Always Keep On Praying

                                                 

Open your Bible to Psalm 88:9 it says... my eye grows dim through sorrow. Every day I call upon you, O Lord; I spread out my hands to you. Go ahead and highlight that scripture.

It doesn't matter what life circumstances you've been through. No matter how many setbacks you've suffered. You may not understand everything you are going through right now. It seems like things are getting worse, not better. Your bills are even piling up. Don't let Satan continue to fool you into thinking that God has forgotten you. God is going to make a way for you where it appears that there is no way right now.

You may not notice any progress but that doesn't mean it's not coming your way. God is ready to give you victory and empower you to win. How? Always keep on praying! Today is a new day, and a new day is a new opportunity for God to do something new for you. But, while you're waiting... wait with expectancy. Believe in your heart that God can make a change happen.

When you begin to have a mindset of now faith, The Most High God takes notice. It may not look like it's going to work out. But here's the spiritual secret. When you go to God in prayer, have an expectant attitude. Approach God with boldness and confidence. Always keep on praying! Why? Because God's goodness can suddenly change your biggest problem.

When you're firmly rooted and grounded in Jesus. Reading God's Word gives you strength to overcome Satan's deceptions. You don't have to worry when faced with disappointing or even negative situations. God hasn't abandoned you. As you follow the light, the path will get brighter and brighter. Always keep on praying! Just when the journey seems too difficult, Jesus gladly comes to help you. Every believer who knows Jesus has access to His presence and power.

Trust Him always, love Him always, praise Him always and enjoy His presence always. Don't just spend time with Him on Sunday morning. Jesus wants a commitment that's on fire for Him. There are many who hear the Gospel often but care little for it because they have not the Spirit of Christ. It starts with sincere prayers in the name of Jesus.

You see, the quality of your spiritual life will be in direct proportion to the quality of your prayer life. Quit looking at what you can't do and start looking at what God can do. It's not where you are that matters, it's where God can take you and what He can do for you. What a tremendous truth!

Focus on the Great Savior! Call on Him! He wants to hear your prayers. What do you need the Lord to do for you? God wants to do good things and new things in your life. This is no time to quit. Which is what the devil will try to get you to do. Don't stop praying! Don't ever quit! This is the time to pray and praise Him! Now, raise your hands and say "I pray every day for your help Lord!"

God has Bigger Plans for you! God wants to IMPACT YOUR LIFE! God wants you to open up to His Spirit working in your life. Let me teach you how to receive godly benefits because you belong to Jesus! Let me teach you How to walk in heavenly victories when life is hard! Subscribe to my FREE Newsletter "Wake Up Sunday Morning" I'll teach you how to get benefits for believers! Go to http://www.jesusprosperitychurch.com also you can go read my blog and rededicate your life to God right now. Go to http://www.jesusprosperitychurch.com/blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10548075

Quitting Is Easy. But Today Is Not the Day to Give Up

                                                     

Consider the last time you were faced with a challenge, something you did not plan for or expect to occur. It could have involved something personal, in which you had one of two choices to make. The first was to accept what was happening to you, quit making any effort to address it, and not allow yourself to feel any sense of hope. The alternative was to find a way of addressing and managing the issue, even if there was little you could do to control it. Which did you choose?

Taking an easy way out always requires the least amount of effort. That's why quitting in the face of a challenge seems easiest at times, whenever you're confronted by demanding circumstances, an unexpected situation, or even moments when you have persistent doubts about how to handle an issue. It's working past any of these conditions that may seem too challenging, because of the amount of effort you imagine it will require to work through it.

The next time you find yourself at a crossroads, when you have to make a decision whether you are going to quit trying, or continue to put in an effort, make your decision an affirmation: This is not the day to give up. No matter how many times it seems you have let yourself down in the past, because of actions or inactions taken, including the number of occasions you believe you have failed, quitting should never be an option. There is simply nothing to be gained with an attitude of defeat, because a situation or circumstance has become too difficult.

