Sharing is Caring: 6 Scientifically Proven Ways Helping Others Can Improve Your Life

I’ve come to believe that the simple formula for happiness and success in life lies in caring about others, helping them in any way we can, and sharing what we have. I learned this the hard way. In the beginning, when I was striving for career success, better relationships, improved overall health and mental well-being, I thought others had nothing to do with it, that it’s a battle I had to win on my own.

With this mindset, though, I made my life more complicated and didn’t improve personally, spiritually, or professionally any time soon. Then, I decided to give another approach a try. To make others part of my journey in small ways, but do it every day. I began talking to both strangers and people in my surroundings more, opening up, sharing my goals and giving them advice, or simply listening to their problems and showing compassion.

I stopped investing my time only in ‘me’ activities, and began doing ‘we’ activities. That could be seeing someone in need and spending time with them even if I didn’t feel like it, becoming more active in the local community, volunteering even. All that paid off tenfold because I received so much in return that my career, happiness level, relationships and peace of mind were all improving. After experiencing the wonderful benefits of helping others, I did my research and found out all these positive effects were actually science-backed.

So let me share how sharing and caring can improve our life and maybe inspire you to start doing more for others too:

1. Helping others is good for your health

I’ll begin with the health benefits of caring about others. Doing something altruistic leads to positive physiological changes, strengthens the immune system, and can even reduce pain, thanks to the release of endorphins in the brain.

I started volunteering many years ago and had the chance to experience those benefits first hand. Turns out, volunteers often live longer and have a better general health than those who never get involved in giving to others. I believe it’s the little things that matter. Being there for the person in need is one example. That is if you choose a cause that involves direct communication with the less fortunate, of course.

Nothing compares to seeing another human being open up and realizing no one ever listened to that person, not many cared, and that he might not know what compassion looks like. So when you give them exactly that by simply keeping them company, you can see the transformation in their eyes. As a result, that changes you too.

2. It helps us handle stress better

We all have stressors in our lives, whether we admit it or not. But little did I know that the solution to this too was hidden in volunteering. Once I began doing more for others and focusing less on my desires and needs, my mental health improved. I found meaning, I felt good about myself, and signs of depression, stress, and anxiety started disappearing. Researchers have proven that too and state that because of this, volunteering can increase our lifespan.

3. We form a deeper connection with ourselves thanks to sharing

Giving is a way to connect with others but it also helps us get to know ourselves better, forgive ourselves, and be more compassionate. Ultimately, that leads to feeling good about ourselves and forming a deeper connection that then helps us live a purpose-driven life.

We appreciate everything more when we volunteer. It changes our perspective. It’s proven to distract us from our own problems and thus help us deal with the hardships in life. I can’t count the many deep conversations I’ve had with people I wanted to help and that meant more for them than any food they were given that same day. It’s because they forgot what real connection looks like and once they experienced it, their souls were reborn.

But there were also many examples from my volunteering experience where we just sat there with the person and connected on a deeper level without saying a word. As you know, words aren’t always necessary. But energy can’t be wrong. That person in front of me felt I was there to give without expecting anything in return and simply accepted my good energy and sent back gratitude.

4. Doing good for others improves our social life

Along with a better relationship with ourselves, we who volunteer also have a better social life. It all begins by noticing a new form of social connection once we start helping those in need. That might lead to friendships that last long. But even if it’s just for the sake of making somebody smile after serving them a meal at a shelter, it’s all for a good cause and we socialize in the most genuine way possible. As multiple studies have suggested, we are social beings and the more interactions we have in life, the better the condition of our brain is

5. Increased happiness levels

Nothing has ever made me feel more thankful for what I already have than giving. Helping others somehow opens our eyes to how little other people might have and we feel like we live in abundance. Then, we begin cherishing all the people in our life, our own body and mind, and each of our precious days on this planet more. We use our time more effectively, do things we love, and socialize.

Every time you do a good deed for others, you get a feeling of euphoria (that’s the endorphins released in the brain) and you feel great. Such a mental boost is even addictive and we seek more of the same feeling once we get to experience it.

People in need can’t fake it and they also can’t hide their happiness. So you are sure they are truly thankful and pleasantly surprised when you go the extra mile. I saw this when I stayed with them longer than planned and they knew I just wanted to be there with them than anywhere else.

Other times I would bring them personalized gifts such as a picture of a place at the other corner of the world so they can dream of being there and have a vision for a better life. Or a book we’ve discussed if I see they like reading and losing themselves in stories.

6. Give more for better relationships

Last but not least, I noticed that giving is good for my relationships. That too is scientifically-proven. One reason is the spiritual growth we experience as a result of giving more. We find meaning and fill the void inside, we are now complete and braver. That boosts self-esteem.

Another great benefit of helping others which affects our already existing relationships in life is the gratitude we are filled with. That transforms into caring about anyone around us more, appreciating their company and making every minute with them count. My loved ones immediately noticed I treated them better, with respect, listened more, and complained less.

I hope these science-backed points will motivate you to find little ways to help others today. Our mission in life is not always sure, but it is connected to going beyond ourselves. And that’s exactly what I did which I consider a turning point in my life. I wish you the same revelation!

from
https://addicted2success.com/life/sharing-is-caring-6-scientifically-proven-ways-helping-others-can-improve-your-life/

10 Things You Must Do in Order to Dominate the New Year

Did 2019 suck for you? Raise your hand and yell ‘hell ya!!” Don’t feel bad. It sucked for a lot of us. I could write a whole book on everything that went wrong for me. Here’s a small breakdown in case you’re curious.

• Mom died
• Fired 3 pinterest managers
• Lost a lot of money by switching ad agencies
• My website crashed multiple times
• Moved from one country to another
• Son’s father committed suicide

So it’s suffice to say, I had a hella hard year. Overall, it just sucked. However, I do have to say that independent of two site crashes and everything else I went through, I’ve finally reached my monthly financial goal that I’ve been working really hard at. Yay me!

I learned a lot this year. This year for me was about patience, understanding and growth. I also realize there are some things I definitely need to change moving forward into 2020. I think every year offers up some new lessons. Some we like, some we hate and some we plain and simply ignore. Don’t do that anymore. The ignore lessons part. They come to us to teach us things. Swallow your pride and learn the lesson.

Here are 10 things you must do in order for you to dominate the new year:

1. Make a weekly list every Sunday

What needs to be done? What goals do you have and what calls to make? Organize your week every sunday night so you already know what you have to do. Don’t  pack your calendar too tight though. Allow wiggle room for unexpected emergencies and things.

2. Don’t set unrealistic goals

Seriously, keep it real. Don’t write “going to buy a Lamborghini by July of 2020” on your mind map if you really don’t think this could happen. You’re only setting yourself up for disappointment. Don’t do that.

3. Start saying YES to more things

Stop saying No to invitations to go to events and dinners and other social gatherings. Get out of your comfort zone and start saying yes to things and meeting new people. This is how we grow. And besides, you just never know who you might meet that has potential to be your new bff and next business partner. SAY YES more!!

4. Start saying NO more 

Wait, what? Say yes say no, what the hell? Say NO to people who keep sucking the life out of you. Say no when someone asks you to do something, like use up all of your valuable time. I get that it’s good to be a kind and helpful person but not at the expense of your sanity. Say no and let someone else step in to help. You’re not superhuman and your life and happiness is important too!

5. Set a timer

For all those who work from home, this one’s for you. Before you start a project or job, set a timer of up to 90 minutes. When the timer stops, so do you. Get up, stretch, take a 15 minute sunshine break, do whatever you want but stop working.

6. Ask for help more often

Read above: you are not superhuman. Stop trying to do everything all by yourself. It’s perfectly fine to ask for help. People genuinely do want to help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone every now and then.

