A Way To Benefit From The Past

I often write on this site about the importance of focusing on the present instead of the past. However, I do a little mental exercise every once in a while that does focus on past events. I find it very helpful.

We often focus on the negatives of our past. The mistakes we've made; the people we've let down; the could have, should haves. However, for each of us, there are events in our past we are proud of. The times we've accomplished the goal; people we've helped; the successes. It is these that I focus on.

Sometimes I like to play a little game. I am very good at associating songs with the time of my life that they were popular. The game is, when a song comes on the radio, I bring myself back to that time of my life and re-live what I was doing, what I was feeling, who I was with, etc. It is very powerful, as I actually re-live some of those feelings, especially as I review some of the happier times of my life.

I recommend this activity (or something like it) to anyone. Remember a time in your life when things were good and you were extra positive and successful. Then feel the joy and positive emotions again as you re-live it. With this activity some may say I am going against my philosophy and I am living in the past again. If so, I understand. The key is to bring those same feelings to the present, and maintain them. This is especially true if you are having more negative feelings during these prsent days.

As we maintain positive emotions, we see positive events in our lives and receive positive feedback from those around us. We may not experience the same successes as in the past, but we receive new ones instead. Sometimes the new ones are even more rewarding.

The bottom line is that, when we maintain positive emotions, our overall life turns out that way. This exercise helps us use the past to do so. Instead of using the past to remind you of your past mistakes, use it to remind yourself of the confidence and power that is within you. Know that you can use it as much today as you did in your glory days. If you maintain positive emotions, these present days can be called your glory days. Enjoy the blessings : )

Drilling Positive Messages Into Your Head

There are several keys to maintaining a positive attitude. One is to keep reminding yourself of the power and confidence you have. The problem with that is that often a small (or sometimes big) voice immediately comes back and says..."no you're not!" Then you are right back where you started.

How do you combat that negative voice? I have found subliminal messages very helpful. They work because the positive messages bypass the negative voice and go straight to the subconscious. As a result, the desired attittudes dominate your mind instead of the negative ones.

Here's an example of a positive video that's helped me. Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/qcY9ruWCtEs

First-Class Treatment

What is it like to receive first-class treatment on a plane, in a restaurant or anywhere for that matter? My honest answer is...I don't know!!

I have never been lucky enough to sit in first-class during air travel. Nor have I received the VIP treatment at a restaurant, sporting event, or anywhere for that matter. It must be nice though. As far as I know, these people are treated like kings. They are catered to and given the best of everything. The people serving them are very positive and helpful to them, and they spend that time living in comfort and peace. Wouldn't that be great to enjoy that treatment on a regular basis?

I am here to tell you that you too can have that first-class treatment. You may ask, "from who?". The answer is...from you! That's right, you heard me (or should I say read me). It is up to us to treat ourselves like the first-class people we are. We cannot (and should not) rely on anyone else to do it. Sure, it's nice to receive a compliment and be treated well by others. We should cherish and appreciate that. However, we need to know that we are first-class creations of God. He makes no mistakes. Every one of His creations are beautiful. It is time that you saw yourself that way.

So go ahead. Give yourself the first-class treatment. Treat yourself like a king or queen. Cater to yourself and give yourself the best of everything. No, I'm not saying to disregard others or go out and buy things you can't afford. Sure, I believe you should treat yourself every once in a while. However, what I am mainly saying is to know that you are an awesome creation of God. Shower yourself with positive thoughts of confidence, love, success, and being the best person you can be. That will allow you to spend much time living in comfort and peace Here's another important fact. When we treat ourselves as first-class citizens, it quickly rubs off on those around us. It is much easier to treat others the same way. As a result, the positive impacts we are looking to make, come much easier.

To conclude, here's my Godly advice for the day...give yourself the first-class treatment. Your life will be first-class as a result. Enjoy the blessings : )

Powerful Affirmation

I am realizing more each day the power of affirmations. Here's one that's been working very well for me...

I have amazing power (the power of God in me) and extreme confidence.

I have found it effective to repeat it to myself several times throughout the day. After I do so, I take a few minutes to reflect on God's presence in and around me. At those times, I can actually feel the power, and the confidence automatically builds.