I understand there will be situations in which this may seem easier to embrace than others. For example, if you are facing a health diagnosis you did not expect to receive, and you believe the future is going to be uncertain. Well, this is exactly the time when you need to remind yourself: This is not the day to give up. Your attitude is going to have a direct impact on your well-being. You may find your ability to face the future, and care for your well-being, depends upon what and how you believe. What you can do is learn to trust your inner strength, which you draw upon as an accessible internal power. Once you do, you will find yourself stronger of mind and ready to face whatever is ahead of you.

Reason to Quit: The Unexpected

The unexpected can and will occur in life. It usually happens without warning and catches you by surprise. If ever there is a time you would want to quit facing what's before you, this would likely be on top of the list. There's no planning for every possible scenario and situation you may be faced with or will likely encounter. When the unexpected does happen, and it will, you have a choice: You can attempt to hide or retreat from it, or face it head-on. As you likely know, running away from your problems and issues is only a short-term solution at best. At some point you will always have to address whatever has occurred in your life. What you will find is your ability to address any situation depends solely upon how soon you can draw upon your inner resolve and strength.

Reason to Quit: Lingering Doubts

Whenever you are experiencing a challenging situation, be it personal or professional, your ability to handle it effectively may depend upon how strong of mind you are at the time. For example, if you have a minor setback in your life, such as a goal you could not complete as quickly as you had hoped you would, this does not need to present a significant challenge for you, as long as you have a positive state of mind.

If instead you see this as a failure, and now believe you have been only a failure in life, trying to regain momentum may become much more challenging. Even more self-defeating are doubts which you allow to continue, whether it's about your ability, capability, or anything similar. The more you cultivate doubts, the more easily it will become to quit or give up, when there are times you feel challenged or faced with a situation that seems too difficult to address at first.

Your Internal Strength and Power

The inner strength you have is often referred to as resilience, willpower, grit, determination, and other similar words. I simply call it your internal power, to represent a combination of all these qualities. It takes all these elements to give you the strength needed to continue, whenever you want to quit or give up. There are three particular powers you have that are developed from your internal power, and include the Power of Potential, Power of Beliefs, and Power of Affirmations. Each of these powers can be cultivated with intention, and utilized for self-development. At any time, you can draw upon one, or all of these powers, and make certain this is a day you do not quit, just because of circumstances.

The Power of Potential

Whenever you see a situation as too challenging, beyond your capability or capacity, more than you can possibly bear, or any other justification which could be a combination of these reasons, there is something you have forgotten to consider: You hold tremendous potential. It is important that you remind yourself of this statement often, especially during moments when you question your ability to address an issue or circumstance.

All it takes is a moment of clarity, when you recognize you can do more with your life, to look ahead at possibilities, and then realize you hold the power to make changes, all because of the potential you possess. Even if you have received the worst news possible, or the unexpected has occurred, your potential is an ability to create a mindset of strength and not give into doubts and fears.

The Power of Beliefs

Can you name a positive belief you hold about yourself now? Or is it easier to think of something negative?

A belief is a mental statement you develop and continue to reaffirm, often without changing, unless you consciously make a decision to do so. It's something you state to yourself long enough that you begin to accept it as the truth, especially if you find enough evidence or outcomes to support it. For example, if someone believes they are a failure in life, and they continue to witness failures at anything they attempt to do, the evidence will only seem to support and reinforce what they believe. Negative beliefs are the easiest to develop and replay, especially when events in life are not going well. Yet it is the power of positive beliefs that can have the greatest impact on what you accomplish in life.

When you are at a time in your life that it seems you want to quit, and negative beliefs are replaying in your mind, this is when you need to change your focus. Think of the last accomplishment that was important to you. Remember the details and what it felt like to be able to reach that particular goal. Now as you reflect, consider this: You won't know what you are capable of achieving until you make a first attempt and try. That's how you were able to achieve your last goal, by taking the first step. You don't know what the future will be like, but you have the power of your beliefs. You can be mentally prepared and unafraid to move forward.

The Power of Affirmations

The last power you have that comes from within is developed through affirmations. These are statements which are designed to be specific to you, and meant to guide you through those moments when you need strength. For example, some of the worst feelings experienced are those created out of fear and doubt. You can change your thinking by making strong positive statements that begin with "I am", and conclude with optimistic words, such as: strong, powerful, hopeful, unafraid, fearless, centered, calm, etc.

There are other circumstances in which this power can become useful. For example, you may find yourself in a situation where it seems the impossible is before you, and for some reason you initially believe you are likely to fail. Or perhaps you find yourself interacting with someone who doesn't believe in you, or won't support you, no matter how hard you try. This is a time for you to make a strong positive statement, beginning with "I can and I will", and conclude with an optimistic phrase such as "perform to the best of my abilities", or "believe in the best about myself". The purpose is to help establish a positive frame of reference, which in turn will help you to create supportive beliefs.

You Can Be Limitless

Any time you feel as if you want to quit or give up on yourself, it's time for a mental self-assessment. Ask yourself these questions: What more can you accomplish, should you find the strength to keep on trying? What is possible to achieve, with a little more effort? What do you believe about your ability to address this situation or unexpected circumstance before you now?

If you are contemplating a goal you want to complete, consider this: It's not about the sky being the limit. It's what you are willing to think about, work towards, and commit to that matters. There are no limits to what you can believe.

As to facing your fears and doubts, for every reason there is to quit, there's an even greater reason to continue trying. The bigger the challenge to overcome, the greater your resolve must be. It's not just a matter of how you'll make it to the other side of what you must face, it's about your determination to stay strong, even in the face of fear or doubt.

You have within you an unending source of internal power to draw upon, and it only requires a change in your focus. When you decide to make "I can" and "I will" your personal mantras, giving up will not be an option today, or any day.

Dr. J's mission is to teach, write, and inspire others as an academic educator, leader, author, writer, and mentor.

Dr. J writes blog posts, articles, and books to inform, inspire, and empower readers. To learn more about resources that are available for educators, along with career and professional development, please visit: http://www.drbruceajohnson.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10536804

This Genuine Reality

                                         

We all love, short, easy ways to do things. We all love to get there without any "trouble" or "drama" during the voyage to our goal or destination, even the best of us feel those feelings at times. Who loves what it really takes to get there without avoiding the work, trouble, obstacles or drama it really takes to get there honestly without "taking the easy way"? That is what this article will be about, the hard way without "easy" filters or cheating. 1972 Olympic swimming Champion Mark Spitz once said: "We all love to win, but who loves to train?" Well, the most genuine winning means doing what needs to be done with total character and not cheating or taking "the easy way to the goal". That also contradicts normal human nature of "wanting an easy way out", or getting there without "drama" or overt work.

Let me put it this way, the worst of us easily succumb to those feelings to want to cheat, trick and get past the hard work. The best of us are stronger and can surpass those feelings and genuinely achieve greatness.

Indeed, to live in this genuine reality takes work, hard work, and not avoiding issues fearfully. Who wants to know that though. Reality "should" be something fun and friendly to us instead of taking work to live in and make to work for us also. Right? Face it, reality without our direction and intervention is not user-friendly or even cooperative. The worst of us just cheat and "that is it" until caught and embarrassed about it, the best of us work and do what needs to be done in a genuine and moral sense - that is where the genuine glory is, in being the best. Who in normal human nature wants to admit that fact though when it seems easier to be "creative", cheat and do it "the easy way"?

Indeed, being the worst, no matter how much you "win" really is the ghetto of life and existence. Real and earned mansions and luxury takes direction, discipline, thought, control and hard work, and for it to feel good, you must have knowledge, responsibility and control for yourself over it all. That is what makes real winning and succeeding in a genuine sense so hard in it all. You have to be strong if you want to do more than survive. That is reality. The fantasy is the way of cheating, "creativity" and game playing. Serious is the way, sappy and not serious is not the way. The frown of real thinking is the first sign of real power. Hey, I did not say there was no enjoyment there, I said that was the first sign, the enjoyment comes after success happens genuinely. We all want great self-esteem, but are we willing to earn it from the ground up? Life and existence are only as real and as genuine as we are. Come on! This is where the rubber meets the road.

My name is Joshua Clayton, I am a freelance writer based in Inglewood, California. I also write under a few pen-names and aliases, but Joshua Clayton is my real name, and I write by that for the most part now. I am a philosophical writer and objective thinker and honest action taker. I also work at a senior center in Gardena, California as my day job, among other things, but primarily I am a writer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10546889

Memory: How to Sharpen It

                                           

Memory is the mental capacity or faculty of retaining and reviving facts, events, impressions, etc. Alternatively, it can be defined as the mental faculty of recalling or recognizing previous experiences. It is essential in our everyday lives. We would not be able to function in the present without relying on our memory.

Human memory involves three components:

1. Encoding - Encoding is the first step to creating new memory. It allows information to be converted into a construct which is stored in the brain. It is a process that begins with perception through the senses. The creation of memory begins with attention. A memorable event causes neurons in the brain to fire more frequently, making the experience more intense and increasing the likelihood that the event is encoded as a memory. Emotion tends to increase attention.

2. Storing and retaining information - Storing and retaining is the more or less passive process of retaining information in the brain, whether it is the sensory memory, the short-term memory or the more permanent long-term memory. The more the information is repeated or used, the more likely it is to be retained in long-term memory.

3. Recalling - Recalling of memory refers to the subsequent re-accessing of events or information from the past, which have been previously encoded and stored in the brain. In common parlance, it is known as remembering.

However, memory is malleable and it tends to decay with age. So, one can stay sharp by learning about the science of recollection.

The human brain has an incredible ability to reshape itself when it comes to learning and memory. The brain's natural power of neuroplasticity enables us to learn and improve our memory at any age.

Ways to sharpen memory -

The following are some of the important ways to sharpen memory:

Exercise your brain - Memory, like muscular strength, requires one to "use it or lose it." The more one works out one's brain, the better one will be able to process and remember information. To strengthen the brain, one needs to keep learning and developing new skills. The activity has to be something that is unfamiliar and out of our comfort zone. The activity should be challenging one. An activity, which allows starting at an easy level and works our way up as our skills improve, pushing us to continue to stretch our capabilities, is more suitable. However, we should choose activities that, while being challenging, are still enjoyable and satisfying.

Do physical exercises regularly - Exercise reduces stress hormones. Perhaps, exercise plays an important role in neuroplasticity by boosting growth factors and stimulating new neuronal connections. Aerobic exercise is particularly good for the brain, so we should choose activities that keep our blood pumping. On the whole, any physical exercise that is good for our heart is great for our brain. A year of regular aerobic exercise can up the size of an adult's hippocampus by 2 percent, says research from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The researchers have also found that regular strength training can boost short¬ and long¬ term memory performance and attention. Physical activities that require complex motor movements are particularly beneficial for brain building.

Go for the joe - The researchers have found that caffeine blocks inflammation in the brain, specifically adenosine receptors, which can start a chain reaction that begins the mind's cognitive decline. The amount of caffeine we drink depends on the strength of the coffee and the size of the cup. One should not exceed the limit of drinking three cups of joe of standard size daily to derive the benefit. On the contrary, consuming more coffee than this may negatively affect mental health.

Develop healthy sleep habits - Over 95% of adults need between 7.5 to 9 hours of sleep every night in order to avoid sleep deprivation. Even skimping on a few hours makes a difference! Memory, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills are all compromised. The research shows that sleep is necessary for memory consolidation, the key memory-enhancing activity occurring during the deepest stages of sleep.

Make friends - Humans are highly social. We're not meant to survive, let alone thrive, in isolation. Relationships stimulate our brains. In fact, interacting with others may be the best kind of brain exercise. Research shows that having meaningful friendships are vital not only to emotional health but also to brain health. Researchers have also found that people with the most active social lives has the slowest rate of memory decline.

Keep stress in check - Stress is one of the brain's worst enemies. Over time, chronic stress destroys brain cells and damages the hippocampus, the region of the brain involved in the formation of new memories and the retrieval of old ones. Studies have also linked stress to memory loss.

Eat brain-boosting food - A diet based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats (such as olive oil, nuts, fish) and lean protein will provide lots of health benefits. Such a diet can also improve memory. For brain health, it is significant that it's not just what we eat, it's also what we don't eat.

