The Key to Achieving Your Goals Could Be a Personal Contract

2024-10-04 ~ adminlife

We all have goals, big or small, that we strive to achieve. But how often do we find ourselves struggling to stay on track? Whether it’s sticking to a fitness routine, completing a long-term project or saving money, maintaining motivation can be a real challenge. What if the secret to staying motivated was as simple as writing down your commitment on a piece of paper? Believe it or not, creating a personal contract with yourself could be the game-changer you need.

Before you can start to plan your success goals, there are many things that you need to understand before you can be sure that the goals you set are really the ones you want.

One of those things is to determine if there are any Limiting Beliefs that can stop you from actually achieving those goals.

I have a self-study Limiting Belief Program that you can go through to determine what your Limiting Beliefs are and how you can remove them.

You can read more and register for the program at Limiting Beliefs Program on my Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Start your journey on your path to success by identifying and removing your Limiting Beliefs so that you make the journey a lot easier.

You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life.

The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address)

Limiting Beliefs Download

Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.

The concept of writing a contract to yourself is more than just a motivational gimmick. It’s a psychological strategy that leverages commitment and accountability. When you write something down — especially in the form of a formal contract — you are making a tangible commitment to yourself. This isn’t just a casual note or a fleeting thought; it’s a serious promise that you’re less likely to break. The act of writing it down solidifies your intention, making it feel more real and binding.

There’s a psychological principle at play here called the “commitment effect.” When we commit to something, particularly in writing, we’re more likely to follow through because we don’t want to face the cognitive dissonance that comes from breaking that commitment. Cognitive dissonance is the uncomfortable feeling we get when our actions don’t align with our beliefs or commitments. By creating a contract, you’re essentially setting a psychological trap for yourself: your mind wants to avoid the discomfort of breaking a promise, so it pushes you to stay on track.

But why does this work? Part of the effectiveness of a personal contract comes from the sense of accountability it creates. While you might be able to justify breaking a verbal promise to yourself, it’s much harder to ignore a written contract. The act of writing it down makes it feel more official and harder to dismiss. Plus, if you include a penalty — like donating to charity if you fail to meet your goal — it adds an extra layer of motivation. The thought of losing something, whether it’s money or pride, can be a powerful motivator.

To get the most out of this strategy, it’s important to approach it seriously. Start by clearly defining your goal. Be specific about what you want to achieve and set a realistic deadline. For example, instead of vaguely stating, “I will get in shape,” write, “I will lose 10 pounds by November 30th by working out three times a week and eating a balanced diet.” The more specific you are, the easier it will be to measure your progress and hold yourself accountable.

Next, consider adding a consequence for not meeting your goal. This could be something like donating a certain amount of money to a cause you care about — or one you don’t care about, which might be even more motivating! The key is to make the consequence meaningful enough to motivate you but not so harsh that it becomes a source of stress.

Some people even take this a step further by sharing their contract with a friend or accountability partner. This adds an extra layer of accountability because now someone else knows about your commitment. The thought of having to explain to someone else why you didn’t meet your goal can be a powerful motivator to stay on track.

Actionable Step: Write a contract with yourself for one specific goal you want to achieve. Include a clear and measurable objective, a realistic deadline and a meaningful consequence if you don’t meet your goal. Consider sharing this contract with a trusted friend or colleague to increase your accountability.

By formalizing your goals in this way, you create a powerful tool for maintaining motivation. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of setting goals, but the real challenge lies in sticking with them over time. A personal contract serves as a constant reminder of what you’re working toward and why it matters.

In the end, staying motivated is about finding what works for you. While a contract might seem like a simple or even trivial thing, its impact can be profound. The next time you feel your motivation slipping, try putting pen to paper. You might be surprised at how much more committed and motivated you feel with a formal contract in place.

To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 45-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

P.P.P.S. You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life.

The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address)

Limiting Beliefs Download

Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Image by Mercy Hass from Pixabay

Take Control of Your Life by Living in the Moment

2024-09-17 ~ adminlife

In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves torn between the demands of the moment and the worries about what’s next. Whether it’s personal responsibilities, professional obligations, or long-term goals, it’s easy to get caught in a whirlwind of tasks, anxieties, and mental clutter. However, there’s a simple yet powerful antidote to this chaos: being present.

Before you can start to plan your success goals, there are many things that you need to understand before you can be sure that the goals you set are really the ones you want.

One of those things is to determine if there are any Limiting Beliefs that can stop you from actually achieving those goals.

I have a self-study Limiting Belief Program that you can go through to determine what your Limiting Beliefs are and how you can remove them.

