Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

5 Tips For Great Self-Esteem

Do you wish you had high self-confidence? Some of us go through our life fighting against that feeling that we are just ‘not good enough’. We convince ourselves that we don’t matter and that we don’t deserve to amount to anything…..but what price do we pay? The fact is that many people are lacking is self-esteem, yet feel powerless to do anything about it. Poor self esteem needs to be addressed. . .

To Procrastinate Or Not That Is The Question

Procrastinating can be fun, sometimes! It can also be a great source of frustration and anxiety when we keep putting off what we could be doing today. I manage to fit unscheduled shopping sprees into my already busy timetable, visit people I haven’t seen for awhile or give them a ‘quick’ phone call. Sometimes I’ll even clean out the refrigerator, wardrobe, and any closet or room in the house . . .

Stop Your Destructive Inner Voice

Stress. Depression. Anxiety. They’re powerful words that conjure up all kinds of images and prejudices in our minds. People who suffer from these illnesses find it hard to cope with life. They can feel deeply unhappy, they can find no joy in anything life has to offer, and of course, their levels of self-esteem, confidence and self-respect plummet.But how can this happen to someone?Let’s concen. . .

Whoever Said We Can’t Change the World Underestimated the...

I turned off the TV yesterday because the presenter talked about a reality alien to me.She talked about road rage and trolley rage and people not apologising for bumping into each other and pushing in at check outs. My community is a rural one - quiet and friendly, but I know not all communities are like this. What’s yours like? Is it like the aggressive stressed one that the TV presenter talk. . .

When You Need Answers... Be Careful How You Ask For Them

Especially when you are in a situation where a misstep can cause real problems...1. Before you ask anything, gather as much information as you can about a situation by careful observation.* Listen to the topics that are discussed * Notice topics that are not discussed. * Pay attention to nonverbal clues -- posture, tone of voice * Notice relative power positions of the people present in the sit. . .

A Sign Or Just A Rainbow?

I believe in signs. I think what seems random or a coincidence is actually a sign. A sign can mean anything you want it to mean, such as “Times are getting better!” Or “Hang in there!” Signs are personal messages we receive from the universe. If we pay attention, signs will appear.I took my dogs for a walk right after a thunderstorm. We rounded a bend and saw two amazing rainbows stretched acro. . .

With Choice Comes Responsibility

Choice is a powerful thing. Every choice that you make creates the life you live. However, choice does not come without a price, and that price is responsibility, a word I fondly refer to as the "R" word. We all love choice, but when it comes to responsibility, well, that's another story.In the on-line university classes I teach, the students are assigned a group participation project. It is no. . .

Confess, Or Wait And Get Caught

I have always been curious that, when a person gets caught doing something they shouldn't, they always say how sorry they are. I wonder if the person is really sorry for what they did, or are they sorry they got caught. If the person was truly sorry for the act, wouldn't they have confessed the indiscretion before they were caught?I read an article about Hyrum Smith, the founder of the Frankli. . .

He Done His Damnedest

One of Stephen Covey's "Seven Principles of Highly Effective People" is “Begin with the end in mind.” When I think about this principle, it comes to mind that this is what a legacy is all about. Thinking about what we want to leave behind helps us to live our lives in such a way that we create that legacy each day. A quote I recently came across made me think of how important each day is to our. . .

Obsessive Focus

The key to achieving anything in life is focus. The key to success is focus. Whatever you focus on, you will obtain. Obsessive focus is the ability to focus on what you want until you obtain it. When you become obsessive about what you want, and you focus all your energy on that one thing, you will create a powerful force that will push you forward.Obsessive focus is not a state in which you ne. . .

Preparedness Plus Chance Equals Success

How many times has something good come into your life and you were not prepared to embrace it? This happens to so many people. When a special chance to do or have something great presents itself, most people will not be ready. How disappointing! Preparedness plus chance equals success. Believing you can succeed and preparing to succeed go hand in hand. Both are an extremely vital part of winnin. . .

5 Tips for Getting Your Life Back On Track -- After Takin...

We've all experienced moments in our life when we hear ourselves say "YES" to a job, person or situation we know deep in our heart isn't right for us. And still we do it. As soon as "yes" leaves our lips somewhere in us we hear a voice that screams "NO! Don't do it!" but somehow another part of us kicks in and our mind overrules the wisdom of our body and we find ourselves on a path we never in. . .

