Sleep Your Way to Your Dreams

Sleep Your Way to Your Dreams

Nope, I am not talking about your dreams when you’re sleeping.

I am talking about your day dreams.

The things you wish for when you are awake.

Are you wishing for a promotion, a house of your own, your own business, improving the sales of your present business?

You want to achieve not just for yourself but you want to give your kids a good life.

And you want to be the best wife or mom your kids could look up to.

Or maybe you’re single and you just want to be the best person you can possibly be.

You can have all that. You just have to know where to start.

What will you say if I tell you to start in your bedroom?

Yes. Start in your bedroom and get the right amount of good quality sleep.

What Sleep Can Do for You

In our fast-paced world, sleep often gets pushed to the bottom of our priority list. Whether it’s work deadlines, family obligations, or the irresistible temptation to binge-watch our favorite shows, we frequently sacrifice sleep, treating it as something expendable. We always say we’ll do better tomorrow but somehow it never happens because of all the new to-do’s we have added to our list.

And before we know it, we find ourselves in a never-ending cycle of poor sleep and broken promises of doing better next time.

But because we are stuck in this vicious cycle, we often find ourselves being irritable or drowsy all the time, having an unhealthy complexion, struggling to absorb information, having memory problems, having frequent colds and coughs, struggling to focus and concentrate on tasks, or worse, being anxious all the time. All these prevent us from doing and being our best at home and at work.

We feel guilty when we do not get enough sleep because we know sleep is important.

But how important is sleep really? Many of us are not aware of what sleep can do for us.

Our body is like a machine. It has to rest to be able to perform well. Sleep is more than just rest.

Sleep releases toxins that have accumulated throughout the day.

It reduces the level of the stress hormone, cortisol.

It allows the growth hormones to effectively rebuild injured tissues.

Sleep helps you think more clearly, focus better, and improves your reasoning and problem solving skills.

Sleep helps you learn better and helps you retain what you’ve learned. Without sleep, your ability to learn new things could decrease up to 40%.

Dr. Matthew Walker, a sleep scientist at the University of California, Berkeley, said that sleep before learning helps prepare your brain for initial formation of memories and that sleep after learning helps save and cement that information into the architecture of your brain. Lack of sleep negatively affects the hippocampus which is the part of the brain that is key to making new memories.

Because sleep does wonders for your immunity, illnesses are kept at bay.

Sleep gives you quicker reflexes.

Sleep affects every part of your body — your mood, appetite, breathing, blood pressure, complexion, cardiovascular health, to name a few.

With enough good quality sleep every day, you can experience less anxiety, be healthier, make better, wiser and timely decisions, recognize opportunities, have better relationships, finish tasks faster, and retain more information. Your inner health will make your complexion glow.

Imagine your confidence!

Imagine what you can do!

Imagine what you can be!

Along with keeping yourself hydrated and consuming nutrient-rich foods, getting enough sleep will do wonders for your health.

Before you know it, you are well on your way to living your dreams!

Start creating your dreams today with the help of free printables for your planner to keep you motivated..

Journaling and Its Benefits

Journaling and Its Benefits



Have you ever wished that you had a record of what you were thinking on a particular day when you were thirteen years old?

I have. I wouldn’t be wondering if had only kept my journals.

Yes, I used to have a journal and I had the habit of writing my thoughts and the events of the day every single night.

But due to my stupidity, I threw them all away two years after college graduation.

I wrote a lot of cringe-worthy things in them, and I just couldn’t bear the thought of keeping them and reading them when I got older.

But now, I really wish that they were still with me. I think that reading them would not only remind me of the things that happened in the past but they will also give me a glimpse of who I was back then, the things I believed in, and the things that mattered to me. And maybe, somehow, that would help me to understand myself more and lead me to my unique path to success!

Imagine a notebook so powerful that it can capture your thoughts, feelings, dreams, and aspirations, turning them into tangible pathways to success.

Yes, the key to unlocking your fullest potential lies within the pages of your journal! Why? Because your journal will tell you what you love most, your interests, your deepest desires. It will tell you your dreams and priorities. Sometimes, we don’t really know who we are. Sometimes, we forget. But the pages of your journal know and will never forget.

Journaling is more than just jotting down the things that happened during the day. It is an art, a form of self-expression. Most importantly, it is a way towards understanding oneself, acceptance, and healing.

