“That’s it! I’ve had enough!” You may subconsciously utter these words when life’s stressful challenges reach the peak of emotional exhaustion.

Formerly, the word “burn out” was used to describe busted electric bulbs. Somehow, the word burnout came to origin and is now also used to describe emotional drain in humans. For light bulbs, it is irreversible. Luckily for humans, this is only temporary; self-help remedies are readily available to get us out of this predicament.-Self Improvement

Apply these 8 tips:

1. Take time outs to savor the fresh scent of nature, especially flowers. The sight and the fragrance that flowers bring can be great relief to a tired, irritated, or dragged feeling. If you love nature, nothing is more invigorating than flowers and plants. They represent nature in its true essence.-Self Improvement


2. Examine if your burnout is a result of doing something you don’t like to do, yet you have to face it just the same. In such case, picture in your mind an image that you like to do and substitute this image to the thing you don’t like to do. Somehow, this strategy of imagery helps to lessen the tiring weight of the thing you despise to act upon. In the process, your task gets done with less resistance on your part and it would even probably reach the point that you would enjoy doing it. Before you even know it, the job is already done and probably with favorable results. -Self Improvement


3. Gather physical energy. Ginseng is an energy food. Most health food stores sell it. You can either take it as a tea drink or mix it in your cooking for a wholesome meal. Ginseng comes in a variety of strengths. The more potent it is, the better your physical (and mental) performance will be. If you’re not very familiar with it, just ask your health food store representative and they will gladly help you out.


4. Take time out to regain your composure. A burnout can be equated to an individual who could use a time out from the hustles of life. This is similar to a coach of a basketball team asking for a time out to come up with a winning game plan when his team is not playing at its peak. Take advantage of this time out to meditate and relax those frenzied nerves.


5. Take time out to empty your mind. Pick up and round up useful memories and discard those damaging emotions and negative thoughts.


6. Discover a newfound freedom, free from emotional drain. Go on a picnic with the family, a camping trip out in the woods, or a weekend excursion to a totally different environment.


7. Listen to relaxing music. It lifts us emotionally. You may want to choose specific sounds that can relieve a person from burnout like soft Classical melodies. -Self Improvement


8. Indulge. It’s quite common to hear from somebody: “I just want to get home and soak myself in a bathtub.” Quite true, this can help overcome burnout. Better yet, go to a spa where you can get a treatment package from massage to whirlpool baths.

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Problems occur as a natural consequence of human life.
Often times, people get into deeper trouble when trying to solve problems. On a positive note, problems make one’s life exciting and these define a person’s character. One can take a positive view towards approaching his problems, but he should always face his problems in the right way.
Some people tend to block off their problems or hide and wait for these problems to disintegrate into thin air. Some people resort to the use of alcohol (or perhaps illegal drugs) to “forget” their problems. Perhaps drinking a couple of beers will help one think of a bright solution but it’s as far as drinking will take him. Implementing the plan to solve a problem requires additional elements.-Self Improvement
Here are some tips on how to take on your problem and be able to effectively resolve it:
1. Use your observational skills
This basic step is thought in primary school and can be applied in the real-life scenario. Many people tend to forget this primary step in solving a problem. -Self Improvement
Carefully observe the implications of a certain problem and try to infer on its possible causes. This move will give you a more comprehensive view of the whole scenario that is essential towards arriving at a holistic solution.-Self Improvement
2. Dissect the problem and search for the root cause
Problems may present themselves as a consequence or the root of other problems. It is best that you target the main cause of the problem. This way, all the other problems that come along with it can be solved as well. Make sure that the problem that you are trying to address is the root and not the consequence. Problems are like weeds. Unless you take out the roots, these will just keep coming back to hurt you.-Self Improvement
3. Maximize resources
Problems will vary in nature and therefore, the approaches will vary. However, problem solving will always involve the use of resources. Resources will not always refer to physical resources, but to your capacities in delivering results. Choose an approach that matches your resources.-Self Improvement
4. Seek many choices
Always look at all the choices and alternatives available. Aristotle tells us that there should always be a third choice when addressing a problem. A problem is never exclusively in black or white. There will always be gray areas. If you only have two choices, think harder.-Self Improvement
5. Maintain a positive attitude
Failure is bound to happen sometimes. However, when a problem is not solved, do not ever lose hope especially if you did your best. Some solutions are never meant to work or perhaps the problem will be solved by another individual. What matters most are the lessons that you will learn in trying to solve the said problem.
A journey contains experiences that can never be encountered in the destination. Life itself is a journey and troubles are part of this journey. -Self Improvement
Losing your battles every once in a while is normal but you should always remember the lessons that you learn from each battle and come back stronger the next time around.

