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Are you fed up with the notions of what you’re supposed to do? 

We’re all taught early in life that we’re supposed to grow up and work for a company like an indentured servant for 40 years and then fade away at retirement with a company pension that barely covers the necessities of daily existence. However, people are becoming more enlightened and educated, realizing that there’s a better way. You can have a prosperous life and feel fulfilled!

“The Secret” Exposed

The incredibly popular book and movie, The Secret, has made such a powerful impact on people, but at the same time, The Secret isn’t really revealing anything new. It speaks of ancient secrets that successful people have used since the beginning of time. People within “inner circles” throughout the ages have jealously guarded this secret because they felt that if it got out, it would quickly be distorted or watered down. 

But now, the increasing educational level of people has allowed the average person to learn about and use the secret law. And that law is: like attracts like. This essentially means that you have to picture yourself as wealthy and successful in order to be someone who is wealthy and successful. 

• Creating a positive mindset and thinking about the positives in life is paramount to “The Secret” working.

If you can see yourself as wealthy and successful, then you can become that way – even if you start with nothing. Wealth and success are not matters of luck or some kind of rare talent. Success is created by habits. These habits are instilled in people through visualizing their dreams as reality. 

It’s More Than a Pipe Dream…

You have to do more than just visualize your bank account overflowing with cash. You have to be willing to take action, even if only baby steps. Keeping that positive mindset always at the forefront of your thoughts will help you focus and guide you to take the correct steps to prosperity.

• If you intensely picture your life as prosperous, you’ll begin to notice opportunities arising that will lead you to newfound prosperity, such as a job promotion or a new position with a different company.

• If you intensely picture your life as being debt-free, then you’ll see opportunities to make extra money to pay off those credit cards, such as doing odd jobs for neighbors, having a yard sale, or selling unwanted items on eBay.

• If you intensely picture yourself having a healthy body, then you’ll subconsciously start to make changes to your lifestyle. Sometimes a visual reminder helps keep you motivated, so find a picture of a healthy body and give yourself permission to want that for yourself.

When you can visualize your new life and focus on what you want to do and where you want to be, you’ll attract great things to your life. On the flipside, if you hold onto negative thoughts, you will only attract more negative feelings and experiences in your life. 

Give yourself permission to desire a good life and focus your mind deeply and fully. You must first believe that you deserve a good life before you can live one. That is the secret.

Whether you’re the person in charge of the group or simply one of the key people that help make the wheel turn, you’re in a position that’s critical to making everything work smoothly in a team. 

When it comes to teamwork, there are times when things can easily get out of control. Dealing with other people can sometimes make you feel frustrated no matter what the setting. 

There are things you can do to make working in a group more enjoyable. Let’s discuss a few collaboration techniques to make the process a more level playing field for everyone involved.  

Defining Every Member’s Role in the Group

There must be clear definitions of responsibility for every member of the group. This is important no matter how big or small the group is. Even if there are only two people involved, it will help alleviate problems such as duplicate work or missing pieces. A group won’t function unless everyone involved knows what their job is and is allowed to carry it out. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Always clarify your exact responsibilities for the project. 

• Consider the other tasks being performed and how they relate to your specific duty. 

• Think about the skills necessary to complete the project and who is best suited to perform those steps.

• Make sure everyone involved understands the project and all the steps needed to complete it. 

• Leave the floor open for questions and solutions should they arise throughout the project.  

Dividing Up the Work

No one appreciates having all the work of their teammates dumped on them so consider how much time each step of the project takes and divide the work accordingly. 

Always ask yourself:

• How many hours do you think a specific task will take?

• How will the added tasks fit into each person’s schedule?  

• What else are they responsible for? Do they have too much on their plate?

If you’re a team leader, remember that people won’t necessarily do things exactly as you would have done it, and that’s okay! Just because they do things differently doesn’t make their way wrong. 

Resist the Urge to Micromanage Your Team

The people you’re overseeing were put on your team for a reason. If you’re dealing with people you trust, simply trust them to do their job. While asking for an update is fine, constantly being after them about meeting their deadline is one way to drive them crazy or stage a revolt! 