Types of Journals

1. The Gratitude Journal 🙏

Picture this: a burst of positivity that radiates from your very being, transforming your outlook on life. The gratitude journal is your daily dose of sunshine, helping you appreciate the little joys, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

If you want to start your own gratitude journal, check out my digital/printable digital journal here…..

2. The Reflection Journal 🤔

Ever wish you had a time machine to revisit your past and learn from your experiences? Well, you might not need a DeLorean. The reflection journal is your personal time capsule, allowing you to learn, grow, and evolve as you embark on a journey of self-discovery.

3. The Goal Journal

Do you want to write down your goals and dreams so you can keep track of what you have achieved? Or perhaps you want to list down the different steps you should take to achieve them and track where you are in your journey? Then set up a goal journal. The goal journal is your strategic planner, helping you set, track, and conquer your ambitions with laser-like precision.

4. The Creativity Journal

Love pretty papers, stickers, and washi tapes? Then you’d surely love creative journaling!

Unleash the artist within! The creativity journal is your canvas, a playground for your wildest ideas, and a sanctuary for your imagination. Watch as your creativity soars to new heights, leaving behind a trail of innovation and self-expression.

There are a lot of other types of journals, like the One Line in a Day journal, book journal, fitness journal and many more. I hope that you get the inspiration and motivation to start journaling soon.

So, whether you’re a seasoned journal enthusiast or a curious beginner, there’s a journaling style that can elevate your personal development journey. Enter the world of words, thoughts, and dreams, and witness the transformative magic that journaling can bring into your life.

So what are you waiting for? Although pretty notebooks help, you don’t really need them yet if you’re just going to see if you’re going to love the process. Just grab your pen and notebook and let the journey begin!


The Power of Micro Self-Care

The Power of Micro Self-Care

I don’t know about you but it seems like people are talking about self-care all the time.

I know it’s one of my favorite topics when it comes to personal development because I know that my body is my most powerful ally to becoming the person I want to be for myself and for the people who are important to me.

And even though the topic of self-care is all over the internet, I know a lot of people who are still struggling to incorporate self-care into their daily schedule.

And yes, it has to be a daily thing.

You shouldn’t take care of yourself just once a week.

You’re a living, breathing being who needs care every day of the week.

Now, let’s imagine a world where self-care isn’t just a buzzword but a delightful collection of small, secret moments.

Intrigued?

You’re about to uncover the magic of micro self-care—an art that takes the ordinary and turns it into extraordinary.

Welcome to a journey where even the tiniest acts can create ripples of joy, relaxation, and lasting well-being.

The Micro Marvels You’ve Been Missing

We live in a world where time slips through our fingers like sand. Yet, there’s an oasis of self-care that’s often overlooked—the realm of micro self-care.

Take a minute to close your eyes and breathe deeply. Can you feel the calm washing over you? It’s like a mini-vacation for your mind! This is a small act of self-nurturing that open doors to a world where well-being is celebrated in bite-sized pieces.

Why Go Small?

You might be wondering why you have to go small when you can go big.

Let me tell you something that you may already know. Tiny steps can lead to massive transformations. Micro self-care isn’t just about fitting something else into your already busy schedule. It’s about transforming the moments you already have—like turning a cup of tea into a soothing ritual or a short stroll into a mindfulness adventure.

The Joy of Mini Victories

Sometimes we get frustrated because we think that we’re not accomplishing anything. The thing is we are so focused in looking for that big accomplishment that we fail to see that we actually have a lot of mini victories!

Let’s talk about micro wins. The satisfaction of checking off a to-do list isn’t limited to chores. Every tiny act of self-care counts as a victory. From taking a moment to feel the sun’s warmth on your skin to sending a thoughtful text to a friend, these are your self-care badges of honor. With each one, you’re nurturing not just yourself but a sense of empowerment that’s as mighty as it is magical.

The Magic of the Mindful Pause

Stopping to savor a single square of black chocolate mindfully can be an instant mood lift!

That burst of cocoa goodness isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it’s a mindful moment that says, “Hey, I’m here, and I deserve this!”

Unveiling the Power of Ordinary Moments

In a world that craves the extraordinary, there’s immense power in celebrating the ordinary. Micro self-care isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about finding joy in the simplicity of life.

Whether it’s the comforting embrace of a cozy blanket or the soothing melody of your favorite song, these moments are the treasures that keep you balanced and grounded. And these ordinary moments will only have power when we are mindful enough to take notice.

That’s why it is important to practice that art of mindfully looking for joy everywhere and every time!

