As it’s a new month in May, one of the most powerful months out of the entire year for bringing your wishes to fruition, I set a few goals for myself like every month.
The first goal that I had was to bring in a few extra dollars a day for our new home purchase.
We are closing on our first home together as a family on the 23rd of this month, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say that it will take a LOT of sweat equity as well as many dollar bills. It’s going to be quite the transformation when it’s done. I also know that there is the possibility we could flip this house and get something else if we wanted. So I’m not trying to get too attached right now. I also don’t want to put us in more of a hole with the necessary repairs and the way I want to make the house look to my taste (Hubs and I are having a hard time agreeing on a specific style already).
I also would like to take as little from our current place if we don’t love it thus saving more money with less storage and moving expenses. And some of the things I don’t love.
Power Of Intention
So when I sat down to look at some of the areas I could cut, there were some memberships that I’ve been on the fence about keeping and I could see those going away. I didn’t do anything with them just yet, but I received an email letting me know that my membership was canceled, but I was charged today….. So I’m going to either get my money back or get to participate for another month.
But, the magic behind the thought above. I set out to cancel it in the future, and it was canceled today without any doing of my own.
Think about that for a second.
The Power of Your Thoughts
This could either have a return of money to me or an additional month of membership added for me, but there are also things we think about that are bad. Those come into our reality as well. Make sure you are watching your thoughts because you are a powerful creator, and the Universe doesn’t know good or bad what you want. It brings you everything you think and says, so make sure to keep your vibes high!
The next goal I had was to write each day of May at least 250-500 words to get my content up and created. I read in a book recently that no matter what, if you write something every day, it will make it easier to get something on paper when you need it. So here’s my start and a few things for you to think about as well.
What do you want more of in your life? Money, love, happiness, success? All of these things and more can be yours when you learn to harness the power of intention. The intention is the act of setting a goal and then putting all of your focus and energy toward achieving that goal. When you do this, the universe will conspire in your favor and help you to achieve your desires. In this blog post, we will discuss the power of intention and how you can use it to create the life you desire!
Having intentions is important for several reasons.
First, it helps to focus your attention and energy on what you want to achieve. Dr. Wayne Dyer, the author of The Power of Intention, compares the field of energy that surrounds us to a GPS. When we set our intention, we are telling the universe where we want to go. Just as a GPS won’t work if we don’t input a destination, the universe won’t be able to guide us if we don’t have a clear intention. Second, setting an intention can help to improve the quality of our lives. When we focus on what we want, rather than what we don’t want, we are more likely to attract positive experiences and opportunities into our lives.
Any action begins with intention.
What we intend is what we attract into our lives. If we want to live a creative, kind, loving, and beautiful life, we must first be creative in our thoughts and Intentions. The law of attraction states that like attracts like. When we focus on positive things, we attract more positive things into our lives. On the other hand, if we dwell on negative thoughts, we will attract more negativity. Therefore, it is important to be intentional about our thoughts and emotions if we want to live a beautiful, abundant, and receptive life. One way to do this is to monitor our self-talk and make sure it is compassionate and kind. Another way is to focus on what we are grateful for each day. When we take the time to intentionally focus on it grows.
Setting an intention is the first step on the spiritual path.
It is a powerful way to connect with your higher self and the universal mind. There are many faces of intention: from choosing to be kinder to yourself to set a goal to become more spiritual. Whatever form it takes, setting an intention is a way of affirming your desire to grow and evolve. When you set an intention, you are opening yourself up to limitless possibilities. It is a declaration of your willingness to grow and change. As you begin to align your actions with your intention, you will start to see miraculous changes in your life. You will feel more connected to your higher purpose and supported by the universe. The power of intention is limitless; it is the starting point.
Power of Intention Quotes
Intention is all about focusing your mind on something specific to make it happen. It’s not just for spiritual folks – it can help anyone in their daily life. The more you practice intentional thinking, the better you get at making your intentions a reality. It can help you create positive changes, attract abundance, and live your life with purpose, inner peace, and gratitude.
“The Power of Intention” by internationally renowned author, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, has some inspiring quotes that can motivate you to believe in yourself, manifest your dreams, and live in the moment. Remember, you’re not alone in setting your intentions and reaching your goals – there are plenty of people ready to support you.
