You’re reading Forget SMART Goals and Try This Instead, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

For four years, I struggled using SMART Goals that got me nowhere. I experienced psychological pressure and pain from always feeling like I would never be enough until I reached some magically self-created utopia through achieving my goals.

I never ended up accomplishing most of them.

I remember desperately working to be fit for a fitness test; training so hard that I ended up giving myself a chronic heel injury that I still have to this day. In reaching for my goals like they’d somehow make me complete, I pushed myself past my limit. With every goal I had, this theme would repeat itself.

I went after each goal like it’d make me or break me.

Eventually, after nearly half a decade, I realized that goals aren’t about belonging, or reaching a safe place. They’re not there so that I can prove myself to anyone. They’re just there to help me move forward, to grow, and become a better person, however simplistic that may sound.

Compass Goals Changed Everything For Me

Over the course of 2016, I managed to achieve several different goals. They include reading over seventy books, improving my income, traveling to various countries, and reaching something that’s a lot closer to my dream body.

But more importantly, I achieved my goals in a far more grounded way. Compared to previous years, I felt more excited throughout my journey. I didn’t feel like I was grasping and yearning helplessly, with flailing arms, for my goals. The beautiful side effect of that was that I was less wrapped up in my own bubble,

I share all of this to show you that positive internal change is more than possible, even with the deepest experiences of disappointment—year after year. No matter how many times you’ve felt like a failure before. No matter how many times you haven’t stuck to your goals.

Compass Goals vs. SMART Goals

A goal becomes a compass goal when it improves your present in a meaningful, exciting way. It’s there to teach you something about yourself and the world, but you’re not too attached to the outcome you’re going after.

With a series of compass goals, life becomes a mixture of interconnecting wormholes that move you toward greater growth and fulfilment.

Pursuing goals is a lot like riding a bicycle toward different destinations. You need to know when to speed up, based on the terrain that’s in front of you. You need to know when to slow down, based on the obstacles you eventually come to face. And you have to make those decisions while remembering that you want to get to those various places on time—while maintaining your sanity throughout the journey.

Even more importantly, you need to know if a goal or destination is even worth going for in the first place. You can’t take a trip to a planned destination lightly, and some goals will take longer to reach. The exploration we’re about to delve into will show you exactly how to decide which of your goals are worth going for, and how to go about pursuing them.

But first, let’s make something clear.

Your Life Will Always Be About the Climb

There’s this idea in our culture that suggests that we’ll magically “make it” once we achieve a certain milestone. It could be anything from releasing a viral video, winning American Idol, or joining an NBA Team.

Through the slipstream of celebrity culture, with rap songs with lyrics “mummy, I made it,” we’ve been subtly co-opted into this idea that our very sense of self-worth, is dependent on reaching some magical dreamland.

But this is merely an illusion. One that, I regret to say, I succumbed to for over four years. But while reaching a goal can radically improve the quality of your life, it’s not the end-all and be-all.

Let me use three big goals to show you why you will never “make it” and why you should be thankful:

• After reading x amount of books in a year, it will be your job to internalize the lessons from what you read so that they lead to an improvement in your character.
• You’ve gained ten pounds of muscle and feel great. Now you need to make sure you maintain your muscle mass, which means you’ll have to continue training at the gym, in some form, for the rest of your life.
• Now that you’ve doubled your income, you’ll have to keep working at the same level to maintain your salary.

Life keeps moving forward, regardless of which destination you reach. Once you understand this, you can take goals off the pedestal.

Qualify your Goal to see if it’s a Compass Goal

Whenever you set yourself a goal, imagine you’re about to jump on a bike to set off to a new destination and ask yourself these four questions, before kicking your foot on the pedal:

The Compass Goals Checklist:

1. Is this goal something I can see myself pursuing with excitement, despite its difficulty – does it give me rewards along the way?
2. Can I write a set of daily or weekly actions that I’ll stick to consistently, adjusting them when necessary until I reach my goal?
3. Do I have a way of measuring my progress (a compass)?
4. Will I be okay with not getting the outcome I want because I recognize how much value this journey will provide me with regardless?

The last question (being okay with not reaching the result) helps you relieve an enormous amount of pressure. If you’re okay with not getting the result you want in advance, you don’t live in a make-it-or-break-it paradigm. Instead, you live in a playground that leaves you free to achieve something if you’re willing to do what it takes.

It’s okay to have burning desires, but they only help us if they’re tempered in the right way. Paradoxically, it’s only by letting go of the outcomes we seek (while working toward them) that we’re freer and likelier to achieve them.

If you answered yes to all these four questions, then you have successfully created a compass goal! Try to have between three to five per year at most!

What about deadlines?

With the common SMART goals approach, you’re told to set a deadline for each goal so that you’re stretched. But answering the four questions for each of your goals is more important than having a planned completion date.

Alas, use deadlines, but use them to fuel your goals rather than constrain you. Also, make sure you don’t give yourself too much time to achieve a goal in a year. The journey, similarly to riding a bike, is a lot more fun where you go faster—and that’s why deadlines are useful!

To Summarize the 4 Main Takeaways

1. Understand the value of your goals; while the achievement counts for something, who you become along the way is more important. Don’t let your goals run you, run your goals.
2. Realize there is no end-point; achieving goals doesn’t mean “you’ve made it.” You’ll always be striving for growth in different areas of your life.
3. Every goal achieved brings with it a set of new responsibilities, so be willing to take those responsibilities in advance. Don’t choose a goal lightly.
4. Qualify your goals with the four questions to determine if you have a traditional goal or a compass goal. A traditional goal will prod at your self-esteem and make you feel unfulfilled along the way. A compass goal is lighter and makes you enjoy the journey.