Here is a sample “micro-self care” activities you can incorporate into your daily activities.

In the morning when you wake up:

  1. Start your day with a few moments of gratitude.
    • Before you check your phone, open your window (go out to the balcony if you have one), take at least five deep breaths –counting 1, 2, 3, 4 as you breathe in, then hold 1, 2, 3, 4, then exhale, 1, 2, 3, 4. Repeat the cycle at least five times while you take in the early morning beauty. Whisper a short prayer and thank God for your life and for the beautiful day ahead.
  2. Listen to high energy songs on your way to work or while you’re doing your early morning chores.
    • This will keep your spirits up, keep you motivated and give you the positive energy you need. You can repeat this process throughout the day anytime you feel like you need it.
  3. Send a short message of love to someone you care about.
    • Doing so will keep you connected to the important people in your life, and give you that feeling of belonging and security that you are not alone.
  4. Visualize peace.
    • Close your eyes and imagine a beautiful quiet place. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of that oasis even just for a minute or two.

These are just samples of the simple things you can do and incorporate in your daily life, no matter how busy you are. Set a schedule in your planner so that you won’t miss doing them.

You can think of your own simple activities and schedule different activities on different days. These will put variety into your week and prevent you from becoming bored.

For more tips on self-care, here’s an interesting and eye-opening post about drinking water.

And if you want to track your self-care journey, that would be great! All you have to do is get a notebook with grid instead of lines and use that to track your daily progress.

Or you can buy a printable self-care tracker. There are hundreds and maybe even thousands of options you can choose from. Check out my self-care tracker here.

Embrace Your Child’s Uniqueness and Unlock Her Potential

Embrace Your Child’s Uniqueness and Unlock Her Potential

Are you a mom who spends a lot of time wondering if your daughter is strong enough to make it in the world?

Are you worried about your daughter’s lack of self-confidence or her seeming inability to get the grades you very well know she can get?

I see you, Momma!

I am a mom too and I have spent the past 23 years being an anxious mom!

I went from “Does he know which classroom to walk to?, “Will he not trip and stumble on his way there?”, “Will he be well-liked and have a lot of friends?”, “Will he make sure that he has answered each and every item in his test before he submits it?” to “Will he be able to impress his employers?”, “Will he find the right girl to marry?”, “Will he be able to provide well for his family?”

And sadly, I have spent the past 15 years thinking about all the what-if’s, wishing I did this and said that, wishing I knew then what I know now.

So believe me, I know how much you love your daughters. I understand how much you want them to thrive in every way possible.

If you’re feeling guilty, believe me, it’s that which keeps me awake at night!

Your dream of seeing them confident, resilient and unstoppable as they pursue their own dreams is my own dream too!

The thing is, the journey of self-discovery can be challenging, especially for girls who face societal pressures and self doubt.

And it can be challenging for you too, Momma, when you measure your child’s abilities solely on academic performance.

And it’s not really your fault if this is you.

It’s because of the schools who have long accepted Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences and should know better but act as if the academic awards are the most important awards.

I know that these schools will refute this claim but when you look at how the recognition program is laid out or the way graduation ceremonies are held, you will see that other awards look like minor awards, even more so today with the recent curriculum in the country.

As much as I hate to admit it (because I used to be a teacher), the school curriculum is not designed to empower each and every child in a class of thirty or more.

That’s why I’m here to tell you not to rely solely on the school curriculum for your daughter’s empowerment.

School is not enough.

She needs more opportunities to recognize her talents and her strengths. She has to know that her talents and abilities matter! And she has to receive the tools she needs to grow and develop into the strong, confident and empowered woman that she has every right to someday be!

So let’s start with what you can do at home!

Look at her unique talents and passions. As a guide, here are the different multiple intelligences according to Garner:

1.Visual-Spatial Intelligence: If your daughter is a visual learner who loves art, design, or spatial reasoning, encourage her to express herself through creative outlets like painting, drawing, crafting, or exploring the world through maps and models. Embrace her creativity and help her see the beauty in her unique perspective!

2.Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence: If your daughter is a hands-on learner who enjoys physical activities and movement, support her in exploring her athletic, dance, or acting skills. Engage in sports, yoga, dance, or other physical activities that make her feel alive. Help her see the power of her body and movement as a means of self-expression!

3.Musical Intelligence: If your daughter loves music, rhythm, and sound, encourage her to play a musical instrument, sing, dance to the beats, or create her own tunes. Let her immerse herself in the world of music and discover her own unique voice!

