Habits Of A Level-Up Mindset

You want to become successful but you have no idea where to begin. Our mind is like a battlefield. Up and down, backwards and forward. And if we can’t control it – it will control us. When you conceive the idea that you want to level up your mind what is the next thing that follows that thought? Is it to go on a shopping spree? Get on the next flight to that exotic vacation? Unless you are in a place to do so, right? But if you want to level up I am of the opinion that you are somewhere down there. Many of us have been there. Moreover, how would you like the idea of levelling up but choose to remain isolated and lazy and is only in love with the idea because to dream of great things is the best thing that can happen to anyone? To dream of change and not act on it is catastrophic.

The idea of wanting to level up must begin with cultivating a certain attitude and mindset that will allow you to reach your goal. It’s easy to become frustrated with a life that’s going nowhere. Relationships, boring and unfulfilled jobs, limited finance and unpleasant friends circles. But unless you create a new mindset that will allow you to accomplish these goals those beautiful thoughts of a fulfilling and exciting life will be just that – thoughts.

Here Are Few Basics Tips For a Level Up Mindset.

Know Who You Are

Self-knowledge liberates you from the perceptions of others. By knowing who you are can lead to greater happiness and less inner conflict; and the strength to say “no.” It gives you a strong sense of self. In knowing yourself you discover your strength and weaknesses. You are able to determine your values and what genuinely interests you. You can be yourself when you know yourself. Knowing who you are will determine the achievement of your goals.

Improve Your Communication Skills

Listen. Listen. Listen. An important component of the communicating process. To do otherwise defeats the purpose of a conversation or message. An effective communicator is a good listener. Eliminate filter conversations and have practice conversations, and active listening. This will help you build stronger relationships and communicate effectively while you work your way to the top.

Be Assertive

Being assertive is not arrogance or aggression. It is being self-assured and even-tempered. It is never “You always,” You never.” These phrases can shut down a conversation. Develop a habit of “I think” or “I believe.” Be confident and speak calmly. When others opinions differ, show respect and learn healthy compromise. Don’t forget to respectfully stand up for your interest and opinion.

Align With Your Goals

Set goals that are in alignment with your values and beliefs and be open to change. You need to set a goal in order to stay focused and align yourself with your purpose. Be consistent and patient. Most people failed because their goals are not in alignment with their actions and thoughts. Commit to your goals. Write them down, create a plan and act on them.

Develop Your Social Skills

Good social skills help you to network effectively. If you are an awkward person or struggle to be part of the conversation because of your shyness it will impact your social life and career. Make a decision to talk to others even if you feel nervous. As time goes by you will improve and become comfortable with it. If you want to keep the conversation going ask open-ended questions. Practice good manners and learn to understand body language. Join a social group and this will you improve your networking skills. It is necessary to begin small and grow. Practice listening and communication skills as I mentioned earlier.

Integrity

None of us is perfect! Period! But we all want to be that individual who is held in respect and to be talked about as “noble.” We all want to live according to our deepest values. These values are what we do not compromise. One of these values is honesty. How often do you speak the truth? Is it something you are aware of when you don’t do it? Integrity helps to build trust and people are drawn towards such behaviour. Of course, there are those who prefer not to be around someone who is of integrity because it doesn’t suit their intention. Then there will be others who won’t mind because they have a face for everywhere they go and everyone they come into contact with. Integrity makes you secure and confident in who you are.

“Income seldom exceeds personal excellence.”

Jim Rohn

Advertisement

7 Powerful Life Lessons

Life is a force to be reckoned with, a tidal wave that sweeps you off your feet. It can be a challenging task maker or as gentle as a mother’s love or a bit of both. An evolving tale of experiences gained and what you learn from such experiences.

Disregarding such LIFE LESSONS can make a massive difference in determining whether you will be termed as a prosperous and contented human being or not in the coming times.

A survey was conducted to observe who teaches the best life lessons. The results show different influence percentages as: by a parent(75 %), at a school and/or by teachers (47 %), and by other family members (46 %).
Ultimately, you, as a human being, are a driver of your destiny. Others may guide you, but the true intent and action lie within you in governing your life.
Here are 7 POWERFUL LIFE LESSONS which, when adopted wholly, can turn your life around.