Micromanaging is extremely alienating to members of a team. Unless you can make your team feel comfortable with their assigned jobs, you’ll end up with some really unhappy team members. 

Settling Conflict

When you’re working on a team, conflict is something you’ll have to deal with at some point or another along the way. In some ways, developing a teacher’s outlook is important. For example, unless the members with the conflict are going to bring it to you in a formal manner, it’s often best not to get involved. 

However, if you see active cruelty or malice going on, make sure you put a stop to it quickly. While there’s nothing necessarily wrong with heated discussions, make sure the entire team understands that hostility or disrespect simply won’t be tolerated. 

The above tips are four key areas that should be dealt with as soon as possible once the group is formed. Working with a team can be very rewarding when the strengths of its members are used in harmony.

When was the last time you said thank you for being alive? Sounds silly, doesn’t it? Well, if you barely have time to appreciate what you have, how can you ever desire anything more? 

We all have something to be thankful for, even those who live a modest lifestyle by choice or by circumstance. 

• Focusing on material possessions, rather than on the very fact that we’re living and breathing, tend to make us forgetful of the greater gifts, such as our families and our health.

Life is a miracle and can be taken away in a moment’s notice. Regardless of your spiritual beliefs, there are many ways you can show your appreciation for your life.

5 Ways to Express Your Gratitude 

Sometimes showing your gratitude can be as simple as saying “thanks,” but other times you can show gratitude by helping others, or “paying it forward.” After all, you’ll never know how a simple, kind gesture will affect someone’s day. 

Here are some ideas to help you appreciate life while also helping others: 

1. Reach out to your extended family and friends. Send them cards just to say “Hi,” call or email them, or even throw a party to reconnect and show these people they’re important to you. 

2. Reflect about your childhood and ancestors. Write a poem, essay, or short story about your life. What sacrifices did your parents make for you? What struggles did the family endure? How is your life better or easier than that of your great-grandparents? How did these events make you the person you are today?

3. Meditate, pray, or go to your place of worship. Find a quiet place to think about all that’s good – your health, family, or home – and simply say “thank you” to your Creator.

4. Reconnect with your spouse and children. Actions speak louder than words so turn off that television and spend some quality time with your family just to have some fun! Whether it’s a surprise getaway or a family game night, renewing your relationships with your family will strengthen your bond and bring you closer together.

5. Keep a gratitude journal. Write down all the things you’re grateful for in your life and reflect on all that is good. Even the simplest things – such as finding a parking space at the mall or locating your missing keys – are times to be grateful!

When You Need a Wake Up Call

Sometimes it’s all too easy to engage in these activities and give thanks for a good life, yet over time, we somehow fall back into our old habits. In these times, we need a jolt to remind ourselves of all that is good.

• Spend a few hours a week volunteering at a hospital, nursing home, or soup kitchen. Take a good look at the people you’re helping, listen to their stories, and be grateful that you’re fortunate enough to help those in need.

Giving Is Receiving 

When you give of yourself – either with a smile or another kind gesture – you receive the warm satisfaction of helping to make a difference in the world, one person at a time. Your uplifting attitude will be contagious and you just might be the recipient of a random act of kindness!

What do you have to be thankful for?

Starting your day off with some gratitude affirmations is a great way to remind yourself of all the wonderful things you have in your life. When you repeat aloud these affirmations of gratitude, you energize yourself and gain the courage to face the day and all of the frictions and adventures it may bring.

Affirming your gratefulness helps you recognize that you can have what you most want and need in order to reap the fulfilling life you deserve. Joy, money, love, and happiness are yours. You deserve it!

Affirmations are easy to do and they don’t take much time at all. In just a few minutes you can turbo charge your day better than a rocket-fueled cup of coffee ever could. By reflecting on your prosperity and abundance you’ll soar above your current highest high!

Gratitude Affirmations and Stress

Once you’ve worked affirmations into your morning (you can say them anytime again throughout the day or night, too) you’ll start to notice that your inner world is much less stressed. 