4.Linguistic Intelligence: If your daughter is a wordsmith who enjoys language, communication, and storytelling, empower her to write, read, speak, or engage in debates and discussions. Help her develop her communication skills and encourage her to share her thoughts and ideas with confidence and clarity!

5.Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: If your daughter is a logical thinker who enjoys problem-solving, patterns, and puzzles, support her in engaging in critical thinking, strategy games, math challenges, or scientific experiments. Encourage her analytical mind and help her see the power of her logical thinking in solving real-world problems!

6.Interpersonal Intelligence: If your daughter is a social butterfly who enjoys connecting with others, understanding emotions, and building relationships, empower her to engage in teamwork, leadership, volunteering, or social activities. Help her develop her empathy, communication, and collaboration skills, and encourage her to make a positive impact on the world!

7.Intrapersonal Intelligence: If your daughter is introspective and self-reflective, with a deep understanding of her own thoughts and emotions, support her in engaging in self-care, meditation, journaling, or personal growth activities. Help her develop self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-motivation, and encourage her to embrace her unique inner world!

8.Naturalistic Intelligence: If your daughter has a love for nature, animals, and the environment, empower her to explore the outdoors, engage in gardening, or learn about environmental conservation. Encourage her to develop a deep connection with the natural world and foster her sense of stewardship towards the planet!

By embracing your daughter’s unique talents and passions through multiple intelligences, you are providing her with a powerful toolkit for self-discovery, personal growth, and success in life. You are empowering her to thrive in her own unique way, and helping her build a strong sense of self-confidence, resilience, and purpose.

Finding Your Purpose: Discover the Path that Aligns with Your Deepest Desires

Finding Your Purpose: Discover the Path that Aligns with Your Deepest Desires

Do you ever feel like you’re searching for something but not quite sure what it is?

Do you feel like you’re merely existing but not really living?

Do you feel dissatisfied or unfulfilled with your life?

You’re not alone.

Many people struggle to find their purpose, and the journey can be overwhelming… scary even.

What if you’re really not meant for anything?

What if this is really all that there is for you?

What if you’re just not lucky?

But what if I told you that finding your purpose isn’t just a matter of luck or circumstance?

What if I told you that you can live a life that’s full of meaning and joy?

What if I told you that it’s possible to discover the path that aligns with your deepest desires and brings you true fulfillment?

You have seen many people who seem to be living happy, meaningful and fulfilling lives.

You know what? They’ve gone through what you’ve gone through.

They were not born accomplished. They were not born fulfilled.

Many of them had to go through life searching for something too, just like you are. Just like I did.

The thing is, finding meaning and purpose is a process. It’s just that for some people it’s a shorter process, for some it’s longer.

But regardless of how long the journey is, one thing is for certain. Everyone has a story. Just like superheroes.

They don’t start as heroes. They have what you call an origin story.

One female superhero who fits that description is Jessica Jones. In the Marvel Comics universe, after being exposed to radioactive material in a car accident, she gained superhuman powers. However, she struggled to come to terms with her traumatic past and to balance her personal life with her superhero duties. In the end, she finds out that there’s another way she can help people and that’s by being a private investigator.

Spiderman was bitten by a radio-active spider that changed his DNA and gave him superpowers. At first he used these powers for his own benefit but after some time, he learned the hard way that “With great power comes great responsibility.” And that was the beginning of his life as a superhero.

I remember Clark Kent in the Smallville series. He was developing all these amazing powers but he didn’t know what they were for. And they scared him! When he learned that he was from another planet he started doubting himself (despite his wonderful values) and wondered whether he was a force for good or a force for evil. And it took him a long time to finally embrace who he was and realize once and for all that he was here to build and not to destroy.

Sure, everyone I mentioned are fictional characters. But you know what? Their stories have something similar to the stories of ordinary people. They are stories of rising above adversity, and unbelievable transformation.

You want real stories of real people?

Oprah Winfrey had an abused childhood and came from a poor household. Today, she is a media mogul, a philanthropist and one of the most influential women in the world.

Manny Pacquiao came from one of the poorest families in Mindanao. He used to go to sleep hungry. He experienced sleeping on cardboard boxes. Who would have thought he would become one of the biggest names in the world of sports, a senator, or a philanthropist who would end up donating millions of U.S. dollars during the pandemic?

Even coming from being dirt-poor, Manny Pacquiao has shown time and again that he can do anything and be anything he wants to be. Through his wealth, he is able to help many poor Filipinos. And because of what he has done in his life, he now serves as an inspiration to so many of us.

So you see, ordinary people can be the hero in their own story.

You are now writing your origin story.

So take a deep breath and remind yourself that you have the power to find your purpose. Here are some steps you can take:

Step 1: Reflect on your passions and interests.

Think about what makes you happy and what you enjoy doing. What activities do you lose track of time doing? What are some things you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t had the chance to yet? Write down your answers to these questions to help you see your passions and interests more clearly.

Step 2: Identify your values.

What are the things that matter most to you? What principles do you live by? Understanding your values can help guide you in the right direction towards finding your purpose.

Step 3: Consider your strengths and skills.

What are you good at? What skills do you possess? I believe that God gave you your special talents to prepare you for the purpose of your existence. Your purpose should align with your strengths and skills to make it a fulfilling journey.

You might want to check out my post on self-esteem if you’re having a hard time thinking about what you’re good at.

Step 4: Visualize your future. Imagine yourself living a purposeful life.

What does it look like? What are you doing? Who are the people in your life? Use this visualization as a source of motivation to keep moving forward.

Step 5: Take action.

It’s not enough to just think about finding your purpose, you have to take action. Try new things, take up a hobby or enroll in a course to learn something new. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and can support you on your journey.

Remember:

Finding your purpose is a process, and it may take some time. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find it right away. The important thing is to keep taking steps towards it, and trust that you will eventually get there.

I know it can be scary to embark on this journey, but don’t let fear hold you back. You owe it to yourself to live a purposeful life that brings you joy and fulfillment. And you owe it to your Creator to live the life that you were meant for!

You may want to read about the power of your story if you want to know more about how you can transform your life.

Or if you’re struggling with your self-esteem which is very important in our journey, this post will give you ten ways to boost it.

And for more posts like this, please subscribe to this blog.

The Power of Your Story: How Changing Your Narrative Can Change Your Life

The Power of Your Story: How Changing Your Narrative Can Change Your Life

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut, living the same old story day in and day out?

Do you often feel like you’re a female character in a movie and you’re waiting for things to change so you can be this woman who turns her life around but things just stay the same no matter how long you’ve waited?

Maybe you’re unhappy with where you are in life or you’re stuck in a relationship that no longer serves you. Or maybe you feel like you’re not living to your full potential. Whatever the case may be, it’s time to start telling yourself another story.

As Tony Robbins says, “Your past does not equal your future.”

The story you’ve been telling yourself up until this point does not have to be your story forever.

You have the power to rewrite your story and create a new one that empowers you.

Yes, you can be that woman who turns her life around.

So what does “old story” mean?

Your old story is the narrative you’ve been telling yourself about who you are, what you’re capable of and what your life is like.

It’s the story you’ve been living in.

What about your “new story”?

It’s the story you choose to tell yourself going forward. It’s the story that inspires you, motivates you and empowers you to take the right steps towards the life you want to live and towards the person you want to be.

I understand that changing your story isn’t always easy. It can be daunting and overwhelming. It requires you to examine your beliefs, your thought patterns and your behaviors. It means confronting those parts of you that you don’t like and being willing to let go of that which no longer serve you.

In truth, writing a new story usually means stepping out of your comfort zone and taking a leap towards the unknown.

And that can be pretty scary.

But you know what?

It’s rewarding too! Believe me, I know!

Because when you start telling yourself a new story, you’ll notice a shift in your mindset. You will be more confident, more motivated, more resilient!

You will be empowered!

You will start seeing opportunities where you once saw obstacles.

You will have something like an uncontrollable itch to take action towards your goals.

And ultimately, you will be able to create the life you want — a life that is deeply aligned to your innermost values and desires.

So how do you change your story? How and where do you begin?

Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Examine your old story. What narrative have you or people close to you been telling you about who you are and what your life is like? Be honest and write it down.

2. Challenge your old story. Analyze it. Is it really true? Will it be possible for you to believe in something else? What parts of your old story no longer serve you? What do you need to let go? Who do you need to let go?

3. Determine the story you want to create. What narrative do you want to tell yourself? What do you honestly want your life to look like if you had access to unlimited resources and opportunities? Write it down in detail and use the present tense.

4. Reinforce your new story. Repeat your story every day in your head. Write positive affirmations to further help you. Visualize yourself living it. Take action towards it. Practice the habits of the person you want to be.

5. Surround yourself with positive people. Who are the people in your life? Are you growing more positive because of them? Good and positive people will serve as good models for you, teach you new strategies, keep you motivated and will inspire you to keep going.

Don’t Just Write on Any Piece of Paper.

It would be a good idea to use a designated notebook for this. That way, you can keep everything together in the same place and you can also have something to look back to later on if you want to see how far you’ve grown.

I actually created and designed a beautiful journal with prompts to help you reflect on your old story and to help you create your new one. It also has quotes that will keep you inspired as you write your new story.

I can give it to you for FREE. All you have to do is subscribe to my blog and I will send it to you via email. Or if you’re in the mood to buy me coffee, you can get it at my Etsy store.

Final Thoughts

Remember, your new story does not happen overnight. It is a journey and one that is not free from obstacles, temptations and challenges. But if you’re truly committed to breaking free from your old story and creating a new one, you will just wake up one day already living in it.

Just don’t forget to ask God to bless your new story.

Sending you love and blessings!

The Power of Affirmations: Speak Your Goals into Existence

The Power of Affirmations: Speak Your Goals into Existence

Have you ever talked to yourself?

It might sound funny but I often do!

Whenever I catch myself doing something great, I give myself an imaginary pat on the back and tell myself how great I am and how amazing my work is!

Some people probably think I’m too full of myself but you know what? There’s nothing wrong with giving yourself a pep talk and boosting your self-confidence every now and then.

In fact, the problem begins when you don’t talk to yourself that way.

When all you do is berate yourself for all your mistakes, flaws and imperfections, it can lead to feelings of self-doubt, anxiety and depression.

And you know what makes it worse? Whatever negative thing you tell yourself, you will be!

Your subconscious mind is like a sponge that absorbs everything you tell yourself.

Talking to yourself negatively will reinforce your limiting beliefs and programs your body to fulfill whatever information or belief you have fed your subconscious.

That’s why positive self-talk is important. When you talk to yourself positively, you are programming your subconscious mind to create positive outcomes.

Affirmations for example, are a positive tool to help you reprogram your subconscious mind, shift your mindset and achieve your goals.

In this post, we will delve into the power of affirmations and how they can help you achieve what you truly desire and we’ll also look at how to write affirmations that will support your goals.

Three Ways Affirmation Can Help You Reach Your Goals

Affirmations keep you on the right track. When you’re working towards a goal, it’s easy to get sidetracked or disheartened when things go wrong. Affirmations help you maintain a positive mindset which is essential in your journey towards your goals. When you repeat positive affirmations to yourself regularly, you start to believe in them and this will have a profound impact on your thinking patterns and beliefs. You’ll start feeling more confident, motivated and empowered. And when you are, who can stop you from reaching your goals? I doubt if anyone or anything can.

Affirmations keeps you focused on what you really want. They help you envision what you truly desire. When you repeat them regularly, they help you create a clear picture of what you want to achieve. And this will help you set more specific and achievable goals.

Affirmations help you get rid of your limiting beliefs. Your limiting beliefs are negative beliefs that have been deeply ingrained in your system through your experiences and through the messages you received from other people, specially those that have surrounded you all your life — your family, close relatives, friends, teachers, and classmates. Because they are negative ideas that have been programmed in your brain, they can hamper your growth and keep you stuck.

When you repeat affirmations regularly, these limiting beliefs are replaced by positive, empowering beliefs that will bring you closer to your goals.

How Do You Use Affirmations in Goal Setting?

1.Write specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound goals.

2.Create affirmations that support your goals and make sure that they are written in the present tense. For example, if you’re a vlogger on YouTube and you want to monetize your vlog, your affirmation can be, “I am a creative vlogger and I am able to create engaging content that attracts millions of subscribers.”

3.Repeat your affirmations regularly. Some people prefer reciting them every morning before they start their day. Aside from that, you may also want to post your list of affirmations on your mirror, at your work station or wherever you can glance at them several times a day.

If you’re interested in the morning affirmations that I use to help me keep going in my journey towards personal development, you may download the list from here.

Reminder

While it is true that affirmations are powerful and that they can help you overcome your limiting beliefs, shift your mindset, keep you motivated and ultimately help you achieve your goals, you will still need to work on yourself.

Develop habits that will improve your mental health. Hydrate and choose foods that are good for you. Find ways and means to learn new things every day.

If you’re continuously working on improving the totality of your person and on improving your craft, it is easier to believe the positive affirmations you tell yourself. There wouldn’t be an inner struggle between the negative beliefs and the positive beliefs that you are replacing them with because you are very much aware that you are intentionally creating a different better version of yourself.

So as you go through your day, be intentional to the way you treat yourself. Be kind to yourself and you will be rewarded.

And if you want to learn more about personal development, please subscribe to my blog.

The Surprising Connection Between Your Goals and Hydration

The Surprising Connection Between Your Goals and Hydration

What would you say if I told you that keeping yourself hydrated can help you reach your goals faster?

It’s fascinating and thought-provoking, right?

You want to pass your exams? Drink water.

You want to get that promotion? Drink water.

You want to have more income? Drink water.

It sounds absurd at first.

But when you really think about what happens inside your body when you are well-hydrated, you’d be a believer like me!

I used to think of water as only something I needed to prevent the formation of kidney stones. 

I never really thought about all the other amazing health benefits of drinking enough water until just a few years ago.

But first, let’s talk about what drinking enough water can do for your body.  Since your body is made up of 60% water, staying hydrated is essential for maintaining bodily functions. 

It can help regulate your body temperature, aid in digestion and improve blood circulation.  Water also serves as a lubricant for your joints, and protects your spinal cord.  It helps your body get rid of toxins and wastes through perspiration and urination.

So how does staying hydrated help you grow into your best self so you can achieve your goals faster?

1.Water is essential for efficient blood flow to your brain. That means your brain gets all the life-giving oxygen, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients it needs to function at its best.  

A healthy and thriving brain can help you think clearly, make good decisions, recognize opportunities and seize them in time, manage your stress, build healthy and meaningful relationships, increase your focus and boost productivity.

Meanwhile, dehydration means your brain is not getting what it needs to thrive.  Magnesium for example, is involved in over 300 chemical reactions in your body and is also responsible for mood regulation and fatigue prevention. But if you’re not drinking enough water, it means your brain is not getting enough magnesium.

Here’s the problem when you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol.  Long periods of stress can cause your body to release too much cortisol which is harmful to your health and may cause your body to use up whatever magnesium that has been stored in your body. 

Talk about going around in circles with things getting worse each time around.

2. Drinking water is the most affordable way to beauty. 

Just imagine all those impurities and toxins flushed out at the cellular level! You will experience a skin that glows! 

You won’t even have to spend thousands of dollars every month for your skin!

When your skin is well-hydrated, it becomes more elastic and moisturized.  This will delay the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, making you look so much younger!

Aside from that, drinking the doctor-recommended 12 glasses of water (yes, it’s 12 glasses…8 is just the minimum) a day will help you prevent itchy skin, decrease sebum and skin breakouts, tighten skin, prevent sagging and maintain the pH balance of your skin

Don’t you think you’re going to feel more confident with beautiful glowing skin?  I bet you would!

And this confidence boost will surely give you the power to do the things you’ve never imagined you could!

3. Drinking water can help you manage your weight. Do you know that there are many times when you think you’re hungry but you’re not? You’re just thirsty! And so when you’re well-hydrated you can reduce the times you feel the need to eat.

When you’re getting the required amount of water, you will also feel full and this will prevent overeating during meals.

Losing excess weight will give you the confidence you need to chase after your dreams! You won’t have to lock yourself at home just because you can’t fit in any of your clothes!

You won’t have to worry about your chronic aches and pains stopping you from doing all those things you’ve listed down in your planner!

You won’t be exhausted all the time! You will have the energy to set goals, plan and do!

DRINK YOUR WAY TO HEALTH AND ABUNDANCE

When you are generally healthy — no depression, no aches and pains, no health issues, you have the power to go out there and do whatever is necessary to fast track your growth and improve your life. There’s absolutely nothing that can stop you or derail you from getting to your desired destination.

Imagine how much your income can increase with your newfound focus and increased productivity! Imagine all the life-changing opportunities you’ll be able to see and what would happen in your life if you’re able to seize them in time.

If you can manage your stress and you’re not so moody or cranky every time, can you see what kind of relationships you’re going to have? Can you see what kind of person you can be? With less mental issues of your own, you’ll be more open-minded, understanding and considerate. You’ll be able to empathize more! And if you’re wondering about other ways to improve your mental health, you may want to improve your diet.

Imagine if you’re able to keep yourself healthy! Imagine how much you’ll be able to save with less trips to the doctor, less need for counseling and therapy, less expenses on medicines and skin treatments! No more monthly shopping for clothes just to replace the ones that don’t fit!

All those expenses can translate to thousands of dollars in the bank which you can use to fund a business, a house, college education for your kids, a long-needed vacation with your family, a comfortable retirement! The list is endless! I’m sure you can come up with more!!!

Hydration is a transformational daily habit you need to form if you’re serious about personal development and changing your life.

I understand it can be hard at first, I find it easy to forget to drink when I’m busy and when I do remember, I find the frequent trips to the toilet very inconvenient. However, I know that the benefits are well worth it so I try my best by having a tumbler filled with drinking water on my desk when I’m working.

Drinking water keeps you looking good, feeling good and doing good. What’s more is that it builds self-discipline which is something you need in all areas of your life!

By drinking enough water, you don’t only make yourself physically and mentally healthy, you’re also setting yourself up for the transformation you desire.

REMINDER:

Of course, hydration is just part of a big process called self-care. You need more than water to survive and really thrive! If you’re seeking other ways of taking good care of yourself, check out other habits you should form here.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a glass of water and subscribe to this blog for more valuable content on personal development.

The Power of Goal Setting and How It Can Transform Your Life

The Power of Goal Setting and How It Can Transform Your Life

Have you ever felt like you’re going everywhere yet you’re going nowhere?

Do you wake up every day thinking that you’re just going through the motions without any real purpose?

If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. Many of us have felt that way at one time or another.

I, for one, felt like that for a very long time.

You see, when I was still in school, nobody ever taught us how to set goals. Sadly, even my parents (not that I blame them) never talked to me about goal setting.

Goal setting is the process of defining what you really want to achieve and creating a plan of action to make it happen.

Sometimes I wonder what I would have accomplished if I only knew the importance of having goals at an early age.

Instead, I went through almost half my life without any clear idea where I wanted to go. I was like a tumbleweed going in all directions and yet never really having a concrete destination. I was just going with the wind.

The thing is, goals set you up for success, happiness and fulfillment. And without a goal and a plan, you’re basically just setting yourself up for nothing.

In this post, we’ll look into the different benefits of goal setting and how it can help you transform your life.

A goal provides you with a roadmap and tells you which direction to go. It gives you a clear destination and that alone already gives you a sense of empowerment. You suddenly have a sense of control over your life. You are no longer a tumbleweed getting tossed by the wind. You wake up each day knowing that you’re getting closer to your destination. You become motivated to take the necessary steps that will lead you to the accomplishment of your goal.

A goal helps you stay motivated. Finishing a task that leads to your goal gives you a sense of accomplishment. You know that every step you’re taking leads to your goal. The more steps you take, the more motivated you become. And there’s nothing that beats the feeling of pride, satisfaction and fulfillment that you get when you finally accomplish a goal. What’s more is that it will inspire and motivate you to set bigger and more challenging goals.

A goal increases your self-confidence. Working towards a goal means working on tasks. Each task that you’re able to successfully accomplish will boost your self-confidence. Now you know that you can do something well. It helps you believe that you are capable of doing even the most difficult, most challenging tasks.

A goal helps you make good decisions. Having a goal requires a lot of decision making. But with your goal in mind, you can make the decisions that are in alignment with your goal. For example, if your long-term goal is to save enough money to build your dream home, it’s going to be easy to decide against spending money on designer clothes and bags and other unnecessary expenses. And believe me, it’s not even going to feel as if you’re depriving yourself! You’re actually going to feel excited about saving money.

A goal gives you purpose. Having a goal makes you excited about life. You wake up each morning knowing that you’re about to do something meaningful. There is no moment wasted. Even the time you spend resting your body and mind becomes part of the process because you know that the right amount of rest, just like work, will bring you closer to your goals.

Of course, I am not saying that achieving your goals is the only thing that can bring fulfillment and happiness in your life. Actually, the journey you take towards your goals may even be the more important factor that can bring about happiness.

Throughout this journey, you get to meet a lot of people who are most probably on the same journey as you. They will inspire you, and you, them. You will learn from them, and they from you.

The journey is filled with challenges, obstacles and roadblocks. And overcoming them is what’s going to give you a sense of fulfillment. Your personal growth and development will bring you happiness.

Setting goals is an important part of personal development. It’s how you can take control of your life.

Your goals help you become your best self so you can live your best life.

Just remember to set goals that align with your values and principles.

Make sure that they are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) goals and then you can watch your life transform in surprising ways.