Has this ever happened to you?

You wake up after a good night’s rest feeling rejuvenated and happy to be alive.  On your way to work you take note of your energy level and think about all the things you’ll do when you get home.

When you arrive home, however, that energy you had at 8 o’clock has been completely drained by your work day.  You start to resent your employer, your supervisor and possibly even your co-workers for taking so much out of you that you have nothing left to give your family, or yourself.

Yeah, I know.  We’ve all been there.

Why is it that some people can have a hard day at work and still come home and mow the lawn, while others barely have the strength to dial the phone and order in dinner?

Well, it’s a matter of attitude.  You have to safeguard your energy and make sure it’s being spent in the most effective way possible, the way you want it to be spent, and the way to control that, is with your attitude.  In the following list I’ll give you several examples of what I mean.

1. Refuse to participate in the drama of it.  If you have one of those workplaces where the crew isn’t happy unless there is something to gossip about, find other places to be when the squabbles are going on.  Seminar participants always challenge me about this, saying, “Debra, are you saying we should put our heads in the sand?”  Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying.  Think about it.  Wouldn’t you rather have your head in the sand than in someone’s crap?  I would!  And remember that what you think about you bring about.  So if your head is in the sand, you’ll create more sand.  I’d rather have more sand than more crap.  Even better, if you go off by yourself during lunch instead of participating in the who-did-what-to/with-whom ritual, find a nice magazine and just look at the photos.  (That’s pretty much putting your head in the sand, right?)  Use your imagination to think about what your house would like if it were decorated in that style – or whatever.  The creative power of putting your head in the sand will yield you much more favorable results than participating in the drama going on in others’ lives.  Now, I’m not saying to refuse support to your co-workers.  Just make sure it is support with the intent to improve their situation, not help them wallow in it.  I’ve had to learn that some people just like drama and the best thing to do is just let them have it.  It doesn’t mean I have to participate in it.  In my experience, this one technique alone could save 50% of your energy level for when you get home.  But keep reading . . .

2. Take regular breaks.  Depending on your job, ergonomic specialists have come up with specific guidelines as to how often you need to rest from repetitive tasks.  I’ve seen recommendations from 30 seconds every 10 minutes to 1 minute for every 30.  Most businesses are required to allow a 10-minute break for every 5 hours of work performed.  If your employer has certain guidelines for your particular job, make sure you follow them.  I have had employees who refuse to take breaks because they’re trying to make a good impression.  Don’t do that to yourself.  Performing well at your job will make a better impression and it’s easier to do that with the proper rest.  Most importantly, don’t refuse to take your breaks and then blame your employer for it.  If you find that you require more breaks than you’re allowed, learn how to take mental breaks.  Are there certain aspects of your job that are repetitive in nature that could almost do with your eyes closed?  Now, I’m not talking about factory work here – please!  For example, in the summer I can meditate and pull weeds in my garden at the same time.  It’s simple, requires very little brain power, which gives my mind a break.  I love pulling weeds this way and it’s much better for the garden to pull them every day mindlessly than to wait until they’re a problem and become a chore.  Find something like that in your job and utilize it when you can.  Perhaps straightening your desk and getting organized - but more on that in just a moment . . .

3. Learn to relax while you work.  Try this mantra:  “In an easy and relaxed manner, I complete my tasks on time.”  Say it over and over until it becomes ingrained in you.  Do the same thing at home, except you might want to change the mantra to, “In an easy and relaxed manner, I joyfully create whatever I want.”  Going about all of your work in an easy and relaxed manner will reserve vast amounts of energy to use whenever you want. 

4. De-clutter.  Clutter around you creates clutter in your brain and drains your energy before you perform your first task.  Get rid of everything on your desk except for (maybe) three personal items, and the project you’re working on.  Keep all necessary items straight, clean, and . . .

5. Organize.  The time it takes you to get organized will come back to you 10-fold.  Just thinking about the possibilities of what you could do with all of that time can be very energizing.  Take a moment to just think about how you would feel if you were 100% organized.  Isn’t that energizing?  So, what’s stopping you? 