The First 3 Secrets to Boosting Your Creativity

I have professed to be the ultimate left-brained nerd. For years I saw myself as the analytical automaton, sorely lacking in creativity. And creativity is something that I really valued. Think about it - being creative is defined as “having or showing imagination and artistic or intellectual inventiveness.” Who wouldn’t want that quality?As I am also a professed personal growth addict, I ha. . .

Introduction to Performance Coaching

Not too long ago ship captains could actually whip sailors who disobeyed orders; managers could fire workers on the spot for virtually any reason, or even no reason at all; and students could be expelled from school for any minor infraction of the rules. Today, much has changed. Sailors have rights, workers have unions, and students are asked for input in the educational process. The person in . . .

Managing Your Fears As An Alternative To Abuse And Addiction

Everybody deals with stress and anxiety, however some people sometimes take it out on others through abuse or take their fears out on themselves through addiction. Both of these alternatives are wrong. There is a better way to deal with your stress and anxieties. Here is a list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their stress, anxieties, and fears. First and foremost, seek help a. . .

3 Keys to Managing Career Burnout

I recently gave a presentation on this topic at an Annual Conference of Human Resource Professionals. The room was full! So I thought the information might be timely for some of you.What is burnout? What are the symptoms and causes? And if you're experiencing it, what can you do?The dictionary states that burnout is "exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a resu. . .

Achieve Your Goals without Negative Stress

Working smart to reach your goals is important. Working hard on your goals is OK, but beware of work without thought for better ways or new ways to reach your personal goals. Don't let unneccesary or harmful stress lead you away from what you want to achive.Stress handling wouldn't seem like it would be a part of setting goals but it could be the difference between you accomplishing them or not. . .

What Are Your Beliefs About Money And Wealth?

What is your attitude towards having wealth? Do you believe it is possible to have anything that you want? Or do you believe that wealth and prosperity are reserved only for those other “lucky” people in this world...? Okay, please pay attention to this:*** There Is No Such Thing As Luck ***Take a good look at what you have today; look at how much money you have, your possessions, and your inve. . .

Top Ten Question Prompts

Questions can be very effective in helping develop your journal technique. Exploring is part of the fun of journaling. Questions allow you to explore, develop and plan creative ideas, as well as solve problems. Just listen the people who are mostly likely to ask and answer questions: students, journalists, teachers and coaches. You can discover quite a bit of information about yourself and oth. . .

What is the Universal Subconscious?

There are many different and interchangeable terms that are used to describe the Universal Subconscious mind. But whatever term you use, metaphysicians and scientists agree that our Universe is a field of vibrating energy. Things that are denser operate at a lower frequency, and then there are also finer forms, such as thoughts and emotions, which operate at a much higher frequency. All of thes. . .

The Psychology of Weight Loss

You see the razor-thin models gracing the covers of magazines…you watch actors and actresses on the big screen who seem to never gain a pound. And you wonder: How do I differ from them? You may be surprised to learn that a number of famous people at one time had difficulty maintaining a healthy weight. But they were able to conquer their problem, thanks to a new-and-improved, healthy view o. . .

Sachin Tendulkar & Chamber Of Success

The Principle of Balance is most important thing, My research Study based on the balance of senses for balanced Brain. How our senses are responsible for level concentration, Balance of Brain & flow of Hormones? How we can control, manage & enhance our power of senses for sound brain functioning. Yoga is strongly associated with Brain. One of the supreme meaning & essence of yoga is to "CONTRO. . .

The Difference Between Good and Great

Ever notice how some people have all the luck? They seem to attract clients and business effortlessly, and win awards without even trying. Even the media seems to seek them out. So what makes THEM the anointed ones…. and not you?The difference is passion. Passion is what makes us get up in the morning, excited about what we're going to do. It's what pushes us through tasks we'd rather not do - . . .

The Words Do Matter

Air Canada Flight 154 I was boarding a flight in Edmonton, Alberta, bound for Toronto after a long day. As I handed my boarding pass to the Air Canada gate agent, I asked her if she was having a good day. Her response has been in my mind for nearly two weeks. She looked at me, smiled, and said, “All the better for you asking me, thanks.” As I literally skipped down the jetway, I smiled. I have . . .

14 Practical Methods To Combat Stress

A stress- free lifestyle could very well do wonders in eliminating depression. Here are some practical methods to combat stress: 1. Express Amusement And Be Happy. Laugh hard and loud. If you don’t have a sense of humor, find someone else who has. Laughter releases endorphins (happy chemicals) from the body, and it helps boost your immune system. 2. Take Control Over Your Time and Schedule. You. . .

