2011 Thought of the Day Archive
December 30, 2011
The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself.
-Thales
Indeed, to know yourself is a difficult thing in life. Life can influence our actions, thoughts, and behaviors in such a way that at times we might feel estranged from ourselves. In these moments we must go back to what grounds us in life. For example, family, prayer, exercise, etc. Then we will feel reconnected with ourselves again.
Today, assess whether you feel grounded in life and have a solid sense of yourself.
December 22, 2011
One needs something to believe in, something for which one can have wholehearted enthusiasm.
- Hannah Senesh
Make the decision to be enthusiastic about something in your life. Otherwise, you may feel unsatisfied if you approach life passively. Do not let life slip by. Actively pursue life and enjoy all that it has to offer.
Today, find enthusiasm toward something in your life and see what possibilities unfold.
December 15, 2011
Follow your dream…if you stumble, don’t stop and lose sight of your goal, press on to the top. For only on top can we see the whole view…
- Amanda Bradley
Pursue your goal one step at a time with determination and perseverance. Some days you will move with ease toward your goal and other days, you may stumble. Achieving dreams is never easy all the time. However, you can handle the ebbs and flows of your journey, just stay focused and never lose sight of your final destination. When you reach your dream, you will see the whole view and it will be a marvel to behold.
Today, whether you are moving at ease or stumbling, do not lose sight and keep going.
December 8, 2011
Somewhere along the line of development we discover what we really are, and then we make our real decision for which we are responsible. Make that decision primarily for yourself because you can never really live anyone else’s life, not even your own child’s. The influence you exert is through your own life and what you become yourself.
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Being accountable for the decisions we make in life and taking full responsibility of our actions and outcomes of our actions is liberating. In most cases, we have the freedom and opportunity to make decisions that positively impact and improve our lives – thinking affirmatively, acting with civility, etc. In every moment of every day our actions influence our own lives and ourselves.
Today, make decisions that are compatible with your life and the person you really are.
November 11, 2011
The three great essentials to achieving anything worthwhile are; first, hard work, second, stick-to-it-iveness, and third, common sense.
- Thomas Edison
Work hard, do not give up, believe in yourself, and be sensible. These essential qualities will certainly help you achieve your goals. Behavior change is not easy and there are times when we feel vulnerable when faced with challenges. However, hard work will keep you busy and help you feel productive; perseverance will keep you focused and on-track; believing in yourself will help you feel more confident; and being sensible will keep you from making unreasonable decisions.
Today, when making a step toward achieving your goal, practice these three essential steps.
November 4, 2011
Don't let what you can't do stop you from doing what you can do.
-John Wooden
Do not be too hard on yourself. For example, if you cannot run 10 miles today, do not let that stop you from running 1 mile. Life ebbs and flows. Sometimes we cannot do things the way we want to, however, that should not stop us from doing something. Running 1 mile consistently will lead to 2 miles, will lead to 5 miles, and eventually 10 miles. Start somewhere and keep working toward your goal!
Today, start with what you can do. Be consistent and work toward your goal...eventually you will achieve it!
October 27, 2011
Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where you haven't planted.
-David Bly
We may set goals to achieve our dreams. However, sometimes we forget that in order to achieve our dreams and be successful, we need to work hard and go through moments that are challenging. Hard work and perseverance yield success. We must remember this when the road seems too difficult and we are feeling discouraged. Focus, take one step at a time, and believe that your hard work will pay off in the end. You will achieve your dreams!
Today, put in the effort and strive for success! You will achieve great things!
October 20, 2011
Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.
-Chinese Proverb
Successful behavior change happens over time, not overnight. Therefore, take the time you need to prepare yourself for change. After you identify the behavior you are going to change, be aware of your triggers and what moments might be challenging to stay on track. Once you understand your triggers and problem-areas, then come up with a realistic plan on how to handle them. These steps are important in helping you stay on track and ultimately be successful. If you jump into behavior change without preparation, then you risk being faced with a trigger without knowing how to handle it. It is hard to get through those intense moments without a back-up plan.
Today, give yourself the time you need to plan and be successful. Then move forward with confidence because you are prepared to handle whatever comes your way.
October 13, 2011
Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.
-Douglas Firebaugh
Take it one day at a time. Set an intention at the beginning of each day and pursue your goal. Stay focused and do not allow yourself to be derailed from your intention. Do not get overwhelmed thinking about changing your behavior forever. Rather, understand you are changing your behavior for today. Doing your best, one day at a time will move you closer to a better tomorrow. The days will pass and one day you will look back and be proud of your achievements.
Today, set an intention at the beginning of the day and pursue your goal for the day. At the end of the day reflect on your accomplishments. Repeat this every day this week.
October 6, 2011
Those who wish to sing always find a song.
- Anonymous
If you want to accomplish something strong enough, you will find the resources you need to be successful. Through difficult moments or easier moments, you will always find a way to get to where you want to be.
Today, believe that you have everything you need, right now, to fulfill your wish.
