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BE OPTIMISTIC, Part V

Friday June 27, 2008

How to be Optimistic?

By Audrey Marlene, MS

This week’s focus has been on optimism to bring more awareness to your lives and where you need to improve. Remember, being optimistic is a choice we must make each day.

I realize how difficult it can be at times. We are bombarded each day with loads of negative information. We never seem to hear any positive news anymore. It seems that the only stories that earn ratings in the media are sad, negative stories. So how can we still remain optimistic?

Let's look at ways in which you can improve your level of optimism.

BE OPTIMISTIC, Part IV

Thursday June 26, 2008

Are You Optimistic?

By Audrey Marlene, MS

So you now know how important it is to be optimistic. You are aware of how critical it is to your health, your success, and your future. So how do you know if you are an optimist?

Optimistic people are:

Do you believe you are an optimistic person? Are there areas you need to work on? Do you feel you need help? A life coach can assist you in getting started on your optimistic journey.

Sometimes our level of optimism is something we carry over from our childhood. Parents, are you creating an optimistic environment for your children to thrive in?

Take a step back and observe your life from a bird’s eye view. Realize the level of success you want to achieve for you and your family in all areas of life. Make the decision to improve the mood in your environment. Remember it’s a choice you must make today to be optimistic and achieve the success you deserve!

BE OPTIMISTIC, Part III

Wednesday June 25, 2008

Quotes on Optimism

Compiled by Audrey Marlene, MS

BE OPTIMISTIC, Part II

Tuesday June 24, 2008

When you are Optimistic

By Audrey Marlene, MS

The way you rationalize situations and the self talk and self explanations you give, determine how optimistic or pessimistic you are. When you encounter challenges along the way do you cower with defeat, or do you identify a positive angle from which to operate?

When you are optimistic, nothing stands in your way. You have the tenacity to persevere in spite of the roadblocks ahead. When one path is blocked you find alternative ways to surmount them. You become a great problem solver, finding solutions for any difficult situation. You see every opportunity as a chance to succeed turning over every piece of evidence to find clues. You most often anticipate the best outcome.

When you are optimistic, you are motivated and ready for success. Your ambitions are turned into goals and you devise plans for achieving these goals. You are more willing to take risks to achieve the level of success you desire. The optimistic mind is always alert and ready for action.

When you are optimistic you become a leader and motivator among your peers or the people you come in contact with. This is something that happens naturally. Your level of optimism will inspire others to reflect on their ways of thinking to adopt your optimistic style. You will find that others gravitate towards you because your optimism will draw them in.

Being an optimist is a choice you must be willing to make. Choose to see the glass as half full and not half empty. If you wish for a positive outcome, choose to think optimistically to create that outcome. The way you think determines the successes in your future. If you are a pessimist your goals will hardly be realized. If you are an optimist, the chances of achieving your goals are highly increased.

Remember what and how you think is what you attract. Think optimistically and attract positive results.

BE OPTIMISTIC, Part I

Monday June 23, 2008

To Be Optimistic

By Audrey Marlene, MS

How many times have you heard the saying "Is the glass half empty or half full?" This simple saying may have lost its true meaning or become cliché because is so often said. But if we truly examine its meaning, we may realize the power of optimism that lies within those words. It has the power to change your life, your business, your health, your career and bring you closer to realizing all your goals in life.

When one is optimistic, they have a positive view of life. This vital ingredient for living allows us faith to believe that situations will turn out well for us. This relieves unnecessary stress that enables improved health, more productivity, and a better quality of life. Research has shown that people who are optimistic have stronger immune systems and are more resistant to illnesses and chronic diseases.

To be optimistic takes a conscious effort. Even though you may have your mantras or daily reminders of how optimistic you should be, the transformation has to take place from within our core. It takes deep introspection and self-examination to truly understand why we are prone to pessimism and how it holds us back in life from being truly happy. Then using the introspective information to create a change within our psyche.

In the days to come this week, we will examine ways of replacing our pessimistic tendencies with more optimism. Please click here to read the article below to get us started on our week of optimism.

TIME MANAGEMENT, Part V

Friday June 20, 2008

Importance of Planning Ahead

By Audrey Marlene, MS

Here are some areas to think about when thinking about planning your time.

Most importantly, always be aware of your objective. Your goals must be clearly defined and written in a place where you can see them every day. You must have a plan for achieving your goal. Your time management is the key to executing your plan. If you need help, contact me or a life coach in your area.

TIME MANAGEMENT, Part IV

Thursday June 19, 2008

Time Hijackers

By Audrey Marlene, MS

One of the biggest savers of your time we covered yesterday is learning to say NO. If you don’t get into the habit of planning your time in advance there are many other factors that can hijack your time as well. Today let’s take a look at some of them.

Today I focused on three hijackers of your time. Spend some time thinking about them and examine your life to see if any of these factors sabotage your time management abilities. If so, make it a point to be more conscious of these things and learn how to prevent your time from being sabotaged.

TIME MANAGEMENT, Part III

Wednesday June 18, 2008

Saying NO

By Audrey Marlene, MS

In managing your time effectively, it is essential to be selective of the tasks you undertake. Learning to say NO can save you enormous amounts of time and move you light years ahead on your projects.

Let’s face it, saying YES to someone’s request feels good. It gets us liked and we feel as if we are indeed helping. We believe that by saying yes, others will perceive us in a positive light. There are those who say yes out of guilt or just out of habit. The important thing to remember is:

You must learn how to say NO. If it is abrupt you will be perceived negatively. The best way to handle a request is to ask for some time to think about the requested task. Assure that person you will get back to them. This gives you the opportunity to examine the task and your schedule to see if you can fit it in. Then you contact that person and humble decline. Let that person know that you would like to be considered for future tasks but at this time it you will not be able to do a thorough job because of your tight schedule.