6. Prioritize.  Almost everyone I know has a hundred items or more on their task lists.  Isn’t that wonderful?  We are all so intelligent and capable of doing so much – we are truly blessed.  But take a few moments to consider what’s really important.  There are many factors to consider here and I know you have many people you need to please.  Taking a few minutes to think it through, pray about it, and get perspective will generate a feeling of control, which is always energizing.

7. Strategically plan your days, and your week.  Ideally, I’d also say your months and year, but I’ve learned that if you take care of the week and each workday, you’ll be way ahead of others and probably from where you are right now.  Most of the time, we expect too much out of ourselves in the way of time.  The result is that we become depressed and think it’s useless to organize and prioritize.  Not true.  However, it is useless to organize and prioritize if you’re not going to put those decisions into a strategic plan.  Again, it goes back to that feeling of control of knowing that you accomplished everything you could for today, and there is a plan for getting everything else done, in its proper timing.  Planning is a huge boon to your energy level. 

8. Focus.   If you want to become more energetic, make doing so the focal point of your thoughts.  Take note of what makes you feel energetic.  What really “floats your boat?”  What is the best way to go through your day?  Do you like to tackle things one right after the other so that time seems like it’s standing still?  Or do you require long segments of time to think and ponder things?  We are each unique and have our own way of making the world go ‘round.  It’s important to find yours and focus on it.  Give yourself the attention you deserve, and make your energy level the center of your attention for a while.  Eventually, you’ll develop the habits you need to become that way all of the time.

9. Become enthusiastic.  People who are enthusiastic about their work, both on the job and at home, are rarely tired for no reason.  (If you are genuinely enthusiastic about your work and tired for no reason, you should seek medical advice.)  Don’t get me wrong; of course you’re going to get physically tired at the end of the day.  But we want as many of those “good tired” days as we can get.  That’s how we know we’ve found our path and are connected to our higher self.  You know when you’re supposed to be tired.  And you also know when you’re just “down.”  Find ways to become enthusiastic about your work.  What do you appreciate about your job? 

10. Develop a persona.  Fake it until you make it.  Sometimes, the best way to turn your energy level around is to pretend you’re someone else.  Using your imagination is very energizing.  I’ve written before about how I used to hate grocery shopping until I started pretending to be Giada De Laurentiis while shopping.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t tell people I’m Giada—I just use my imagination to conjure up her energy level for shopping for the “perfect ingredients” for this recipe or that.  Since I often stop for groceries at the end of a work-day, this is especially helpful.  It’s like a mental break, fun exercise, and practicing the art of visualization all rolled into one. 

So, lots of great ideas here, but where does one start?  Well, you start with whichever idea popped out at you.  Which one really excited you?  Don’t start with what you think you should do.  Start with the one that made your eyes light up.  That’s your Spirit talking to you.  That’s what your Spirit needs.  And following your Spirit and the guidance it gives is one of the best ways I’ve found to increase energy.

I’ll be teaching more on all of these subjects and much more at the Conscious Creation Retreat; I hope to see you there!

In the meantime, here are a couple of tools to help you get on the path to greater energy and reduced fatigue:

Wake Up and Create the Life You Want:  A Guide to Self-Empowerment

Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life E-book

Until next time,

Live joyfully!

You can subscribe to this blog here.

Technorati Tags: Energy, Fatigue, Attitude, Conscious Creation, Retreat, Coach, Success, Motivational Speaker, Retreat Leader, Motivation, Law of Attraction

Posted under Education, Inspiration, Law of Attraction, Leadership, Motivation, Success

If you desire greater peace and happiness in your life, check your current attitude against these ten traits to determine where you need to make adjustments. 

1. Make a conscious decision that you want peace and happiness.  To some of you, this might sound like a “DUH!” statement, but I know many people who seem to desire drama and upheaval.  These people tend to believe that peace and happiness are symptoms that come from outside conditions, like money, retirement, or finding the “right” relationship.  In reality, just making the decision to become peaceful will work wonders for your happiness level.  But that’s not all . . .
2. Stop wasting your time and energy trying to change people, whether it’s someone you don’t like, or even someone you love and think you’re helping.  Change comes from within; there is no assertion.  You cannot create for someone else.  Everything you do, you do for you.  That’s how it was meant to be.  And since we are all connected, everything you do to someone, you do to yourself.  So wish good things for people, even if it’s just that they will find happiness somewhere else and get out of your life! 
3. Don’t expect others to truly appreciate you for what you’re worth.  Instead, appreciate yourself and they will begin to see you for who you really are.  Jesus healed ten lepers in one day, yet only one thanked Him. Why should we expect more gratitude than Jesus got?  He was the only one of His time who really knew Who He was.  (His followers had faith, but only He knew.)  If only we could learn that lesson.
4. Give for the joy of giving.  When you give to others, you’re really giving to yourself.  So whatever it is you want, start giving that, as much as you can, everywhere and every way that you can.  Your thoughts, words, and actions will return to you many times over.  Now, stop and think about that for a minute!
5. Teach someone else the power of gratitude.  We learn best when we teach, plus, it’s a great way to connect with others.  When people at work hear what you’re grateful for and how much you appreciate your job or your work, or the fact that your business is as busy as all-get-out, it shows off your leadership skills and others will look to you for encouragement when they’re stressed or depressed.  A true leader will be there for them, too, and it’s easier to do that, if you’re coming from a place of true peace, happiness, and appreciation.
6. Focus on what’s going right today or in your life, instead of what’s going wrong.  Why?  Because you create more of whatever you’re thinking about.  That’s why the better it gets the better it gets and the worse it gets, the worse it gets.  It’s also the reason that typically the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.  (Come on, you always knew it was a cop out to blame it on the government!)
7. Don’t envy others.  Be happy when good things happen to other people.  What goes around comes around.  The happier you are for others the more you’re due.  And it will come.  There is no shortage of anything in this vast and abundant universe.  But when you belittle or begrudge others, you cut yourself off from that abundance.  If it seems like you’re always getting the shaft, stop and take a long, hard look at this one.
8. Spend some time in quiet reflection and get to know yourself.  What do you really want?  Are you living the life you dreamed of when you were a child or young adult?  If so, great.  You’re obviously on the right path.  If not, seriously consider making some changes, but don’t expect to make all changes at once.  Take some time every day to think it through.  One step at a time is all it takes to create a brand new life.
9. When you find that you have created something you didn’t consciously intend, thank the universe for the lesson.  My husband likes to remind people that the only thing we can do about the past is learn from it.   Spending the rest of your life lamenting over any mistake, no matter how big, will not bring you any closer to what you want.  Find a way to make your peace with it and move on.  There are good things ahead of you; you just need to have your head up so that you can see them!
10. Stop trying so hard.  Relax and be easy with everything.  Have fun with your dreams, goals, and creations.  Imagine yourself on a river, flowing easily downstream.  Most of us are taught to live our lives as if we need to paddle upstream on a mighty raging river.  “Life is hard and then you die.”  No, it’s not.  Or at least, it doesn’t have to be.  Getting control of your life is not about fighting against the current, it’s about getting in alignment with it.  The current of life will take you everywhere you want to go, but you have to let it. 

I’ve mentioned before that I’ll be writing a lot more about getting in touch with your inner being, that ever-flowing current of life, and I will.  Doing so has helped me to live much more abundantly, while also living with much more ease.  So stay tuned . . .

I’ll be teaching the methods I’ve learned in my Conscious Creation Retreat; I hope to see you there!

In the meantime, here are a couple of tools to help you get on the path to lasting peace and happiness:

Wake Up and Create the Life You Want:  A Guide to Self-Empowerment

Eliminate Clutter and Organize Your Life E-book

Until next time,

Live joyfully!

You can subscribe to this blog here.

Technorati Tags: Peace, Happiness, Attitude, Conscious Creation, Retreat, Coach, Success, Motivational Speaker, Retreat Leader, Motivation, Law of Attraction

Posted under Inspiration, Law of Attraction, Leadership, Motivation, Success

I love a good meme!  Jennifer at Alaivani.com has tagged me with the challenge of sharing 5 ways to reduce the use of chemicals in our everyday lives.  Since this is a topic near and dear to my heart, I was very ready to bite.  Okay, Jen, here goes.

1. Microfiber cloths.  My mother-in-law got me hooked on these.  They clean everything from the daintiest jewelry to your car, and here’s the best part, with only water.  Tough, grimy gunk usually requires hot water, in my experience, but no chemicals.  They are the best at cleaning windows and mirrors, but I’ve also used them on furniture, floors, litter boxes, the cats, the cats’ ears, silver and brass, you name it.  I can hardly keep enough of them.

