All those in our NET community are near and dear to our hearts. What a wonderful year it has been! God bless all your endeavors in the New Year!

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The very warmest of wishes! http://ift.tt/1AwZyYw #RecoveryCoaches #LifeCoaches

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Here's to another great year of freedom! Enjoy your holidays from NTI. www.netinstitute.org

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Get Informed on the Real Story behind Opiate Addiction. #OpiateHelp #RecoveryCoaching ON SALE $14.95

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Why Family Issues?

With the holidays upon us many around us are suffering from family woes. It can be a tough time of year for many of us and our clients. Understanding family dynamics enables us to transform negative family habits to health ones.

This is why NET Institute has taken 25 years of addiction and recovery training and repurposed it into strengths-based, positive future oriented Recovery Coaching Programs. To pair in-depth knowledge and insight in the addiction recovery profession with the powerful self-discovery tools of professional coaching, clients can unlock the limiting patterns and beliefs that have been holding them back from achieving their best life now. One of the first of these new courses is Family Issues in Recovery: Releasing the Authentic Self.

Family Issues in Recovery: Releasing the Authentic Self

This course is an open door to a new set of tools and skills development for those already in the recovery world or for those seeking to expand their coaching expertise. It helps professionals to identify and help clients resolve limiting beliefs and behavior patterns. A strong focus is put on the alcoholic, the codependent, adult children of alcoholics (ACOA), and families-of-origin touched by addiction. This program explains specific ways family patterns manifest in limiting beliefs or behaviors for clients in the present. It also provides guidance in using a variety of worksheets and tools that will directly impact your coaching or counseling practice.

Professional Coaches can offer Recovering People a New Perspective Beyond Addiction and come into Greater Alignment with their Authentic Self.

Seeking ICF accreditation? We also have LIVE Skills course hours for you!

Click here for more details on this special offer program.

 

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See Yourself In a New Light

Success starts with your self-image. A strong self-image provides the foundation for confidence, action, and achievement. If you don’t think highly of yourself, it’s hard for others to view you in a positive light. Success Coach Jack Canfield said “People treat you the way you teach them to treat you” and there is truth in that!  To examine, challenge, and change one’s beliefs about oneself requires some introspection and a fearless resolve to make changes for the better.

If you can work through the following exercises, you will not only feel better about yourself, but it will show in all you do!

Enhance the way you view yourself and enjoy greater success:

1. Figure out what’s standing in the way. What beliefs and recurring thoughts do you have that are limiting or tarnishing your self-image? Make a list of all your limiting and negative beliefs, and then prioritize the list. Work with the 10 most damaging. A few examples include:

• I’ll never be good with money.
• I’m not good at making friends.
• People don’t like me.
• I just can’t lose weight.
• I don’t have any self-control.
• I’m horrible at math and science.
• I’m stuck in this career for the rest of my life.
• I’m too old to change.

2. Attack each belief individually. Use everything at your disposal. Imagine what you would say to encourage a friend with the same negative belief. For example if you have the negative belief, “I’ll never be good with money.”

• The statement is ridiculous. Anyone can be good with money if they know the “rules” of personal finance. You’ve also mastered plenty of other things you weren’t naturally good at, like riding a bike, speaking English, walking, making coffee, and playing tennis. Most of those things are more challenging than handling money well.
• You remember that you saved loose change in a piggy bank as a kid. You used that money to buy your first dog. When you opened your first credit card, you used it to make a major purchase and then diligently paid it off right away. You realize you have the basic skills.

3. Learn what you need to know and create a plan. Maybe your friend-making skills are a little rusty. So you buy a book on enhancing your social life, join a coffee club, and put your newfound skills to work. It won’t take long to see real improvement in your results and your self-image. Maybe you need to learn some basics about saving and investment. Ask people you trust for advice. Then get your game plan in place.
4. List your accomplishments. You’ve already accomplished a lot – speaking, graduating from school, getting your first apartment, securing your first job, hitting a homerun in little league, learning to drive. List them all. Keep the list handy and review it daily.
5. Say positive things to yourself. What you continually repeat, you eventually believe. Speaking aloud trains your subconscious in the way you are to go. Why not say things that are helpful and that build your confidence? Catch yourself when the negative talk starts flying and change your thoughts.

• “I can’t do this” becomes “I know I’ll find a way.”
• “People don’t like me” becomes “I’m giving people a fresh chance to get to know me.” or “I like me and that’s what matters – others will catch on”.

6. Spend time with people that make you feel good about yourself. And avoid those that make you feel bad about yourself. There are people in your life that make you feel like an attractive, interesting, enjoyable person, and there are those that manage to do the exact opposite. It’s obvious which group will enhance your self-image. Don’t allow guilt or other people’s issues cause you to feel trapped in negative relationships.

You can change the way you view yourself if you make a decision to value yourself. If you don’t value yourself, how can others value you? How can you truly value others? The process will require courage, experimentation, and patience. Develop a positive opinion of yourself. Be fair with yourself. Give yourself a chance. Enhance your self-image and take your success to the next level.

Blog Link "Tackling the Opiate Epidemic: Now Is the Time." New Course Offer "Opiate Impact". http://ift.tt/2hmi1ta

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Tackling the Opiate Epidemic: Now Is the Time

Congress has recently passed the 21^st Century CURE Act, which among other medical research and treatment provisions, offers 1 Billion in grants over the next few years to help states deal with the opioid abuse epidemic. See Washington Post Article

There is no better time for helping professionals to understand the problem of opioid dependency and how individuals who struggle with this addiction can find the help they need.

New Course: Opiate Impact

NET Institute is releasing this timely, 1 hour course that provides a fresh perspective on the science of pain and recovery from opiate addiction. Featuring interviews with recovering addicts and treatment professionals, it illustrates the challenges of opioid use and brings a message of hope.

Opiate Impact is based on the CNS Video production titled “Beyond Opiates”, and presents a new paradigm for understanding chronic pain, and how the extended use of prescription painkillers actually increases the sensitivity of nerve cells which then magnifies pain.

Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize signs of opiate addiction.
• Understand chemical processes of the brain when influenced by opiate painkillers.
• Differentiate between the three phases of achieving drug abstinence.
• Review effective recovery tools used to break opioid dependence.

For more information on this course visit: http://ift.tt/2gz1wui

For more information on a career as a Professional Recovery Coach visit: http://ift.tt/1AwZyYw

What if Your Mess Is Your Message?

What if our mess isn’t something to hide to be successful, but our mess is our message to motivate, inspire and teach others to be their best self?

So often we think that our past defines us in a negative way – but what if that’s just a story we tell ourselves? What if the real story is that it makes us an expert for our future? I believe so, and this new program will show you how that is possible!

You will master the tools to transform your own life, the lives of others, and, that mastery will give you the confidence to earn a living doing it.

This is your opportunity to monetize your message – giving you the structure, tools, and techniques you’ve been missing to experience happiness, health and wealth – a whole new story.

If you have ever dreamed of living a life filled with passion & purpose, while making a positive impact on others…Now is the time to turn your dream into reality.

And I know the one person that can make this possible.  You may know him as the “Chicken Soup for the Soul Guy” but I know him as my dear friend, Jack Canfield.

WHO IS JACK?

He is the Co-Founder of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book series and the author of “The Success Principles.” You may have seen him in the movie “The Secret,” or on Super Soul Sunday with Oprah.