Once you have made some progress with your schedule and you feel you can donate some something extra time, let it be known. In the meantime, be careful not to overload your life. This can cause enormous stress, anxiety and retard your efforts.

Learning to say NO is a great first step in time management.

TIME MANAGEMENT, Part II

Tuesday June 17, 2008

Planning Ahead

By Audrey Marlene, MS

The key to effective time management is planning ahead. Each evening before you end your day, you must plan out your schedule for the following day. List in pencil all the things you plan to tackle for the following day(s). Know what your long-term goals are and how to prepare short-term to accomplish them accordingly.

First you must take into account the time of day when you are most alert and full of energy so you can plan your heaviest tasks around those hours. You know your biorhythms better than anyone else.

Know your strengths and your weaknesses. Don’t overload yourself when you know you become overwhelmed easily and shut down. It is better to schedule 1 important task and accomplish it than to attempt 5 tasks and not complete any. Don’t feel afraid to ask for help. Life coaching is one source where you can find the assistance you need.

If your objective is to achieve a particular goal you must first learn to prioritize. You must organize your list based on the importance. Realize you will have daily tasks to attend to as well as tasks that bring you closer to accomplishing your goals. There will also be emergencies that pop up occasionally, which you must attend to. However, after you have taken care of the emergency, immediately return to your objectives.

Next, realistically determine how much time you feel it would take to complete each task. Schedule appointments whenever and wherever you can. Give yourself enough time to complete each task. Allow one day, or one week, or one month depending on the task. Make it fun by challenging yourself to getting your task at hand completed by a specific time.

Most of all, remember that with each plan and with each execution of your plan, you are one step closer to achieving you ultimate goal. No task is too small when it comes to planning ahead. Don’t leave without your planner in hand.

TIME MANAGEMENT, Part I

Monday June 16, 2008

Time Management

By Audrey Marlene, MS

Have you ever noticed how busy your day seems, running errands most of the day, and exhausted at the end of it? Then at the end of the week as you look back, it just doesn’t seem like you are making the kind of progress you hoped for. This scenario occurs each day and weeks turn in months and into years and you can never seem to get ahead as you had expected.

One essential key to achieving any kind of success in life is learning time management. Even though you have the intelligence, ambition, and all the goals set in place, ineffective planning of your time will sabotage you every time. Personal time management is an essential component to reaching any goal. By managing your time effectively, you will automatically improve your level of efficiency and increase your productivity.

When you learn to manage your time effectively, you gain more control over your life on many levels. You will have full control of all the events surrounding it. You will discover more time for family, friends, making a contribution to society, or taking care of your health.

The good news is that you can learn this skill of time management. Learning this skill can go a long way in helping you accomplish any task you dream of undertaking. It can also relieve you of the stress and anxiety and brings more peace of mind. Not to mention the accomplishments of your goals.

THE FEAR FACTOR, Part V

Friday June 13, 2008

Overcoming fear

By Audrey Marlene, MS

You are now aware of the power fear can have over you. Now you must learn to overcome the fear factor and discard this albatross that sabotages your ability to achieve your goals. But how?

You must first make that decision for CHANGE. You must choose whether to allow your fears to ruin any plans you have for the future or to break free of them. It is a choice, yes a choice you must make. Spend some time alone to look way down into the recesses of your heart and decide what fears are holding you back. Make a list of them. You are the only one who truly knows the fear that binds you. You are the only one who can free yourself from your fear. Decide to let go of the victim role that fear has you living in and make the effort to let it disappear from your life. This is the first step towards overcoming fear.

The next step to overcoming fear is awareness. Be able to recognize when fear has control of you and assess that fear. Acknowledge it out loud and ask "what am I afraid would happen to me"? What do I have to lose for trying? What am I really afraid of? Write them down. Stop and try to imagine how your life would be if you resisted the fear. Think about how great it would feel. Think about the opportunities missed by allowing the fear factor to stay in control.

Now that you know what you are truly afraid of try to address the fears. If it is lack of knowledge, find ways to educate yourself about the subject matter. Take a course, do the research on the web, find a mentor, a life coach. Associate with people who will encourage and guide you. Address all the reasons why you feel fearful and diffuse the fear. As you gain more knowledge your level of confidence will grow simultaneously. High self-confidence will replace doubts and fear.

Positive self-talk is another way to reinforce confidence and diminish the fear factor. Giving positive self-affirmations is a form of self-conditioning that replaces the doubts lodged in the subconscious. Remind yourself that "you can" achieve.

Most importantly, take action. Don't just sit around hoping, thinking and planning forever, or waiting for the right time to act. Jump in! Figure out what you're good at and make that move right now. With each effort your level of confidence increases.

THE FEAR FACTOR, Part IV

Thursday June 12, 2008

Fear Conditioning

By Audrey Marlene, MS

Fear is a normal, innate survival tool we all possess. It serves as a means of protecting us from harm. However, that same fear that protects us can also hinder our progress in life. Let us examine what really causes fear of success or any forms of fear that tend to hold us back.

The fear many of you experience that holds you back may be triggered by our culture, social structure, and values. Modern culture defines success in terms of wealth, fame, or prestige. We are compared to these norms and judged accordingly. If your level of confidence in your abilities are not sufficiently developed to feel comparatively capable a feeling of fear takes over. This results in anxiety. Here is where the conditioning begins. Over time, as this fear is experienced, this learned behavior becomes ingrained in the psyche.

This form of fear conditioning allows you to become very intimidated. It causes you to put off doing something of great importance that can benefit your life in significant ways. Each time it gets put off the fear is reinforced even more and the conditioning continues. Because fear is an automatic, physiological reaction, you find yourself doing or acting in ways that are so unlike you.