If you want to start setting intentions, begin by setting specific and achievable goals and focusing your thoughts and actions on them. Stay positive and grateful, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. With practice, intention can become a natural and effective part of your daily routine, helping you to create the life you want.
No matter what you want to achieve in life, setting an intention is the first step.
Give it a try, what have you got to lose?
And PS – if you don’t think you have time, this post took all but 15 minutes, and I even sent an email in between and helped my sweet 7-year-old with something. You can do it too.
As we get ready tohead to Maui for our yearly trip during Christmas, I want to make sure I am scheduling some outdoor activities for us since things might be more festive during the holidays and I don’t want the girls to miss out. Even though most travelers to Hawaii usually tend to go for abeach-filled itinerary, The Aloha State is also a wonderful destination for all things outdoors.
Home to stunning waterfalls, active volcanoes, sky-high mountains, and scenery that looks as though it belongs in the Jurassic era, Hawaii’s nature boasts an unrivaled natural beauty.
If you’re planning on spending time getting to know Hawaii’s great outdoors or you simply want to plan a schedule that includes both beach fun and time out in nature, here’s a list of some of the best things to do in nature during your visit to the Aloha State!
The Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List for Nature Lovers
So you’re going to Hawaii. You’re probably thinking about beaches, sunsets, and a little time in the waves. And that’s all fine and good because it’s all there—but do you know what else is there? Nature.
You see, Hawaii has a lot of nature to offer. You just have to look for it! Hawaii is the perfect place for nature lovers. The island offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and snorkeling to swimming at tide pools and surfing. The Pacific Ocean is the perfect place to take in the sights. You can swim with dolphins or explore tide pools. There are also several beautiful beaches where you can relax with your family or friends.
The Grand Canyon of the Pacific is another option for those who want to experience nature at its finest. This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of waterfalls and cliffs along the way. If you’re looking for more activity on the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, there are many trails that lead hikers through beautiful landscapes throughout Maui’s rainforest, including one that leads directly into Haleakalā National Park (also known as “The House of the Sun”). If you’re up for an adventure, then Hawaii volcanoes national park is a great option! This park has many different hiking trails that will take you through some unique terrain like lava tubes or even up into active volcanoes where you can see lava flows up close!
Volcanoes National Park
It’s not exactly a secret that Hawaii is a mecca for active volcanoes, and there’s no better place to fully experience these mighty wonders of nature than by visiting Volcanoes National Park.
Home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Volcanoes National Park will give you the opportunity to walk over fields of lava, gaze at volcanic vents, explore lava tubes, and see fiery red lava streaming down. Getting close to the craters is very dangerous, but you can see them from as close as safely possible by booking a helicopter tour over the park
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The Hanuma Bay Nature Preserve is located on the southeastern side of Oahu. It offers visitors a chance to explore the underwater world of Hawaii through snorkeling and scuba diving. The bay’s clear waters and diverse marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs, make it a popular spot for these activities. Visitors can rent snorkeling or scuba gear on-site and take part in guided tours to learn more about the bay’s ecology. Lifeguards are also on duty to ensure safety. It’s important to note that the bay is closed on Tuesdays to allow for conservation and restoration efforts.
Manoa Falls Hiking Trail
This hiking trail is located in the Manoa Valley on the island of Oahu and offers visitors a chance to experience Hawaii’s lush rainforest scenery. The trail is a relatively easy 1.6-mile round trip and leads to the stunning Manoa Falls. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the sounds of birds and the rush of a nearby stream. It’s recommended to wear sturdy shoes and bring bug spray as the trail can be muddy and slippery at times.
Diamond Head State Monument
Diamond Head is one of the state’s most emblematic natural landmarks and the ultimate volcano to hike on the island of Oahu. You may have already seen it countless times on most Oahu postcards!
Located close to Honolulu, anyone who visits the state’s capital will be able to catch glimpses of the volcano while walking its streets, but the ultimate way to get the full experience is by actually getting to stand at its top. The hike is only two miles long (round trip) and is considered relatively easy but it can get quite strenuous due to its quick altitude gain. Still, it’s considered bearable even for inexperienced hikers, especially when you consider the entire way is paved and there are stairs provided on the steepest parts of the trail.
Plus, there are plenty of viewpoints with benches on them, so you’ll have opportunities aplenty to stop and rest your legs whenever you need to!
