Jack Canfield: There are no obstacles, only oppurtunities

This video is amazing! In it, well-known motivational speaker Jack Canfield discusses the concept of reverse paranoia: a state of mind in which you believe that everything happening around you is propelling you towards an amazing future. Jack doesn't think that anything should be viewed as failure -- not even being laid off! Instead, he encourages us to see setbacks as a golden opportunity to do better next time. Incorporating this philosophy into your life will make you a more positive thinker. As Jack proposes, "Good is not an accident, but something you create with your attitudes."

More about Jack Canfield, "America's Success Coach," from his website:
It doesn't matter if your goals are to be the top sales person in your company, become a leading architect, lose weight, become a better parent, increase confidence, buy your dream home or make millions of dollars – Jack can help you develop a clear, personal plan of action that will completely transform your life into exactly what you want it to be.

For more than 30 years, Jack has been coaching individuals, entrepreneurs, educators, and corporate leaders how to accelerate the achievement of their personal and professional goals, live their dreams, and create more joy in their life on a day-to-day basis.

The bottom line: Believe you can achieve your goals and dreams. See EVERY event in your life as a positive opportunity. Nothing can stop you from achieving your ideal life. Your ideal life is waiting for you to achieve it!

You CAN do it!

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Inspirational tips to build and maintain a positive outlook

When you're very busy and have many goals, it's easy to get overwhelmed. There are many tools that can help organize your thoughts and your life!

You can take full control of your life. No matter what happens, you can make a conscious decision to move forward positively. This applies to everything ranging from academia to family life. With the proper inspirational tools, you can create the life that is ideal for you. Today I decided to incorporate the following inspirational tactics into my life:

(1) AFFIRMATIONS
Affirmations are statements that you repeat to yourself multiple times a day, preferably in front of a mirror. Look yourself directly in the eyes and imagine the characteristics and goals you want to achieve. For example, "I am smart or something better." Or "I am confident or something better." You don't necessarily need to believe the affirmations for them to work -- just say them at least once daily and keep it up for the rest of your life. Constantly affirm that you are successful, attractive, intelligent, etc. and you will create a self-fulfilling prophecy. For more on affirmations, see "The Power of Affirmations" by Karim Hajee.

(2) BREAKS
If you start to feel overwhelmed when addressing a situation, don't panic. Take a break; you may want to count to ten and/or close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Reassure yourself that you are doing a great job; create a mantra such as "I am an amazing person and I will meet this challenge head on." BELIEVE it. Train your mind to turn a negative thought into a positive thought. Focus on the good of the situation or the good of another situation in your life. If you are religious, ask God for strength, courage and help. Gradually reduce the amount of time you take for this process so that you feel a sense of relief in minutes or seconds. This will take time, patience and a lot of practice.

(3) EXERCISE
Exercise releases endorphins and helps to create a powerful release outlet for stress. Core exercises for your body such as crunches and yoga positions (such as the bridge and the modified plank) can help strengthen your abs and back, ultimately making you stronger and more energetic.

(4) THANKS IN ADVANCE
Give thanks for things you don't have yet. Act as if what you want is already in your possession--and believe it! Give thanks for qualities, items, accomplishments, success in love, and everything else that you want to achive. You can give thanks in prayer or to the mirror. Thank God (if you're religious) and also thank yourself. BELIEVE and you will ACHIEVE.

I've begun stockpiling these tips and I'm doing more research in the wonderful and fascinating field of inspirational tools. As part of a project I'm currently working on, I plan to compile a thorough understanding of inspirational tools -- possibly over the next six months to a year. More tips to come!
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