Category Archives: Confidence

Our brains filter information in a way that confirms our beliefs, whether those beliefs are positive or negative. By consciously shifting our mindset to focus on positive outcomes, we can start to see more of the good things happening around us. Jay Wren

Tell Your Brain Good Things About Yourself and Your Life

Beliefs, Confidence, Emotional Intelligence, Quotes, Success

Our brains filter information in a way that confirms our beliefs, whether those beliefs are positive or negative. By consciously shifting our mindset to focus on positive outcomes, we can start to see more of the good things happening around us.  ~ Jay Wren

Reading, hearing, or seeing things that confirm our beliefs makes us comfortable. So, if we keep thinking, “my life is terrible,” our brain will focus on experiences that reinforce that our lives are terrible.” But if we start telling ourselves that our lives are rewarding and healthy, our brain will start to notice the good things, reinforcing that positive belief. 

It’s like training your brain to be your own cheerleader. This doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or setbacks, but rather balancing them with the positives. Over time, this can lead to a more optimistic outlook and a greater sense of well-being.

Have you tried any specific techniques to help shift your mindset? Practices like gratitude journaling or positive affirmations can be really effective.

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Focus on your breathing and clear the clutter in your mind. Jay Wren

The Power of Taking a Break to Breathe

Confidence, Emotional Intelligence, Health and Fitness

The Power of Breathing: Techniques for a Healthier Life

Breathing is something we do every moment of our lives, often without giving it much thought. Yet, the way we breathe can have a profound impact on our physical and mental well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of proper breathing techniques and how they can enhance your overall health.

The Importance of Breathing

Breathing is essential for life. It supplies our bodies with oxygen, which is necessary for the functioning of every cell. Proper breathing helps to:

  • Improve oxygen delivery: Efficient breathing ensures that oxygen is delivered to all parts of the body, enhancing energy levels and overall vitality.
  • Reduce stress: Deep, controlled breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
  • Enhance mental clarity: Adequate oxygenation of the brain improves focus, concentration, and cognitive function.
  • Support physical health: Proper breathing can improve cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and aid in digestion.

Common Breathing Techniques

There are several breathing techniques that can help you harness the power of your breath. Here are a few to consider:

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing

Also known as belly breathing, this technique involves breathing deeply into the diaphragm rather than shallowly into the chest. To practice:

  1. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
  2. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.
  3. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise while keeping your chest relatively still.
  4. Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your abdomen fall.
  5. Repeat for several minutes.

2. Box Breathing

Box breathing is a simple technique that can help calm the mind and reduce stress. To practice:

  1. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four.
  2. Hold your breath for a count of four.
  3. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four.
  4. Hold your breath again for a count of four.
  5. Repeat the cycle for several minutes.

3. Alternate Nostril Breathing

This technique is often used in yoga to balance the mind and body. To practice:

  1. Sit comfortably with your spine straight.
  2. Use your right thumb to close your right nostril.
  3. Inhale deeply through your left nostril.
  4. Close your left nostril with your right ring finger and release your right nostril.
  5. Exhale slowly through your right nostril.
  6. Inhale through your right nostril, then close it and exhale through your left nostril.
  7. Continue alternating for several minutes.

Incorporating Breathing Techniques into Daily Life

To reap the benefits of proper breathing, try incorporating these techniques into your daily routine:

  • Morning routine: Start your day with a few minutes of diaphragmatic breathing to energize your body and mind.
  • Work breaks: Practice box breathing during breaks to reduce stress and improve focus.
  • Evening relaxation: Use alternate nostril breathing to unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

Conclusion

Breathing is a powerful tool that can significantly impact your health and well-being. By practicing proper breathing techniques, you can improve your physical health, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity. Take a few moments each day to focus on your breath and experience the transformative effects it can have on your life.

The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are. C. S. Lewis

Surround Yourself with the Smartest People

Beliefs, Confidence, Continuous Improvement, Influencer, Network Connections, Quotes, Reflections

The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.
C. S. Lewis

In the pursuit of personal and professional growth, the adage “surround yourself with people who are smarter than you” holds a profound truth. Embracing the company of those who possess greater knowledge and skills can be a powerful catalyst for development and innovation.

Why Seek Smarter Company?
The benefits of surrounding oneself with more intelligent individuals are manifold. Firstly, it fosters an environment of continuous learning. Being around those who challenge our understanding pushes us to expand our knowledge base and question our preconceived notions. It’s a dynamic setting where ideas are exchanged, and intellectual boundaries are stretched.

Moreover, smarter colleagues act as a source of inspiration. They set a higher standard of excellence, motivating us to elevate our performance and strive for greater achievements. Their expertise and problem-solving abilities can also provide valuable insights that lead to more effective decision-making.

The Impact on Innovation
Innovation thrives in diverse and intellectually stimulating environments. When smart people come together, the synergy of their combined perspectives and experiences can lead to breakthroughs that might not occur in isolation. This collaborative intelligence is the bedrock of successful teams and organizations.