Fear conditioning destroys your self-image. It places you under enormous stress because you feel you cannot live up to your own personal expectations or even worse the increased expectations that are dictated by our culture.

THE FEAR FACTOR, Part III

Wednesday June 11, 2008

Fear of Success

By Audrey Marlene, MS

Once the fear factor is allowed to erode your self-confidence it remains in control of your life, lurking within the subconscious. Each failed attempt or each time something is avoided due to fear, this fearful behavior is reinforced even more. That fear is then transferred to all areas of your life. The erosion of your self-confidence simultaneously affects your self-esteem. The self-critic dominates your thought process and self doubt inevitably moves in as one begins to experience what many term "fear of success". If the fear is not addressed it continues to sabotage your every move.

Let's examine the real meaning of fear of success.

Do any one of the above apply to you? Try to examine your fears to determine if you fall into any of the above category. If you need help please a life coach. Work to overcome your fears, especially the fear of success.

THE FEAR FACTOR, Part II

Tuesday June 10, 2008

Fear Destroys Self Confidence

By Audrey Marlene, MS

Ever notice that you have no problems coming up with great, profitable ideas? You are convinced that this is the big one, the idea of all ideas. The moment you conceive your idea, the level of excitement surges within you. You can't wait to share it with your friends and family. But as the days go by the enthusiasm tapers off.

Unfortunately, this is idea number 49. The people in your life have heard it so many times that they just listen to your hype to be polite. You begin to develop a reputation for "all talk and no action". Your self-confidence slowly becomes eroded. How many times has this happened to you? What do you think contributes to this syndrome? Could it be the fear factor in your life?

In order to make the bridge from ambition to achieving your plans, you must deal with the fear factor in your life. You may feel fearless in other areas of life but in this area of goal attainment there is something sabotaging you every time. That something is fear!

When fear intercepts your plan, your ability to execute is jeopardized. Your enthusiasm eventually disappears and everything is at a standstill. You once again feel disappointment in yourself, wondering what happened. Your level of confidence takes a serious plunge. You withdraw for the embarrassment you feel. Your self-esteem bottoms out. You remain in hibernation until you once again feel comfortable to emerge, hoping that no one remembers to ask about your once again failed project.

So how can you move past your fear? How can you discard doubts and build confidence? Please contact me. I can give a full diagnosis of your situation and help you eliminate fear from your life.

Now that you know that fear destroys self confidence take a stand today to confront the fear and doubts in your life.

THE FEAR FACTOR, Part I

Monday June 9, 2008

What is Fear?

By Audrey Marlene, MS

So you’ve analyzed your life and recognized the need for change and moving to that next level in level. You can envision it but something seems to get in the way. Could it be fear? What is fear?

Fear has a way of injecting psychological toxins into our psyche that acts like a handcuff, restraining our ability to achieve our goals. Although the fear is perceived, it seems so real. This perceived fear factor plays games with our minds, robbing us of any rational thoughts we need to cherish in order to move ahead.

When fear is perceived, the portion of the brain involved in fear automatically reacts. It triggers behaviors such as a racing heart, anxiety, or sweaty palms. If the fear is related to a doubt about your own ability, the fear will allow you to come up with an excuse why you cannot accomplish your task.

The process of fear is entirely subconscious. You are driven to think, believe, and act based upon the fear you initially perceived. If the perceived fear is funneled through unfavorable past experiences, the subconscious mind injects even more doubt and eventually you feel immobile, paralyzed, unable to make it past the first step

Because we as humans do everything to avoid pain or discomfort in our lives, we give in to the fears we are fed by our subconscious. This fear factor prevents us from even attempting the first move. There may be times that your ambitions keeps pulsating within you and you do get past the first step but the discomforts and doubts can be so much more powerful than your own ambitions that you eventually give in tot the fear.

Over time, this fear eats away at your self-confidence. You begin to come up with excuses why things can't get done. You play the victim role. You feel sorry for yourself. You become depressed. Your self-esteem takes a plunge. All in the name of fear.

Please be honest with yourself and write down the things you feel most afraid of. Please contact me to go over your list. I can help you triumph over your fears. I was the queen of fear at one point in my life. I have triumphed over them and I know how to help. Define what is fear to you. Define your fears and work to eliminate them from your life.

EVOLVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL, Part V

Friday June 6, 2008

Put Fear in Its Place

By Audrey Marlene, MS

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to just wave a magic wand over your life and before long you could achieve all that you desire? Well that magic wand is called a fear buster. Getting rid of fear in your life can help you to set higher standards for your life and realize them.

Many times in life we begin to doubt ourselves or become down as if we have lost our mojo. We wonder why, spending endless hours trying to crack open our brains in attempts to turn the feeling around. And without even realizing it we are locked into a fear chamber unable to escape. We can become so consumed by fear that we begin to settle for our current, unhappy life because there seems no way out.

Fear is the biggest enemy of success. Fear can keep you down by:

Moving to the next level can be scary if you need immediate answers on how, what, when and where. Take a leap of faith and trust that if you do your homework and fight with great determination the how, what, when and where will just fall into place.

Take a stand today and put fear in its place. If you need help contact a life coach.

EVOLVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL, Part IV

Thursday June 5, 2008

Changing Your Thoughts

By Audrey Marlene, MS

The thoughts you dwell on create specific brain patterns and prevent new patterns from developing. Any new patterns of thoughts expand the mind and create new pathways in the brain. Therefore, if you dwell on pessimistic, negative things those patterns will remain. However, if you introduce new positive thoughts, thoughts that will take you to the next level, you mind expands and great things begin to take place in your life.

