Have you discovered the power of vision boards?

Your mind is a powerful tool.  Your job is to direct it toward the things you want most from life and then watch how quickly it produces results for you.

I’m not talking about any hocus pocus and I don’t believe that just thinking about something will manifest it in your life.  However, I do believe that visualization of your goals and dreams is a proven technique that you shouldn’t ignore.

If you are a visual person, then images are an extremely effective way for you to focus your mind.

A photo can literally speak a thousand words to that magnificent brain of yours.  You should leverage this capability to maximize your achievements and success.

Vision Board Examples to Inspire You

I’m a big believer in the use of vision boards.  There is just something very powerful about them.  Your mind is a waiting receiver.  What you feed it determines what you get out of it.  A vision board is an effective way to consistently nourish your brain with motivating images of the life you most desire.

I’ve written before about how to create and use a vision board.  Today, I want to inspire you by showing you some examples of what vision boards look like.  I hope this will encourage you to make one if you’ve never done so or, at the very least, to revisit a board you created in the past.

Here are some great examples of inspirational vision boards:

1.  Wellness Board

What do you most want to stay focused on?  You should center your vision board on this one thing.

In the example shown, personal wellness is the specific topic.  All the words and images that appear have meaning that would keep you mindful of the value of taking good care of your mind, body and soul.

Board by WiseWellWoman

2.  Masculine Board

Got testosterone?  Your board should reflect who you are or want to become.  Obviously, this example is very masculine, but it is also very well done.

It doesn’t leave any doubt what it is about.  I love how the words reinforce and amplify the meaning of the images.  This is powerful stuff that is inspiring, motivational and designed to hold the viewer accountable.

Board by Ron Sombilon Gallery

3.  Travel Board

Traveling the world is a passion of mine so, I truly appreciate boards with this type of theme.

If you have the desire to travel, then you could create a board that displays images of the specific places you most want to visit.

You could use your vision board as a kind of bucket list.  This is a great way to remind yourself of what you are working so hard to achieve.

Board by LizaWasHere

4.  Flexible Board

I like this example because it shows a different approach.  In the examples above, the pictures are pasted on to poster board, but in this case, the pictures are just tacked to the board.

This technique gives you some flexibility to change the board with time.  You can adjust it as your interests and goals evolve.  Very smart!

Board by Natecull

5.  Artistic Board

Finally, your board doesn’t have to use actual photographs.  If you are an artist, then you may choose to create your own images using your favorite medium.

This might even be more effective because the images you create go along with a specific vision in your mind.  The options for how you create your board are truly endless!

Board by queercatkitten

Be Inspired to Create Your Vision Board

These examples prove there is no one right way to create a vision board.  You can be as creative and clever as you want to be.  The idea is to get those mental images you have in your head out where your mind kind process them and start to guide you toward the actions to make them a reality.  What are you waiting for?  Go create your vision board!

Have you used a vision board before?  Was it effective for you?  Leave a comment letting me know of your experience.  It will be useful to the others that read this post.  Thanks!

Photo at the top by SharonaGott

Are you getting scammed?

I’ll bet you are and you probably don’t even realize it.

Scams come in all shapes and sizes.  There are big ones and little ones.  There are those that want to steal your money. Those that want to steal your identity and definitely a few that are designed to rob you of your dignity.

Let’s admit it.  We hate being scammed.  We hate the very thought of it.  What we despise probably even more than losing whatever the scammers are after is just the embarrassment that comes from being duped.

The thing is, we are scammed on almost a daily basis and it is from a very unlikely source.

The Oldest Scam That We Still Fall For

As I said, scams are all over the place especially on the Internet.  You’ve probably received more than one email by now informing you that you’ve won a foreign lottery or that you will be paid a large sum of money if you help the widow in Nigeria ransom her inheritance from the government.

These are some very common email scams you definitely want to avoid, but these aren’t the oldest or even most persuasive hoaxes you need to guard against.

The oldest and probably most effective scams of all-time originate in your own brain.

That’s right.  Your mind is constantly trying to dupe you into falling for a scheme that seems to promise great returns on the surface, but really just leaves you feeling empty and stupid.

A New Way to View this Old Scam

We typically call these scams we fall for over and over again bad habits.

Have you ever thought of it this way? The whole idea just occurred to me recently, but I think it is very accurate way to view what happens.

A scam is simply a mind game.  One carefully constructed to trick you into doing something that you really don’t want to do because the promised pay off simply isn’t there.  Not only that, but there is usually a painful price to pay for being the victim of such a caper.

Isn’t this very similar to the way your mind keeps sucking you back into your bad habits?

I believe this is a very useful way to view it.

