Where are you living?! Strange question, right?

But think deeply. I will make it easier for you. Are you living in the past, present, or future?

The majority of people are living in the past or the future and leave the only moment that they have which is NOW.

We live by our thoughts in a world that is not there. We either go back to the past to feel the sorrows and pleasures of it, or we go to the future to feel the worries and the joys of it.-Self Improvement

But the fact is, you only live in the moment. And to live life to the fullest you must live in the moment. It is all what you have and you owe it to yourself to make it the best it can be.

Kahlil Gibran has a fantastic insight on this fact. He said...

We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them. – Kahlil Gibran, 1883-1931, Lebanese Poet and Novelist-Self Improvement

We choose our joys and sorrows in our minds long before we see it in reality. And we might not even see it at all!

Live in the moment. The past has passed. The future is not there yet, so why you worry about it. And the present is a present. Make the most out of it and live your life moment by moment.

Don't rush into the future or live in the cage of the past.-Self Improvement

Fill your days with pleasure and live everyday as if it is your last day on earth.

You never know what will happen next! Life is short and you shouldn’t waste it by living in parts of time that no longer exist.

This is worth thinking about!

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If you're looking to lead a happier life, believing in yourself is an absolute necessity. If you don't believe in yourself, how can you expect others to believe in you?

You may have gone through some rough times in your life making it difficult to be the happy person you want to be. Maybe you even suffer from a lack of self-confidence because of past conflicts and pains. No matter what you've been through, you can choose to overcome these obstacles.-Self Improvement

It's time to be your own Number 1 fan and there's no better time to start than right now!

1. Gain more confidence in yourself by facing your fears.

• Fear of failure may have caused you to ignore your dreams, desires or goals. Don't let fear stop you from getting what you want and achieving your goals. If Thomas Edison had been afraid of failure, we wouldn't have the luxury of indoor lighting today. He never gave up trying to find the right way to make a light bulb and he experienced over 10,000 ways of how not to make a light bulb. Just because you don't reach your goals or dreams the first time, don't give up. Keep trying until you succeed.


• Fear of being alone may stop you from going away to school or moving to a new city where you can pursue your dreams. Realize that you will make new friends and that you're current friends will always be there. Now with the Internet, staying in touch with your friends and family is easier and more convenient than ever.


• Once you begin facing your fears, you'll discover that what you feared may not be such a big deal after all. But, you'll never know until you start.

2. Self-talk can also determine whether you believe in yourself or not.

• Do you often say negative things like, "I'm an idiot," or "That was a dumb thing to do," or "I'm ugly?" How you perceive yourself comes out in what you say. However, what you say to yourself can also change how you see yourself.


• Start speaking positively to yourself, about yourself. When you're getting ready for the day, while looking in the mirror, point out positive characteristics about yourself and say them out loud. Phrases such as:
"I am an attractive person."
"I am a good parent."
"I am a hard worker."
"I love myself."
"I like how I look in these clothes."
"I am brilliant."


• Even if you don't believe it, say it! You'll soon realize these things really are true. You can also post positive quotes or scriptures where you would see them several times a day to keep your spirits high. –Self Improvement

3. Insecurity can be a source of disbelief.

Learning to be more secure in certain areas of your life will help you believe in yourself more, plus others will begin to believe in you as well.

4. There may be certain areas in your life that you feel you need to work on, so work on them!

• Are you bad at financial management? Take a class to help you learn how to budget so you can be in control of your money, instead of your money controlling you.

• Are you a slow reader? Take a speed-reading class or get a tutor to help you build speed.

• Do you find it challenging to speak in public? Take a public speaking course or become an intern for an organization where you must speak in public.

• Is your weight stopping you from believing yourself? First of all, remember that today's society has a skewed view of beauty. Don't allow the media to determine your worth! However, if your weight is at an unhealthy level, learn how to eat healthy and get regular exercise to take some weight off.

No matter what's stopping you from believing in yourself, there's a way to overcome it. You'll first need to figure out what's causing your self-doubt. Is it fear, insecurity, mental attitudes, or something else? Only then can you face the obstacle and overcome it.-Self Improvement

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Each of us has a different point where "pissed off" finally ignites our temper. But what we sometimes don't realize is that the event which triggers your temper flare up may just be a laughing matter to someone else in the same situation. Because of this, you may have felt insulted by a joke or a comment by somebody when it was not meant to be taken that seriously. It could even be a deliberate action that caused you embarrassment – like a practical joke that you didn’t find the slightest bit funny. They might say you’re too uptight, thin-skinned or over-reacting but that’s you’re prerogative. For better relations with your friends or co-workers though, here are some ways to handle insults just a little better:-Self Improvement

Tell them that you don’t like what they did. It doesn't matter if it was an off-color joke or comment in the spirit of a funny moment. Say it calm & rational. Don't be the first to raise the level of tension. Always stand by your principles. If you’ve made it a point not to dignify stupid jokes or be subjected to humiliating dares, stick by it.

