success

Small Successes Lead to Greater Goals

One approach to small successes is to be thankful for being able to achieve them.

You know that taking little steps is what leads to eventually reaching significant targets.

Take on challenges that you know you are able to conquer.

Avoid overwhelming yourself with the enormity of a mammoth end result.
Focus on manageable goals along the way and celebrate the small victories.
Avoid looking at how much further you have to go and instead focus on what small step can you do today.

Today, your small successes will have a huge impact on boosting your confidence and how proud you’ll feel about yourself.

Reaching for small goals consistently proves your ability to reach larger ones. Those small goals add up.

Keep persevering on the road to greatness by focusing on progress and not what you didn’t do.

Share your answers in the comments below

Where you will you see improvement in your life as a result of achieving small goals?

What’s one small goal can you achieve today?

To Your Unstoppable Success

From Fear to Freedom by Ann Rusnak

by Ann Rusnak

Every successful person living their dream, deals with fear. The road to hell might be paved with good intentions, but the road to success is littered with fear and uncertainty.

The biggest difference between someone with a wildly successful life and someone not living their dreams comes down to one thing:

The courage to take significant action over and over again.

[ctt tweet=”The road to success is littered with fear and uncertainty. http://ctt.ec/ROf9d+” coverup=”ROf9d”]

Follow these significant action steps… repeatedly:

Simply decide to succeed. The majority of people never really decide to do or accomplish anything significant; at best they ‘kinda sorta try it out.’ However, once you truly decided to go for your dreams, there leaves little room for fear or doubt to reside in your mind. In fact, the word ‘decide’ means to cut yourself off from any other possibility.
Make friends with risk. Chase after your fears and show them who is boss. Make the tough presentation or phone call. Ask for whatever it is that you want. A big part of unleashing your inner success comes from doing things that other people are too afraid to do.
Prepare for Challenges. Many of your stresses, challenges, and concerns come from things that you feel might happen. Take the time to find solutions and put them into place before you need them. When you can see a challenge that is likely to come up, simply prepare for it instead of worrying about it.
Go with the flow. If you don’t live in the past or future, life is much less stressful. Let go of your resistance to the present moment and see what happens. This was a tough one for me. I’m amazed at how things "just work out" when I let go and trust.
Focus on the good outcomes. Most people look for the worst and expect it to happen. Law of attraction works for both good and bad stuff. Expect the best and it’s much easier to take action. Sure, some undesirable things will likely happen along the way, but they’ll be like mosquitoes that need to be shooed away. That’s much better than the brick wall that you might otherwise perceive.
Learn to relax. When you feel stress and anxiety coming on, a few slow, deep breaths can make a huge difference. To a large extent, our psychology follows our physiology; breathing is the only part of our physiology that we can really control. Use that control to your advantage.
Fully engage in your life and get away from the news. The news is so negative. Instead, find something interesting to do with your time. If you’re conquering less stressful things all day long, the more stressful things don’t seem so bad anymore. Take a piano lesson, go hiking, or go skydiving. It will make your life more interesting, too.
Realize that you are enough. You come into this world with everything you need to make your dreams and ideas a reality. You will learn and polish your skills along the way. Go ahead and plan to acquire the resources you need, but do everything you can with the resources you have now.
Start with small steps and wins. Make a list of everything that you need to do but can’t seem to follow through on. Put them in order from least scary to most. Now decide to do the item at the top of the list. When that’s done, do the next. Only focus on the current item at the top of the list.

The only way to truly be free is to conquer your fears. The only way to conquer your fears is to do the things that frighten you. Show yourself that you can do those things successfully. Follow the suggestions above and start your journey from fear to freedom today! Use the comments below and please tell me which suggestions you will do.

Are Fear & Doubt Holding Back Your Dreams?

Discover how to overcome your #1 Fear with a complimentary 20 minute "Chat with Ann" consultation. Schedule Yours Now!

The Hardest Step to Making Life Changing Habits

by Ann Rusnak

The Hardest Step to Making Life Changing Habits

The most difficult part of developing a new habit, like exercising, playing the guitar, or writing each day is getting started. Playing the guitar for 30 minutes each day isn’t difficult, once you actually sit down on the piano bench. Getting started is the tough part.

The habit to focus on first is the habit of getting started!

