No one will disagree that modern life can get insanely busy – if we let it. Are we too busy though? How comfortable are we when we don’t have anything to distract us? Are we content when we’re not accomplishing something, moving ahead in our goals or helping others? Is our sense of worth tied to our busyness? Are we a slave to recognition? Are we lonely when we’re by ourselves? It is important not only to reflect upon such questions but to decide to behave differently.

Perhaps we could set aside five minutes of ‘thinking time’ a day. Some people might just ‘be’ while others may choose to meditate or pray. We might also do well to engage in a solitary activity from time to time or even develop a hobby that we quietly enjoy ourselves. Instead of only reading work-related journals, we should read outside of our area of expertise and read for pure pleasure.

Many of us are performance-oriented and driven by success and competition. We should acknowledge that one day we may be at a loss to know what to do with ourselves when our career is over, retirement beckons, or perhaps we become physically unable to actively pursue the same interests. Can we still be happy even when we’re not busy? We need to slow down and savor life – not rush through it and miss so much potential beauty and happiness along the way. It is entirely possible to discipline ourselves to slow down and be more fully present in each human interaction and each solitary moment of our day.

Being fully present is impossible if we are constantly rushing about, going over our ‘to do’ list or mentally reviewing the meeting we just left. To be fully present is to give 100% attention to the task at hand or to whomever we’re talking. It means maintaining a comfortable degree of eye contact, verbally showing comprehension and asking open-ended questions. Applied to family life, trying to slow down and be more present brings irreplaceable rewards. The dignity of each family member is recognized and deeper relationships result. The next time your child or a young person asks for attention in some way be reminded that nothing is more important or sends a message of love more than willingly giving them your time. It’s a gift of self.

Do not miss the truly important parts of life by being too preoccupied and busy. Slow down! Resolve today to:
• Look for the beauty around you
• Begin to read a book for pleasure
• Spend some quiet time alone
• Listen better
• Spend some time visiting with family and/or friends

Depression is believed by the medical profession to be the most prevalent disease of our time. The fear of developing heart problems or cancer alone is enough to cause tremendous stress and accompanying depression. There is a tremendous malaise circulating our world today. Both the medical profession and the media are constantly “warning” us of the dangers and probabilities of different diseases, some of which seem more than likely to shorten our life span. For instance, if there is cancer in your family, you’re most likely going to get it! And of course, if cancer is not threat enough there is always the West Nile virus, Bird flu, AIDs and a host of other diseases to frighten us…

One thing is for sure, we will never hear the end of calamities that are likely to beset us, whether from disease or some other form of challenge we may face. It seems inevitable that there will always be “something” that will get our blood pressure soaring.

So, what is the answer to this problem? How can we carry-on with our lives without being constantly afraid of what lies around the next corner? Here are several suggestions about how to effectively deal with life’s challenging situations:

1) Seek interpersonal support

People need other people, and there are many good and practical ways to relieve stress and anxiety. Exercise, good nutrition and positive thinking are great antidotes. These not only help relieve the angst; they actually give us a sense of empowerment over our lives.

2) Seek spiritual guidance about spoken words

The Bible tells us that the power of life and death are in the tongue. Words can both bless and curse (James 3). Negative words can evoke fear, anxiety and actually produce negative effects in a person’s life.

Whenever a word is heard – any word – the mind paints a picture of it. For instance, when someone says “black cow” immediately you will see that cow in your mind’s eye. Although words are not tangible, they have the power to bring about emotional and physical change! Remember – The Bible teaches that the earth was created by the Word of God! Now that’s real word power!

We all have a choice when it comes to listening and what we hear. We can choose to empower ourselves by listening to positive words and encouraging thoughts or we can do otherwise. Think about the last time you listening to some of your favorite music…Did your feet start tapping? Did you start to hum the melody? Didn’t your mood lighten-up a bit as a result of hearing the melody and the words? Negative words almost always produce negative results, whether seen or unseen. On the other hand, positive words instill a sense of well-being. A mere smile and a quick, happy-sounding, “Have a great day!” can instantly produce good feelings and joy.

