Top 5 Reasons Why You're Not Living Your Dream

1. "I'm too old to make a change."
Maybe you're over 30 and settled in your career. You don't even want to think about making a move somewhere else. Besides, at this point in your life, you're supposed to be doing what you want, right?
For some reason we seem to think that we have to "act our age". But what does that mean? Where is there a definition of what it means to be a certain age?
The next time you think you're too old to make a change, think about Colonel Sanders and Wally Amos. Age is truly nothing more than a number.

2. "I need more money."
You might have dreams of owning your own business. You automatically think about all the money you'll need to do that. Just the thought of it overwhelms you and stops you in your tracks.
Using money as a reason not to change is just another excuse. Sure, it does take money to start a business. But who says we have to have all the money at once? Sometimes just the process of planning out our dreams makes what seems impossible, possible.
When you start to visualize your dreams, new opportunities open up for you. You may even find options that don't require that much money.

3. "I'm afraid to make a change."
You may have made a career move in the past and things didn't turn out like you expected. Maybe your boss didn't treat you well or you weren't challenged enough. Now you might be afraid to make the same mistake again.
Fear can take over and paralyze us. The funny thing is that most of the things we fear generally do not become a reality. When we come up with reasons why we can't make a move, we are just avoiding true happiness.
Basing your future on events that happened in the past is a sure way of stopping yourself from growing. It's best to learn from the past so that you can move forward.

4. "I don't have time to try to live my dream."
You may be so focused on your daily duties that you don't stop to think about your dreams. They might be buried deep within.
Some of us have spent so much time trying to make a living that we really don't have a life. We haven't taken the time to learn what we are passionate about.
Listen to those inner voices. Acknowledge the ideas that keep popping into your head. Make note of what you do in your spare time. Ask yourself if you would do these things even if you weren't getting paid. Or, ask if you would do them as a hobby even if you won the lottery.

5. "I don't think anyone will approve of my dream."
You've been thinking about making a change in your career. But what will people think of you? Will they believe that you can be successful? Will they be waiting for you to fail?
We often sabotage ourselves by worrying about what other people think of us. A family member, co-worker, or friend passes judgment on our dreams. All of a sudden, that's enough to stop us from moving forward.

You have the right to do what makes you happy. As long as you are not hurting anyone, including yourself, go for it. You might upset some people in the process. But, ultimately, it is your life.

By Leila Johnson 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9804

4 Powerful Ways To Fire Up Your Motivation

It's so difficult to go on when everything seems to fail, isn't it? Are there times in your life when you really want to call it "quits" because you just can't see any good results from all the hard work you've done?

Hold your horses!

Never ever think of giving up. Winners never quit and quitters never win. Take all negative words out of your mental dictionary and focus on the solutions with utmost conviction and patience. The battle is never lost until you've abandon your vision.
But what if you're really exhausted physically, mentally, and most of all emotionally? Here are some sources of motivation to prompt you in reaching the peak of accomplishment.

1) The Overwhelming Feeling of Attaining your Desired End
How would you feel after accomplishing your mission? Of course you will feel ecstatic. You might be shedding tears of joy. Let this tremendous feeling sink in and encourage you to persist despite all odds.
When I was studying for the Board Exams, I used this technique to motivate me. I would envision the sweetness of folks calling me a CPA. It would command respect. People will look up to me as a higher level of authority. And I would have better chances of finding a good job. I absorbed all these great perceptions into my inner being in order to achieve my ultimate goal.

2) The Reward System
How would you feel if you've entered a contest, but there are no prizes for the winners? It's not very encouraging, isn't it?
The same principles apply to your vision. Reward yourself after accomplishing a goal. Set a particular incentive for every objective.
Let's say if you've achieved a particular task, you'll treat yourself to your favorite restaurant. When you've finished a bigger task, you'll go on a vacation.
Got the idea?
Just set something gratifying to indulge in after completing a certain undertaking.

