You’re reading The Hidden Power of Smiling, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Between everyday stresses, busy schedules, and the many responsibilities you undoubtedly have on your plate, it can be easy to get into a rut of negative thoughts and self-defeating behavior.

What you might not know is that you have a secret tool that can help clear your mind and chase away bad feelings. It’s right under your nose. That’s right! Show off those pearly whites.

Your smile has been proven to be a powerful way to facilitate positive life changes, strengthen your body, and achieve better results on the job.

Fake it ‘Til You Make It

If you’re going through a tough time, smiling might be the last thing you feel like doing. But there are benefits to doing it anyway, even if your heart isn’t in it.

A study that involved having participants “smile” without realizing it, using an exercise that involved holding chopsticks in their mouths, and then testing their stress levels found that just the physical act of having your face in the position of a smile causes stress levels to drop.

Appearing confident and friendly, even when you’re not, makes you appear more trustworthy and approachable — meaning that others will treat you better when you’ve got a smile on your face. A smile can also make you seem more attractive to other people, which is something to consider if you’re looking for dates.

Not only that, smiling is contagious. Mirror neurons are a part of your brain that helps you empathize with others. When you see someone smile, the mirror neurons in your brain fire and cause you to experience the same feelings and emotions as when you’re smiling yourself, and trigger you to repeat the action on your own.

It’s harder to stay down when everyone around you is expressing positivity. Why not be the one that gets the ball rolling?

Health Benefits

Your physical body can also benefit from smiling.

When you smile and think positive thoughts, your brain rewards your body with feel-good chemicals, like dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. With these chemicals released, your body begins to relax.

Your blood pressure lowers, reducing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and poor circulation. You also reduce your risk of strokes, which affect 800,000 people each year and are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.

Smiling has also been shown to reduce cellular tension. When you smile, it helps your cells release their rigidness, which helps your body find and repair damage.

Better Attitude, Better Work

You probably don’t need to be told that keeping a positive attitude can help you on the job, but a reminder never hurts.

Not only can you reap social benefits from being positive in your workplace, smiling and positive thinking can make you a more effective and productive employee. And when you’re more productive, you’re probably going to have a better time at work. Managers notice good attitudes, and your peers will as well, and you will be helping to build a positive workplace culture!

Positive thought can also make you a better problem solver. Dopamine, released when you smile, is tied to processes in the brain that handle decision-making, creative thought, and learning.

A smile can also help you build your skill set. Friendly, approachable people are more likely to engage with others and gain new insights from them. Interacting with a wide variety of personality types is tied to being a more diverse and valuable employee, and you’re much more likely to make new friends if you look like you want to meet them.

How to Boost Your Mood

So what can you do to help put a smile on your face? Reducing anxiety and getting yourself into a positive mindset are great first steps.

Try some of the following activities to help ease some of your stress and generate good thoughts:

1. Write it down. Studies show that taking some time to write down what is bothering you really can help you feel better about your issues.

2. Meditate. Just a few minutes each day can help ease your mind.
3. Exercise. A regular routine is tied to better health and less stress.
4. Talk about it. Speak with someone about what’s bothering you, or just take the time to make a human connection.

A good smile has the power to turn a bad day around. Carrying yourself in a way that expresses positivity will, in turn, help brighten the days of those around you. Smiles can help you actually improve your mood, heal your body, and benefit you in your career. Who knew something that seems so small could make such big changes? Try it out — the best part is that they’re free!

You’ve read The Hidden Power of Smiling, 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/2vbelO0

You’re reading The Hidden Power of Smiling, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Between everyday stresses, busy schedules, and the many responsibilities you undoubtedly have on your plate, it can be easy to get into a rut of negative thoughts and self-defeating behavior.

What you might not know is that you have a secret tool that can help clear your mind and chase away bad feelings. It’s right under your nose. That’s right! Show off those pearly whites.

Your smile has been proven to be a powerful way to facilitate positive life changes, strengthen your body, and achieve better results on the job.

Fake it ‘Til You Make It

If you’re going through a tough time, smiling might be the last thing you feel like doing. But there are benefits to doing it anyway, even if your heart isn’t in it.

A study that involved having participants “smile” without realizing it, using an exercise that involved holding chopsticks in their mouths, and then testing their stress levels found that just the physical act of having your face in the position of a smile causes stress levels to drop.

Appearing confident and friendly, even when you’re not, makes you appear more trustworthy and approachable — meaning that others will treat you better when you’ve got a smile on your face. A smile can also make you seem more attractive to other people, which is something to consider if you’re looking for dates.

Not only that, smiling is contagious. Mirror neurons are a part of your brain that helps you empathize with others. When you see someone smile, the mirror neurons in your brain fire and cause you to experience the same feelings and emotions as when you’re smiling yourself, and trigger you to repeat the action on your own.

It’s harder to stay down when everyone around you is expressing positivity. Why not be the one that gets the ball rolling?

Health Benefits

Your physical body can also benefit from smiling.

When you smile and think positive thoughts, your brain rewards your body with feel-good chemicals, like dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. With these chemicals released, your body begins to relax.

Your blood pressure lowers, reducing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and poor circulation. You also reduce your risk of strokes, which affect 800,000 people each year and are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.

Smiling has also been shown to reduce cellular tension. When you smile, it helps your cells release their rigidness, which helps your body find and repair damage.

Better Attitude, Better Work

You probably don’t need to be told that keeping a positive attitude can help you on the job, but a reminder never hurts.

Not only can you reap social benefits from being positive in your workplace, smiling and positive thinking can make you a more effective and productive employee. And when you’re more productive, you’re probably going to have a better time at work. Managers notice good attitudes, and your peers will as well, and you will be helping to build a positive workplace culture!

Positive thought can also make you a better problem solver. Dopamine, released when you smile, is tied to processes in the brain that handle decision-making, creative thought, and learning.

A smile can also help you build your skill set. Friendly, approachable people are more likely to engage with others and gain new insights from them. Interacting with a wide variety of personality types is tied to being a more diverse and valuable employee, and you’re much more likely to make new friends if you look like you want to meet them.

How to Boost Your Mood

So what can you do to help put a smile on your face? Reducing anxiety and getting yourself into a positive mindset are great first steps.

Try some of the following activities to help ease some of your stress and generate good thoughts:

1. Write it down. Studies show that taking some time to write down what is bothering you really can help you feel better about your issues.

2. Meditate. Just a few minutes each day can help ease your mind.
3. Exercise. A regular routine is tied to better health and less stress.
4. Talk about it. Speak with someone about what’s bothering you, or just take the time to make a human connection.

A good smile has the power to turn a bad day around. Carrying yourself in a way that expresses positivity will, in turn, help brighten the days of those around you. Smiles can help you actually improve your mood, heal your body, and benefit you in your career. Who knew something that seems so small could make such big changes? Try it out — the best part is that they’re free!

You’ve read The Hidden Power of Smiling, 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/2vbelO0

You’re reading 6 Amazing Ways to Invest in Yourself (and Make it Your Best Investment), originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

I came across this phrase as I was scrolling through Twitter, “if you want to invest in something with minimum risk and a guaranteed big return, invest in yourself”

Investing in yourself is one of the best returns on investments you can have. I know that if you’re reading this, it’s because you are someone who cares. If you want to help others, first you need to help yourself.

Why is investing in yourself is so powerful and important?

Because it allows you to become the best version of yourself – spiritually, mentally, and financially. If you invest in yourself, great opportunities come to you and people are more likely to invest in you. It helps you to think and focus on what really matters to you which improve the quality of your life.

And the best thing? It doesn’t require much money! Here I’d like to share 6 amazing and simple ways to invest in yourself that can become your best investments.

1. Reading

According to a research, reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by 68%. Reading is an awesome way to build your knowledge and expertise in any area. Dr. Seuss said it best: “you can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.”

Millionaires and successful businessmen always recommend reading books. Because books give you the power to explore new things and believe in yourself. When Elon Musk was asked how he has learned to build rockets. He simply replied, “I read books.”

Read books, Kindle, articles, white papers, or listen audio books – any format you like. Here are a few of my favorite books (in case you find these valuable):

• Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
• The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy
• The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick) by Seth Godin
• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

I challenge you to take some time this month to read at least one of these books. It will be fun.

2. Writing

Do you write emails, text messages, reports, applications, or codes? If your answer is, ‘YES’, then you’re a writer.

Try to keep a journal and write 10-15 minutes daily. Writing is a therapy which will help you to remove stress from your mind. Let flow your emotions (happy, anger, stress, fear, etc) on a paper. It will help you to get away from the noise or in other words disturbance.

Writing impacts your daily life and gives you a clear idea of what you want. It will enhance your creativity, communication skills, and helps you to become a better thinker. Seth Godin said it best:

“There’s no more urgent reason to write. you’ll not only improve your communication, you’ll learn to think more clearly as well. The person who most benefits from your writing might be you.”

Write something today – a short story, poetry, or anything – and you’ll get wonderful returns.

3. Attend Seminars/Conferences

Attending Live events, seminars, or conferences provide learning, networking, and career opportunities. It will also give you an opportunity to meet experts and influencers (or someone you admire).

Just imagine yourself being in a room of like-minded people and having fun. Challenge yourself, get out of your desk and attend a conference.

4. Develop a New Skill

Remember when was the last time you learned something new? Learning is a lifetime process. There’s always room for new skills. Learn a new language, learn driving, take an advanced degree, take certifications, learn a new musical instrument, try cooking and more – all are valuable investments.

Learning new skills will help you to become a creative person. Are you ready to take action and start learning new skill this week?

5. To-do List

Do you have a to-do list? If you don’t have, make it today. Just sit back and write a list of things you want to do in your life (no matter how small or big these things are). But REMEMBER do not make it a simple wish list, instead live each of your wish.

Now analyze your list and divide it into 3 categories: Things you can do right now. Things which need time. Things which need additional skills.

Make sure you read this list daily just before sleeping and after waking up. It will give you a clear idea and a strong direction of how you use your time.

6. Be Happy and Grateful

Always be happy, be positive, and be grateful. Happiness is a choice. Focus on the positive aspects of life and look at all the reasons to be grateful. Take five to ten minutes each day and write three to five things (or persons) you’re thankful for. Train your mind to look for the positive in any situation.

As Shawn Achor explains in his TED talk, happiness inspires you to be more productive in your work.

---

Pawan Kumar is an Inbound Marketer and Content Creator at Sarv.com which provides Email Marketing and Cloud Telephony solutions. He’s a movie freak and storyteller who loves writing.

You’ve read 6 Amazing Ways to Invest in Yourself (and Make it Your Best Investment), 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/2t7WTc4

You’re reading 6 Amazing Ways to Invest in Yourself (and Make it Your Best Investment), originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

I came across this phrase as I was scrolling through Twitter, “if you want to invest in something with minimum risk and a guaranteed big return, invest in yourself”

Investing in yourself is one of the best returns on investments you can have. I know that if you’re reading this, it’s because you are someone who cares. If you want to help others, first you need to help yourself.

Why is investing in yourself is so powerful and important?

Because it allows you to become the best version of yourself – spiritually, mentally, and financially. If you invest in yourself, great opportunities come to you and people are more likely to invest in you. It helps you to think and focus on what really matters to you which improve the quality of your life.

And the best thing? It doesn’t require much money! Here I’d like to share 6 amazing and simple ways to invest in yourself that can become your best investments.

1. Reading

According to a research, reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by 68%. Reading is an awesome way to build your knowledge and expertise in any area. Dr. Seuss said it best: “you can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.”

Millionaires and successful businessmen always recommend reading books. Because books give you the power to explore new things and believe in yourself. When Elon Musk was asked how he has learned to build rockets. He simply replied, “I read books.”

Read books, Kindle, articles, white papers, or listen audio books – any format you like. Here are a few of my favorite books (in case you find these valuable):

• Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
• The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy
• The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick) by Seth Godin
• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

I challenge you to take some time this month to read at least one of these books. It will be fun.

2. Writing

Do you write emails, text messages, reports, applications, or codes? If your answer is, ‘YES’, then you’re a writer.

Try to keep a journal and write 10-15 minutes daily. Writing is a therapy which will help you to remove stress from your mind. Let flow your emotions (happy, anger, stress, fear, etc) on a paper. It will help you to get away from the noise or in other words disturbance.

Writing impacts your daily life and gives you a clear idea of what you want. It will enhance your creativity, communication skills, and helps you to become a better thinker. Seth Godin said it best:

“There’s no more urgent reason to write. you’ll not only improve your communication, you’ll learn to think more clearly as well. The person who most benefits from your writing might be you.”

Write something today – a short story, poetry, or anything – and you’ll get wonderful returns.

3. Attend Seminars/Conferences

Attending Live events, seminars, or conferences provide learning, networking, and career opportunities. It will also give you an opportunity to meet experts and influencers (or someone you admire).

Just imagine yourself being in a room of like-minded people and having fun. Challenge yourself, get out of your desk and attend a conference.

4. Develop a New Skill

Remember when was the last time you learned something new? Learning is a lifetime process. There’s always room for new skills. Learn a new language, learn driving, take an advanced degree, take certifications, learn a new musical instrument, try cooking and more – all are valuable investments.

Learning new skills will help you to become a creative person. Are you ready to take action and start learning new skill this week?

5. To-do List

Do you have a to-do list? If you don’t have, make it today. Just sit back and write a list of things you want to do in your life (no matter how small or big these things are). But REMEMBER do not make it a simple wish list, instead live each of your wish.

Now analyze your list and divide it into 3 categories: Things you can do right now. Things which need time. Things which need additional skills.

Make sure you read this list daily just before sleeping and after waking up. It will give you a clear idea and a strong direction of how you use your time.