The Way Your Brain Scams You

Think about how you keep falling for your worst habit.  Come on, we all have one that we can’t seem to break.

It starts like this.  A small voice in your head whispers something like, “I really need to <substitute your worst habit>.”  Or, “No one will ever know if I…”

It all seems irresistible in the beginning.  We ask ourselves, “What will it hurt?” I’ll just indulge myself again this once because I’ve had a really tough day.  We fall for the lies that we tell ourselves.

Afterward, the guilt and regret make us feel terrible.  Despite this, we somehow keep repeating our bad habits over and over and over again.

This is definitely a scam.  The oldest scam and yet we keep falling for it.

Use This Knowledge to Break Your Bad Habits

I’ve found this way of thinking about my bad habits very useful.  When my brain starts trying to lead me down a path toward undesired behavior, I simply say to myself, “This is just a scam.”

The resistance I feel toward falling for a scam helps me to immediately turn my thoughts away from participating in the bad habit.  Slowly, but surely, if I resist enough times, the bad habit loses its hold on me and I am free!

What do you think about this?  Is it something you might be able to use to break your bad habits?  Leave me a comment below and let me know if you find this useful.

Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com

Want to unleash some mind-blowing creativity?

Our brains become lethargic just like our bodies.  If you want to achieve a new level of creativity, then you’ve got to find some ways to get your mind moving at peak efficiency.

Stimulating the brain isn’t that difficult and the results can be truly astonishing.  I’ve used the techniques below myself so, I know they work.  I’m sure you’ll find them as useful as I do.

7 Powerful Ways to Stimulate Your Mind

Creativity flows most freely when your mind is highly stimulated.  So, if you want some new, awe-inspiring ideas, then you’ve got to work your brain into a mild frenzy.  You’ve got to give it something to wake it up and get it churning.

Here are seven ways to stimulate your brain for astonishing creativity:

1.  Exercise Your Body

Aerobic exercise gets the heart pumping and blood flowing.  This increases the oxygen level in the brain which will clear the cobwebs and open up your creativity.  Exercise also relieves stress which can be a big inhibitor of imaginativeness.  So, if you are struggling to produce marvelous ideas, spend thirty minutes in a hard workout and you’ll be amazed at the mental acuity it will produce.

2.  Eat Brain Food

What you eat has a big effect on how well your brain functions.  If you want to super-charge your mind, then give it some high-octane fuel to burn.  Check out my list of potent brain foods for a quick pick-me-up. I keep almonds at my desk for those occasions where I feel mentally sluggish.  About 10 to 20 almonds seem to really help me get the creative juices flowing.  Give it a try and see what you think.

3.  Listen to a Stirring Inspirational Talk

I get some of my best ideas while I’m listening to inspirational talks given by others.  This is an excellent way to stimulate your mind and get it out of a mental rut.  When you do this, be sure to take a small notebook and pen because you will want to capture the great ideas as they freely flow forth.  I find that if I don’t, then all the wonderful, creative flashes of brilliance evaporate before I get back to my desk.

4.  Practice, Practice, Practice

When I struggle being as creative as I want in an area, I’ve found a good way to loosen things up is to practice creativity in another way.  For example, if I’m experiencing a case of writer’s block, then I might try drawing for an hour.  This usually takes the pressure off and stimulates my creativity.  I can then go back to writing without the previous obstacles getting in the way.  If you need some resources to help open up your creativity, then give these a try.

5.  Go To Starbucks

I often avoid caffeine because it tends to over-stimulate me, but if I’m in a real mental slump and need to rally, then I’ll stop off at my local Starbucks.  A healthy dose of caffeine and a half-hour with one of my favorite motivational books is usually all it takes and I’ve got a whole page of great ideas to start working on.  This is a quick-fix that I don’t use often, but when I really need to deliver, it never fails me.

6.  Marvel at Nature

Nature is a masterpiece.  I can honestly spend hours admiring the stunning workmanship.  I don’t know if this is the same for everyone, but spending a little time in nature is reviving and rejuvenating for me.  There are no finer examples of creativity in action than what you can find in the great outdoors.  The colors, the imagination and the execution are all perfect.  I always walk away with more than enough inspiration to create my own creative treasure.

7.  Engage in a Vigorous Discussion

Okay, I’ll admit it.  I like to argue vigorously debate various ideas with others.  I find it mentally stimulating.  I’m not talking about the kind of discourse where animosity, frustration and hurt feelings are involved.  I’m more interested in passionate discussions that push and challenge me to creative problem-solving.  The engagement awakens something in my mind that is powerful and inventive.

Stimulate Your Mind and It Will Amaze You

Don’t let your mind be lazy!  You’ve got enormous creative potential just waiting to get loose and all you’ve got to do is help it find a way out of your head.  The techniques above work for me and my hope is that you’ll find one or two that work for you too.  Try combining two or three for some really amazing results.