7. Treat yourself

Take yourself out for dinner or the movies or buy yourself a nice treat, at least once a week. Whether or not you accomplished everything from your Sunday list doesn’t matter. You need to reward yourself for a job well done anyway.

8. Unplug from social media

Put your rotten tomatoes down please! This is a must. For at least one hour a day, no Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or your social media drug of choice. Go for a walk instead, read a book, go play with puppies (which leads me to the next thing you need to do), do anything for an hour except check social media.

9. Go volunteer somewhere

Anywhere. Find an organization that resonates with your heart and go volunteer for an hour a week (or more if you have time). When we do kind things for others that bring us joy, we are happier, less stressed and more productive. Go play with puppies at a shelter (yes that’s a thing), spend time at a nursing home. Did you know that lots of seniors have no family that visit them. Sad, right? Go hang out there and listen to some cool stories.

10. Eat your frog first thing in the morning

Ya, ew, gross. It’s not really I promise. Eating your frog simply means taking that one icky task you really don’t want to do, but have to, and knock it out first thing in the morning! If you don’t get it out of the way first thing in the morning it will sit, like a monkey on your back, for the whole rest of the day and you’ll be stressed out. Trust me on this one. Eat your damn frog for breakfast.

Here’s to a successful 2020!

from
https://addicted2success.com/success-advice/10-things-you-must-do-in-order-to-dominate-the-new-year/

5 Ways to Become Stress-Free in 5 Minutes

For most of us living in this day and age, everyday life can be quite a struggle. With mortgages to pay off, credit card bills, utility bills, loan debt, and medical expenses, life can seem like an endless struggle. Not surprisingly, most of us are drowning in stress with reports showing that nearly 20% of the population suffered from an anxiety or stress disorder in the past year.

Out of sheer desperation, many of us turn to unhealthy quick fixes, but there are healthy alternatives that require little time or effort and will cost you nothing. It’s important to embrace and practice these stress reduction techniques as chronic stress can put you at risk of more serious lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Below, are some of the most effective stress reduction techniques that you can try out at home or at work or even when you’re travelling. They won’t cost you a cent and will just take up 5 minutes of your time, so give them a try!

5 Quick & Easy Stress Reduction Techniques:

1. Mindfulness Meditation

Meditation is one of the most powerful tools for coping with stress and anxiety, bringing both short term stress relief and long term stress management benefits. While there are many different forms of meditation and all of them can help you better cope with stress, mindfulness meditation is one of the simplest and most effective approaches that you can rely on.

Simply put, mindfulness meditation involves being in the present moment. Instead of allowing your mind to be consumed by stress and chaotic thoughts, you focus on your breathing and tune into all of your senses. Research suggests that the practice isn’t just helpful for coping with everyday stress, but can also help in the management of clinical depression, chronic stress, and anxiety disorders.

“Set peace as your highest goal and organize your life around it.” – Brian Tracy

2. Guided Imagery

You can think of guided imagery as a kind of virtual vacation, where the virtual reality is created by your imagination, not technology. To practice the technique, you imagine yourself in the most comforting scenery or situation, whether on a mountain top or at the beach. You focus on the scene down to the finer details, such as the sound of the waves or wind, the feel of sand on your feet, or the smell of the salty air.

To make it easier, you use recordings or apps, where someone guides you through the scene, creating a mental picture. Guided imagery has been shown to lower stress levels and promote relaxation, but it can be challenging for those who struggle with intrusive thoughts. That’s where mindfulness can again help as it makes it easier to focus on the activity and tune out those unwanted thoughts.

3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation may sound highly technical, but it’s one of the simplest and most effective stress reduction techniques there is. It simply involves relaxing all of the muscles in the body, beginning with a focus on your breathing. You can use instructional videos and apps to get started and from starting with your breath, you will be able to consciously tighten and relax individual muscles, whether it’s your facial muscles or those in your toes!