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We encounter problems all the time, be it in school, at home, or at work. Some may be as simple as one plus one; others are as complicated as getting an elephant inside a refrigerator. However, no matter how complex the problem may be, there are many ways to reach a solution.-Self Improvement

Here are some creative tips to problem solving:

1. Clearly describe the problem.

Try to explain the nature of the problem, however, make sure that you describe the problem and not what you perceive will be possible solutions to it. Writing it down may help. In addition, drawing it out or sketching it can be another way of visualizing the problem. Sometimes, words create hindrances in the way people think. Flow charts or drawings can help the problem solver to make relationships, connections, or steps that lead to a solution.-Self Improvement

Associations can be of great help. Associating similar concepts or ideas may help in determining the nature of your problem. Nevertheless, the problem solver should still note the differences between the concepts being associated. Furthermore, try looking at problems from different perspectives. Sometimes, reading between the lines is essential. -Self Improvement

2. Use your time wisely.

Consider the time you have in solving your problem. Don't expect to think of the solution immediately. Utilize your breaks if you’re not making any progress. Prioritizing is important. Analyze which problems should be dealt with first. -Self Improvement

3. Before subjecting yourself to gruesome thinking, think of possible solutions, even those that seem to be impossible, then engage in relaxing activities.

This activity will increase the probability of your subconscious coming up with a solution. Even though the solution may be far fetched or out of this world, this will help brain stimulation. Solutions generated in the 'relaxed mode' may be more practical and realistic as compared to normal solutions. -Self Improvement

4. Think of flexible solutions rather the standards already available.

Flexible solutions are favored over protocol or standards. This may aid in smoother implementation when applying it to the problem. An example is flexible working hours for employees. Through this, the employees have more time for other activities. This may address staffing shortage in a company.

Although flexibility is preferred, sometimes standardization is the key, depending on the context. Standards give order and control to a situation. However, given the current trends in our society and the increasing competition in different fields, flexibility can be really handy.

5. Know if the problem is already solved or if you’re not actually solving the problem.

As stated, it is imperative that you know when there is no more problem or if you are not really targeting the problem. Monitoring your solutions will aid in the decision making on whether to change the chosen solution or to stick with it. A completion criterion can help you in analyzing if the problem has been solved.-Self Improvement

6. Gain knowledge from the experts.

You are facing a problem because you are not familiar with the situation. Asking for help is not bad or humiliating. Remember that the people who have faced similar problems have knowledge on how to handle it. Bear in mind that it’s not the titles that separate the experts. It is their understanding of the problem that will quantify if they have the expert opinion. -Self Improvement

7. Deal with the root causes.

It is not a great idea to focus on the insignificant impacts of the problem. To solve a problem, focus on the root. This technique will eliminate other problems that branch out of it. Ideas arise naturally when the root of the problem is identified. Successful identification of the root of the problem is attained when you have specific steps that will lead to a solution. -Self Improvement

8. Involve the involved and remove the extraneous.

Do the things you need to do. Avoid engaging in activities that do not help in eliminating the problem. This will only consume time and effort that should have been allotted to problem solving. Also, involve the people who can help with the problem. Don't forget to express gratitude to those people who have helped. Nonetheless, remember: too many cooks spoil the broth. -Self Improvement

9. Be prepared when something goes wrong.

Have a back up plan when problem solving. A solution to your problem involves the solution itself and the possible alternatives that will be handy when things go wrong.

Again, problem solving include:

1. Clearly describe the problem.
2. Use your time wisely.
3. Before subjecting yourself to gruesome thinking, think of possible solutions, even those that seem to be impossible, then engage in relaxing activities.
4. Think of flexible solutions rather the standards already available.
5. Know if the problem is already solved or if you’re not actually solving the problem.
6. Gain knowledge from the experts.
7. Deal with the root causes.
8. Involve the involved and remove the extraneous.
9. Be prepared when something goes wrong.

These are just a few ways to aid in problem solving. Remember that you must analyze the problem very well so that you may apply these tips to solve them.

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Life is too short not to enjoy, so while you still have time, let your hair down and remove that “Boring” tag in your so-called life and start making it worthwhile. Below are some tips that will help you escape from your self-made rut and start controlling how you spend each waking hour of your day.-Self Improvement

Keep a Positive Atmosphere.