3) Develop a “thankful” attitude.

Thankfulness is one of the greatest virtues. A wise man once said that if we divided a page in two and wrote all our setbacks on one side and all our blessings on the other, we would find that the blessings far outweigh the negatives. The Bible teaches us to give thanks with a grateful heart for all things. Don’t look back on past hurts, nor fret about tomorrow. Live “today” to the fullest…choose joy and thankfulness.

In conclusion, remember that our thoughts respond to what we feed the mind through our senses. Therefore, it naturally follows that happiness is a choice. This may be a foreign concept to many of us at first, but when applied, the results can be truly amazing! Break the habit of feeling trapped in a world of negative thoughts and decide to switch-on the power of positive thoughts, today.

Have you ever spent much time thinking about the significance and meaning of life? Are there times when life just doesn’t seem to make sense? Does life often seem purposeless?

Do you sometimes feel like you are floating in the middle of the ocean struggling to keep your head above water? Or at times does your life seem like a three-ring circus that is out-of-control?

Several years ago, a young man we will call Bill ran a poll to discover what it was people most wanted out of life. And the results were rather surprising. The things people most wanted out of life were not money, houses, and cars.

What people most wanted in life were peace, love, and joy. Three things that money cannot buy.

Now, if you are like most people then most likely you are looking for meaning, purpose, peace, joy, and love in your life also. You too probably sense a void deep within that you have not been able to fill no matter how hard you try.

Fortunately for you, the answer is much closer than you thought possible. By now you probably know what…or rather who the answer is. Right?

Before the ‘Answer’ showed up about two thousand years ago, a man arrived on the scene who proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

And soon after, the ‘ANSWER’ appeared…bringing the hope that so many desperately struggle to find.

If you need help and hope…simply call upon the NAME that is above every other name both in heaven and on earth…the name of Jesus.

Now, pay close attention to what God (Jesus) says here in His word:

“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and make your hearts pure, you double-minded.” James 4:8

And…

“When I close up the sky so that it doesn’t rain, or command locusts to devour the land’s vegetation, or send a plague among my people, if my people, who belong to me, humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their sinful practices, then I will respond from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:13-14

Look! It just cannot get any clearer than this. God has already taken the first step toward giving you the peace, love, joy, and everything else you desire to be happy. Only He can fill the void that you sense in your life. Only He can give you the purpose and the meaning you search for in your life.

Do not wait another minute. Seek Him now. He is waiting for you!

God says in His word, “And you will seek me, and find me, when you search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

Abundance is for everyone, not just the limited few that life appears to have smiled on.

We are surrounded by abundance. Nature is lavish, even wasteful in its abundance. Anyone caring to look will find an abundance of love, joy, money, and health is readily available to everyone willing to accept them. If there is any lack in our lives it’s not because there is not enough, but rather, because we are limiting our intake. What we receive in life is controlled by the limits we place on our emotions, behaviors, thoughts and actions.

There are many factors involved in why it is so hard for us to open the valve controlling the flow of abundance in our lives. By the time we become aware of the fact that we create our own limits, the beliefs and habits we’ve developed that produce these limits are so ingrained they are very difficult to change.

Society also has its role to play. Since most of the world’s governments have become capitalistic societies, it’s in their best interest to promote conditions and belief systems that produce large numbers of have-nots. Simple economics tells us that in order for capitalism to thrive, there must be a large supply meeting a large demand and you must have people who are in debt to create a large enough demand to consume that large supply.

The simple reality is that the governments of the world make their money from our poor health, debt, and our struggle to “just get by.” Their abundance is dependant on our lack.

But this does not mean we have to accept these limits. While it’s true that most people will never take advantage of it, information about attracting wealth and prosperity is freely available to anyone caring to look. And the law of attraction says that the more you look, the more information you will attract. What fills your life is what you focus on.