My Last Words

Over the last half a decade, I’ve come to learn that goals are only worth having if they can enrich our lives right now. Because how we consistently experience the present will always determine the beauty of what we reap.

If you work on a PC and you’re interested in learning how to improve the way you approach life, read my free book on Spiritual Productivity.

• You’ll learn about how to split up your day into four chunks, so you worry less about external influences.
• You’ll discover the small hacks that will take your productive work on the PC to the next level.
• And much more…

---

 Samy Felice is a writer who brings meaning to words. His Free Book explores how to make success easier. 

You’ve read Forget SMART Goals and Try This Instead, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2u036Zz

You’re reading Forget SMART Goals and Try This Instead, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

For four years, I struggled using SMART Goals that got me nowhere. I experienced psychological pressure and pain from always feeling like I would never be enough until I reached some magically self-created utopia through achieving my goals.

I never ended up accomplishing most of them.

I remember desperately working to be fit for a fitness test; training so hard that I ended up giving myself a chronic heel injury that I still have to this day. In reaching for my goals like they’d somehow make me complete, I pushed myself past my limit. With every goal I had, this theme would repeat itself.

I went after each goal like it’d make me or break me.

Eventually, after nearly half a decade, I realized that goals aren’t about belonging, or reaching a safe place. They’re not there so that I can prove myself to anyone. They’re just there to help me move forward, to grow, and become a better person, however simplistic that may sound.

Compass Goals Changed Everything For Me

Over the course of 2016, I managed to achieve several different goals. They include reading over seventy books, improving my income, traveling to various countries, and reaching something that’s a lot closer to my dream body.

But more importantly, I achieved my goals in a far more grounded way. Compared to previous years, I felt more excited throughout my journey. I didn’t feel like I was grasping and yearning helplessly, with flailing arms, for my goals. The beautiful side effect of that was that I was less wrapped up in my own bubble,

I share all of this to show you that positive internal change is more than possible, even with the deepest experiences of disappointment—year after year. No matter how many times you’ve felt like a failure before. No matter how many times you haven’t stuck to your goals.

Compass Goals vs. SMART Goals

A goal becomes a compass goal when it improves your present in a meaningful, exciting way. It’s there to teach you something about yourself and the world, but you’re not too attached to the outcome you’re going after.

With a series of compass goals, life becomes a mixture of interconnecting wormholes that move you toward greater growth and fulfilment.

Pursuing goals is a lot like riding a bicycle toward different destinations. You need to know when to speed up, based on the terrain that’s in front of you. You need to know when to slow down, based on the obstacles you eventually come to face. And you have to make those decisions while remembering that you want to get to those various places on time—while maintaining your sanity throughout the journey.

Even more importantly, you need to know if a goal or destination is even worth going for in the first place. You can’t take a trip to a planned destination lightly, and some goals will take longer to reach. The exploration we’re about to delve into will show you exactly how to decide which of your goals are worth going for, and how to go about pursuing them.

But first, let’s make something clear.

Your Life Will Always Be About the Climb

There’s this idea in our culture that suggests that we’ll magically “make it” once we achieve a certain milestone. It could be anything from releasing a viral video, winning American Idol, or joining an NBA Team.

Through the slipstream of celebrity culture, with rap songs with lyrics “mummy, I made it,” we’ve been subtly co-opted into this idea that our very sense of self-worth, is dependent on reaching some magical dreamland.

But this is merely an illusion. One that, I regret to say, I succumbed to for over four years. But while reaching a goal can radically improve the quality of your life, it’s not the end-all and be-all.

Let me use three big goals to show you why you will never “make it” and why you should be thankful:

• After reading x amount of books in a year, it will be your job to internalize the lessons from what you read so that they lead to an improvement in your character.
• You’ve gained ten pounds of muscle and feel great. Now you need to make sure you maintain your muscle mass, which means you’ll have to continue training at the gym, in some form, for the rest of your life.
• Now that you’ve doubled your income, you’ll have to keep working at the same level to maintain your salary.

Life keeps moving forward, regardless of which destination you reach. Once you understand this, you can take goals off the pedestal.

Qualify your Goal to see if it’s a Compass Goal

Whenever you set yourself a goal, imagine you’re about to jump on a bike to set off to a new destination and ask yourself these four questions, before kicking your foot on the pedal:

The Compass Goals Checklist:

1. Is this goal something I can see myself pursuing with excitement, despite its difficulty – does it give me rewards along the way?
2. Can I write a set of daily or weekly actions that I’ll stick to consistently, adjusting them when necessary until I reach my goal?
3. Do I have a way of measuring my progress (a compass)?
4. Will I be okay with not getting the outcome I want because I recognize how much value this journey will provide me with regardless?

The last question (being okay with not reaching the result) helps you relieve an enormous amount of pressure. If you’re okay with not getting the result you want in advance, you don’t live in a make-it-or-break-it paradigm. Instead, you live in a playground that leaves you free to achieve something if you’re willing to do what it takes.

It’s okay to have burning desires, but they only help us if they’re tempered in the right way. Paradoxically, it’s only by letting go of the outcomes we seek (while working toward them) that we’re freer and likelier to achieve them.

If you answered yes to all these four questions, then you have successfully created a compass goal! Try to have between three to five per year at most!

What about deadlines?

With the common SMART goals approach, you’re told to set a deadline for each goal so that you’re stretched. But answering the four questions for each of your goals is more important than having a planned completion date.

Alas, use deadlines, but use them to fuel your goals rather than constrain you. Also, make sure you don’t give yourself too much time to achieve a goal in a year. The journey, similarly to riding a bike, is a lot more fun where you go faster—and that’s why deadlines are useful!

To Summarize the 4 Main Takeaways

1. Understand the value of your goals; while the achievement counts for something, who you become along the way is more important. Don’t let your goals run you, run your goals.
2. Realize there is no end-point; achieving goals doesn’t mean “you’ve made it.” You’ll always be striving for growth in different areas of your life.
3. Every goal achieved brings with it a set of new responsibilities, so be willing to take those responsibilities in advance. Don’t choose a goal lightly.
4. Qualify your goals with the four questions to determine if you have a traditional goal or a compass goal. A traditional goal will prod at your self-esteem and make you feel unfulfilled along the way. A compass goal is lighter and makes you enjoy the journey.

My Last Words

Over the last half a decade, I’ve come to learn that goals are only worth having if they can enrich our lives right now. Because how we consistently experience the present will always determine the beauty of what we reap.

If you work on a PC and you’re interested in learning how to improve the way you approach life, read my free book on Spiritual Productivity.

• You’ll learn about how to split up your day into four chunks, so you worry less about external influences.
• You’ll discover the small hacks that will take your productive work on the PC to the next level.
• And much more…

---

 Samy Felice is a writer who brings meaning to words. His Free Book explores how to make success easier. 

You’ve read Forget SMART Goals and Try This Instead, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2u036Zz

You’re reading 6 Ways To Satisfy a Hungry Heart, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

“…emptiness can never be eliminated, although the experience of it can be transformed.”
-Mark Epstein

Ever feel out of control?

Ever feel so empty you can’t be satisfied?

A couple of weeks ago, that’s how I felt.

It was the wrong kind of emptiness, when you ARE filled, but you either don’t know it, or worse, don’t accept it.

Snoring Emotionally

I had talked with my long-time, wonderful therapist, someone I trust, about a series of very important things.

Yet, somehow, I didn’t feel the release I expected to feel, so I was psychologically “hungry”.

Because I was unconscious of the real problem, I was “sleeping” in an emotional sense, but noisily, as if I were snoring.

I walked away from the conversation feeling frustrated, as if I’d hit a wall. I wanted to wrestle with something or someone, but no partners were available.

1-Take an Emotional Inventory

The next day, in the car on a half-day trip, I still grappled unsuccessfully with my unsettled state.

Fortunately, since I’m a veteran of these kinds of feelings, I knew that, to feel better and more at peace, I had to be an observer
.
I listed the feelings I was experiencing. Anger. Loss. Resentment. Frustration.

2-Turn Down the Volume

Now that I’d slipped back into observer mode, I experienced more balance, more ability to manage stress, more peace.

I realized that I had to relax before anything else, otherwise I couldn’t return to the health and stress hardiness that I’d learned to experience and bring about over years of difficulty.

Now that I was a bit detached from the negativity, I could not be taken over by the power of that state.

I didn’t have to be a prisoner of the emotional volume of that negativity. I could turn that volume down and observe it, but not be subject to it any longer.

3-Surrender “The Demand”

As I drove those quiet roads, and my observer self began to assert itself, injecting more calm into the situation, I realized what the problem was.

For starters, when I’d gone to see my therapist that day, part of me demanded that she “take care of it”, that negativity, implying that I had no control over it.

But, that wasn’t my normal behavior, nor my normal mindset.

I’d accepted long ago (after long and difficulty years), that my therapist was only a surrogate for the strongest part of myself.

All she did was mediate and facilitate a conversation “between me and me”.

As anyone who has experienced therapy knows, when I say, “all she did”,

I’m really expressing an enormous service that this trained and caring practitioner provides, not so much by doing, but by being, and most of all, being present.

4-Listening to the Parent INSIDE

Turning down the volume of the unhappy child allows the observer to manage what’s going on.

That fertile quiet and emptiness allows a renewed conversation between the inner parent who is always present, always available, but not always listened to and that child.

But, I already knew this. Why had my child turned up its volume angrily, sucking at the air to find a satisfaction beyond satisfying?

Because part of me was ready to relive an old trauma that I had been talking about, but not experienced.

In fact, I had to re-experience it, in all its ugliness and pain, in order to move past it.

5- The First Clue

One day before my session, I had brought out bag after bag of trash from my house to be picked up.

It was raining, and I felt dreadful, that somehow, I didn’t deserve to release these old things to the curb and the disposal they deserved.

I had thought I’d feel great about getting rid of the stuff.

After all, it was from a quarter century earlier, the unhappiest time of my life, when I’d moved near my parents after living away from them for over a decade.

They hadn’t been nourishing parents.

My father had treated me in all the ways that a kid could want.

Then, after working away from home for a couple of years, He’d come home,

He looked just the same, but now abused me every way he could, and my mother, for no apparent reason, encouraged his negative behavior.

This about face and my inability to 1) find a reason for it; and 2) let go thinking that I had to be to blame caused a lifetime of searching for answers and release through therapy.

While I lived away from them, in therapy, I not only figured things out, but I quickly accepted my own parenting role. I worked consistently to be the external parent I had known only too briefly.

But, when I moved up to be near them, the child inside me reared up, like a confused and agitated creature.

That creature, demanded that they fulfill what I expected of them.

6-Surrendering to the Pain of the Past

I’d worked through some of the earlier traumas over the past decade, and I knew that I had rounded several corners. But maybe this was the hardest challenge yet:

I had to overcome the pain of the move near my parents and the disillusionment that came with it.

This was the disillusionment of age eight, now repeated by someone over thirty with children of his own, and now experienced a quarter century later.

When my children left the house, and their voices no longer a familiar presence every day, I was free to take up the challenge again of parenting myself.

I simply needed to apply the same constant compassion and attention and selflessness to myself with which I had parented them.

As I drove over those quiet roads, I sighed with sudden understanding and release.