Stop whining about the things you don’t have and how wrecked you think your life is. Rather, enjoy what you have and work on getting the things you desire. Psychologists believe that optimism is a good defense against unhappiness, so it is better to keep your optimism alive. Moaning about your life will only attract negative vibes, so be wary. -Self Improvement

Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks.

Life is all about taking risks; and that’s the exciting part of it. Get out of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid of rejection. Challenges and failure are part of life. Once you learn how to take risks, you’ll soon realize how good it feels not to let moments pass you by. Trust me, you’ll get more out of life than what you are asking for, if you keep on trying.-Self Improvement

Carpe Diem.

Enjoy the present and let go of the past. You only have one life, so make it worthwhile. Brooding on the past just hinders you from the things you should be enjoying at the present.

List The Things You Want to Do.

Stop lazing around and give yourself something to be busy about. Write down a list of all the things you want to do and make a timeline, not to stress you out, but to remind you of your goals. Say, for example, you make a list of all the places you want to visit before you turn forty. No matter how unrealistic your dreams are, still jot them down. As what Paulo Coelho stressed in his book The Alchemist, “It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” So don’t put limits to yourself because you’ll never know what may happen.-Self Improvement

Try Out Something New.

Getting into something or trying something unfamiliar for you may seem scary, but nothing is more fulfilling than being able to conquer your fear. If you are afraid of heights, try bungee jumping or sky diving, even just once. Who knows? You might enjoy it! The world is a big place and there are still a lot of things waiting to be explored by you. Do the things you never did or even imagined doing before. Go to a foreign place where you know no one. Eat something exotic. And, yes, even the littlest act of donning short hair, when you have lived all your life sporting long hair, still counts.

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“That’s it! I’ve had enough!” You may subconsciously utter these words when life’s stressful challenges reach the peak of emotional exhaustion.

Formerly, the word “burn out” was used to describe busted electric bulbs. Somehow, the word burnout came to origin and is now also used to describe emotional drain in humans. For light bulbs, it is irreversible. Luckily for humans, this is only temporary; self-help remedies are readily available to get us out of this predicament.-Self Improvement

Apply these 8 tips:

1. Take time outs to savor the fresh scent of nature, especially flowers. The sight and the fragrance that flowers bring can be great relief to a tired, irritated, or dragged feeling. If you love nature, nothing is more invigorating than flowers and plants. They represent nature in its true essence.-Self Improvement

2. Examine if your burnout is a result of doing something you don’t like to do, yet you have to face it just the same. In such case, picture in your mind an image that you like to do and substitute this image to the thing you don’t like to do. Somehow, this strategy of imagery helps to lessen the tiring weight of the thing you despise to act upon. In the process, your task gets done with less resistance on your part and it would even probably reach the point that you would enjoy doing it. Before you even know it, the job is already done and probably with favorable results. -Self Improvement

3. Gather physical energy. Ginseng is an energy food. Most health food stores sell it. You can either take it as a tea drink or mix it in your cooking for a wholesome meal. Ginseng comes in a variety of strengths. The more potent it is, the better your physical (and mental) performance will be. If you’re not very familiar with it, just ask your health food store representative and they will gladly help you out.

4. Take time out to regain your composure. A burnout can be equated to an individual who could use a time out from the hustles of life. This is similar to a coach of a basketball team asking for a time out to come up with a winning game plan when his team is not playing at its peak. Take advantage of this time out to meditate and relax those frenzied nerves.

5. Take time out to empty your mind. Pick up and round up useful memories and discard those damaging emotions and negative thoughts.

6. Discover a newfound freedom, free from emotional drain. Go on a picnic with the family, a camping trip out in the woods, or a weekend excursion to a totally different environment.

7. Listen to relaxing music. It lifts us emotionally. You may want to choose specific sounds that can relieve a person from burnout like soft Classical melodies. -Self Improvement

8. Indulge. It’s quite common to hear from somebody: “I just want to get home and soak myself in a bathtub.” Quite true, this can help overcome burnout. Better yet, go to a spa where you can get a treatment package from massage to whirlpool baths.

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Does a weary, tired, hackneyed feeling, where the best time of the day is going to bed and the worst time is getting out of it, overwhelm you? Do you still feel weary and tired even after getting a good night’s rest? Do you keep tossing and turning the whole night through?-Self Improvement.

The problem may seem to be physical, but a large slice of it is psychological. Perhaps you are aware of the cause of the problem. You may also have the solution in sight. Follow a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get enough rest, avoid stress-inducing activities, think positive, take away those negative habits, get enthusiastic about life, and set a goal. You know all about these things, but the challenge is how to find the interest, energy, time, and initiative to act and stay active in the pool of solutions.-Self Improvement

The suggestions below may trigger your interest.

Try your best to find out what makes you feel weary. Is it your present status in life? Is it the surroundings or environment you’re living in? Does the frustrating news in the papers, radio, or TV pull you down? Do disappointments in life make you feel like giving up any interest to achieve something? -Self Improvement

Whatever your reason is, get a hold of yourself. Think of those people who try their best to overcome their adversities in life despite impairments or handicaps. They never give up. They strive. They keep on. Do they touch you in the heart? If they do, that’s good; because at this very moment, you have just decided to do something good with yourself. Do you know the first thing you need to do to get interested in life? Reach out to the less fortunate right now. -Self Improvement

One of the most rewarding activities in life is helping those in need. Make sure that you’re helping those who are really in need, not the ones who disguise themselves to be in need. This way, your efforts do not go for naught.

Knowing how it feels to help the needy, you must be thirsting for something to make you successful in life so that you will be in a better position to stretch out your helpful hands.-Self Improvement

To be successful, you have to decide what you want to do with your life. If you’re undecided, here are some tips: What do you love to do? What are your talents or skills? What does your community need? You'll definitely come
up with something worth doing. Formulate it. Plan it.

After deciding and planning, act on it pronto! Don’t delay. Don’t have second thoughts. Don’t dilly-dally. Be firm and stay focused.-Self Improvement

With that worn-out feeling gone, welcome yourself to a life full of vigor and vitality.

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The best you can be -– Everybody aspires for this.

What you think as your best might not be the best for somebody else. What might be the best for others may not necessarily be the best for you too. Confusing, right?

Being the best varies from one individual to another. Being the best depends on perception. -Self Improvement

So how do you become the best that you can be? Good habits can lead you to your best. Your effort must be energized and directed to attain this one single aspiration.

Science can provide us with an explanation on this. The human brain undergoes a selective absorption process. Part of the human brain is a system of interconnected cells that are responsible for absorbing only incoming information that you want to accept via your senses. It is like a strainer collecting data for your brain. These cells take in only the information you are interested in and dispose unwanted or nuisance information. Retained information is then processed to become part of you, which eventually becomes part of your habits.-Self Improvement

For instance, your breakfast will not be complete without a cup of black coffee. Even if you have bacon, eggs, and hash browns in the morning, breakfast is complete without a cup of black coffee to cap it off. You do not feel complete and satisfied the whole day because something is missing early on. Even if you have nothing else but black coffee, you consider your day complete as far as you are concerned. This habit is part of you. Without this particular habit, you are not you.-Self Improvement

Your habits make you what you are. Bad habits are inclined to drag you to failure. The opposite can be true. Good habits lead you to success and will reap rewards that you deserve.

When you eliminate a bad habit, you actually create a vacuum within you. What used to be a bad habit isn’t there anymore. The likelihood of the bad habit being replaced by a different bad habit is a possibility. -Self Improvement

This makes it imperative that the eliminated bad habit be replaced by a good habit. In essence, you have to keep on repeating the new good habit until it becomes an integral part of you. The secret is practice. Keep on doing the new habit. You will notice a tremendous change in you to be the best you can be.

Practice makes perfect. If you are a lousy dancer, try to visualize yourself as a graceful dancer. Keep doing this daily and you will be amazed of the improvements. What used to be farthest from your mind is now a part of you by way of practice.-Self Improvement

Decide and commit to change your bad habits. Have a contract with yourself. If you enter into contracts with others, can’t you do the same thing to yourself? If you trust others to do their part of the contract, would you deny yourself this trust? Certainly, you deserve better treatment! Care for your own, by being strict with yourself. You are your own beneficiary anyway. -Self Improvement

A habit can make or break you. Don’t be a slave to your bad habit. Counteract this by replacing it with one or more good ones that will bring the best out of you.

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Success is not just reserved for a chosen few. Everyone, yes everyone, has the capacity to be successful in every area of his or her life. Success results from cultivating certain habits and sticking to them.-Self Improvement

Consistency is a must. Successful people have a certain type of personality. Successful people think in a particular way, talk in a particular way and act in a particular way.