With practice, you’ll find this easier to achieve and you will be more attuned to muscular tension and stress, being able to control these sensations more effectively. Clinical studies have found that the technique is so effective at promoting relaxation that it is even recommended for women dealing with postpartum depression, labor pain, and menstrual pain, as well as patients battling conditions that cause chronic pain.

4. Planners & Journals

One of the biggest problems with stress is that your mind is often cluttered and lacking in focus. This is where using a planner or journal can help. By putting your thoughts, feelings, or worries down on paper, you can evaluate them in a more objective manner and come up with possible solutions or outcomes. This helps you to get clarity and focus, allowing you to relax and better handle life’s challenges, which otherwise stress you out. In addition to tracking stressors, you can also use your journal to reflect on positive experiences that make you feel grateful or happy.

“The day she let go of the things that were weighing her down, was the day she began to shine the brightest.” – Katrina Mayer

5. Socializing

5 minutes may not be enough time to visit a friend or socialize at a party, but that’s not what we’re talking about here. Human beings are inherently social animals and we require some amount of social contact. Simply calling a friend to chat for a couple of minutes, spending a few minutes with family members, or just getting a hug can help to lower stress levels almost instantly.

Studies have found that the very act of hugging a loved one can trigger the release of oxytocin. This is a hormone that promotes feelings of wellbeing and happiness. If you’re not connected to other people or don’t have close friends and family members, you can get similar benefits from contact with a pet, whether it’s your dog, cat, or hamster.

No matter which stress reduction technique or combination of techniques you choose to use, just remember that effective stress management can take practice and patience. Keep experimenting with these techniques, don’t give up, and seek help from a counselor or psychologist if you can’t get any relief.

from
https://addicted2success.com/life/5-ways-to-become-stress-free-in-5-minutes/

5 Life Lessons That Will Accelerate You Through Your Early 20s

For many people, living life in their early 20s is like walking through a maze at night time. You’re constantly unsure of which direction you need to take and are blinded by the dark notion that uncertainty will play a large part in your journey. Additionally, you’ll likely feel lost at some point along the way. Often we are swayed by schools, the media, our peers, and societal norms to take a pre-disposed route and this can leave you unfulfilled by the time you hit your mid 20s.

Falling into debt, poor relationships and bad health are not uncommon during the first quarter century of your life. However, this doesn’t have to be your story. You can create your own narrative, build yourself a foundation for winning and become a force to be reckoned with going into your late 20s if you take a few actionable steps towards success.

Here are 5 life lessons that will supercharge you through your early 20s:

1. Get on top of your fitness

Eating healthy and challenging yourself physically will improve numerous areas of your life. Being fit makes you feel good, and when you feel good about yourself, you become a better person to be around. This has a positive effect on your relationships, work, and social life along with giving you momentum going forward.

Lifting regularly in the gym also builds your physical appearance. As shallow as it may seem, you are judged on how you look and present yourself. Set a good first impression by looking the part and this will pay dividends in job interviews, social situations, and your personal life. 

If anything, fitness is the gateway drug to self-improvement. If you struggle with stress, anxiety, and are prone to depression, lifting something heavy or going for a hard run is the hit you need to get you back into a better headspace and onto the winning path in your early 20s.

2. Learn to be financially competent

Money isn’t everything, but being broke is never fun. Whilst it is very unlikely that you will be at your monetary peak in your early 20s, it’s vital that you learn how to understand basic financial literacy and begin to become financially independent. 

A good rule of thumb is to save 20% of everything you earn. For instance, if your take home monthly pay is around $2,000, try saving at least $300-400. This accumulated over 5 years could be a house deposit, investment into a business, or freedom to move abroad. 

Another smart thing to do is create a side hustle. If you work a full-time job, use your weekends and evenings to build a passion project or business that generates you an extra form of income. This can pay for your holidays, drinks with friends, and may even turn into your full-time gig. Whatever your goals may be, having money in the bank and multiple revenue streams gives you choices and options going into your 30s.