Setting higher standard and taking your life to the next level means introducing new ways of thinking. Once you have recognized the life you want to have write it down. Seeing it on paper registers it with the brain. Then allow this positive programming to begin by focusing on the positive things about you. Begin to live your life at a higher standard through your thoughts. The more you think it the more you will achieve and the faster you will get to where you want to.

Remember you get what you fixate your mind on. If you fixate on mediocrity you will live a life of mediocrity. If you fixate on greatness, you will expand you mind to achieve great things your life. Now I’m sure this information is not new to you, you’ve heard it before. However, have you done anything about it before? Have you made significant progress over the years? Are you satisfied with the progress you make?

Examine your thoughts. Are they the kind of thoughts that can take you to that next level? Are they positive, uplifting thoughts that can help you to evolve personally and professionally?

EVOLVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL, Part III

Wednesday June 4, 2008

Acquiring Knowledge

By Audrey Marlene, MS

In order to set higher standards and evolve to the next level, recognition of your current standards must be examined and evaluated. You must identify in what areas you need to make progress and prepare yourself for the growth to come. Recognition and evaluation of our current standards is difficult to do objectively without some clear insight.

The best way to do so is through education. Education can come in the form of taking classes, taking a course, meeting new and interesting people, exposure to different culture and societies, attending seminars, research on the internet, or reading enriching books. It is through any of these mediums that we can get the enlightenment to discern the need for growth in our lives.

Acquiring knowledge should be a daily practice. Not just looking at local or world news but digging deeper to learn of ways to improve our lives. Knowledge is power and the empowerment we receive can catapult us to next level of success and optimal living. It is not until you get to that next level and look back that you can appreciate the importance of knowing and knowledge.

How can you make progress in life if you are unaware that progress needs to be made? How can you move to the next level when you are unaware that you live a life of mediocrity? Begin to acquire knowledge that can move you to that next level that you are so deserving of.

EVOLVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL, Part II

Tuesday June 3, 2008

Choosing Wisely Your Association

By Audrey Marlene, MS

Evolving to the next level means choosing your associations wisely. We have all heard the saying "you are known by the company you keep." This simple saying is greatly underestimated. It may even be proven scientifically that in fact the people we associate can greatly impact our lives.

According to the principle of physics "resonant entrainment of oscillating systems" two different systems operating at different frequencies can develop a harmonic relationship in a process called entrainment. Entrainment is pretty simple. If you have two tuning forks of the same pitch and you strike one and hold it near the other one, they will both echo at the same frequency. This is the same reason why all the pendulums on a clock in a room will eventually swing in the same rhythm. This is the reason why when walking alongside someone you begin to walk in the same rhythm.

This same principle may just apply to the people we associate with. Each of us carries our own individual energy. Each atom of our being creates its own individual vibration that emits this energy or frequency. The people we associate and the frequency they emit may just be able to pull us into their patterns of behavior and thinking.

In moving to the next level in life, it is of utmost importance that the people you associate with carry a mindset that enriches your life and whose energy is vibrating at the level you want to attain. Question the people in your life. Ask yourself "is this person in my life is of the caliber that can promote positive changes in my life?" If the answer is no you must ensure that that their energies don't interfere with your ability to evolve to that next level. Be smart in your choice of associations.

EVOLVE TO THE NEXT LEVEL, Part I

Monday June 2, 2008

Setting High Standards

By Audrey Marlene, MS

Evolving to that next level in life means:

For many, moving to the next level is perceived in terms of dollars and cents and striving for more economic stability. However, certain fundamental groundwork must be done before economics or anything for that matter can change.

1. Changing the way you think. Your thoughts can keep you locked into your ordinary way of life.

2. Knowledge must be attained. Without education it is difficult to recognize the current state of mind in which you dwell. It is this exposure to new information that allows one the ability to recognize the need for movement in their life.

3. Evaluate the people you associate with. If you associate with negative, pessimistic, critical people, they are only happy to keep you locked into their mindset. If you associate with positive, motivated, ambitious, supportive people, they will only encourage you to a higher level.

4. Let go of fear. No matter how much you dream. No matter how much to aspire. No matter how hard you work, if you allow fear to run the show, you will never be able to evolve to that next level.

This week, let us take a look at how we can evolve to that next level so we can move closer to achieving our optimum.

AMBITIONS, Part V

Friday May 30, 2008

How to Improve Your Ambition

By Audrey Marlene, MS

"Ambition is the generator that powers motivation and instigates the will to succeed" -Audrey Marlene

A Life Coach - A life coach can help you organize your life and clear all the cobwebs so you can begin to peel away the layers that bury you ambitions. Remember your success begins with the level of ambition you possess.

Your Associations- Analyze the people you associate with. If these people are not helping to elevate you to a higher level of ambition, think about finding new people to associate with. Start hanging around people who are optimistic about their future, who are goal oriented and make a positive contribution to your life. Avoid people who inject negative poisons into your psyche.

Read Books- Read inspirational books of triumph, about the indomitable human spirit you carry within you. Also, read books and material about people who have achieved success. Allow this information to awaken your ambitions.

Attend Seminars- Attend seminars on motivation. These seminars have the tendency to rekindle the sparks of ambition that reside within you. At these seminars and workshops you also have opportunities to meet ambitious people and experience the synergy that surrounds them.

Selectively Share your Ambitions- There may be times in your life when your ambitions begin to awaken and you feel motivated to do something with your life. When you feel your ambitions moving you, be selective with whom to share these ideas to. Share them with people who will support you or give you the constructive feedback you need to follow through with your ambitious plans. For example, Uncle Ted, a real pessimist hears of your plans and immediately begins to pour cold water on your ambitious spirit. He has never really aspired to any greatness in his life but he always seems to have so much to add to your creative ideas. In addition, your coworkers who are already jealous of you for whatever reason may want to sabotage you by minimizing any creative ideas your ambitions have instigated you to generate.

Examine your life for ways to improve your ambitions.

AMBITIONS, Part IV

Thursday May 29, 2008

Factors Influencing Ambition

By Audrey Marlene, MS

Here are some factors you need to be aware of that can negatively influence your level of ambition:

Stress - Stress comes in many different forms. Physical or psychological stress can paralyze you robbing you of your ambitions. If you think stress is stifling your ambitions, click here to learn how to cope with stress.

Illness - Illness in any form, physical , or mental , can influence you ability to function to your optimal potential. It is for this reason that it essential that you pay special attention to your health. If some form of illness is getting in the way of your ambitions, seek out the help you need to triumph over it.

Emotional Trauma - Emotional trauma psychologically affects the human spirit. It inhibits the ability to recognize any talent or ambitions you may have. This is an area you must attend to if you seek to rise to your level of ambition. Click here to analyze your emotional health. If you recognize that your emotions are hindering your ambitions, it may be time to address and resolve the issues standing in your way.

Friends and Associations - Without realizing it, the company you keep can greatly influence your ambitions. Think about it. If you hang around unmotivated, lackadaisical people, after a while you adapt their behaviors. If you associate with motivated, goal seeking individuals, your ambitions are more likely to awaken. Do an analysis of the company you keep. Are their behaviors rubbing off on you, good or bad?

Drugs and Alcohol - It's no secret what drugs and alcohol can do to your life. Even though you have been bestowed with a great, genetic, ambitious character, drugs and alcohol can undermine it. You must learn to discard these behaviors that can diminish your level of ambition. If you feel drugs and alcohol are stifling you ambitions, get the help you need immediately.

Guidance - A lack of or the wrong guidance can interfere with your ambitions. If you follow the wrong advice you may fail at the task you undertake. This can demotivate you, minimizing your confidence and your level of ambition. Learn to do the research for yourself. There is so much information available to you nowadays. Always get an objective second opinion before pursuing anything.

AMBITIONS, Part III

Wednesday May 28, 2008

Quotes on Ambition

Compiled by Audrey Marlene, MS

AMBITIONS, Part II

Tuesday May 27, 2008

Ambitions, Inherited or Learned Behavior?

By Audrey Marlene, MS

There has been tremendous research about the nature versus nurture issue of personality traits. There are studies that support the strong genetic influence on personality traits such as ambition. However, environment can play a significant role in one's level of ambitiousness as well. In my humble opinion, I believe one's degree of ambition is a combination of both genetics and environment.

There may be situations where one inherits their fair share of the ambitious gene (if there is such a gene) but circumstances can arise in their lives that can suppress their ambitions. Or there may be someone that didn't inherit that ambitious gene but because they was raised in or exposed to a goal-oriented environment, their level of ambition was allowed to flourish.

If you happen to inherit your parent’s level of ambition be thankful and enhance it to the best of your ability. For those who can feel that ambitious spark burning within but someone or something stifles it, find out how you can remove yourself from those kinds of situations. If you recognize that it is indeed your level of ambition that needs to be addressed, find ways to improve it. Remember, your success in life is first determined by how ambitious you are.

If you recognize that it is indeed your level of ambition that needs to be addressed, find ways to enhance it. If you need help identifying and recognizing your level of ambition, please contact someone who can help.

AMBITIONS, Part I

Monday May 26, 2008

What is Ambition?

By Audrey Marlene, MS

Ambition is a burning desire to achieve something. Whether it is to lose weight, gain financial freedom, earn a job promotion, or get a better education. You can have ambition not only for yourself but for the people you love, for your children, your family. The degree of ambition you have for them drives you to assist them to excel.

When you have ambition, you have a vision. You envision your life in a certain way. You dream of your future and hope to aspire to your dreams. You sense the urgency to take action. You feel a void inside that instigates you to elevate yourself to a higher level of existence.

Your ambitiousness won't allow you to become complacent or settle for less. Even when adversities arise, the ambitious person will eventually rekindle that ambitious flame. You yearn to climb the ladder of success and achieve the vision you have for yourself. When you are ambitious, you are constantly in search of opportunities to take you to that next level. You feel a restlessness to investigate, inquire. Your thirst for learning and knowledge intensifies.

What is your level of ambition? What do you aspire to for you and your children? Is this is an area you struggle with? Please contact someone who can assist you in unleashing your ambitions.

HAPPINESS INFORMATION, Part V

Friday May 23, 2008

How To Choose happiness

By Audrey Marlene, MS

Choosing to be happy is being able to recognize the simple things in life that we can derive happiness from. I am providing this list in hopes that you can look inside your life and recognize the happiness that already exists and how you can bring it out or how to bring more happiness into your life. Here's how you can choose to be happy.

Having good health -Don't take your good health for granted. Be happy for the blessings of good health and be good to your body, don't abuse it. Moderation is the key.

The friends in your life - Cherish the friendships in your life and the happiness they bring. Don't take your friends for granted. Invite them over for a dinner party or barbeque. Let them see how appreciative you are for having them in your life.

Family - Strengthen the family bonds you have. Your family can bring a lot of happiness to your life. If the bonds are broken, work on mending them.

Find meaning in your life - Give of yourself in service to others. This will fill you up with tons of joy and happiness. Not to mention the joy it brings to those you help. Find small ways that fit into your budget and schedule. Don't underestimate the power of giving.

Meditation - This is a technique you can use to remove the unnecessary clutter and negativity from your thoughts that can cloud your ability to recognize happiness in your life. Clear the cobwebs and learn to think clearly again.