The results of repeating this affirmation are dramatic. What happens is that the more you tell yourself this and live it out, the more you believe it. I challenge anyone to try it for yourself.

Have an amazing day : )

Powerful People

There's something about meeting someone powerful. Have you ever done so? You may answer yes or no. However, I will tell you that the answer is yes. Who is it? Take a look in the mirror. It is you!

Many of us don't realize how powerful we are. I am challenging myself and anyone else to not only realize it, but to KNOW it! The power of God dwells in each and everyone of us. If we ask Him for it, maintain positive thoughts in our mind, and look for opportunities to do good, the amazing power in us will manifest. You will see great things. You will see power you never imagined, but have always had.

This reminder has helped me as I am conscious of it during the past few weeks. I challenge you to keep this reminder in the front of your mind as well. It's powerful stuff!!

The Power of Faith

I have shared several times in this blog about how blessed I have been during the 45 years I've been on this earth so far. I am very thankful for the beautiful things God has given me. I've also said that, as good as things have been, I strongly believe there is so much more out there for me. As much as I've already been blessed, I haven't even scratched the surface of the miracles still there for me.

The problem is, for many of these miracles I should already be experiencing them. Why haven't I? Is it because God puts a cap on the number of blessings we receive? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! Is it because I am destined for only what I already have? No way!! I believe that the number one reason I haven't reached some of my biggest goals is simply because of a lack of faith. I am seeing more and more how the measure of our faith determines the level of greatness in our lives.

This week I am dedicating myself to re-learning this concept (it's sad that I already know it, but I just don't apply it enough). Since this blog is meant to share the positive things I learn and experience with as many people as possible, I will put my heart and thoughts out there for anyone to share. I certainly hope it helps anyone else who needs to hear it. Duing the week I will share some songs and verses that have helped build my faith and show me the positive effects of doing so. Feel free to share any that have helped you.

The first is from a group called Kutless. It's called "That's What Faith Can Do". It's a perfect example of what I am talking about.

Enjoy!!

http://youtu.be/WTNBWv33-QI

Think Big

I have been reminded again today about how low I allow my expectations of life to be. Don't get me wrong. Things are good. I'm happy. I feel like I am bringing those around me to a higher level most of the time.

However, I could be experiencing so much more. Instead of going for it and having faith that I'll get there, I am just tending to remain in my comfort zone and accept things the way they are.

Thanks to a message I received in the mail today, that mode of thinking is coming to an end. It's time to think big. Dream of things that don't appear to be possible. Imagine all of the greatness my life can be. Act as if I already have it. Forget the comfort zone and doing the things I know I can do. It's time to strive for the things I know I can't do. Instead of relying on my inability, I let God handle the details and allow Him to guide me to the promised land.

I strongly believe it is true for me or anyone else, that if we allow ourselves to dream big, look past our limitations, and faithfully let God run His power rampant in our lives we will experience miracles. It's time to let it happen.

I will share my success. I ask that you do too.

Have an excellent day : )

Unconscious Success

In my previous post I discussed the concept of the subconscious mind, and how certain things become automatic because they are engrained in our subconscious. I mentioned that I would provide specific examples of how we can use our conscious mind to influence our subconscious.

One thing I did not mention in the previous post is that our subconscious cannot tell the difference between real or imagined events. What this means is that we can control the thoughts that enter our subconcious. If we imagine the results we want to achieve, being the person we want to be, and having the health, finances, etc that we want to have, our subconscious ultimately believes it. The result is that we act accordingly. For example, if you are seeking greater self-confidence, imagine yourself as the confident person you want to be. See the positive reactions from others. Experience the results of greater confidence. Live it in your mind. Ultimately, you begin to see yourself as that person. Eventually, the results of this confidence are not only imagined, but lived out in real life.

I have practiced this and seen great results. For example, my wife and I were having some difficulties in our marriage. Rather than point the finger at her, I began to look within myself. I imagined myself as the perfect husband (even though I am far from it). I imagined myself doing things and making my wife very happy. What ultimately happened, is I began believing that I was a great husband. I then began doing things that would back that up. I became more confident in my ability to serve my wife and make her happy. As a result, it has actually happened. My wife is happier, all because I saw myself as someone who could be a good spouse, and then became a much better one.

I was also struggling at my job. Some negative things were going on there. Instead of making the best of it, I complained much more than I should have, and really began resenting being there. Finally, I followed the same steps. I saw myself being the best teacher I could be. I imagined a positive attitude, and the impacts it created for the kids I teach and adults I work with. I saw the smiles on their faces, and the growth in their lives. Once again, my mind believed it. My confidence grew, and much of what I imagined began coming true. Things there are still not perfect, but my job performance has improved, my attitude is positive, and people are being positively impacted as a result.

These are just two examples of how we can influence our subconscious minds. Remember, our subsconscious is our autopilot. If it is filled with thoughts of confidence and competence, our life will be a result of that. We will enjoy it more, and our confidence and ability will snowball. It is up to us to consciously fill our minds with positive and powerful thoughts. By doing so, I guarantee you will reap the benefits. I surely have.

Please be sure to share your success stories. Have an excellent day : )

Tale of the Tie

Here's a first. My daughter, of all people, asked me to help her tie a tie. It should have been no problem. After all, I've been tying my own tie for almost 20 years. Yet I couldn't do it.

How could something like this be so automatic, yet impossible to teach? I am reading more and more about the battle of our conscious mind and our subconscious. There are many differences, but for now I'll provide the crash course version. The conscious mind is what we are thinking about, the front of our mind per se. The subconscious is the automatic part. After a thought or action is drilled into our conscious mind over a period of time, it eventually becomes part of our subconscious. We then act accordingly.

When I first learned to tie a tie, it was a conscious effort. I had to think a lot about the correct steps. It took a while, and it was difficult. However, after doing it over a long period of time, the process became subconscious. I didn't even have to think about it. It just became second nature, and I was able to accomplish the task with ease. So why so much difficulty in teaching this to my daughter? It is because I had to do it consciously. It wasn't automatic as I tried to take it step by step. Once again, it became a difficult process like it was in the beginning.

What's my point? I am finding that it is much easier to live our desired lives subconsciously. Does that mean we don't rely on our conscious mind? Absolutely not. We need to think things out. We can also use it to help our subconscious. Here is a great key to making any ncessary changes in your life: Use your conscious mind to see yourself succeeding and accomplishing the goal you desire. Then take whatever action you believe is necessary. Just like the tie, it may seem unnatural and difficult at first. However, if you continue to take steps and move forward, it eventually becomes automatic, and your normal way of life. Before you know it, the goal is reached.

If you think this is too simple, I don't blame you. I thought this at first too. However, it didn't take me long to realize its truth. In the past few months, this has helped my self-confidence sky-rocket. That in turn has affected other areas of my life in a positive way. In my next post, I will provide specific examples of how it has helped me and can help you too.

Have an excellent day : )

The Rough is Only Mental

I am stealing this quote from author/pastor Norman Vincent Peale and his book, "The Power of Positive Thinking". I was reminded of it today and felt the need to share.

What does it mean? It is taken from the story of a golfer. When he was on the fairway (the short grass) he had no problem hitting the ball well. However, when he was off the fairway (golfers call this the rough) he had severe difficulty hitting the ball well. However, his partner had no difficulty with this and hit the ball just as well from the rough than from the fairway. Why? He said it was all mental. He believed he could hit the ball just as well from the rough. He just had to make some slight adjustments.

It can be the same in every situation for us. Things are only as difficult as we decide they are. Obstacles are only as big as we think they are. The key? Focus on the successful completion of the task or goal. Sometimes it will be as easy to get there as a shot in the middle of the fairway. Other times we will be presented with obstacles or greater challenges. Either way, if we seek the ideal result and see the obstacles as learning and growing opportunities, we will reach our goals and ideal life much sooner. Before long we will dismiss the obstacles completely and life will be a hole in one!

Enjoy : )

Affirm Greatness

I see a lot online and in books these days about something called affirmations. Affirmations are things that we tell ourselves over and over again. For example, if you are seeking more confidence, you can keep affirming, "I am confident". If you want to feel more healthy, keep affirming, "I feel great". The point is to convince our subconscious that it is true, and we eventually believe it and act accordingly.