He’s known as the world’s most respected leader in the human potential movement and the Founder of the Transformational Leadership Council.

Bottom line, Jack has educated, inspired and transformed millions of people over his 40-year career and he’s a master at training others to do the same. Now, he’s on a mission to create a movement across the world…and he needs you.

Jack is holding a FREE online training event where he’ll unveil the exact holistic and experiential training techniques he’s used to transform his own life… and millions of others as well.

Sign up here before all the seats are filled.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

In this FREE webcast, Jack will reveal how to:

• Decide What You Want
• Remove any blocks, fears, and uncertainty that have stopped you up until now
• Be a positive influence in everything you do – the mark of a true Transformational Trainer
• Have the confidence you need to share your message with friends, family, colleagues, clients, and coworkers
• And so much more…

Discover Jack’s proven techniques in this free webcast, 7 Pillars of True Life Transformation.

It is time to reach your full potential and be the positive leader you were born to be – to create life-changing results for your clients, students, employees, and anyone else you interact with.

This is your opportunity to make the rest of your life the best of your life.

Grab your free seat now– this opportunity will change your life.

I have used Jack’s methods for many years in my counseling, coaching and training career to help people experience vibrant recovery and life change.  They will work for you and others!

In service and gratitude for you and your desire to see others live their best lives!

Warmly,

Dr Jean 

 

Jean LaCour PhD

Founder/CEO

NET Institute

Int’l Assoc. Professional Recovery Coaches

 

P.S. If you’re not familiar with Jack and would like to learn more – take a look at the first 2 chapters of his #1 New York Times best-selling book, “The Success Principles – How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be” right here. << Add Link>> [http://ift.tt/2g2fVim]

The Surgeon General’s Report on Addiction

On NPR’s Morning Edition Nov 17^th some highlights from Steve Inskeep’s interview with Surgeon General Vivek Murthy are shared on the prevalence of substance abuse in the United States and what we can do to curb the addiction epidemic.

In 1964, the U.S. surgeon general released a report on the health impacts of smoking, and it shaped the public and government’s attitudes toward tobacco for years to come. On Thursday, another surgeon general’s report was issued, this time tackling a much broader issue: addiction and the misuse and abuse of chemical substances. The focus isn’t just one drug, but all of them.

Though little in the report is new, it puts impressive numbers to the problem, and some surprising context: More people use prescription opioids than use tobacco. There are more people with substance abuse disorders than people with cancer. One in five Americans binge drink. And substance abuse disorders cost the U.S. more than $420 billion a year.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, who is closing in on his second year as surgeon general, told NPR’s Steve Inskeep Thursday on Morning Edition that he hopes putting all the data together will help Americans understand that these problems share a common solution. And it starts with kids. Their conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Read More

Professional Coaches who specialize in addiction recovery can prevent abuse and enhance recovery. We can be part of the solution by empowering our clients to face the challenges of finding and keeping their sobriety and discovering their unique strengths that will help them create the life they truly desire.

If you are interested in learning more about our Certification Programs in Professional Recovery Coaching visit us here: http://ift.tt/1AwZyYw

Relieve Anxiety Through Meditation

When it comes to using meditation to manage anxiety, multiple studies have reached the same conclusion. Mindfulness can help you to stop worrying.

About 4 million Americans experience Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and many more have occasional bouts of fretfulness due to pressures at work or home. While you can’t remove the stress from daily life, there are steps you can take to feel more at ease. Try these natural remedies.

Anxiety-Relief Benefits of Meditation 

Researchers have been studying how meditation affects a wide variety of health issues. The American Medical Association has reported that meditation appears to be most effective in addressing anxiety, depression, and pain management. 

1. Focus on now. Most anxiety tends to be centered on rehashing the past or anticipating the future. Meditation encourages you to engage fully with the present moment. Your attention switches from useless regrets and fears to constructive endeavors.
2. Connect with your body. Chronic anxiety takes a toll on your physical health through inflammation and other symptoms. Scanning your body reminds you to lower your shoulders and unfurrow your brow.
3. Change your brain. Meditation alters your brain so your contentment will grow. Stress hormones decrease and serotonin levels rise. Gray matter enlarges, while the amygdala, which processes fear, shrinks.

How to Meditate to Reduce Anxiety 

Meditation can be adapted to suit your individual needs. Take classes or sit at home for free on your own schedule. 

1. Start off gradually. The benefits of meditation can often be seen within a week or two, and even 10 minutes a day pays off. Set aside a brief time each day for contemplation.
2. Clarify your purpose. You may want to use meditation as part of your spiritual practice or take a completely secular approach. Meditation is not necessarily religious. You can develop greater peace of mind with your own set of beliefs.
3. Separate facts from feelings. Introspection helps you to distinguish between actual events and your inner thoughts and emotions. As you train yourself to think objectively, you can achieve greater control over your reactions.
4. Develop insights. Examining your mind also helps you to understand yourself and others. You may discover the root causes of your anxieties and how best to deal with them. Maybe you’ll want to replace negative expectations with a sense of curiosity. Perhaps you’ll pay more attention to the kindness you receive from others instead of conflicts.
5. See your doctor. While meditation is powerful, your physician may recommend treatments including cognitive therapy and medication if your anxiety persists. You can still practice meditation and other self-care to aid your recovery. Let your doctor know what you’re doing on your own.
   

Other Natural Anxiety Aids

 Meditation is even more productive when you combine it with other healthy lifestyle choices. Take a look at your daily habits. 

1. Eat whole foods. A diet full of processed foods and sugar aggravates anxiety and depression. Get most of your calories from vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
2. Limit alcohol and caffeine. Too much coffee may give you the jitters, and self-medicating with alcohol usually backfires. See if cutting back makes a difference.
3. Exercise more. Physical activity melts away anxiety and stress. That’s especially true for vigorous aerobic workouts like running or rowing.
4. Rest and relax. Fight anxiety with a good night’s sleep and occasional breaks during the day. Go to bed on a consistent schedule.

If anxiety is interfering with your life, help is available. Achieve greater peace of mind through meditation, and see your doctor if you need additional support.

Women’s Empowerment Event

Friday Dec 2nd in St. Louis, MO 4-8pm.

Dr. Jean LaCour along with other special guests will be speaking at this Free Women’s Empowerment Event.

RSVP here: http://ift.tt/2gi4iUH

Health Benefits of a Daily Walk

It’s not necessary to train like an Olympic athlete to be healthy. In fact, too much exercise is actually less healthy. The maximum health benefits from exercise can be reached with a modest routine. Doing more may make you feel fitter, but you won’t be healthier. You also increase the likelihood of injury.

Walking is a natural activity that almost anyone can do. There are numerous health benefits to be gained from regular, brisk walking. Your overall health, brain, waistline, and mental health are all enhanced by walking.