Are there other ways you stimulate your mind for greater creativity?  I’d love to hear what works for you.  Leave a comment below and let me in on your secret.

Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com

Our brains are the engines that power our lives.  We get out of our minds what we put in.  Do high-performance race cars run on the same fuel as a Volkswagen Bug?  No way!  They would never win.

If we want exceptional results in life, then we have to feed our brains a high-octane diet especially designed to keep our minds sharp and top-performing.

All that junk food is not only making us fat and lethargic, it is putting our brains to sleep as well!

5 Brain Foods to Keep Your Mind Sharp

I’ve been doing a little research and as far as I can tell there seems to be a consensus that the following list of brain food will help us keep our brains functioning at top efficiency.  These are all items that are widely available so you can’t use the excuse that you couldn’t find these!

1.  Blueberries

Blueberries seem to be one of the most powerful and agreed upon super foods.  They almost seem too good to be true!  One cup of blueberries a day will improve your motor and learning skills, protect your brain against the ill-effects of aging and reduce the likelihood of some common brain-related diseases.  If you can’t find blueberries or just need a little variety, then you can always substitute cranberries or strawberries.

2.  Nuts and Seeds

Many nuts and seeds are excellent sources of Vitamin E.  Scientists have found that Vitamin E helps to protect against cognitive decline with its antioxidant properties.  You can eat a handful a day of walnuts, sunflower seeds or almonds for a great brain treat.  However, you want to avoid larger serving sizes because of the high calories this brain food carries.

3.  Avocados

Avocados are packed with fat.  Is that good?!?  Well, it is if it is monounsaturated fat which actually promotes healthy blood flow.  Good circulation is imperative to proper brain function.  A quarter to a half of an avocado a day is plenty to reap the rewards without blimping up from the high calories.  Avocados can also lower blood pressure which is good for cognitive ability.

4.  Wild Salmon

Omega-3 fatty acids protect the brain with their anti-inflammatory elements.  Wild Salmon is an especially good source of Omega-3.  A four-ounce serving about three times per week will protect your brain from aging, improve your moods and reduce the risk of stroke.  If you need a substitute, you might try sardines or herring.

5.  Dark Chocolate

I love dark chocolate and it is loaded with antioxidants!  Chocolates also stimulate the production of endorphins which improves moods.  A small, one-ounce serving per day of good quality dark chocolate high in cacao will give you the maximum benefit.

This List of Brain Food Will Keep You Thinking Smart

Eat these brain foods on a daily basis and you will super-charge your mind!  Think of all the wonderful things you will accomplish once your brain is fed all the super foods it loves.  You’ll be living at peak performance and enjoying all the rewards!

What other brain foods should be on this list?  Leave me a comment and let me know.

Photo by JohnMason

Personal development is all about change.  It’s about changing our habits and behaviors in order to facilitate what is deemed an improvement in one’s life. 

It might be becoming more motivated, being more relaxed, or giving up unwanted habits. 

Unfortunately self improvement is often not straight forward.  Some people seem to struggle for years without making the changes they want.  They may receive some great advice from friends or professionals, but still they persist in the same cycle, with little change or no change.

An Introduction to Hypnotherapy

Why is it that many people that want to make a change, and understand and agree with the benefits, still struggle to do so?  I believe it is largely down to people not communicating with that deeper level of their mind.

I have been a professional clinical hypnotherapist for several years now, and I have personally helped many people make permanent self improvements.  I am not claiming hypnotherapy is perfect, but it does have a knack of “getting through” to people on this deeper level, helping them to make permanent changes.  I’ll explain how it does this.

The Role of the Conscious and Subconscious Mind

Our mind is basically comprised of two parts, our conscious and our subconscious.  These two parts of the mind are quite different from each other.  I’ll explain them in turn.

Our conscious part is what you use when thinking logically and rationally.  The conscious part of the mind is used for mathematics for example.  It is the part of our mind we use when we are deliberately “thinking” in words.  It is the part of the mind that we are most aware that we are using.

Our subconscious mind is responsible for more automatic responses.  It is the part that usually controls such functions as our breathing and sweating.  Our subconscious mind also controls our desires and habits, and our automatic responses to things. 

For instance you may logically understand with your conscious mind that there is nothing to be feared from a spider.  However your subconscious mind can automatically trigger a fear response without any conscious thought.  For some reason your subconscious mind has associated the spider with danger, even though your conscious mind knows that they are not really dangerous.

If someone wanted to give your conscious mind some information, this is very easy to do.  They can simply tell you in words, either verbally, or even in writing.  The conscious mind can easily understand this, and you will therefore understand on a conscious level.

However the unconscious part does not communicate in this way.  The unconscious mind struggles with language, and can miss what the conscious mind takes in.  The unconscious mind is best communicated with via visualization, metaphors, symbols, and other more graphical ways of communication.

How Hypnotherapy May Help in Personal Development

This is where hypnotherapy is so very useful in personal development.  The main aim of hypnotherapy is to guide a person into trance and talk, in a graphical way to the subconscious part of the mind in order to facilitate permanent change. 

Don’t be fooled by the media as to what a trance is.  It is merely a daydream state of mind, where the conscious part of your mind is tuned down a little, to allow more subconscious absorption of suggestions.  It is actually very similar to meditation.

When dealing with a spider phobic, a clinical hypnotherapist may for example guide the subject to visualize a spider dressed in clowns clothes, dancing to jazz music. 

As daft as this may sound, it can successfully communicate to the subconscious mind the message ‘Spiders are not anything to be feared, in fact you can laugh at them instead.’

Saying this in words is unlikely to be taken in by the subconscious mind, but in a pictorial form like this, it is very likely to be understood.  The next time this subject sees a spider, their subconscious mind will automatically associate it with the daft image, rather than fear, and so the subject will no longer experience automatic fear from their subconscious mind.

The Areas Where Hypnotherapy May Help

Hypnotherapy can be used for almost any area of self improvement you can think of.  It can help with habits, phobias, confidence, anxiety etc.  It can also help with things such as weight loss. 

A person wanting to lose weight may well know what types of foods they should be eating on a conscious level, but their subconscious mind does not yet understand this, and so instead craves the tastier, but unfortunately unhealthier types of foods. 

A clinical hypnotherapist can show the subconscious mind in a graphical way what foods to eat more of, and what foods to avoid.  This can then significantly change the types of food the subject craves, helping with weight loss.

Are You Willing to Give Hypnotherapy a Try?

So if you have the desire to make some personal changes, but somehow struggle to ‘get through’ to yourself on that deeper subconscious level, then it is well worth you trying hypnotherapy. 

I have personally witnessed many times a person who has struggled with some sort of issue for literally years, to be successfully treated in just one hour.  I am really not exaggerating, this has happened many times in my practice. 

Think for a moment if you will about all the changes you have wanted to make over the last few years.  Now think about how many of those you have successfully managed to address permanently.  Is it all of them?  If not, then hypnotherapy can definitely help you with the remaining changes that you wish to make.

What are your thoughts about hypnotherapy?  Have you tried it?  Would you be willing to give it a shot? 

Now is your chance to ask the expert.  Leave your comments and questions in the comments below.

Jon Rhodes is a former professional musician turned clinical hypnotherapist.  He has combined his two passions of music and hypnosis to create the ultimate therapeutic hypnosis audio sessions.  Please click here for more information on his downloadable hypnosis sessions.

Photo by artic pj

I know one thing.  Life never stands still.  Neither should you!  You’ve got to continually challenge yourself to grow and learn if you want to experience smart living. 

Those that excel in life never stop perfecting their craft and exploring new avenues of enlightenment.  Grow yourself into a wonderful life! 

You really have to be a continual learner to survive today

It is easy to get lulled into thinking that you’ve made it.  You are at the top of your game so why not kick back and enjoy it? 

Or maybe you’ve gone the other way.  Maybe you think that you’ll never make it so why not just take it easy and coast through life.  When you tried to get ahead it never worked out anyway.

These are both dangerous ways to think.  I believe we all need periods of rest and relaxation, but way too many people make this their way of life instead of just an intermission.

They act as if the world is standing still.  Well, it is not!  You are either moving forward or sliding backward, but you are never just standing still.

Ideas and new ways of thinking move more rapidly today than they ever have in history.  We can instantly communicate and collaborate with people around the world with just the click of a mouse on sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

You’ve got to be continually learning and expanding your understanding or you’ll become obsolete.  You will get left behind and before you know it someone else will have taken over your job, your clients and your livelihood.

Examples of how the world has changed in just the last 10 years

Here are just a few examples of how the world has changed in just the last ten years:

• Almost two-thirds of U.S. homes now have broadband Internet access.
• Social networking sites have sprang up like rabbits and have more reach than e-mail.
• The number of people using mobile phones has tripled in the U.S.
• Digital Video Recorders like TiVo give us the ability to watch what we want, when we want.
• Apple’s iTunes and iPod have transformed the way music is sold and distributed.
• Amazon is doing the same thing to books with the Kindle that Apple did to music.

It used to be if you wanted to connect with someone that you picked up the phone and called them or you went over to their house.  Now, you visit their Facebook page or text them.

It used to be if you wanted the latest song playing on the radio that you went to a store and bought a CD (anybody remember cassettes?).  Now, you simply logon to iTunes and download it to your iPod.

It used to be if you wanted to read a book you had to go to a bookstore or the library to pick it up, if they had a copy in stock.  Now you can purchase it online and start reading it on your Kindle in a matter of minutes from just about anywhere.

All these changes have come about in the last ten years and they just scrape the surface! 

Great video that illustrates the need for continual learning

I ran across this video that I think really challenges us to consider all the changes going on in our world today. 

If you dismiss this stuff you are really going to fall behind.  These are not just subtle changes. 

They are giant shifts in the way we as a society communicate.

This stuff is truly revolutionary!  Don’t get left behind.  Learn what you can now before it is too late!

Check out the video to learn what it is all about:

Isn’t that amazing!  The world is definitely changing!  There is no way that you can stop learning and still expect to move forward in life.  Smart living requires us to be continual learners!

Assignment: Get busy learning and growing for smart living!

What are you doing?!?  It is time to learn something new!  Here are just a few ideas on how to get started applying this smart living rule to your life:

1. Open your mind to the possibilities – Many of us get stuck in a rut and need something to help us open our minds to new possibilities.  If this is you, then I highly recommend reading the following articles to stimulate some new possibilities that you can pursue.
   
   I Feel Trapped In My Life
   50 Things Everyone Should Know How To Do
   Transform Your Life From Ordinary to Extraordinary!




2. Start learning something new – Get out there and learn something new today!  Here’s a list of some suggested activities to help you become a student again.
   
   - Get certified to scuba dive
   - Take a photography course
   - Read a great non-fiction book on a new subject
   - Buy a new gadget and learn how to work it
   - Sign-up and learn to use Twitter
   - Pick a place, research it and then travel there
   - Take an adult education class at a local college
   - Watch some of the fantastic videos on TED.com
   - Get a part-time job teaching something (great learning experience!)
   - Start a square foot garden
   - Keep reading this blog! (shameless plug!)

Smart living requires us to never stop learning and growing!

It is never too late to learn something new!  You can expand your job skills, acquire a new hobby or simply broaden your understanding of the world.  I just urge you to never stop following your curiosities and inquisitiveness.  The rewards are endless!  Being a continual learner is a prerequisite for smart living!

Follow this link to discover all the rules for Smart Living.

Photo by Jasmic

We need to find ways to challenge ourselves with new activities and learning opportunities to live life to the fullest.  If you have something that makes you uneasy, then face it head on!  Push yourself outside your comfort zone and you will beat all your fears.  Don’t grow old gracefully!  Fight it every step of the way by seeking new ways to stretch yourself!  Here are some ideas to help get you started.

1. Travel to a foreign country

Take out a map and find a place you’ve never been.  Plan a trip to a country that is unfamiliar to you.  It will stimulate your mind and your senses.  You will have the opportunity to pick up parts of a new language, eat different foods, and meet interesting people!

2.  Participate in a yoga class

Yoga will stretch you very literally.  There are numerous benefits to yoga.  It will help you mentally, physically and some say even spiritually.  It certainly will help you to relieve stress and become more physically fit.  If you are looking for ways to keep your body toned, then a yoga class may be a good choice.

3.  Go on a solo backpacking trip

There is something very stimulating about camping alone in the woods.  You are totally dependent on your own wits and skill.  A trip like this pits you against nature for comfort and sometimes survival.  The solitude will also give you time alone with your thoughts.

4.  Arrange a public speaking engagement

Apparently, speaking in public is a fear greater than death for some people.  This is one fear that everyone can conquer.  Why let something simple shackle you?  The key is to just do it.  Your local Toastmasters club would be happy to help.

5.  Audition for a role in a play

Give your creative side a chance to come alive in the theater.  Were you in a high school production?  Why not give it a try again?  You might rediscover something about yourself that has been suppressed.

6.  Read a book with an opposing view

We can all get set in our ways and our limited view of the world.  Pick up a book at your local library that purports a view that is contrary to one that you hold dear.  Read it from cover to cover and try to keep an open mind.  Note points that make some sense and ponder them.

7.  Change jobs

I run into people all the time that seem to hate their jobs, but they won’t go out and find a better one.  Don’t stay stuck in a rut any longer!  Take a step today toward finding a new position.  After all, if you aren’t happy now, what do you have to lose?

8.  Volunteer to improve your community

Volunteer opportunities abound.  These needs give us the chance to expose ourselves to things we won’t normally see in our safe little lives.  It will expand our horizons and give us a greater appreciation for what we have.  In addition, you might just make a difference in someone else’s life along the way.

9.  Learn to scuba dive

Find your local PADI certified training center and learn to be an Open Water Diver.  I was fortunate enough to do this myself recently.  It is a lot of fun and a bit of a challenge.  You will feel like a true explorer once you are certified!

10.  Dress up for Halloween

Get yourself a costume and find yourself a Halloween party!  Express your inner child by dressing up and having some fun.  My wife and I did this last year and it was a complete hoot!  I highly recommend it as a way to bring yourself out of a shell.

11.  Take a dance class

Dancing is great exercise, a fun way to meet people, and a fantastic way to creatively express yourself.  There are all kinds of dance classes that you can find to meet your individual tastes.  You might even meet a new friend in the process!

12.  Enroll in a college course

Is it time to expand your knowledge in a particular area?  Maybe you need a way to spark new interest in a subject that has always intrigued you.  College courses are a great way to give yourself a new challenge while also expanding your opportunities.

13.  Introduce yourself to a complete stranger

For some, this is no big deal, but for others of us, this is not something that comes easily.  Set a goal to meet five new people this week.  What’s the worst that can happen?  You might make a connection that will blossom into a fruitful relationship.

14.  Attend a service at the church of your choice

Are you attending to your spiritual needs?  If not, maybe it is time for you to seek out a place of worship.  Not sure where to go?  I would suggest asking a friend if you can accompany them.  It will make their day!

15.  Sit alone in complete silence for an hour

This one sounds simple enough, but give it a try.  It is harder than you think.  We are so accustomed to noise and to being in the presence of others that you might initially find this very challenging.  My guess is that if you do it for a few days that it will become something you love.

16.  Move to a new home

Find a new place to live in a different city or at least on the other side of town.  A move will force you out of your ruts.  You will have to develop new routines and explore a new area.  This will give you a chance to grow and expand your boundaries.

17.  Go on an eco-adventure

Travel to Belize, Costa Rica, or another location that offers eco-adventures.  The world is a big place and nature is full of fascinating creatures.  Get out there and see something new.  A trip like this is dangerous because it could change your entire life!

18.  Fly down a zip-line

Taking a zip-line tour is a rush!  It will definitely get your adrenaline flowing.  I did this when I went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico earlier this year.  The zip line was total fun.  This type of thrill seeking awakens your adventurous spirit.

19.  Organize a reunion

Reach out to some people that you haven’t seen in awhile.  This could be family, classmates, or just an old friend that you haven’t talked to in years.  Reminiscing about the past might stir up old ideas in you that you forgot you had.

20.  Write something and get it published

Writing is a terrific way to express yourself and tap into your creativity.  Getting what you write published will give you a sense of accomplishment.  You will also probably get quite a nice boost from the positive reviews that you’ll receive!

Don’t spend another day in your comfort zone!

There is no excuse for remaining in your present rut.  A new challenge will energize you and give you the courage to continue to grow.  We only have one life to live and you do not want to waste another day.  Go stretch yourself outside your comfort zone!

What other ways are there to get out of our comfort zones?

Photo by stephcarter

1.  Read a good book.

Reading a book stimulates the imagination.  Your brain can’t keep from drawing mental pictures when you read.  Reading gets your mind off its butt and to work.  I love to let a book carry me away.  I always have a book that I’m reading and sometimes I have 3 or 4!  I get most of my books from the library to avoid the cost of buying each one.  This also allows me to try a wide variety of books without risk.

2.  Big Brain Academy.

Video games have a bad reputation for causing brain rot, but there are some that will actually help you strengthen your mind.  I like Big Brain Academy for the Wii.  It is a collection of brain teasers that tests your mental acuity.  The tests are entertaining and addicting.  You can even compete with others which makes for some great family fun.

3.  Practice meditation.

Don’t worry, I’m not going off the new age deep-end here.  There are a lot of different forms of meditation.  To me, in its most simple form, meditation is about spending a little time alone to relax and center your thoughts.  It is amazingly therapeutic.  If you haven’t tried meditation before, I would highly recommend reading this guide to meditation.

4.  Get plenty of rest.

A lack of sleep can interfere with your ability to assimilate new information.  This means those all-nighters you pulled back in college were much less effective than you thought.  Your brain needs rest to operate at its peak performance.  This may be why things always seem clearer and brighter after a good night’s sleep.

5.  Exercise regularly.

You didn’t think you were going to get away without a little time on the treadmill did you?  Cardiovascular exercise improves blood flow to the brain which improves brain functioning.  One study found that physical exercise actually helped to increase the volume of the brain.  So, if you want a bigger, better brain, then get to exercising!

6.  Eat a good breakfast.

It is not a myth.  Eating a good breakfast does get you off to a better start.  You should eat a breakfast high in protein and good carbohydrates.  A couple of pieces of whole-grain toast with peanut butter will fit the bill.  Eggs are also an excellent source of protein.  Nuts, milk, and fresh fruit are also great ways to feed your brain.

7.  Think positive thoughts.

Encourage yourself.  I am convinced that positive thinking increases the effectiveness of the brain and helps to avoid things like depression.  I like to say that your brain works much like a computer, garbage-in, garbage-out.  Find positive, encouraging people to hang around, read material that jazzes you up, do whatever it is that makes you feel good about yourself.  These things will also help you be more mentally productive.

8.  Be a continual learner.

Never stop being curious about your world.  Seek out new experiences, skills, and knowledge.  Think of something that you’ve always wanted to learn to do and then get started.  A now famous study, showed that certain areas of the brains of London cab drivers were more developed compared to the average citizen.  This was due to their need to learn how to navigate the maze of downtown streets.  We can use this technique of challenging our brains to improve our abilities.

9.  Lay off the alcohol.

Alcohol is of course a depressant.  It slows down mental functions.  The effects of alcohol on a person’s cognitive ability is well-documented.  If you need peak mental performance, then stop drinking alcohol.  In addition to its obvious effects, it also decreases the restfulness of one’s sleep which, as we have already discussed, impedes your ability to think clearly.

10.  Get romantic (especially if you’re a woman).

Studies have shown that there may be a link between regular sex and improved brain performance in women.  Love-making increases a woman’s estrogen levels and higher estrogen levels are tied to better mental performance.  Of course, the mental benefits probably do not outweigh the risks, unless you are in a faithful, monogamous relationship.

11.  Break your routines.

Drive a new way to work.  Try writing with your less dominant hand.  Mix things up a little.  This perks up your brain because it requires you to think more.  You aren’t just running on auto-pilot.  Challenge your brain by getting out of your routines and it will respond.  This is a great way to get your mental juices flowing.

12.  Stop watching so much television.

Researchers have found that too much television between the ages of 1 and 3 leads to attention problems later in childhood.  Let’s face it, TV is mind-numbing.  Get up off the couch and away from the television.  Sure, there is some good educational stuff for children and adults, but the average American watches way too much TV.  If you want peak mental performance, then turn off the boob tube.

13.  Work with numbers.

Do math problems in your head instead of on a calculator.  For many of us, it is use it or lose it.  We have become mentally lazy.  We rely on our gadgets instead of thinking for ourselves.  Working with and memorizing numbers is a great way to get your brain back in shape.  This could pay off big dividends down the road!

14.  Stop relying on your GPS to tell you where to go.

Remember the cab drivers in #8 above?  Using your brain to figure out how to get from Point A to Point B is good mental exercise.  You have to use your brain’s ability to determine spatial relationships to effectively read a map and navigate a city.  Traveling in an unfamiliar area is even better!

15.  Recall old memories.

Get out those old picture albums and start thumbing through them.  This taps into your brains memory banks.  Pictures will help you recall things that you thought you forgot.  Dig deep to see just what all you remember.  If you have other ways to stimulate your memory, like old letters or home movies, then by all means use those too.

16.  Make beautiful music.

Learning to play a musical instrument is a great way to super-charge your brain.  It requires a number of different parts of your brain to work together to make the melodies that you desire.  Of course, if you are already a musician, then learn a new piece.  Push yourself to learn new techniques.  Music is a great workout for the mind.

17.  Speak a new tongue.

Many people agree that learning to a speak a new language is a powerful way to give the mind a stretch.  If you’ve ever tried to learn even a few new words, then you know this can be difficult.  Of course, the harder something is for the brain, the better!  You have so much more mental capacity than you might imagine.  Give it a try!

18.  Memorize a song.

Many of us have lots of old songs stored in our heads, but why not expand your memory by learning a few new tunes?  It may take awhile at first, but if you keep at it, you will find it gets easier.  This is your brain getting back in shape.

19.  Walk around the house blindfolded.

It might seem like a strange activity, but your brain can handle it.  Once you try it a few times, you will probably find it fun and challenging.  Again, this one draws on your memory, motor skills, and reasoning abilities.  What a workout!

20.  Expand your vocabulary.

Decide to learn one new word a day.  There are several websites out there that can help you with this endeavor.  You’ll not only be expanding your mind, but you’ll also be able to impress your friends and co-workers when you work one of your new words into a conversation.

Get started today and be smarter tomorrow!

There you have it!  I have just given you 20 very practical ways to sharpen your mind.  These suggestions will have your brain back in tip-top shape in no time.  Why are you waiting?  It is time to start exercising your mental muscles!