Creating a Smarter Circle
Building a network of intelligent individuals requires intentionality. It involves seeking out mentors, joining professional groups, attending conferences, and engaging in communities where knowledge-sharing is prevalent. It’s about being proactive in one’s own growth journey and recognizing the value that others bring to the table.

Conclusion
The wisdom of surrounding yourself with smarter individuals is not about diminishing one’s self-worth but about recognizing the power of collective intelligence. It’s a humble acknowledgment that we all have something to learn from one another. By embracing this mindset, we open ourselves up to a world of endless possibilities and growth.

Remember, intelligence is not just about academic prowess; it encompasses emotional, social, and creative intelligence as well. So, when we talk about surrounding ourselves with ‘smarter’ people, it’s about seeking those who can complement and enhance our own abilities in various spheres of life. It’s a journey well worth embarking on.

 

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The power of emotional autonomy: Never give anyone the power to control how you feel or what you think. ~ Jay Wren

The Power of Emotional Autonomy

Beliefs, Confidence, Emotional Intelligence

The power of emotional autonomy: Never give anyone the power to control how you feel or what you think. ~ Jay Wren

Emotional autonomy is a vital aspect of personal development and well-being. It refers to the ability to maintain control over one’s own emotional state, rather than allowing external circumstances or the actions of others to dictate how one feels and thinks. This concept is not just about resilience or independence; it’s about recognizing that we have the power to choose our responses to the challenges life throws at us.

The journey towards emotional autonomy involves several key steps. Firstly, it requires self-awareness. Understanding our emotions and the triggers that affect them allows us to manage our reactions more effectively. Secondly, it involves setting boundaries. By defining what is acceptable and what is not in our interactions with others, we protect our emotional space.

Another crucial element is the development of coping strategies. Whether it’s through mindfulness, therapy, or simply taking time for oneself, finding ways to deal with stress and negative emotions is essential. Additionally, fostering a strong support network can provide the encouragement and perspective needed when facing difficult situations.

Ultimately, emotional autonomy is about empowerment. It’s about realizing that while we cannot control everything that happens to us, we can control our reactions. It’s a liberating understanding that can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

As we navigate the complexities of relationships, work, and personal aspirations, remembering the mantra “Never give anyone the power to control how you feel and what you think” can serve as a guiding principle. It reminds us that our emotional well-being is in our hands, and with the right tools and mindset, we can face life’s ups and downs with confidence and poise.

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Horrible things happen to all of us. Things beyond our control. But developing winning traits can change the questions we ask when we meet challenges. We stop asking, "Why me?" Instead, we ask, "What steps can I take today to make things better?" Jay Wren

What Steps can I Take Today to Make Things Better?

Beliefs, Confidence, Emotional Intelligence, Influencer, Leadership, Quotes

Horrible things happen to all of us, things beyond our control. But developing winning traits can change the questions we ask when we meet challenges. We stop asking, “Why me?” Instead, we ask, “What steps can I take today to make things better?” ~ www.jaywren.com

 

 

 

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“If you’re growing a garden, you need to pull out the weeds, but flowers will die if all you do is pick weeds. They need sunshine and water. People are the same.” From "The Score Takes Care of Itself" by Bill Walsh

Positive Coaching

Confidence, Continuous Improvement, Emotional Intelligence, Quotes

“If you’re growing a garden, you need to pull out the weeds, but flowers will die if all you do is pick weeds. They need sunshine and water. People are the same.” From “The Score Takes Care of Itself” by Bill Walsh on the importance of Positive Coaching

Photo by Jean Lucas Camilo on Unsplash

Don’t Worry About What Other People Think

Confidence, Continuous Improvement, Emotional Intelligence

“You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt

I don’t worry about what other people think. I can’t control what people carry around in their minds. The mental obsession over what other people think doesn’t improve how people see me. Additionally, I can think about better things, the good things in my life and solutions for making my life better.

“Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life.” Mark Twain

Create a New Day

Beliefs, Confidence, Emotional Intelligence, Social Media

“Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life.” Mark Twain

I decide every day what kind of day I am going to have. I can either dread it or stay in the present movement and only think about things as they happen.

Depending on what was going on the day before and what I expect to happen today, I may get out of bed feeling frustrated, grateful, full of great expectation, or not aware of my feelings at all.

My instinct is to grab a cup of coffee and sit down at my desk and dive into my work. This is not a good routine. If I want to love my day, I need to clear my head and decide that I am going to be happy and grateful. Making a gratitude list is a good place to start to brighten my day.

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The best way to change your life today is to decide to be in a good mood. Jay Wren

Decide to Be in a Good Mood

Confidence, Emotional Intelligence, Gratitude

The best way to change your life today is to decide to be in a good mood.
Jay Wren

Change the subject in your head. Get up and move around. Focus on your surroundings. Breathe. Make a list of your blessings. Just sit still and let painful feelings pass. Talk with a friend. Act to change your mood.  

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