Whale Watching Boat Tours
Hawaii is a popular destination for humpback whales during their annual migration from Alaska. Visitors can take a boat tour to see these majestic creatures up close and learn more about their behavior and habitat. The whale-watching season typically runs from December to April, and there are several tour companies that offer whale-watching excursions. During the tour, visitors may also see dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Turtle Bay Snorkeling with Sea Turtles
Turtle Bay on the island of Oahu is a popular spot for snorkeling with sea turtles. Visitors can rent snorkeling gear and swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat. It’s important to respect the turtles and maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing them. Turtle Bay is also home to a luxury resort and golf course.
Koke’e State Park Hiking Trails
Located on the island of Kauai, Koke’e State Park offers visitors a chance to explore Hawaii’s stunning natural beauty. The park is home to several hiking trails that take visitors through lush forests, past waterfalls, and up to stunning viewpoints overlooking the island. It’s also home to several rare and endangered species, including the Hawaiian honeycreeper bird. The park is a great place for birdwatching, picnicking, and camping.
Waimea Canyon State Park
Commonly nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, Waimea Canyon State Park is one of the biggest gems in the state when it comes to natural beauty. Home to landscapes as lush as they can get, crashing waterfalls, towering cliffs, and rock formations covered in hues of pink and green, Waimea Canyon is a place that almost looks as though it came straight out of a painting.
In order to explore, you can choose to go on a few hikes or loop around the canyon on ascenic drive.
If you’re short on time, simply standing at the famous Waimea Overlook is reason enough to visit this gem of a place!
Mauna Kea Summit
On the lookout for a true adventure out in nature? Hiking the tallest mountain in the world may very well just do the trick!
Even though Mount Everest is commonly ranked as the highest mountain in the world, Mauna Kea is actually taller at a whopping 33,497 feet! While a huge portion of the mountain is submerged underwater, you can still brave the trek to reach the summit of the part of it that is above sea level. The hike is pretty challenging and it usually takes around 8 hours to reach the top. Keep in mind that this hike is definitely not for beginners.
You’ll need to bring proper gear along as well as know how to acclimatize to altitude property and take the current weather conditions into account before attempting it.
Haleakala National Park
Stretching all the way from the peak of Haleakala Mountain to the sea, this national park is so vast that it covers several different landscapes and environments, making it a great place to visit in order to see first-hand how varied the terrain in Hawaii can get.
Most visitors to Haleakala visit in order to trek the mountain for sunset, but if you want to get to know the park a little better, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained during your time there. You can also ride a bicycle up and down the mountain if you prefer. Among the many things to do at this beautiful national park, you’ll find hiking trails traversing different environments (ranging from subalpine scrublands to dry forests and even a few alpine zones and rainforests), horseback riding, stargazing, and more. Moreover, Haleakala is home to more endangered species than any other place in the United States!
Black Sand Beaches of Hawaii
Hawaii is home to several black sand beaches, including Punaluu Beach on the Big Island. These unique beaches are formed from volcanic rock and offer a striking contrast to the turquoise waters. Visitors can stroll along the beach, take photos, and even swim in the ocean. It’s important to note that the black sand can get very hot in the sun, so it’s recommended to wear shoes or sandals.
Wai’anapanapa State Park
Keen to see the most beautiful of Hawaii’s black sand beaches? Make sure to give Wai’anapanapa State Park a visit!
Located on the famous Road to Hana on the island of Maui, Wai’anapanapa homes one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii, one that is encircled by deep blue waters and hills as lush as they can get, creating a landscape of contrasting colors like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
After seeing the island’s famous black sand beach, make sure you linger a while longer to check out the rest of Wai’anapanapa. Activities include gazing at living blowholes, hiking through the forest, and exploring inside caves.
Sunset Cruises along Hawaii’s Coastlines
Hawaii’s sunsets are legendary, and there are many companies that offer sunset cruises along the coastlines of the islands. Visitors can watch the sun dip below the horizon while taking in beautiful scenery, including sea cliffs, beaches, and wildlife. Some cruises also offer dinner or drinks, making it a romantic or relaxing evening activity. It’s a great way to end a day of exploring Hawaii’s natural beauty.
Do You Need A Passport To Go To Hawaii?
