Do you need a habit or a goal to achieve your objective? The answer is both. At first glance habits and goals may seem similar, but there are key differences between the two that can make a big difference in how you use them to reach your objectives. Since we often talk about goals at the beginning of the year it might be useful to see how habits help us reach our goals. Habits are actions that you do regularly and often without thinking. They are usually unconscious and are the result of repeated practice over time. Habits are great for helping you maintain consistency and stay on track with your objectives. For example, if you have a goal to lose weight, forming healthy eating habits such as meal prepping and avoiding sugary snacks can help you stay on track. Goals, on the other hand, are specific objectives that you…
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We know what it means to “pay it forward” or “random acts of kindness.” What about “passing on positivity?” It is easy to do and can be done anywhere. It will make a huge impact in creating a more positive environment. Start by looking outward. Notice your environment and specifically the people in your environment. Then smile and look for good. Look for something to compliment someone else on. Or see where a word of encouragement could be appreciated. You can also make an effort to engage in positive conversations. Do this by asking a leading question. You seem to really love x, tell me more about it. What lights you up? When was the last time you laughed really hard? You can start a group to have a positive impact in your community. The possibilities are endless. You can get more generous with your time and offer to help…
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January is traditionally a time for new beginnings. Not everyone hops on the path to a new destination as they see others down the path and don't think they can ever get there. But where did those people further down the path start? Where you are! Does that change anything for you? "Your present circumstances don't determine where you go; they merely determine where you start." Nido Qubein Don't compare yourself to others. Look forward to where others are and ask questions to find out how they navigated the path. When you are tempted to give in to roadblocks remember you are on your own timeline. You don't need to travel the path at the same speed as someone else. As long as you are on the path, you will get there. You got this. And we are here if you need us. DrPaul
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Recently my computer was giving me some problems, things weren’t pulling up the way they should and I couldn’t get some of the add-ons to work. So, I did a reboot. Yep, shut the whole thing down, gave it a rest and re-booted. And wha-la, everything started working the way it should. Sometimes our brains need a reboot. It may be that our thoughts are not serving us well. It may be that we are tired. It may be that we have allowed some negative patterns to creep in. It may be that we believe what we think. Take a minute to shut down your brain. Get some rest, eat well. When you are refreshed physically, then begin to analyze your thoughts. Do you have some negative thoughts that need to be challenged? Are the ways you are thinking about people and circumstances serving you well? Might be time for…
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I think back to the many Christmases shared with our family and remember the excitement as presents were added under the tree during December. The kids would run to see whose name was on the gift and could hardly contain their excitement when they saw their name. The gifts would be played with and worn, and sometimes the kids broke the toys and outgrew the clothes, their tastes and preferences changed. Gifts are used and consumed and that is o.k. Gifts are really about our relationships with people. We give to show love and nurture relationships. While we may not remember what we gave or received last year, we remember the people who are "present" all year long. We are grateful for you and for your support this year at Live On Purpose. No matter how you choose to celebrate this time of year and in what language, we wish…
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Christmas is a time of imagination and creativity. Sometimes people use their imagination in the wrong way. It isn't all sugar plums and twinkling lights. They imagine troubles, hardships, scarcity and conflict. No twinkling lights there. Dan Zadra said, "Worry is the misuse of imagination." We have a choice - allow your imagination to think positive or negative thoughts. You do have something to do with the future - but you don't know what will happen. Did you predict a pandemic and exactly how it all played out? Did you predict a war in the Ukraine? People say, "But I am a realist." That is fine, be a realist - be an Equal Opportunity Realist. When your mind begins to wander, call it back and imagine something wonderfully positive happening. One of the most often refrains I hear is, "I could never have imagined I would be in this situation." (For…
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There is a saying in AA: Expectations are Premeditated Resentments. If you have feelings of resentment, you can almost always look back and find unrealized expectations that led to the resentment. Being frustrated and resentful inhibits our ability to think logically and clearly. It pushes us to a place where we say things like: “This isn’t fair.” “This isn’t what I wanted.” You may be 100% right - and that won’t change your feelings. What will help is looking back and recognizing how your expectations got you to where you are. What I find (especially when working with couples), is that the expectations were never clearly shared with their partner so there could be some discussion and agreement. If that isn’t a plan for failure, I don’t know what is. There are lots of expectations this time of year. Gifts Vacations Relationships Events Behavior Time Share your expectations with others.…
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“It’s not my fault.” “I didn’t sign up for this.” As a psychologist I hear different refrains of this idea over and over. And I tell those that express the sentiment - you are right! You didn’t ask for this and it isn’t your fault. Now, what are you going to do? We don’t have a choice in what we are faced with (most of the time). We do have a choice in how we react to the event and circumstances. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind that may help you get out of the, “It’s not my fault,” rut. You are not a special case. Yes, everyone is special and things happen to everyone that they did not choose. You have a choice. You may not have picked the circumstance, but you have a choice in how you react. Practice some self-care. When life is not being fair to…
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We will keep this quick this week since many of you are celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends.We are grateful for you and every effort you have made to spread positivity in a world that gravitates to negativity.We are grateful for you watching LOPTV YouTube videos, reading our newsletters and books. Those that joined us for webinars and courses over the course of the year.We are very grateful for our Live On Purpose Central members that we get to interact with every week.Happy Thanksgiving, now go eat some turkey and reach out to those you are grateful for and tell them why.DrPaul
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Do you like TED Talks or Inspirational Speakers? The psychologist in me is fascinated by these speeches. There is a common thread through most of the talks given. There was something hard. Obstacles and problems were placed before them. It was something they would not have chosen for themselves. They suffered, but persevered. The person did not give up. And out of the conflict or trauma they have learned or created something that helps others. They open up and are vulnerable about their experiences and the transformation that occurred in them. That vulnerability creates a connection with people. Even if we don’t know them personally. In the vulnerability others can connect with them and see hope. So, if you are going through a hard thing (and who isn’t?) ask yourself what you can learn from the experience. Then when you are in a good place, share with others. Let your…
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