If you can’t voice your concerns and comments right then and there, show your displeasure. Get up or walk away. Even a serious frown or a lift of an eyebrow can ‘shout’ what you want. No one can be so oblivious as not to notice your actions! Sometimes, it’s even a better way to stop the trash talk – a visual reminder to the instigator that he or she is getting out of hand. Most people will be shamed by that into stopping altogether.

If it’s possible, avoid the other person or group. That way, you won’t have to tolerate their brand of senseless humor. You won’t even have to stretch your people skills to the limit. You can also start going out or be friendly with a much nicer person or group to ease up the social pressure in being with this rowdy group. –Self Improvement

If it’s not possible for you to avoid them – let’s say for example, they’re you’re co-workers or worse, one of the managers, try to limit social time with them. Stick to work-related talk or casual “what’s the weather like?” kind of conversations. Sooner or later they’ll get the hint. As a last resort, request for a transfer and just cite some plausible reasons for it.

Insults might be minor but it still should be taken into account. If you feel slighted or insulted, don’t allow anyone to belittle it. Handle it with care and always remember that you are worthy of respect as much as the other person. Flying off the handle quickly doesn't help anyone.-Self Improvement

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How many times have you set a goal and not followed through on it? Chances are you had a missing element in planning your goal(s). What if there was a formula-type checklist that will keep you from failing any goals. What if you had a way to know – without a doubt – that you were going to succeed – before you even got started-Self Improvement

Now you can.

Your goals are nothing more than a wish list – until you add four things to them.

Take losing weight as an example.

There are four things with losing weight that you must know before you take the plunge to actually lose weight. There shouldn’t be a decision made about a goal without having four things attached to each goal.

A successful goal has to have 4 things.

1. The goal has to be specific.
2. The goal has to be measurable.
3. The goal must have a time limit.
4. The goal has to be your goal. It can not be something someone wants you to do. It has to be something YOU want from yourself.

Now back to weight loss.

If you set a goal to ‘lose some weight’, you will probably end up weighing more than you did before your goal. Why? Look at 1-4 above.

Now if you set a goal to lose (1) thirty pounds by (3) March 31st and (2) lose 3 inches in your waist while (2) decreasing your body fat by 10 percent, then you’re MUCH more likely to see that goal to the end – especially if (4) it’s YOUR decision and desire.-Self Improvement

This type of goal set up works with just about every goal you can think of. Next time you decide to set a goal, pull out this printed checklist and make sure you accomplish your goal – without fail!-Self Improvement

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Life can be simple and peaceful if you incorporate the following six rules into your daily routine.

1. Practice some quite time everyday

Quieting your mind is the secret ingredient to a happy and successful life. Make it a regular habit to enjoy some quiet time every day. To start, set aside just 10 minutes at the start of your day. Just sit in a quiet place without paying any attention to your passing thoughts. Only pay attention to your breathing and notice your chest and abdomen while breathing. This is not yoga, meditation, etc. This is simply quiet time. Just ten minutes a day in the morning or even at night before bedtime is ideal for you to enjoy the peace within. If you make this a regular habit you will witness a better quality of life quickly.

2. Exercise your body and mind

Daily exercise keeps you away from mental and physical illness. Exercise keeps your body flexible, supple and strong. This also leads to a more balanced mind. There are plenty of good exercises you can choose from to keep yourself healthy and enjoy a long life. If you have not been exercising, start today. Just go for a brisk walk and feel the fresh air filling your lungs.

3. Eat sensibly

This area really poses a challenge for most of us. ‘You are what you eat’ is not just a mere saying. It is a fact of life. What we eat, why we eat, when we eat and how we eat are important factors related to our physical, psychological and spiritual well-being. It is wise to choose a healthy diet and stick to it. Your goal should not only be to lose weight, but also to keep it under control so that your body and mind do not bear the strain of obesity.