Learning to create abundance in your life is about much more than simply creating material wealth, it is about enriching your Self as a whole. When you begin to understand the principles and laws that govern Abundance, you begin to understand that you are not constrained by the conditions of the economy or the amount of your present income.

Your ability to increase your wealth, live in abundance, and have financial freedom is all based on your understanding of the universal laws that govern the flow of energy controlling your ability to turn potential into reality.

Yet there is more to creating abundance than simply placing an order and then sitting back to wait for its delivery. You have to be giving something of value, adding to the flow, in order to make this work. When this is the case people are more than willing to pay for your contribution.

Wealth, money, success, love, and health are all forms of energy. Being part of the flow means that you are a participating member. Once you understand how to operate in the flow of that energy, you learn to work with the Source of energy and actively create your reality instead of simply letting random thoughts create a chaotic existence for you.

Abundance is about living a healthy, vibrant life with a purpose and experiencing the joy that comes from possessing a strong sense of Self.

There are many stories in the news about terrorism, school killings, biological warfare and nuclear weapons, causing many people to be in a constant state of fear.

Is it alright to have some fear? Some have said it is good to have fear. They say fear can be useful if you harness it and use it correctly. Do not believe this for a second.

Fear needs to be resisted at all cost. This also includes worry. In our society it is a common thing to accept worry as OK, but it is not.

So, what is fear? Let’s first talk about faith. Faith is belief in a particular outcome and is usually based on what someone has said would happen. When God says something good will happen to you, and you believe it, that is faith. When the devil says something bad will happen to you, and you believe it, that is fear.

In Hebrews 11:6 it states that without faith it is impossible to please God. When you are in fear, you are not in faith and this may be part of the problem.

Is it really possible not to fear? If you have not accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, fear is a natural thing. If you have been reborn, through what Jesus did, you have power to overcome fear. It is not automatic, though. You need to know what to do and that is where reading the bible will help.

In the Bible, you will discover that God is Love and that he rewards those who diligently seek him. In 1 John 4:18 it says, there is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.

Following is the great commandment. Jesus said unto him, thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. This is found in Matthew 22:37-39.

As noted earlier, being free from fear is not automatic. When fear attacks you, you need to resist it. You do this with words. Quote verses that talk about fear just like Jesus quoted scripture to Satan when he was tempted. A good verse to start with is 2 Timothy 1:7. For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Refuse to fear!

The type of belief being discussed is the one that a person has when they have complete faith in their own capabilities. The type of belief that Terry Fox the one-legged young man from British Columbia had when he started to run across Canada to raise money for the Cancer Society. The same sort of belief that Rick Hanson the wheel chair bound Canadian who wheeled around the world to raise funds for spinal cord research had when he started his man in motion tour. Absolute belief in their ability to do what they set out to do.

The power of belief is a spiritual power we can use to achieve nearly impossible feats. The power of belief is the most awesome force anywhere. It is within each of us, and it is unleashed by a spark created by our self confidence. When our self confidence in our ability to do something is strong and unwavering, our subconscious mind is prodded to awaken our belief. It has been scientifically proven, many times, that when we believe we can do something then we will find a way to do it. As Mary Kay Ash said, “If you believe you can, you will and if you believe you can’t, you are right.”

The power of belief is strong and as your belief increases, you will discover things that were once just a dream or a thought, will become fact. To build up your self confidence so it will act on your belief, you have to make sure your self talk is always positive. Become your own coach and mentor, encouraging yourself to do better. Set goals and work to reach them. Reaching goals and talking positively to yourself will build your self confidence quickly. As your self confidence grows, so will your belief in your ability to do what you set out to do. The power of belief is what will make you successful in everything you attempt. Once your belief becomes deeply established, then little miracles will begin to happen for you.

The following experiment was conducted in a school in the United States. The results show just how powerful belief is.

A large class of students was broken into two smaller classes. The poorer performing students were put into one class and the average and above average students were put into another class. The average and above average class continued as usual. The under performing students were told by their new teacher that they were taken out of the class and put into this special class because they were the brightest students and they were going to be given special assignments to prove to everyone they were especially intelligent. They were told not to discuss their school work with the other students because it would make the other students envious. They were then given the same work as the other class. Throughout the year the teacher continued to praise the students and tell them how bright they were. By the end of the school year, the former under achievers were performing better than all the students in the other class. This experiment has been tried several times in different schools around the country and the results were always the same. When people are told frequently they are smart, good and can do exceptional work, they always start performing to that level because frequent repetition of praise makes them believe in their ability to perform at a high level.

The same thing will happen if you praise yourself over and over again. When you do something successfully, praise yourself. Constantly tell yourself how smart and capable you are. If your subconscious mind hears it often enough, it will take it for a fact. Your subconscious mind does not know whether something is true or not, it just “believes” what it is repeatedly told. By the same token, if you constantly belittle yourself or talk negatively to yourself, your subconscious mind will believe that. This is why you must always talk positively to yourself. It is well known that a person who has a negative belief and a negative attitude thinks, “I cannot to that” and a person who has a positive belief and a positive attitude thinks “I can do that, I know I can.” Positive belief can squash any adversity. Throughout history there have been numerous individuals who overcame obstacles using the power of their belief in themselves.

If you are the head of an organization, belief can be a powerful tool you can use. When you convince your staff that the work they are doing is very important and that it will benefit others, you will find their productivity increases dramatically. In fact individuals often work harder and will settle for less when they think what they are working for is linked to a deep self belief.

If you believe there is a possibility of achieving what you are doing, then you will use your full creativity and abilities and will pursue the task relentlessly. It is human nature to do so. Most of us are not very happy when we are doing something we do not believe in. Psychologist Marty Seligman claims in his book, “Authentic Happiness,” published by Simon & Schuster in 2002, people are happiest when using their personal strengths to defeat difficulties, if while doing it, they believe what they are doing makes a difference.

Our values are based on our beliefs; we make choices, set goals and act according to what we believe. Therefore, before we can change anything in our life, we have to believe what we are trying to change is possible. Whether we want to become the most successful person in our profession or we want to become a better surfboarder, we will have a better likelihood of success and we will work diligently to achieve it if we believe we can do it.

Napoleon Hill, author of the book, “Think and Grow Rich,” stated this concept very concisely when he said, “Whatever a man can conceive and believe, he can achieve.”

Do you remember the old Emergency Broadcast Announcement, the one with the horrible beeping sound that tells you “had this been an actual emergency, you would have been instructed where to go and…”

A few years ago, there was something similar making the rounds on the Internet. It went something like this. “This life is a test. It is only a test. Had this been an actual life, you would have received instructions on where to go and what to do…”

It would be nice if life came with instructions on where to go and what to do. But it doesn’t.

And yet, so many people go through life as if they’re waiting for instructions, or for their “real” life to begin. You’ll hear people say things like “When I lose 20 pounds, I’m going to…” or, “When I’ve got enough money, then I’m going to…” It’s as if they’ve put their life on hold, waiting for everything to be perfect, before they start actually living it!

But this life isn’t a test, or a rehearsal, or a game. You don’t get a “do over” when it’s finished. This is it.

Don’t waste another minute of your life! Instead of waiting until things are perfect, or for “someday” to arrive, start enjoying yourself now!

Not sure what to do?

Make a “What I want to do Before I die” list. When you’re starting your list, it doesn’t matter how wild and crazy your dreams are! So if you’ve always wanted to take up scuba diving, or you want to make a million dollars or even sing in front 10,000 people — write it down. Think about everything that you really want — the things that would make you feel special or loved, or important. The things you’ve been meaning to get around to doing, but for one reason or another, just haven’t done. The secret dreams that have been hiding in a tiny corner of your heart.

The important thing here is figure out exactly what it is you WANT. Writing the things down, gives them form and shape and power.

After you’ve written them down, prioritize the list. What things are on that list that are the most important to you? If you found out that you were going to die next year, or next week, or tomorrow, what would you want to do before it happens?