Five Reasons to Bring your Heart to Work

Take a minute right now. Get yourself a sheet of paper and a pencil or pen.Yes, do this right now before you read on.Then draw a tree. When you have finished your tree, you can read further.Having done this with groups before I can tell you with some certainty what you see in front of you.If you are like most people you will have drawn a wonderful tree from the perspective of the ground upwar. . .

Quitting The Habit – How To Choose The Right Method?

Once you have made the decision to quit smoking, you should choose a method to help you overcome the habit. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, so it's a good idea to examine all of them before deciding. No matter which method you choose, it is important to have the support and encouragement of family and friends. You can quit smoking on your own but you are more likely to succeed if . . .

I Wonder Where the Wonder Went

I was a fifth grader the first time I flew on a commercial flight. I remember being amazed that I could get all the soft drinks I wanted for free. I remember the wonder of looking out at the clouds and the topography far below. I remember watching us land. The entire thing was a great adventure and I was full of wonder.In college, as I flew once in awhile, I always got a window seat - I wanted . . .

I Care … But Not That Much!

A simple thesaurus-search on the word ‘Care’ reveals the following:Mind,Concerned,Worry,Think About,Be BotheredA quick look around the workplace, or anywhere else for that mater, reveals a world of Mindful, Concerned, Worried, Thinking and Bothered people. On the surface, it would appear we all care a fair bit. Taking into account the exponential increase over the last couple of decades in dise. . .

Backin’ Off to Move Ahead

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I think we’ve done it to ourselves. In spite of all of the technological advancements, cool gadgets and labor-saving devices that are supposed to make our life easier, I think we’re losing ground. You say that doesn’t make any sense at all? Why, look at how far mankind has come in just the last hundred years or so. Look at all of the advances in elect. . .

How To Become A Better Sight-Reader

If you are like most people, your performance of a piece of music “at first sight” could probably stand some improvement. Oh, to be able to breeze through a brand new piece without all the stops and starts!What you may not realize is that sight-reading is an art in itself, separate and apart from pianistic ability. Many conservatory musicians, even many soloists, are not the great sight-reade. . .

How to Reduce Anxiety When Affirmations Don’t Work

Have you ever read that you should think positively when you are feeling anxious?Have you ever been told to argue back when you have negative thoughts?How’s that working for you?Why do affirmations only sometimes produce results?Because as we argue back to our negative and irrational thoughts, we don’t always believe the new things we are telling ourselves.What we really believe is our original. . .

What Does Vision Have to do With Creating Confidence?

It can be difficult to translate our insight and inspiration into reality, to take our joy and sustain it once we are out in the world, to be who we really are once we are out of the comfort zone and into action.It is one thing to say we feel comfortable with who we are and another thing to actually live that way.It is one thing to say we don’t care what other people think and another thing to . . .

Sugar's Sweet Game of Deceit

Did you have a fun Halloween? Now that “Trick or Treat” is over, kids are devouring their stashes of candy. Are you tempted to eat the candy yourself? The yummy chocolate bars, candy corn and gummies are hard to resist. If you need a little help or motivation to stay away from treats, consider the following:1. Don’t kid yourself; candy is addictive!Like potato chips, it’s hard to eat just one . . .

How To Overcome Your Fear Of Success

Ever hear about someone eating something spicy, and once they get the spices down, it makes them start sweating? Well, the other day I was eating lunch with a friend of mine -- Mexican food -- and immediately after gobbling down some hot salsa, sweat starts pouring down my buddy's face, like he was a fat man in a sauna. The truth is, sometimes in anticipation of you crossing the finish line on . . .

Getting Past Major Learning Barriers

Tom stepped into the meeting room, but from his perspective it might as well have been a jail cell. He was a prisoner in his own work day. Why? The PowerPoint slide projected on the screen said it all. “Welcome to our Refresher Training.” Refresher training might be needed for some people but Tom already knew all this material . . . but the training was mandatory. Besides, he had a desk f. . .

Owning Your Own Controls

What makes the difference between two children raised in the same environment with the same parents when one ends up a neuro-surgeon and the other a hardened violent criminal? What makes the difference between two patients suffering in a hospice center from identical conditions when one requires very little medication and is liked by all, while the other suffers bitterly regardless of the medic. . .

Beating Anxiety: How to be 100% okay with ‘who’ you are

If you could be totally 100% okay with who you are, would you have anything to feel anxious about?If you were 100% confident about who you are, would you be worried about what other people think?If you felt 100% comfortable with who you are, could you feel calm, centered and peaceful no matter what anyone else says and no matter what situation you find yourself in?Being okay with who we are fre. . .

