Yes, this is one of those deceptively simple questions.
I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free. — Michelangelo
This quote beautifully captures the duality of what it means to be creative. Like all creative geniuses, Michelangelo not only had a concept — he had the skill, discipline and determination to bring his vision to life.
Michelangelo was an Italian painter, sculptor, architect, poet, and engineer. Along with Leonardo da Vinci, he is often called a “Renaissance Man” which means he had great talent in many areas. …
When things don’t go to plan, you need the strength to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try again.
Most people don’t set out believing they will fail. Yet, it’s tough out there. When things don’t go to plan, you need the strength to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try again.
Studies of self-efficacy (self confidence) show many of us hold “self-limiting beliefs” that prevent us from reaching our full potential.
The bottom line seems to be:
Judging yourself to be capable of success increases your chances of actual success, while judging yourself as not capable of success reduces your chances of actual success.
Henry Ford said it best:
Whether you think you can or can’t — you’re right! …
Tips for staying positive during the coronavirus.
My hometown (Melbourne) plunged back into lockdown this week in an effort to curb fast rising COVID-19 infections. As stage three restrictions loom, I ponder the dull reality of being stuck at home for six weeks with reduced contact by friends and loved ones.
“Get a grip,” I tell myself.
Staying positive is harder than it used to be even for the most optimistic people. Coronavirus has affected people everywhere. Entire countries are in quarantine. People are sick. Health services overwhelmed. If you are feeling negative don’t worry — you are not alone.
Together, we’ll get through this.
While it is true we need to take the pandemic seriously, it does not have to break us. Yes, the coronavirus has harmed our economy and caused illness worldwide. And yes, we see, hear and read about it all day long. Yet feeling constantly concerned or anxious doesn’t have to be our new normal. …
Hint: His novel inspired a hit musical starring Anne Hathaway.
The quote is by Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables and one of the greatest and best-known French writers of all time.
Kudos if you guessed correctly!
To love beauty is to see light
This quote encapsulates my thoughts on mindfulness as it relates to happiness. To see or discover the beauty within or around us, is to gain insight or “light” giving us hope for the better.
Many people focus on the negative or dark side of life due to their circumstances. Yet in truth we all seek beauty in our daily lives.
Beauty is everywhere — but is beauty definable? …
Make no mistake passion lights you up!
If you always see the brighter side of things, you may feel you experience more positive events. You may find yourself less stressed, and even enjoy greater health benefits. This is not your imagination.
Research shows an optimistic outlook has distinct advantages. Optimistic people have better health and live longer. They save more money and are more likely to remarry after a divorce. Optimists have hope. They keep trying. They don’t give up.
Many of us could use a boost in our optimism levels, especially as we age or cope with challenges in our lives. But is it really possible?
The short answer is yes. …
When you are true to yourself you can achieve amazing things.
If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It
I love this quote by Walt Disney. It emphasizes how much “mindset” determines success or failure in life.
And he could be right!
Studies of self-efficacy (self confidence) show many of us hold “self-limiting beliefs” that prevent us from reaching our full potential.
The bottom line seems to be — Judging yourself to be capable of success increases your chances of actual success, while judging yourself as not capable of success reduces your chances of actual success.
As always, it comes down to mindset.
To give a personal example — I hardly spoke Japanese in my early 20s. Yet, my ambition was to move to Japan, learn the language, and work as a designer. When you take the road less travelled at a young age, it can be hard to convince family and friends you are not deluded. Against the odds, I took a leap of faith. I choose to believe in myself. …
A few “snackable” ideas to help you get ahead in life.
Broadly speaking there are two types of people in the world.
- People who live a charmed life — successful people.
- People who feel the odds stacked up against them — unsuccessful people.
Always in the right place at the right time, successful people get everything they want — from good grades and interesting jobs to attractive partners and perfect children.
News Flash: Successful people are often no less attractive or intelligent than everyone else. Yet somehow they are the enviable “winners” in life.
What is their secret?
Success is not about waiting for good things to happen, but being an active participant in your own life. …
And what you can do about it.
Birthdays should be happy occasions. Celebrations, being spoilt, and positive experiences are all part of the day. Yet some people dread every time a birthday approaches. Their behaviour changes. They get nervous or even sad. They have the birthday blues.
Does this sound like you? If so, I want to tell you…
You’re not alone.
I have a birthday coming up (cue the candles, streamers, cakes and cheers). Unfortunately a sense of anxiety and dread grows stronger as my birthday approaches. It’s a classic case of what psychologists call birthday depression.
Growing up in a large family birthdays were always a big deal. Now as an adult and living far away from home, it feels more like an existential crisis. I mean you are not supposed to feel unhappy and lonely on your birthday right? …