I finally experienced the emotions I’d hoped for a day earlier, but was incapable of achieving, because I expected someone else to give them to me.

Now, alone with the steering wheel, I found I could drive myself to this place of peace, re-accepting that ever-present parent inside.

Now, I knew that the pain of twenty-four hours earlier could subside.

Now, I knew that pain could be replaced by fertile emptiness and big thoughts and the skill to manage my psychic space.

Remember, some emptiness cannot and should not be “filled” or “satisfied”.

Sometimes it is simply necessary to accept that emptiness with the right inner parenting such that the emptiness becomes fertile.

---

Lars Nielsen has decades of experience helping individuals and businesses discover and share their core message. Whatever your message or audience, grab his “Make YOUR Message Matter Cheat Sheet” (http://ift.tt/2v5s0a2) and put his time-tested techniques to work immediately.

You’ve read 6 Ways To Satisfy a Hungry Heart, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2uwx0I3

You’re reading 6 Ways To Satisfy a Hungry Heart, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

“…emptiness can never be eliminated, although the experience of it can be transformed.”
-Mark Epstein

Ever feel out of control?

Ever feel so empty you can’t be satisfied?

A couple of weeks ago, that’s how I felt.

It was the wrong kind of emptiness, when you ARE filled, but you either don’t know it, or worse, don’t accept it.

Snoring Emotionally

I had talked with my long-time, wonderful therapist, someone I trust, about a series of very important things.

Yet, somehow, I didn’t feel the release I expected to feel, so I was psychologically “hungry”.

Because I was unconscious of the real problem, I was “sleeping” in an emotional sense, but noisily, as if I were snoring.

I walked away from the conversation feeling frustrated, as if I’d hit a wall. I wanted to wrestle with something or someone, but no partners were available.

1-Take an Emotional Inventory

The next day, in the car on a half-day trip, I still grappled unsuccessfully with my unsettled state.

Fortunately, since I’m a veteran of these kinds of feelings, I knew that, to feel better and more at peace, I had to be an observer
.
I listed the feelings I was experiencing. Anger. Loss. Resentment. Frustration.

2-Turn Down the Volume

Now that I’d slipped back into observer mode, I experienced more balance, more ability to manage stress, more peace.

I realized that I had to relax before anything else, otherwise I couldn’t return to the health and stress hardiness that I’d learned to experience and bring about over years of difficulty.

Now that I was a bit detached from the negativity, I could not be taken over by the power of that state.

I didn’t have to be a prisoner of the emotional volume of that negativity. I could turn that volume down and observe it, but not be subject to it any longer.

3-Surrender “The Demand”

As I drove those quiet roads, and my observer self began to assert itself, injecting more calm into the situation, I realized what the problem was.

For starters, when I’d gone to see my therapist that day, part of me demanded that she “take care of it”, that negativity, implying that I had no control over it.

But, that wasn’t my normal behavior, nor my normal mindset.

I’d accepted long ago (after long and difficulty years), that my therapist was only a surrogate for the strongest part of myself.

All she did was mediate and facilitate a conversation “between me and me”.

As anyone who has experienced therapy knows, when I say, “all she did”,

I’m really expressing an enormous service that this trained and caring practitioner provides, not so much by doing, but by being, and most of all, being present.

4-Listening to the Parent INSIDE

Turning down the volume of the unhappy child allows the observer to manage what’s going on.

That fertile quiet and emptiness allows a renewed conversation between the inner parent who is always present, always available, but not always listened to and that child.

But, I already knew this. Why had my child turned up its volume angrily, sucking at the air to find a satisfaction beyond satisfying?

Because part of me was ready to relive an old trauma that I had been talking about, but not experienced.

In fact, I had to re-experience it, in all its ugliness and pain, in order to move past it.

5- The First Clue

One day before my session, I had brought out bag after bag of trash from my house to be picked up.

It was raining, and I felt dreadful, that somehow, I didn’t deserve to release these old things to the curb and the disposal they deserved.

I had thought I’d feel great about getting rid of the stuff.

After all, it was from a quarter century earlier, the unhappiest time of my life, when I’d moved near my parents after living away from them for over a decade.

They hadn’t been nourishing parents.

My father had treated me in all the ways that a kid could want.

Then, after working away from home for a couple of years, He’d come home,

He looked just the same, but now abused me every way he could, and my mother, for no apparent reason, encouraged his negative behavior.

This about face and my inability to 1) find a reason for it; and 2) let go thinking that I had to be to blame caused a lifetime of searching for answers and release through therapy.

While I lived away from them, in therapy, I not only figured things out, but I quickly accepted my own parenting role. I worked consistently to be the external parent I had known only too briefly.

But, when I moved up to be near them, the child inside me reared up, like a confused and agitated creature.

That creature, demanded that they fulfill what I expected of them.

6-Surrendering to the Pain of the Past

I’d worked through some of the earlier traumas over the past decade, and I knew that I had rounded several corners. But maybe this was the hardest challenge yet:

I had to overcome the pain of the move near my parents and the disillusionment that came with it.

This was the disillusionment of age eight, now repeated by someone over thirty with children of his own, and now experienced a quarter century later.

When my children left the house, and their voices no longer a familiar presence every day, I was free to take up the challenge again of parenting myself.

I simply needed to apply the same constant compassion and attention and selflessness to myself with which I had parented them.

As I drove over those quiet roads, I sighed with sudden understanding and release.

I finally experienced the emotions I’d hoped for a day earlier, but was incapable of achieving, because I expected someone else to give them to me.

Now, alone with the steering wheel, I found I could drive myself to this place of peace, re-accepting that ever-present parent inside.

Now, I knew that the pain of twenty-four hours earlier could subside.