You can read more and register for the program at Limiting Beliefs Program on my Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Start your journey on your path to success by identifying and removing your Limiting Beliefs so that you make the journey a lot easier.

You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life.

The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address)

Limiting Beliefs Download

Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Being present is not just about practising mindfulness or focusing on your breathing, although those can be helpful tools. It’s about taking conscious control of your life, your decisions, and ultimately, your destiny. If you’re constantly stuck worrying about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow, you lose the ability to navigate your current path. By learning how to stay grounded in the moment, you can regain control, improve your decision-making, and chart a more meaningful course for your life.

What It Means to Be Present

Being present is often associated with mindfulness, but it’s a broader concept that encompasses how you manage your thoughts, emotions, and actions in real time. At its core, being present means fully engaging with whatever is happening right now. It’s about directing your focus to what’s in front of you rather than being distracted by regrets about the past or anxieties about the future.

When you are truly present, you experience life more vividly and make decisions from a place of clarity and intention. Instead of letting your mind wander to what could go wrong, you direct your attention to what you can do now to influence the outcome. This state of awareness allows you to fully appreciate the moment, while also making deliberate choices that shape your future.

Presence is also essential for taking control of your destiny. Every decision you make, whether small or life-altering, shapes your path forward. If your mind is distracted by fears, doubts, or regrets, you might miss opportunities or make decisions that don’t align with your true goals. In contrast, when you’re grounded in the present, you’re able to take thoughtful, purposeful action that moves you closer to the life you want to create.

The Impact of Worrying About the Past or Future

One of the biggest obstacles to being present is the tendency to worry—about things that have already happened or might happen in the future. Both forms of worry can cloud your judgment and pull you away from what really matters: the present moment.

When you dwell on the past, whether it’s replaying mistakes or wishing things had gone differently, you’re focusing on something you can no longer change. This kind of rumination can lead to feelings of guilt or regret, which not only drain your emotional energy but also prevent you from fully engaging with the present. Similarly, worrying about the future—what might happen, what could go wrong—traps you in a cycle of fear and anxiety that limits your ability to act decisively now.

These mental distractions keep you from being your best self. Imagine trying to have a meaningful conversation with a friend while mentally replaying a stressful event from last week. Or attempting to work on an important project while worrying about a presentation you have next month. In both cases, your mind is divided, which reduces your effectiveness and prevents you from fully experiencing the task at hand.

The constant pull of the past or future not only affects your productivity but also your overall well-being. Studies have shown that people who spend more time worrying about things outside of their control are more likely to experience stress, anxiety, and even depression. Conversely, those who focus on being present tend to be more satisfied with their lives and more resilient in the face of challenges.

Strategies for Harnessing the Power of the Present

So how can you harness the power of the present and break free from the mental traps of worry and distraction? The good news is that being present is a skill you can cultivate with practice. Here are some practical strategies to help you get started:

Practice Mindful Breathing: One of the simplest ways to bring yourself back to the present moment is through mindful breathing. Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath. As you inhale, notice the sensation of the air entering your lungs. As you exhale, let go of any tension or stress. This simple practice can help calm your mind and ground you in the moment, especially during stressful situations.

Set Intentions for Each Day: Start each day by setting clear intentions for what you want to accomplish. This helps direct your focus and keeps you from being swept away by distractions. Intentions are not the same as to-do lists; they are more about the mindset you want to bring to the day. For example, you might set an intention to stay patient during a difficult meeting or to fully enjoy time with your family.

Limit Multitasking: While multitasking may seem like a good way to get more done, it actually divides your attention and reduces your effectiveness. Focus on one task at a time, giving it your full attention. Whether it’s responding to emails or having a conversation, aim to be fully engaged in what you’re doing. This will not only improve your performance but also enhance your sense of fulfillment.

Use Grounding Techniques: Grounding techniques can help you stay present, especially when you feel overwhelmed. Try focusing on the physical sensations in your body—your feet on the floor, the feeling of your hands resting on your lap, or the sound of your breathing. By bringing your awareness to your physical senses, you can pull yourself out of the mental loop of worry and into the present moment.

Embrace Uncertainty: Finally, learning to accept uncertainty is key to staying present. The future is always unknown, and trying to control it is a recipe for anxiety. Instead of worrying about what might happen, focus on what you can do today to move in the direction you want. Embrace the idea that uncertainty is a part of life, and trust that by staying present, you are better equipped to handle whatever comes your way.