4. Choose a fulfilling profession or job

Many people have a bad habit of constantly switching jobs. They do not seem to know what they are looking for. They are not sure if they are after the money, challenge, job satisfaction, etc. It is important that you have clear-cut ideas on what you are looking for in a job. You should love your job in order to do it well and succeed in it. You will find fulfillment in your career only when you love your profession or job.

5. Maintain good relationships

Life is for sharing. Share your love and happiness with your friends and family. Learn to cherish your relationships. Respect everyone around you and develop good communication skills to establish truly valuable relationships. Relationships make your life meaningful.

6. Get enough sleep

Sleep restores energy. Make sure to get 8 hours of sleep each night. A deep, regular and restful mind is good for body and spirit. If you have unhealthy sleeping habits, get rid of them and develop good sleeping habits today. It will make a HUGE difference in every aspect of your life.

When you practice these simple rules you are bound to enjoy a happy, healthy and peaceful life. Life is quite simple, really!

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The power of concentration is a skill that is easy to master, that is if you have the willpower to do so.

“If there is a will, there is a way” according to one saying, the same goes with concentration. Popular television newscaster and personality Diane Sawyer was once asked about her secret to professional success. Her response was that paying attention was her secret.

The question therefore remains, “How does one basically maintain focus and concentration?”

The following are helpful tips to improve your ability to concentrate in the best way possible. These suggestions apply whether you are in the office busy with work, school, business meeting, or if you are trying to finish a particular project.

1. Do five more

There are actually two types of people in the world: those who know how to eliminate frustration and those who wish they are able to work through it.

Focus and concentrate on doing just five more things. This sort of mantra is best said when you feel like giving up.

For instance, if you feel like you no longer want to read or write any more pages, tell yourself to do just five pages more. Finish just five more math questions. Stay five minutes more on the treadmill. Take note that athletes build their own physical prowess by pushing their bodies to the point of exhaustion while they develop mental stamina.

2. Take one step at one time

There are instances when you feel like your mind is loaded with many ideas like that of a scatterbrain. The key is to control your brain.

Rather than worrying on many matters, prioritize tasks and do only those that are needed.

For instance, you cannot help but think of mounting debt problems and this causes you to lose focus on the presentation you need to do in five minutes. Tell your mind that you will think of ways to pay off your bills after your presentation. Your mind will then establish closure and allow you to focus on the presentation.

3. Train yourself to have tunnel vision

You can actually cup your hands around your own eyes. This may serve as a trigger to tell your mind to focus on a particular responsibility.

For example, you are in a room and you need to study but there are many things preventing you from concentrating. Cupping your hands around your eyes may help your brain switch to focus mode and keep it on its track.

4. Have a handy pad

When a thought pops into your head and causes you to lose focus, jot down this thought immediately.

Writing it down is an effective way to get it out of your mind. After which, consciously focus on the task that you need to accomplish at the moment.

5. Take a break

Remember that you are not a machine. You need to take a break to continue focusing on the task at hand.

Taking breaks is a good way to break down the tasks into parts that are a lot more manageable. You can take a walk or eat lunch out.

6. Record your start and end times

When doing work, try to record the time you began and the time when you mind begins to drift.

Doing so helps you know just how much time you spent doing actual work and the time when you started losing your concentration.

7. Vary your activities

It is advisable to vary the activities you do in order to keep your mind active and not bored.

A bored mind will just easily float and drift away to oblivion.

All in all, these activities and tips need to be practiced regularly for you to concentrate and focus on the things that really matter most for you.

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Every person desires to improve his or her own personality.

It is quite evident in the methods and processes that are being employed in order to accomplish this particular goal. This is perhaps the reason why people buy new clothes or cut their hair. They improve their image and other things related to changing their appearances.-Self Improvement

Personality goes beyond external appearance. It includes dispositions, traits, qualities, speech, and other things innate in the person.

Here are some tips in improving personality: -Self Improvement

1. Be interested in people. Try to discover what other people want. Know their likes, dislikes, interests, and beliefs. By doing this, you will be regarded as a person with an attractive and pleasing personality.

2. Assume that people like you. If you show the other person that you want people to talk to you, they will react to you with warmth.

3. Admit your weaknesses. Do not regard yourself as a perfect person. Just as persons have strengths, they also have their weaknesses. To improve your personality, you should admit that you also have defects.

4. Admire your friends. Praise them for their achievements. Tell them how attractive they look. Make them feel how important they are to you. By this, they will also give importance.-Self Improvement

5. Associate with people who are successful and happy. Seek the companionship of others who can give you new points of views, renewed hopes, and meaningful life. Ask for their advice and guidance. They can give you valuable insights about their experiences in life. You can learn from their insights and apply their insights to improving your personality.