6. Be Happy and Grateful

Always be happy, be positive, and be grateful. Happiness is a choice. Focus on the positive aspects of life and look at all the reasons to be grateful. Take five to ten minutes each day and write three to five things (or persons) you’re thankful for. Train your mind to look for the positive in any situation.

As Shawn Achor explains in his TED talk, happiness inspires you to be more productive in your work.

---

Pawan Kumar is an Inbound Marketer and Content Creator at Sarv.com which provides Email Marketing and Cloud Telephony solutions. He’s a movie freak and storyteller who loves writing.

You’ve read 6 Amazing Ways to Invest in Yourself (and Make it Your Best Investment), 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/2t7WTc4

You’re reading 5 Steps to Change a Habit for a Healthier, Happier Lifestyle, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

We all know what it’s like to be a creature of habit. Even if it’s subconsciously so, we surely take comfort out of the little rituals we habitually do; Netflix before bedtime; double espresso on our way to work; a jog around the park to clear our heads after a long day.

There may be many practices self-implemented into our lives, some which become more ingrained than others. From brushing our teeth, to grabbing a candy bar after lunch, or making a conscious effort to wash the dishes straight after dinner; our life is made up of many habits, good and bad.

My fascination with habits led me to thinking about how we can overhaul our behaviors and make changes for the better. Discovered through my own habit journey, here are five key steps to making healthy habit changes, for a happier daily routine:

1. Analyze Existing Habits and Ask Yourself Why

When it comes to optimizing a habit, start by looking at your current behaviors and why you do them.
Perhaps, it is providing temporary relief from stress, such as a couple of glasses of wine after work each night. It may be workplace stress, therefore, at the root of the habitual drinking.

Find ways in which to handle the stress – instead of drinking, perhaps enrol on a course you’ve always wanted to do, or go to a dance class to shake off the day.

2. Self-Care at the Heart of Everything

Self-care is SO important; I cannot emphasize this enough. Our habits should reflect love, kindness and compassion towards ourselves. Think about putting into action the habits you need to become the best version of the wonderful person you already are; be aware of your feelings of self-worth and knowing your value as an individual.

When looking at your habits, ask yourself: Is this habit healthy?
Then, ask yourself: Does this habit make me happy?

The answer must be yes, to both questions, otherwise you have a habit that doesn’t serve you.

3. Let Go of Guilt, Patiently

Guilt is a complex emotion. That doesn’t mean you should allow it to rule your life.
If you have a habit that makes you feel guilty (mine used to be binge-eating chocolate, alone after work, and hiding the wrappers) then remember the rule of self-care.
Yes, the chocolate made me happy for a while, but guilt soon crept over me (hence, hiding the evidence). Why did I feel guilty? Because I knew it wasn’t a healthy choice. I knew it was only temporary relief from the stress underlying my actions.

Phasing out the guilt and moving positively forward won’t happen immediately – first, we must embrace how we feel and accept it is part of who we are: we care, that is why we feel this way. Turn guilt into a strength, an awareness, a desire to do better.

Next, we need patience. Be patient with all your chosen changes. Be patient with your new habit goals. Be patient with yourself. You will get there, with kindness and time.

4. Keep it Bite-Sized

Small changes are what makes a difference when we take on a new habit or change a bad one for the better.

Keep your new choice of habit simple.
Make it small and make it easy; huge life changes implemented suddenly, can feel overwhelming or result in our losing motivation too soon.

For example: instead of promising never to touch unhealthy food again, cook one meal that’s healthy, each week. Or, swap one bag of chips for a handful of almonds or a piece of fruit.

Maybe, instead of declaring you will go jogging every day, try one minute of exercise instead (Or 10 squats or 5 sit ups). Once you are in the habit of your bite-sized behavior, you can build upon it.

5. Have a Back-Up Plan

We all need a back-up plan when making life changes.
Tip: Keeping a planner or journal handy can really help with this.

If you think your healthy habits will fall by the wayside when you are in a certain place or with a specific person, think ahead and plan for all the outcomes you can foresee. Once you have a list of potential temptations, write down solutions to them. If you slip into old behaviors, take note of these and avoid them in the future.

All changes take time.
Remember, start habits consciously small and develop them as the actions become second nature.

With these points in mind, I hope you’ll find it easier to take that first and all-important step forward, building up your new routines, one habit at a time.

Want more habit advice? Subscribe to my mailing list to access my free e-book “Building Better Habits” http://ift.tt/2sFlTIa

 

You’ve read 5 Steps to Change a Habit for a Healthier, Happier Lifestyle, 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/2u8cSf4

You’re reading 5 Steps to Change a Habit for a Healthier, Happier Lifestyle, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

We all know what it’s like to be a creature of habit. Even if it’s subconsciously so, we surely take comfort out of the little rituals we habitually do; Netflix before bedtime; double espresso on our way to work; a jog around the park to clear our heads after a long day.

There may be many practices self-implemented into our lives, some which become more ingrained than others. From brushing our teeth, to grabbing a candy bar after lunch, or making a conscious effort to wash the dishes straight after dinner; our life is made up of many habits, good and bad.

My fascination with habits led me to thinking about how we can overhaul our behaviors and make changes for the better. Discovered through my own habit journey, here are five key steps to making healthy habit changes, for a happier daily routine:

1. Analyze Existing Habits and Ask Yourself Why

When it comes to optimizing a habit, start by looking at your current behaviors and why you do them.
Perhaps, it is providing temporary relief from stress, such as a couple of glasses of wine after work each night. It may be workplace stress, therefore, at the root of the habitual drinking.

Find ways in which to handle the stress – instead of drinking, perhaps enrol on a course you’ve always wanted to do, or go to a dance class to shake off the day.

2. Self-Care at the Heart of Everything

Self-care is SO important; I cannot emphasize this enough. Our habits should reflect love, kindness and compassion towards ourselves. Think about putting into action the habits you need to become the best version of the wonderful person you already are; be aware of your feelings of self-worth and knowing your value as an individual.

When looking at your habits, ask yourself: Is this habit healthy?
Then, ask yourself: Does this habit make me happy?

The answer must be yes, to both questions, otherwise you have a habit that doesn’t serve you.

3. Let Go of Guilt, Patiently

Guilt is a complex emotion. That doesn’t mean you should allow it to rule your life.
If you have a habit that makes you feel guilty (mine used to be binge-eating chocolate, alone after work, and hiding the wrappers) then remember the rule of self-care.
Yes, the chocolate made me happy for a while, but guilt soon crept over me (hence, hiding the evidence). Why did I feel guilty? Because I knew it wasn’t a healthy choice. I knew it was only temporary relief from the stress underlying my actions.

Phasing out the guilt and moving positively forward won’t happen immediately – first, we must embrace how we feel and accept it is part of who we are: we care, that is why we feel this way. Turn guilt into a strength, an awareness, a desire to do better.

Next, we need patience. Be patient with all your chosen changes. Be patient with your new habit goals. Be patient with yourself. You will get there, with kindness and time.

4. Keep it Bite-Sized

Small changes are what makes a difference when we take on a new habit or change a bad one for the better.

Keep your new choice of habit simple.
Make it small and make it easy; huge life changes implemented suddenly, can feel overwhelming or result in our losing motivation too soon.

For example: instead of promising never to touch unhealthy food again, cook one meal that’s healthy, each week. Or, swap one bag of chips for a handful of almonds or a piece of fruit.

Maybe, instead of declaring you will go jogging every day, try one minute of exercise instead (Or 10 squats or 5 sit ups). Once you are in the habit of your bite-sized behavior, you can build upon it.

5. Have a Back-Up Plan

We all need a back-up plan when making life changes.
Tip: Keeping a planner or journal handy can really help with this.

If you think your healthy habits will fall by the wayside when you are in a certain place or with a specific person, think ahead and plan for all the outcomes you can foresee. Once you have a list of potential temptations, write down solutions to them. If you slip into old behaviors, take note of these and avoid them in the future.

All changes take time.
Remember, start habits consciously small and develop them as the actions become second nature.

With these points in mind, I hope you’ll find it easier to take that first and all-important step forward, building up your new routines, one habit at a time.

Want more habit advice? Subscribe to my mailing list to access my free e-book “Building Better Habits” http://ift.tt/2sFlTIa

 

You’ve read 5 Steps to Change a Habit for a Healthier, Happier Lifestyle, 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/2u8cSf4

You’re reading 9 Things Truly Confident People Just Don’t Do, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Building your confidence is all about adopting great habits; truly confident people understand that.

Below are nine habits that you need to give up if you want to reap the tremendous rewards that come from confident living.

9 Habits that Sabotage Your Confidence:

1. Comparing Yourself with Others.  Mark Twain said that comparison is the thief of joy. Comparison is also the thief of confidence.

Confident people don’t go around comparing themselves to other people as a measure of how they stack up.  Confident people learn from others.  They seek mentors and coaches. They make sure they connect with others who can help them grow.  But, they never, ever get caught up in the comparison trap.

When you compare yourself to others, you’re not focused on the unique strengths and talents you have.   Comparison only undermines your sense of self. It breeds feelings of insecurity and jealousy. It also isn’t effective, as you only get a partial glimpse of reality. When you’re comparing yourself with others, you never know the whole story; hence, what you’re seeing is at best an incomplete picture of others anyway.