You don’t need a passport to go on vacation to Hawaii from any state in the U.S. You can fly directly from any airport in the U.S. to Honolulu International Airport or Kahului Airport without a passport.
Hawaii is FAR, and it doesn’t necessarily matter where in the states you’re flying from. So, it’s easy to think that it’s out of the country. But like Alaska and Puerto Rico, you do not need a passport to go to Hawaii if you’re a U.S. citizen. As the 50th and most recently made state of the U.S., Hawaii resides in the furthest region of the west coast region. In addition to being an American territory, there are no restrictions on traveling to Hawaii by plane or ship from other parts of the world (unless you are carrying illegal substances).
When Is The Best Time To Go To Hawaii?
Hawaii’s weather is year-round warm and sunny, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. If you want to get out on the water, go to Hawaii in October or April. If you want to see the volcanoes, go in May or June.
Many people go in December or January because they think it’s the best time to go to Hawaii, but these are not peak times for tourism in any of the islands. They’re also not peak times for great weather — it can be rainy and windy, so plan ahead if you want to avoid this season.
If you want to avoid crowds, avoid peak seasons: summer (June through August) and around Christmas and New Year’s Day. The shoulder seasons — spring (March through May) and fall (September through November), when it’s still warm but not as hot as summer — are great times for visiting Hawaii because there aren’t as many tourists around.
Consider visiting Hawaii if you love nature!
There are so many things to do in Hawaii that it can be overwhelming to plan a trip. But don’t fret! We’ve got you covered with our Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List for Nature Lovers.
This list contains a variety of activities sure to please nature lovers, from visiting the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and exploring lava tubes to hiking through Waimea Valley and exploring Waipi’o Valley’s waterfalls. There’s something for everyone here, whether you want to explore a botanical garden or visit Jurassic Park! So, if you’re a nature lover and you have a bucket list, then you’ll love this list of things to do in Hawaii. Whether you’re looking for a beach park experience or a more active one, there’s something for everyone here.
We hope this list helps you plan your next trip to Hawaii—and maybe even inspires you to get out there and see some new things! Have you ever been to any of these natural destinations in Hawaii? Let me know which one was your favorite and why in the comment section below!
When it comes to clutter, your home is not the only place where you can find it. When you are juggling between life and work, or when you work like a robot at home, you are bound to accumulate mental clutter. Mental clutter refers to all that stuff going on inside your head.
How do you know you have mental clutter? Well, you would be stressed, you would be anxious, you would be exhausted. In short, life would seem unbearable to you. I know the feeling and I’m here to help!
However, quitting your job or running away to the mountains long term might not be the best alternative for everyone. What you can do is start decluttering your mind.
How? Just swear by these 10 routines, and you’d be good to go. But first, let’s go over some common causes of mental clutter.
How To Declutter Your Mind
Causes of Mental Clutter
There are many factors that can come into play when it comes to the build-up of brain clutter. To name just a few, anxiety/depression, physical and mental stress, ADHD, mom life, a new job, a new relationship, a new baby, procrastination, bad habits, and leading a generally unhealthy life can all lead to mental clutter. Especially if you are experiencing more than one of these factors at once. All of this can make our minds feel so crazy, so remember throughout all of this, you’re not alone.
Routines to Clear Your Mental Clutter
Here are 10 routines to clear your mental clutter:
1. Exercise
Starting with the least favorite yet most effective. It has been proven by science that exercising drastically reduces stress levels. It stimulates the release of endorphins, what you call happy hormones to keep your mood in check.
However, if exercising seems overwhelming to you, you can start with the ones that you enjoy. If you enjoy dancing, ditch the push-ups and indulge in a 20 min Zumba session to wave goodbye to stress and anxiety.
You don’t have to pay for gym memberships; it’s perfectly fine if you do workouts at home. You can find plenty of guidance videos on YouTube for the same.
2. Have a morning routine
If you feel trapped inside the 9 to 5 culture or all-day working-home-maker, your daytime routine would be most stressful. You would not find time to do things that you like, and that would make work much more frustrating than it ought to be.
However, if you consider adhering to a morning routine every day, you can spend some time with yourself, drink coffee in quiet & peace, and do things you enjoy. Things you really enjoy, not scrolling on social media all morning.
Thus, create a morning routine for yourself, and include all those activities that provide you peace. Make sure you follow the routine before you leave for work (Wake up earlier if you have to and try and reduce your social media intake).