6. Attend social gatherings. Social gatherings can increase your circle of friends. Social events can likewise give you new insights and experiences. It can help improve your relationships with other people and your community. Social gatherings can help you develop your communication skills.

7. Change your environment. Go on vacation or rest in a new place. Renovate your house and fix your furniture. Introduce changes in your environment.

8. Learn new things. Learn how to cook or play the piano. Enroll in voice lessons. Indulge in gardening. By doing this, you are expanding your horizons. -Self Improvement

Aside from this, you can also develop your skills in other areas such as public speaking and understanding other people’s attitudes and beliefs.

Improving your personality takes a lot of work and dedication. While it may take a lot of work, it can be worthwhile and fun because you are focusing your attention on improving relationships with others and yourself.

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When you are overwhelmed with doubts, fears, and insecurities, you sometimes exclaim, “I wish I were somebody else!” More often than not, you think and believe that most people are better than you are. In reality, the same people are more scared than you are!

You spot a totally hot girl sitting by herself at a party, casually sipping a colorful mixed drink. You say to yourself, “She looks so perfectly calm and confident.”

If only you could read her mind, you might just be amazed with what she is thinking, “Are people talking about why I am seated here alone? Why don’t guys find me attractive? … I don’t like my ankles, they look too skinny … I wish I were as smart as my best friend.”-Self Improvement

You see a young business entrepreneur and say, “Whoa … what else could he ask for?” The business entrepreneur stares at himself in the mirror and murmurs to himself, “I hate my big eyes… I wonder why my friends won’t talk to me … I hope mom and dad can still work things out.” -Self Improvement

Isn’t it funny? You look at other people, envy them for looking outrageously perfect, and wish you could trade places with them. On the other hand, they look at you and think of the same things!

You are insecure of other people who, in turn, are insecure of you. You suffer from low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence. Consequently, you lose hope in improving yourself because you are enveloped in quiet desperation.-Self Improvement

I have a friend who never gets tired of talking. In most conversations, she is the only one who seems to be interested in the things she is saying. Because of this, all our other friends tend to avoid her whenever she is around. The sad part is that my friend does not notice this!

Learn to LISTEN and TALK to a trusted friend. This is part of the self-improvement process. Find an honest and trusted friend whom you can comfortably ask delicate questions, such as: “Do you think I am ill-mannered?” “Do I always sound so argumentative?” “Do I talk too loud?” “Do I ever bore you when were together?” and others.-Self Improvement

Listen for comments and criticisms and do not justify by saying, “Don’t exaggerate! That’s just the way I am!” Open your mind and heart and learn to receive these comments. In return, you may want to help your friend by offering constructive criticisms that will also help him/her improve.

One of Whitney Houston’s songs says, “Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.” True enough. In order to love others, you must love yourself first for you cannot give what you do not have.

In order to convince people to improve themselves, show them first some results, such as what you have achieved because of self-improvement. Self-improvement makes you a better person and when people see this, it inspires them to follow the same path.-Self Improvement

People have insecurities. Nobody is perfect. People always wish they had better things, features, body parts, etc. Life need not be perfect for people to be happy about themselves.-Self Improvement

However, self-improvement and loving yourself is not a matter of shouting to the whole world that you are perfect and the best. It starts with accepting and loving yourself. When you begin to improve yourself, then you begin to feel content and happy.-Self Improvement

Stop thinking of yourself as a second-rate being. Quit thinking “If only …” thoughts. Accept your true self. This is the first step to self-improvement. Stop comparing yourself to others! Aspire to become your best self.

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Do you have the determination to improve your self-esteem? Well then, you are on your way to a great achievement!

Do not let low self-esteem ruin your life. The way you think about yourself determines how you interact with others.

Here are some examples of low esteem that you may need improvement on:
1. Everything you do seems to go the wrong way.
2. You believe that most people do not like you.
3. You believe that you are not attractive.
4. You choose something and it turns out to be the worst one.
5. You are afraid to converse with others for fear that what you say might not make sense.
6. You feel swallowed up in a whirlpool of frustration.

What’s wrong with you? Your thoughts, actually.

Stop thinking that the world is closing in on you. Be determined to achieve what you desire. Stop blaming other people for your misfortunes. The world is not your problem, you are your own problem.

From this moment on, begin the process of self-improvement. Think the right way, be determined to win, and win you will. Just remember that success never comes easily and that is why determination is its counterpart.