2. Organic gardening.  I did something today I’ve never done before in my life – almost 40 years now – I mowed the lawn – with a reel mower.  No gas, no oil, no heavy machinery, no back pain – and it worked beautifully!  Gardening and lawn care is one area I’ve been going chemical-free for quite some time now.  In the garden, the pesticides don’t work any better than the natural methods, so why bother (and waste your money)?  Until last year, my brother was buying a chemical trap to catch Japanese beetles in his garden.  Then I told him my little trick, which I happened upon by accident.  I was cleaning out my car one day when I felt the need for some soapy water.  For whatever reason, I put a few drops of Dawn dishwashing detergent into a mason jar and filled it about half-full of water.  On my way back outside, I noticed my neighbor’s dog running toward me.  Deciding to stop and play with him, I sat the jar down at the edge of the garden. When I went back to it, it was almost filled with Japanese beetles!  I had found a “natural” solution.  I did some research and found out that my trick was really nothing more than “insecticidal soap,” which has been used by organic gardeners for years.  The beetles that don’t make it into the jar are hand-picked off my garden by my neighbor.  He loves his roses and walks around the neighborhood collecting all the Japanese beetles he can find in the interest of protecting his own investment.  Which reminds me that we are all connected and need to watch out for and help one another.  But, back to this post!

3. Blue cat food.  This one may surprise you.  The vet told me that my cat probably had a flea on her somewhere that was causing her fur to fall out on her back.  I treated her for almost one year with a standard chemical.  I noticed that I had to keep using it more and more frequently in order to prevent the problem.  I decided to do some online research, and discovered that there could be additives in her food that she is intolerant to.  So I switched her to Blue and within 2 months her hair grew back in and I was able to stop the treatments completely.  My other cat now has fewer hairballs as well.  Go figure!

4. Open the windows.  My husband has slight asthma that can be triggered by intense odors.  Once the condition gets stirred up, he has a very difficult time getting over it.  A couple of years ago we had to eliminate most air fresheners because even the slightest whiff would bother him.  You know how the house gets stale smelling when it’s shut up for long periods of time?  I decided to open the windows and let in some fresh air, making sure no neighbors were mowing their lawns at the time, (since that would stir up a whole ‘nother set of problems!), and voila – fresh air, no chemicals.  Now I crack a window or two every day to let in fresh air.  It doesn’t take very long so I seriously doubt there’s much energy being wasted if you’re running the heat or A/C.  (Whenever possible though, I turn off such devices and open all the doors and windows.)

5. Now here’s one that will knock your socks off.  Ozonated water.  My husband has purchased a TherO₃Zone unit for his new dental office and I must say, it is very impressive!  This is like a microfiber cloth on steroids!  (Okay – maybe not the best analogy, please forgive!)  The research on this technology is remarkable and if it’s accurate, ozonated water could rid the world of many of our most troubling diseases, including cancer.  In the dental office, it has the potential to replace Lysol for disinfecting purposes.  It is currently being used to treat and eliminate bacteria in the water lines.  My husband has applied it topically to eliminate his minor adult acne.  There are many websites that provide results from clinical research, as well as products for consumer use, and more information – just do a Google search on “Ozonated water” and you’ll be busy the rest of the day.

I was recently challenged by the much-too-common-around-here redneck with the comment, “I’m not planning to live 500 years, why should I worry about the planet?  It’s not my problem.”

Well, my problem is:  This world might not be here tomorrow for all we know, but we now live in an age when it has been brought to our awareness that some of our habits and “conveniences” are destroying the natural resources of this planet that we enjoy now.  My spirit is wounded anytime I harm something that I now enjoy .  Why not do whatever we can to feel good about how we are treating our planet now?

Jennifer, I really enjoyed writing this post; thank you for the opportunity and for thinking of me.

I now tag:  Aaron Potts, Greenwoman, Albert Foong, Michael, Sharleyanne, and Jenny.

Get Inspired!  Come to the Wake Up and Create the Life You Want Retreat  May 30 - June 1 and learn the techniques for taking control of your life and achieving success, plus get free private coaching!  Click here for details.

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Posted under Education, Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation