goals

Sep

2021

How to Start with Visualization

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Did you know that some successful people like Olympic athletes hired visualization coaches to help them achieve their dreams? That is because visualization is a super powerful tool that helps high achievers reach their goals. Visualization helps them create their dream lives in their minds. It allows people to believe in this new reality that is manufactured in the mind. This brings about a new level of confidence to accomplish their goals. So, how to start with visualization?

Benefits of Visualization

Visualization is a mental exercise that allows you to focus on the future rather than the now. It makes you imagine a life that you could have. Why is it effective? Well, according to Jack Canfield, a motivational speaker and a co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul; Visualization gives you the following benefits:

1.It Activates Your Creative Subconscious

Did you know that brilliant ideas in the arts, businesses, sciences and other fields all came from the people’s creative subconscious mind? People’s imagination can produce genius thoughts; something that your conscious mind will have a hard time producing. You can get to this state if you find a quiet place to close your eyes and calm your mind. You need to let go of all the stress, worries and all negative emotions.

2.It Programs Your Brain

Instead of focusing on your difficulties, your brain will be reprogrammed to look at solutions. You will be able to readily perceive and recognize the resources available at your disposal. You will be able to find little ways or things that will take you one step closer to your goals.

3. It Activates the Law of Attraction

Since your brain has been reprogrammed to focus on the positive, this activates the law of attraction in your life. You will become a magnet, attracting people, resources and even circumstances and events into your life that will lead you closer and closer to your goals.

4. It Builds Your Internal Motivation

What separates successful people from those who are not is the level of perseverance. All the knowledge, talents and skills in the world are all useless without perseverance. Perseverance is persistence. It is the ability to stand up again when you fall. It is to continue working on one’s goals despite the challenges and difficulties. Visualization builds your internal motivation. It gives you your ‘why’.

How to Start With Visualization

It is easy to start with visualization more so if you understand the benefits behind it. But first, you need to be very clear on what you want. Your goals should be clearly defined. Once you have that figured out, all you need to do is set aside a few minutes of your time. Then sit in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and imagine.

What do you want to achieve?
Where do you want to be in the future?

Imagine the future as VIVID as you can. Imagine as if you are already there. It is a world wherein you are already living your dream life. Include all the details in your visualization. Activate all the five senses. See, hear, feel, taste and smell your ideal future.

Repeat this mental exercise daily. Choose the time of the day where you are most relaxed. That can be either in the morning, as soon as you wake up or at night, before you go to bed.

Sample Visualization

For example, your goal is to have a new car. Before you start your visualization, you need to be very clear first on what car you want, what is the model, the color, etc. Once you figure all these out, you are now ready to start visualizing.

Imagine yourself waking up in the morning, in your room smelling the air. You should be able to smell the morning breeze. Imagine all the details in your room. Then, you stand up and get ready for work.
After taking a bath and dressing up, you now go to the dining room to eat your breakfast. What is the food on the table? Imagine eating and tasting the food on the table.
Once you are done, you are now ready to leave for work. You now stand and get your car keys. What is the logo on the key? What does the car key look like? Imagine holding the car key in your hand.
You can now proceed to go to the garage. There, you see parked in the garage is your car. What is the brand, color and model of the car? You click the car keys to enter the car.
Once you get in, you can smell the interior of the car. You turn on the engine and you leave for work.
On your way to work, you turn on the radio of the car and you listen to music with a smile on your face.

To make it more powerful, it helps to create a vision board. A vision board is a visual representation of every aspect of your dream life. Then, expect amazing results.

Good luck!

Feature Image by Игорь Левченко from Pixabay

Jul

2021

Benefits of Being an Underdog

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The truly successful know the benefits of being an underdog because they maintain that mindset. People who continue succeeding are those who still maintain the habits that they practiced when they were still underdogs. This is especially useful when they face new or unplanned challenges.

If you are starting a new career, a new business or restarting your life in some way; then you can consider yourself as starting from scratch again. You are in a great position to take advantage of being the underdog.

1. Your Goals, Your Rules

As an underdog, you are not obligated or pressured to declare your goals to the world. You can work quietly and in peace to achieve success. Change your direction when you need to and correct mistakes as you go along. Only you will notice most of these things.

This doesn’t mean you have to do things alone. You can slowly build your own network of people , even find mentors, who can help you in different ways. One of the benefits of an underdog is that you can go about this in your own way and at your own pace. It’s your call who you choose to work with and why.

2. Stronger Motivation

Most underdogs are less pressured than those who are already successful because people around them have low expectations of them. However, this only serves to fuel their motivation to succeed. Underdogs are not afraid to fail because they know they can learn from the experience.

Since you’re just starting out, you don’t have the pressure of having to keep up with your own reputation or defend your title or position as top dog in your field. Because of this, you have a stronger urge to prove yourself and impress the top dogs. You can surpass your own and other’s expectations as long as you work diligently and consistently.

3. Very High Creativity

Underdogs don’t often have the resources and social network that top dogs have. What they do have plenty of is creativity. With limited resources, you must find creative solutions to overcome obstacles along the way. You learn to analyze and manage your limited resources to get the best possible outcome. You have the courage to try out new ways of doing things.

Since you need to do everything yourself; you learn to do what you can with what you have and delegate where you need to. One of the benefits being an underdog is you also learn to prioritize and allocate time, personnel and other resources more efficiently. These skills will come in handy when you progress on to bigger goals in the future.

4. Everyone is Rooting for You

Although underdogs are less pressured from high expectations; people who see them going after their goals empathize with them. After all, aren’t we all underdogs until we reach the top? That’s why underdogs usually enjoy a lot of empathy and support from many people.

Underdogs tend to help others and root for each other. They are a fan of each other’s talents and skills. It’s always fun to get together with other underdogs and celebrate your wins. With underdogs, small victories are always cherished moments.

As an underdog, you are a bundle of potential. You are only competing against yourself. You are only limited by your own imagination. Being an underdog means that you have every opportunity to surprise everyone with your success. So good luck! We’re rooting for you!

Feature Image: Original Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash.

Jul

2021

Not Today

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Tell your self, “Not today.” If you’re thinking of quitting, turning back, ending it all; then tell your self, “No, not today.” Everyone is trying to realize their dreams. We look up to those who have already succeeded. Those who are still pursuing their dreams are taking it one day at a time.

All of us have experienced a point in our lives where we just want to quit or turn back or let go of something we want or committed too because it’s too hard to go on. You don’t want to suffer anymore. You think you have sacrificed so much already. But won’t your sufferings and sacrifices be for nothing if you quit now? You can’t always get up and continue, or redesign your life and your goals.

If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.
Martin Luther King Jr.

That’s not how successful people become successful. They too have suffered and sacrificed. They only overcame their challenges because of their attitude. Each time they encounter an obstacle; they tell themselves, “Not today.” Winners don’t quit. They just take a rest and get up to fight another day.

Of course, not quitting is not the only thing you have to do in order to succeed in your goals. Many people also want to succeed and have made up their mind not to quit on their dreams. This is the best mindset and attitude to have. But if you don’t have a plan for how to reach your goals, then you won’t know how to work around the obstacles along the way. Having a plan can be the difference that gives you major advantage in whatever goals you are pursuing. You can’t just keep wishing and hoping; you need to do some planning.

A goal without a plan is just a wish.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Not having a plan can be the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t. A plan gives you an idea of what to focus on at each stage of your journey. This serves as your guide so you never lose your path, or lose hope for your dreams. A plan helps you to tell your self that you won’t quit, not today, anyway. Because it helps you identify what paths are worth pursuing and what not to continue on.

So if you’re feeling left out, helpless and unsure; then tell your self that you won’t quit on your self; not today, not until you succeed; not until you achieve your dreams. Use your imagination, ask your heart, get into your magic shop and seek your dream. Then draw your self a plan for your future steps. If you decide not to give up on your self and your goals each day; then every tomorrow becomes an opportunity to realize your dream.

Feature Image: Original Photo by Rosie Kerr on Unsplash.

Apr

2021

How to Practice Self-Control

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Do you know the Marshmallow Test? It is a study about self-control. In the study, results indicate that children who practiced self-control have better outcomes in life. Thus, the study proves that self-control is vital in the fulfillment of goals. Indeed, the ability to control our desires, emotions and impulses can ultimately lead to a happier, healthier and wealthier life. But the question now is how to practice self-control.

Here are some tips on how to improve your will power:

1.Believe in Willpower

Willpower is the ability to control one’s thoughts and actions. Believing that you can actually accomplish something gives you a strong determination to accomplish a difficult task. In other words, it is a belief that you have in yourself that you have in your hands the power to create success or failure.