Do you want to be successful too? Here are 11 principles of success that are bound to help you if you follow them.-Self Improvement

1. Develop a clear vision of what exactly you want to achieve in your life. Carry this vision in your mind at all times. This is the starting point to success.-Self Improvement

2. Believe without any doubt that you will achieve your dreams.

3. Stay away from negative influences such as negative people, books, articles, etc. Surround yourself with things that boost your belief in yourself and your future success.

4. Take responsibility for your future. Do not depend on anybody. Take responsibility for your life and don't doubt success.-Self Improvement

5. Make a habit of repeating positive affirmations. Speak out your affirmations in present tense as opposed to future tense. Writing down affirmations is even more effective. This helps your mind stay fixed and focused on your goals. This is also a good way to build your self-confidence and deepen your beliefs. -Self Improvement

6. Make a firm commitment to action. Once you decide to take action, stay committed and never give up! Once you deter from commitment, your belief becomes shaky and unstable. If this happens, your efforts will collapse like a deck of cards. You will have wasted all the time and energy you invested in your efforts. So stay committed. -Self Improvement

7. Set a specific goal. If you know what you really want to achieve, you need to define it by making it a goal. Set specific goals. Your goals should be precise, measurable, realistic and timed.

8. Work out a plan of action. Break down your plan into smaller tasks or units. Do your task in smaller steps. Take one step or two each day while reminding yourself that each step is taking you closer to your goal. Your actions should be filled with faith, determination and purpose. Consistency is vital to reach your goal. -Self Improvement

9. Never give up until you have achieved what you desire. Persistence is the key to success. Treat every failure as a learning opportunity. But push yourself towards your goal with stronger faith.

10. Maintain an attitude of gratitude, realizing that your dream is becoming a reality. Look around you and be grateful for things that you already have such as a home, loving family, etc. Just stay grateful.

11. Be a giver - give your time, money and service to others. Be kind and generous to all.

Now you know the principles of success. Act on it with faith and persistence - and never give up!

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The human body has the capability of protecting itself from various diseases through its immune system. We do not discount the fact that the immune systems of some people are healthier than that of others. -Self Improvement

Why is this so? The answer lies in the fact that your disposition in life affects your health significantly. If you develop a positive attitude, you will also develop toughness to overcome adversities that may come your way. Researchers have proven that mental health has much to do with physical health. A healthy mental attitude results to a healthy body, which in turn results to a more productive life.

Stick to these personality factors and you’re well on your way to developing toughness:

Build a strong commitment to self, family, community, work, and almost all other values of your daily life. Instill the importance of quality living. This will drastically improve your psychological and physical well being. What the mind contributes to a healthy body, the body will reciprocate. The mind and body works in tandem, as a team. Without one, the other is helpless. But when both are healthy, the results can be astonishing. -Self Improvement

Develop a positive guiltless disposition. When you say guiltless, you must be willing to accept whatever comes your way. For example, if you do your best to reduce your risk of acquiring health problems but some illnesses still develop nonetheless, you must never feel guilty for what seems to be a failure. Don’t let problems pull you down. Stand firm.-Self Improvement

Make sure you have full control of your life. This is one quality tough people are made of. You should have no problem managing the things you can control. Controlling does not mean dominating. Respect other people’s rights and get the same in return. Accept things you cannot control the way they are, if you cannot do without them. If you can do without them, leave them and divert your attention to something else that will make your life more meaningful.-Self Improvement

Adjust to change and use it to your advantage. Tough people welcome change as an opportunity to improve, rather than a threat. Even if it is a threat, you can come out one level better than before psychologically, despite all the beatings you might have taken physically. You learn from your mistakes. Adopt a “Next time, I know what I’m going to do to avoid the same mistake” attitude. There is always a first time and there will always be a next time. The succeeding times will always be better than the previous ones (if you learn from your mistakes). The setbacks will keep getting lesser while success will keep getting closer at hand. This is progress at work. -Self Improvement

If you have children, develop toughness in their attitude at an early age. Provide strong parental encouragement and acceptance. When children feel accepted, this develops in them a sturdy attitude of commitment to others. Assign casual tasks to them so that they can feel their place in life. Teach them how to become independent and responsible. It pays to enhance their toughness at an early age.

What a foundation is to a building, toughness is to people. The foundation of a building is made strong at the start of construction, while the foundation of tough people is enhanced through a continuous process of trials and adjustments.