Don’t be surprised if your list is very long. You’ve probably been denying yourself for a while now, because “life” got in the way of “living.” If you’re like most people, you’ll find there are some things on your list that are very simple, and easy to do. Maybe you like feeling spoiled by having your first cup of coffee in bed every morning. Or maybe you only use grandma’s “company” dishes during special occasions, but you love them. Or maybe your list includes things like telling the people you love that they matter to you.

Whatever is on your list, whatever dreams and desires are in your heart, what are you waiting for? Set your alarm fifteen minutes earlier, and enjoy your coffee in bed. If you want to learn to salsa dance, but you’re waiting until you lose fifteen pounds — remember that salsa dancing is a great form of exercise — and just do it!

When you give yourself permission to start living your life, amazing things start to happen! You may find yourself going through a “lucky” streak. Opportunity starts knocking at your door on a regular basis. And you may even find that the stress and strain you were under has lifted. Things look brighter, and you feel happier.

Don’t throw your list away — in fact, keep it handy and add to it as you think of new dreams, new goals. Because as you begin to live the life you were meant to live — a life that’s worth living — you may just find that you need a new sheet of paper!

The alarm goes off and through the thin slit between your eyelids, a sliver of white daylight gets in, signaling another day has begun.

With your sore, aching body, you buckle up your lead boots, strap on your sack of anger and resentment, and trudge laboriously into your day. You’re weak, exhausted, and burdened with pain before the day even starts.

This is what it feels like to carry around anger, resentment, and emotional pain day after day. You have no energy left for things that might bring you joy or happiness. In fact, if asked, you may not even remember the last time you had a truly great day.

All you keep seeing in your mind’s eye is replay after replay of the person you’re angry at, the person who wronged you.

This may be a difficult thing to hear but the only person being hurt carrying this emotional baggage around is you. According to a study performed at the Harvard School of Public Health, those scoring highest on an anger scale were three times more likely to develop heart disease over several years than those scoring lowest.

And here’s another other thing you might not want to hear – each day you hold on to that emotional pain and resentment, you give the person who wronged you control over your life. Each and every day drains away more and more of your own personal power.

There is a way out of this soul-depleting cycle — it’s forgiveness.

You probably don’t want to hear that word either. But that one word carries the most incredible power of healing and growth.

If you’re like many people in a state of emotional suffering, you may confuse forgiveness with excusing the wounding behavior, or simply forgetting about it, condoning it, or reconciling with the hurtful person.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean any of those things.

Forgiveness is having the courage to let go of the negative emotions you have about the person who hurt you. Researchers on forgiveness believe you are in control of your behavior and have the ability to make a personal choice to forgive or not.

Choosing to forgive is YOU having personal control over your own life — instead of giving that control over to the person who hurt you.

This does not mean the offending person is unaccountable for their actions. The goal of forgiveness is to take you from the place of victim to the place of improved health and greater personal power.

You’re probably saying to yourself, “Yes, I’d love to let go of the heavy load I’m carrying around, but forgiving is easier said than done.” You’re absolutely right – forgiveness is probably one of the most difficult things to practice.

Here are seven steps you can follow to help you in your process of forgiving and lead you into reclaiming your life. (You can find more steps at The Worldwide Forgiveness Alliance, a non-profit, tax-exempt educational foundation dedicated to evoking the healing power of forgiveness worldwide.)

1. In order to start the process of forgiveness, you must first acknowledge your anger, fear, resentment, and grief. Your feelings are justified and should not be minimized.

2. Recognize that to dwell on your negative feelings will do serious damage your physical and emotional health.

3. Understand that forgiveness does not condone the behavior that has brought you pain nor does it allow you to be abused.

4. Accept that you are responsible for your own feelings and it is up to you to heal your pain.

5. Make a choice to release the anger, sadness, grief, and fear your feeling by seeking appropriate professional help.

6. Make the decision to forgive the person who harmed you.

7. Remember you are forgiving the other person in order to free yourself from unnecessary pain and suffering — not the other way around.