How do you keep your brain in perfect working order?

Photo by Gaetan Lee

Visitors from PickTheBrain

Welcome!  I am excited that you are here and I encourage you to subscribe to my feed to receive daily updates via RSS.  You can also enter your email address in the box on the right-side of this page to receive my articles right in your inbox.  Rest assured that I will never share or sell your e-mail addresses to anyone. 

I have listed a few of my articles below that I think you will enjoy.  Please read them and let me know what you think by leaving a comment.  Thanks for stopping by!

Recommend Reading

If you are new here or if you just missed them, here are a few article you might enjoy.

• The ONE Thing Critical to My Success
• 10 Things I Do To Beat Stress and Improve My Effectiveness
• Become a Virtual Volunteer and Make a Real Difference
• I Think Everyone Should Be In Business For Themselves
• Things I Learned Living on a Budget – Part 1, Part 2, & Part 3

Life Skills Network

MySuperChargedLife is a proud member of the LifeSkillsNetwork!  Please be sure to visit the other fantastic sites in our network and read their articles as well.  Their most recent posts are conveniently listed on the right side of this page.  Enjoy!

Photo by iko

We live out our positive and negative labels.

First, I have thought about how we seem to live out the labels that we are given when we are young.  The labels can be positive or negative.  It doesn’t seem to matter to us which they are, either way they have the same impact.  How do we get these labels and what makes us believe some of them to be true while we reject others?  Thinking about this is of particular concern to me because I am a father.  Being a parent is a tremendous responsibility.  How can we be sure to help our children acquire positive beliefs about themselves that will help them to live their best life while avoiding the negative ones?

I have some titles or labels that are obvious to me.  I am a father, husband, manager, man, Republican, and Christian.  As a result,  I behave in certain ways because I have adopted these titles.  For example, I have a picture in my mind of what a father should be and my behavior is a result of the fact that I have accepted this role and my mental image of it.  Of course, some of this mental image of what a father should be I’m sure is flawed.  So, we not only have to ask ourselves what labels we have adopted, but how we picture this label in our minds so we can determine how it effects our behavior.

We often don’t even realize the labels that we assign to ourselves.

For me, it seems that I bury the negative labels.  Maybe it is because I don’t want to acknowledge and deal with them.  I recently realized that In certain circumstances I believe myself to be a victim.  I rejected the idea at first, but as I honestly evaluated my behavior and thinking, it became clear to me.  I saw how I failed to take responsibility for some of my own behavior.  Instead, I blamed others.  As an example, when someone does something that makes me angry and I retaliate, I blame them because they provoked me.  In my mind, I was a victim of their comments or actions.  I failed to take full responsibility for my actions.  This was incredibly difficult to accept, because I do not like thinking of myself as a victim.

Being totally honest with ourselves can be incredibly hard.  It can be just as hard to look  inside the labels we give to ourselves to see how they impact our behavior.  Of course, this is most valuable when we use it to correct inaccurate mental images that lead us to behave in ways that are counterproductive.  Over the years, I have struggled with my image of what it means to be a successful, productive member of a team.  I have my ideas about this and my standards are high in certain areas.  As a result, I am prone to making quick judgements against people I work with that don’t see things the same as I do.  This has led to conflict which of course is counterproductive.  I have had to adjust my mental image and expectations.  I have to remind myself regularly that people are different and my ways are not the only ways to achieve the desired results.

How to recognize and correct this.

The example above suggests one powerful way that I have come to recognize when I am clinging to either a negative label or inaccurate mental image.  If I am experiencing pain, conflict, or resistance in an area of my life, then it is likely that I need to either rethink one or more labels that I have accepted or an aspect of my mental picture of that role.  I try to inventory my attitudes in that area to see where the discrepancy might exist.  Of course, even when I identify the issue it isn’t always easy to deal with especially when the stinking thinking has existed for a long time.  If I could completely solve this issue, then I would be a millionaire therapist!

Why it matters.

This brings me back to my children and Admiral Stockdale.  Many people saw Stockdale as a kook after this debate.  He seemed to start with a question that led many to believe he was mentally lost because he never successfully answered the question.  As a parent, I want to help my children firmly believe every positive self-image possible so they can experience tremendous success in whatever they choose to pursue.  I want to keep them from appearing mentally lost.  I want them to know exactly who that are and why they are here.  I will continue to wrestle with this because the stakes are too high not to.

I am interested in your thoughts about labels and behavior.  Please leave me a comment and let me know if you struggle with this and how you deal with it.  I could use the help.

If you enjoyed this article and you feel it would benefit others, please click the links below to give it a Stumble or Digg.

Photos by Megan and Mrs. Maze