Do affirmations work? Will my subconscious be smart enough to believe something I tell it over and over again? Can I change my life just by telling myself things? From my experience affirmations do work. Whether you realize it or not, you are telling yourself things all the time anyway. And you believe it. For example, if you are not as healthy as you would like to be, you may be telling yourself (consciously or unconsciously) how tired you are, or you are focusing on the aches and pains or stress in your life. If you are lacking confidence, you are somehow telling yourself that you are not good enough. It is human nature, and we do it all the time.

Instead, tell yourself how great you are! Tell yourself that you have all kinds of energy and you feel great. Look in the mirror and tell yourself how great you look. Tell yourself that you deserve that promotion at work and the extra money that comes with it. Tell yourself what a great romantic partner you are, or would be. Also very importantly, remind yourself that God is with you always and you can't fail with Him by your side.

The key is to tell your mind what you want it to hear. What happens is that you ultimately believe it, and become what you want to be. There is nothing wrong with teling yourself great things and looking for big things. It positively affects all areas of your life. You will be blessed and be a blessing to others. Everyone wins! Affirm greatness. It's there if you want it.

Have an excellent day : )

Guaranteed Success

Are you looking for ways to guarantee success? One of the most basic and direct ways to accomplish the success you are looking for is found in Proverbs 16:3. It says...Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

Three simple words. Commit to the Lord. That leads to success. Is it that simple? I thought about this and researched it further. I believe the commentary in the Life Application Bible puts it best...It says to maintain a balance of trusting God as if everything depended on Him, and taking action as if everything depended on us.

Success is something we all want. It is also something we can all have. By following the above guidelines, it can be certain every time. When we trust God and have faith all things are possible. When we take action, we are doing our part, as God would want us to do. Sometimes we don't know exactly what we need to do. When that happens, we just need to pray and continue to trust. When we do, the answers will be revealed to us. Trust, obey, and act. When we follow those steps, success is guaranteed! I dare you to try it. Please share your success stories.

Have an excellent day!

Strong and Courageous

What are you afraid of? What is it that is stressing you out right now? Hopefully your answer to that question is...nothing! However, if you are like me, there is at least one thing, if not several things, that are causing anxiety, you feel like you can't do, etc..

As I continue to write about some of the great faith verses in the Bible, here's one that has helped me in this situation, and I believe can help anyone. From Joshua 1:9...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

It is difficult to find more comforting and powerful words than that. Besides the fact that they are from God Himself, it tells me that God is with me and fighting my battles for me wherever, and whenever. The key again is to focus on this fact constantly. The more we do, the more it will be engrained in our conscious minds, eventually becoming our regular way of thinking. It will help us go from fear to faith; from worry to winning; from doubt to deliverance.

I think you get the point. As you develop and increase your level of faith, I believe this is a key verse to focus on. When you do, it's unbelievable how much more peaceful and empowered you feel.

Enjoy your day : )

We Can Do All Things

Isn't it true that we admire people who seem fearless? Who seem like they can handle any situation, no matter how difficult it is? I know I do. We wish we had the same confident assurance as they do.

The more I think about it, the more I realize we can have that same confidence. The key is to focus on one of the more famous verses in the Bible..."I can do all things through Him who strengthens me"(Phil. 4:13). It doesn't say "some" things, it says ALL things. This tells me that I can accomplish anything if I believe that, and rely on God's strength to help me accomplish it.

Two main ideas have made this work for me. One is to constantly meditate on this verse. Many people know the verse, but how many actually believe it and live it? I have found it helpful to repeat this verse and dwell on it several times a day. It's amazing how peaceful and powerful it is. The second thing is to pray several times during the day as well. I find that when I do this, I am much more aware of God's presence and rely on His power to help me accomplish the goals I need to accomplish.

By believing and praying on this verse, we can indeed do ALL things and ANY thing we desire, and we can make a real difference in the world around us. Then people will be admiring the power of God they see in US because we will have that same confidence that we admire in others. Please share your victories!

Have an excellent day : )