3. Use a planner
When you don’t use a planner, things can get overwhelming for you. Your daily tasks might look like a mess. But if you function using a planner, and have the day well planned and scheduled, it will all feel easy. Moreover, with the systematic organization of your daily tasks, you would be equally motivated to get them over with. Stop feeling behind all the time, grab a planner!
4. Read a book in peace
Those people who enjoy reading books can easily reduce their stress levels. Reading allows peace and quiet that your work life does not. All the more, reading a book is no less than an escape. It takes you to the work of fiction, and you are no more concerned about chaotic work-life outside.
Even when you are in your office, spend at most 15 minutes reading. However, if you cannot do it there, use your commuting time.
5. Write it down
Feeling you are on the edge because there’s so much in your head? Work stress, home stress, career stress, financial burden, and whatnot.
I know how frustrating it can be. But you are just human to feel overwhelmed, irritated, and exhausted. However, there is still something that you can do about it.
LET IT ALL OUT on a piece of paper. Write down everything you feel. Even the negative thoughts. Organize your thoughts however you want. Be raw, be vulnerable, feel free to clench your teeth, and tear the paper into two. Time spent doing this exercise will never be wasted. For a more tailored way of journaling, try bullet journaling!
6. Set priorities while you work
People say multitasking can be beneficial, but the truth is, it only makes you stress more. And it can actually increase stress throughout the day, on into the night. Thus, when you have piles full of work, do not stress instead prioritize your tasks, and deal with them one by one.
Those with earlier deadlines, or those that are most demanding, prioritize them.
7. Clean up your surrounding area
Your mind might not work best if you are surrounded by clutter. So to clear mental clutter, you might as well need to clear the clutter around you. So fold the blankets, tidy up your bed, and desk, and then start with work. An untidy workstation would only add to your stress, deal with it first.
I know personally when my office or kitchen is cluttered or messy, I can’t think. I have to stop what I’m doing and clean up. When I’m done, and only then, can I get back to work or think straight.
8. Set aside time to actively reduce mental clutter.
So, how do you clear your mental clutter? It’s actually quite simple. You just need to create some daily routines and stick to them.
The first thing you need to do is take a brain dump. Write down all of the thoughts and feelings that are cluttering your mind. Get them all out in the open so you can deal with them one at a time. Kind of like a mental to-do list.
Then, start by focusing on the most important tasks. Don’t try to do everything at once. Just stay focused on one single task at a time and pay attention to what you’re doing. This will help clear your mind and make space for new thoughts and ideas.
9. Develop a mental health-focused routine.
You also need to create some regular routines for your mental health. This could include things like yoga, practice meditation, or journaling. These activities will help clear your mind and keep it healthy on a regular basis. This might also include developing a way to set boundaries at work and with family that gives you much-needed time to declutter the mind.
10. Address your physical clutter.
Finally, you need to address your physical clutter as well. But not just your immediate surroundings this time. This can be anything from a cluttered desk to a messy bedroom to a messy car. Start by clearing off one surface at a time and focus on organizing one drawer or shelf each week. It may take some time, but eventually, your physical space will reflect your mental space.
By creating some simple daily routines and sticking to them, you can clear your mental clutter and improve your mental health. So don’t wait any longer, get started today!
When clutter fills your mind, it is a sign that you have to do something about it. You need to de-stress and focus on regaining your mental energy. We sincerely hope that these tips help you do just that. JUST RELAX.
I hope these tips are helpful and bite-sized enough to help you remember that mental clutter is possible to remove and will help you to get things done more efficiently when you take the time to clear them out instead of piling them on!
When we talk of happiness, we usually base it around a condition or circumstance in the future. We often tend to forget that happiness can be found in the present moment as well.
For achieving happiness and being content with what you already have, you have to make changes at the grassroots level. The small things that we do every day – habits, beliefs, and thought processes matter a lot. The change must be made at the micro level to see results in the macro view. If you are struggling, remember it’s all about the long run, not the short gain.
By letting go of certain practices which have become a die-hard habits for us, we can achieve peace of mind and happiness. With New Year’s approaching quickly, leaving these habits in 2022 will help you achieve your goals, and get you want you want in the new year.
Toxic Habits To Quit To Live A Happier Life
Read on to find out what those habits are and how to quit them.