Oftentimes, one reaches the brink of success and yet with just a little disappointment or setback, he loses heart and gives up too easily and too soon. He is a surefire candidate to self-esteem improvement. Who knows what great things might have been achieved if only he had persevered.

Without high self-esteem, your life will be boring. Change your thinking and begin to see yourself on top of the world. Make an effort to be what you really want to be.

You have to seriously decide whether to remain in a miserable state of low self-esteem or pursue self-improvement and develop a high self-esteem with good character and positive self-image.

You may be wondering where low self-esteem originated.

A low self-esteem may have its roots way back in childhood when children are made to believe that they are worthless. Their self-confidence is eroded and subscribed to the idea that they can never achieve success in anything that they do. They were picked on, laughed at, pushed around, called ugly names, and treated with disdain. No wonder they grew up to be full of resentment.

If this was your experience, it is time you cut yourself loose from that mindset and do self-esteem improvement. Start reading about the lives of successful people and you will soon discover that many of them had low-self esteem and they did not even complete a college education.

Most of these successful people decided to improve their low self-esteem and their attitude, whatever it took. They became some of the greatest men and women that have ever lived.

Low self-esteem has never helped anyone else and it surely will not help you. It can only drive you into depression, anger, grudges, fear, and all the other evils that it can generate.

Re-program your thinking and control your state of mind. You must believe that you are worth more than you think or you will remain at the foot of the ladder and never climb it.

Do not waste your life away with feelings of inadequacies. Instead, think of ways to go about self-esteem improvement. Success is yours. Just reach out and grasp it!

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The American Dream. The Pie in the Sky. It’s what everyone seems to be searching for. It’s an endless search for successful living and happiness. Do you look around observing how certain others seem to be living that life of success you are still seeking? Does that lifestyle seem to be slipping away the more you chase it?

Perhaps the answer to success is not in the chase. Perhaps the answer to successful living lies within the one who is doing the chasing. Let me explain.

What sets you apart from everyone else? Go ahead. List some areas in your life that are absolutely, without a doubt, totally different than anyone you know. What are some traits that you have and no one else can claim? They’re your traits. List them out. The more, the better.

Now, how many do you have? Five? Ten? Twenty?

There’s the answer to the eternal question of how to attain a successful life. Viola! That’s it! We can all go on now and live a life of happiness and eternal contentment.

Okay. Maybe it’s a little more involved than that. Just knowing how you’re different doesn’t make you successful. But knowing what to do with those differences is key. More specifically, four areas you can tap into, that you may not have thought of, may give you a much-needed boost toward your life of success.

1. Know Yourself

When you listed out your differences, you were setting yourself apart from everyone you know. That, in essence, is you. One of the main things that makes you unique is how you’re are different than everyone else. As a society, we are programmed to try and be like everyone else. Don't do this. It's quite possibly the worst thing society has ever programmed us to do. Lock in on your differences. Claim them. Own them. Enhance them. You will soon be the one everyone else is looking at, wondering how you are so successful. Knowing your difference is knowing you.

2. Be Yourself

Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Actually stepping out and being someone different takes courage. It takes guts. Take a look at who you consider successful. Are they just like everyone else? No. Of course not! They are the people who cared enough to jump out of the mold that everyone is trying to fit in. Refuse to be shoved into a mold. Don’t believe what you hear. Don’t believe anything, unless you question it. The mold-people are mindless and are led by someone else with a leash, which requires no thought process. Most of the time they are being led by another mindless, mold-person who is being led by another. It’s an endless and mind-numbing cycle. Don't fall into this. The best way to actually be yourself is to actually think for yourself. Develop your own opinions. Develop your own values. Strengthen your core.

3. Love Yourself

Once you know who you are and you have taken action to be yourself, do not be ashamed. You have been created for a purpose. Take pride in that fact. Finding your purpose (if you don’t already know it) is an adventure. There’s no reason you can’t (or shouldn’t) enjoy being you while on your adventure. Love is a verb. You should love yourself. Treat yourself to some things that you really enjoy. What do you like to do? When is the last time you did it? What is life if it isn’t an adventure to be enjoyed? Love it. Love yourself.

4. Share Yourself

If you want to feel good about yourself and who you are, share yourself with someone. (I’m not talking about something illegal or immoral.) Give yourself to something you believe in. It may be helping children. You may go out and help clean up some neighborhood after a huge storm, hurricane or some natural disaster. You may attend a synagogue, church, mosque or some other place of worship. Maybe you can give some of your time there.