“It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.”- Robert Kiyosaki

3. Build your network and social skills

How many times have you heard someone say “I made friends with X and they knew someone who helped me do Y.” Being personable, likeable and charismatic are the foundations to building your biggest asset – your network. The social skills you acquire to obtain your network will likely get your further in life than your technical ability.

The people you surround yourself with will also have the highest impact on your trajectory. People often say that you’re the average of the 5 friends you spend the most time around, and it’s true. If you hang around with industrious and hard-working people, you’re likely to be industrious and hard-working. If you hang around lazy and unenthusiastic people… well, you know how that turns out.

Invest time during your early 20s into your relationships and meet a wide array of people who are actively working on themselves. Their energy will be contagious and may even be your ticket to the next life-changing job, business opportunity, or relationship.

4. Your issues are your responsibility

One of the coldest lessons you learn in life is that nobody is coming to save you. The issues you carry from childhood and the past traumas you faced may not be your fault, but it is ultimately your responsibility to solve them. Almost all of the meaning that you need to get you through the hard times of life is going to be the direct consequence of adopting responsibility. 

Take ownership of your problems. This will make you feel competent and give you a sense of urgency that causes you to move through reality with more confidence and intensity. When you fulfil your obligations today, you don’t have to worry as much about what tomorrow holds. This extreme accountability will set you apart from your peers and move you into maturity much quicker.

“You only have control over three things in your life – the thoughts you think, the images you visualize, and the actions your take.” – Jack Canfield

5. Work is important but so is fun

There’s an undeniable urge for us to seek pleasure and fun as young people. Many self-help ‘gurus’ will tell you that the grind is the only way to get ahead. The issue with this mindset is that just staying on the grind will turn you into an emotionless and insufferable robot that is only useful for hitting company KPIs and being operationally efficient. This is in no way a noble or a sustainable way to live.

A large part of your fulfilment will come from dabbling in some hedonism and instant gratification from time-to-time. It’s important for your development to travel and be open-minded. 

Both work and fun are important in becoming fully rounded and curating a person that will be successful moving into their second quarter century. Apply yourself daily but don’t forget to smell the roses!

What’s the biggest lesson you learned in your 20’s? If you’re still in your 20’s, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? Share your lessons below!

from
https://addicted2success.com/life/5-life-lessons-that-will-accelerate-you-through-your-early-20s/

How to Steer Your Life in the Right Direction and Define Your Life’s Purpose

Do you know that Colonel Harland David Sanders was 65 when he founded Kentucky Fried Chicken, better known in its abbreviated form, KFC? Most of us know Col. Sanders for starting KFC, which is now a big name in the fast-food industry. However, 65 is not the age when people usually find the purpose of life. But again, is there any time limit for finding the purpose of your life? Well, I don’t think so.

Life does not come with a user guide, and there’s certainly no David Attenborough to do meta-commentary on your life to give a hint of what lies ahead. But it does not mean you should wander around aimlessly like a leaf in the wind. You need to understand – “Life does not give us purpose. We give life purpose.” I cannot believe I’m quoting a line from a comic book.

The problem with most of us is that we do not think about having a purpose in life. We do things as we feel important, and that is how we continue our lives. Even a lot of us who are employed and attend work every day may not have any defined purpose in life. And as Thomas Carlyle said it, “A man without a goal is a ship without a rudder.” 

In this article, I’ll try to help you define your purpose in life, so that you can steer your life in the right way:

1. Identifying The Purpose In Life

The path to finding your purpose in life begins with the realization that you were created to solve a problem. Once you figure that out, finding your life’s purpose is going to be a lot easier. But in order to identify what problems you need to solve in life, you need to get over the fear of facing a problem.

You see, problems are just opportunities that haven’t presented themselves. Every famous inventor you know has faced some problems in their lives, which pushed them to invent things that would solve a problem. 

When Henry Ford mass-produced the automobile, he solved the transportation problem. Similarly, when a company sells a product or service to a customer, they solve one or more problems of the customer.

If you look closely, you will find that problems aren’t necessarily bad. In fact, they provide you with the opportunity to tap your creative potential. However, you need to identify which problems you are here to solve.

“It’s not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something.” – Winston S. Churchill

2. How To Identify The Problems You Are Here To Solve?

The problem with defining life’s purpose is that nobody can tell you what your life’s purpose should be. You need to figure it out yourself. To figure out what your purpose should be, ask yourself a few questions.

• What do you enjoy doing that you would happily do even without pay?
• What excites you the most?
• What do you love? Or what’s your passion?
• Are you comfortable with what you are becoming as you grow?
• Are you satisfied with the way your life is proceeding? Or does something seem to be missing? What is it that you think is missing?

When you are able to answer these questions, you will have a clear vision of what your life’s purpose is. Now, you need to live and work on that purpose.

3. How To Approach Life When You Know What Your Purpose Is

It’s unfortunate that most people live their lives without a purpose. They are just like sheep, getting in line and doing what others are doing. Their moves are predictable, and they are too afraid to take risks. That’s something you should not aspire to be. Once you figure out what your purpose is, stay conscious of the meaning of things you do. If you don’t know why you are doing something, perhaps you are off purpose.

If you tend to go off purpose quite often, write it down somewhere and use it to remind yourself why you are working on a certain thing. While reading the description of your purpose, take some time to reflect on the reason behind your actions. In addition, limit yourself to a certain extent. You cannot be everywhere and do everything. Instead of having loads of purposes, choose a few and work on them. Focus is the key here.

As mentioned, there’s no formula or proven theory that can help you find purpose in life. At times, you get an epiphany and realize what you need to do in life at an early age. At other times, it takes ages to figure out your purpose in life, as it happened for Col. Sanders. So, believe in yourself, and try to figure out the purpose of life on your own. And remember, it’s never too late to start over.

“Musicians must make music, artists must paint, poets must write if they are ultimately to be at peace with themselves. What humans can be, they must be.” – Abraham Maslow

Do you know what makes your heart tick? What do you love doing in life? Share your stories with us below! We’d love to hear them.

from
https://addicted2success.com/life/how-to-steer-your-life-in-the-right-direction-and-define-your-lifes-purpose/

5 Tips to Help Rewire Your Brain and Make You Into a Super Entrepreneur

If there is one single catalyst that brings tremendous changes to this planet, it’s the human brain. Our brain is very powerful…not even the latest supercomputers can rival its performance. It’s fascinating how this roughly three-pound mass inside the skull can process facts, store memories, dictate how your body moves, and make decisions. Even scientists are astounded at how our brain works and how it empowers a person to be successful.

The brain adapts to our environment and situations constantly, even throughout adulthood, which up to about a decade ago, was not known to brain scientists. We call this ability neuroplasticity. 

From the moment our mind starts to develop until the day we die, the connections between brain cells reorganize in response to our changing needs. In other words, the neuroplastic brain absorbs various stimuli, processes them, and tells the body how to respond accordingly.

Many scientific studies have confirmed that our repeated thoughts or actions reinforce neural pathways. So essentially, your thoughts can change how your brain works. If this is the case, how can you take advantage of neuroplasticity to make you a better entrepreneur?

Based on my own experience, here are the five steps on how an entrepreneur can take advantage of neuroplasticity:

1. Get enough sleep

Sleeping is the best way to relax and recharge your brain after a day’s work. It resets your brain connections that are important for memory and learning. Sleep deprivation limits the brain’s performance and impairs your memory. It makes you prone to committing errors, which is what you want to avoid when making business decisions.

Make sure to sleep seven to nine hours every day. As an entrepreneur, I know that it’s hard to do this sometimes. But if you are disciplined, priority-driven, and focused on your goals, getting the recommended amount of sleep is necessary to have a clear state of mind.