Stop Putting Things Off

Shifting important tasks to the unknown future will not solve your problems or get anything done. It’s called PROCRASTINATION. You aren’t accomplishing anything significant by not working through your obligations. The problem might reside with your fear of the unknown, fear of change, or avoidance of a complex situation. What you need is to take action and set your priorities straight.
Set yourself small goals daily and keep motivating yourself to achieve your life goals. So, stop delaying tactics by being an active person who fights his fears.

Walk Your Own Path

Yes, you read it right. Don’t just blindly follow the popular ideas or suggestions by random people. Always keep your priorities straight as in, “WHAT DO I WANT FROM LIFE?”

Walking your own path means people will see you as someone “strange,” “weird” “the black sheep” “strong-headed” or “foolish.” Your job as an individual is to stay true to yourself, show up for yourself every day.

Blazing your trail in any profession or walk of life means not choosing based on what is said by others. Do what feels right to you in your heart, and not what everybody is doing around you. They are just background noise. You will see; as a result, contentment and confidence and a sense of fulfilment will become your companions.

Never Give Up

Everyone faces loss and failure in life at some stage. Lost time, lost opportunities. The question is, “HOW do you cope with it?”
The golden lesson is to NEVER GIVE UP. Don’t lose your focus, keep pushing yourself. Nothing great is achieved by giving up. While facing hardships in life, don’t “throw your arms up in the air, unless you have accomplished what you have started. The odds will always be there, but how you react to it, is what matters. It’s is called PERSEVERANCE. This I have learned.
Those who gain success in life are individuals who still get back up to continue their efforts after losing.

Photo by Janko Ferlic on Pexels.com

Never Stop Learning

An article titled The well-being effect of Education, Economic and Research Council, United Kingdom. The result suggests that people with a higher level of education are associated with higher levels of career interest while lower levels proved to be the opposite.

Whatever skills, trade or academics you have chosen or intend to pursue never become stagnated after you have achieved this. Make learning a lifelong habit it is essential for your personal development.

The impact of learning is immeasurable it enhances your confidence, and empowers you. You can adapt to life changes effortlessly, thus, ensuring your success in life.

Intuition: Your Best Friend

When people say things to you that you are unsure of, you always have this thing inside you known as “gut feeling” that seems to speak to you; it is called your INTUITION. The critical question is, “Do you heed your gut or ignore it as unimportant?”
Your intuition performs best when there is a high level of uncertainty. I have failed my intuition on many occasions even when it was slapping me right in the face. It never lies. But I guess when you’re lacking awareness, losing sight of what is real comes easily and can result in misguided information and actions. Always follow and trust your instincts.

Stay Healthy

Your health is an absolute state of mental, social and physical well-being. Adopting a healthy lifestyle won’t allow you to live forever but can prevent many illnesses and keep you energetic and happy. When we are fit and healthy it allows us to enjoy life to the fullest.

Health comes before success. And don’t ask why. Instead, ask yourself if you’d rather be unwell and successful, or be healthy and have a successful career. Regular exercise, having your me-time, avoiding sources of stress, practising good hygiene and sleeping well. Imagine not being able to enjoy your life because of poor health.

Every aspect of your health is important. Don’t wait until the doctor ordered you to eat healthily and exercise and get enough sleep. Let it be one of your non-negotiables

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Aristltle

Declare Your Non-Negotiables

Photo by Sonny Sixteen on Pexels.com

Have you ever felt like you have been compromising yourself? Do you feel as though you have put your happiness and priorities for others in the name of love and care? When I was growing up I had a personal rule. I refuse to lend anything I own to anyone who cannot take care of it. And my sister was the recipient of such a rule. That was my non-negotiable rule. I still work with it. Now that I am an adult I never knew these non-negotiables are what we are supposed to expand and uphold in our everyday lives. Can you relate? At times I was conscious of it but pay no mind. And of course, such a response would mean that it won’t get better.