2. Living in the Past. You cannot change the past, only learn from it. Confident people are not focused on the past, they’re focused on the present and envisioning what they can create for the future.

Dwelling on the past … whether it be on great things that happened or not-so-great things that happened … robs you of your ability to drink in the opportunities of today. Successful people just don’t do it and if you want to be more confident, neither should you.

3. Needing Others’ Approval. You can’t be an approval junky and be confident at the same time; life just doesn’t work that way.

If you let another person’s praise be the only thing that lifts you up, then get ready for their criticism to tear you down. Who wants to be on that rollercoaster ride?  Not confident people!

When you long for the praise and admiration of others, then you’re seeking confidence from outside of you, not within you. Confidence is an inside job.  No one can bestow it on you.

4. Indulging in Self-Bashing Self-Talk. Truly confident people take control of their internal dialogue. They use their self-talk to build them up, not tear them down. They affirm their strengths and their capabilities. They affirm positive outcomes in their lives.

Do confident people ever have thoughts of self-doubt?  Of course they do. They just don’t set up a tent and linger there.  They understand that uncertainty is a part of being human. They’re not 100%  certain they can always succeed, but they are certain that being brave is better than cowering to internal fears. They understand that positive self-encouragement is the fuel for success, so they never allow themselves to get stuck in ongoing critical self-talk.

5. Resting on Your Laurels. Confident people keep learning and growing and achieving. They celebrate their wins but never rest on their laurels.
6. Inaction.  Confident people are people of action. I could go on and on about this, but isn’t it obvious why action is the hallmark of confidence?  Confident people aren’t afraid to make things happen, in fact, they insist on it.
7. Saying “Yes” All the Time. Confident people understand the importance of setting and enforcing healthy boundaries. They understand that saying “No” is not a bad thing; it’s often necessary and confident people bear no guilt for saying “No” to others.
8. Acting Out of Jealousy. Confident people aren’t jealous of others’ successes. They applaud other’s wins. They celebrate them. Confident people understand that others’ triumphs do not diminish their own accomplishments. Confident people know there is plenty of room for everyone to succeed.
9. Stop Learning. Confident people are lifelong learners.  (Arrogant people might not be, but never confuse arrogance with confidence; they are NOT the same thing!).

One of the reasons confident people are so confident is that they are continually building their knowledge and skills. Confident people are avid readers. They also attend classes, seminars, and conferences, and join mastermind groups where they can connect and learn at same time.

The biggest mistake that confidence seekers make is believing that confidence is bestowed on you one day, and then everything is easier. Confidence comes from refusing to engage in the nine confidence-busting habits listed here and instead choosing to adopt the opposite behavior.

Remember, confident people feel fear, they just refuse to accept a life that’s paralyzed by that fear.  Instead, they step up and create the lives they want to lead. Feeling confident is not some pipe dream that’s out of reach for you; it’s well within your grasp. All you need to do is adopt the habits of confident people, and soon you’ll be one, too!

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J. Marie Novak is an author and Life Transformation Coach. She’s also the founder of Believe And Create, a community that’s grounded in the following mindset:  Believe in Yourself and Create the Amazing Life You Were Born to Live.  Visit http://ift.tt/1HMMWow to get our free guide.  

You’ve read 9 Things Truly Confident People Just Don’t Do, 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/2tWv4HA

You’re reading 9 Things Truly Confident People Just Don’t Do, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Building your confidence is all about adopting great habits; truly confident people understand that.

Below are nine habits that you need to give up if you want to reap the tremendous rewards that come from confident living.

9 Habits that Sabotage Your Confidence:

1. Comparing Yourself with Others.  Mark Twain said that comparison is the thief of joy. Comparison is also the thief of confidence.

Confident people don’t go around comparing themselves to other people as a measure of how they stack up.  Confident people learn from others.  They seek mentors and coaches. They make sure they connect with others who can help them grow.  But, they never, ever get caught up in the comparison trap.

When you compare yourself to others, you’re not focused on the unique strengths and talents you have.   Comparison only undermines your sense of self. It breeds feelings of insecurity and jealousy. It also isn’t effective, as you only get a partial glimpse of reality. When you’re comparing yourself with others, you never know the whole story; hence, what you’re seeing is at best an incomplete picture of others anyway.

2. Living in the Past. You cannot change the past, only learn from it. Confident people are not focused on the past, they’re focused on the present and envisioning what they can create for the future.

Dwelling on the past … whether it be on great things that happened or not-so-great things that happened … robs you of your ability to drink in the opportunities of today. Successful people just don’t do it and if you want to be more confident, neither should you.

3. Needing Others’ Approval. You can’t be an approval junky and be confident at the same time; life just doesn’t work that way.