September 29, 2011
Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
- Anonymous
Sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves. We get caught up in obtaining the next best thing - technology, automobiles, homes, etc. We go, go, go and never stop to reflect or be content with what we have. We are fortunate and have many wonderful things in our lives to rejoice about.
Today, stop and reflect on what you have, where you are, and the people around you. Be content and rejoice in the way things are today.
September 22, 2011
All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become.
- Buddha
Think about the person you want to be or the goal you want to achieve. Imagine yourself exactly where you want to be. What does it feel like? What is your life like? Our minds are powerful and using imagery can help us achieve our goals. Athletes use the strategy of imagery often. They imagine the 10K route and finishing it with strength and confidence. Replaying positive thinking over and over again, will result in positive outcomes.
Today, use positive thinking to influence where you want to be and what you want to become.
September 15, 2011
The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.
- Lao Tzu
Life is full of tasks and goals to achieve. It is wonderful when we are inspired to want to take on a new behavior or accomplish new things. Sometimes new agendas can seem overwhelming and we question whether we are ready to change and if we have the resources we need to be successful. Sure, doubts can occur but we must organize and plan the best we can. Then, we can move forward one step at a time with awareness, trust, and confidence.
Today, begin your journey. Identify a single step you can take toward accomplishing a task or goal and ... step forward.
August 26, 2011
Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.
- Chinese Proverb
It does not matter if you take one step at a time and move slowly through behavior change with attention. In fact, it is often the preferred pace and key for long-term success. Do not rush to be smoke free tomorrow or lose 7 pounds in a week. It is better to be thoughtful and understand what motivates you to change, your triggers, and your coping skills. Being thoughtful and taking a moment to think through your behavior change, strategies, and feelings can help you achieve long-term success.
Today, be thoughtful as you plan your next endeavor. August 19, 2011
Too many activities, and people, and things. Too many worthy activities, valuable things, and interesting people. For it is not merely the trivial which clutters our lives but the important as well.
- Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Life is busy! Family, friends, work, hobbies, school, etc. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to get involved in interesting activities for ourselves, children, family, and friends. Many of these activities are worthy and important and we need to find time for them. However, it is also worthy and important to find time for ourselves to reenergize. Daily or weekly, either is fine, however, it is important to be consistent. Do not sacrifice time you set aside for yourself, it will revitalize you and help you feel grounded.
Today, ask yourself, “How do I reenergize myself?” Set time aside for yourself for the next month to reenergize.
August 12, 2011
The Chinese say that water is the most powerful element, because it is perfectly nonresistant. It can wear away a rock and sweep all before it.
- Florence Scovel Shinn
Practicing a new behavior change, for the most part, feels invigorating and empowering. However, we may feel some resistance when we change behavior, routine, or daily life. In these moments, we must remind ourselves that being resistant can make things worse – we might feel more anxious or have a tendency to overreact. In moments of resistance, it is beneficial to surrender and let go. The resistance will pass. Always be aware of how you are feeling but allow yourself to stay with the resistance, without fighting it, until it passes. Being nonresistant will wear away those obstacles.
Today, if you encounter an obstacle or feelings of resistance, try to surrender, let go, and stay with it until it passes. You do not need to fight it , it will pass.
August 5, 2011
Instead of concentrating on why we can’t do a thing, we would be wise to change our “Yes, but …” attitude to a more positive one. Saying “yes” means I really do want to change my life for the better.
- Liane Cordes
Working toward the achievement of a life goal is not a small task. Therefore, it is natural to feel a little nervous and excited about the endeavor before you even begin. It is important to acknowledge the feelings you are having but to move forward in achieving your goal. If you allow yourself to get stuck because you are nervous or fearful, then you will be stuck in a “Yes, but …” attitude. You may find yourself saying, “Yes, the change is important but…” There could be any reason not to move forward and the real reason just might be fear. Make the decision to move forward and believe that, “Yes, I can do this, one step at a time.” Do not allow fear or nervousness to get in your way of moving forward.
Today, make the decision to move toward achieving a life goal. Create a “Yes, I can …” attitude and take one step at a time. That is all you need to do.
July 29, 2011
It is not enough to take steps which may someday lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal and a step likewise.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Define the objective of each step that you take toward your goals. If each step has meaning, then each step is in itself a goal. Having clear objectives helps you stay on track toward achieving your overarching goals. If you find yourself randomly taking steps without clear direction, take a moment to reestablish your objective. Do not waste time in life just taking steps. Make your steps are meaningful.
Today, make sure each step taken is a goal in itself.
July 22, 2011
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
- Helen Keller
Do not make decisions based on fear or level of difficulty. If we know intellectually and emotionally that we need to change something in our lives that is negative or toxic then, we need to make a decision to change our behavior and improve the situation. Making the decision to move forward can be scary because it is unknown, however, we cannot allow fear or worry to determine our outcomes.
Today, think about how fear or worry impact your life and decisions. Is it worth it?
July 14, 2011
Everything in life that we really accept undergoes a change. So suffering must become love. That is the mystery.