Maybe this is the year you’re determined to get that beach body, yet you’re struggling to get yourself to the gym on a regular basis. Why don’t you feel like going for a jog or picking up your guitar every day?

Why is it challenging to get started?

Isaac Newton solved the problem with his laws of motion. An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion.An object at rest will stay at rest unless an external force acts upon it. It takes a lot more energy to get something moving…

You might already feel very comfortable sitting on the couch. It will take much effort to get off your butt and go for a run, especially if it’s raining. Maybe you have to take your guitar out of the case, tune it, and then clear off a place to sit down and play.

If you think about it, both of those reasons are actually different viewpoints of the same issue.

The solution to make getting started easier:

Choose an activity that you enjoy. Try to find an activity that will fit your requirements that you also enjoy. If you love basketball, but dislike running, choose basketball for getting into better shape.

If you love it, you’ll be more likely to get started.

Attempt to come up with an activity you can do at home. If you have to get in the car before you actually start the activity, it’s going to be more challenging to start. This is one of the biggest barriers to doing anything.
Start easy. If you want to start yoga, begin with a class for beginners. The advanced class is probably a mistake. Another idea is to limit the amount of time you spend. Practice the guitar for 10 minutes each day this week. You can add time slowly.

It’s easier to get started if you know it’s only going to take a few minutes.

Focus on just the first step. Whether it’s putting on your running shoes or writing one sentence in your word processor. Do the first step before you can talk yourself out of it.

Once you’ve tackled that first step, momentum can get you through.

Plan ahead and so no preparation is needed. If your plan is to go running after dinner, have all your running clothes laid out in the morning. Have your guitar tuned, in its stand, and ready to go. The lower the barrier to getting started when the time comes, the easier it will be to get started.

What can you do to make getting started as easy as possible?

Get an Accountability Buddy. If you make plans with another person, you will unlikely back out. Most of us find it painful to let someone else down. This is especially helpful if you have to do the activity at another location. It can really help you to get out the door.

So, the trick is to making starting as easy as possible. Tell yourself that getting started is all that matters. You’ll frequently find that it’s easy to continue, if you can simply get started. Try the above tips and see if you can get 30 days under your belt and develop that new habit.

Start small, but get started!

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Gems of Success – Where to Find Wisdom

by Ann Rusnak

Wisdom is not only knowledge that is born out of experience – wisdom is also knowing when to apply what you know in sensible ways. Whenever you’re struggling with a life situation or phase, having the wisdom to navigate the rough waters can be emotionally life-saving. But where and how do you find wisdom when you need it?

Try these "places" to find knowledge and wisdom that will enrich your life:

Call a parent. Although you might not currently have the type of relationship where you willingly seek guidance from Mom and Pop, it’s never too late to start.

Your relationship with your parent will be enhanced and you’ll experience one of the most rewarding emotional connections possible in life. Seek out your parent for some much-needed information. Our daughter often calls for insight when it comes to making bigger life decisions.

Consider relevant past experiences. Because wisdom is intricately connected with experiences, think about how you’ve dealt with a similar situation. Maybe your girlfriend just broke off your engagement. Think about anything related to that type of situation that you’ve been through in the past.

What did you do then? How would that action work now? How could you tweak the action to work in your current situation? Strive to learn from and even use something from your prior experience to get through the current crisis.

Read a self-help book. Reflect on what you read. Which parts will work for you now? What did the author say that you really appreciated or found enlightening?

Talk with friends you respect. They may offer some insight from their own experience that could be of great help to you now. Embrace their stories and experiences.

Others will often share stories and follow them with comments such as, "This is what I did and it did not work for me," which can also shed some effective insight on your current struggle.

Observe and listen. Believe it or not, wisdom might be "happening" right in front of you. Watch others. What do they say? What do they do? Open your eyes and learn from the experiences of others. The fact is that others are often offering their wisdom to us. We just don’t notice it. Re-discovering what is all around you is an effective channel to wisdom.

Use technology. Although this might sound a bit strange, advances in technology have enabled us to seek and find all kinds of knowledge and information. ITunes University offers hundreds of courses that provide expertise, knowledge, and wisdom.

Do some soul-searching. Allow yourself time to focus on what’s going on inside you. Do you have any strong gut feelings about how to handle a challenging situation? Sometimes, you can draw on your own wisdom to get you through an emotional storm.

Let yourself become inspired. Whenever you take in new, fascinating information, you never know what can happen. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out the TED website or app for your electronic tablet or smartphone.

Listening to stories and speakers who’ve been through crises or possess great intellect will inspire you to think differently and perhaps enable you to develop your own useful wisdom.

Finding wisdom is not as difficult as you might think. Contact a parent, reflect on prior experiences, read, or talk with cherished friends. Take note of what is happening around you. Use technology and allow yourself to become inspired through exposure to great intellect.

You’ll enrich your life in ways you haven’t even considered when you find wisdom using these strategies.

What other place do you use to gain wisdom and knowledge? Just go to comment section below and share them.

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12 Simple Ideas to Design a Life of Joy

by Ann Rusnak

12 Simple Ideas to Design a Life of Joy

When things get tough or you’re going through difficult times, often your belief system thinks it takes a lot of work and great deal of money to find joy. This just seems to be the default mode of our brains when you’re caught in the worry mode.

This isn’t true at all – you can shift your mindset and discover there are plenty of ways to create joy in your life right now!

Try these simple ways to help you enjoy more happiness in your everyday life:

Turn off the news, TV, and computer. While these things can be helpful to keep you informed and entertained, it’s important to remember life without them. You’ll be amazed at how many projects you can complete without these distractions!

For example, instead of mindlessly watching another rerun of Seinfeld, complete a photo album or redecorate a room.

This is a great opportunity to devote more ME Time (Mindset Expansion) in your day. I actually do avoid the new and turn off the TV.

Take a class. Almost everyone has a hobby they’ve been meaning to try for a long time. It’s time to actually do it. Take the plunge and take a class!

Most communities have a mail-out or website that lists their class schedule. You’ll find that they’re affordable too!

Most community colleges offer the option to audit a class at no cost. If you’re not interested in a degree, check it out.

What about all those "free" programs you opted to receive that just sit on your computer… like the program in the "Treasure Chest of Success Kit." Create your own learning center and start going through the materials.

Get in touch with a friend. The Internet has made it easier than ever to reconnect with people from your past. Whether you last spoke to your friend last month or decades ago, it can be a joyful activity. Reflect on your friendship and discuss the good times you’ve had.
Start a garden. There are many plants and herbs that you can grow both indoors and outdoors. Experiment with different plants or grow some vegetables that you’ll enjoy later on, too. There’s nothing like the taste of homegrown vegetables!
Dabble in arts and crafts. There are so many fun activities that involve arts and crafts. Just take a trip down the aisle of your local craft store to get some ideas. For low cost alternatives, go to your nearest dollar store. You’ll be amazed at your new treasures!
Go for a walk or a nature hike. Take your family or go alone. Walking and hiking can be a great break in your day. You’ll be able to reflect, relax, and enjoy the fresh air.
Organize a sports night. Get some of your friends together for a game every once in awhile. It’s always beneficial to get a little exercise and it will be fun to socialize, too. You can even through in a pot luck dinner after the games.
Start stargazing. On a peaceful, clear night, get in touch with nature in a different way. Enjoy the stars! Pick up an astronomy guide and learn to identify the planets and constellations.
Hubs & I love the Stargazer. You can watch these 3 – 5 minute videos online, on youtube, your ipod or tablet to learn what exciting events the stars are planning for the week.
Try journaling. One great way to reflect on your day and get to know yourself is by journaling. For additional fun, pretend you’re writing to a long lost friend or write a letter to yourself in the future.
Learn to cook something new. It’s always a good idea to add exciting new meals to your repertoire. Find a recipe website or a cookbook and try something you’ve never tried before.
Have a game night. Gather your family together for some fun and games. Invite friends over to add to the fun. If you’re feeling especially creative, try designing your very own board game and play that one.
Be a tourist.You can become a tourist without ever leaving your hometown. It’s likely that you haven’t been everywhere in your town. Pretend you’re on vacation and try all the tourist attractions. You’ll learn something new and may even discover places you’ll enjoy visiting often!
When my daughter was little, we discovered the zoo, art museum, natural history museum and many other attractions here in Cleveland, OH offered free days. Check out your local area for discounts and free options to attractions.