Walk your way to good health:

1. Control blood glucose levels. A 15-minute walk after a meal has been shown to lower blood sugar in those with glucose control issues. The risk of type-2 diabetes is lowered by 60% in those that walk daily.
2. Enhance brain health. Walking has been shown to boost grades, memory, and creativity. Who knew you could get smarter, slimmer, and healthier from the simple act of taking a walk?
3. Walking is a great opportunity to think and make decisions. A brisk walk takes you out of your home or office. A change in scenery can clear your mind and provide the mental space necessary to make a wise decision.
4. Strengthen your heart. Even a modest pace is enough to keep your heart in good shape. Walking has been shown to lower levels of bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol. Walking is also good for your blood pressure. Walking reduces your risk of heart attacks and stroke. Thirty minutes a day is all it takes.
5. Control weight. A walk won’t undo the ravages of a triple bacon cheeseburger, but it does burn a few calories. More importantly, walking helps to keep your metabolism in burning. Excess calories are dealt with more effectively.
6. Walking is cheap and easy. Aside from a pair of shoes you don’t need anything to go for a walk. There’s no complex skill to learn or expensive equipment to purchase. Walking is an option for nearly anyone, regardless of age or current fitness level. It’s easy on your joints and carries a minimal risk of injury.
7. Lift your mood. If you’re feeling a little blue, a short walk can give a needed boost to your morale. Those that walk regularly report having a better mood than those that don’t.
8. Reduce stress. Take a walk the next time you’re feeling stressed. Walking reduces stress in two ways. It can take your mind off your challenges. It also metabolizes the biochemical and neurotransmitters that create the physiological feelings and symptoms of stress.
9. Increase your lifespan. The number of years you can expect to gain from 2.5 hours of walking each week is at least 3-4. Not bad for results from an activity that most people find enjoyable.

Imagine how much you could strengthen your body and improve your health if you walk for 30 minutes at least four times each week. Let go of your belief that you need to sweat and strain at the gym to be healthy. Exercise can be more comfortable than that.

Add a daily walk to your routine. After dinner is an ideal time. Take the entire family out for a stroll each evening. You’ll all benefit and enjoy the time spent together. If you regularly avoid exercise, a simple walking routine can be an effective way to get the exercise you need without the headache of driving to a gym.

Our Coaching Programs are Changing!

Our Premier Online Recovery Coach Training Programs will soon be changing … so here is your last opportunity in 2016 to earn valuable credentials in the current online only format and enjoy a Special Discount:

• For existing coaches we are offering our Certified Professional Recovery Coach (CPRC) 80 hour credential program with a $300 tuition discount.

Click here: http://www.recoverycoachtraining.com/program-overview-cprc-2/

• For those who desire to become a coach with a specialty in recovery, we are offering our CPRC-Dual 100 hour credential program with a $600 tuition discount.

Click here: http://www.recoverycoachtraining.com/program-overview-dual-2/

Going forward our CPRC Certificate will require the ICF Approved LIVE Interactive Skills Group training.

If you or anyone you know has considered either of our CPRC programs – now is the time to purchase them at a special discount in their current Self-Paced Online format.

The CPRC and CPRC Dual Training Programs will only be offered through November 30th before we make our updated programs available in December 2016.

We look forward to hearing from you and look forward to serving you in greater ways in the days to come. http://www.recoverycoachtraining.com

 

Dr Jean LaCour Ph.D., CPP, CPC NET Institute CEO

New Course Offering!

New Course Available from IAPRC  “Family Issues in Recovery: Releasing the Authentic Self”. Learn how family of origin issues can keep us stuck in addictive patterns. Assist your clients in breaking free from negative subconscious messages that shape their self image.

• 20 CEUs available (Continuing Education Units)
• Optional ICF (International Coach Federation) LIVE Group CCE hours (Continuing Coach Education) available
• New, easy to use online format
• All materials available as downloads

Introductory price of $749

Recovery Coach Training Family Course

For more information visit

http://ift.tt/1AwZyYw

Opportunity is Knocking

Now is the Time! Our CPRC Certification Programs are changing! Going forward our CPRC Certificate will require the ICF Approved LIVE group training components. So, if you or anyone you know has considered our 80 Hour CPRC or 100 Hour CPRC Dual programs – now is the time to purchase them at a special discount in their current format. The CPRC and CPRC Dual Training Programs will only be offered through November 30^th before we make our updated programs available in December 2016.

Act Now to secure our final offer discounts on:

Certified Professional Recovery Coach Program $300 Tuition Discount Click here:

CPRC Certificate Program

Add a Certified Professional Coach Certification to your CPRC with a $600 Tuition Discount click here:

CPRC Dual Certificate Program

This is the last time these programs will be offered.

Going forward from December 2016 a CPRC Certificate will require

the LIVE ICF Approved Course Hours included in the new program.

We at NET Institute/IAPRC so appreciate our students current and new and look forward to serving you in greater ways in the days to come. http://ift.tt/1AwZyYw

 

Marijuana Legalization: Wasted Youth?

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) has released a report on findings related to four years of marijuana legalization in Colorado and Washington states. From what this report shows, legalization has not delivered on its promises of windfall tax revenues or a decrease in crime. However, there is plenty of evidence that it has had significant negative impacts on public health and safety.

SAM, comprised of scientists and researchers, works to bridge the gap between the public’s understanding of marijuana and what science tells us about the drug. At the local, state, tribal, and federal levels, SAM seeks to align marijuana policy and attitudes about the drug with 21st-century science, which continues to show how marijuana use harms the mind and body.

Lessons Learned After 4 Years of Marijuana Legalization, Oct 2016.

In the wake of multimillion-dollar political campaigns funded with out-of-state money, Colorado and Washington voted to legalize marijuana in November 2012. Though it would take more than a year to set up retail stores, personal use (CO, WA) and home cultivation (in CO, which includes giving away of up to six plants) were almost immediately legalized after the vote.

Public marijuana use, though illegal, remains a common way to observe the law. Also, a brand-new marijuana industry selling candies, cookies, waxes, sodas, and other marijuana items has exploded—and with it a powerful lobby to fight any sensible regulation.

Though it is still early—the full effects on mental health and educational outcomes, for example, will take many more years to fully develop—these “experiments” in legalization and commercialization are not succeeding by any measure.

Colorado now leads the country in past-month marijuana use by youth, with Washington not much further behind. Other states that have since legalized marijuana occupy 4th place (District of Columbia) and 5th place (Oregon). States with lax “medical marijuana” laws occupy 2nd and 3rd place (Vermont and Rhode Island, respectively). Read more

Professional Recovery Coaches can provide preventative help before treatment is necessary, or help individuals after treatment to learn to implement the skills necessary to stay clean and avoid relapse episodes.

If you are interested in learning more about our Certification Programs in Professional Recovery Coaching visit us here: http://ift.tt/1AwZyYw

Are You Reacting or Responding?

Reacting and responding might appear to be synonymous, but that’s not the case. Reacting suggests a lack of thought and consideration. It’s emotional and impulsive. Responding is addressing the situation thoughtfully with consideration. It’s intelligent and keeps the consequences in mind.

How many challenges have you created in your life by reacting instead of responding? At the extreme, our prisons are full of people that reacted without considering the long-term outcome. Relationships are especially sensitive to this same phenomenon. Have you ever said something in the heat of the moment that you later wished you could take back?

Imagine how responding effectively could change your life for the better!

Follow these strategies to ensure that you’re responding:

1. Learn to notice your emotions. Overreaction can be avoided by simply noticing that you’re emotional. If you notice the initial circumstances that lead to a poor response, it can be quite easy to nip it in the bud before an even more challenging situation is created.

• Emotions are much easier to control earlier in the escalation process.

2. Step away. It’s not enough to say to yourself, “I’m angry.” It’s far more effective to think, “I’m angry. I should watch my words until I’ve had time to process and calm down.”
   

• In nearly all situations, there’s plenty of time to think before responding. Time is a resource. Use it to your advantage.

3. If you find yourself reacting, breathe. The simple act of focusing on your breath can quickly diffuse your growing emotions. Despite what you might believe, you can only think about one thing at a time. If you’re truly focused on your breath, you have to calm down. It takes practice to have the necessary focus in challenging situations, but it can be done.
4. Recognize the gift of being a human being. Arguably, most animals are simply reaction machines. They don’t have the capability to pause and consider the best course of action. A dog sees a rabbit run and he chases it. You have the option of considering all the possibilities. Reacting quickly rarely results in the best outcome. 

• Our brains are our greatest tool and weapon. Think first.
• When you react, it’s reflexive. When you respond, you’re making a conscious choice.

5. Use emotion to your advantage. Being emotional about an issue is simply a measure of how meaningful it is to you. Give the emotional issues in your life your full attention. However, it’s questionable that strong negative emotions have value beyond this function. Negative emotions exist to inform you that something is potentially wrong.

• It’s then up to you to objectively examine the situation and make a thoughtful decision.

6. List your options. Sitting down and making a list is almost magical. When you’re focused on finding all the possible solutions, you’re likely to discover there are some good choices available to you. You’re unlikely to find the best solution without making an effort to find it.
7. Consider the consequences. It’s human nature to think short-term. The frequency of bursting waistlines and low account balances are evidence of this fact. Think further down the road. 

• Saying something unkind might feel good in the moment, but consider having to deal with the aftermath. Quitting your job might relieve your discomfort today, but what about next month?

Reacting too quickly is rarely the best option. Responding appropriately is a key factor in creating a successful and enjoyable life. If you’re reacting, consider making the effort to respond to life’s challenges in a more intelligent and thoughtful manner. You’ll be glad you did!

Coaching Success: Getting Started

When we are making the pitch for our coaching services, we are in essence really selling ourselves. Being able to “walk the talk” is key in gaining credibility with potential clients. In this http://ift.tt/2eedzuP blog post, Amanda Alexander, one of the UK’s top Life Coaches, sheds light on this and other strategies for getting your coaching business up and running on a firm foundation.

Three Essential Things You Need to Do Before Setting Up Your Coaching Practice

All too often, new coaches dive into setting up a new practice head first but soon find themselves sinking rather than swimming! Here are three essential things that you need to do before setting up your coaching practice. This is good old-fashioned common sense, but if you do these three things, you’ll set yourself up with strong foundations for a profitable and sustainable coaching practice.

1. Be Your Own Coach

I trained with CoachU, and a big part of their curriculum is “Personal Foundation.”  There’s a reason for this:  People buy people and your future clients will be buying YOU.  Forgive me for stating the obvious, but you are the product.  Sure, clients want the solutions we offer. But they also need to be convinced that their coach walks their talk.

So you need to work on your own “personal foundation.” Be your own coach, every single day.  Do all the things you’d encourage your clients to do: read more

We hope you find this article enriching and motivating. If you would like more information on a Career in Professional Recovery Coaching visit us at:  http://ift.tt/1AwZyYw

 

Get in the Success Habit

Successful people have successful habits. Creating success-driven habits is not hard when you follow this step by step method that bestselling author Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup for the Soul, 30 Day Sobriety Solution) shares in his recent blog article.  

As I’ve said countless times before, “Success leaves clues.” This means that if you want to be successful, then you simply have to look at what successful people have done before you. All successful people have successful habits – habits that they have created and refined over time because they helped them to reach their goals.  

Learning how to develop a habit can be as simple as observing others who are already successful. Study successful people, and then ask yourself which of their habits would help you to reach YOUR goals.  

Once you have that list, then it’s time to actively work on building those habits and making them a consistent part of your daily life.  

Now what I’m about to tell you is a step-by-step method to help you create better habits.  

It works because it’s simple. You don’t need complicated strategies. This template can be applied to any area of your life: business or personal. If applied consistently, it will help you achieve everything you want.  

Learning how to develop a habit involves three fundamental steps: Read more  

Helping clients set clear, attainable goals for themselves is a key part of coaching others through to success. The more you can use these tools yourself and see results, the more credibility and enthusiasm you will have when sharing them with your clients! Take the next step in your coaching career and explore our coach credential programs here: http://ift.tt/1AwZyYw

 

The Plus Side of a Positive Attitude

Life’s challenges can make it easy to slip into a negative attitude. However, a positive attitude can change the very things that are bringing you down! A positive attitude is considered by many experts to be the best predictor of success. Nothing else can impact so many factors that lead to success. So even if you have had a history of being down in the dumps with a negative attitude, the good news is having a positive attitude is a habit that can be developed over time.

Just consider the potential positive effects of just adjusting your attitude. A positive attitude:

1. Changes your interpretation of events. Obstacles are a part of any significant success. With a poor attitude, every obstacle is viewed as a threat, rather than a challenge. Obstacles can even be viewed as fun and interesting with the appropriate attitude.
2. Increases motivation. Nothing is more motivating than positive thoughts and expectations. Think about how you behave if you have a bad attitude and expect failure. Everything comes to a grinding halt. After all, why would you continue if you expected a negative outcome? A positive attitude ensures that progress continues.
3. Lowers stress. With a positive attitude, it’s much easier to be happy and relaxed. A poor attitude increases the amount of stress in any situation. There will always be stressful times, but a positive and optimistic attitude helps to diffuse the situation. A good attitude prevents and alleviates stress.
4. Inspires others. The people around you are affected by your attitude, including your coworkers, friends, and family. Those around you are more capable when your attitude is positive. People just feel better being around positive, optimistic people. This also benefits your personal success.
5. Fear is easier to overcome. Fear coupled with a negative attitude is the perfect recipe for becoming and remaining stuck. A positive attitude acts as a magnet for courage. Those most paralyzed by fear are those with the worst attitude and expectations.

Fear distorts perception, and a positive attitude reduces that distortion. A positive attitude can negate the effects of fear.

6. Increases endurance. When your attitude is negative, your stamina is reduced. It’s much more challenging to press on when you expect the worst. A poor attitude magnifies every setback and makes obstacles seem insurmountable. Those with a negative attitude whine and quit first. Those with a positive attitude seem indefatigable.
7. Boosts self-esteem. When you expect good things to happen, you can’t help but feel confident and good about yourself. Success is more likely to happen when you have faith in yourself. When you believe the best about yourself, you’ll take on bigger goals and accomplish more.
8. Attracts positive results. It’s often said that good things happen to good people. It would be more accurate to state that good things happen to those with good attitudes. You’ll attract better business partners and more opportunities in general when your attitude is at its best. And you will attract like-minded, positive people!

And finally there are cumulative positive results when you add together all the things we’ve mentioned … stamina, self-esteem, motivation and a positive mindset all foster an environment for success. Your attitude is an excellent predictor of your success. When you expect the best to happen, you’ll continue working until your goals are reached. You also attract better opportunities, feel better about yourself, and experience less stress. A positive attitude may be the best tool you can add to your success toolbox. Lift up your attitude and you’ll raise your results.

 

Managing Weight Gain on Medication – 7 Tips

A lot of people gain weight while on psychiatric drugs. Drugs like clozapine (Clozaril), olanzapine (Zyprexa) and quetiapine (Seroquel) increase insulin resistance and cause undue weight gain. Depending on the patient and the dosage, drugs may also result in hormonal imbalance, further aggravating the weight problem.

With some modifications in your diet and exercising schedules, you’ll be able to better manage your weight. Here are 7 immensely helpful tips from Therese Borchard

 

1. Control Food Portions

Skip the diet. Just limit your portions. Restaurants today tend to serve two to three times the amount of a healthy portion. We’ve added 570 calories A DAY to our diets since the late ’70s, and half of those calories can be attributed to large portions, according to research from the University of North Carolina in Chapel hill. In a Fitness magazine article, Lisa R. Young, PhD, RD, says, “Even though today’s serving sizes can be more than triple what the USDA recommends, they’ve become our new normal, and anything smaller can seem puny by comparison.”

I try to carve out an acceptable portion before I dig in, since it’s difficult to determine how much you’ve consumed otherwise. Sometimes I’ll use a smaller utensil to remind myself to savor the food and take small bites.

 

2. Eat Slowly and Chew Your Food 

You’ve most likely at some point wolfed down a massive meal and felt fantastic until 15 minutes later, at which time you secure a few plastic bags because you’re convinced that you’ll explode on your kitchen floor. It takes an average of 20 minutes for your brain to recognize that your stomach is full — a definite waiting period between the time that the fork delivers its bite to the mouth and the bite’s arrival to the stomach. Getting in sync with this digestive schedule can not only save you from discomfort, but can also trim your waistline. If you take your time to savor the food, you’ll feel more satisfied by eating less.

This is one of the reasons that French people don’t get fat, according to a study from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. They can better gauge when they’re full by using internal cues to know when to stop eating, unlike Americans who stuff their faces while watching TV or graze all day long, never sitting down for an official meal. The French may eat baguettes and brie, croissants and butter, and all the other forbidden foods, but they enjoy them at a table with friends or family.

 

3. Keep a Food Journal

Taking notes keeps you accountable for everything you put in your mouth. It’s all there on paper for you to read as many times as you want. Knowing that you’ll record everything as you’re stuffing your face with a pastry can be the difference between eating one chocolate croissant and four. You’ll also keep your momentum when you’re in a groove because you’ll see your progress as recorded in your journal. Finally, you can pick up on patterns of eating behavior during the month and connect binge eating to various stressors or other events.

 

4. Get Support

Just as it’s difficult to stop smoking if you live with a smoker, it’s much more challenging to lose pounds when you’re surrounded by junk food addicts. You’ll be less tempted to snack on Twinkies if they’re not in your house. Obviously, you can’t put the people in your household on a diet with you, but there’s a level of support you can ask from them. You might also try an online or local weight loss support group to discuss weight loss challenges and frustrations.

 

5. Set Realistic Goals

It can be tempting to set a goal of losing five pounds every week — or some other unrealistic goals for weight loss — much like we set New Year’s resolutions that never stick. It’s better to be conservative and realistic. The safest rate of weight loss is between 0.5 to 2 pounds a week. Typically, if you lose weight at a slower, consistent pace, you tend to keep it off. 

It’s helpful to break down your goals into incremental steps. For example, you might want to start walking for 10 minutes a day for two weeks, bumping it up by five minutes every week. You could also try to adopt a healthy diet in stages. For example, you might start limiting sweets for a few weeks before you attempt to cut out white bread.

 

6. Start an Exercise Program

You don’t need to run a marathon to get a good workout. Walking up to 30 minutes, three to four days a week is often enough to get your heart rate up and your pounds off. Choose an activity that’s convenient for you to do on a regular basis, and make it part of your day. It’s best to set a consistent time and stick to it.

 

7. Tap Into Your Emotions

Often, eating isn’t about hunger. It’s about soothing some emotional wound. Food can be a powerful source of comfort to relieve stress, sadness, anxiety, loneliness, or boredom. But there are more effective ways to soothe uncomfortable feelings, like calling a friend, walking, or engaging in a support group. By recognizing the behavioral and emotional cues, you can better direct your angst.

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Learn more at the Recovery Coach Training website

Fatal Addiction: Overdose on the Rise

In this CNN report by Jen Christiansen and Sergio Hernandez, the immense increase in drug overdose deaths in the United States is highlighted along with possible causes. The rate of drug overdose deaths has steadily risen since 1999 and in 2009 surpassed both auto accidents and death by gun violence. The drug overdose rate continues to soar.

In modern history, few things have caused such a sharp spike in US deaths as drug overdoses. CNN reached out to every state for the latest statistics on drug deaths, with half providing data from 2015. It found that drugs deaths continue to rise rapidly in many states. Epidemiologists in several states blame the increasing number of drug-related deaths on greater use of heroin and synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. “If you look at the cause of death, we just don’t normally see increases like this,” said Robert Anderson, the chief of the mortality statistics branch at the National Center for Health Care Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read more

The numbers of lives lost to drug abuse is staggering. Almost every home and individual has been touched by addiction or codependency in some way. Professional Recovery Coaches recognize key indicators of drug and alcohol abuse problems before they get out of hand and ruin lives. Find out how a PRC Credential and training can equip you to stem the tide of loss for people from all walks of life: http://ift.tt/1AwZyYw

Believe in Miracles and Take Action!

They say anything is possible if you believe, but what is faith or belief if it isn’t taking action? What if there were actions you could take that could make your dreams much more likely to come true? Well there really are! You can help bring amazing things into your life with your own abilities. Be open to every possibility, believe for the miraculous and take action!

Where to start:

1. Be clear regarding your intentions. Do you know precisely what you want to happen? It’s not enough to hope for a financial windfall. Give your desire specificity and a timeline.

• If you are vague, you may still get what you are asking for, but maybe when you said you wanted a raise, the .50 cents an hour you got wasn’t what you had in mind. That’s exactly what you might get if you fail to specify a dollar amount. Regardless of the type of miracle you seek, be specific! I want adopt 2 children this year. I want to transition to doing 50% of my work from home in the next 6 months. I want to increase my take home pay by $500 this month.
• If you don’t want to limit yourself with a specific intention, you can always put “or better” or “or more” at the end of your intention, like “…$10,000 or better this year, lose 10 pounds or more this month, get this particular promotion or something better.”
  

2. Rid yourself of disbelief. Your dreams won’t come to pass if you don’t believe they can happen. When you believe something is possible, you become more capable and more likely to take action. If you can visualize success you can put yourself in position to receive what you are believing for.

• Each morning and evening, imagine your desire occurring. Relax and stay with the image until you feel comfortable. Build your own faith and belief that it can happen.

3. Forget about “how” your dream will happen, and be open to any process that allows your dream to occur. Avoid specifying how your miracle will occur and just allow it to happen.
4. Relax and pay attention. If you’re hoping for the man of your dreams to come into your life, it’s unlikely that he’s going to knock on your door and present himself, though he might. Instead, you will be presented with opportunities to meet the man of your dreams.

• Keep your eyes open for any signs or opportunities. Accept that party invitation or finally decide to join that yoga class you’ve been considering for the last six months. Join the dating site highlighted in the email that shows up in your inbox each week.
• The raw materials you need to make your miracle happen are all around you. Are you paying attention adequately? 