Conclusion

Harnessing the power of the present is about more than just living in the moment; it’s about taking control of your life. By letting go of worries about the past and future, and focusing on the present, you can make better decisions, experience life more fully, and ultimately shape your own destiny. With practice, you can learn to be more present in your daily life, improving not only your productivity but also your mental and emotional well-being. Start today—take a deep breath, set an intention, and begin living your life one moment at a time.

To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 45-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

P.P.P.S. You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life.

The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address)

Limiting Beliefs Download

Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Photo by Andreas Fickl on Unsplash

Myths about Burnout

2024-06-26 ~ adminlife

The fact that burnout is not a diagnosis, can leave some people sceptical of whether it really exists. In fact, Marissa Mayer, a former Google executive, went on record stating that she believed burnout does not exist. Instead, she believes that the signs and symptoms people experience relate more to resentment about not being able to do what they want.

Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

I have a program that can help you to discover what is holding you back from achieving your goals as well as help you set an attainable goal related to where you are in your life and where you are trying to be.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

Fortunately, most people do recognize burnout as real, and recognize it as a real threat to people’s productivity and overall quality of life.

Here are some myths about burnout that you may hear from others:

Only weak people suffer burnout –

This is not true. Everyone in all walks of life suffers burnout. Many tend to be “go-getters” and “type A personalities” that have a lot on their plates.

You just need a good night of sleep and you will feel better –

By the time burnout has set in, one night of good sleep is not enough. When you are experiencing burnout, your sleep is disrupted. You will wake up, even after eight hours of sleep, feeling unrefreshed.

You just need more fresh air –

When you are not feeling well due to burnout, those who have not experienced it, think they know what you have to do to get better. They will offer all sorts of advice such as getting a good night of rest or fresh air. However, it is more complex than this. Healing from burnout takes more time. You have to heal your body on the inside (adrenal glands) before you begin to notice significant changes in how you feel.

It is your fault that you are feeling burnt out –

Although part of it may be due to poor lifestyle choices, putting the blame on yourself is not going to make the situation better. Instead, you need to learn what led to this predicament and what you can do now to get better. You will need to focus on things like improving your diet, sleep, and stress reduction techniques, to name a few.

You need to exercise more –

While exercise is normally recommended for improving energy, if your burnout is significant, exercise that is too vigorous can actually be detrimental to recovery. Instead, it is better to do light exercise and activity until you are well on your road to health again.

Burnout is only a psychological problem –

Although burnout includes psychological components, burnout also involves physical changes in your body. In particular, your hormonal symptoms get disrupted and contribute to the symptoms you are experiencing. That is why treatment of burnout should involve methods that address both psychological and physical well-being.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program.

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author

Photo by Tony Tran on Unsplash

Debunking Myths and Enhancing Self-Awareness

2024-06-142024-06-14 ~ adminlife

In the journey of personal growth and effective decision-making, self-awareness stands as a pivotal cornerstone. Often misunderstood, this trait is not just about introspection but involves a balanced understanding of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires. The importance of self-awareness is underscored by numerous studies indicating that a clear self-perception contributes to confidence and decisiveness. However, several myths cloud the true essence and benefits of self-awareness. This article aims to dispel these myths, provide practical ways to assess your level of self-awareness, and offer strategies to enhance it.

Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

Exploring Common Myths Surrounding Self-Awareness

Myth 1: Self-Reflection is an Act of Selfishness

It is often argued that spending time on self-reflection detracts from engaging with others and the world. On the contrary, understanding oneself better equips an individual to interact more effectively and empathetically with others. Prioritizing self-knowledge is not about neglecting others but about ensuring one’s own mental and emotional well-being, which indirectly benefits those around us.

Myth 2: Introspection is the Sole Path to Self-Awareness

While introspection is a valuable tool in the self-awareness toolkit, it is not the only method. Realizing the impact of our actions on others and understanding their perceptions and needs also enriches our self-awareness. Interaction and feedback from others provide external perspectives that are critical in forming a well-rounded self-view.

Myth 3: Self-Awareness Cannot Be Developed

Contrary to the belief that self-awareness is an innate trait, it is indeed a skill that can be cultivated and enhanced over time. Through deliberate practice and feedback, individuals can significantly improve their level of self-awareness.

Assessing Your Self-Awareness

To gauge your current level of self-awareness and identify areas for improvement, consider the following approaches:

Feedback Analysis Exercise
- Reflect on key decisions you have made. Write down the reasons behind these decisions and review them after some time to evaluate the outcomes. Were your decisions well-informed and deliberate, or were they impulsive? This reflection can reveal how well you understand your decision-making processes.
Strengths and Weaknesses Evaluation
- List your perceived strengths and weaknesses. Then, consult with a trusted individual to see if their observations align with your self-assessment. This exercise can uncover discrepancies between how you see yourself and how others see you.
Online Self-Awareness Tools
- Utilize available online resources and tests designed to measure self-awareness. These tools provide a structured way to assess your self-perception and can serve as a baseline for personal development.