If you let another person’s praise be the only thing that lifts you up, then get ready for their criticism to tear you down. Who wants to be on that rollercoaster ride?  Not confident people!

When you long for the praise and admiration of others, then you’re seeking confidence from outside of you, not within you. Confidence is an inside job.  No one can bestow it on you.

4. Indulging in Self-Bashing Self-Talk. Truly confident people take control of their internal dialogue. They use their self-talk to build them up, not tear them down. They affirm their strengths and their capabilities. They affirm positive outcomes in their lives.

Do confident people ever have thoughts of self-doubt?  Of course they do. They just don’t set up a tent and linger there.  They understand that uncertainty is a part of being human. They’re not 100%  certain they can always succeed, but they are certain that being brave is better than cowering to internal fears. They understand that positive self-encouragement is the fuel for success, so they never allow themselves to get stuck in ongoing critical self-talk.

5. Resting on Your Laurels. Confident people keep learning and growing and achieving. They celebrate their wins but never rest on their laurels.
6. Inaction.  Confident people are people of action. I could go on and on about this, but isn’t it obvious why action is the hallmark of confidence?  Confident people aren’t afraid to make things happen, in fact, they insist on it.
7. Saying “Yes” All the Time. Confident people understand the importance of setting and enforcing healthy boundaries. They understand that saying “No” is not a bad thing; it’s often necessary and confident people bear no guilt for saying “No” to others.
8. Acting Out of Jealousy. Confident people aren’t jealous of others’ successes. They applaud other’s wins. They celebrate them. Confident people understand that others’ triumphs do not diminish their own accomplishments. Confident people know there is plenty of room for everyone to succeed.
9. Stop Learning. Confident people are lifelong learners.  (Arrogant people might not be, but never confuse arrogance with confidence; they are NOT the same thing!).

One of the reasons confident people are so confident is that they are continually building their knowledge and skills. Confident people are avid readers. They also attend classes, seminars, and conferences, and join mastermind groups where they can connect and learn at same time.

The biggest mistake that confidence seekers make is believing that confidence is bestowed on you one day, and then everything is easier. Confidence comes from refusing to engage in the nine confidence-busting habits listed here and instead choosing to adopt the opposite behavior.

Remember, confident people feel fear, they just refuse to accept a life that’s paralyzed by that fear.  Instead, they step up and create the lives they want to lead. Feeling confident is not some pipe dream that’s out of reach for you; it’s well within your grasp. All you need to do is adopt the habits of confident people, and soon you’ll be one, too!

---

J. Marie Novak is an author and Life Transformation Coach. She’s also the founder of Believe And Create, a community that’s grounded in the following mindset:  Believe in Yourself and Create the Amazing Life You Were Born to Live.  Visit http://ift.tt/1HMMWow to get our free guide.  

You’ve read 9 Things Truly Confident People Just Don’t Do, 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/2tWv4HA

You’re reading How to Save Yourself From ‘Text Neck’ (Trust me, you’ve got it!), originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

As I type this I’m sitting, hunched over at my desk, staring at my phone researching what I’m about to tell you.

Turns out, this slouched over position I find myself in, and that I’m in constantly throughout the day, has now been proven to lead to degeneration of the spine and even surgery. You see, the human head weighs an average of 12 pounds and, when bent over looking at a phone at a sixty degree angle, that means a weight of sixty pounds is being exerted on your neck as the weight on the cervical spine increases when you look down.

If you are thinking that doesn’t sound very good, you’d be right.

Scientists are saying that this heavy weight being exerted on your spine daily can cause intense damage. According to The Washington Post, this poor posture caused by an epidemic people are calling “text neck” can hurt more than just your spine. “Experts say it can reduce lung capacity by as much as 30 percent. It has also been linked to headaches and neurological issues, depression and heart disease,” the article states.

You can try looking at your phone or screen with only your eyes, but that probably will get strange after a few minutes. Or, move your computer monitor up higher, so it is at eye level, using a stand. Or, even better yet: You can get up and move around.

Backing away from your desk, putting down your phone, looking out the window, and best of all, walking or exercising, are all great solutions.

There’s even a way that you can walk at your desk, using a desk treadmill like UnSit’s WALK-1. You can keep up your fitness routine while working, and according to research from Stanford University, be more creative and productive, too. How’s this for a crazy stat: The Stanford study discovered that a person’s creative output increased by an average of 60 percent when walking.

By exercising as much as possible, even when at work – a place where you’re usually dormant and gazing at a screen – you can ward off text neck and the negative effects of sitting. (You’ve probably heard that “sitting is the new smoking.”)