10 habits you need to get rid of to attain a positive mindset and lead a happier life
1. Negative Thought Patterns
Negative thought patterns stemming from self-doubt, insecurities, anxiety, criticisms, etc. are immensely harmful to our mental well-being.
People who harbor these negative thought patterns often project low self-esteem and a glum state of mind.
These negative notions eat into us until we lose sleep at night and start obsessing over them. To lead a happier life, we must accept ourselves as we are and quit spending too much time on these harmful thought patterns.
Personal growth happens when you are willing to stop the negative feedback first between your own two ears, and then you can start removing the toxic people and patterns from your life. Change those negative emotions to positive emotions starting from within.
2. Blaming Oneself
No human being is infallible in this world. We all make innumerable mistakes in the span of our lives, and it is easy to get caught up in a cycle of guilt and self-loathing, thinking of them as a punishment for what you did. It’s so easy to talk and feel bad for yourself because you live in your mind and body.
Forgiving yourself is harder than forgiving others. But it is indeed one of the most important habits you should form. It is essential to acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them, and equally important to forgive yourself and move forward with the lessons you have learned.
Wallowing in guilt and self-pity does not right your wrongs, instead makes them worse. You owe it to yourself to forgive and speak kindly for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Then, practice gratitude for all your body and mind do for you.
3. Procrastination
This is one of the most common negative habits that we harbor. Putting off work or responsibilities until the very last minute is a trap we get into often. And it never makes us feel good, even when we do get everything done.
However, procrastination has a very negative impact on your well-being. It leaves you feeling stressed and more often, it leaves you feeling frustrated with yourself for doing it again. Not to mention that it affects the quality of your work and creates a bad impression on others. Being more proactive and productive is essential to leading a happier life.
Starting today, spend those extra few minutes to take care of and check off the list of things you don’t want to do. Or even start thinking more about starting a morning routine. Either way, it will help you have a happy life in the long term and have less stress.
4. Leading an unhealthy lifestyle
When we lead an unhealthy lifestyle, we put our physical as well as mental health at stake. Spending money too much, eating too much sugar, not drinking enough water, smoking, bad dieting for weight loss, and consuming intoxicants are just some of the bad habits to break in our lifestyle.
Fast food is one of the modern conveniences which has gotten us into so much trouble as a society. Not only does it cause unneeded stress for our digestive system and contribute to high blood pressure, but also added weight and fat onto our already heavily strained bodies. The more you can eliminate fast food from your diet, the better off you will be overall. Especially when it comes to preventing sickness and heart disease as we age.
5. Comparisons
Another poison we drink too often. Constantly comparing yourself to others means waiting for others to fail to realize your self-worth.
It’s easy enough to get caught up in this day-to-day cycle of compare and contrast and to forget that each of us is unique and valuable in our ways. Being secure in yourself and confident of your capabilities irrespective of where others stand is a deciding factor for your happiness and peace of mind.
In the day and age of social media, this is one of the ways to fall into this trap so easily. Studies show if you can take days or spend time off the platforms it will be best for your mental health. So, take a social media break and get into your comfort zone. The crazy will world will be there waiting for you.
6. People Pleasing
When the only standard you have to meet is your own, and not someone else’s, you truly achieve peace of mind. Happy people are not happy because of other’s opinions, they are happy from within.
We often become too dependent on what others are thinking of us, so much so that we often trade our health for their approval. This can lead to some real negative emotions. However, who ends up losing each time we fight for someone else’s approval? No one but ourselves!
7. Being Lazy
Like procrastination, laziness also hampers our productivity. A whole day of doing nothing will leave you feeling more tired and sick than a day of too much work.
And at the end of the day, we sit to blame ourselves for it. Laziness is a disease that can only be cured by fruitful work done on your part. Much like procrastination, a daily routine can help you break this habit.
But, to be honest, there might be days when you don’t want to do anything, and your body and mind want to fall asleep. And that’s ok. It can’t be every day or every week though because that’s where being lazy comes in.
8. Perfectionism
Perfectionism asks you to do the best in all aspects of your life, but that is not beneficial to your state of mind, though it might seem so.
When you try too hard to be too perfect for some external standard, you sell yourself short. Your confidence level takes a hit and you are unsure of your capabilities and potential. Treat yourself with the same compassion with which you treat others.
9. Giving Excuses
Making excuses is just another bad habit you might be struggling to get rid of. There is always an excuse not to do something, not to act in the present moment. It could be as simple as giving excuses not to perform your daily physical activity.
Excuses prevent positive change and stop you from being a better version of yourself. Stop making excuses and start being more proactive.
10. Holding Grudges
When you work on forgiving yourself, you must work on forgiving others as well. Forgiveness and acceptance are the keys to attaining daily happiness.
And whether you believe it or not, what goes around comes around, like karma. You don’t want to hold the grudge so long that it manifests or creates disharmony in your own body and world. It’s better to forgive and forget for yourself and others.
Final thoughts
Accepting that certain situations are beyond our control, and learning to let go can lead to a better life. Remind yourself through affirmations that everything happens for a reason, and try to see the silver lining to every cloud.
These habits are difficult to give up, as they are embedded deep in our personalities, sometimes working more like a reflex action. However, when you learn to retrain your mind and identify the problems in your thinking pattern, you can slowly relinquish these ill habits and attain a positive mindset, ultimately living a healthier, happier life.
Was this helpful? What are your tips to live a happy life? Do you have any good habits to share? Let me know in the comments below.
Great leaders aren’t that way by accident. They share common and effective habits that help them become successful. Find out the top 9 success habits of great leaders that you can implement in your own life.
Successful leaders recognize that their success doesn’t stem from one or two decisions or events. But rather a succession of decisions that are cultivated over time. It’s a journey, a grind if you will, that requires daily commitment. In other words, good leaders understand that success is the result of highly effective daily habits that become part of your routine.
Habits are acquired behavior patterns that are repeated so frequently that they become almost involuntary. They’re powerful subconscious behaviors that operate in the background of our lives and yet they dictate how we think, act, and move through life. Habits, if not reviewed, molded, or reshaped can run amok. However, for those who make the effort to review, understand, and change their habits, these behaviors can form great character and be the driving force that leads to productivity and success.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that great leaders form and share certain good habits that help ensure their success.
9 Success Habits Of Great Leaders
The best, most effective leaders learn and share a variety of key habits that contribute to their success. If you search, you can find long lists of these habits, but I feel these 9 are really the key driving force to success in leadership.
Starting Each Day Offline
In today’s world, we live online. Whether it’s email, social media, television, or internet surfing, these avenues can help form bad habits, increase stress levels, and waste time, when not used in an effective way.
In order to help find that necessary balance, put that device down and be intentional with your time. The best way to keep an intentional mindset with regard to your time is to start your day offline. Meditating, exercising, doing yoga, and reading are all great habits to help jump-start your day in a positive and centered way. Arianna Huffington, the founder of The Huffington Post, practices yoga and meditation every day to keep her stress levels low.
Establishing a Morning Routine
The way you start your day sets the tone for the entire rest of your day. Great leaders focus on establishing healthy morning routines that fuel their minds, bodies, and spirits. Waking up on the right and bright side of the bed makes a huge difference.
Doing this helps them get centered for the day so they can stay calm and make good decisions no matter what the day brings their way. Morning habits of highly effective leaders might include:
Wake up at the same time each morning
Get some exercise
Eat a healthy breakfast
Dedicate a few minutes to meditation
Practice daily gratitude
This positive habit will help to develop your emotional intelligence so that you can manage your emotions as well as the people on your team. Fast Company has a few other ideas to help develop your emotional intelligence too.
Taking Time to Reconnect with Yourself
When people work hard toward making goals, they can sometimes get lost in that effort and lose themselves in the process. When that happens, other aspects of life suffer. If leaders avoid taking time to themselves, it can cause inefficiencies all the way down the line.
Great leaders who want to be successful in the long term will take time to occasionally step away from the work, the goals, and the company. In order to reconnect with themselves, reevaluate their goals and decide on a path forward. Effective and confident leaders know that success means needing to pivot or change focus on occasion, and that can only happen by taking time to reconnect with yourself and your “why”.
Implementing Reading Time
One of the best ways to relax, learn, and grow is by reading. Books share ideas, inspire our creativity, and teach us about the lessons that other people learned. The best leaders have wisdom that they received from reading books.
If you think reading isn’t your thing, that might change once you know that reading:
Reduces stress
Makes you smarter
Increases your knowledge
Improves memory
Grows your vocabulary
Improves your reasoning skills
Is fun
Not sure where to start? Try asking others what they’re reading. Or search for the top self-development or business books. The more you can learn about yourself, your business, and your strategy, the more successful you will be as a leader.
Practicing What You Preach
Good leaders will preach about having values such as following the Golden Rule. As any founder and CEO of a company knows, if you preach about certain values, you need to really live by them on a daily basis. Consistency is key.
Being More Organized & Accountable
In order to be an effective leader, you have to stay organized so that you know what’s going on and are able to strategically make the right changes when needed. You also need to be accountable for those necessary changes when things don’t go well so that those same issues don’t repeat in the future.
Take ownership of your organizational habits as well as your accountability with your team, and they will trust you and appreciate your honesty.
Nurturing Relationships
Great leaders don’t find success on their own. It takes a team working with them, and it takes support from family and friends.
The best leaders know that relationships in all facets of their lives are integral to their success. Working toward a goal shouldn’t be done at the expense of personal relationships. In the same vein, business relationships can be extremely beneficial when it comes to solving problems. People are motivated by a leader who is in the trenches with them. Additionally, if you spend all your time focusing on business or your goals and not enjoying life, you’re completely missing the point of what success really is.
Take time to nurture your relationship-building skills. And while it may seem counterintuitive that playing with your kids can lead to more success, finding a balance between business and pleasure leads to more enjoyment and relaxation which makes for more effective leadership. Former President Barack Obama made it a point to have breakfast and dinner with his wife and daughters every day to keep those relationships strong.
They Credit Their Team With the Win
Leaders are just that – the person in charge. While they may make some important and key decisions, they rarely do all the brainstorming or the grunt work on a project. Highly successful leaders don’t need the limelight and take the time to evaluate what went well – and what didn’t.
Then, they take it a step further by owning the contributions of the big-picture effort and effectively communicate that by giving credit to those team members who made the success possible. And this is one of the best ways to breed long-term sustainable success.
Have Healthy Food and Exercise Routines
Really good leaders know that in order to operate at optimum capacity, you need to take care of your body physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. And great health starts with taking good care of your body physically.
A good diet, good sleep habits, and plenty of exercise will help you have focus, energy, and endurance to get through your day. Evan Williams, the founder of Twitter, takes time out of his workday every day to get in a strenuous workout which helps improve his energy levels and mental clarity for an afternoon of work. If you have goals you want to strive toward, try implementing these success habits of great leaders and see the difference they make in your life and in accomplishing your goals.
What Do All Leaders Have In Common?
Leaders are people who get things done and make a positive impact on the world. In order to do that, they must be able to listen and build relationships with others. They must also be willing to have their opinions expressed clearly, even if it’s unpopular, in order to positively impact their chances of success.
Stephen Covey identified four practices that highly effective people practice: active listening, building trust through transparency, building a team around you, and acting with integrity. He also believed that leaders should have a vision for where they want to go and then work together with others to achieve it.
memberships that I’ve been on the fence about keeping and I could see those going away. I didn’t do anything with them just yet, but I received an email letting me know that my membership was canceled, but I was charged today….. So I’m going to either get my money back or get to participate for another month.
attention and energy on what you want to achieve. Dr. Wayne Dyer, the author of The Power of Intention, compares the field of energy that surrounds us to a GPS. When we set our intention, we are telling the universe where we want to go. Just as a GPS won’t work if we don’t input a destination, the universe won’t be able to guide us if we don’t have a clear intention. Second, setting an intention can help to improve the quality of our lives. When we focus on what we want, rather than what we don’t want, we are more likely to attract positive experiences and opportunities into our lives.
reduces stress levels. It stimulates the release of endorphins, what you call happy hormones to keep your mood in check.
mess. But if you function using a planner, and have the day well planned and scheduled, it will all feel easy. Moreover, with the systematic organization of your daily tasks, you would be equally motivated to get them over with. Stop feeling behind all the time, 
have piles full of work, do not stress instead prioritize your tasks, and deal with them one by one.
very last minute is a trap we get into often. And it never makes us feel good, even when we do get everything done. 
unique and valuable in our ways. Being secure in yourself and confident of your capabilities irrespective of where others stand is a deciding factor for your happiness and peace of mind.
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