Practicing these steps can help you reduce anger, hurt, depression and stress and lead you on the path toward physical and emotional strength and well-being.

Remember forgiveness is for you –- for your health, overall wellness, and quality of life. It’s not for the offending person.

You, and only you, can make the choice to take off the lead boots, un-strap the heavy sack filled with anger, resentment, and pain and start living your life free of the past.

How do you see your body 10 years from today? How will you feel? Will you be physically and mentally able to enjoy time with your loved ones?

You’re aware of the importance of a healthful diet including lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You’ve heard it stressed before about getting regular, vigorous exercise. And sure, you may be eating better and exercising a little more. But are you really doing all you can?

There are plenty of reasons to get fit. Yet, maintaining motivation for weight loss over a long period of time can be very hard. Knowing the facts will boost your weight loss motivation every day. Remember these 5 weight loss motivation tips:

Weight Loss Motivation Tip #1 – Live Longer

The truth is revealed. Fit people live longer. This is great news, especially if you’re having a hard time shedding every ounce of your unwanted weight. It’s a sedentary lifestyle that hurts you the most.

Whether you’re fit, not that fit, or obese, start with even small changes. Just by adding healthier food choices and more exercise to your goals, you can save your life.

Weight Loss Motivation Tip #2 – Maintain A Sharper Mind

Physical activity may be the key to keeping your brain young. In fact, how mentally sharp you remain in old age is linked to your fitness level.

In the Scottish Mental Survey of 1932, 460 men and women were given mental and physical tests at age 11, then 79. Those with the highest fitness scores were more likely to score similarly on the mental skills test at both ages. So, the more fit they were in old age, the more mentally sharp they remained.

Fitness is an important part of your mental growth at any age.

Weight Loss Motivation Tip #3 – Fight Depression

Ever wondered why depression is considered a medical issue? There’s more to it than just feelings of deep sadness. Depression results from an imbalance in brain chemicals that carry signals between nerve cells. This makes you feel sad.

Physicians also realize the link between depression and obesity. If you have one, you’re more likely to have the other.

The best way to fight those “sad” chemicals is by staying active. When you work out, feel-good chemicals are released in your brain. These include endorphins and serotonin.

Getting fit is a great way to chase away the blues naturally.

Weight Loss Motivation Tip #4 – Relieve Stress

Stress is your body’s natural response to tough situations. When you feel stressed, your body produces chemicals that prepare you to fight or run.

A little stress is necessary. But if you never allow your body to get rid of those chemicals, stress can cause harm over long periods of time.

Your body responds to stress by slowing down digestion, releasing sugars and fats into your blood stream to provide fuel, releasing chemicals to help your blood clot, raising your heart beat, perspiring, increasing your breathing, and tensing your muscles.

Working out is one of the best ways to help your body relax and recover from that adrenaline rush.

Weight Loss Motivation Tip #5 – Boost Energy

If you bought a new car, and the seller told you to use only premium gas to keep it functioning properly for years to come, would you do it? Most people would.

How come you don’t treat your body this way?

Food and exercise are your body’s fuel. Your doctor will tell you to get fit to avoid future problems. If you’re taking your health for granted today, and praying you’ll be fine tomorrow, your body may be running on unleaded fuel.

You could soon find yourself struggling to do even basic tasks, like picking up your grandchildren or walking up a flight of stairs.

Start reaching for the premium fuel! Yes, there is a higher cost. But the cost is even higher when you consider how well you’ll be able to function years from now.

Living a long, healthy life with your loved ones is priceless. They’re worth it. You’re definitely worth it!

These are 5 life-changing reasons to get fit.

Are you sitting in your easy chair just thinking about it? Remember, fitness is a life-long commitment. But it doesn’t have to be hard.

Consider adding some weight loss motivation books and tapes to your personal library to fuel your determination. Change your thinking, and accomplish your goals.

Motivation and weight loss can work hand-in-hand to save a life – Yours!

Weight loss motivation quote:
“Instead of giving myself reasons why I can’t, I give myself reasons why I can.” – Author Unknown

Get the results you want today. Discover where to find sites for weight loss motivation. Grab more free weight loss motivation tips. Click here now.

What if a trusted friend were to tell you about an investment where you could not possibly go wrong…what would be your reaction? And what if there was a virtual mountain of credible information that supported the investment claims…wouldn’t you be inclined to take advantage of the opportunity and not miss out on the rewards? Although the answer to these questions seems apparent, when it comes to investing in our health and quality of life we often choose to ignore what obviously works. Take for example, exercise…

Physical fitness may be the ultimate investment opportunity. Think of it this way. If you are willing to make the commitment (investment), you will feel and look healthier, have an abundance of energy, be more self-confident, more productive and discover a more joyous and fulfilling life. These are rewards that money cannot buy and the substance of high quality living. And, the investment of exercise becomes even more attractive when you consider that there is absolutely no down-side risk. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. How much better can it get? How many times can you remember ever having a better offer? The honest answer is probably never, and yet many of us fail to act on this extraordinary opportunity. We simply choose to procrastinate or ignore the proven benefits of exercise!

Here are a few reasons that sometimes inhibit our willingness to “step out” and make a change or take a chance:

- Sometimes our vision gets clouded. We lose tract of what is really important. Forget about the less important activities that tend to clutter our daily routine and focus on exactly what needs to be accomplished to reach your goal.

- Looking at the “big” picture can seem overwhelming. And the bigger the task, the more overwhelming it can seem. Break the task apart into smaller pieces. If you want to lose 50 pounds try losing 10 pounds and repeat the process five times! Need to start an exercise program? Begin with short, simple exercises and then slowly expand your routine. Don’t exercise too hard when first starting-out or you will become stiff, tired, disillusioned and soon quit.

- Have you ever not wanted to start something for fear of failure? Take the first step, acknowledge the fear and the next step will come easier. Once fears are acknowledged, they usually quiet down.

- Sometimes we start to think that a task is unpleasant or boring. Just like any other activity, this can also be true for exercise. There are days when we just plain lack the enthusiasm and motivation to continue. It’s part of human nature. On days like these focus on ‘why’ you are doing it. Think about all the people you care about and who may need and rely on you. What would happen if you became ill or disabled and was unable to work for a period of time, or worse, if you were out of the picture completely. How would things change? If something happened tomorrow, how would your family or business manage without you? What do you want your life to be like in the future? There are many tasks or chores we do, that we may not like, but are necessary to live a happen and productive life. Focus on the bigger picture.

- Indecision can be defeating, but doing “anything” is better than doing nothing. There are no wrong choices and very few choices that can’t be undone or done again. Can’t decide on a particular exercise program or routine? Pick a few exercises and start with something simple. If you don’t like it, go on to the next exercise.

- When you lack the confidence to start something new, take a deep breath and try to figure out why. Are you hesitating because you really lack the skill or is it just imagined? If it’s real, try to find out where to gain the skills you need or find someone with the right skills who can help. In the case of exercise, finding a qualified personal fitness trainer can sometimes do the trick, but be wary…some PFT’s are overzealous and tend to start newcomers on programs that are too strenuous.

- Life just seems too busy to find time for some activities. Large, uninterrupted chunks of time are very hard to come by. And if we’re honest, when they do come, we’d rather do something totally pleasurable! Exercise has to become part of your routine. It can’t be an option. Make it a high priority just the same as your career, and other areas of interest. You will be surprised at how easy exercise becomes when approached this way!

- Have you ever subconsciously (or otherwise) invited distractions so that you have a “good” reason not to get something done? Sometimes it’s the simple things like answering the phone or sitting down to watch that “one” TV program, that distract us. When you find yourself doing this, take control of the situation and make a conscious decision to do what you are avoiding.

To reap the benefits of exercise, or any other health related endeavor, you must agree to become a willing participant. This will require due diligence on your part. And remember, as you embark on your mission you are investing in something near and dear to your own heart…your life and a future of healthy living.