5. Expect the best. It’s not enough to believe that something wonderful might happen. It’s necessary to expect it to happen. Start each day with the expectation that today is the day. Keep your head up and something great will happen soon enough.
6. Be patient. Most days won’t be the day your miracle occurs. Maintain hope and be confident that your miracle is on the way. Great things take time. Be patient.
7. Take responsibility. Are you doing all you can? Miracles tend to happen when you’re holding up your end of the bargain. For example, you have a better chance of landing a dream job if you’re applying for jobs each day. Ask yourself what are 5 things I can do today to reach my goal? Avoid relying only on luck for your miracle to happen.

Remember that you’ve already accomplished many amazing things in your life. Be clear regarding your expectations and be confident that your miracle will happen. Keep your mind open while you live your life expectantly. Miracles happen every day, and they can happen to you.

Finishing Strong in 2016

As with all professional coaches, Recovery Coaches daily face the challenge of how to market their services and attract clients who need what they have to offer. The term “Recovery Coaching” may be a good general place to start, but what are the nuts and bolts of what you really have to offer as a Recovery Coach? There are any number of addiction or codependency related issues that individuals may need help with – some of which they are not aware of the root cause. Whatever those issues are, they need a coach who can say “here is how I can help you break through limiting beliefs or patterns” or here are the types of things I can deliver as a coach.

In this ICF Blog post, Brian Hilliard shares his expertise on growing your brand and your coaching practice so that you finish strong this year and set yourself up for next year’s growth.

With the kids back in the school and Labor Day in the rearview mirror, it’s time to buckle down and really get serious about branding and growing your coaching practice during the last few months of the year.

Because make no mistake about it: What you do now will set the foundation for the results you’ll get (or won’t get) in 2016 and beyond.

So let’s take a look at a couple of branding actions you can do today that can help finish the year up strong. Read more

Professional Recovery Coaches have specialized training to recognize the unique challenges of individuals who have struggled with addictive behavior or those committed to sober living. For more information on our specialized training programs visit http://ift.tt/1AwZyYw .

10 Happy Habits

The happiest people have habits that raise the odds of feeling happy. Unhappy people have habits that result in less desirable feelings. It can be that simple. If you’re not as happy as you’d like, take a look at your habits.

If we know what habits happy people tend to have, why not try adopting some? It could yield positive results.

1. Optimism. Obviously, if you believe good things will happen, it’s much more likely that you’ll be happy. Expecting the worst does nothing to improve your mood! Realistically, it’s not even important to expect a positive outcome (although that doesn’t hurt), only to believe that everything will be okay. Optimism is also a form of belief in yourself. If you believe that you can handle any outcome, you can be optimistic and have the mental freedom to be happy.

2. Altruism. Doing things for others provides multiple benefits. You can see firsthand that you have a lot to be grateful for. You can feel good about yourself for assisting others. You have a good reason to get out of the house. You also feel useful. Make a list of at least three ways you can help others and make room in your schedule to do them.

3. Gratitude. Do you realize how many great things and people you already have in your life? By maintaining focus on the things you don’t have, you’re making yourself unhappy. Experiencing gratitude helps to create feelings of happiness and contentment.

4. Create an exciting future. Maximum happiness requires that you have something to look forward to. It can be graduating from college, having a baby, retirement, a vacation, or a hot date on Saturday night. Have a few goals that give you a reason to be excited. Have goals that are both short-term and long-term.

5. Success. Spend some time doing things that you’re good at. It feels good to do well at something. It doesn’t have to be a competitive event. You can hit golf balls at the range or play the guitar and feel great about yourself. Make a list of the things you excel at and try to spend at least a little time each day doing one of them.

6. Resilience. It’s impossible to avoid challenging times. Sooner or later, something will happen that threatens your progress, success, or happiness. Resilience is the ability to continue forging ahead. Some people have a knack for making obstacles seem bigger than they really are. Others are able to maintain their composure and continue making progress.

7. Forgiveness. How can you be happy while holding a grudge? Forgiving others quickly and easily make happiness possible. You might feel that some people don’t deserve forgiveness, and maybe they don’t, but holding that thing over them only keeps you emotionally snagged. Free yourself, be gracious and let it go.

8. Authenticity. It’s hard to be happy and at ease when you are not comfortable being yourself. Being guarded with others consumes a lot of energy. Why not let your guard down a little and let your uniqueness show? You might be surprised at how others respond, and you might find that being yourself is easier and more enjoyable than playing to others expectations or to your own fears about not being accepted. Accept yourself, love yourself, and be yourself.

9. Presence. Focusing too much on the past leads to regret. Focusing only on the future can lead to anxiety. Both scenarios cause you to miss out on enjoying right now! Acknowledge your past, plan for the future and stay in the present if you want to live a happy life.

10. Self Care. Taking care of yourself and making that a priority doesn’t mean you are selfish. It’s hard to help or care for others when you are not taken care of yourself. Ensuring you get the things you need to feel good and be healthy will add to your overall sense of happiness. Rest, exercise, good nutrition and down time are all part of a healthy self-care plan.

There’s nothing complicated about happiness. Forgive others, be yourself, care for yourself, give of yourself, and be grateful for the things and people you already have. Now those are some happy habits.

Conflicted About Conflict?

Confrontation can be uncomfortable. Most of us were raised with the idea that we shouldn’t upset others. Confrontation has a negative connotation, but it shouldn’t. It doesn’t have to be negative, hostile or upsetting. Confrontation is addressing a behavior you don’t like with the intention of finding a resolution.

If you’ve made a habit in your life of avoiding confrontation, review the tips below and begin to take action on some of those things that you know are hindering progress. Confronting issues in a positive manner is the healthiest way forward for everyone involved.

Handle confrontation maturely and calmly with these ideas:

1. Understand that most “confrontations” aren’t confrontations at all. Sometimes we are simply afraid of sharing our own opinion. That’s not a confrontation. You have just as much right to your opinion as anyone else and have every right to share it in most circumstances. Sharing ideas isn’t confrontation.
2. Understand what’s bothering you. Do you really have a reason to be bothered or are your expectations unreasonable? Everyone is unreasonable at times. Perhaps it’s just your turn. Ask a friend for his opinion if you’re uncertain.
3. Determine the desired outcome. What would you like to see happen? Be specific and ask yourself if that’s a reasonable expectation. Be positive. Know what you want, not just what you wish to avoid.
4. Be prepared. When you’re confronting someone, trying to handle the situation spontaneously isn’t ideal. Take the time you need to prepare, and if possible think of what you need to say and how you should say it. Your tone is important.
5. Take control of the situation. Be the first to address the situation. You have more control and can set the tone for the remainder of the encounter. Be calm, cool, and collected, and the other person is likely to follow suit. If you’re hostile, expect hostility in return.
6. Ask questions. Ensure that you fully understand the situation before making any requests. You may misunderstand the current situation. Maybe there’s no need for a confrontation at all.
7. Stick to the facts. When you stray from the facts, you’re viewed as reaching. If you can’t make a legitimate claim with the facts you possess, more research is necessary.
8. Let the other person know what you want, rather than request they cease a behavior. “I want you to arrive to work on time” instead of “I want you to stop being late.” Keep your request in a positive form. Avoid feeling anxious about your request. It’s just a request.
9. Address behavior, but avoid assuming you know the motives of the other person. “When you’re late, I feel like you don’t care” is more effective than “I know you’re always late because you don’t care about this project.” You don’t know what the other person is thinking until you’re told. Making assumptions puts others on the offensive.
10. Stay calm. Good things can happen when you remain calm. Any escalation in emotion will create more drama. Avoid taking anything personally. Share your opinion and let your request be known. Stay calm even if the other person becomes angry.