3) The Powerful Force of Humanity
If you want to succeed, surround yourself with the right kind of people who will support and encourage you all the way.
Be with people who have the same beliefs and aspirations as yours. Positive aura is generated by this fusion of collective energy from people of "like minds."
On the contrary, being with people who oppose your ways of thinking may trigger a negative, yet very powerful, kind of motivation.
Has anyone ever said to you that "You'll never get anywhere" or "You're wasting your time with what you're doing?"
Didn't it made you furious and determined enough to prove to them how wrong they were? This is what I'm talking about.
When aggravated, you will do anything to make those who are against you swallow their words. But of course, your main focus should be on the accomplishment of your goal and not for the purpose of revenge. Never let your emotions toward others alter your main objective.

4) Take Care Of Your Health
Exercise regularly. Fill your brains with enough oxygen to allow you to do your daily tasks with more vigor and energy.
Take regular breaks if time allows. Having the will power to continue despite all hardships is extremely important, but you should still know your limits.
If you don't take enough rest, you will not be able to think clearly and you will not be able to do your tasks properly. In the process, you will just get more frustrated.

Take sufficient sleep and recharge yourself after a hard day's work. Never, ever ignore your health. I've learned my lesson when I sacrificed my health for the sake of success. I've worked very long hours everyday and just got minimal sleep. As a result, I became ill.
It's not worth it. Success won't matter if you don't have good health to enjoy it.
Fire up your motivation and live life to the fullest!

By Michael Lee 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1397

REST: The New Strategy for Business and Life Success

No matter how many times you have vowed to change your harried ways, you still find yourself running behind, running out of time, running out of patience and running on EMPTY. Your biggest problem--exhaustion. You are just plain old tired. But you keep going, because there seems to be no way out.

Guess what? There is a way out if you decided to take it! Not only a way out but a way that will help you get more done while keeping your sanity. Simply put, your life is screaming at you to get some REST! You're probably screaming back HOW DO I DO THAT? THERE'S ONLY ONE ME! There's only one me to make sure that the kids get to school, the shopping is done, the business is profitable, the romance is steady.

Everyday women are juggling multiple to do list, trying hard not to let any of them drop. The problem is, they have not included time out to rest on any of the list. Exhaustion, fatigue, unpleasant interactions, illness and more can be the results of not listening to a life that is screaming for rest.

As a producer of retreats for busy women, I have found that many of our guests are frustrated by the fast pace of day-to-day-life, and at the same time they feel helpless to change it. I offer a few suggestions to help them transition to a more restful lifestyle, not only while they are on retreat, but more importantly, when they return home. Here's a quick list that you can cut out and put on your bulletin board at work or on the refrigerator door at home:

o Schedule time off. When you have a business or family appointment, you put it on the calendar. This insures that you will follow through in keeping that appointment. Each week schedule a little time off. It may be to take a twenty minute walk at lunch, or to get an afternoon facial. Whatever your choice is, write it down, and then block out the time. Treat this just as you would any appointment, and be sure to show up.

o Pay attention to your energy level. When you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, over-extended or over worked. Be proactive. If it's possible to change a meeting, do so. If there's something you can accomplish at home instead of going into to the office, give yourself permission to stay home. If it's a job that someone else can do, delegate. Do this with the understanding that when you get a little rest you will have increased clarity, and become more productive.

o Ask for help. Don't let your pride get in the way here. Ask for help with the kids, with the projects, with the tasks. One woman told me that the only way this works for her, is that she promises to return the favor when her co-worker or friend is in need. This puts her mind at ease and allows her to feel respectful and responsible to those in her life. We all need help from time to time, asking is allowing someone else to share their resources which most are happy to do.

o Practice. Don't seek perfection when it comes to creating a life that includes work and rest. It takes practice to make any type of lifestyle change. If you schedule time off, but can't pull yourself away. Write it down again for the next day or the next week. The important thing is to stay clear of guilt and shame. Those feelings will only get you frozen in place and push you over the edge of exhaustion even faster.

Taking time out to rest can be a secret weapon, leading to more success in business and in life. Just by increasing the amount of rest that you get, you can become more creative and able to bring fresh ideas to the table at work. When you feel rested, you will show more patience to your customers, co-workers and family. In addition to this, you replenish the inner "well" building a reserve for when you have to make the push to meet a deadline or complete a project. When you are exhausted, there is no inner well to draw from. Your secret weapon to a more successful life. . . take time out to rest.