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Even the most even-tempered person in the world feels slighted once in a while. And if your feelings were hurt by someone else, it’s easy to carry a grudge around. Unfortunately, grudges are like luggage – the stuff inside is important but if you carry it around too long, you’ll start to feel the weight and the bothersome discomfort of hauling around something that big. Okay you were the one in the right and the other person was the one who committed the offense. But admit it – carrying that grudge becomes old, right? You reach a point where it even sours your outlook on life. So, why don’t you do something about it?-Self Improvement

First, don’t wait for the other person to apologize. Look back and think about what happened and then start forgetting about it. Realize that you are giving too much power to the other person by allowing the hurt to rule your emotions. So rise above that emotion and forget about it. Eventually, you’ll find it in your heart to forgive the offender. -Self Improvement

You can also place yourself in the other person’s shoes. Imagine if you’re the one who, knowingly or unknowingly, offended somebody else. You would want to be forgiven too right? Always remember that nobody’s perfect and you can’t always be in control of your actions. A great example is when you suddenly blurt out a comment about someone’s hair or clothes or weight and it was taken as a criticism rather than just a simple remark. You never meant to hurt but it happened. So too should you view the offense done to you. -Self Improvement

If you have to do something physical about the grudge, opt to talk to the other person about it. If you are able to re-establish your connection with the other party, start with a simple greeting and work from there. Even if you can’t get the relationship back on the previous level, it doesn’t matter. It will take time to repair a connection no matter how small the grudge is. However, if you can’t bring yourself to approach the offender or you’re not interested in getting the friendship back, do something symbolic to lay the grudge to rest. You can write about it and just burn the paper or tear it up into little pieces before tossing it all away. Just do something to let the hurt go. -Self Improvement

Once you let go of the grudge, you’ll feel free and, for lack of a better word, lighter than before

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"Two men look out through the same bars: One sees mud and the other one sees stars," says Frederick Langbridge, author of A Cluster of Quiet Thoughts.-Self Improvement

Life is about choices. You may opt to adopt a pessimist’s view and live a self-defeated life; or decide to take the optimist’s route and live a challenging and fulfilling life.

Optimism relates to positive mood, good morale, all forms of success, popularity, good health, long life, and freedom from trauma.-Self Improvement

Depression and pessimism affect middle-aged adults and younger people. The mean age of onset has gone from 30 to 15 years old. It now affects both middle-aged homemakers and teen-agers.
How do you nurture an optimist’s point of view? Here are some tips:

1. Optimists expect the best

The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they focus on bad events and undermine everything they do. Bad events also happen to optimists. However, they maintain the opposite view. They believe that defeat is a temporary setback. -Self Improvement

2. Optimists use 'positive reinterpretation’

Such people are unfazed by a bad situation, they perceive it as a challenge to make them learn and grow. They don’t say “Things will never get better,” “If I failed once, it will happen again”, and “If I experience misfortune in one part of my life, then it will happen in my whole life.”
Positive expectancies result in better reactions during transitions to new environments and sudden tragedies. When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher.

3. Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness
They find no need to control or manipulate people. They naturally draw people to them. Their optimistic view of the world is contagious and influences others.

Optimism is a socially desirable trait in all communities. Optimists often win elections and are more popular. People treat pessimists and those who spread gloom, panic, and hysteria unfavorably. -Self Improvement

4. Optimists persevere

Pessimists react to a stressful event by denying its existence or simply avoiding it. Pessimists are more likely to quit when a difficulty arises.

Optimists don’t give up easily. They are patient. They take small steps towards their goal or dream. Because of this healthy disposition, optimists are healthier and they live longer.-Self Improvement

Medical research shows that a positive outlook can cause measurable increase in the body's ability to fight disease. Optimists age well and outlive those prone to negative thoughts.
Be an optimist. Look forward to success in all your endeavors. Be resilient. Like everybody else, you are bound to hit low points but do not just stay there. More importantly, inspire others to remove their dark-colored glasses and begin to see life’s bright side.-Self Improvement

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The American writer Henry David Thoreau once said “I find it wholesome to be alone the greater part of the time. To be in company even with the best of friends, is soon wearisome and dissipating. I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was as companionable as solitude.” Some would probably comment “what a sad man!” but if you stop and think about it, Thoreau is right. There are times that you really wish everyone would just fade away and leave you alone. Is it right to crave solitude some times? The answer is a resounding YES. In fact, it should be a requirement to balance out your life.-Self Improvement