When you have finally let it sink into your subconscious mind that you can have all that you need and desire, your stress will start to slip away. Your negative reactions are soothed and they slip away. You can now enjoy peace of mind and a sense of calm that you may never have known before. 

12 Highly Effective Affirmations 

1. I feel an abundance of gratitude for everything I have and receive every day.

2. My needs and desires are generously met. For this I am thankful.

3. I am grateful for all the great health, love, and goodness that my life has revealed to me.

4. I am continually amazed at how abundant my life is already!

5. I am grateful for everything I experience in this lifetime. I overcome, I grow, and I prosper all the time. My abundant blessings, as well as my difficulties, all make me better, stronger, and more alive. 

6. I am so grateful for every person and every thing in my life.

7. I appreciate everything I have and I show my sincerest gratitude to my loved ones.

8. The universe pours joy into my life every day. It has my cup overflowing with wealth, health, and love.

9. My life is singular, unique and wondrous. For this I am profoundly thankful.

10. I clearly see the beauty of life that flourishes around me.

11. I give gratitude for God’s endless treasures.

12. I am grateful for my blessed ancestors living on through my blood.

Using the affirmations above along with your own will help you lead a less stressful and more fulfilling life.

Spending some time with positive affirmations, while appreciating all that you have and all that’s heading your way is one of the easiest “stress relief drugs” you’ll ever take. Yet, affirmations come with no ill side effects and they’re free. Choose peace in your life by using the power of affirmations and gratitude.

Some people may find this hard to believe, but every single person in this world is good at something. Yes, everyone!

Your strength could be your artistic hand or eloquence in speech. The key is to figure out your strengths and become an expert at them. 

How to Discover Your Strengths

You can do your own assessment of what you think you’re good at and what you’re most comfortable doing. Here are a couple of ideas:

• Make a list. Think about all the responsibilities of your job and everything that’s expected of you. Now go through that list and put a star next to everything you excel at or enjoy doing. Don’t be modest; be honest with yourself! 

• Study your list and meditate on your choices. Really focus your mind on the direction you want your career to take and which skills you need to sharpen to achieve your goals. Focus your attention on the skills that will immediately benefit you.

Discovering Your Strengths In Conversation

The second way to discover your personal strengths is to talk to others. You may tend to believe you know what you’re good at, but when you talk to someone who sees you with fresh, unbiased eyes, you’ll get a completely different perspective. 

• Don’t be afraid to approach your boss and ask him or her about your strengths. Be proactive! Take control of your career and take the necessary steps to improve your leadership skills and develop your expertise. 

• Take additional training and development courses. Does your job or company offer any kind of continuing education programs? Are there training classes that sound interesting and pique your interest? Follow those instincts and register for the class to build upon the knowledge you already have.

Of course, you can ask your loved ones to characterize your strengths and weaknesses. They know you better than anyone else, so they’re more likely to be able to read between the lines and help you discover new things about yourself. 

Chances are your friends and family won’t want to hurt your feelings by saying you’re no good at something, so instead, ask them to help you pick out your strengths. Or ask an open-ended question such as, “What jobs or skills do you think I have a talent for?” 

Make sure you understand your family’s biases before making any big decisions. Just because your Uncle Bob owned his own company, it doesn’t mean that’s the road you should take. 

How to Develop Your Expertise

Now that you’ve found your strengths, it’s time for you to bolster your expertise and become a true authority. This means you have to seek out opportunities to work on these skills. 

For example, if speaking is your strength, consider taking a public speaking class at a local university to improve that skill. Take every opportunity to speak in front of groups, whether it’s a fundraiser, company meeting, giving a toast at a special event, or speaking to your child’s class. 

Remember: no one becomes an expert without practice. That old adage “Practice makes perfect,” is true. You have to seek out the opportunities and take advantage of them. The goal is to find ways to get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to sharpen your skills.

We live in a society where value and status are placed on material things like cars, homes, and clothes and we all dream about having more – more money, bigger homes, more cars – yet we never seem to be happy. In fact, instead of being thankful for what we do have, we feel envious of the people who have more than us. 

Being in constant competition with neighbors, coworkers, or family members can be exhausting! Eventually, you’ll lose sight of the important things in life, such as your children, relationships, and health. If you place a strong value on things, you won’t feel very fulfilled and you’ll end up creating an inner tension that will only drive you away from happiness. After all, happiness isn’t defined by the amount of stuff you collect.

Remember What You’re Grateful For

If you had to list what’s good in your life, right now, and you weren’t allowed to mention any material possessions, would you have a hard time coming up with the list? Do you have a hard time just being happy and grateful because you’re always longing for something bigger or better?

We all have big dreams for ourselves, but we can’t begin to work toward our goals until we accept who we are and where we’re at right now. That acceptance begins with a sincere appreciation for the life lesson’s of yesterday and the talents and skills we have today.

Sure, we all want a big house, nice furniture, big-screen TVs, better paying jobs, luxury cars, gourmet food, fancy jewelry, and designer clothes – but how can we appreciate the finer things in life if we can’t be thankful for the simple things? After all, a big-screen TV won’t matter if you didn’t have your eyes to see and your ears to hear! Of course, desiring good quality items isn’t wrong, but your focus should be on living and enjoying your life, not things.

• Expressing your gratitude doesn’t have to be reserved for Thanksgiving dinner. Share with your family why you’re grateful today and really listen to what your family says in return. 

• Encourage your kids to dig deep in their souls to find their gratitude. Kids need to learn how to take their focus off of material items and onto influential people, positive experiences, and quality of life.

Refocus Your Thoughts with a Gratitude Journal

A gratitude journal is simply a notebook where you write down everything in life you’re thankful for. It doesn’t have to take more than 5 minutes in the early morning or before bed each night. The idea is to clear your mind, reflect on the day, and see the goodness in life.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Buy or make yourself a nice, attractive journal so you’ll take care of it and will look forward to journaling everyday.

• Reflect on anything new that came your way: new friends, clients, or opportunities. 

• Don’t be shy about repeating things from previous days; praising your good health and loving family never tires.

• Did a friend do something nice for you today? Did you find a lost item? Did you handle a difficult situation well? Gratitude isn’t reserved for really big things; you can be grateful for the small things, too.

• Periodically, go back over your journal and read all that you’re grateful for. It’ll be a great pick-me-up on especially difficult days.

The more you add to your journal, the more you’ll teach your mind a new way of thinking. Your outlook on life will become more positive and you’ll feel a deeper sense of connection with those around you. And you’ll discover the sheer beauty that already exists in your life.

Suze Orman - On Generosity Video

It’s unfortunate, but in today’s society it is far too common for adults to drag on day after day, lacking the sleep their bodies desperately need. There is often too much to do and too little time, and so we take that time we need away from our sleep. Workaholics aren’t the only ones who sacrifice their sleep – college students and work at home parents are also known to stay up until the wee hours of the morning, getting maybe 4-5 hours of sleep each night. Our bodies don’t appreciate this, and in fact not getting enough rest can spell disaster.

At least two major studies (using a million or so subjects) have shown that those who get less than 7 hours of sleep each night have a much higher mortality rate than those who sleep more. There are many reasons our bodies begin to break down without adequate rest. Without the ability to completely recharge after a full day of running all its processes, the systems get sluggish, organs perform less than optimally, and the body itself becomes stressed. No longer does it have the ability to recuperate, to heal, or be properly nourished. It shuts down from the inside out.

If you need help getting extra sleep, try avoiding caffeine 6-8 hours prior to bedtime, getting regular exercise (early in the day), and sleeping in a dark and quiet room. Some people may even need a midday nap to give their body the daily rest it needs for optimum wellness. Quiet activities such as reading a book or watching a television show in bed can also aid in relaxation, but be sure to avoid activities that are taxing on your thought processes – the most common cause of insomnia includes the inability to stop thinking or worrying about what life may bring.

You may also want to get into the habit of setting aside quiet time to let your mind recharge during the course of the day.  If you’re like most people, you’ve probably got a lot of distractions and demands on your focus throughout the day, and such constant busyness can be incredibly draining.

If the thought of setting aside time to rest your mind seems like an unattainable luxury for you, you may be surprised to learn that it doesn’t have to take as long as you probably think.  Try using the first 5 or 10 minutes of your lunch hour to step outside and clear your mind of scattered thoughts.  Take a few deep breaths and maybe even walk a few paces to stretch your body at the same time.  

Do this again right before you go to bed in the evening, or after a particularly stressful situation.  For example, if you’ve been cramming for 6 hours to finish a project deadline, take the next 10 or 15 minutes to sit quietly or otherwise allow your mind to rest before jumping into the next project.  Sometimes that’s easier said than done, but you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in your level of concentration and focus if you do this regularly.

Finally, don’t neglect your spiritual renewal either!  You may not think your spirit is in need of rest and relaxation; after all, isn’t that part of us infinite and indestructible?  Most people would say so, but they would also probably agree that it’s possible to dim or diminish our spiritual selves simply by neglecting them for extended periods of time.  Take time each day to honor your spirit and connect with your inner essence.  You can do this through meditation, journaling, dance, prayer, creative pursuits, or any other activity that makes you feel in touch with the deepest part of you.

Relaxation Affirmation:

I give myself permission to rest, relax and recharge.

I deserve to feel peaceful and serene in all areas of my life.

I choose to release all tension, worry, fear and stress now.

We all desire recognition for a job well done, especially as members of a team. As a team, each person works together toward a common goal. Now instead of working together, imagine a team where each person was only interested in their own, separate little interests. Would you be able to get anything done?

Of course not!

When you’re working within a team you have to put personal interests aside and focus on the collective. If you don’t, tempers flare and trouble ensues. Teams composed of members who can’t put differences aside don’t win. Put simply: you won’t achieve the success you want if you aren’t focused on the common goal.

United We Stand - Teamwork Tips

The key strategy to boost office morale and team productivity is to stand strong behind your common goal. By creating a unified front, you will be able to work together, instead of pulling apart.

Here are some teamwork tips:

• Appoint a team leader to oversee the progress and to keep everyone motivated to finish the project on time.

• Assign jobs according to the strengths of each team member. People naturally procrastinate when faced with a daunting task they’re uncomfortable with, so divide the work accordingly.

• Praise team members for a job well done. Acknowledge each person’s hard work and dedication and be sure to pass along any positive feedback from clients or upper level management. 

• Set up a team reward upon successful completion of a project. Money doesn’t have to be the only motivating factor to spur your team. Maybe it’s time-off, a gift basket, or a trophy.

Get an Attitude of Gratitude in Your Office 

How can tension within the office be turned around? Gratitude. Yes, it really is that simple! Each member needs to felt appreciated for his or her contributions and value added to the team. 

• Imagine a football team. If the quarterback isn’t grateful for the offensive line who blocks for him, the wide receivers who catch his passes, and the running backs who he can hand off the ball to, he will not have confidence in his teammates. This lack of confidence will show up as miscommunications, blown plays and lost games. The same things happen in the office!

In reality, an office setting is very much like being on a football team. You have to show gratitude to the:

• Administrative assistants who keep things organized and flowing

• Salesmen who bring in new profits for the company

• Human resources representatives who bring in new talent for you to work with

• Marketers who make the company known

• Managers who coach, inspire, and lead

• Staff who tackle the finer details and makes things happen

Everyone plays an important part of the team, which is why we all need to appreciate one another in order to get things done! After all, without each other, where would you be?

Gratitude Leads to Effective Teamwork

Once you’re grateful for the skills and talents of your team members, you’ll begin to appreciate how each part of the puzzle is important for the overall success of the team. You may even discover a renewed excitement about your job and all the projects your team can accomplish.

• Let others in the office know how you appreciate their time, talents, and hard work. Send out emails or mention specific names in the company newsletter. Let your team know you care about them as people and not just as workers.

• Encourage your workers to start up office clubs or activities that everyone can enjoy as a group. Doing so will help you get to know each other on a more casual basis.

Remember: it all starts with acknowledging how grateful you are for the talents of those around you. So take a moment today to say “Thank You!”