By Jordan Mercedes 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/420

Ten Tips to Create More Life for Your Life

When people begin to investigate career change, often they don't want a new career at all. They love their career -- but they also want time for creating a life outside work. As a lifetime leisure-seeker, I've created ten tips to help you get started on the quest for "more time in your life -- and more fun."

1. Decide where leisure ranks on your list of values. Are you working to pay for something that you don't value very much?

2. Seize moments during the day, evening, lunchtime and weekend. Time management guru Alan Lakein calls this the "Swiss cheese method:" using the holes. Think "fun" in fifteen-minute segments.

3. Buy leisure time. Hiring a teenager to mow your lawn may give you an hour or more, depending on the size of your property. Get even more creative. For a price, your pet-sitter might be persuaded to take Fluffy to the vet and Fido to the groomer.

4. Stop doing things that nobody will miss.
I once worked with someone who stopped answering requests for reports from "senior management." When a vice president asked, "Where is your report?" he would prepare one on the spot. Most of the time, nobody noticed!
Same goes for housekeeping: do you need the "cleanest house in town" award?

5. Set limits and set them again. Saying "no" to invitations is a beginning. You can also define your scope: "I will be happy to help as long as I can do the work on Saturday."
I've role-played scenarios with clients who think the earth will cave in if they say "no." Often they're amazed to find nobody missed them.

6. Stop losing energy to procrastination or fear. If you dread making that call or put off changing that light bulb, do it now and enjoy leisure, guilt-free.

7. Ignore the pressure of, "Everybody else is participating." Chances are everybody else is miserable -- or isn't doing any more than you are.

8. Prioritize your time for energy boosters and time expanders? Meditation, journal writing and exercise will increase your energy and miraculously add hours to your day.

9. Grab a large block of time each week to do exactly what you want. Two hours? A whole afternoon? An afternoon in an art museum (or an evening at a basketball game) will often unravel the knots that keep you working late.

10. Call for outside help if you're still trapped by the "should" monitor. Find a friend, counselor or coach -- someone who can offer you an objective insight and clarify priorities.
Bonus tip: Remind yourself every day: Very few people on their deathbed say, "I wish I'd spent more time at the office," or, "I should have done more dusting." Will you be one of the few?

By Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1162

Pushing Through With Your Unique Business Ideas

Unique business ideas can sometimes be overrated. Your success in any kind of venture is determined by a lot of factors such as the available market or demand, the right price and marketing strategy. You may have this misconception that unique business ideas would automatically give you an edge over other businesses but a one-of-a-kind concept alone could not sell your products. Also, a new concept would not remain new forever. Other businessmen may follow the same business idea so it is no longer considered unique. The novelty wears off easily.

However, even if unique business ideas are not always the solution to achieving success in business, do not rule them out indiscriminately. Your ideas may be brilliant and even revolutionary in nature that to simply not push through with it can be considered an injustice. Just consider some of these factors before pushing through with it.

Have you done some research and studies about your idea?
You must have some solid basis and knowledge to back your unique business ideas. You cannot simply launch a business with an idea in mind. A certain degree of preparation is needed to ensure greater chances of success. If you had sufficient information, it would also be easier on your part to assess and rethink if your idea is indeed sellable and profitable.

• Do you have the necessary skills?
The best way for you to judge if you're ready to own and manage a business or to push through with your unique business ideas is to assess your own skills. It is always advisable to come up with a business that's focused on your strengths and compensate your weaknesses.
Have you checked Federal and state law?

This is often overlooked by wannabe entrepreneurs, especially those who are just thinking of doing their business from home, but this step is very important because even a small violation can cause so much delay to your business. It can hamper the opening of your business or put off its operation. You don't want that to happen especially if you are already starting to gain customers, right? So before you start, make sure you have all the necessary permits and documents you need to operate.
Do your unique business ideas have a market?

Having a market means having potential clients. The greater number of potential clients you have, the higher the number of sales you make which means profits on your part. There must be an existing demand for the products so it would sell.