Strategies to Enhance Self-Awareness

Improving self-awareness is a continuous process that involves both introspection and interaction. Here are expert-recommended techniques to deepen your self-understanding:

Observe Your Reactions to Others
- Pay attention to what irritates you in others. Often, these may be qualities you unconsciously dislike in yourself. Recognizing and addressing these traits can lead to significant personal growth.
Monitor Your Emotional Triggers
- When you experience intense emotions, take a moment to reflect on what triggered them. Identifying patterns in these triggers can help you understand your emotional responses better and manage them more effectively.
Seek Constructive Feedback
- Regularly ask for feedback from people you trust, such as close friends, family members, or colleagues. Honest feedback can help you identify blind spots in your self-perception and contribute to a more accurate self-awareness.

Conclusion

Self-awareness is more than a mere self-centred focus; it is about gaining insights into oneself to foster better relationships and make informed decisions. By challenging common myths, assessing one’s current state of self-awareness, and employing practical strategies to enhance it, individuals can enjoy the numerous benefits that come from truly knowing themselves. Start today to cultivate a habit that will lead to a more fulfilled and self-aware life.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program.

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

Photo by Alysha Rosly on Unsplash

Your Subconscious Mind’s Power

2024-06-12 ~ adminlife

Whether you like it or not, your subconscious mind is in control. Even when you consciously decide to pursue a goal, it’s your subconscious that determines if you’ll take consistent action to achieve it!

By understanding how your subconscious works, you can connect with yourself on a deep level. You’ll have the keys to an abundant, fulfilling life, and all you’ll need to do is unlock that door.

Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

What is the Subconscious Mind?

Your mind is like an iceberg. The conscious mind is the visible part above the surface, while the subconscious is the vast bulk below, unseen.

There are certain thoughts and processes in your mind that you may not be aware of consciously, such as beliefs, instincts, and memories. Everything you’ve ever seen or heard is stored in your subconscious, affecting your current thoughts, decisions, and actions.

Communicating with the subconscious mind is popular in self-help and psychoanalysis because tapping into the subconscious is the fastest way to implement desired changes in your life.

The Power of Beliefs

Your subconscious mind holds a vast amount of information, more than your conscious mind can handle. Sometimes you might just have a “feeling” about something, and then find out that the “feeling” was right. Often, it’s your subconscious sending you these signals.

You’ve likely heard, “If you believe it, you can do it.” This saying is true because of the power of your subconscious. A belief can motivate you to do things you never thought were possible.

Believing in the power of the subconscious mind can help you communicate better with it. The alternative is to continue following base instincts, which can sometimes be limiting. For example, if you have a fear of public places, learning to communicate with your subconscious could help you overcome that fear.

Beyond Belief

Believing in the power of your subconscious is the first step to living the life you desire. Once you do, you can advance with your self-help ventures and personal development plans. You can further develop your talents, strengthen positive qualities, and overcome challenges by tapping into your subconscious.

You can also use your communications with the subconscious mind to address larger issues, like fears, or eliminate negative habits, such as smoking or emotional eating. When you reach the core of an issue in your subconscious, you can change it. The possibilities are endless!

How Do You Communicate With Your Subconscious Mind?

There are several techniques to effectively communicate with your subconscious mind and enable desired changes.

One popular method is hypnosis. You can use a trained counsellor or self-hypnosis techniques. There are also CDs and videos available that guide you through hypnosis sessions.

During hypnosis, rather than being asleep, you’re in a state of heightened awareness. Many of the inhibitions of your conscious mind will subside, allowing the subconscious to come to the forefront. In this state, you’re open to suggestions. Positive suggestions can lead to positive progress.

You can also communicate with the subconscious by reading, listening to recordings of positive mantras, and repeating affirmations. These positive statements can affirm and bring out the best in you, replacing negative thinking and doubt with positive images and beliefs. Check your local bookstore and online for many affirmation resources.

Stay aware of your innermost thoughts to better keep in touch with your subconscious. Always be truthful with yourself, follow your heart, and most importantly, have a firm belief in yourself.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program.

P. P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

If you have an Amazon Kindle account, there are different books at Amazon – Michael W (author)

Photo by Leon-Pascal Janjic on Unsplash