Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Why Are You Comparing Yourself?

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” Theodore Roosevelt

This is so true. Why do we as humans spend so much time comparing ourselves to others. I remember as a child that phrase “Keeping up with the Jones.” One of my childhood friends had gotten a swimming pool and everyone else was so envious. None of the other families could afford one and they began to compare themselves and find themselves lacking. Or they badmouthed the family that did have the pool.

That same pattern continues throughout adolescence, where we compare our bodies to those of others, our skin, our romantic relationships, our academic achievement, almost every aspect of ourselves. Our peers don’t make it any easier, and bullies can make it
downright painful.

And as adults, it continues. Our co-worker gets a promotion and we wonder “Why not me?” We judge ourselves as inferior.

All of this is a big waste of time and energy. Truly, the only thing we should be comparing ourselves to is ourselves.

Measure your progress with your goals and dreams. How far have you come? What have you achieved? What have you overcome? And if you don’t have goals and dreams, set some. That way, you can gauge your success.
But let go of the comparison game because you always lose. There will always be someone more and less successful, more and less beautiful, more and less wealthy. Measure yourself on your terms and embrace your own unqiue talents, gifts and magnificence. You are a gift to the world if you will share yourself.

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Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Tune into the Vibration of Happiness to Boost Yours

For the past few weeks, I have been listening to the song from Despicable Me 2 called Happy by Pharrell Williams. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM It is almost impossible for me to listen to this song without dancing to it. It brings up my mood and brings my focus right back to the present. And according to the Journal of Positive Psychology, it works for others, too.

What works for you? In this article are a wide variety of researched-backed tips to help you be happy. My favorites are go on vacation, play with pets, and volunteer. Check out the full article below.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/07/boost-happiness_n_4532848.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living

For a free report on how to get and stay Fired Up!, go here https://firedupnow.com/top20tips/

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Get Happy in the Dirt

Gardening Increases Your Happiness

We’ve long known that being outside in nature lifts your spirits. But a study from the University of Bristol, England, shows that actually getting your hands in the soil, gardening and breathing the dirt may be another way to lift your spirits. A bacteria commonly found in soil produces effects similar to antidepressant drugs.

The harmless bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, helps release serotonin in the brain. Serotonin deficiencies cause depression.

Gardeners Are Among the Happiest with their Work

Interestingly, in a related study, more than 80% of florists and gardeners feel their work is useful and worthwhile, and they feel appreciated for what they do. They are among those happiest with their careers, according to a survey by City and Guilds.

So plant some bulbs, remove some weeds, and spend a little time in your garden, and you feel happier. Who knew?

If you would like to learn more ways to be happy, check out my free webinar Sept 24
Find Your Happiness and Grow Your Profits https://firedupnow.com/happyclass/

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Are You a Success in Your Own Eyes?

Only You Can Define Success

Not long ago, I lunched with an extraordinary young woman. We chatted about her internship at a battered women’s shelter. The experience had such a profound impact upon her that she’s going to become a social worker. She questioned me about my life and the decisions I‘d made. She knew my parents had been alcoholics and that had substantially influenced my life choices.

My recommendation to her was to define success on her own terms and do what was truly meaningful to her. The families she had helped would never forget her acts of kindness. They meant more than any accolade, award or degree. The same is true of all those volunteers who are helping anywhere in the world, or just down the street.

In the final analysis, your life will not be measured by how high on the ladder you climbed, how much money you made, or how much you achieved. It will be measured by the lives you touched, the kindness you extended, the generosity of your heart.

You are a success, just by being who you are. Never forget that.

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Savor the Present Moment

Increase Your Happiness with this Technique

tropicalbrookLR

After battling pneumonia, I was recently on vacation in the islands. I had one focus: to enjoy the present moment.

That’s not quite as easy as it sounds. Our brains are wired to continually think, and many of us project about the future (work, money, family, commitments, etc.)

But I tried hard to silence my brain and just be. Looking at the exquisite turquoise water, I absorbed the beauty. Walking past a brilliantly hued hibiscus, I appreciated the vibrant color. Listening to chattering parrots, I enjoyed their unique way of communicating. And a funny thing happened. I became more peaceful inside. I truly relaxed and felt the simple joy of the moment.

A new study featured in this month’s Prevention magazine explains it: Savoring the moment rather than analyzing or critiquing it gives you a huge boost in happiness. So what does savoring look like? Part childlike exuberance with whooping or whee kind of glee, and part adult wisdom of “enjoy life while you can.” This meant all the more to me since I had just been so gravely ill, but it worked. For the most part, I spent all vacation in the present moment and it brought me such joy and peace. So yes – your life can be better right now: just savor the present moment.

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Start the Year with the End in Mind

It’s now 2013. For just a moment, pretend it’s New Year’s Eve 2013 and you are looking back over your year. What great successes have you had? What new relationships? What have you accomplished that was truly meaningful for you?

Start your year with the end in mind. How do you want your life to be?

• physically- healthy, fit and strong?

• emotionally- joy and happiness in life and your relationships? positive outlook?

• spiritually- peace and well-being, connection to something greater?

• financially- abundant, prosperous, generous, free?

• mentally- stimulated, challenged, creative, open?

Add in the words that are right for you and make a plan to create that in your life.
People who have written goals are far more successful than those who don’t. Give some serious consideration to what is important to you and make plans to achieve that. You can do it- you have infinite skills, talents and resources.

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Overcoming the Stress of Holidays

You Can Overcome Holiday Stress

All too often the pressure of meals, gift-giving, family dynamics and time management get to be too much. Here’s how to prevent and beat that holiday stress.

• Ask for help. If you are cooking a holiday meal, don’t do it all. Be specific and ask each guest to bring something you need. It will lighten your load and expense.

• Use your neighborhood grocery– many will make all elements of your meal, or you can buy pre-made side dishes and desserts to save time and hassle.

• Do something untraditional- like Mexican or Italian

• Consider not doing the family thing. A coaching client of mine was dreading the negativity that their family regularly spews at holiday functions. I coached them to go on a vacation with their children. It worked out great and everyone was relaxed.

• Put the battles aside for one day. Vow to forgive and bite your tongue and change the conversation when it gets sensitive or controversial.

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Helping Others in a Crisis

When a crisis occurs, whether a sudden storm, hurricane, tornado, earthquake or even car accident, people often wonder how they can help. And while donating to relief organizations is fine, your actions can make a huge difference. Here are a few ways to help:

• Reach out – check in regularly with those you know have experienced trauma or damage. Show them your love and caring, mail them food and toys for the kids, call often and give hugs.

• Refuel- many people without power are at risk of cold, starvation and dehydration. If you have a generator or extra food and water, share with others.

• Routine- help others get back to some of their regular routines. Even small rituals are soothing and bring back a sense of familiar

• Renew– if live you close by and your loved ones are in trouble, invite them to stay with you or at least have some meals at your home while they sort everything out

• Rebuild – you may not be a general contractor, but you can help save someone thousands of dollars by organizing your friends, getting some gloves and removing damaged walls etc

when it is safe.We recently experienced a big problem with mold and having friends come over and help move our furniture out was a huge help.

• Spend time listening. Often the shock of an act of nature takes days and weeks to set in.

Be there for them and offer hope. People in crisis can go into depression very easily.

• Change their mindset – give them new things to think about, share good news of things they can look forward to, focus on the improvements.

Add “New” to Fire Up! Your Life

Keep Your Life Fresh by Trying New Things

Brendon Burchard in his new book The Charge has some great suggestions about staying Fired Up! Something you may not have thought of is trying new things. The brain is hardwired for novelty and challenge and needs to be engaged to keep thriving. Here are a few ways to incorporate new into your life:

• 90 day getaway – every 90 days go away and explore someplace you have not been, doing new activities. It does not have to be expensive- it just needs to be different.

• Restaurant tour; explore restaurants you have never visited, try different kinds of food

• Spend time with new people – go to different networking or social events and broaden your circle.

• Develop new skillsets – my husband and I just installed a new glass tile backsplash in our kitchen. It was challenging but fun, and we love the results.

Your Favorite Activities Are Clues About Your Dreams

What Do You Do For Fun?

One of the best ways to learn about your dreams is to consider what you love doing. It’s amazing the kind of information you can discover about yourself when you take a few minutes to list your favorite activities and how often you do them . If you want to have some fun and learn more about yourself, take ten minutes now to do complete the list called “My Favorite Activities.”

Make a list from 1-5 . On the left put down your favorite activities and on the right put down how long it’s been since you did it, the cost of it.

Ex:
1. go to beach yesterday free
2. comedy club 2 months $20
3. girlfriend time 2 weeks free

Most people discover that what they love to do is free, and can be scheduled at the last minute. Good to know, hum?

People who are the happiest and most at peace in their lives regularly schedule what they enjoy doing. They spend more of their time being “Fired Up!” and that joy shines through all areas of their lives. They have acknowledged their goals and dreams and are doing whatever it takes to accomplish them.