By Paul H Williams 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7529817

Using Castor Oil to Induce Labor

Castor oil induces labor in women, who are having difficulty in giving birth. Last days of pregnancy are critical. Usually, there is no definite day or time about childbirth. In some women, overdue happens. They don't feel any cramping. For them, labor can be induced with the help of this herbal oil.
Difficulty in labor can lead to serious issues in women. If nine months are passed and delivery is not taking place, it can put life of mother and baby in danger. Doctors use medications and other ways for timely labor. These have side-effects and may not work effectively. So, herbal remedy is the best option. It is safe and effective.

How oil works for induction
Castor oil is a laxative, which stimulates bowels. It also causes nausea, diarrhea and intestinal cramping. As a result, it helps deliver baby. It causes contractions in lower abdominal area, which shortens labor time. Diarrhea and nausea can stay for several hours or one day after taking the oil.

Morning time is ideal
It is better to take castor oil in the morning after a full night's sleep. It works great at that time. If it is taken at night, diarrhea and cramping can cause disturbance and make relaxed sleep impossible. Woman can become too tired to labor properly. Take care that it is not taken before going to sleep.

Dose
Usually, 2 tablespoons of oil is taken. It is mixed with other delicious foods, like ice cream or fruit juice. Consult an expert about the perfect dosage. Adjust the amount of oil as required. If it does not generate desired results, you can double the amount. In that situation, take 4 ounces instead of 2 ounce. Give twenty four hours gap between two doses.

Where to buy
Castor oil is available in many supermarkets. You can also buy it through internet from any reputed online store. Choose a reliable brand to make sure it is pure and no artificial ingredients are added into it. Impurity will surely have negative impact upon its benefits.

Taste improvement
Because the oil is bitter in taste, it is mixed with any fruit extract. Mix it in a cup of orange juice and drink. Lemon and lime juice is also a tasteful alternate.

Caution
Castor oil is not good for all women. There can be presence of meconium in amniotic fluid. If baby inhales meconium during birth or before that, it can be detrimental for him. It may not work fast for everyone. In some women, labor is triggered instantly. While, others don't feel any difference. There is no induction in them. In some women, diarrhea and nauseas becomes severe later on. Before taking oil for inducing labor, it is better to have complete information about it. Follow all precautions carefully, and make sure you don't exceed the limit. Stay under supervision of a physician.

By Mona Farooq M 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7840840

Where To Invest Money - Learn More About Some Great Places To Invest Money!

Investing has long been one of the top ways to earn money and to make your money grow. Whether you're starting out with a little or a lot, you can earn a lot of money investing and really maximize your profits by choosing the best types of investments that are available and diversifying them.
Today, our investment experts are going to talk about some great places and ways to invest!

Stocks
One of the longstanding ways to invest is in stocks. While years ago this used to be one of the most popular as well as profitable ways to invest, there have been many new ways of investing that have really beaten out stocks as one of the top ways to invest.
Stocks can definitely still be very profitable though and, although they may be risky, there's a lot of money to be made trading in the stock market and trading stocks can be more consistent than other types of investments.

Forex Trading
One of the ways to invest that is very quickly growing in popularity is Forex trading, Forex trading, or currency trading, offers a massive market for investors to get into. With an average daily turnover of around $1.3 Trillion per day, there's definitely a lot of money to be in the Forex trading market.
Forex trading can be very risky though, and unless you're an expert and experienced trader, having a great Forex trading system on your side while trading Forex is key to your success.

IRA Investments
IRA accounts have long been a consistent, stable and profitable way for people to invest. Even with only a little experience, an IRA investment account can be a very profitable way for someone to earn money and really be able to maximize their profits over the long term.

There are stories of people putting some money in IRA accounts, forgetting about it for a couple years and coming back to see a lot more in their account from their investment. An IRA account is a great way to invest over the long term as well because returns are generally more consistent than many other investments and therefore it offers a great way for people to invest money and see a nice, consistent and stable return.

The best way to invest is to invest using multiple methods in order to diversify your investments and hopefully maximize stability as well as profit potential!

By Aiden Snider 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7313172