Improve skills to memorize - We can take practical steps to support learning and memory by the following:

• Paying attention,

• Involving as many senses as possible,

• Relating information to what we already know,

• Focusing on understanding basic ideas for more complex material,

• Rehearsing information we've already learned,

• Using mnemonic devices to make memorization easier.

The bottom line is that human memory tends to decline with age but, on the contrary, it is malleable due to brain's remarkable power of neuroplasticity. We can sharpen our memory by taking appropriate measures, which are within the reach of everyone but they need to be practiced regularly and effectively.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9811875

Success Is Subjective

                                             

Each of us has desires to achieve something in life. Some of these desires are unique with each individual while some are common amongst us. Most of us like to be rich, hold an important position in society or want to have our dream-house / job /life partner.

When we have someone else who posses any of the items which we have in our wish list, we conclude that he/she is a successful person and envy him/her. But who is qualified to decide about achievements in the path of success? It is the person who has to experience this success and no one else. An outsider does not have enough knowledge about the real agenda/desires of a person (as these are personal and seldom made public), so any comment made on that is not really relevant.

If you hit a jackpot by chance, others may perceive you as a successful person. But, what's about you? Do you feel the sense of achievement by hitting the jackpot?

A reward or prize is given by others as deemed fit by them or it is an expression of value they attach to you. It has nothing to do with your desire(s).

Success can only be measured /assessed in context with the desire(s) we have to achieve something. But most of the time desires are not focused and clarity is absent in spite of rich contents (of desires).

Each of us has a list or bag of desires where contents are dynamic (keeps on changing with time and situation/experience). These desires are responsible for pushing us into many directions or motivating for doing the required work.

Consciously or unconsciously, we keep working on our desires and convert them into goals to be achieved. Goals are refined desires with clarity and quantification. It is with respect of these goals one should gauge success.

If I set up a goal for me (whether declared to outside world or not) to run for 100 meters daily within 15 seconds, following are the example of clear failure on my part-

1. Running for 99.99 meters or less on any day.

2. Irregular running (not sticking to daily routine decided in the goal) even if it is for 1000 meters on some days.

3. Completing 100 meter run in 14.59 seconds on any day.

If you feel problem with achieving success consider following suggestions-

1. Each goal is unique and has to be dealt with context and meaning as perceived by you -'the creator of that goal'.
2. The goal(s) are either achieved in totally or dropped altogether. Sometimes amending or modifying the goal(s) is OK in the light of changed reality or circumstances. But if you modify too much then its time to examine and improve on your belief system or faiths rather than feeling guilty.
3. Our list of goal(s) is dynamic not static. On one side you will be achieving your goals set by you on the other side new goals will be added due to desires. Enjoy the dynamics of this list and keep it lively.
4. Within our goal list, items have positions and priorities attached. This position and priority can be changed by you, the owner of that list. Be conscious and judicious in this process of change.
5. Be passionate about your goals. It's your personal property. Examine and modify it needed. Why expect anyone else in the world to take interest in it?
6. As we judge and criticize others, occasionally judge and criticize yourself also. Evaluate your performance and plan for the schemes to do better next time.

.

Deepak Dixit, Creative writer, please visit my blog [https://www.mindyourbusyness.org] to connect to me

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10407905

When You Have No Successes to Report

                                         

How do you measure success? Do you see it as winning big contracts, promotions and pay rises, awards and effusive letters of appreciation or are you happy with a simple 'thank you', knowing that you've done a good job? Or maybe more free time is your vision of success.

It's easy to lose sight of the fact that some people measure success as simply getting out of bed, washed and dressed in the morning. Yes, medals, certificates and accolades are all well and good but moving from a low point towards a successful end result can require real courage and tenacity.

Indeed, not every day can be a massive success and not every day witnesses great achievements and newsworthy outcomes. So, what about those times when there are no successes to report, no great reasons to celebrate?

