Shell's Sentiments

Were you ever about to do something - and then suddenly, that loud voice inside your head starts talking?Who do you think you are? What makes you so damn special? Why did you do that? No one wants to talk to you. You will never achieve anything in life.  That negative voice inside your head that judges, criticizes, or demeans you is your inner critic. Your inner critic plays a critical role in how you see yourself and your self-esteem. 

Do you sit at the table every week and wonder where all your money goes? Wonder why you don't have any money left over for fun? Let's take a few actions steps to calm the chaos and restore sanity in your financial life. The steps are simple, not necessarily easy. But if you put in the work, I am sure you will find some extra money.  

Mindfulness is the practice of ‘getting out of your own head’ and of simply being rather than constantly thinking, worrying and stressing. While mindfulness is a common part of many meditative practices, it is also an integral part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). More specifically, mindfulness is used for ‘cognitive restructuring’ which is a tool used in CBT. The goal is to begin ‘reprogramming’ the thoughts.  

Meditation is something that we’re constantly being encouraged to use. Every self-help guru, every highly successful individual and even many athletes trumpet its many benefits and the research too seems to back-up its value. 

“Don’t settle for ordinary when extraordinary is within you.”  I love this simple quote from The OolaGuys—authors Dave Braun and Troy Amdahl—who remind us that we were designed by God for greatness. Each of us is here for a specific purpose.  If you’ve lost sight of your dreams or are going through a rough patch, remember that where you are now is not where you’re destined to stay. Tell yourself daily, This is just where I am. It’s not who I am. 

All month long, we’ve been talking about the power of focus. But did you know that staying focused on achieving your goals takes discipline? Discipline is doing what must be done—even if you don’t want to at that moment. It’s battling through the daily grind and putting in the extra hours. But it’s also doing things consistently—like eating the right foods, practicing those new skills, or saving something every month for retirement. 

Do you ever find yourself, ready for bed, feeling like you burned up the phone lines connecting with family and friends all day?  I know I do.  In unsettling times like these, it’s comforting to have that emotional support system. But have you ever wondered who you might call to help you with your most important life goals? 

Your life was designed to be unique, compelling . . .  exceptional. And by taking action to achieve your OolaLife, it can be.  It’s your time to pursue the greatness that’s within you. Of course, one bonus outcome you may not have considered before is how much just the pursuit of greatness will change you as a person. You’ll learn new skills, meet new contacts, and gain new wisdom. No one can take away who you become as a result of pursuing your goals. 

What would YOUR daily 3x5 card look like? If you find it’s filled with tasks, errands and calls that don’t really move you closer to your biggest life goals, it’s time to reassess your priorities. Only by prioritizing can you free up time and energy to be in serious action on goals that matter. 

Are you seeking approval? Appreciation? Validation? Acceptance? Or confirmation? No matter your answer, rest assured that the more you fix your mind in what others think the further you go down the wrong path. At first the fame and glory from the outside may appear nice, but you are not living up to your fullest potential or desires. And the moment you begin to tap into the women you are supposed to be you will begin a journey on a lonely path trying to find your way back to yourself.