The point is to find a conviction; a deep-seeded belief and give of yourself. You will experience a type of chest-poked-out pride that can only leave a smile on your face so big, people will wonder what you’re up to. It’s one of the most rewarding feelings you can experience.

There you have it. There are four things that you can chase instead of the proverbial successful lifestyle. There’s a paradox here. Adopt and live these four things and you will “find” yourself closer to a successful life than you could imagine. The successful lifestyle we are all looking for is not in someone else. It’s not a bunch of secrets that only a few possess. It’s in you. It always has been.

Keep looking and living forward.

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Admit it, with the fast-paced lifestyle we have right now, being patient ranks right up there with “love your enemies” and “turn the other cheek” as the hardest virtues to follow. There will be delays, traffic jams, endless forms to fill out, last-minute changes to directions and all the irritating things that can possibly happen. To top it all, you might get the bad luck of having to deal with people who severely lack the people skills to diffuse a situation and in fact aggravate it even more. Consider those presumably confirmed appointments where you’re asked to wait and wait only to be told that the meeting’s postponed for another day. Or those Motor Vehicle clerks who don’t give you all the steps that you need before you line up for half the day only to find out at the end of the line that you have the wrong forms filled out. You can easily blow a gasket… and with good reason!- Self Improvement

But again, patience is a virtue and waiting is a big part of it. So, since patience is not something that you can grab from a supermarket, you have to develop and perfect it on your own. Here’s some ways to practice it: be time-conscious, be prepared, AND have a back-up.- Self Improvement

First, be time-conscious. The cardinal rule in any appointment is not to be late but it’s also not right to be so early. Make it a point to be at the meeting place around 15 minutes ahead of time. That way, you don’t have to spend so much time waiting should the other party be late. It'll be less stressful not to have to watch the clock turn or to resort to counting the floor tiles as the minutes drag on by. -Self Improvement

Second, be prepared. Always have something handy to do to pass the time. A book is always a good choice; there’s also the newspaper, the crossword puzzles, handheld games, etc. When you’re immersed in these activities, there will be less of a chance of you getting impatient and aggravated. And you’ll have the benefit of a little brain exercise as an added boost! -Self Improvement

Last, have a back-up. Lets say you’re meeting suddenly got cancelled and you’re left with half a day open. Don’t waste it by getting worked up about the delay or the inconvenience of a re-appointment. Run some errands or buy groceries or file your receipts for your taxes. Anything that can fill up the time, go for it.
Patience takes time to perfect and every little bit of practice helps.

Just keep your cool.

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Keeping your memory in good condition is a vital part of the brain’s function. Every now and then, our actions greatly depend on a lot of information we retrieve from our memory bank. Such information can either be short term (such as specific tasks that we have to do) or long term (such as the ability to drive a car or repeat an instruction we read from a book). While long-term memory may come spontaneously without too much effort when the need arises, short-term memory requires recalling information from the accumulation of things stored in our memory. This is why you need to keep your memory in great shape to achieve efficiency in your daily endeavors:.

• Keep your attention focused on the needed information to be stored in your memory bank. Even with distractions around you, stay focused on the subject. The more concentrated you are on the information, the better the chances of retaining it in your memory.


• Utilize the most ideal sense or senses when gathering the information. This what we call acuity in sensing our environment. Be aware of the color or details in a picture, or the particular sound or smell of the thing involved. All our bodily senses are attuned to collect information depending on the circumstance at hand. While our sense of vision may be the most used in gathering information, our senses of hearing, smell, taste, and touch are equally important and helpful in remembering things, situations, and information about something or someone.


• When you’re not sure that the information you are about to remember would really be retained by your brain, it is better to write the information down. This is proven effective especially in gathering very long and tedious information like lecture notes or a personal interview. Just be sure you don’t forget that you have a note at hand; and of course, don’t misplace the note.


• Maintain a balanced diet. A well-proportioned diet will result in a conditioned memory. Oily and sweet foods may cloud your memory. If you cannot completely eliminate a bad diet, gradually cut down your intake of these memory-inhibiting foods. Doing so gradually cushions the effect of withdrawal symptoms and you’ll get adjusted to the new lifestyle you are creating. This is not only beneficial to your memory, but we can say you’re on your way to a healthy life. Drinking a lot of water brings al ot of advantages to your overall health, and memory is not an exception.


