Unstoppable Success Strategies

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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Why Should You Get a MEntor?

by Ann Rusnak

What’s easier: Working toward your goals alone through trial and error, or seeking the guidance and direction of someone who’s been there and done that?

The answer is obvious. When you seek the advice of someone who has been through it all before, you can then avoid the same mistakes and focus your time and energy on what truly works. That’s the power of a life MEntor.

Imagine yourself with a set plan and just the right advice. MEntoring may shave years off the time it would have taken you to reach your goals otherwise!

Here are the top 7 reasons why you need a life MEntor:

Builds confidence. You know you’re under the guidance of someone successful and that your goals are attainable.
Guided plan. Sure, you can draft up a plan by yourself, but when you write out your plans with the help of a MEntor, you know you’re getting a realistic plan that works! Your MEntor will know shortcuts and can help you stay accountable as well.
Conflicts. MEntors can help you cope with current conflicts and tensions in your life. They can also give you tips on how to avoid similar situations in the future.
Personal attention. MEntoring allows you to get one on one attention so you can be personally guided along your chosen path. If you run into struggles, your MEntor will be there to provide much needed support and suggestions.
Dealing with challenges. Things will not always go according to plan. When you hit a snag, your MEntor can help you overcome the challenge and steer you back into the correct direction. You can feel comfortable knowing that you’re receiving expert guidance.
Versatility. You can decide how you’d like to use your MEntor. Do you want help with short-term goals or long-term goals? Perhaps you’d like both.
Enthusiasm. Your MEntor likely has a great deal of enthusiasm for their work, which will naturally rub off on you. Sometimes it may be difficult to keep up your drive, but thankfully, inspiration is one of the main reasons why MEntors exist.

Finding a MEntor That’s Right for You

There are a few tips you should keep in mind when searching for a MEntor that will mesh well with your personal style. The first concern is that your MEntor should have certain credentials and experience. It depends on the field you’re in, but ensure you do your homework when it comes to checking up on your MEntor.

See if you can find testimonials and reviews about potential MEntors. Ask around and try to talk to someone else who has been MEntored by this person. After all, a good referral is always more trusted!

Communicate with your potential MEntor and see what his or her communication style is like. Ask yourself whether or not you think you’d get along well with this person. Some people might think the MEntor is fabulous, but if you don’t think you’ll personally communicate well, then it may not be a good fit for you.

Make sure your MEntoring sessions will be conducted in a format that you find comfortable. Ask yourself whether you’re the type of person that needs to meet face to face. Nowadays with technology we can communicate in many different ways. MEntoring sessions can take place over the phone, email, video conferencing, or in-person.

In the end you should be proud of yourself for seeking expert help. Follow these strategies to find a great life MEntor for you and jumpstart your journey into the life you desire.

Transforming Fear into Success

by Ann Rusnak

What are you afraid of? Are your worries preventing you from getting things accomplished in your life?

Everyone has fears and many people let those fears stop them from doing things that may prove to be worthwhile or even lucrative.

How can you turn your fear into a positive force in your life?

The first thing you need to understand is the fear itself. Why are you afraid? Is it a rational fear? A fear of snakes can be rational, while a fear of spoons isn’t.

Figure out if your fear is rational; if it isn’t, try to understand why you have such an irrational fear. You may need to seek help if you can’t understand or overcome it.

Sometimes our fears can drive us to do great things and achieve massive success. Once you learn to conquer your fears, you can move past them. The strength you gain from conquering them can provide the momentum that drives you to future success.

Sometimes the only way to get over a fear is to confront it head on. If you have a fear of failure about a certain task, then the only thing to do is take it on and beat it. If you succeed, you’ll be encouraged to face another fear.

If you fail to conquer your fear the first time, regroup and try again. Each time you try, you’ll learn something new that you can use the next time around.

Here are 3 good ways to take your mind off your fears:

Exercise. Physical activity boosts the immune system and strengthens the mind and body. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that help promote a healthy mind and body. In the least, exercise can take your mind off your worries. I find just doing 10 minutes of some type of physical activity really helps.
Set goals. Take some time out of your day to set some specific, short term, and simple goals. The more you can complete, the more self-confidence you’ll build. Self-confidence is a powerful tool for removing fear. When fear begins to creep in, my thought turn to my bigger vision. I keep that mental picture in front of me. I remind myself that fear causes negative vibrations… bad mojo!
Talk about it.Fears can multiply when you bottle them up inside you. When you let fear build, it snowballs and gets bigger and bigger until it becomes terrifying to you. Talking about it helps relieve the pressure and gives you the opportunity to obtain honest feedback. Put together a support team with people you trust. In my life, I have two very important and wise friends that guide me when fear and doubt invades.

Worries Are Fears, Too!