Confrontation can be positive. Confrontation provides an opportunity to improve the current situation. It’s normal to be anxious at the prospect of confronting another person, but avoid letting that stop you from sticking up for yourself. You’re entitled to your opinion. Learn to share it effectively.

What Do Your Clients Really Need?

Learning how to “sell” yourself as a coach is an important skill, but it isn’t always effective in gaining new clients. The key is finding out what potential client need, and communicating to them how you are a resource in helping them meet that need. Emma-Louise Elsey, a professional coach and former project/relationship manager to fortune 500 companies, provides some tips in this Coaching Federation article:

One of the biggest struggles coaches face is getting clients.

It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of trying to TELL or SELL coaching instead of asking questions to help your prospects understand what they’re looking for—and then letting them sell coaching to themselves!

Here are 7 Coach-like Steps to Turn Your Prospects into Clients: Read More

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Empowering Beliefs That Transform

Your experiences are shaped by your thinking. Even obstacles have a value when you can see it. You can develop convictions that will help you to feel happier and achieve more, regardless of the situation. We can often feel like life is a series of challenges that we have no control over and it’s easy to find yourself treading water instead of making strides toward your goals.

Consider these empowering beliefs that you can start using today to transform your life by changing the way your view yourself and your capabilities. When these beliefs are spoken as a daily affirmation they give our subconscious minds permission to find ways to make these statements true and help us on our way toward achieving our goals. 

1. I understand my potential. You can achieve amazing results when you put your mind to it. Feel excited about reaching your true potential.
2. I count my blessings. List each thing that you have to be grateful for. Remember to include the smaller items, like comfy jammies or a cup of tea. Expressing your appreciation reminds you of how rich you are.
3. I learn from mistakes. You can make setbacks work for you by focusing on the lessons that they contain. If you have been around that mountain a few times – what can you do differently next time?
4. I find meaning in adversity. Tough times can be the most rewarding phase of your life. Know that you can emerge from any challenge with greater wisdom and courage. Look back at the obstacles you’ve already overcome, and reassure yourself that you can handle what’s ahead.
5. I embrace change. Accept that life is a series of changes. Focus on the present moment, and prepare yourself to adapt to whatever circumstances come your way.
6. I dream big. Expand your wish list. Setting challenging but attainable goals gives you adventures to look forward to each day.
7. I practice forgiveness. Lighten your load by clearing away any resentment you’re holding onto from the past. Set reasonable boundaries while you respond with compassion when others disappoint you. Pardon yourself too.
8. I give generously. Sharing your blessings makes you more powerful and joyful. Volunteer in your community and speak kindly to each person you meet today. Buy coffee for your co-workers or give your receptionist a flower. 
9. I take responsibility. You are in charge of your life. Hold yourself accountable for the outcomes you create. Celebrate the fact that you have the power to determine your own future.
10. I apply effort. Figure out your definition of success so you know what is worth working for. Give yourself credit when you’re making progress rather than comparing yourself to others.
11. I leverage my strengths. You have your own individual strengths that you can draw on. Figure out what you’re good at and what you want to do. Let that knowledge guide your choices.
12. I listen to feedback. Ask for feedback so you can enhance your performance and show others that you respect their point of view. You grow faster when you gather solid input that you can translate into action.
13. I ask for help. Expand your capabilities by building a sturdy support network. Carpool with other parents. Divide up household chores with your spouse and children.
14. I connect with others. Moral support counts too. Surround yourself with loving and encouraging people. Participate actively in your faith community. Join a club with members who share your interests.
15. I recognize opportunities. Stay alert for promising openings. You may meet a new friend while you’re waiting for your turn at the salon, or gain a new client at a rotary meeting.
16. I try new things. Be open to experimentation. Go kayaking one weekend instead of playing tennis. Bake your own bread or knit a scarf. You may discover hidden talents.

An upbeat attitude increases your happiness and productivity. Question your old assumptions so you can replace them with a new sense of certainty about yourself and your future. Adopt empowering beliefs that build up your confidence and prepare you for greater success. Start today. You’ll be glad you did!

Motivate Thyself!

Everyone struggles to be productive from time to time, but there are several tactics that make it easier to get back on track. If you want to be successful in life – you need to get motivated! Children have the benefit of parents, coaches, and teachers. As adults, we have to learn to manage ourselves. Unfortunately, few of us are taught this skill and we must learn it on our own. Teach yourself the art of self-motivation!

A few tips and new habits might be all you need to enhance your results dramatically.

Use these techniques to motivate yourself and take control of your life:

1. Use pleasure to your advantage. Make a long list of the benefits of taking action. What will you gain? A better body? Improved social life? More money? Self-respect? When you find your motivation lagging, return to this list and rekindle your enthusiasm.
2. Use pain to your advantage. If you fail to act, what is the likely outcome? You’ll be forced to live another day in your current existence. Or maybe your financial situation will become a little bit worse. Perhaps your income taxes will be late. Give yourself a list of painful outcomes to avoid.
3. Reinforce your lists daily. Create a running action list of things to accomplish to achieve your goals. It’s helpful to break them down into bite sized pieces.
4. Take a walk. A change of environment can help to clear your head and increase your level of motivation. It’s a great time to breath deep, think big thoughts, consider long-term goals and refresh yourself.
5. Create habits that support your goals. Ideally, you can structure your life so you don’t require motivation. Are you motivated to take a shower or brush your teeth? Not really – you just do them out of habit. Creating habits that move you toward meeting your goals is the best motivation tool of all! Try attaching a new habit to an already existing habit. For example, you get up and make coffee and read the paper every morning. Why not substitute one inspiring blog or article with that morning coffee and create a habit that gets you in motion.
6. Identify obstacles to your goals. Are you afraid? Tired? Restless? Figure out what’s stopping you from taking aggressive action and getting things accomplished. Then take action to resolve the reasons for your inaction. An inspiring quote that applies here “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage.”
7. Make a plan for the day. At the end of your work day, make a list of everything you’d like to get done tomorrow. Then get started on those items early in the day. Build momentum and the rest of the day will go more smoothly. Success builds on success.
8. Get started. Have you ever noticed that motivation happens after you get busy? It’s interesting how challenging it can be to get started, but how easy it can be to continue. Pull out every trick in the book to make yourself begin. The resistance you feel will decrease markedly.
9. Reward yourself regularly. Rewarded behaviors are more likely to reoccur in the future. Give yourself little rewards on a regular basis. You deserve it.
10. Compete with yourself. Strive to create small improvements in yourself each week. This can be more motivating than competing against others. There might be plenty of people ahead of you, but you can always do better than you did last week.
11. Eliminate distractions. Everyone has a preferred method of distraction. It could be the internet, television, or ice cream. Avoid allowing yourself to indulge in your distraction until you’ve accomplished something worthwhile. Be strong.

When you’re feeling unmotivated, avoid the belief that you’re stuck. There’s always something you can do to lift your spirits and tackle those big projects. Develop the skill to motivate thyself! Try these suggestions and find out which work best for you.

COFFEE – A SILENT SAVIOR FOR THE MIND AND LIVER?

Coffee is the beverage of choice for millions of people across the globe. Every day people wake up to a cup of this caffeine-rich drink, although some do prefer decaf.

When in taken in moderation (which translates to about two cups a day in this case), coffee can have some surprisingly great benefits for your health apart from the daily boost of energy.