Biofeedback- If you have difficulty in choosing your thoughts, this is a technique you can use to bring more positive thinking in your life. Remember controlling your thoughts and removing negativity can bring you instant happiness.

Feed your Spiritual need - When we are spiritually full, we are transcended into another realm of thinking. We discover ways of finding more meaning and happiness in our lives more easily. We dwell on positive things and discard ugly habits such as judgmentalism, criticism, cynicism, bitterness, and strife. These things harbor unhappiness within.

Have a sense of direction - We must have projects, work, something to feel productive about in our lives, or a set of goals that we aspire to. This brings happiness into our lives. The feeling of nonproductivity leaves one feeling useless and unhappy.

Develop an emotional connection - Having a meaningful relationship with another person can bring a lot of happiness to our lives. To love and be loved is happiness in a bottle.

HAPPINESS INFORMATION, Part IV

Thursday May 22, 2008

Happiness Quotes

Compiled by Audrey Marlene, MS

• "Success is getting and achieving what you want. Happiness is wanting and being content with what you get." - Bernard Meltzer

HAPPINESS INFORMATION, Part III

Wednesday May 21, 2008

Happiness is a Choice!

By Audrey Marlene, MS

True, many of us genetically carry a happy disposition. But even the happiest of persons experience sad days. The good news is that we can choose how happy we want to be. When you feel unhappy, you automatically assume it is due to a lack of something. You immediately begin to desire material things hoping it will fill that void that you feel. Maybe it's a new car, or a new house, or a new job. You begin to anticipate these things, waiting for your happiness to arrive. When the quick fixes don't arrive the unhappiness still exists.

The root of the problem stems from a distorted self-perception. The perception you carry of yourself can sabotage any chance you have of happiness. The first step in choosing a life of happiness begins by changing your self-concept.

You must believe you can be happy at whatever stage of life's journey you are at. When I suffered my stroke at 37, it was a very trying period of my life that made me feel very fearful and sad. The recuperation from brain surgery left me feeling helpless and unhappy. I didn't know how long my recuperation process would last but I realized I had to do something to bring some joy and happiness back into my life.

I made the decision to work with the impoverished, helping to restore a clinic that was destroyed in an earthquake. My happiness was instantly restored. I felt happy for life and living. I recognized that happiness is a choice and I chose to do something to bring back some joy and happiness to my life. I felt happy for each breath I was able to take. I gave thanks each day for the chance to awake to see my family.

You too can claim your happiness. You too can make that decision to find happiness in your life. No one expects you to be perfect. You are the one that hold yourself to perfection. Find ways to restore peace and joy in your life and observe how much more success you will achieve. Events in your life will flow smoother, relationships will be more meaningful and life will be sweeter.

The sooner you accept that happiness is a choice, and that you can choose to be happy, the sooner you will begin to feel happiness flowing through you. Make that choice today!

HAPPINESS INFORMATION, Part II

Tuesday May 20, 2008

The Comparison Trap Repels Happiness

By Audrey Marlene, MS

Happiness is contentment! If you are content with your life each step of the way, you will achieve happiness each day of your life. True you have your ambitions and goals you aspire to. You may want more money, a better job, or a nicer house. But does that mean you have to wait until you have achieved these things in order to be happy? No!

When working to achieve your goals in life, you must be able to enjoy your efforts and hard work each step of the way and find the happiness within. However, if you perpetually compare yourselves with others and what they have achieved you will never be able to find the happiness in whatever you do. Your efforts will always seem futile. You will feel as if you are making little progress. You will become dejected and unhappiness sets in. Remember, there will always be someone more educated, more beautiful,or have more material possessions.

If this is your strategy in life, you will very seldom find happiness because as soon as you have achieved one goal, there will be someone else you can find to compare your life with. It will be impossible to find anything meaningful in what you do. You lose patience and become desperate to find that instant gratification. Remember, success is a journey. Nothing happens overnight. So enjoy each step of the way and find happiness in each stride of the journey.

If you are truly in the pursuit of happiness, you have to remove the conditions you place on your happiness. You have to avoid the comparison trap. You must begin to see your life in an optimistic light. You must give yourself credit for your efforts. And if you feel your efforts are not gaining ground, seek some direction. We all need assistance from time to time to get us back on target.

HAPPINESS INFORMATION, Part I

Monday May 19, 2008

What Is Happiness?

By Audrey Marlene, MS

Everyone wants to be happy. Everyone has experienced happiness at different times in their lives and knows what it feels like to be happy. It is an emotion to be strived for. But what is happiness?

Each person's definition of happiness is different. Each individual has an idea of what they feel they need in order to be happy. However, there are others who have everything they need in life but are still unhappy.

A happy person enjoys life. They are a magnet drawing others in and are pleasant to be around. They have a contagious smile. They most often have something nice to say or a helping hand to offer. A happy person carries a positive psychology, encouraging others around. Their lives are a reflection of goodness.

True happiness comes from within. It is how we feel about ourselves. It is not conditional, based on money, status, or materialistic possessions. Happiness is something we all choose to experience. It is feeling of contentment and joy that titillates the body from within and exudes to the outside.

You don't need to wait for some event to take place in your life to find happiness. Finding true happiness begins with gaining control over your thoughts. Remember, your thoughts ultimately decide your actions. By changing the way you think you can make your life happier than ever before. Your negative thoughts attract negative emotions and unhappiness. Your positive thoughts attract positive emotions and happiness.

AUDREY MARLENE’S WISDOM TO LIVE BY

Friday May 16, 2008

Increase your Knowledge

By Audrey Marlene, MS

It was Sir Francis Bacon who phrased the famous quote "knowledge is power." Today let’s stop for a moment to dissect what it really means and how a clear understanding of this concept can catapult you to achieving the success you dream of.