Now, I knew that pain could be replaced by fertile emptiness and big thoughts and the skill to manage my psychic space.

Remember, some emptiness cannot and should not be “filled” or “satisfied”.

Sometimes it is simply necessary to accept that emptiness with the right inner parenting such that the emptiness becomes fertile.

---

Lars Nielsen has decades of experience helping individuals and businesses discover and share their core message. Whatever your message or audience, grab his “Make YOUR Message Matter Cheat Sheet” (http://ift.tt/2v5s0a2) and put his time-tested techniques to work immediately.

You’ve read 6 Ways To Satisfy a Hungry Heart, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2uwx0I3

You’re reading Fiction for Life: Things I Learned from Watching Sci-Fi, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

The thought of meeting someone who had just returned from New York excites me. Eleven years is long enough so you bet I was ready for a story-telling marathon. I stepped into his living room and I was completely stunned by the movie house-themed living room! He grinned at my reaction and was so pleased to know that I adored the setup. What thrilled me more were the sci-fi movie posters arrayed on his plain alabaster shade walls!

He worked as a PR – that’s how he got to have these enormous theater posters in his possession. Tokens and freebies, he said. I noticed that most of them were science-fiction movies. We both loved the genre, and just like old times, we talked about several movies.  Now that we’re adults, we went up to another level, talking about the titles’ impact on us as an individual and as a part of the human race.

Learn and Unlearn

What is the most resilient parasite? … An idea. Resilient… highly contagious.

Cobb’s words definitely stuck even after watching Inception. Ideas and ideologies do spread like wildfire thanks to the wonders of the Internet. While other people shun these, my friend and I actually take pleasure in considering varying and even opposing ideas, test them or meditate on them to see if these really make sense. Do aliens really exist? Is there such thing as parallel universe? How will the world end – or will it ever? There’s nothing wrong with questioning beliefs, doctrines, precepts, etc! Ideas are meant to be shared, tested, then accepted or rejected.

Think Outside the Box

“Do… or do not. There is no try.”- Yoda

My friend took me to his study and I was stunned. He turned it into a whole new different world any Star Wars fan could ask for. Pictures and souvenirs everywhere, he’s just that into it! Looking at the images, I can’t help but wonder the pain and sweat the creators had gone through to bless the world with these stories.

Watching even just a few titles of this genre is enough to convince you that the imagination is very powerful. The success of any sci-fi movie, like fantasy, depends on the uniqueness and creativity of the conflict, setting and most especially, technology. Sci-fi is about initiating possibilities of what are deemed impossible. Imagining things does not equate to being a daydreamer or slacker, those would only be legitimate if you don’t do anything do materialize what you’ve conceptualized. Yoda, the elf-like mentor of Luke Skywalker, couldn’t summarize this point any simpler.

Too Much Progress Could Be Devastating

Human beings are a disease, a cancer on this planet, you are a plague…

Close enough, Agent Smith (Matrix 1999). Close enough. We delved deeper into the topic and got a little serious. Agent Smith’s line proved to be unforgettable and quite painful because it’s a truth right down to the core.

Some of you may not believe in global warming, but I’m totally sold out with the thought of us destroying our only home. As the quote goes, we instinctively destroy the equilibrium in our surroundings. Lots of stories in print and on the silver screen continue to show the hazards of neglecting other aspects for the sake of progress. Sci-fi also takes a causative turn to raise awareness and awaken the audience from their slumber of indifference and apathy. Take movies like 28 Days Later, Children of Men and Snowpiercer for example. The Day After Tomorrow, anyone?

What ifs?

My friend and I don’t really like asking this type of questions but we somehow agreed that they are essential to our nature and existence. What if aliens do exist? What if we are on the brink of extinction and one wrong move could lead to self-destruction? What if there was no racism, sexism, religious factions or disease? What if without them, we’re faced with indifference? What if total control to attain Utopia is indeed the only answer to our perennial dilemmas?

So many questions! Questions leading to more questions. Interestingly, that’s exactly what science fiction is all about. These stories challenge our assumptions, the people around us, the government and ourselves. Is this paranoia? I don’t think so. A broader perspective – that’s what I was given. And it’s good.

You’ve read Fiction for Life: Things I Learned from Watching Sci-Fi, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2tVALDN

You’re reading Fiction for Life: Things I Learned from Watching Sci-Fi, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

The thought of meeting someone who had just returned from New York excites me. Eleven years is long enough so you bet I was ready for a story-telling marathon. I stepped into his living room and I was completely stunned by the movie house-themed living room! He grinned at my reaction and was so pleased to know that I adored the setup. What thrilled me more were the sci-fi movie posters arrayed on his plain alabaster shade walls!

He worked as a PR – that’s how he got to have these enormous theater posters in his possession. Tokens and freebies, he said. I noticed that most of them were science-fiction movies. We both loved the genre, and just like old times, we talked about several movies.  Now that we’re adults, we went up to another level, talking about the titles’ impact on us as an individual and as a part of the human race.

Learn and Unlearn

What is the most resilient parasite? … An idea. Resilient… highly contagious.

Cobb’s words definitely stuck even after watching Inception. Ideas and ideologies do spread like wildfire thanks to the wonders of the Internet. While other people shun these, my friend and I actually take pleasure in considering varying and even opposing ideas, test them or meditate on them to see if these really make sense. Do aliens really exist? Is there such thing as parallel universe? How will the world end – or will it ever? There’s nothing wrong with questioning beliefs, doctrines, precepts, etc! Ideas are meant to be shared, tested, then accepted or rejected.

Think Outside the Box

“Do… or do not. There is no try.”- Yoda

My friend took me to his study and I was stunned. He turned it into a whole new different world any Star Wars fan could ask for. Pictures and souvenirs everywhere, he’s just that into it! Looking at the images, I can’t help but wonder the pain and sweat the creators had gone through to bless the world with these stories.

Watching even just a few titles of this genre is enough to convince you that the imagination is very powerful. The success of any sci-fi movie, like fantasy, depends on the uniqueness and creativity of the conflict, setting and most especially, technology. Sci-fi is about initiating possibilities of what are deemed impossible. Imagining things does not equate to being a daydreamer or slacker, those would only be legitimate if you don’t do anything do materialize what you’ve conceptualized. Yoda, the elf-like mentor of Luke Skywalker, couldn’t summarize this point any simpler.

Too Much Progress Could Be Devastating

Human beings are a disease, a cancer on this planet, you are a plague…

Close enough, Agent Smith (Matrix 1999). Close enough. We delved deeper into the topic and got a little serious. Agent Smith’s line proved to be unforgettable and quite painful because it’s a truth right down to the core.

Some of you may not believe in global warming, but I’m totally sold out with the thought of us destroying our only home. As the quote goes, we instinctively destroy the equilibrium in our surroundings. Lots of stories in print and on the silver screen continue to show the hazards of neglecting other aspects for the sake of progress. Sci-fi also takes a causative turn to raise awareness and awaken the audience from their slumber of indifference and apathy. Take movies like 28 Days Later, Children of Men and Snowpiercer for example. The Day After Tomorrow, anyone?

What ifs?

My friend and I don’t really like asking this type of questions but we somehow agreed that they are essential to our nature and existence. What if aliens do exist? What if we are on the brink of extinction and one wrong move could lead to self-destruction? What if there was no racism, sexism, religious factions or disease? What if without them, we’re faced with indifference? What if total control to attain Utopia is indeed the only answer to our perennial dilemmas?

So many questions! Questions leading to more questions. Interestingly, that’s exactly what science fiction is all about. These stories challenge our assumptions, the people around us, the government and ourselves. Is this paranoia? I don’t think so. A broader perspective – that’s what I was given. And it’s good.

You’ve read Fiction for Life: Things I Learned from Watching Sci-Fi, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2tVALDN

You’re reading The 12 Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee You Should Know, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Morning consumption of coffee aids us going throughout the day and provides us with higher energy levels. But there are plenty more benefits of consuming coffee. Yet there is always a debate: Is coffee good for you or bad for you?? Reading reviews on the coffee maker and wondering if coffee is beneficial for health? Read more for some interesting, scientifically proven, benefits which show that coffee is beneficial for health.

1. Coffee enhances energy

Coffee possesses an element known as caffeine. After the body absorbs the caffeine, it is transmitted to the brain. Caffeine inhibits neurotransmitter known as adenosine, causing an increase in levels of dopamine and norepinephrine giving a boost to certain areas of the brain, thus providing you with a burst of sustained energy.

2. Adding coffee to your diet plan

Caffeine is used in every supplement to burn fat. Coffee reduces fat by increasing metabolic rate by 3 to 11 percent. It is one of the rare natural substances used to burn fat as well as increase metabolic rate. Although, this effect will decline in consumption in the long term, it’s a a great way to kickstart your goals.

3. Enhances corporeal potential

Here’s some more good news: the intake of coffee rises in adrenaline boosting physical energy. The nervous system is stimulated by the caffeine, which causes adipose cell which breaks down causing body fat to also break down releasing fatty acids as fuel. The vigorous corporeal exertion our body gets prepared for after drinking coffee is due to increased adrenaline levels in the blood. It’s essential to have coffee 30minutes before the gym.

4. Aids in combating depression

Psychological illness reduces the excellence of life. 350 million people around the world suffer from depression. Studies have proven that coffee combats depression and therefore reduces the risk of suicide.

5. Reduces chances of Type 2 Diabetes

Individuals who consume coffee are less likely to develop this disease, which affects 30 million people all over the world. Researchers found out that coffee drinker’s possibility of getting diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes decreases.

6. Reduces cancer risks

Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in any body organ and one of the leading causes of death. Coffee has proven to defend against colorectal and liver cancer. Researchers have found out individuals consuming coffee have 40 percent lower rate of cancer of the liver.

7. Cup filled with vital nutrients

It’s a cup packed with vital nutrients not just a cup to sit back and enjoy. It contains vital nutrients such as potassium, B2 Vitamin, magnesium and B5 Vitamin.

8. Decreased possibility of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s is the most prevalent disease, occurring because of the demise of neurones that generate dopamine. It’s essential to focus on Parkinson’s disease prevention as it has no proper cure. Consuming a cup of coffee a day reduces chances to 60 percent, although individuals consuming decaf don’t have reduced risk of the disease.

9. Defends the liver

The liver is a vital organ performing essential functions, but sadly the liver can be affected by many diseases such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis etc. In cirrhosis, a large scar tissue replaces the liver. Individuals who consume more than four mugs of coffee have reduced risk up to 40 percent.

10. Healthy heart

The surprising fact is coffee prevents diseases related to heart and reduces the risk of stroke. The assumption is that coffee causes a rise in blood pressure. New studies now confirm that these ideas are false. Although there is claim by researchers that there is reduced chances of stroke and of heart diseases in women.

11. Increase life expectancy

It’s obvious by now, since coffee lowers the chances of getting certain diseases, it also helps an individual to live longer. Several studies now support the finding that coffee drinkers have a lower chance of early death. In men, the risk is lowered to 20 percent while 26 percent for women.

12. Pro driving

It’s believed that drinking coffee aids in driving better. The majority of accidents on roads are caused by fatigue or drowsiness. A study in Netherlands concluded that population who consume one cup of coffee rated their driving as more responsible and maintained driving momentum preferable.

---

Edna Francis is a professional content writer, digital marketer and contributing editor who is working on many blogs like http://ift.tt/2kvDhdi. Apart from the blogging activity, she has a deep passion for singing and has performed at the National level.

You’ve read The 12 Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee You Should Know, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2vjq90T

You’re reading The 12 Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee You Should Know, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Morning consumption of coffee aids us going throughout the day and provides us with higher energy levels. But there are plenty more benefits of consuming coffee. Yet there is always a debate: Is coffee good for you or bad for you?? Reading reviews on the coffee maker and wondering if coffee is beneficial for health? Read more for some interesting, scientifically proven, benefits which show that coffee is beneficial for health.

1. Coffee enhances energy

Coffee possesses an element known as caffeine. After the body absorbs the caffeine, it is transmitted to the brain. Caffeine inhibits neurotransmitter known as adenosine, causing an increase in levels of dopamine and norepinephrine giving a boost to certain areas of the brain, thus providing you with a burst of sustained energy.

2. Adding coffee to your diet plan

Caffeine is used in every supplement to burn fat. Coffee reduces fat by increasing metabolic rate by 3 to 11 percent. It is one of the rare natural substances used to burn fat as well as increase metabolic rate. Although, this effect will decline in consumption in the long term, it’s a a great way to kickstart your goals.

3. Enhances corporeal potential

Here’s some more good news: the intake of coffee rises in adrenaline boosting physical energy. The nervous system is stimulated by the caffeine, which causes adipose cell which breaks down causing body fat to also break down releasing fatty acids as fuel. The vigorous corporeal exertion our body gets prepared for after drinking coffee is due to increased adrenaline levels in the blood. It’s essential to have coffee 30minutes before the gym.

4. Aids in combating depression

Psychological illness reduces the excellence of life. 350 million people around the world suffer from depression. Studies have proven that coffee combats depression and therefore reduces the risk of suicide.

5. Reduces chances of Type 2 Diabetes

Individuals who consume coffee are less likely to develop this disease, which affects 30 million people all over the world. Researchers found out that coffee drinker’s possibility of getting diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes decreases.

6. Reduces cancer risks

Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in any body organ and one of the leading causes of death. Coffee has proven to defend against colorectal and liver cancer. Researchers have found out individuals consuming coffee have 40 percent lower rate of cancer of the liver.

7. Cup filled with vital nutrients

It’s a cup packed with vital nutrients not just a cup to sit back and enjoy. It contains vital nutrients such as potassium, B2 Vitamin, magnesium and B5 Vitamin.

8. Decreased possibility of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s is the most prevalent disease, occurring because of the demise of neurones that generate dopamine. It’s essential to focus on Parkinson’s disease prevention as it has no proper cure. Consuming a cup of coffee a day reduces chances to 60 percent, although individuals consuming decaf don’t have reduced risk of the disease.

9. Defends the liver

The liver is a vital organ performing essential functions, but sadly the liver can be affected by many diseases such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis etc. In cirrhosis, a large scar tissue replaces the liver. Individuals who consume more than four mugs of coffee have reduced risk up to 40 percent.

10. Healthy heart

The surprising fact is coffee prevents diseases related to heart and reduces the risk of stroke. The assumption is that coffee causes a rise in blood pressure. New studies now confirm that these ideas are false. Although there is claim by researchers that there is reduced chances of stroke and of heart diseases in women.

11. Increase life expectancy

It’s obvious by now, since coffee lowers the chances of getting certain diseases, it also helps an individual to live longer. Several studies now support the finding that coffee drinkers have a lower chance of early death. In men, the risk is lowered to 20 percent while 26 percent for women.

12. Pro driving

It’s believed that drinking coffee aids in driving better. The majority of accidents on roads are caused by fatigue or drowsiness. A study in Netherlands concluded that population who consume one cup of coffee rated their driving as more responsible and maintained driving momentum preferable.

---

Edna Francis is a professional content writer, digital marketer and contributing editor who is working on many blogs like http://ift.tt/2kvDhdi. Apart from the blogging activity, she has a deep passion for singing and has performed at the National level.

You’ve read The 12 Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee You Should Know, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2vjq90T

You’re reading 6 Habits That Will Make You Grittier and Put an End to Being a Quitter, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Grit remains abstract to scientists, making it difficult to measure still. Some say it’s the burning passion people have for the long-term goals set before them. Others say that’s how they were raised. Those contentions are actually true but if we delve deeper into these spheres, we’ll see that both groups of people rely on certain habits to get them through anything. For people to be successful, they must’ve developed qualities that prevent them from quitting.

While it’s true that good habits should be developed early on, I was only able to grasp the essence later in life. So, it doesn’t mean teens and adults are already hopeless. If you think not even this year’s resolutions appear to budge, then might as well start from the core: the reconditioning of your mind.

“Renewal of Contract”

No, it’s not a legal bond of some sort but it’s something similar, only that you can always breach it and at the same time renew and start all over again. That’s the true essence of grit, in the first place – not giving up. Surely you’ve committed yourself countless times, but your inner slacker gets the best of you. Then you get frustrated until you’ve completely surrendered. Grit, however, is overcoming the urge to quit. Committing yourself to a goal is a continuous process, and just like habits, they need to be reinforced by an indomitable mind and will to become one.

Re-adjust the Focus

We face different situations every day. Throughout my college years, things are arduous; nothing really comes easy for me. However, I’ve made a resolve that I’ll finish my degree no matter what. Now, I’m in graduate school, pursuing more degrees I can possibly have.

Getting up after the fall is what matters most, they say. Things can get really blurry no less, but we’re always capable of adjusting the lenses to get a clearer view of things, especially the prize we’ve set for ourselves at the finish line.

Re-adapt the Positive Mental Attitude

Having a positive mental attitude is having a profound consciousness that things don’t always go our way, but we could always make our way through the rocks on the stream. Unless we change how we look at things, we will never make any steps further. It takes a lot of determination to shift to this perspective, but developing the habit to look at reality and the bright side of things, things would be more bearable.

Taking a break from college for more than two years and all the problems that come along with being self-supporting, I think I have enough reason to just give up college and focus on my job. However, I know those are just part of the pruning stage. After all, diamonds are made under pressure.

Recharge with Ample Support

We can be strong on our own but our families and loved ones make us stronger. When we’re at our downiest and weakest, they’re at their strongest for us. That’s why, regardless of how high our ambition is, let’s not forget about the people who are always behind us.

Remind Yourself by Looking Back

When faced with yet another problem, I’ve developed this habit of looking back at similar situations or much worse. With that, it’s easier for me to accept the challenge. Doing so makes me confident that I can definitely take another one head on.

I understand some past events may be traumatizing for some but on a positive note, you’ve overcome them with all your might. I just love how people put it (and sing it): what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

Reiterate “I’ve done my best” without regrets

There are times that call for either a retreat or surrender. Fear is just one of the many things that relentlessly hamper or cripple us. It renders us failures before we can even begin. I really don’t like feeling sorry for myself for not taking risks and for not striving for excellence while I’m at it. It’s not easy to muster courage to take the leap. However, I don’t want to dwell on the “what could’ve been.” Regardless of how things turn out, at least we could say “I’ve done my best” with conviction.

Taking risks is a part of life. It may be distressing but absolutely makes life exciting.

As you can see, it’s just a matter of persistent repetition of reactions to everything that’s hurled towards us. It’s a matter of striving again and again until you’ve reached your end-goal in life or in your current season in life. I hope that while you’re looking at your temporary circumstance, your mind remains fixed on the future ahead.

You’ve read 6 Habits That Will Make You Grittier and Put an End to Being a Quitter, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2ub9L5A

You’re reading 6 Habits That Will Make You Grittier and Put an End to Being a Quitter, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Grit remains abstract to scientists, making it difficult to measure still. Some say it’s the burning passion people have for the long-term goals set before them. Others say that’s how they were raised. Those contentions are actually true but if we delve deeper into these spheres, we’ll see that both groups of people rely on certain habits to get them through anything. For people to be successful, they must’ve developed qualities that prevent them from quitting.

While it’s true that good habits should be developed early on, I was only able to grasp the essence later in life. So, it doesn’t mean teens and adults are already hopeless. If you think not even this year’s resolutions appear to budge, then might as well start from the core: the reconditioning of your mind.

“Renewal of Contract”

No, it’s not a legal bond of some sort but it’s something similar, only that you can always breach it and at the same time renew and start all over again. That’s the true essence of grit, in the first place – not giving up. Surely you’ve committed yourself countless times, but your inner slacker gets the best of you. Then you get frustrated until you’ve completely surrendered. Grit, however, is overcoming the urge to quit. Committing yourself to a goal is a continuous process, and just like habits, they need to be reinforced by an indomitable mind and will to become one.

Re-adjust the Focus

We face different situations every day. Throughout my college years, things are arduous; nothing really comes easy for me. However, I’ve made a resolve that I’ll finish my degree no matter what. Now, I’m in graduate school, pursuing more degrees I can possibly have.

Getting up after the fall is what matters most, they say. Things can get really blurry no less, but we’re always capable of adjusting the lenses to get a clearer view of things, especially the prize we’ve set for ourselves at the finish line.

Re-adapt the Positive Mental Attitude

Having a positive mental attitude is having a profound consciousness that things don’t always go our way, but we could always make our way through the rocks on the stream. Unless we change how we look at things, we will never make any steps further. It takes a lot of determination to shift to this perspective, but developing the habit to look at reality and the bright side of things, things would be more bearable.

Taking a break from college for more than two years and all the problems that come along with being self-supporting, I think I have enough reason to just give up college and focus on my job. However, I know those are just part of the pruning stage. After all, diamonds are made under pressure.

Recharge with Ample Support

We can be strong on our own but our families and loved ones make us stronger. When we’re at our downiest and weakest, they’re at their strongest for us. That’s why, regardless of how high our ambition is, let’s not forget about the people who are always behind us.

Remind Yourself by Looking Back

When faced with yet another problem, I’ve developed this habit of looking back at similar situations or much worse. With that, it’s easier for me to accept the challenge. Doing so makes me confident that I can definitely take another one head on.

I understand some past events may be traumatizing for some but on a positive note, you’ve overcome them with all your might. I just love how people put it (and sing it): what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

Reiterate “I’ve done my best” without regrets

There are times that call for either a retreat or surrender. Fear is just one of the many things that relentlessly hamper or cripple us. It renders us failures before we can even begin. I really don’t like feeling sorry for myself for not taking risks and for not striving for excellence while I’m at it. It’s not easy to muster courage to take the leap. However, I don’t want to dwell on the “what could’ve been.” Regardless of how things turn out, at least we could say “I’ve done my best” with conviction.

Taking risks is a part of life. It may be distressing but absolutely makes life exciting.

As you can see, it’s just a matter of persistent repetition of reactions to everything that’s hurled towards us. It’s a matter of striving again and again until you’ve reached your end-goal in life or in your current season in life. I hope that while you’re looking at your temporary circumstance, your mind remains fixed on the future ahead.

You’ve read 6 Habits That Will Make You Grittier and Put an End to Being a Quitter, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

http://ift.tt/2ub9L5A