6 Techniques to Stop Making Excuses for Not Taking Action on Your Big Goals

Are you the master of making excuses? Do you have a reason for every occasion when asked why you haven’t taken action on your Big Goals yet? If so, it’s time to take action. Those Big Goals have waited long enough. Today is the day your life changes! How? Keep reading to learn some exciting techniques designed to get your life back on track in no time.

 

Be You

 

If you think you can’t get anywhere because someone else already did it better, well think again. Regardless of who you’re comparing yourself to, no one will tackle a problem in the same way you will. Instead, relax and jump into action your way. See where being you can take you.

 

Step into the Unknown

 

Holding back because you don’t know what happens next? Sometimes you just have to find your hidden adventurer. Indulge your curiosity and jump into doing something new just to find out what happens. Besides, how unknown is it? If you’ve done your research, you probably already have a pretty good idea of just what’s going to happen.

 

Take Responsibility

 

Feeling trapped into a cycle of not being able to act because someone else is holding you back? This is just another version of the blame game. Really, the one holding you back when you make these statements is you. You’re where you are because you put yourself there. The key is to start making choices to move from this spot. 

 

Break Things Down

 

Can’t start because you’re overwhelmed? Chop up the goal into a series of much smaller action steps. Take things in small bites, celebrating each milestone as you reach it. You’ll get to the goal eventually, just hang in there.

 

Focus on the Positive

 

It’s too easy to quit because you see all the ways you’re not good enough. Instead, focus on your talents and abilities. What can you do? Better yet, what can you learn to push yourself forward? By seeing what’s possible, you’ll shift your thinking over to someone more ready to act than hold back.

 

Do Something!

 

In the end, you have to act. Making excuses about being tired or not having time isn’t going to cut it. If something is important to you, fatigue doesn’t matter. You’ll make the time (like you did when you binge-watched an entire series on Netflix). The key is to take the first step. Guaranteed, the next steps will come much easier once you’re already in motion.

 

By using these techniques, you’ll find you no longer need excuses. In fact, you’re probably feeling kind of eager to get to work about now. This is a good thing! So dust off those Big Goals, because good things are about to start happening!

6 Steps You Can Take to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed

It’s 2 PM, and you are frustrated because you have accomplished nothing. Your list is still as long as your arm and more have been piled on your plate. Your heart starts racing while you get more agitated at your circumstances. 

 

Then it hits – the feelings of overwhelm threaten to drown you. It’s possible to reign in those feelings of overwhelm and kick them to the curb. If you let these feelings get out of control, your body will reap the negative consequences, including poor eating and sleeping habits.

 

How to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed

 

Are you ready to stop the feelings of overwhelm that threaten to overtake you? Put these six steps into practice: 

 

1. Determine What Is Triggering the Feeling of Overwhelm: What started these feelings? For example, were you late to work because you overslept after staying up too late watching movies or working on a project? Take note and write it down if you need to.
 
2. Reframe Your Feelings: You will probably be full of negative thoughts and emotions. Instead of giving in to anger or hopelessness, replace it with empowerment and determination to tackle what is before you.
 
3. Sit Up Straight: As you feel overwhelmed, you may respond physically by hunching forward and taking shallow breaths. Take a moment to straighten up and take several deep belly breaths. The change will reinforce to your brain that you are switching emotions. 

4. Decide on One Small Step You Can Take Right Now: Look over your list, and decide on a tiny thing you can do at that moment, and do it. Once it is accomplished, pat yourself on the back and choose another task. With each one, you slowly tackle those items that have been weighing you down. Also, you reinforce to yourself that you can get things done.
 
5. Get Over What You Can’t Control: Focusing on things you cannot control is a waste of time, energy, and emotions. If you can do something about a situation, then take action. However, if you cannot, why not relax and let worry slip away.
 
6. Guard Your Calendar: A significant culprit to being overwhelmed is not protecting your time. It is okay to say no and leave some white space on your calendar. It is up to you to ensure keep your calendar free from being overbooked.

 

You can beat the feelings of overwhelm by being proactive and getting your emotions under control. Once you do, you will be empowered to knock out that To-Do list and protect your time.

5 Benefits to Life without Validation

How would you like more time in the day? 

 

If you're looking to get things done and free up more time for the fun stuff in life, then all you need to do is make one simple change in your life: let go of your need for validation.

 

Validation costs us all time and energy. Even now, think back over your day. How many times were you concerned about how someone else thought about you? How did this affect your actions? Let’s face it, we put a lot of effort into fitting in, being liked, and trying to make a good impression.

 

Now imagine what happens when you accept you're pretty fantastic already and don't need others to tell you so. What if you could just be yourself and not worry about the rest? Consider these benefits to life without validation:

 

You Don’t Have to Jump Through Hoops

 

How often have you contorted your thoughts, beliefs, ideas, and opinions to fit better with those around you, all just so others would think well of you? When you stop searching for validation, you can relax and be who you are.

 

You’re No Longer Fenced In

 

When you’re looking for validation from others, there are certain invisible boundaries we have to maintain. For example, we might find ourselves holding back from forming real friendships at work because we’re too busy trying to impress those around us. 

 

You Don’t Have to Rehearse Your Life

 

No more running lines of dialogue through your head to test it out before saying it! Imagine if you can just act naturally and even react naturally without having to ask yourself if you’re being too over-the-top. 

 

You Don’t Have to Play a Part

 

Too often, when we're looking for people to notice us, we wear a mask that we hide behind so no one can ever see our real selves. We try to be more put together, look like we're accomplishing more, and never mess up. These false personas can feel pretty oppressive, especially when things aren't going as well as you make them out to be. Rather than fake success, wouldn't it be nice to be your real self, as messy as it is sometimes?

 

You Don’t Have to Do Other People’s Work

 

How often have you said ‘yes’ to doing a favor for someone else because you were worried they wouldn’t like you or think well of you if you said ‘no’? Now imagine how much nicer it would be to pick and choose what you want to do instead.

 

Dropping the need for validation certainly changes things, doesn't it? So, consider these things the next time you think about fishing for a compliment or putting yourself out there to get attention. Try doing things your way instead and enjoy what happens next!

4 Ways to Let Go of Your Need to be Validated Once and For All

How sure are you of yourself?

 

It’s hard to feel confident all the time. Sometimes you really just need to know you're doing okay. Everything will be all right. However, reassuring yourself can be hard, especially when considering past history, which might have left behind unpleasant baggage. Isn't it just a whole lot easier to find validation from someone else?

 

Sure, you can. Validation is a fairly simple fix. Most people don’t mind handing out a compliment or two, especially if they know and like you already. The problem is this kind of validation is rarely satisfying. The effects never last near long enough. 

 

With this in mind, maybe it’s time to let go of validation once and for all. Instead, try embracing just how wonderful you are through these simple techniques:

 

Understand Your True Need

 

Just what are you really seeking out right now? For example, while you might be looking for a compliment on your new haircut, what you're really wanting to know is if you're attractive. Perhaps you're even hoping to catch the eye of someone special. 

 

Delve deep and ask the hard questions about what's behind your current need. Once you know this, see if you can discover a more satisfying solution to the problem. In this example, it might be better to remind yourself of what you like about yourself and what makes you outstanding already.

 

Step Back from Quicksand Be True to Yourself

 

The minute you start trying to please those around you to be liked, you're stepping into a miry wasteland. You'll soon discover you can never impress someone just once. You’ll always be trying to outdo yourself. Recognize when you’re falling into this trap and remind yourself it’s better to be liked for who you are, not how well you can fit someone else’s ridiculous standards.

 

Be True to Yourself

 

Being agreeable to what other people have to say is not only another way to be liked. It also compromises what you believe in. Take a pause now before speaking. Consider what you were about to say. Was this you talking or them? You might want to reconsider your words. It is better to be honest about how you feel, or if need be, stay silent rather than compromise your ideals.

 

Show Your Individuality

 

Finally, just be you. Speak your mind, be authentic, and step out in confidence. Quit second-guessing yourself and instead live harmoniously with your own beliefs. 

 

Remember: never compromise who you are for the sake of flattery or acceptance. Instead, look to yourself and see instead just how wonderful you already are.

5 Positive Traits You Develop When You Stop Seeking Validation

How would you like to be a better person?

 

If you spend time reading self-help articles, you probably think most change comes from doing something new. Today you’re going to try something different. Rather than starting a whole new regimen or adopting a new behavior, you’re going to develop five positive traits all by stopping something you’ve been doing all your life.

 

From the time we’re small, we learn validation feels good. We seek it out, looking for understanding, acceptance, and inner peace. We don't realize just how much this constant search for positive attention is holding us back. Consider these five things which happen when you stop looking outside yourself for validation:

 

You See a More Diverse World

 

Consider this: everyone really doesn’t have to agree with each other after all. Instead of seeking validation by going along with what those around you are thinking or doing, maybe you can set a new trend by expressing who you are. Encourage those around you to likewise speak up and be their own people. Imagine how much nicer the world would be if we all could do this!

 

You’re More Certain of Things

 

When we rely on other people to tell us if we’re doing things right or not, we can get mixed messages. Someone likes our work, while someone else might not. Now imagine this: if validation doesn’t matter, you know the only opinion which truly matters is yours. This certainly clears out the confusion!

 

You Take Better Care of Yourself

 

It's hard to put forward your needs when you're too busy seeing to the needs of others or rushing about trying to appease those around you. These are the traits that lead to overwork and exhaustion. When you quit seeking validation, you can step back when you need to and get proper rest. You'll also find it easier to express when you need a break or to get something to eat.

 

You Become a Calmer Person

 

There's certainly a lot less stress if you don't have to impress everyone around you all the time. With all the pressure off, you can relax into just being yourself.

 

You Exude Confidence

 

Finally, you don't need anyone else to inform you of your worth when you drop validation. You already know how amazing you are. When you carry this knowledge with you, you can't help but walk a little taller. This is you at your best, and the world knows it.

Learn How to Trust Yourself from Others

Have you ever observed people who you felt were confident? They know what to do in most situations. Even when they don’t, they know how to find the answers. They never let problems get in their way. They always know how to talk to people. Their confidence is their power.

 

It’s likely these confident people trust themselves. It is impossible to have confidence when you don’t trust yourself. The confidence comes from an internal trust. It makes sense when you think about it.

 

If you don’t know too many people who are confident, try to learn about successful people. One great way to do this is to check out TED Talks. If you are not familiar with these, TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design. It’s an organization that exists to spread ideas usually in video form. You can find many of these talks on YouTube.com. Just search for TED Talks. 

 

Many of these videos are short but with high impact. It’s unlikely you will find speakers that don’t have confidence. You can observe the speakers in the video and see how they speak. Also, observe their body language. Do they smile a lot? How do they engage with the audience?

 

Another source to draw inspiration is Amazon books. Read biographies of successful people. It’s a bit more difficult to find stories about confidence when reading through the biographies. That is because their stories may not be specifically about confidence. But, it usually resonates through the story. If nothing else, you will pick up on some inspiration from other areas along with confidence.

 

Look to take on a mentor. You will know when someone is right for you because you will both form a good relationship from the start. Mentors are people who trust themselves and have confidence. Otherwise, it’s unlikely you would pick those people to be your mentor. You can establish a formal mentor relationship, or you can just keep in contact with someone who you respect. 

 

You will naturally take on some positive attributes just by being in this relationship. However, it doesn’t hurt to observe how your mentor interacts with others and how they solve problems. 

 

When you observe or reach out to confident people, it will help you become more confident. You can see what you are doing wrong and make changes. When you become confident, lack of trust in yourself will be a thing of the past.

Learn the Reasons Why You Don’t Trust Yourself

Many people don’t trust themselves for one reason or another. If you include yourself in this group, ask yourself why. Knowing the cause can help you break the issue down and begin to change. Once you discover the problem, you will be well on your way to learning how to trust yourself.

 

Start with your childhood. No, this doesn’t mean you have to spill your guts to a shrink lying on a couch. However, if you think back to your childhood, it can give you some clues as to why you have developed a distrust of yourself. Perhaps your parents were distrustful of themselves. It could also be siblings or other relatives. The purpose is not to blame them. Just recognize that it happened and use it to move forward.

 

Do you find it difficult to trust others? It’s a situation that causes you to be in a constant mode of distrust. It isn’t too much of a stretch for that mode to extend to you. Therefore, you have to learn how to start putting trust in other people. Most people will appreciate you for it.

 

Are you an overly sensitive person? If so, this could cause you to be mistrustful of yourself. You may take what others’ say out of context. That is because of your sensitive nature. It’s not wrong to be sensitive. You just have to realize that it can cause you to misread what others are saying or feeling.

 

Putting your trust in others is sometimes going to backfire. Some people are simply not trustworthy. They may even put on a front that they are. You should accept this as a part of life, and try not to project experiences from a few onto other people. Otherwise, you are going to continue to maintain your wall. This wall will make it difficult for you to trust others as well as yourself.

 

Another reason for not trusting yourself is that others don’t trust you. If you are not trustworthy, how can you expect to trust yourself? You may not even realize this is happening. You may think you are doing right by others when in fact, you aren’t. Ask for an honest assessment as to whether your friends and family feel you are trustworthy. That can be a hard pill to swallow, but it will offer great insight. Try not to get upset if people tell you that you aren’t trustworthy. It’s a learning experience.

Unlocking Your Potential - The Secrets To Becoming The Best Version Of Yourself

What are possible reasons why you feel you are not able to reach your full potential? They may include anxiety or self-doubt. Everyone has a potential to reach greatness within themselves, waiting to be brought out. If you want to unlock that potential, you just need to shift your perspective and take decisive action. 

 

Here are some secret pathways to becoming the best version of yourself. 

 

Master your mindset.

 

This is the first step in personal growth and the foundation you’ll use when becoming the best version of yourself. It includes looking at your habits, which have been formed from many pervious experiences, and making some changes.

 

These changes are designed to cultivate a mindset that will empower and serve you better to grow into the person you want to be. It’s all about being open to possibilities and opportunities while still navigating the highs and lows of life with grace and resilience. 

 

You must first work to cultivate a sense of self-awareness. This means building an ability to become more aware and observe your feelings, thoughts, actions, and behaviors without judging yourself. Only then will you gain the most valuable insights into your emotional triggers, thought patterns and typical behaviors, so you can make some conscious decisions to change. 

 

Once you’re aware of your 

• Feelings

• Thoughts

• Actions

• Behaviors 

 

You can uncover the beliefs that hold you back from reaching your potential. Those beliefs have probably become ingrained in you, and they can create behaviors that sabotage your becoming the best version of yourself. 

 

Challenge those beliefs, and you will see and understand how much unnecessary pain they have caused you. In this way, you can break free from those patterns of sabotage and grow a brighter internal flame. 

 

Understand your inner potential.

 

Seeing and understanding your inner potential, you’ll note that it includes your unique qualities, talents, and abilities. It’s a largely untapped source of true greatness that can remain hidden because of factors like lack of awareness, fear, or self-doubt. 

 

To unlock your true potential, you need to recognize that you are, in fact, capable of more than you probably think. You have to believe in yourself, while understanding that room for growth and improvement is always there. Embrace this journey of positive self-discovery as you remain open to the many possibilities that are out there for you. 

 

Continue learning throughout your life.

 

Learning is a critical aspect of personal growth. It will keep your mind active, expand your knowledge base, and widen your perspectives. Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning by staying curious, seeking new knowledge, and acquiring new skills. 

 

Read books in your leisure time, take online or in person courses, engage in purposeful conversations and explore any new areas of interest you may have. You can continuously develop and evolve when you embrace of mindset of seeking growth. 

 

• Are you always learning?

• Why or why not?

• What methods are you using to continue your learning?

 

Learning throughout your life is a key to a sustained growth toward becoming the best person you can be. Remain curious and stay hungry for knowledge. Keep exploring, so you expand your understanding of your world. Education fuels personal growth and the unlocking of your true potential. 

 

Conclusion

 

Dedicate regular time to improving yourself. As is true with any aspect of life, personal growth does require an investment in time. Chisel out those moments when you can be introspective, as you reflect on what you have learned and incorporate those lessons into your best possible life. 

 

Make the most of your potential. Set forth on a fulfilling journey of personal growth and self-discovery. Remain passionate, patient, and persistent as you pursue self-improvement. The secret to unlocking your potential isn’t some magic notion; rather, it is your commitment to take each day one at a time and become the best version of you that you can be. 

 

References

 

https://medium.com/@smart.minds.together/the-secret-to-unlocking-your-inner-potential-an-essential-guide-to-becoming-the-best-version-of-22abf17ba605

https://lizjakoi.com/the-secret-to-unlocking-your-full-potential/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/secret-personal-growth-unveiling-your-true-potential-keith-engelhardt-c5m7e

Mind Over Matter: The Science Behind Mental Toughness

Mental toughness means many things, and one of the most important is the ability to identify and then control your emotions, so they won’t distract you from performing at your peak level. 

 

This skill is flexible and under your control, so you can develop mental toughness as you would build muscle. It can be trained, and you can make it stronger. It’s up to you to determine how you can train your own mental toughness. 

 

Mental toughness includes the cultivation of intentional actions.

 

You cannot increase your brain size directly, but you can improve the way it functions. You can build on your brain’s ability to properly process information, then perform your daily tasks more efficiently. 

 

Today, everyone is bombarded by an overload of information and so many distractions. This makes mental toughness essential. Some strategies for sharpening your focus include: 

 

• Engage in more physical activity. Exercise will help to improve your brain function. It also allows you to counteract a sedentary lifestyle that modern technology encourages. 

• Balance your use of technology. Use it in a mindful way. Technology can enhance your efficiency, but don’t let it replace memory exercises and critical thinking. 

• Develop stronger social connections. These interactions may boost cognitive function and mental health.

 

Small physical wins help in the development of mental toughness.

 

It’s often thought that mental toughness is all about the way you respond to the most extreme situations. Yes, these situations will test your perseverance and courage, but what about circumstances you run into every day? 

 

Mental toughness must be worked on, in order to develop and grow. If you don’t push yourself in smaller ways, you will not perform at your best when things become difficult. 

 

Choose to do extra reps in your mental exercise, even if it’s easier not to. Choose creation even when consumption is simpler. Choose to ask extra questions when you could just as easily accept the information already provided. Prove to yourself in small ways that you have the guts to battle it out with the hardships of life. 

Use small, frequent wins to build your mental toughness. Take time to make informed decisions every day, to build the muscle of mental toughness. Mental strength is always desirable, but you can’t simply think to build that toughness. Your physical actions prove the strength of your mental fortitude.

 

The science of resilience and how to build mental toughness. 

 

Resilience is not something that everyone has in equal amounts. It can vary in one person, from one experience to another. You can cultivate resilience at any age. When you learn to be more resilient, it can aid you in developing vital life skills, helpful in navigating the challenges you face.

 

The science of mental toughness is multifaceted and complex. It encompasses psychology, genetics, neurobiology and more. If you understand the factors contributing to resilience, and the ways by which they can be cultivated, you can improve your mental toughness. 

 

Conclusion

 

In your quest to develop mental toughness, it’s important to remember that you can be “too tough.” If you build up excessive mental toughness, it may lead to anxiety, burnout, and an unhealthy balance in work and in your life overall. You need to properly manage it. 

 

Some people think they need to push right through every challenge in life. In actuality, you need to be self-aware about how much you can handle and when to slow down and ask for help. Mental toughness actually sometimes appears like you’re saying “no.” If you don’t meet every single goal every day, you need to understand that’s ok. 

 

Resources

 

https://jamesclear.com/mental-toughness

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-do-you-think-about-that/202407/mind-over-matter-sculpt-your-brain-transform-your-future

https://rewirefitness.app/science/the-science-behind-mental-toughness/

https://www.clearmindcounselingsd.com/blog/the-science-of-resilience-unveiling-the-secrets-of-mental-toughness

 

Knowing When to Take a Stand (and When Not to)

Getting involved in petty arguments will get you nowhere. It's a great way to stifle creativity and kill productivity. You see it happen in business meetings all the time.

 

One person pitches a certain approach. Someone else argues against that particular idea. Maybe a third person gets involved. An hour or more can be spent monopolizing the time of everyone in the room and little progress is made.

 

Sometimes this is the way you come up with great ideas.

 

It's a great brainstorming tactic. You get a bunch of smart minds in a room. They are allowed to throw out any ideas they have on a particular subject. Everything is recorded and eventually one of those ideas leads to a big success.

Other times it's the worst possible process.

 

Could Your Time Be Better Spent Doing Something Else?

 

Whenever you find yourself investing time in a discussion, ask yourself a simple question. "Should I be doing something else instead?"

 

This could be a discussion with yourself. You don't have to be talking to another person. We engage in silent self-talk all the time. It can be negative, repetitive and defeating if we're not careful.

 

If you're planning on chasing down a dream, pick your battles. Don't argue with yourself or with someone else needlessly. Before you know it you've invested a lot of time, emotion and mental energy that got you nowhere. Could you have made more progress and generated more positive energy doing something else instead?

 

This can help you create some really big wins in your life. You hear stories all the time about some huge achievement that started out small. In the beginning all that was present was a big idea.

 

The owner of that idea may not have had many resources or enough money to do much more than just get started. Time was at a premium, like it is for all of us. Eventually, with a focused vision and a lot of hard work, the big idea led to a big result.

 

Big Achievement Doesn't Happen without Efficient Time Management

 

The most important asset in your life is time. This is true in your personal and business lives. We are not guaranteed any amount of time, so respect that. Pick your battles. Know when to take a stand and when moving on makes more sense.

 

People who turn big thoughts into big realities understand this. They surrender a position to someone else when they know that stringing things out wouldn't be the most productive decision. Learn this in your own life and greater productivity can lead to greater results.

 

4 Ways to Make a Decision So You Can Get to It Already

Making decisions is never easy. You need to assess your options, consider the risks, and predict a potential outcome. The more choices you have, the harder it gets. Additionally, self-doubt can affect your judgment and keep you from taking action. 

 

Even a minor decision, such as skipping a workout, can impact your life. For some reason, you can't make it to the gym today. The next day, something unexpected comes up, so you miss your workout once again. A month goes by, and you barely got any exercise. 

 

So, what's the best way to make a decision you won't regret? One that requires action and can change your life for the better? Here are four strategies you can use: 

 

Write It Down 

 

Every time you need to make a big decision put it on paper. Write down how you feel about it, assess the pros and cons, and highlight the key facts. Read everything the next day and the day after. If you still feel the same about it, go ahead and take action! 

 

Journaling is a good way to clarify your ideas and thoughts, stay organized, and learn more about yourself. Give it a try - decision making will become a lot easier! 

 

Set Clear Intentions 

 

Make sure you have a clear goal in mind. Don’t make decisions when you're feeling sad, angry, or overly excited. Think of what you want to achieve and decide accordingly. 

 

Let's say that you want to switch careers. What's the reason behind your decision? Do you dislike your current job, want a higher salary, or feel like you could do more? 

 

Quitting your job just because you're bored or stuck in a rut may not be the best decision - especially if you don't have a backup plan. Consider your reasons for taking this step - refrain from acting purely on impulse.

 

Detach Yourself from Negative Emotions 

 

Fear, self-doubt, anger, and frustration can interfere with decision making. Negative emotions affect your mood and behavior, reflecting on your actions. 

 

Acknowledge these feelings and declutter your mind. Never make a decision when you’re under stress or pressure.

 

Stop Striving for Perfection

 

When you're striving for perfection, it can be difficult to make decisions. The result might not live up to your expectations. 

 

Smart decision making isn't about finding the perfect solution. It's about getting things done. Stop aiming for perfection and start making decisions that drive results.