Coffee is loaded with antioxidants and healthy nutrients that we somehow become deficient of in our daily, busy lives. Having coffee not only replenishes the body’s level of antioxidants but also promotes better absorption of healthy nutrients.

It is this exceptional quality of coffee that makes it one of the most highly praised superfoods. Read on to find out what Prudence Hill has to say about the effects (and health benefits) of coffee.

Who doesn’t love coffee? Whether in pumpkin spice latte form or brewed according to the latest, excruciatingly detailed specifications, it seems to have something for everyone. Including, it seems, those who want to improve their health.

It turns out that while other beverages have been grabbing all the health food glory, coffee has been quietly saving your life. That might seem a bit overblown, but as Healthy Holistic Living explains, you won’t believe all the good that two cups of coffee a day can do for you.

There’s more to coffee than a shot of caffeine in some hot water. It contains a fair amount of several necessary nutrients, including Riboflavin, Vitamin B5, and Manganese. More importantly, it contains a healthy amount of antioxidants—enough, in fact to be a better source of antioxidants for the regular coffee drinker than the combined amount of vegetables and fruits they typically consume.

And while that caffeine may be helpful in getting you out the door and through your morning, it’s also busy helping your body in other ways. Caffeine is linked to a boost in brain function, including reaction time and improved mood. It can also boost metabolism by as much as 11% and exercise performance by 11-12%.

Most surprising, however, is the way in which coffee is associated with a lower risk of disease. Researchers have found that regular coffee drinkers:

• Have as much as a 65% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
• Are less likely to get dementia in old age, and have a 32-60% lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
• Are 23-67% less likely to become diabetic, with the risk of type 2 diabetes reducing by about 7% with each daily cup of coffee.
• Are 84% less likely to develop Cirrhosis of the liver. (Those who drink four or more cups per day were least likely to get the disease.)
• Are 40% less likely to develop liver cancer.
• Have a 20% lower risk of becoming depressed. In fact, those who drink four or more cups a day were found to be 53% less likely to commit suicide.
• Does it sound like coffee helps you live longer? That’s because it does. In a 2012 study from the New England Journal of Medicine, regular coffee drinkers appeared to live longer, with those aged 50 to 71 who drank 4-5 cups per day being 12-16% less likely to die.

Of course, for all those benefits, there remain some risks—especially for those prone to anxiety, high blood pressure, or sleeplessness. The caffeine in coffee can leave people jittery and nervous and cause heart palpitations and difficulty sleeping. For those who need to limit caffeine, whether due to pregnancy, heart problems, insomnia, or anxiety issues, the benefits of coffee don’t outweigh the risk.

And there is the undeniable fact that caffeine is an addictive substance. It’s possible to build a tolerance to it and thereby diminish the positive effects (or require a larger dose to get the same result). And withdrawal can cause headaches, irritability, and tiredness. Unfortunately, though decaffeinated coffee can mitigate the addiction problem, it can also diminish the health benefits.

But whether you’re drinking it for enjoyment, for the brain boost, or for the health benefits, at least you have a new excuse for your morning coffee break. Just tell people it’s for your health.

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In the following video from YouTube channel PHD TV, Dwayne Godwin, Jorge Cham and Meg Rosenburg take a minute (and just about that) to explain how coffee affects your brain.

As with all substances of consumption, it is important that we regulate the amount we consume in healthy proportions. As they’ve always said – excess of everything is bad.

Sharing Success Secrets

This blog article was written by Jack Canfield, America’s #1 Success Coach, is founder of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul® and a leading authority on Peak Performance and Life Success. If you’re ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at: http://ift.tt/Ujxkfd

The Secret to Achieving Your Biggest Goals and Dreams:

As you probably know, I have achieved an enormous amount of success in my life, and I owe it all to two things: The first is that I have learned how to access my intuition and tune into my inner guidance, which comes from both my own subconscious mind and the Higher Power that created this Universe and wants us to thrive. I have learned how to meditate, use guided visualization, and read the kinesthetic signals from my body (what some people call “trusting your gut feeling”). The second is that I have learned to take immediate action on my inner guidance—the quicker, the better! Read more

We hope you find this article enriching and motivating. If you would like more information on a Career in Professional Recovery Coaching visit us at:  http://ift.tt/1AwZyYw

Setting Goals to Chart Your Course

In this Huffington Post blog, Tom Casano, CEO and Founder of Life Coach Spotter breathes fresh ideas into the art of goal setting. He points out that the goal setting can actually be more important than achieving that goal. The creative and visionary process in goal setting is where the magic is – the rest is just consistent follow up! Read up on these 11 tips:

Goal-setting is one of those tools that we most often view as being straight-forward. We set a goal, then we pursue it, and eventually we achieve it. Everyone knows that by achieving a goal, something important to you is accomplished and a whole new realm of possibilities open up. In this aspect, achieving a goal is multi-dimensional.

But what if there was more to the “setting” portion of a goal than we realize? In reality, the act of goal-setting can be just as important, if not more important, than achieving it.

Here are 11 overlooked elements to goal-setting that you will want to remember the next time you evaluate your goals. Read more

Goal setting is a lot like charting your course … the more you know yourself, your dreams and desires, the more accurately you can envision your future and the goals you will need to meet to take you there. If you have come across our webpages because you have an interest in a career as a Professional Recovery Coach, why not start the discovery journey now and review what our Premier Coaching Programs have to offer: http://ift.tt/1AwZyYw

 

Coaching Is Connecting

In this Huffington Post blog, “11 Ways to Instantly Connect with Anyone”, Dr. Travis Bradberry sheds light on the subject of personal connection as a fundamental human need and points out that we all have innate skill in this area. He gives solid advice on how to quickly and easily connect with people.

Too many people succumb to the mistaken belief that the ability to connect with others is a natural, unteachable trait that belongs to only a lucky few. It’s easy to fall prey to this misconception. In reality, this ability is under your control, and it’s a matter of emotional intelligence (EQ).

Research conducted by Matthew Lieberman at UCLA shows that being social and connecting with others is as fundamental a human need as food, shelter, and water. For example, Lieberman discovered that we feel social pain, such as the loss of a relationship, in the same part of the brain that we feel physical pain.

The primary function of this brain area is to alert us to threats to our survival. It makes you realize how powerful and important social connection is. We’re hard wired to be social creatures. “The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood.” -Ralph Nichols.

MRIs of the brain show that social thinking and analytical thinking involve entirely different neural networks and that they operate something like a seesaw. When you engage in analytical thinking, the social part of your brain quiets down, but as soon as you’re finished, the social network springs back to life.

The social brain is the end of the seesaw where the fat kid sits; it’s our brain’s default setting.

Given that social connection is such a fundamental human need, you’d think that it would be easy to connect with everyone we meet. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Against our own self-interest, we get bogged down by shyness, self-consciousness, cynicism, pride, competitiveness, jealousy, and arrogance.

If you can get that baggage out of the way, you can connect with anyone—even those who are still holding on to their own. Here are some tips that will help you to connect instantly with everyone you meet. Read more

Personal connection is a coaching skill that can be cultivated and is the cornerstone of skilled coaching. Learn Professional Coaching Skills and Recovery Coaching Skills and Techniques to provide your clients with top notch Coaching.

Review what our Premier Coaching Programs have to offer: http://ift.tt/1AwZyYw