Can You Overcome Time Poverty? The Real Possibility of Ac...

There is no question about it - Americans are running out of time. Family dinners are a thing of the past. We run from appointment to appointment, take work home, and cram leisure time into short bursts of stress filled moments. The question is, how did we did get into this predicament? It certainly isn’t because we are inefficient. In the past 25 years, economists estimate that productivi. . .

Ten Stress Signals & Four "Secret Tactics” to Get Things ...

If you are stressed out, the best thing you can do is take time to relax. Relaxation releases built-up tension and frustration. If you don’t take time to relax, the emotional and mental stress you’re experiencing will eventually manifest itself in the form of physical symptoms. These vary from person to person, but some of the common symptoms of excessive stress are:1. Memory lapses. You run . . .

The Ripple Effect of Anxiety

If our lives were like oceans, spreading over many years and vast distances, swooping and swaying according to the waves of change in the atmosphere around us and interacting with the people we meet as the ocean flows up and down the shores – A small drop of anxiety on just one day can have a ripple effect that reaches to the depths of the ocean floor and touches the farthest corners of our liv. . .

Help With a Common Obstacle to Confidence: How to Transla...

This article is designed specifically to support you in tackling one of the biggest obstacles that may come in your way as you work on developing your confidence and changing how you live and interact with others.Learning how to enjoy being you and how to enjoy being with others can feel great!Gaining even small degrees of freedom in our actions and expressions can allow us to do things that we. . .

In Sales The Customer Is King And Don't Ever Forget It

Bernadette and I eat out several times a week. It's about cooking - we both take turns but sometimes it's just easier to go out. Three weeks ago, on a Saturday night, we met friends at an Italian Restaurant in Sarasota. Some other friends recommended the place and they raved about the food.The restaurant was small, no more than 15 tables, and located in strip mall. While the food was good, the . . .

How To Motivate Yourself And Achieve Your Goals Always!

Do you find it hard to motivate yourself and achieve the goals you have set? So do many people around the world. The key to successful goal setting is your ability to motivate yourself and stay motivated till you have achieved your goals.Getting and staying motivated is not as hard as you think. All it takes is discipline. Here are 12 ways to motivate yourself and stay motivated.1. Visualize yo. . .

Weeding for the Mind: Getting to the Root of Anxiety

What can weeding the yard can teach us about handling anxiety?One of the reasons why positive thinking and affirmations tend to provide only limited help for reducing our anxiety is because the problem is not necessarily in our thinking.We are capable of having many, many thoughts. We believe that some of our thoughts are true. And we instantly discount other thoughts as untrue.It is the thou. . .

Stress and the Mind-Body Connection

Almost fifty years ago, Dr. Hans Selye developed his now-famous theory about stress and the mind-body connection. He suggested that disease is the body’s inability to deal with mental, emotional or physical stress. Dr. Selye spent a lifetime researching stress and wrote 30 books and more than 1,500 articles on stress and related problems, including Stress without Distress (1974) and The Stre. . .

Anxious? There is Help

Does anxiety get you down? There is more than one way to beat this problem.If your anxiety is mild you may be able to work through it on your own. Find out what makes you anxious. Avoid situations that cause anxiety. Learn how to think about the things that calm you and make you feel less anxious. Take a walk or participate in a calming activity like yoga.One good way to deal with anxiety . . .

4 Ways to Rethink Anxiety

Do you suffer from anxiety when dealing with other people? When leaving the house? Walking down the street? Or in groups? Hanging out or working with other people?When you feel this anxiety in social situations, when interacting with others, what is going on here?What is this experience we call anxiety? When you sit in a meeting, leaning back in the stiff chair and secretly dreading the po. . .

Personal Core Values

Each of us has our own set of values. These are what determine which aspects of life we regard as important or beneficial. Our values help determine our tastes, our way of life, our entertainment, our social, political and religious interactions. Each of us holds many values and these values are liable to change as we grow, reach different stages of life or have different experiences or influe. . .

A Survey on Goals: Why Does Everyone In Your Office Want ...

What are your goals? Goals are something we put out in front of ourselves to reach one day. But who sets our goals. If someone else had set them for you to reach, should you attain them or another. If they belong to another why should you ever reach those goals, they are not for you. But the more we try the more disheartened we become. In this case our failures are our saviors. They, our failur. . .