Works

There are six steps to generating new business and increasing your company’s revenue, all this takes is a little profiling and you can make all subsequent sales actions more effective.I run a sales forum in the UK (www.asalesforum.com) we get many questions from new sales people, seasoned professionals and small business owners relating to new business sales campaigns. I firmly believe that pl. . .

Mindfulness Exercises

Mindfulness exercises let you "tune in" to yourself. Distractions are let go, and your brain power is increased. The exercises help you think more clearly and concentrate better. They also don't have to be difficult.Easy Mindfulness ExercisesAnytime you are stressed, stop, and carefully watch yourself to identify what's bothering you. You may be expecting something bad to happen, or perhaps the. . .

To Criticize a Rose

We criticize others far too much. This is a waste and self-defeating. In criticizing others we criticize their true selves - their essence - their Essence. Their essence is the same as our own. Our essence is the Essence too of the Creator. When we criticize others we criticize The Creator. If we criticize ourselves we direct our criticism at the Creator.This is the reason why attacks on race c. . .

Personal Accountability

Just after graduating from college, the first full-time job I got was as an administrative assistant for a higher education institution. Although I was not passionate about the work itself, I gave it my best effort. It paid the bills during our first four years of marriage while my husband was in medical school.Several support staff in the organization perpetually played the victim role; they . . .

Give a Miracle by Giving Yourself

The bodies that God miraculously gave us are very complex. Regardless of all of the advances in technology, we can't create a substitute for many parts of our bodies.Doctors are dependent on donations from individuals for items such as blood, organs and tissue to help save lives. Consider the following ways you can donate a portion of yourself to help save and improve the lives of others:Give y. . .

The Conversation Of Recovery

Transformational Counseling is all about assisting another human being to live a life that they love and to live it powerfully. Transformational Counseling is about creating a space for others to learn how to transform their lives, to live a life differently from how it was in the past, to truly create what they desire. Transformational Counseling is about assisting others in their getting an. . .

The 'Magic Word' of Goal Success

Whether you have some weight to lose or not, weight loss is an important study for anyone serious about setting goals. Weight loss is a physical, mental and physiological challenge and is often met with failure due to the seemingly 'cyclical' nature of the weight GAIN process. We all know the "cycle" don't we? Even the thinnest among us can probably relate. You put on a little weight which . . .

How Not To Be Disappointed This Christmas - A Practical Tip

Many years ago, when I was living in circumstances not quite like today, I invented something in the spur of the moment which is fascinating and has significantly improved my life. It actually started four months earlier, for my birthday in fact. I had wanted to buy something very esoteric for me - a personal development tape set about wealth and success; but it was massively expensive and alth. . .

Arguing

Arguing - what's it good for? Arguments are rarely "won." When you think you won an argument, what did you win? The "loser" at least learned something, right? But what did you get? Debating practice, ego satisfaction, and diminished brain power.Arguing Diminishes Brain Power?At times things need to be debated, but most of the time, it just isn't productive. You may want to argue the point, but . . .

Dump The Junk and Think Positively!

Are you carrying around some junk? You know, those hurtful and unconstructive things that you may have been told by someone during the course of your life. It was supposed to be taken with a grain of salt or simply ignored but most of the times we take that criticism and wear it like a hat of shame!It is one thing to listen to constructive criticism and then make changes to better ourselves o. . .

When Do You Give Thanks?

Do you wait until Thanksgiving Day or Christmas to thank those that you love and those that have helped you? It is important to spend time during these special holidays to be thankful. However, it shouldn't be the only time you demonstrate your love and appreciation to others.There are some great reasons to thank people throughout the year and not just during the holiday season.1. Your apprecia. . .