If you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.
– Henry Ford

Rather than thinking that you can’t do something, shift your thinking to “I will do it” or “I choose to do it.”

2. Exercise

A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that exercising is a simple way to increase our self-control. Physical activities affect our mood, and this can ultimately affect how people make decisions. The study shows how regular physical exercise altered and improved the decision-making of the controlled group in areas relating to self-discipline such as anger control, healthy eating, spending, studying habits and commitments. The study also reveals how exercise reduced unhealthy habits such as smoking and caffeine consumption.

3. Look at the Bigger Picture

When you look at the bigger picture, you are not just looking at satisfying your desire for now. Instead, you are focusing on your bigger goals and what you ultimately want to accomplish. In short, there is change in the perspective of things. It is easier to divert and refocus. In the end, you will be able to make decisions based on your true priorities.

For example, you have always wanted to have your own car. And your goal is to raise enough money for the downpayment of the car. But a new cellphone model has been released. And you want to purchase one. However, you are well aware that if you purchase that cellphone now, it means a step further away from having your own car. So, what do you do in this scenario? It is so easy to succumb to your immediate desire. But a person looking at the bigger picture will have a different decision.

4.Meditate

Meditation puts us in command of our emotions. Through mindfulness practice, we get to learn to observe our thoughts and feelings. As we begin to become aware and pay attention to the bodily sensations that accompany a specific emotion; we begin to master impulse and behavior control. Awareness and acceptance increase our capacity to inhibit such impulses.

5. Stay Away from Temptation

Assess yourself, are you the type of person who is simply not wired to have excellent self-control? If so, then the best thing to do is to stay away from temptation. Why subject yourself to torture and struggle when you can easily remove it.

For example, you love eating junk foods. Resisting them is a big challenge for you. Then, the best thing to do is not to purchase one. Don’t fill your pantry with junk food. Avoid that aisle in the grocery. If it is not readily available, then there is nothing to eat. In short, out of sight, out of mind. Period.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Feb

2021

Korean Dramas About Pursuing Dreams

Reading Time: 4 minutes

What is your dream life? How will you describe your perfect spring day? If you want to have a better life, you must always start with defining your goals and dreams. Once you have figured out what you want, then you are now ready to pursue your dreams. However, pursuing dreams and goals is never easy. You need to focus. You also need to persevere. It helps if you have passion for what you are doing. To have a clear idea on what it takes to achieve your goals, take inspiration in these some Korean dramas about pursuing dreams.

1. Dream High

Video Credit: KBS World T V

Dream high is about a group of young talented kids who entered the toughest art school in the country in order to achieve their dreams. It is a story of growing up, friendships and competitions among peers. It is about dedication and passion for the arts. Most importantly, it is about the desire to be successful in their chosen fields.

2. Dr. Romantic 1 & 2

Video Credit: Viu Singapore

Unlike the rest of the dramas where people had to start from the bottom to achieve their dreams, the dramas Dr. Romantics 1 and 2 are different in the sense that the leads are already doctors. However, something happened in their lives that got them reassigned to a small unknown hospital in the countryside. There, they met Dr. Kim, a genius surgeon who became their mentor. Dr. Kim helped them achieve their dreams of becoming better doctors. In addition, they also become better persons in the process.

3. Itaewon Class

Video Credit: The Swoon

Pursuing dreams is always a challenge. More so, if you have to start at the bottom. If you love stories about underdogs, then Itaewon class is for you. An ex-convict, sociopath, transgender, gangster, illegitimate son and a foreigner teams up together to open a bar in Itaewon. These misfits were able to overcome challenges together and rose to become the biggest in the food industry in the country. It shows the importance of a dream team in achieving success in life.

4. Last Empress

https://youtu.be/cepBlvRMgtA

Video Credit: Viki Global TV

The Last Empress is a fictional drama set in a premise of a modern-day South Korea under a constitutional Korea. It is about a man who wants to find out the reason for his mother’s death and vows to take down the corrupt monarchy. Although the goal of revenge is something that should not be advocated, the drama shows how a weak person can rise to become a palace bodyguard who will be responsible in bringing about justice to a lot of people.

5. Record of Youth

Video Credit: Netflix Asia

This drama is about the lives of young individuals struggling in the world of entertainment. Known as the most cutthroat industry, it is notoriously hard to break and become a success in the entertainment industry. Find out how three ambitious young people from different social classes navigate their way in the industry to pursue their dreams.

6. Remember: War of the Son

https://youtu.be/e_qG3vPgtPw

Video Credit: Viki Global TV

Although it is a sad story that shows the dark and corrupt side of the law, Remember: War of the Son is a story of a 22-year old man whose main goal is to prove the innocence of his father. He becomes a lawyer in order to achieve his goal. It is a courtroom suspense drama that will bring tears and some laughter in your eyes.

7. Revolutionary Love

Revolutionary love is the story of a prodigal son who was able to rise above his sheltered and privileged life to become an advocate for workers’ rights in their own company. Although he started not knowing what he wants in life, he was able to find love and purpose in the story.

8. Start-Up

Video Credit: Netflix Asia

Start-up is drama about the challenges and struggles in putting up a start-up company. It shows how young individuals work together in order to achieve their dreams. The drama also shares business lessons for young entrepreneurs who are starting their businesses.

9. The Entertainer

The Entertainer is about a man who is already on top of his field as a music producer and talent manager who gave it all up to start his own business only to end up losing everything. It is a story of how he was able to get back right up on his feet and restart pursuing his dreams again. You will also see the character development of the main protagonist from an arrogant jerk to a respectable and kind-hearted person. The drama depicted how every adversity can make a person change for the better.

10. WWW

WWW is all about girl power. The three female leads have very strong characters. They are focused, strong-willed and successful in their own careers. It is not so much about romance but rather the advancement and job security of women in their professions. it is all about women empowerment in the workforce.The drama is a realistic portrayal of women trying to pursue their dreams in their professional lives in a male-dominated society.

Video Credit: Viu Singapore

Do you know of any other Korean drama titles about pursuing dreams?

Photo by Nadi Lindsay from Pexels

Special thanks to Lyrie , Sher and Isabel, certified Kdrama fanatics, for recommending some of the titles.

Dec

2020

Give Thanks in Advance

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The end of the year can be a great opportunity to give thanks in advance for the things you want to manifest in the new year. Before we turn over a new chapter in our calendars; let’s reflect on our goals and decide what wishes we want to fulfill in the future. This is one of the ways that you can have a healthy, fresh start for the new year.

Reflect On Your Goals

The first thing to do for this challenge is to sit down and review the past year. Review the goals you had for this year. How far have you come in your current goals? Are you going to continue on with some goals? Decide which goals are still worth pursuing. Recall the lessons you learned for this year. Do you have new goals? Which areas of your life have you lacked focused on this year? Try to create goals for that area that you can work on for next year. Take your time to meditate on this topic for awhile so you can do a deep reflection.

Make Your Wish List

The next step is to list down your goals. Try to categorize them according to the different areas of your life. Essentially, you are creating a bucket list of the things that you want to accomplish in the new year. Make sure that you follow the SMART method when creating your goals. This way you can measure your progress more easily.

Give Thanks in Advance

Finally, say thanks for your goals. Write down a “Thank You” statement for each of your goals on strips of paper and store it in a jar. You can also do this on a sheet of paper or on your gratitude journal if you want. The aim of this activity is to give thanks for your wishes in advance in order to manifest them faster. Try to visualize how it feels when your wish has come true as you say your thanks. If you prefer, you can also do a vision board.

Of course, you still have to work hard for you wishes to come true. But by saying “Thank You” in advance, you are giving a signal to the Universe that you are ready to receive the manifestation of your wish. It also rewires your mindset for success. Remember the mind-body connection? If your thoughts already anticipate your wishes coming true; then you will be in the mood to physically act on your goals.

As we welcome the New Year, the real challenge starts. Try to adopt an attitude of gratitude for the blessings you receive daily even as you work hard to achieve your goals. This will help you to maintain the positive vibe that will keep you always ready to receive blessings. It will also help you to attract even more blessings.

Reflect, Say Thanks, Repeat

Keep your wish jar or wish list in a safe place at home or in your room. You can also have your family put in their wishes in one jar. At the end of the year, take out the wish jar or wish list. Read them and see which ones have come true. You will be surprised at how much you have to be grateful for. You may end up saying thanks for more than what you wished for. Then, say your thanks for your fulfilled wishes and repeat this challenge for the next year. ‘Till then, let’s keep smiling to welcome the new year and each day of the year.

Featured Image: Original Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash.