Master Your Mindset to Increase Self Confidence!

 

Today is a new day that has been handed to you for shaping. You have the tools, now get out there and create a masterpiece. ~Steve Maraboli

There has never been a more exciting time to be alive! Opportunities and resources are virtually unlimited, and our ability to succeed is only limited by our willingness to embrace the challenges, and take action to make our dreams come true.

You may or may not agree with this statement, and some will probably wonder what planet I've been living on. The point is your gut reaction to it will be a clear indicator of your current mindset; in other words your overall view of life.

Mindset: A habitual or characteristic mental attitude that determines how you will interpret and respond to situations.

Your mindset matters enormously because it effects your decisions and where you place your focus, in other words, it has the ability to help or hinder you.

• A fixed mindset can leave you feeling disempowered and a victim of whatever obstacles life happens to throw your way.
• A growth mindset strengthens your self confidence because, while fully aware of the challenges, you believe in the power of possibilities.

Regardless of what your mindset is at this moment, the most important thing for you to know - and accept - is that your mindset is not carved in stone. Your mindset is what YOU choose to operate with. You have the power to be the person you want to be by choosing to think from that particular perspective. This is the essence of mindset... this is where you decide who you are going to be AND how you are going to do it.

Now the easiest thing for you and me at this point would be to finish this article with something like "6 Easy Steps to Master Your Mindset." The problem is, even if you're already convinced your mindset could use a little massaging at this point, simply reading a list of tips just isn't going to be enough to get you to take action and create meaningful change. Real change starts from within with a hefty dose of self-awareness. And that is why there is power in asking - and answering - questions.

It's not that we don't know the right answers; it is just that we don't ask the right questions. ~Tony Robbins

It may seem obvious to state that the kind of questions we ask trigger specific responses; but let's consider a couple of examples to see how this can affect the quality of your life.

What if you were to repeatedly ask yourself questions such as "Why am I always so unlucky?"... "What if I had done this earlier?" or "Why am I always the loser in these situations?" Such questions are self-defeating, and the answers you get with them will naturally be disempowering.

On the other hand, questions like "What can I learn from this experience?"... "What can I do differently to move forward?" and "What am I most grateful for?" are empowering and provoke you to think in terms of possibilities, immediately setting you on the path to a more positive mindset.

Why not give this a try right now. Your honest responses to the following questions will provide you with a good feeling for your present mindset and level of self confidence.

Empowering questions to begin mastering your mindset

• What gets you excited about life?
• What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago?
• What one thing are you most grateful for?
• What does it mean to allow another person to truly love you?
• Who do you think stands between you and happiness?
• How do you define your success?
• Beyond the titles that others have given you, who are you?
• What is your greatest strength?
• What are your top five personal values?
• What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?
• If you haven't achieved it yet what do you have to lose?
• If not now, when?

It's important to be patient with yourself because it takes time to master your mindset, and it is realistic to expect a few slips along the way. But the more conscious you become of your attitudes and mindset, the more natural your new way of thinking will become. This is the point where you'll begin to truly believe in the power of possibilities.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Marquita_A_Herald/935428

How to Lose Mummy Tummy - Tips to Get You Back to Fabulous!

A mummy tummy is a frustrating thing. Why can't it just go away? After all, it's not your fault that you even have a mummy tummy. It's just a natural result of having a baby. And now that the baby's here, as you look in the mirror, you just want to wear your old comfy jeans again and look like you really do have a waistline. In this article I'm going to give you some tips to help speed you back to your goal waistline.

After the birth of your bundle of joy and waiting for your six-week check up from your doctor you can start a progressive plan to lose "mummy tummy" once and for all. The key is to start slowly and work your way up to a weight loss and exercise routine that will give you the results you're looking for.

First, if you're breast-feeding there's no rush to start. Just relax and enjoy this precious time with your baby. However, if you're not breastfeeding and your doctor says it's okay for you to lose mummy tummy, then remember to start slow and stay in touch with your doctor. Don't even begin to exercise until you feel ready. Just picking up and carrying a baby around is exercise enough.

As far as exercises go there are exercises designed specifically for post pregnancy to help lose mummy tummy. You see, there is a band of muscles across your tummy called the rectus abdominus that thins and separates during pregnancy. It's normal to have a separation of the rectus abdominus muscles during pregnancy. This allows the belly to expand and make room for the growing baby. The name for this separation is diastasis recti.

Remember, this puffy mummy tummy isn't a tear or a hernia. It's only a thinning and widening of the connective tissue between the two muscles. After birth, this baby bulge can be exercised and toned back into shape.

The more traditional abdominal exercises, like as sit-ups, crunches, etc. put too much stress on a postpartum tummy and back, and are not suggested for new moms. There are exercises designed specifically for post partum moms. Just do a search for websites that demonstrate these exercises or find an appropriate book.

According to one celebrity fitness trainer , eighty percent of the change you can make with your body comes from your diet. Your food choices, along with the exercises you do can help your body to get back into shape.

Your diet at this time is vital to your overall success to lose mummy tummy. You've donated a lot of nutrition to the making of your baby and now isn't the time to go on some crazy fad diet that will deplete what little nutrients you have left. It's time to replenish and restore your body's overall health as you get rid of the unwanted excess pregnancy fat. By adopting a reduced calorie plan that supports sound nutritional guidelines you will grow more vital and energetic as you lose weight and see that mummy tummy vanish.

Reducing calories so that you're taking in fewer calories than you're burning is the recognized way to trim down, and lose unwanted pounds and inches. A sound nutritional plan should include high quality protein, along with some fat and carbohydrates.

It's also suggested that you restore your minerals including calcium, vitamins, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. One way to accomplish both these goals of sound nutrition and reduced calories for weight loss is a nutritional shake along with supplements to give your body all the essential nutrition you need.

Shakes are great for a new mom because they're quick, satisfying and nutritious. Babies take up so much time it's reassuring to know you can get in a healthy meal on the go. The right shake with high quality, readily digestible protein can also help you build lean muscle mass, which is necessary to keep the weight off long term. Also shakes can be fortified with additional necessary nutrients. Just one big, long, glug and your meal is done.

By combining an exercise plan designed for post partum women and a sound nutritional plan emphasizing a reduced calorie nutritional shake you can lose mummy tummy and feel fit and fabulous. Remember to check with your doctor for permission to and start ever so slowly. Get optimal nutrition with the right shake. It should leave you feeling energetic while helping to build your muscles and restoring your nutritional balance. By adopting these suggestions you can lose mummy tummy and get back to fabulous.

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Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Carolyn_McClendon/27559

 

A Straight Forward, Honest Discussion About Being a New Mum.

So as I am baby mad at the moment, I thought I would share with you today about a friend of mine Jess, who has just become a new mum a little over two months ago. I have known Jess for years. She first came to work with me at our shop back in Port Macquarie when she was about thirteen and was a fairly quiet girl back then. Over the last few years I have had the pleasure of watching Jess blossom into an amazing woman. She has always strived to fight for what she believes in and has always been an over achiever. When Jess was fourteen or fifteen, she sponsored a child. I remember thinking back then, Wow...most girls at that age are much more interested in spending money on clothes or make up but no matter how much she struggled financially, Jess always put her sponsor child first.

So inspiration comes in all different ways. Although Jess is much younger than me, she has inspired me to be the best mum I can be when my little man is born. She has taken to motherhood amazingly and is doing such a great job. I don't see Jess because I live about ten hours away, but from seeing all of the pictures on Facebook, her little boy Malakai is one of the most alert, happy little guys I have seen. So I sat down and asked Jess some questions on motherhood and about being a young mum and I hope you enjoy this candid little chat about how she is enjoying the start or something wonderful.

As a young mum, did you come across any negative people who judged you because of your age?

I think people are quick to judge anyone and anything that they know little about. The term 'young Mum' has become something I am not too fond of. We don't go around calling people 'old Mum' or 'middle aged mum' so I am not quite sure why people are so quick to put us into this category and then stereotype us a certain way. There definitely would have been times where people looked twice but overall, I really haven't faced that much judgement, personally, because of my age. I think, if anything, judgement came from being placed into this category and assuming that because I am young, I may somehow be incapable. Throughout my pregnancy I have come to know some absolutely amazing mothers that are my age and even younger. I know a sixteen year old with twins and she is an absolutely incredible Mum. I have also seen my share of mothers around my age that do not seem so great. But that comes with each age group, I have seen some horrible and some amazing 'older' mothers, too. ANYWAY, all in all, I received an overwhelming amount of support. Those few people who were quick to judge (and who have admitted it to me) later retracted what they judged when they got to know me, followed my blog and saw how dedicated I was to changing my life for this beautiful little human.

How did you enjoy being pregnant?

I loved it. I loved the kicks, my bump, the hiccups, the way my belly changed shapes depending on how I laid, the ultrasounds, preparing for my life as a mother, the bond I shared with him; everything. Emotionally, things were hard. I had little support in Sydney where I was living and was quite isolated because of it. I had to finish a semester of Uni which was also pretty difficult but I ended up with great marks and I made it through. Hormones suck.

Did you plan a natural birth or did you go into labour without a birthing plan?

I was very set on a natural birth, however, I never really had a set birthing plan. I knew I didn't want anything other than gas, I wanted to be able to walk around if that was what I felt was best, I wanted to utilise the bath and shower, I knew who I wanted in with me, I knew I wanted to delay the cutting of the cord until blood stopped pulsating in order to send the most possible nutrients to my son, but other than that, I just wanted to see how things went. I realise that probably sounds very much like a birth plan, but the plans I was reading went into much more detail. I never wanted to create something in my head that possibly would have to be changed as I knew that would leave me feeling very disappointed. Not having a set birth plan allowed me to change things when I needed to depending on how things were going. Being induced wasn't something I wanted at all, but it happened, and I feel that if I had a very set birth plan, I would have been a lot more let down than what I was.

When you took your baby home, was it everything you had expected or was it harder at first to balance all the new changes?

Oh man. Going home was scary. I literally had no idea what to expect which I think probably worked in my favour because it was really tough. My labour was long and pretty traumatic and I never got to really recover from that physically (or mentally). It takes a massive toll on your body to be so worn down from your labour and then tend to a baby that wakes and feeds every three or so hours. It was definitely hard to balance. But here I am at nine weeks and I think I have it pretty balanced!

What do you think the biggest challenges were in your first month at home?

Breastfeeding. Sleep deprivation. Feeling lonely. My postpartum body. The list could probably go on. But hey, it got SO much better.

How have you adjusted to being a mum?

I was only thinking about it the other day and I absolutely love it. I feel so confident and happy. It took me a while to get to this stage but it feels so amazing now that I am here. I love him and I love being his Mum.

What is the most fulfilling part of it?

Everything. I honestly cannot put it down to one thing. I love everything he does. I love watching him change and grow every day. I love knowing what the little things he does means, like when he purses his lips and clenches and unclenches his fists, it means he is hungry. I love watching him sleep. I love watching him play and smile and babble. I love it all.

Everyone has an opinion on breastfeeding vs bottle. What are your thoughts and what have you decided to do?

If I could be a giant, massive advocate for breastfeeding, I would be. Those first two weeks I honestly could not even count how many times I cried about everything. Breastfeeding was hard. Really hard. I thought I was doing it wrong, I thought he wasn't happy, it hurt, it was hard to adjust to, but seriously, it gets SO much better. I love it. I feed him anywhere and I refuse to hide off into a toilet to feed my baby. I understand how easy it is to want to give in, I wanted to so badly those first few weeks, but I didn't and I am so glad I didn't. Sure sometimes it is hard not being able to let someone else feed him so I can rest or go out without him, but the positives far outweigh that. There are so many positives for the baby and it is freeeee! I would really encourage any Mum to breastfeed for as long as they can, it is beautiful.

If you could give any new young mums some advice, what would you say to them knowing what you know now?

If I could give any advice in general, it would be to cry when you need to, never feel ashamed to feel upset and lonely and confused because being a Mum is hard, no matter what age you are. Always ask for help when you need it and never feel like a failure for needing that help. Anyone who doesn't must be supermum. Don't try to plan every single thing because I can assure you, the opposite of what you plan will happen. Don't stress because your baby feeds off your stress and emotions. Now that I am confident and happy, so is my baby. Read, read, read, never stop asking questions and researching the decisions you make about your baby. I have learnt so, so much, that people don't tell you. Don't let other peoples unwanted advice upset you, YOU are the Mum and you know best. OH and all that stuff you bought for your baby, you probably won't need it (despite how fun it is to buy) so don't stress about all the little things! In terms of being younger, I guess, just don't let that stereotype hurt you because age really does mean nothing and you CAN do it. But obviously I am no expert whatsoever, every Mum is different and every Mum knows their baby more than anyone else.

What has been the best advice you have received about being a new mum?

SLEEP WHEN YOUR BABY SLEEPS.

Thanks so much Jess for your informative opinion. You are so right and age should never be an issue. It all comes down to the person you are how much you believe in yourself. I can't wait to see Kai's journey as he grows up

Sam Cameron is an Internet entrepreneur who specializes in assisting others create true wealth for themselves in all areas of their lives. Sam Cameron is truly passionate about helping others. If it wasn't for the mentors she has had over the last few years she would still be the same, unhappy, shy and unmotivated person. Sam now strives to assist others to become the best they can be, to achieve greatness and to believe in themselves and to believe that anything is possible! [http://www.SamCameronOnline.com]

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sam_J_Cameron/1309167

Loving During A Pandemic.

 

It is almost impossible to stage a traditional Valentine's Day outing when everyone is locked up or wearing masks and distancing at least six feet apart. The days of fancy dinners in exotic locations are out of reach. But that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy and show love if you are willing to be creative and wise.

Let's examine the three psychological aspects of love:

Thoughts - So many times I have been touched by individuals who tell me that they have been thinking about me. What a compliment! Someone who invests time and energy into reviewing memories or wondering about my well-being is a lovely thing. Those who think about how they can honour another person go even a step further. Planning a surprise or interaction takes commitment and even if you can't meet in person, you can think of ways to make another person's day better. At Christmas, for example, my daughter's family had a full meal delivered to my door for me. Great thoughts turned into thoughtful action. Who are you thinking about this week?

Feelings - The first blush of love can bring passionate feelings that are delightful but with time, the feelings often mature into constant assurance, deep loyalty and the confidence of being cared for. When times are difficult, the feelings can fade or even change into ones that are not as pleasant. It is therefore important to know that no matter what happens issues can be resolved and the relationship can last. In fact, shared trouble often builds stronger ties! One warning though - don't always lead with your feelings for they can be like chaff in the wind and change quickly!

Behaviours - Proclaiming your love and then treating another person poorly isn't good enough. Your behaviours must match your words. Giving gifts won't make up for disrespect or abuse. Promises are not enough. You can show a person that you love them with simple gestures that will be treasured for years to come. Phone an aged friend and find out that the call made their day! Send a thank you card to someone who didn't expect it. Take out the garbage (before being asked!). Like the popular song from "My Fair Lady" states "Don't talk of love... SHOW ME!"

So, this Valentine's Day will be different - but it might be the best one yet!

Don't just focus on the romantic part. Instead, make a list of people who you love and then start thinking about how you can behave in an appropriate way to express your feelings. Think about things that they have talked about as wishes in the past and what has pleased them previously. Do research that will offer you new ideas. Try making a card or gift rather than buying one.

And remember to use your words. There is nothing as powerful and treasured as kind words that are expressed sincerely.

Love to all of you who show that you care by reading my columns!

And happy pandemic Valentine's Day!

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to a complimentary list of 10 Steps to Making Your Life an Adventure when you visit http://lindahancock.com

From Dr. Linda Hancock, Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10488411