Month: July 2018

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” Norman Vincent Peale.

During my evening walk recently I saw a beautiful sunset and coloured sky. The image was quite breath-taking and I reflected on how nature has the ability to inspire us.

As I continued to walk I started to think about all the things that inspire me and the important role they play in bringing me joy, sparking my creativity and ideas. When I am inspired I find myself having a great feeling of inner peace and calm. It puts me in a state of flow and able to create new material effortlessly.

It’s therefore vitally important that I leave sufficient time in my schedule to do things that I’m passionate about, enjoy and inspire me.

Over the past few days I’ve spent a little time reflecting and appreciating the things in life that inspire me. My list included many forms of music including live performances. Amazing sporting performances and films were on it too along with walks by the sea, beautiful sunsets and pictures of the sea, lakes, trees, mountains and flowers.

I also love watching documentaries on how people have developed their business, designed and built a house. I get inspired by reading biographies by people that have overcome challenges and adversity before reaching their goals. People coping with physical disability and maintaining a positive outlook and disposition always make me feel very humble but inspired.

Throughout my life inspirational quotes and pieces of writing have had a major positive influence on me. One such piece is Promise Yourself by Christian D Larson, so much so that I included it as the conclusion of my book “Be First Class.”

Christian D Larson was an author from Norway and lived between 1874 and 1962. He was a highly influential early New Thought leader and teacher as well as a prolific writer of New Thought books.

He believed that people have tremendous latent powers, which could be harnessed for success with the proper attitude. Promise yourself has had a positive influence on my philosophy to life. I hope you enjoy reading it.

Promise yourself

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press onto the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticise others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.

This week, why not take a few moments out to reflect and consider what inspires you and if you are dedicating enough time to do things that bring you joy.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk

“A positive attitude can really make dreams come true – it did for me.” David Bailey.

Sadly there are few good news and positive stories reported by the media. It has been said for many years that good positive news stories don’t sell newspapers. There are stories reported containing lots of conflict, suffering, tragedy and negativity in many radio and tv news bulletins and newspapers. When you hear them, it isn’t easy to maintain a positive attitude.

This is also true when life throws you some curve balls or you have obstacles or adversity to overcome. However, the good news is that the attitude we choose to adopt and present to the world is within our control.

In this week’s blog, I have shared below some thoughts and ideas on how to maintain and increase your positivity levels:

1. Live in the present, defer worrying.

Put off worrying until you have a reason to worry. We can all spend lots of time locked in our heads imagining all sorts of scenarios that never actually happen. Research suggests that that 70% of what we worry about never happens, 25% is trivia and 5% is out of our control.

2. Be self –disciplined.

Setting clear goals and taking action each day towards achieving them helps raise our esteem and confidence levels. Having healthy daily routines and rituals mean that we make the best use of our time. This discipline and structure provides us with the freedom to enjoy life and make the most of our leisure time. Accomplishing goals improves our mood and reduces anxiety.

3. Show gratitude. Appreciate all that you have in life.

Take a few minutes each day to write down 3 things that you are grateful for. This helps to develop an abundance mindset rather than one of scarcity and lack. Make a conscious effort to show your appreciation to people who support you and make your life easier. Like attracts like, this simple act will attract even more things to be grateful for into your life.

4. Practice self-care – make good health a priority.

If you have good health you have everything and it helps you to keep good energy levels and a positive frame of mind. Your health truly is your wealth. 30 minutes aerobic exercise helps to reduce body tension. Good sleep helps the body to heal and repair – look to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Count the calories and watch what you eat.

5. Hang out with positive people.

If you have ever worked with someone where nothing appears to be right in their world, who complains constantly and doesn’t like people, you will know what a draining experience it can be. Be discerning about the company that you keep. Socialise with people that think positively, genuinely care about you and make you laugh. Be that person for them too.

6. Remember to laugh.

Nothing increases your mood and energy levels more than a good belly laugh. The news coverage can contain lots of negative and sad stories. Life is busy and demanding and we can all get a bit serious from time to time. Regularly watch or read things that make you laugh. Consider taking a break from watching news bulletins or reading newspapers for a period.

7. Keep a journal.

If you do find that your mood dips or you are having a challenging time, one of the best ways to lift you and externalise your feelings is to write in a journal. There’s no need to edit the words that you write, just note down whatever is on your mind and let your pen flow on the page. Writing in this way brings clarity, calmness and a sense of balance.

8. Maintain your boundaries – say no when you need to without feeling guilty.

We all have a limit to the amount of time and energy available to us. Whilst it is a great feeling to please others, we must ensure that we honour our own needs. Saying yes, when we actually want to say no does nothing for our self-esteem and can have a negative impact on our mood. Guard against over committing your time and spreading yourself too thin.

This week why not take a few moments out to reflect and consider what steps you can take to maintain and increase your positivity levels.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk