Self Help Looking At Life In A Different Way
August 14, 2010 by selfimprove
The truth is that normal people view life through dark glasses and, consequently, everything looks gloomier than it should. This is the norm because the subconscious mind is hard-wired to look at reality through our conditioning and it is more likely than not that our mind will dwell on negative rather than positive programming. This mental shortcoming is what is keeping your life on hold.
You’ve got to alter the way you look at your world – this is at the very heart of personal development. Don’t get me wrong, I am not proposing that you look at life through rose-tinted glasses – that will prevent you from seeing potential pitfalls or warning signs. This attitude disables people from knowing when to quit something that isn’t working for them – for example, a toxic relationship or a floundering business. As such what is widely called positive thinking or a positive mental attitude is truly dangerous and often leads to the biggest cop-out: “I’ll do nothing because I know that things will get better!”
Something different, even innovative, is required. I am suggesting that you see life for what it is – the reality of the here and now. It is only in the present moment that you can see the upside of opportunities that you might otherwise altogether fail to notice with your dark glasses on. Similarly, you will be acutely aware of downside of what you’re doing or thinking about doing – something that you will not otherwise see if you’re looking through those rose-tinted glasses.
However, the reality and opportunity of the present moment can only be experienced, appreciated and capitalized upon if you ignore your hard-wiring – something that doesn’t come naturally if you’re a normal adult. But it came naturally to all of us as children. Indeed it was that clarity of mind that enabled us to be programmed in the first place. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to relearn how to fully be in the here and now without adding your own personal spin or preconceived notions into the mix. You’ve got to stop making a nonsense of the present moment by relying on your programming.
This can be achieved by coming to your senses – I mean that quite literally. You’ve got five senses – you need to start paying attention to what they’re actually telling you. Psychology tells us that, as normal adults, we pay precious little attention to what our senses are really telling us. Instead, our programming has lulled us into a false sense of security that we know best. We don’t – how could we, we’ve no perspective on the bigger picture of what life might be like if we let it.
Coming to your senses requires that you spend a little time each day, preferably early in the morning, training your mind to notice what you actually see, feel, hear, smell and taste, without interpreting, without analysing, without jumping to your habitual conclusions. Start working one sense each day and discover where it takes you.
Five More Ways To Escape Uncomfortable Feelings of Low Self-Esteem and Poor Self-Confidence
May 20, 2010 by Oliver
Many people live their entire lives without getting to the source of what originally caused their feelings of low self-esteem. Because they are unaware of how they can heal their painful past and reframe the circumstances that originally resulted in interpretations of being unworthy, unlovable, or deficient in some way, most people instead often resort to finding ways to distract themselves from the unpleasant sensations that accompany feeling inferior. Instead of effectively silencing the nagging voice of past hurts, they seek out distractions to help them temporarily forget about their lacking confidence and deficient self-image. Five of the more common ways to relieve the pain of low self-esteem and poor self-confidence involve excessive attention to work, food, sports, sex, or even shopping. Like all addictions, they help to distract from but do not resolve the underlying problem and so one is still plagued by feelings that will continually require greater efforts from which to hide.
Workaholism
In our culture, work is usually an acceptable means of diverting our attention. Through hard work, we busy ourselves to the extent that we lack the free time needed to brood over our sorrows. Those who work excessively are often too tired to worry about a lacking social life or the pursuit of fun pastimes that they often likewise believe they do not deserve to experience. Work provides rewards such as money, recognition, and a feeling of accomplishment, all of which help to compensate for feelings of failure in other areas of life.
It’s not that a commitment to work is bad. In fact, it is quite admirable as just one component to a well-balanced life. However, when pursued to excess, it doesn’t allow for the honoring of other equally important elements such as a commitment to family, friends, fun, recreation, personal and spiritual development, etc. An obsession with work can take its toll on health, relationships, and missed opportunities for other equally valuable pursuits.
Moreover, when work is undertaken from the perspective that one is ‘not good enough’ in one or more aspects of their being, it can’t be fully enjoyed. Feelings of low self confidence and little self-esteem diminish one’s energy by consuming attention that could have been spent more productively in the joyful pursuit of one’s goals, rather than as a distraction from persistent negative self-talk.
Over-Eating
Like working excessively, an obsession with food is often a common escape from feelings of unworthiness. Eating can serve both as a distraction and a way to make ourselves feel better temporarily. We often seek from food the emotional connection that we are lacking in close, intimate relationships. Frequently, food is linked in our minds to happy times with family or friends. Perhaps we experienced food rewards from our parents or authority figures for scholastic or sports accomplishments. For many, food has become synonymous with love. And so in times of stress, fear, and loneliness, many turn to food to fill a void that only love and self-fulfillment can satisfy.
Habitual overeating also results in being out of shape, overweight, and generally unattractive in the paradigm of Western modern-day culture. The more one eats as a substitute for missing self-love and intimacy with others, the more obese he or she is likely to become. This in turn reinforces the feeling that the heavier the person becomes, the less she fits in and the lower her self-esteem and self-confidence plummets. The greater the feelings of loneliness and not fitting in that result, the more she is likely to seek comfort in food (especially the high carbohydrate, high fat, high comfort variety). A vicious cycle is thus set in motion ensuring more weight gain and lower self-esteem.
Sports and Other Physical Outlets
Some people run to overcome feelings of loneliness, boredom, depression or lacking self-worth. Some pump iron, play golf, or work out at the gym while others find their own unique way to divert their focus through exercise, hobbies, or sports. Many would argue that such a diversion is a healthy way to funnel energy into an activity that contributes to good physical health. However, like any obsession, when taken to the extreme for the purpose of diverting attention from issues in need of resolution, it can become an unhealthy means of avoiding areas in serious need of attention.
Sex
An obsession with sex outside of a healthy, loving relationship can likewise become a means of distraction to take the focus away from self-esteem and self-confidence issues. Whether it’s Internet porn sites, an obsession with strip clubs, or the need for frequent casual sexual encounters, all serve as an effort to numb the pain of isolation. Ironically, the greater the obsession to connect with others through meaningless sexual experiences, the greater one’s sense of isolation will likely become.
Shopping
Another common obsession to compensate for a low self-image is shopping. While some find temporary comfort in making themselves feel more attractive by purchasing the latest, most stylish clothes, shoes, accessories, or even cars and other expensive toys if their budget allows (and many times even if it does not!), compulsive shoppers find that the comfort they seek in material items is typically short lived. They often fool themselves into thinking that next new dress, sport coat, outfit or cologne purchase will make the difference they seek in having them feel better about themselves. Sadly, it never does. However, all too often such excessive spending sprees send the shopaholic deeper into debt. This further reinforces or worsens the failure interpretation they already possessed and continues to diminish their self-esteem and confidence level.
There are countless other addictions that people resort to in an effort to find meaning in life when their own self-worth is lacking. Whether it is compulsive gambling, studying, puttering in the yard, decorating the house, or whatever other diversion, those who lack inner peace will not soon find it externally with a focus that seeks to cover up feelings of being unworthy or unlovable.
Thankfully, there IS a way to reclaim one’s self-worth and restore self-esteem to a high level providing internal comfort and fulfillment. For a complete roadmap to reclaiming self-esteem, visit TheSelfEsteemBook.com and discover all details of this strong authentic formula that will assist you in boosting your self-esteem and self-confidence.
Staying Positive Even In Tough Times
May 18, 2010 by Oliver
Are you facing a really tough problem? It is a consolation to know that you could get via the hardest times while maintaining a positive outlook throughout. When you keep in contact with yourself and understand the right way to deal with the ups and downs of life, it makes it simpler for you to persevere.
Whenever you consider in your self, you may actually go farther than you’ve ever imagined. That signifies that your first step is to believe that you’re capable of having a positive outlook. Your agency perception in your self will help you to erase those unfavourable ideas that attempt to plague your considering during making an attempt times.
Ups And Downs Of Your Life
You already know already that life is made up of quite a few ups and downs and hopefully ups again. When things are going nice, it is perfectly normal to hope that it lasts forever. When issues are taking a difficult turn, it is typically hard to even think about life getting higher again.
If you are experiencing a particularly making an attempt time, it’s essential that you just take the time you’ll want to grieve. Nobody should anticipate that you bounce again immediately. And, there is a chance that you may be a modified person. Keep in mind, nevertheless which you could and may have good instances again!
When the time is right for you (you resolve) start shifting towards a greater future. You will be able to expertise more “ups” in life. If you happen to’re open to this type of change, you can be in your method to a positive outlook.
Consider In Yourself
Follow believing in your self – it is important and key to living a contented life. Positive it can be stated that utilizing phrases like the following are trite: “For those who suppose you can do it, you truly can do it,” however the sentiment is still true. Don’t limit yourself. In case you assume one thing is possible, then know that you could obtain it!
Throughout robust occasions, chances are you’ll not consider that you’re truly able to transferring past the situation. That is the time when it’s essential faucet into every little bit of your private energy and take an excellent take a look at yourself. Discover simply how powerful you really are and depend on your inside strength.
Use Positive Affirmations
Keep in mind, optimistic affirmations are a terrific means so that you can stay positive when you open yourself up to them. Merely use these brief, constructive statements to speak along with your unconscious mind.
Journal your own affirmations or find affirmations in a ebook or on a website that resonate with you. Affirmations are a good way to remind you of your internal energy and personal qualities. Take time every day to apply for the perfect results.
Know Your True Self
Optimistic and adverse occasions have the power to deliver you alternatives and let you get in contact with your true self. Robust instances are challenges, and when you’re poised and maintain a optimistic attitude, you’ll study more about your self and your capabilities.
Tough occasions give you the means to get in touch along with your inner values. Search for the deeper that means of it all, and at all times look for the silver lining. Hopefully, even the hardest and most making an attempt conditions can become opportunities for learning. Try to open yourself to see the lesson.
Trying At The Future
Upon getting realized a life lesson by making it by a very difficult situation, you may faucet into that information to help you deal with future obstacles. Slightly than dwelling on the destructive, try to give attention to enjoying your life within the moment with a view to maintain the constructive outlook. Bear in mind this: You deserve every happiness.