You’ll soon find that opportunities for joy in your life are around every corner. With a little creative thinking, you can have a great time every day, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money to do it, either.

What other ideas popped in your mind while reading this article? Just go to comment section below and share them.

This is a reward article – Log in to your Inner Connection Club account and comment & share to earn credits.

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Tired of Life Feeling Out of Control?

by Ann Rusnak

Do you ever notice how some people just seem to sail through life? Their confidence is high They make things happen in their lives and often inspire people around them They experience less stress…

Even obstacles and challenges rarely stress them out. It’s like the word STRESS to them is Sailing Toward Rewarding Exciting Superb Shifts.

Ever wonder what magic formula did they discover?

I use to ask myself the same questions. Feeling like someone on the outside looking in… watching these people really enjoying life and living their dreams.

One day it happened… I realized I was no longer feeling like an outsider. I became part of this exceptional group of people and life is really amazing.

I discovered the secret to living your dreams… You have everything within you to experience the success you desire. You can tap into it anytime to enhance your everyday life. I want to share the secret of how to tap into your inner treasure.

You too can live the life of your dreams and create a better life for yourself and your family.

Are you ready to:

Dramatically reduce stress?
Stop being controlled by your past?
Overcome fears that hold you back?
Find solutions more easily?
Break through from what’s keeping you stuck?
Enjoy increased self confidence?
Achieve your goals more easily?

I invite you to join me and a small group of women as I Share The Secret to Living Your Dreams and How to Reach New Levels of Success

It happens on Monday, March 18… Go here now to get all the details.

Cheers

Gems of Success – 4 Secrets to Happiness

by Ann Rusnak

Most people think they would be happy if they had more "stuff" or more money. A better car or a better house sounds pretty good to most people. But more money and "things" don’t necessarily make you happier.

Having a car might make it easier to be happy if it means you don’t have to walk everywhere. Having more money can make it easier to be happy if you currently can’t pay all your bills. So these things can remove some of the obstacles to being happy, but they don’t really provide happiness.

There are four things that do bring happiness, and the best part is that they’re free!

Consider these ideas:

Someone to love. Everyone needs someone to love. If you don’t think you have someone to love, go find someone. The world is full of people that feel unloved so it shouldn’t take you too long to find a volunteer. We all need someone to cherish and care for.

Fortunately, the people and animals we genuinely love tend to love us back.

Something to do. There are plenty of wealthy people that are miserable because they don’t spend their time doing something that they love. Life is about doing and experiencing things.If you spend all day doing stuff you love to do, it’s pretty difficult to be unhappy.

Find ways to spend your time in activities that are meaningful to you. Make a list and start incorporating those things into your life on a daily basis. If you can find work that you’re passionate about, so much the better for you!

Something to look forward to. If the only thing you have to look forward to is more of the same, boring routine, it’s difficult to be happy. Everyone should have something to look forward to in the near future.

Think about something you’d really like to do or see. Maybe it could be something as simple as a yoga class. If you love going to yoga on Thursday nights, it can make your Mondays a little easier when you know that yoga is looming in your future.

Using downtime joyfully. Perhaps your biggest challenge is dealing with downtime. When you’re bored, lonely, anxious, or sad and don’t have something to do, it’s easy to resort to less than ideal behaviors. These behaviors not only accomplish nothing positive, but they can also make your life more challenging.

This would include things like watching TV, surfing the internet, eating when you aren’t hungry, shopping for stuff you don’t really want or need, drinking, drugs, serial dating, and more. These behaviors do nothing to solve the underlying issue and can create more difficulties.

Coping with negative feelings effectively makes life much easier. Read something worthwhile, go for a jog, meet up with a friend and do something fun, make a new friend, orwork on a hobby. Substitute you’re negative habits with new, more beneficial habits that bring you closer to the good life you imagine for you and your family.

Learn to take a moment and pause before you go on autopilot. If you’re going for the fridge and you’re not hungry, simply STOP. Ask yourself why you’re doing this and what other action you could take.

If you think you’re unhappy because you don’t have enough money or toys, you’re probably mistaken.

Having meaningful relationships, something to do, something to look forward to, and not shooting yourself in the foot are the keys. Find ways to incorporate these ideas into your life and you’ll be much happier!