Sep
13
Posted under
Free Self Help
Before you spend another dime purchasing the latest self improvement video release, take a moment to read the following article. Within it, you will find several tips to help you get the most value out of the money and time you invest. Self improvement videos can be worth their weight in gold, but only if you extract all you can from them. Here’s how.
Plan a good time and place to watch the video. Just as you wouldn’t attend a class or lecture with screaming children or a nagging spouse, the time and place you choose to watch your video should also be free of distractions. A quiet time in a private room with the understanding that you are to be left alone will allow you to concentrate on the information in the video.
Make watching the video an active experience. Most of the time when we watch TV, we just sit there and passively observe the screen. This does not encourage retention of the information. If you really want to learn and absorb self-improvement information, be sure to keep a notebook and pen handy and take notes during the video. Also be sure to write down any new ideas or questions that occur as you are watching.
Review. After watching the video for the first time, read through your notes. Review in your mind the information and ideas that were presented. Tell yourself outloud some of the things you learned. As you do this, be sure and keep track of any new ideas or questions that you think of.
Rewatch. Now, sit back and watch the tape or dvd again. This time you’ll not only discover information you missed the first time, but you’ll also find answers to some of your questions and even a few more self-improvement ideas.
Apply. Don’t let your new knowledge go to waste. If there were practical excercises and good ideas introduced in the video, start putting them into action right away. This will help you to quickly make these new skills second nature and speed up your journey.
Remember, your path of self improvement is a really a course in “You 101″. Treat watching self improvement videos like a class and you will be more likely to graduate with honors.
Sep
10
Posted under
Free Self Help
Throughout our busy work day, whether running a home business, working 9 to 5, being a stay at home mom or dad, or even a combination of one or two of these scenarios, there is often a lack of planned down time.
Now you may be saying I do take coffee and lunch breaks, or I run to the gym after work, or I watch some television, while the kids nap, but do you schedule time to do nothing.
Often, it is hard to feel refreshed and relaxed when we add even more activity to our already busy lives. Most times just a little shift in our daily routine is all that is needed.
Consider starting your day with a few minutes of silence when you first awaken, instead of turning on the radio or television or logging onto the internet.
Take the time to be consciously aware of the silence, to gaze out the window at nature, to observe a bird, hopping around dew covered grass, digging up his early morning treat.
Marvel at a beautiful sunrise as the slanted rays of light, burn up the atmosphere and signal the start of another day.
Allow your mind to wander and think of something fun to do this weekend, give yourself something to look forward to, perhaps something you are passionate about, which will re-energize your spirit.
I encourage you to take yourself away from your normal routine, time to be silent, to let your thoughts drift, to feel every muscle in your body start to relax, close your eyes, smile and cherish these moments.
Starting your day with a few minutes of relaxation and reflection will lead to a better frame of mind, resulting in a more productive and meaningful day.
To start yourself on a journey of daily self-renewal, create a list of questions to ask yourself and to reflect on, even if you do not know the answer immediately.
Give yourself something to ponder about, I promise the answer will come to you and will have an impact on your lifestyle.
To help you get started, consider these questions and then add your own personalized questions.
1. What do I count as blessings in my life right now?
2. What am I really committed to right now?
3. What am I passionate about?
4. What can I do today to be a better person, leader, family member?
5. What opportunities do I have today to connect with people and inspire them?
6. What in my life, my relationships have I taken positive action on?
As you answer these questions, also reflect on the how your answers make you feel. How does taking positive action make a difference in your life?
How empowering will you feel by inspiring others? A simple note or a few words of encouragement or even just a smile may make a dramatic change for someone in your life and it is absolutely free.
By giving yourself the gift of self-renewal, you will find yourself having the energy to get through your work time more efficiently, while relaxed and clear-headed.
Once this daily routine becomes a habit, consider taking time for regular breaks from your work routine throughout the year, with a weekend retreat, an entire week vacation or perhaps a one day adventure.
Do something out of the ordinary. Rather then always taking your car and driving, try a train ride to your destination or a cruise to nowhere.
Once you let your imagination take over, the possibilities are endless!