Let go of the habit of worry. Worry is a useless emotion and doesn’t help you move beyond rational fear. Why? Worry always falls into one of two categories:

Things you can’t control. If you have no control over the outcome of a situation, why worry about it? You can’t change or control other people. What will happen, will happen.

Worrying won’t make a difference at all in the situation. It will only add to your fears and prevent you from taking care of the things you can control.

Things you can control. If you can control the situation you are concerned about, then it’s simple: take action! If you’re doing everything you can, then you no longer have any need to worry.

Worry slows you down, makes you second guess yourself, and could even lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure.

In the end, facing your fears head on will give you more self-confidence, provide valuable experience, and make you stronger. You don’t have to be a slave to your fears. You can face your fears valiantly and triumphantly!

Discover Your Power by Knowing Your Intentions

by Ann Rusnak

Although we’re all trying to make it through life, it’s interesting to contemplate how conscious we are about what we’re doing and the direction we’re headed. Reflecting on what you’re going to do next helps you plan for and accomplish your goals.

When you intend to do something, you’re much more likely to do it.

Do you know your intentions?

Here are some reasons why you might want to figure yours out today:

Intentions are powerful. When you intend to do something, you begin to set up your time and situations so you can make it happen. In essence, when you know your intentions, it brings you power that you cannot obtain by any other method.
Your intentions keep your plans in the forefront of your mind. Whenever you’re thinking about what you intend to do, you’re reminded of your goals. If you intend to lose weight, for example, you’ll catch yourself thinking about what you’ll do today to lose weight—what you’ll eat and how you’ll burn extra calories.

Your intentions set you on a path to excel because they are on your mind consistently.

You can have short-term intentions and longer term intentions. A short-term intention might be going to work every day and excelling in some small way.

A longer term intention might be doing your best work consistently so you can earn a promotion.

Ensure you have both levels of intentions in place to keep you progressing in a positive direction.

You’re in control. When it comes to having intentions, it’s up to you to decide what you want in life and what you’ll do to achieve it. A wonderful thing about an intention is that you make a conscious decision to accomplish something. You might reach your goal that day, week, month, or sometime later during your lifetime.

Intentions are a fascinating paradox because you control having intentions and your intentions, in a sense, drive (control) your actions. Ultimately, you’ll prosper because of them.

Your intentions gives you confidence. When you intend to do something, you’re optimistic because you know deep inside that you will do it. As a result, you become quite confident in your quest for the good life. You have a plan and you’re going for it.

Your intentions bring self-assurance to galvanize your efforts to live your dreams with passion.

Others may view you as a role model. We’re all looking for someone to look up to, to receive guidance from, and to set a clear, positive example for us. Your intentions say a lot about you and enable you to be the one that others look up to.

As a role model, you’re more likely to rise to the occasion and continue setting up powerful intentions in your life to take you where you hope to go. Everybody wins when you know your intentions.

Your intentions bring you great power over your future.

You’ll live a life you truly want when you know what you’re going to do with it. Your intentions provide powerful guidelines, bring you confidence, and spark your motivation to live your best life each day!

Cheers

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!

Positive Affirmation – I am driven by my goals

by Ann Rusnak

I am driven by my goals

I set goals for myself so I can stay focused and driven on my life-long journey to success. Positive goals surround me in every aspect of my life. Whether it is my continual education, spirituality, career, or finances, my well-crafted goals push me further than ever before

Goals are essential to me because they offer me a sense of achievement. When I set a specific goal and complete it, I feel purpose. Setting a specific time period to complete my goals allows me to work at them over time as I build momentum. Once I complete a goal I feel a great sense of accomplishment.

Setting and completing goals propels me forward. My goals allow me to accomplish more in life. Once I set one goal and meet it, the feeling I get pushes me forward in my entire life. In doing so, I gain the power of passion and motivation which gives me the confidence to accomplish anything I set my mind to.

My goals give me a meaningful purpose, which inspires and motivates me. This motivation helps me enhance my weaknesses and strengthen my strengths. And in completing each goal, big or small, I feel a sense of pride and happiness that uplifts me in unimaginable ways.

Affirmation Reflection Questions:

What goals do I currently have in my life?
How do my goals motivate me?
How do I feel when I complete a goal?

Did you enjoy this Positive Affirmation?

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Cheers

12 Simple Ideas to Design a Life of Joy

12 Simple Ideas to Design a Life of Joy

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

Why Should You Get a MEntor?

Transforming Fear into Success

Here are 3 good ways to take your mind off your fears:

Discover Your Power by Knowing Your Intentions

Tired of Life Feeling Out of Control?

Gems of Success – 4 Secrets to Happiness

Positive Affirmation – I am driven by my goals

I am driven by my goals

Did you enjoy this Positive Affirmation?

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