2. Be active

If you always sit down at work, get up. Your brain is more productive when you’re standing. Take time to exercise. Exercising increases oxygen supply to your brain, which helps it perform better. You need a healthy mind and body to get more work done.

3. Continue learning

You need to feed your brain with new information as often as you can. You can learn a new language, read a new book, or play a new sport. Strengthen your skills as an entrepreneur by taking an online course. Do whatever sounds fun to you. If you exercise, try new workouts. Learning something new bolsters brain performance and keeps it neuroplastic.

“I don’t think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.” – Abraham Lincoln

4. Reduce stress

As an entrepreneur, you will always encounter unfavorable situations that can really stress you out. Learn how to control and block the negative thoughts to reduce stress. The best way to do this is through daily meditation. It can be done anywhere, so there is no excuse. 

I started meditating last year for ten minutes a day, and within two weeks, I noticed a difference. If you have a smartphone, there are tons of apps that will guide you through your first few lessons for free.

Stress is an absolute killer on your brain and diminishes your brain’s neuroplasticity. We are more stressed and distracted now than before. Meditation tremendously helps to regain your focus on more important things. If meditation is not your thing, other ways to destress include disconnecting from gadgets. You need some time away from work, and closer to your friends and family.

5. Goal setting

Find your purpose on why you do what you do. What makes you happy when you accomplish the tasks? What keeps you going? If your brain is motivated and alert, then you go through life more focused. An alert and focused mind is very neuroplastic.

“The greater danger for most of us isn’t that our aim is too high and miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.” – Michelangelo

How I Put These Tips Into Practice

I’m actually hooked on a type of meditation called Creative Visualization, which I highly recommend every entrepreneur do daily. As a competitive tennis player, I want to tell you how creative visualization helped this year’s US Open tennis champion Bianca Andreescu. This 19-year old Canadian made history by becoming the first player to win the US Open on her main-draw debut. She never played in the main draw before. In fact, the year before that, she tried to qualify and lost in the qualifying rounds.

People started asking how she went from zero to hero in just a year and beat the best women’s tennis player in history in the finals, Serena Williams. Her answer was creative visualization. She said she practices it daily. Her answer proves that creative visualization is directly tied to neuroplasticity.

I learned specific techniques on how to make creative visualizations effective. I did it three times a day, seven minutes per session, or 21 minutes a day. I pictured myself playing better tennis, hitting a hard serve right in the corner, holding a trophy over my head, and all those visuals that come with playing a great match.

After three weeks of doing this, I had my first match. I play in a competitive league but, to be honest, I have more losses than wins. I played someone who had a good record. When I first hit the ball, I knew something was different.  My strokes were cleaner, and I never lost focus. I won the game in a double bagel, 6-0,6-0.

My opponent couldn’t believe it. He complained to the team captain that I was in the wrong league, he thought I was some kind of ringer.

I’ve been playing great tennis ever since, and there is no reason why you can’t improve your entrepreneur skills too. You just need to believe that it will work and understand that it isn’t an overnight process. You must develop the right attitude, follow the tips above, and repeat the process religiously. If you do this, there is no doubt that you can be a future super entrepreneur.

What do you do daily to ensure your own success? Share your thoughts and ideas with us below!

from
https://addicted2success.com/entrepreneur-profile/5-tips-to-help-rewire-your-brain-and-make-you-into-a-super-entrepreneur/

8 of the Most Important Traits You Need to Have as an Entrepreneur

There’s no business like small business. Entrepreneurship is the heart and soul of commerce and the real backbone of America. The country is home to 30.2 million small businesses, and a whopping 99.9% of them are small operations. You can thank the entrepreneurs and the other moms & pops in your neighborhood for keeping the nation strong.

Without successful leaders at the helm, economies, commerce, and industries wouldn’t be as big as they are today. When done the right way, there are many perks to being an entrepreneur, including a more flexible schedule and not having a boss. However, the most crucial benefit is that you get to see and experience the fruits of your labor.

Are you thinking about quitting the rat race and joining the ranks of successful business people? That’s great! Here are a few characteristics you need to have to become one:

1. Motivation

Self-motivation is one of the most critical traits all entrepreneurs share. According to a Pro Opinion poll, 33% of entrepreneurs rated self-motivation as their most important trait. If you want to succeed in business, you need to be able to push yourself, because no one else will. Not answering to anyone else is a perk of becoming an entrepreneur, remember?

Sometimes, it’s tough to get moving without someone telling you to get busy. Dedication is a large part of motivation, and you need to stick to your plan and keep moving forward. This means a few stretches of not having enough sleep or the immediate gratification of revenue.

2. Confidence

The same ProOpinon survey found that 29% of entrepreneurs feel that confidence is the most crucial trait in business. Successful professionals never harbor doubts or ask the universe if they can succeed, because they know they will. They’re confident that their knowledge and abilities will equal success. Successful entrepreneurs radiate confidence in everything they do, both in business and life.

3. Passion

One of the most significant traits that entrepreneurs have is an infectious passion for what they are doing. These people are successful because they get up in the morning, happy for what lies ahead. They love what they do, and it can’t get any simpler than that. Coming to work is no longer a chore, and working extra hours finally means something.

Passion drives entrepreneurs to pour their blood, sweat, and tears into the business to make it flourish. They work hard, focused on achieving their vision and dream. Business professionals are not in it for the money, but for the pleasure of seeing how their business impacts the lives of others. Making it rain is gravy.

“Follow your own passion—not your parents’, not your teachers’—yours.” – Robert Ballard

4. Creativity

Successful entrepreneurs operate on a different wavelength when it comes to creativity. They have the uncanny ability to connect the dots between completely unrelated scenarios. 

Entrepreneurs think outside the box to come up with innovative solutions to everyday problems. They strive to keep things fresh and are always looking for new ways of doing things. By being creative, industry giants gave us cars, computers, social media, smartphones, and the internet.

5. Discipline

The most successful entrepreneurs don’t make reckless decisions based on emotions. They view situations with an open mind and try to adapt to it, depending on the present circumstances. 

It’s harder to show restraint and not act immediately, especially when emotions overtake logic. However, business people know how to keep their emotions in check, and they never make rash decisions without doing due diligence.

6. Courage

Virgil’s quote, “Fortune favors the bold,” sums up a pivotal trait to becoming a successful entrepreneur. You must have the courage to take risks and the determination to persist when everyone is telling you otherwise. 

Playing it safe and not taking the necessary risks in business is a road that leads to nowhere. You’ll stagnate if you don’t make a calculated leap of faith. Entrepreneurs view risks and challenges as opportunities, not something to be afraid of. They see past the risks and focus on the possible rewards waiting on the other side.

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” – Muhammad Ali

7. Optimism

Starting a business can be a daunting task, and most people feel the weight of expectations that it’ll never happen. This “feeling” is negativity speaking. Entrepreneurs are optimists who are always looking ahead. They are optimistic about the future and are a few steps ahead of the game because of careful goal-setting. Business leaders have a vision of what they want to achieve and do everything in their power to make it happen.

8. Competitive Fire

Multiple companies get started simultaneously, and chances are you’re not alone when you start your business. There are more than 30 million companies in the U.S., and 69% of them started at home. 

With all the other companies in your niche vying for relevancy, you need to stay competitive 24/7. Keep things fresh with new ideas and exceptional service. Highlight your track record of success and make it a point to keep your most valuable customers happy. Learn people networking, and network the shishkabob out of your company.

These traits won’t 100% guarantee your success in becoming an entrepreneur. You still need ideas, an epic concept, and a niche. However, having several of these characteristics may increase your chances of doing so.

What do you think is the most important trait to being a successful entrepreneur? Share your thoughts with us below!

from
https://addicted2success.com/entrepreneur-profile/8-of-the-most-important-traits-you-need-to-have-as-an-entrepreneur/