Why does exercise fight text neck? Well, a person needs to have strong core muscles to support their upper body, including their neck. Core muscles usually do not get enough exercise during normal daily activities, so increasing your workout time can help with that. Also, strong and flexible muscles in the neck are needed to reduce pressure on your cervical spine and help support the heaviness of your head. The answer to building those muscles and improving your flexibility is simply to get off your phone and away from your desk and start exercising.

A treadmill desk can help, and UnSit’s WALK-1 is 50% wider than traditional treadmills, meaning you can actually focus on work, reach across your desk to grab your notes, without worrying that you’ll fall off a treadmill tightrope. The WALK-1 also takes up about 6 square feet less space and fits where your chair is now.

On top of that, there is even an app that is paired with the WALK-1, which tracks steps, distance, time, calories, standing time. The App automatically sends its data to Apple Health and/or to your FitBit account so you can see just how proactive you’re being in avoiding text neck.

Sources:
http://ift.tt/1OeiWFt

---

Kate Durocher is a TV host, writer and editor living in Los Angeles. She is the Press Outreach Manager for Red Cup Agency and also works in editorial for L.A. Weekly. On the side, Kate is an entertainment host and has worked for outlets such as E! News and The Hollywood Reporter. Kate graduated from the University of Southern California in 2015 with a degree in broadcast and digital journalism. See more of Kate’s work at http://ift.tt/2tOIWUD.

You’ve read How to Save Yourself From ‘Text Neck’ (Trust me, you’ve got it!), 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/2svLqTV

You’re reading How to Save Yourself From ‘Text Neck’ (Trust me, you’ve got it!), originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

As I type this I’m sitting, hunched over at my desk, staring at my phone researching what I’m about to tell you.

Turns out, this slouched over position I find myself in, and that I’m in constantly throughout the day, has now been proven to lead to degeneration of the spine and even surgery. You see, the human head weighs an average of 12 pounds and, when bent over looking at a phone at a sixty degree angle, that means a weight of sixty pounds is being exerted on your neck as the weight on the cervical spine increases when you look down.

If you are thinking that doesn’t sound very good, you’d be right.

Scientists are saying that this heavy weight being exerted on your spine daily can cause intense damage. According to The Washington Post, this poor posture caused by an epidemic people are calling “text neck” can hurt more than just your spine. “Experts say it can reduce lung capacity by as much as 30 percent. It has also been linked to headaches and neurological issues, depression and heart disease,” the article states.

You can try looking at your phone or screen with only your eyes, but that probably will get strange after a few minutes. Or, move your computer monitor up higher, so it is at eye level, using a stand. Or, even better yet: You can get up and move around.

Backing away from your desk, putting down your phone, looking out the window, and best of all, walking or exercising, are all great solutions.

There’s even a way that you can walk at your desk, using a desk treadmill like UnSit’s WALK-1. You can keep up your fitness routine while working, and according to research from Stanford University, be more creative and productive, too. How’s this for a crazy stat: The Stanford study discovered that a person’s creative output increased by an average of 60 percent when walking.

By exercising as much as possible, even when at work – a place where you’re usually dormant and gazing at a screen – you can ward off text neck and the negative effects of sitting. (You’ve probably heard that “sitting is the new smoking.”)

Why does exercise fight text neck? Well, a person needs to have strong core muscles to support their upper body, including their neck. Core muscles usually do not get enough exercise during normal daily activities, so increasing your workout time can help with that. Also, strong and flexible muscles in the neck are needed to reduce pressure on your cervical spine and help support the heaviness of your head. The answer to building those muscles and improving your flexibility is simply to get off your phone and away from your desk and start exercising.

A treadmill desk can help, and UnSit’s WALK-1 is 50% wider than traditional treadmills, meaning you can actually focus on work, reach across your desk to grab your notes, without worrying that you’ll fall off a treadmill tightrope. The WALK-1 also takes up about 6 square feet less space and fits where your chair is now.

On top of that, there is even an app that is paired with the WALK-1, which tracks steps, distance, time, calories, standing time. The App automatically sends its data to Apple Health and/or to your FitBit account so you can see just how proactive you’re being in avoiding text neck.

Sources:
http://ift.tt/1OeiWFt

---

Kate Durocher is a TV host, writer and editor living in Los Angeles. She is the Press Outreach Manager for Red Cup Agency and also works in editorial for L.A. Weekly. On the side, Kate is an entertainment host and has worked for outlets such as E! News and The Hollywood Reporter. Kate graduated from the University of Southern California in 2015 with a degree in broadcast and digital journalism. See more of Kate’s work at http://ift.tt/2tOIWUD.

You’ve read How to Save Yourself From ‘Text Neck’ (Trust me, you’ve got it!), 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/2svLqTV