There is no bliss in ignorance. That is a myth that those who choose to remain in ignorance hang on to in order to rationalize their choice of not becoming informed. Increasing your knowledge is the key to success.

The fact is, if you want to achieve, you must become knowledgeable about your subject matter. You must become knowledge about your market, your audience. You must be prepared to do the homework.

When you have the comprehensive knowledge of your niche, you are automatically empowered. You are better informed to make sound decisions. You can communicate your thoughts and ideas to the top experts in your field and gain even more insight into your game plan.

Never feel like you know enough. The person who feels that way will immediately begin to shrivel. Growth ceases to take place. They become stagnant, fossilized and the world passes them by. They remain in their one-dimensional way of thinking and they will never truly attain the level of success they are capable of.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. An inquisitive and inquiring mind is a powerful mind. In today’s world where information is so readily available, take advantage of it to expand your knowledge. Utilize these opportunities to educate yourself. Learn as much as you can and rise to the top of your game.

AUDREY MARLENE’S WISDOM TO LIVE BY

Thursday May 15, 2008

Think Objectively

By Audrey Marlene, MS

What does it mean to think objectively? According to Webster’s Dictionary, to be objective means "undistorted by emotion or personal bias; not influenced by personal feelings, or prejudice, based on facts."

If you are not thinking objectively, you are thinking subjectively. That means your opinions are distorted by your personal feelings or individual bias. Thinking objectively in not a simple thing for us to do. It takes a conscious effort and years of practice to develop this ability. The ability to think objectively can be the tool that can bring you closer to achieving your goals.

Thinking objectively:

In setting goals be realistic. Think objectively! Do the research to investigate and examine the plausibility. This allows you better control of your plans and the more likelihood of achieving them. Your life will improve in ways you can never imagine!

AUDREY MARLENE’S WISDOM TO LIVE BY

Wednesday May 14, 2008

Finding Humor in Everything

By Audrey Marlene, MS

"I think the next best thing to solving a problem is finding some humor in it." - Frank A. Clark

When we begin to take life too seriously it can be counterproductive. Sometimes taking a step back and finding some humor in what you may be working on can help you to gain new perspective. It’s ok to make fun at yourself and your errors if not you can become easily frustrated and life can become a drag. Lighten up and laugh at your imperfections.

Research has already shown that laughter boosts the immune system, reduces stress and lowers blood pressure. When we laugh we undergo physiological changes, our muscles stretch, and we breathe in more oxygen. One study even shows that laughter can lower blood sugar levels in diabetic individuals.

Besides the health benefits of humor, finding the lighter side can help to relieve tension and calm a potentially explosive situation. Using puns or metaphors to bring a lighter perspective to the situation keeps everyone laughing and creates a healthier and more positive working environment. Humor can add to your productivity by increasing job performance.

Even in the face of tragedy one can find humor to help with coping. You can turn a sad moment into something funny by looking for the humor in it. That does not mean you are bringing disrespect to a tragic event. It only means looking for the humor to facilitate healing through the release of endorphins.

So take some time to stop and see the humor in the little things you do each day and feel the huge dividends it can bring.

AUDREY MARLENE’S WISDOM TO LIVE BY

Tuesday May 13, 2008

Avoid Impulsive Decisions

By Audrey Marlene, MS

"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together." -Vincent Van Gogh

When one is impulsive, little planning and thought goes into the decision making process. Decisions are made in haste, powered by an internal enthusiasm or force that drives that person to take action. In many instances these kinds of decisions are hotheaded decisions one can quickly live to regret.

Studies have shown that certain people’s brains are wired differently causing them to be more impulsive than others. One study suggests that a gene, which controls the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain, was associated with a tendency to make impulsive decisions. Even so, certain safeguards must be put in place to avoid impulsivity.

People who are impulsive have a high need for instant gratification. At times they are unable to exhibit self-control and these kinds of personalities can lead to destructive or addictive habits.

If you have a tendency to be impulsive it is important that you take the necessary steps to ensure that you analyze the information at hand before taking action. Avoid making decisions based on your first reaction. Always have someone to discuss your thoughts with. Don’t mistake spontaneity for impulsivity. To be able to reflect on information before taking action is a wise and intelligent move.

Click here to see how impulsive you are.

AUDREY MARLENE’S WISDOM TO LIVE BY

Monday May 12, 2008

Have A Pleasant Disposition

By Audrey Marlene, MS

Think about how you perceive someone who is pleasant and kind and carries a friendly disposition. Does it register as a positive gesture allowing you to feel positive frequencies emanating from that individual? If so, do you find yourself feeling comfortable to interact with that person?

Yes, there are days when most things seem to go wrong and you don’t feel like being pleasant. However, make certain that the days that are going smoothly that you can give thanks by helping someone to make their day better.

A pleasant disposition is an external reflection of what you feel inside. If you feel positive, warm and happy inside, it naturally radiates from within. If you feel you have unresolved issues that seem to stifle you ability to be radiant, get the help you need. You deserve to feel good inside so you can be a vessel of a positive disposition.

As you strive daily to achieve success in your life, are you aware of the disposition you carry? Is it appealing or appalling? Stop for a moment to examine your daily disposition. Is it kind and approachable? Do you feel that others are drawn to you or does it seem as if you have a difficult time influencing others positively? Make it a point to smile from within. If you need a boost please contact me.

AUDREY MARLENE’S WISDOM TO LIVE BY

Friday May 9, 2008

Have Integrity

By Audrey Marlene, MS

"The glue that holds all relationships together - including the relationship between the leader and the led is trust, and trust is based on integrity."- Brian Tracy

To have integrity means having a sound moral character and a set of principles that guides you to maintain the highest standard of truthfulness and honesty even when no one is looking. It means having an inner essence that naturally exudes honor without compromises. The person with integrity is automatically driven to uphold what is right.

In today's world with so many negative influences bombarding us from every angle, it can be difficult to maintain your integrity. It takes courage and enormous strength to maintain integrity in the face of these tempting situations. However, to preserve your integrity means not compromising your values and beliefs and staying true to what you believe is right even when faced with criticism or peer pressure.

When one can uphold their integrity, he/she quickly earns the respect of those around. Your relationships both personally and professionally can reach new heights because you are perceived as a person of strong character. You are seen as more trustworthy and sense of reliability and responsibility follows you.

How is your level of integrity? Remember, your integrity follows you wherever you go. If you want to be credible you must be perceived as having integrity.

AUDREY MARLENE’S WISDOM TO LIVE BY

Thursday May 8, 2008

Be Adaptable

By Audrey Marlene, MS

As we live in a world of constant change it is important to learn the skill of adaptability. When we fight change by hanging on to that feeling of permanence we will encounter more struggles, more difficulties and challenges. Change is something we cannot avoid therefore, life can be so much smoother when we can adapt more readily.

To be adaptable means having the readiness to step out of character and make the necessary adjustments in your life in order to successfully handle a situation that presents itself. That situation can be personal, academic or professional. The adaptable person is flexible and not locked into a permanent mindset.

True we as humans thrive on security and stability. We enjoy setting up roots and establishing certain daily patterns of living. This is great especially in raising kids – they need consistency and stability. However important security and stability are, a certain degree of adaptability can broaden the human perspective and create more opportunities for growth.

To be adaptable doesn't just mean a willingness to pack your bags and move to another country:

When you are adaptable you are presented with more opportunities to touch the lives of others. You become more understanding of life and more accepting of what it has to offer. You are most often ready for comes your way and life can be much sweeter.

AUDREY MARLENE’S WISDOM TO LIVE BY

Wednesday May 7, 2008

Complimentary Words of Praise

By Audrey Marlene, MS

Paying a compliment or praising someone is a terrific tool for building relationships. It shows that you feel confident about who you are. It shows that you can recognize what is outstanding and feel good enough inside to express it to someone else. It also makes the other person feel great and builds bridges socially and professionally.

When saying kind words of praise to someone you are adhering to the protocols of socialization, removing the focus from you and allowing the other person to be in the limelight. It is a great basis for conversation and influences others. But most of all it feels good to say a kind word to someone.

However, the praise must be genuine otherwise it can come across as cynical flattery and can offend the recipient. You must look for the positive attributes about the other person and when you can do this about others it allows you to truly see the best in them.

I encourage you to use this simple tool to assist you in forming relationships. Allow it become a habit as it reinforces positivity in your own subconscious mind. It takes little effort to pay a compliment to someone and can go such a long way in making the world a brighter place to live.

AUDREY MARLENE’S WISDOM TO LIVE BY

Tuesday May 6, 2008

Never Complain

By Audrey Marlene, MS

Do you know someone who just can’t seem to see the positive side of things and constantly complains? Even when things are going well, they can still find things to complain about. Do you even know if you are a chronic complainer?

Chronic complainers are folks who may be dealing with low self-esteem issues, identity issues, or carry deep-rooted insecurities. The complaints are an indirect effort to get attention in order to feel valued and accepted by others. They unknowingly have developed this technique to feel better and are unaware of the negative implications. Unfortunately, there are too many people willing to stick around to participate in the negativity, thus reinforcing this behavior and helping to make it a habit.

When one complains they are perceived as negative and that aura can harm the reputation of that individual. Instead of getting the attention they crave that person can become a repellant because others are unsure of how to interact with them. Others get quickly turned off and want to avoid them. Once they have established this reputation they can quickly lose their credibility and although they may have the most amazing ideas they may find that there are few people willing to listen.

Did you answer yes to the above? If so, you may be a chronic complainer. If you are a chronic complainer you may be sabotaging your ability to succeed in life.

AUDREY MARLENE’S WISDOM TO LIVE BY

Monday May 5, 2008

Unconditional Love Means Self Love and Acceptance

By Audrey Marlene, MS

In order to succeed in life, you must first discover ways to accept yourself unconditionally. This means unconditional love and acceptance of who you are.

I am quite certain that you try to be your best and do the best you can. Yet there are times you may not make the best decisions or act in the most appropriate ways. You may not like what you did and you are tough on yourself. These are times when you may not feel like loving yourself. You think negative things about you, questioning what you have done and the inner critic takes over. The self-criticism continues and before long you begin to reject yourself. With this mindset, you cannot make advances or strides in your life.

When you cannot love and accept yourself unconditionally, how can you expect others to love and accept you unconditionally? Just think about how it feels when a close friend rejects you. When you reject self, the subconscious is quick to register this information and keep it there. It reminds you constantly of this unsightly person you have informed it of. This will hinder any plans you have to succeed in life.

Unconditional love and acceptance of self must be ingrained in your psyche in order for you to achieve. There is a song that says "learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all." Unconditional love is conceived within each individual, then is diffuses outward. It radiates from within, attracting others to your world. This draws others in and makes them want to work with you to help you to achieve your goals.

Begin today to accept and love yourself unconditionally. Realize you or no one else is perfect. Learn how to take responsibility for the things you do and forgive yourself. We all make mistakes. Use them as an opportunity to improve your life. Begin to make a list of all the unique qualities you possess. Add to that list everyday. Look at that list everyday. Learn to stop rejecting and criticizing yourself.

Remember change begins with us then the world around will follow. If your want to be loved and accepted unconditionally, you must first love and accept you unconditionally.

Know Your Routine Physical Exams.

Are you aware of the routine physical exams you need?