Many of us have worked in places where there are non-negotiables. When those rules are violated there are consequences. How many of you have violated your own rules and have never thought about the importance of upholding your own values? All in the name of being a “nice person” or perhaps a lack of interest not knowing its importance. We often failed to realize that these values are what helps to shape our lives. I might also add that some of these non-negotiables are worth dismantling because they are of no use to us. And sometimes some of us have no rules.

Identifying Your Non-Negotiables

• Ask a close and trusted friend whose opinion you value, regarding their values and beliefs. This will enable you to realize what yours are.
• Write down your non-negotiables. Write down what you feel strongly about and would never change your mind about. View your list as temporary. In that case you can go back and revise after you would have thought about it.
• Things, people and places change so it absolutely fine if you have decide what you will keep and want to revise from time to time.
• Recognize those that are priority and those that can be put off.
• Be aware of your personal style so you can learn to practice and adapt to new and healthy habits.

Establishing Your Non-Negotiables

Establishing non-negotiables aren’t harmful as long as they are properly managed and understood by the people involve. You would do well to ensure that your non-negotiables are strongly established and respected by your circle of friends and family. This will form an integral part of the change process.

Your non-negotiables are specific to you that give you the blend between your personal life and those around you. However, be mindful of your behaviour with respect to your rules as they will evolve as you grow as an individual. If you have a clear purpose and direction it will be less complicated to connect with various levels of people.

Examples of Non-Negotiables

• Give Yourself Permission For Self-Development

We all want to have a better life. What is holding you back from pursuing your dreams? Is it family? Friends? Or your mind? Free your mind from those things which were ingrained within you from a young age and have no purpose; is outdated, and have no positive long term impact. Free yourself from the people and loved ones who would prefer to see you down than up. This is your right, and you deserve it. Dream so big that it scares you. Envision the life you want and make a commitment and take action.

• Keep Your Promises to Yourself

When you fulfil what you have promised yourself life can be exactly the way you want to experience it. When you make a promise to yourself eg., to quit smoking, you must make it a rule and hold yourself accountable. And for that reason, you can do what is best in your interest. Promise yourself to uphold those values that you’ve set for yourself no matter how incline you may feel to loosen up.

• Maintaining Healthy Relationships

If you have a good relationship with yourself it will be easier for you to have and maintain healthy ones with the people you have around you. Be clear about what you expect from others and ensure your relationships are purposeful. Knowing the basic principles of a healthy relationship can be meaningful, exciting and fulfilling regardless of the challenges you might encounter.

• Your Mental Well-Being

This is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy relationship. And that is why you should set core values, be assertive and consistent. Communicate your unavailability when you have to. Communicate your feelings. Give yourself the chance to focus on yourself. Remember, it all starts with you and what you want for yourself. What you want for yourself is not being self-fish, but instead a crucial component in maintaining healthy, safer and comfortable relationships.

Communication Is Key

This is important when building and maintaining relationships, so they can understand your objectives in a sincere way. Once you have applied them share what’s important to you.

Don’t beat yourself up if you are unable to meet your non-negotiables daily. Otherwise, if it becomes a habit take a step back and consider what might be hindering you. There are good and bad days, so go easy on yourself.

Change isn’t easy but if you consider your non-negotiables to be meaningful and important it will be less complicated for you to uphold. Just be certain they aren’t unrealistic non-negotiables.

“Waking up early, connecting with nature, and having my quiet time are priorities to me, and they are non-negotiable to.”

Danette May

You Can Alter Your Life By Altering Your Minds

How many of you have dreams that are left undone or still lingering in your mind? Dreams of travelling the world, exploring new cultures, learning a new language and managing your own business that will catapult your life into an amazing and exciting one. However, time pass and you realize that your plans have fallen through the cracks. Or how about that time when you had those great ideas and ambitions, but for some reason, that’s all they were?

You’re not alone. I have been there! And I know exactly how you feel. It was not until a few years ago certain circumstances compelled me to re-examine my entire life. Yes! It was time for me to stop harbouring ideas and concealing plans. This was the punch I needed to re-invent my life.

Tonight, as I write, I would like to say I am proud to sit here and write this story on my blog and also thank you for coming here as I intend to inspire and empower you on your journey to move forward in confidence and live your best life.

It is important for you to understand why you want to re-assess your life, what you want moving forward, and how you will go about making those changes. This will be the stepping stone for everything else that follows and functions as a guide when you are ready to apply the changes that are important to your life.

For those of you who are currently on your self-improvement journey or have started and is feeling stuck, your mindsets are a vital aspect of your life. The right mindset changes everything because it totally changes your perspective. It is important to note that your mindset doesn’t have to be set in stone. You can change your attitude anytime to reflect the way you want your life to be. When I first started, one of the books I read was Mindset: How You Can Fulfill Your Potential written by Carol Dweck while reading this book I learned about two mindsets. In her book, she tells us we can change the way we think and fulfil our potential. Below I share with you briefly the two kinds of mindsets.

Growth Mindset And Fixed Mindset

A Growth Mindset

A growth mindset embraces challenges. It understands that hard work is required in order to grow and develop. It acknowledges that it’s never too late to learn. It believes that errors are a part of learning. It understands its purpose and focuses on long term vision. It is grateful and celebrates the successes of others. For instance, a person with a growth mindset believes that failure is a learning opportunity.

A Fixed Mindset

Conceal its flaws to avoid judgement. It is constrained by beliefs. It assumes abilities and understanding are fixed. It does not believe that intelligence can be improved. It believes it is too late to learn. It is threatened when others succeed. For example, someone with a fixed mindset believes that a great soccer player is one with a fixed trait.

10 Ways to Shift Your Mindset

Practice Meditation

Meditation is something everyone can do. When I first started meditating, I couldn’t sit still but as time went by I took the challenge regardless of its difficulty. I could barely do five minutes – then ten minutes, but I did it anyway. Since then I have found that meditation has great benefits. Now I have graduated to one hour. Damn! I am so proud of myself. That means so much to me because I have had issues with concentrating and this is one of the reasons why I started meditating. Ladies, if you want to change your life you have to change your mindset and I believe that meditation plays a vital role towards this end. Since I have been practising meditation consistently, it has liberated my mind from attachments and brought deeper relaxation, greater self-awareness and it has helped me develop a better understanding of myself.

Retrain Your Mind by Noticing Little Changes

As I said before, meditation is an important aspect of reframing your perspective. This might seem hard but we should not allow fear to stop us from achieving our goals. Learn to observe your thoughts and cultivate a habit of observing small changes as you go along each day, that is positively impacting you and the people around you. By noticing small changes it will help you to adapt to bigger changes that are to come. When recognizing this you will be able to see things as an opportunity for growth.

Prioritize Personal Development

Think about where you want to be in three years in every area of your life and ensure you begin with long term goals. Spend time on developing a skill or expanding your business or continuing your education or whatever you may have in mind. All this can be very challenging but it is a part of the process and will be your lesson to embrace change. Prioritizing personal development means you will have to shift your priorities. They should be selected based on the order of importance and try to determine the necessary over unnecessary. Remember, to keep the process simple.

Bury The Dead

The thing about bringing about effective change is that part of you, that tells you you can not make it. Do not hold yourself back from a better future by entertaining the past. Whether it is over that divorce, that breakup or that time when you tried improving your life and failed. Don’t let it choke your opportunity to succeed. Once you accept your past, forgive yourself, pull up your big girls’ pants and wipe those tears. Embrace the change. You are limitless. You can extraordinary.

Change Your Self-Talk

Get the negative committee out of your head. Your future depends on you and the decisions you make. The way you think and your belief system affects everything in your life. Your mind, your emotions, your action and the way you react to things around you. To achieve your goals make sure your mindset is aligned with your aspirations. Otherwise, it restricts you from getting to that place where you want to be.

If you tell yourself you are not capable of accomplishing your goals your mind will create the reality and it will impede on your desire to live the life you want. Change the negative self-talk into positive ones and empower your speech. It works!

Read More Books

“Books train your imagination to think big.”

Taylor Swift

Reading expands your understanding and analytical abilities. It increases our intelligence and boosts our vocabulary and brainpower. I know a few people who do not like reading. How many of you do not like to read? Ladies, if you want to fulfil your purpose you have to develop a habit of reading. This is part of your journey and is vital in improving your communication skills.

Begin by reading for ten minutes every day and this will eventually open up an entirely new world for you. Reading has helped me to improve my concentration and widened my scope of knowledge. Get that book and see the potential for change and improvement. In a later post, I will be sharing more of the books I’ve read with you.

Focus On The Positive

“Positive thinking” can feel cliche but its overall benefits have been vouch for by many people. A positive mindset can improve your mood and confidence. Imagine if you were to develop a positive mind towards building your goals; what effect it would have on your life? This doesn’t mean you will always be in a positive mood there will be those days when nothing would seem right; this is when you need to stay focused on the positive.

I mentioned earlier positive self-talk and being optimistic. Remember, while focusing on your improvement you will encounter challenges. Ask yourself “How will this benefit me?” If you feel stuck try engaging yourself in things that will boost your energy i.e. listening to your favourite music or podcast or even going for a walk. Don’t forget to spend time with positive people. Negative elements are always a source of an exaggerated imagination of a situation we may not be able to control. Accept the stones that may be thrown your way because we cannot control everything in life, and try to cultivate an attitude of positivity.

Face Your Fears

Was there ever a time you were asked to do something and you refuse because you are too scared to do it? What was your excuse? How did you feel afterwards?

I have had the worst experience while I was growing up. I use to agree to sing at the Christmas concert then cancel on the day of the concert because merely thinking about it give me a panic attack. It was crippling. Like other emotions, fear will mean different things to so many different people. If you do not overcome your fears you will never be able to move forward.

I like to believe we face fears for a reason. It helps us to grow, but not if we cancel engagements. If you are placed in a situation that requires you to stand before a group or crowd of people how would you react? The goal is to face your fears. Don’t try to act perfect. Remind yourself there are people who will be listening to you and are wishing they can do what you are doing. Let this empower you.

If you are not at risk if it won’t kill you, or you can ask yourself “what is the worst that can happen?” By seeing fear as a natural emotion you can see it as the obstacle to move you forward. Sounds easy but it is not. Just Breathe.

Have A Long Term Vision

A long term vision is important and ensures that you do not try to change the direction your life is heading, and create discomfort for yourself. It serves as a purpose to align your plans in order to achieve success.

Here are five ways to develop a long term vision.

• Determine your strenghts
• Understand your personal values
• Write a personal Statement
• Evaluate your current circumstances
• Ensure you have long term priorities

Having a long term vision gives you something to strive for and focus on. It also shapes the direction of our lives and requires time and planning, For instance, you can have a long term goal to improve your lifestyle by a specific age or it can be to develop a career plan. Remember, a long term vision holds your values and gets you on the path toward your goal.

Drop Negative Friends

Misery spreads like a plague when you are hanging around people that are unhappy and jealous. It’s a win for them to see you drown in it. As you progress, one of the things you’ll encounter is the decision to get rid of the negative people in your life who aren’t going anywhere.

Here are 5 Ways To Level-up Your Friends’ Circle

• Avoid friends with toxic behaviour. These people are victim players. Many times they are dealing with their own demons.
• Stop entertaining people who only come around when they can be entertained. True friends give as much as they take.
• Avoid judgemental and hyprocritical people. They are bad for mental and emotional health.
• People who trash talk you behind your back. You know, the ones who celebrate your failures and mistakes. The ones who project their own short comings upon others. The ones who basked in their low self-esteem.
• The ones who competes with you all the time and are bitter.

The Dramatic and Jealous

When you are happy and doing well you will encounter people who are shallow and superficial. They mess with your head and live for gossip. Such friendships do not make a balance. It is unhealthy for you. Remember, quality is better than quantity.

“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”

Ella Fitzgerald

In conclusion, challenge yourself to become the best version of yourself. Become limitless and set your intentions. Have a strategy to grow and develop in your area of interest. If you are struggling and find yourself overworked, take a step back. The old adage says “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. Rest and play are important to reduce fatigue of the mind and prepare you for moving ahead. This will take time, so be wary of instant gratification syndrome.