• Don’t deprive yourself of enough rest and sleep. Having enough sleep does not condone laziness; oversleeping does. So don’t feel guilty resting or sleeping as long as it is not overdone. You need it badly to keep you revitalized from the tiresome demand of work.


• Take time to relax. Breathe deeply if you must. Keep your thoughts organized before acting on them. Keep away from stress and anxiety. It may be impossible to completely eliminate stress since it is part of our challenging generation, but try to keep it down as much as possible. Stress may bring your memory into its inefficient level. Avoid the habit of saying to yourself that you might forget things, because you’re more likely to if you do. This just builds your anxiety level up to its panic mode.


• Stay positive, creative, and energetic. Your memory needs to be within a circle of various things. Things that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors can motivate your creativity. This is a positive way of discovering your surroundings in all its variations and diversities. Avoid being enclosed within the four walls of your room just like you’re a prisoner. The only time to be enclosed is when you have to rest or sleep. Don’t be a couch potato. There’s a very exciting world out there waiting to improve your memory.

The very best way to improve your memory is between infancy and adolescence. As we grow old, our memory starts to fail. But a strong memory that we can develop during the prime years of our lives will definitely enhance us being good thinkers. This can be done by continuously exercising our memory through reading and other cognitive activities like the habit of solving crossword puzzles. The more you do these, the better memory retention is developed.

As far as health is concerned, high blood pressure can lead to stroke and heart ailments. It also results in poor memory retention. Memory function declines when blood pressure is high. Researchers have observed that people with normal blood pressure, especially in midlife, have higher cognitive functions. Concentration, decision-making, and remembering functions falter as a result of high blood pressure. What is healthy for the body is likewise healthy for the memory.

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Let’s face it, it’s very hard to focus or concentrate on one subject with a lot of things going on in your head. You stuff so many ideas, so many suggestions, so many problems and solutions, so many memories in your head that you forget to focus on just one thing. Self Improvement

When used excessively, this can be dangerous, and can be a telltale sign that something unforunate is about to happen – some even end up in a looney bin. In some cases, you also think about things that are really unnecessary that just occupy too much space in your head – this is not a healthy way of thinking. -Self Improvement

When you think about so many things at once, you sometimes forget about the things that really matter and of the importance of now. And when you forget the now, you forget to achieve your main goal in life.

So what do you do? How do you filter out all the negative, unnecessary or even unimportant stuff so that you can really focus on the present and what is important right now? Learning how to focus and how to concentrate takes a lot of determination. It is very hard to concentrate on just a couple of things, let alone just one thing. So, the first step to focusing hard on a matter is just to relax.

Some people are tense, nervous and stressed out when dealing with a lot of things. For just anyone to concentrate and to focus hard on a subject, it is best to relax. Take a deep breath, and think of things that will bring you joy, instead of things that will agitate you more. There are actually a lot of ways for you to relax – it is advisable that you relax in a way that you deem fit, and in a way that you are familiar with. -Self Improvement

After relaxing, the next step is to free your mind of all worthless crap. This may take some effort. Now is actually the time to get rid of all the junk that is invading your head – no hang-ups, no worries, no troubles, and even no day dreaming. Give yourself the chance to work from a clean slate in a new environment.

Speaking of environment, create a relaxed atmosphere. Go to a place where there is less noise and where there is only peace and quiet. If music bugs you, don’t go to a bar or restaurant. -Self Improvement

Just like what I have said, to sharpen your concentration and focus, you need determination and the will to achieve it.

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Many people go through hard times which usually leads them to go astray in order to cope. They give in to vices (like fatty food) or substance abuse that affects their physical, mental and emotional health in the long run. Bad habits develop as people use these vices or take illegal substances regularly.

Some start drinking alcohol until they can barely stand up. Others will try a stick of cigarettes until they consume several packs a day. There are others who explore prescription and illegal substances until it turns into a bad addiction. Some make everyday things like food part of their coping mechanism and will not and cannot stop the bad habit they developed even if the original crisis is over.- Self Improvement

Some of you reading this will definitely relate to this kind of situation. Sometimes, hard trials in life really make you vulnerable to developing bad habits just to cope.

However, these bad habits are not supposed to be part of your reality. They stunt your growth as a person. Eliminate bad habits to improve your well-being and show more confidence.
Here are effective ways to eliminate bad habits.- Self Improvement

1. Start Now

The biggest challenge stopping your bad habits is making the decision to start a clean and healthy living. Decide to make a change today with firm resolve to kick the bad habit.

2. Look at the Negative Effects of Your Bad Habit

Most people who deal with bad habits are actually aware of the negative consequences of their addiction or abuse. It helps to know the reality of the negative side effects of your bad habit rather than just knowing the facts. Seeing it for real creates a different and usually deeper impact on a person.

Keep tabs on the effects that bad habits can cause your being. Remind yourself of the cons whenever you feel the temptation.

3. Know the Good Effects of Change

You also have to motivate yourself constantly to hold on to your goal. Eliminating bad habits is not an overnight activity, which is why you have to commit to this mission until you achieve it.

Knowing the positive effects of a good change will definitely help. Just think of the more harmonious relationship you can engender with your family and friends once you are not a slave to your vices anymore.-Self Improvement

4. Come Up with New Habits or Routines

Relapses are an inherent danger in trying to quit a bad habit. Sometimes the temptation is too strong and very difficult to deny. This is why it is important to come up with healthier options when it comes to activities to keep yourself busy.

For example, you can explore pottery, painting or planting so you can keep yourself busy and creative at the same time. Engaging in a sport will also help. This is also a good opportunity to spend time with friends. Good habits can take the place of the bad habit for a healthier and happier you.

5. Consult a Professional Regularly

Professional aid can help in eliminating bad habits. They can look at your specific needs and address your issues accordingly. Regular consultation will also help to keep you in check.

6. Accept Support from People Who Care

Inform your family and friends you are making the big change. Announce that you are ridding yourself of your bad habits or vices so that they can also support you and help you along the way.-Self Improvement

7. Give Yourself a Good Reward

Follow your progress. See how well you are improving or how much more you still have to push yourself. Give yourself a reward. It can be for small steps or in anticipation of a leap of faith; the most important thing is motivating yourself through a reward for every milestone you achieve.
Rewards will definitely motivate you to meet your goal. You can give yourself the simple things like your favorite chocolate or a trip to the spa. This will make you feel even better about yourself because of the achievement.- Self Improvement

Conclusion
You want to eliminate your bad habits, even before they become bad addictions and abuses. So consider these effective steps to break your bad habits. These may not generate you overnight results, yet starting now takes you closer to improving your life.-Self Improvement

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It is in this modern time that humans find themselves caught between many stimuli. These are caused by the high rate of information disseminated through new and numerous forms of media, as well as the numerous human activities. It can also be associated to the fast rate of task accomplishments and higher degree of learning. And as every day passes, humans see themselves in a more complex society.

All these things influence human actions with regard to focus and attention. A lot of people find it hard to focus, with all the things that are running thru their heads.

Here are some tips on how to improve your focus and attention.

1. Organize thoughts and tasks

For you to see things clearer, try to organize things using the following classifications:

• important and urgent
• urgent but not important
• important but not urgent
• not urgent and not important

Once you have classified things, it will be easier for you to focus on what really matters at a certain moment. You can set other things aside for a while until it is time to worry about them.

In this way, you make proper use of your time. You are focused and concentrated because you are not in the state of panicking and cramming.-Self Improvement

2. Always keep your goal in mind.

Focus is easier to achieve if you do not have much to think about. With that reason in mind, you should have something to guide you in eliminating unwanted thoughts.

Your goal is the ultimate guide that tells you what things you should be dealing with. All unnecessary things must be set aside if it does not contribute to the achievement of your goal.

3. Hypnosis can do the trick.

It is easier for you to channel your thoughts if your brain is accustomed to focus. And it can be done through exercising your mind in an induced state of hypnosis.

Because the brain is working at a lower activity frequency, it is more relaxed. It is more capable of getting things done without distractions. –Self Improvement

Oftentimes, people experience a low level of hypnosis when they are immersed in things that they are very interested in doing.

Here is a simple hypnosis activity that you can follow to get your mind more susceptible to focus and concentration.

1. Get in a comfortable lying position in a quiet place.
2. Clear your mind of other things and start to breath deeply.
3. Close your eyes and feel the different parts of your body.
4. As your progress and relax, try to focus on your right lower limb. Try to ignore other stimuli that your other body parts are feeling. Then imagine that your right leg is becoming warmer.
5. After the heat exercise, imagine that there is a light emanating from the tip of your limbs. Slowly, imagine moving up until it covers your whole body.
6. Do the same in the other leg.
7. Do the exercise with both legs involved.
8. Do the exercise with one arm at a time, then both arms.

You have the power to harness your mind and its way of thinking. It is up to you to adjust your focus and concentration in this time of vast information. You just have to know the proper tips in doing so.-Self Improvement

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