Being alone rests your soul from the constant need to interact. It frees you from the obligations of social interactions. You can be quiet and not worry that you’re being rude. You can eat what you want; do what you want to do; walk as fast or as slow as you want without having to think of someone else's opinion. Wouldn’t it be great to have only yourself to deal with?-Self Improvement

Being alone helps you focus. This is perfect time to talk to yourself – look back on the triumphs and tears; deal with the present; and dream of the future. You can come up with plans on what you’d like to do. Get the house in order. Go places you’ve always planned to visit. Start that book you’ve been planning to write forever. Make decisions on issues as complicated as where to get your kid’s college tuition; to something as simple as what color the new wallpaper should be. The freedom of your own choice is beyond exciting!-Self Improvement

Being alone allows you to feed the inner YOU. Whether the inner you wants triple chocolate with double dutch ice cream or to be lost in the world of the latest blockbuster movie, the important thing is – it’s YOU time. Solitude gives you time to pamper your spirit and ask how it’s doing. Does it still feel loved? Or have you forgotten how it wants to commune with a Higher Spirit too? Being alone also makes you think hard and see if you like who or what you’ve become. Imagine the inner YOU as a different person – would you be worth knowing? Would you be happy spending time with this imaginary person? If you answer yes, then you are complete in every way that counts. -Self Improvement

You should be your own best friend. So spend time with this friend and enjoy being alone – it’s a guarantee that you’ll never be lonely.

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The best you can be -– Everybody aspires for this.

What you think as your best might not be the best for somebody else. What might be the best for others may not necessarily be the best for you too. Confusing, right?

Being the best varies from one individual to another. Being the best depends on perception. -Self Improvement

So how do you become the best that you can be? Good habits can lead you to your best. Your effort must be energized and directed to attain this one single aspiration.

Science can provide us with an explanation on this. The human brain undergoes a selective absorption process. Part of the human brain is a system of interconnected cells that are responsible for absorbing only incoming information that you want to accept via your senses. It is like a strainer collecting data for your brain. These cells take in only the information you are interested in and dispose unwanted or nuisance information. Retained information is then processed to become part of you, which eventually becomes part of your habits.-Self Improvement

For instance, your breakfast will not be complete without a cup of black coffee. Even if you have bacon, eggs, and hash browns in the morning, breakfast is complete without a cup of black coffee to cap it off. You do not feel complete and satisfied the whole day because something is missing early on. Even if you have nothing else but black coffee, you consider your day complete as far as you are concerned. This habit is part of you. Without this particular habit, you are not you.-Self Improvement

Your habits make you what you are. Bad habits are inclined to drag you to failure. The opposite can be true. Good habits lead you to success and will reap rewards that you deserve.

When you eliminate a bad habit, you actually create a vacuum within you. What used to be a bad habit isn’t there anymore. The likelihood of the bad habit being replaced by a different bad habit is a possibility. -Self Improvement

This makes it imperative that the eliminated bad habit be replaced by a good habit. In essence, you have to keep on repeating the new good habit until it becomes an integral part of you. The secret is practice. Keep on doing the new habit. You will notice a tremendous change in you to be the best you can be.

Practice makes perfect. If you are a lousy dancer, try to visualize yourself as a graceful dancer. Keep doing this daily and you will be amazed of the improvements. What used to be farthest from your mind is now a part of you by way of practice.-Self Improvement

Decide and commit to change your bad habits. Have a contract with yourself. If you enter into contracts with others, can’t you do the same thing to yourself? If you trust others to do their part of the contract, would you deny yourself this trust? Certainly, you deserve better treatment! Care for your own, by being strict with yourself. You are your own beneficiary anyway. -Self Improvement

A habit can make or break you. Don’t be a slave to your bad habit. Counteract this by replacing it with one or more good ones that will bring the best out of you.

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Who do you consider as your worst enemy? The criminals roaming the dark streets? Your boss who's killing you mentally and emotionally with stress and harsh words? The people in public office who are engaging in greed and corruption, instead of helping those in need? Or those who don't believe in the same almighty being as you do?-Self Improvement

We have many implications of who our enemies are; but we have one common foe who is the main cause of our failures and misfortunes, and we're not even aware of this opponent.

You may not want to admit it, but our worst enemy is ourselves.

Who do you blame when something goes wrong? You blame the people around you, the weather, maybe even God. But we are the ones who are in control of ourselves. We can change the outcome of our lives because we have the capacity to do it.-Self Improvement

It is fear, jealousy, greed, etc. that are ruining our lives. Some people who never manage to get out of poverty blame the government or their jobs. But they're too afraid to try out new ventures that may improve their lives. They half-heartedly go to work from 9 to 5. Then when the day is done, they watch TV and go out aimlessly having fun without seriously thinking of what great opportunities the future has in store for them, if only they would try to do something different with their lives.

Fear has caused many to remain frigid and to never go out exploring the wonderful things this world has to offer. A lot of people would rather stay where they are in an unsatisfied state than to risk difficulties and obstacles for the sake of attaining their dreams.-Self Improvement

If their lives are not getting any better, they have no else to blame but themselves.

Jealousy and envy also cause relationship problems. Some people immediately jump to conclusions without first analyzing the situation. They let their sudden emotions control their behaviors without even thinking of the consequences that may result.-Self Improvement

If they're having problems with their relationships, they have no else to blame but themselves.
This goes to show that we decide what will happen to us. Of course, there are circumstances that are beyond our control, like natural calamities. But we can still utilize to our best advantage the things that we have control of.

For instance, you got rejected by your dream girl. Some people would just get drunk and feel miserable, thinking that it's the end of the world. Some will move onwards with their lives and find the best in what remains with them. See? It's really up to you. You decide if you want to have a good life or not.

You failed your exam. So what? There's another opportunity. You can just sulk in sorrow or you can study harder to get a high score in the future. It's up to you.-Self Improvement

There's no use crying over spilled milk. The past is in the past. Learn from it and move on. You don't have to get frustrated over your misfortunes. Concentrate on how you can improve in the future.

When we encounter problems, we can either succumb to it, or we can treat it as an opportunity to become stronger and to become better individuals. Winners always treat their dilemmas as opportunities.

Oh yes. We can be our worst enemy, but we can also be our best friend. It's all up to you.

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Do you find it difficult to be assertive and say "no" to people's requests? Since there just aren't enough hours in the day to appease everyone, the art of saying "no" without hurting the feelings of others is an important skill to acquire.-Self Improvement

Saying "no" doesn't mean you have to be rude about it. There are plenty of polite, yet assertive, ways you can tell people "no" when you need to.

Here are some ways you can say "no" without being rude or impolite:

1. "No" to now, but "yes" to later. "I'm very busy at the moment. Perhaps someone else can help you. If not, I'll have time later in the week to help you out."

This is a great way to say "no." It's assertive, but also positive and kind. You let the person know there's no way you can do what they're asking at the moment. However, you give them the option to ask someone else or wait until you have the time to help out.

2. "No" unless something changes. "I'm very flattered that you've asked me. However, I'm not currently in a position where I can take on this responsibility. Could we talk about this at another time if there's a change in my circumstances?"

This statement says "no" while still being very polite. You let them know how thrilled you are that they've asked you, but then you're honest about how little time you have to commit to their request. -Self Improvement

3. A definitive "No." "I hate to disappoint you, but I'm not able to do this. I'm afraid I'll overextend myself."

With this statement, you express regret for disappointing the person, yet you still let them know that this is a solid "no." No doubt they'll understand you don't want to overextend yourself, which makes them sympathetic to the plight you're in as well.

This answer is very kind and polite. Plus, it allows them to understand where you're coming from.

4. "No" to attend an event. "I had a great time before, but I won't be able to make it this time since I'm already overscheduled."

Sometimes you may get asked to an event you don't want to attend or that you just don't have the time for. You don't have to feel obligated to go. This statement lets the person know you've had a great time in the past, yet you're overscheduled or busy this time around. -Self Improvement

5. "No" to loaning money. "I really wish I could but I make it my practice not to loan money to friends and family."

Money is one thing that many people ask for from their friends and family. It's a difficult situation since you don't want to insult them or hurt their feelings. This statement is a nice way to be assertive and say "no" while still being kind.

You let them know that you wish you could loan them the money, yet you go on to explain why you won't. You make it clear that this is the practice you have for everyone, and you're not just saying "no" to him or her personally. -Self Improvement

For some reason, parents often feel the need to always say "yes." Whether it's working at a PTA function, helping in your child's classroom, or going to yet another classmate's birthday party, you may feel like these are things you must fit into your already busy schedule.-Self Improvement

However, you can take control of your family's calendar and your sanity by saying "no" to some offers that come your way. Saying "no" in a pleasant tone of voice won't lose any friends; but it will allow you to set boundaries so you can enjoy life rather than racing through it.

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