Let's first consider the people who are built for success, those people who've made and lost millions, sometimes several times over. They know about success and understand the drive and vision needed, the tools required to grow, thrive and excel, how to view setbacks as learning points. They have the tenacity and resilience to see beyond challenges, rarely considering failure an option.

These people recognise opportunities to be flexible and reevaluate the big picture, ready, if necessary to take a detour along another route. They have the mindset and determination to see beyond any hurdles, and are able to apply that focus over and over again.

It's important to reflect that the time spent identifying and growing the skills required to succeed is in itself a significant investment in any eventual achievement. Turning up is the first positive action, demonstrating that you're ready and willing to learn and persevere. So, making that phone call, sending that email, attending that networking event are all important foundations on which to build.

Think about baking a cake. There are many tasks required before the reward of a beautiful confection arrives; shopping for ingredients, ensuring you have the necessary kit, knowing what to do, the recipe, how long to bake it for all adds to the end result of a delicious cake, and all are mini-successes in their own right.

Being disciplined sets in place good habits. And even a disastrous result can teach us how to do things differently. After this past year of perhaps scarcely leaving the house, being locked down with little work, money and an equally stressed partner or children, success may be about simply turning up with a smile, briefed and ready to go. Mutual support, empathy and understanding are especially important at this time, along with gentle encouragement.

Success often includes learning new methods and skills, being flexible, adaptive, a team player when necessary, being receptive to different ideas, prepared to delegate when others have more time or expertise. Plus, self-care, attention to quality sleep, eating, breaks, exercise, needs to factor in too. Doing this is a good way to instil an enthusiastic mindset which focuses on a rewarding endgame.

And in business, success may include outsourcing or hiring other members of staff, though this may initially feel like an additional stressor, rather than an exciting success. Hiring someone adds a financial overhead and can also take you physically away from your business whilst you train and oversee their work. But ultimately an additional team member will free you up for other work or enable you to take time away to recharge your batteries, a success in itself.

If maintaining focus proves to be difficult it's important to find ways to work on any underlying issues and problem areas. Utilising the services of a therapist, business coach or mentor, mixing with like-minded people who understand and are supportive, sharing and discussing problems with family, friends or professional groups are all ways that can help you manage stress and find positive ways to cope.

However, if work has become a thankless environment some people may feel stuck, with few options for change. Choices are often limited when there are children to care for, a wage to be earned, friends and family to accommodate. But people in those situations may eventually vote with their feet and walk away. Or succumb to stress and ill-health. On average, UK workers take 5.8 sick days each year, at a cost of £723.80 per employee or £77.5 billion to the economy.

The work environment needs to be considered when management are assessing staff performance and their ongoing commitment to results and growth. Setting goals that staff feel are relevant and important, that motivate them to stretch themselves and succeed delivers important benefits to all involved. As does being understanding and providing the relevant support.

So, whenever you feel that you've no successes to report, start by giving yourself credit for each small step along the way. Even things like having a shower, making a phone call, sorting your inbox, filling out a form, can be significant results in your day. Sowing and nurturing the seeds, keeping focussed, supporting good habits all encourage your vision on your journey to whatever success looks like for you.

Susan Leigh, Cheshire, South Manchester counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support.

She's author of 3 books, 'Dealing with Stress, Managing its Impact', '101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday' and 'Dealing with Death, Coping with the Pain', all on Amazon.

To order a copy or for more information, help and free articles visit http://www.lifestyletherapy.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10484533

3 Major Differences Between New Year's Resolutions and Intentions

                                         

We have finally come to the end of another year, a year that disrupted our way of life right at the nuclear level. It's been a roller coaster of a year, both humbling and eye-opening for everybody. The biggest eye-opener was no doubt the fickle nature of life - how things can drastically change literally overnight.

I'm guessing at the start of the last new year, you made New Year's resolutions, with all the plans to drink more water and wake up earlier, etc. Then life got interrupted, the pandemic hit, and suddenly those resolutions didn't matter all. It was all about survival. However, you made it through and now it's that time of the year again where you whip out your notebook or planner and write out a long list of resolutions for the coming year.

Here's an idea. If you didn't, Don't.

Ever wondered why you keep writing out those resolutions even though you know that you will have tossed them out by February? The honest truth is, resolutions don't work.

But you know what does? Intentions.

Let's look at the three major differences between resolutions and intentions, showing you why one is a recipe for a successful year, and the other is a setup for failure.

Let's begin.

1. They have different connotations

The word resolution comes from the word resolve, which means to find a solution to a problem or "settle a contentious matter" according to Oxford Languages. Already, you can see how this would have a negative impact on how you view your life. The act of setting a resolution immediately implies that you are dissatisfied with some aspect of your life and you want to change it. Don't get me wrong, self-improvement is a vital part of becoming the best version of yourself, and creating success. However, we also spend way too much time focusing on the problems in our lives and how to fix them that we forget to look at the positive side of things and be grateful for it.

Where resolutions are corrective, intentions are creative. Intention comes from the word intent, which means to plan or aim at something. Unlike resolutions, setting intentions implies that you are in control of what happens. Intentions are positive in that they don't make you think there is something inherently wrong with your life as it currently is. Rather, they allow you to identify opportunities for growth, which is a much more positive outlook than trying to plug a hole in your life.

Summary: Resolutions give negative connotations of correction, while intentions give positive connotations of creation.

2. Tradition vs Purpose

New Year's resolutions have become more of a tradition in people's lives rather than something that holds true meaning. For most people, setting New Year's resolutions is just as much a part of the New Year's celebrations. Though it might be fun during the moment, neither the resolutions nor the celebration lasts for a long time. Because of this, resolutions can actually become impersonal, with people writing goals that are connected to their core values, or things or changes that are important. This is one of the reasons why gym memberships go up in January - everyone thinks they are expected to lose weight and be healthier, but only a handful of people are able to stick with it.

Those that do stick with the habit have one thing in common: they align their intention for losing weight and being healthier to their overall life purpose. This is exactly what intentions are supposed to do. An intention points you towards what is important to you, and your purpose which makes it easier for you to live out that intention each day. They align with your core beliefs about yourself, your surroundings and your experiences and they work within this unique context to help you achieve your biggest goals. That's why intentions stick for much longer than resolutions do.

Summary: Resolutions are a mere tradition hence why they are short-lived, while intentions align with your core beliefs and your life's purpose hence why they last longer.

3. Rigid vs flexible

Ever wondered why you feel deflated when you realize you can't stick to your resolutions for the year? For a lot of people, this feeling is overwhelming and sets a negative precedent for the remainder of the year. The reason for this is that resolutions are inherently rigid in nature. When you set a resolution, it's almost as if it has been written in stone and changing it halfway through the year - let alone right at the beginning of the year as in most cases - means you have failed. In this way, setting new year's resolutions becomes a trap that you lay for yourself, one that will spoil the rest of your year.

Intentions, on the other hand, are flexible and can change depending on your situation. As 2020 has taught us all, life is not rigid. Things can change in the blink of an eye and you need to make the necessary adjustments quickly in order to come out on top. When you set your intentions, you understand that they are malleable and can be fine-tuned to suit whatever situation you find yourself in. Because they are aligned with your purpose, intentions also help to keep you centered on the right path without restricting you to any particular way of life.

Summary: Resolutions are rigid and a setup for failure, while intentions are malleable and can be adapted to suit whatever situation you find yourself in.

As you continue to with developing your life, career, and business plans for the coming year, think deeply about what you would like to achieve, where you see yourself in the short-term and long-term, and how you would like to get there. This new year, why don't you try something different? Chuck your resolutions list aside and work on setting intentions that resonate with your core values.

What are your thoughts on intentions and resolutions? Drop a comment below and let's have a conversation. If you found this article helpful be sure to share it with your friends and family and let's all succeed in this new year!

Here's to a healthy and successful new year!

Tawawn is a certified life coach, change management and Myers-Briggs practitioner who assist and teach individuals and organizations how to drive change that lead to successful personal and professional results. She inspires and provides the tools for individuals to make significant changes that leads to personal and professional transformation, maximized potential, transform visions into achievable goals, and goals into results. To learn more, or get a free 30-minute consultations https://tawawn.com/consultations/

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