-Katherine Mansfield
Acceptance can be a powerful tool used to help us achieve success. This is an interesting concept. For example, when we choose to change a behavior - like quitting smoking, we are inevitably faced with cravings or at least the thought of wanting to smoke again. We must accept that these cravings and thoughts will occur. If we choose to accept the cravings and thoughts then eventually the resistance will disappear. I am not saying that we need to enjoy the cravings or be happy about the nagging thoughts, I am saying if we accept them, knowing that they are temporary and part of the process, then everything will be okay.
Today, accept it...let go of the resistance and suffering.
July 7, 2011
...to have a crisis and act upon it is one thing. To dwell in perpetual crisis is another.
-Barbara Grizzuti Harrison
Life is challenging at times and can present unexpected crises. How do we handle ourselves in crisis? Do we jump into action to resolve or lessen the impact or do we dwell, get stuck, and never recover? We must take action in our lives, with whatever is presented, and know that challenges and crises are temporary. In moments of crisis, turn to what gives you strength and comfort and stay focused on a positive outcome...this can be the greatest action.
Today, whatever comes, act and move forward.
June 30, 2011
The bottom line is that I am responsible for my own well-being, my own happiness. The choices and decisions I make regarding my life directly influence the quality of my days.
- Kathleen Andrus
If we want to achieve certain goals and attain success, we must pay close attention to the choices and decisions we make on a daily basis. When we are faced with a decision, we need to ask ourselves, what choice will help us become the person we want to be or get to where we want to be. It is challenging at times to make the right decision but the bottom line is that we do have a choice.
Today, make the choices and decisions that help you get closer to the goals you are working hard at to accomplish.
June 24, 2011
Self-image sets the boundaries of individual accomplishment.
—Maxwell Maltz
When taking on a new behavior change, imagine yourself being successful. For example, if you are working at becoming smoke free, imagine yourself as a nonsmoker in all situations (social situations, driving, etc.). Imagining yourself where you want to be helps to set the boundary for success and individual accomplishment. Be positive and know you can accomplish the goals you set for yourself.
Today, think about and really see yourself being successful in the behavior change you are working on.
June 17, 2011
Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.
- Liane Cordes
Persevere. You will only understand your potential when you give 100%. When we begin a behavior change, our motivation and high and our intention is good. However, it is natural for the excitement to fade. When you are faced with moments that are less exciting and more challenging, keep you gaze focused, continue to breath, and believe that the resistance will pass you will be make it through. Never doubt your effort…you determine your final outcome.
Today, focus and take one step at a time.
June 10, 2011
On any journey, we must find out where we are before we can plan the first step.
- Kathy Boerink
When we have the desire to change a behavior, it is natural to want to jump in before the motivation fades. However, if you jump in, you miss the opportunity to truly understand your behavior. Do you do a behavior because of a craving, time issue, or fear of failure? What drives you to act the way you do? Having the desire to change is wonderful! However, before you take that first step, take a moment to assess your behavior and where you are today. Understand what drives your behavior because in your journey, you will have to address what is driving your behavior…not just the behavior.
Today, ask yourself, “What drives my actions?”
June 3, 2011
We will be victorious if we have not forgotten how to learn.
- Rosa Luxemburg
Learning is a great gift. Learning can inspire, motivate, and provide enormous opportunities for us. Speak to a colleague, reflect on decisions you have made, read the newspaper or book, or enroll in a class. Challenge your mind and relish in the creativity that comes from learning.
Today, what can you learn from your daily activities? It might be simple but profound…the key is to recognize your learning opportunities.
May 27, 2011
I want to get you excited about who you are, what you are, what you have, and what can still be for you. I want to inspire you to see that you can go far beyond where you are right now.
- Virginia Satir
You are a unique person with unique attributes - recognize your strengths! You have accomplished great things in your life - take a moment to reflect and feel proud. You have many gifts (family, friends, health, job, savings, etc.) - be grateful. You have an opportunity to pursue and fulfill your dreams and goals - do not let it slip away. You will go far and accomplish many wonderful things in life – can you see how far you will go?
May 20, 2011
Follow your dream...take one step at a time and don't settle for less, just continue to climb.
- Amanda Bradley
What personal or professional goal do you dream of? We all have dreams and every dream is worth pursuing. Some require detailed planning and more effort, but every dream can be accomplished. Think back in your life to dreams you have accomplished. How did you approach the task? Make the decision, plan, and start...taking one step at a time. Some days will feel great and flow with ease, other days will be hard and feel overwhelmingly difficult. Just continue to climb...do not give up! When it is difficult, focus on one day at a time and trust that you will make it through.
Today, take one step at a time...nothing more...nothing less.
May 13, 2011
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
- Henry David Thoreau
This is our moment to live life. If you have a dream, do not wait until tomorrow to move toward it. Rather, move confidently (even if it is a little step) in the direction of your dream today. Life moves quickly and sometimes the unexpected happens, therefore, do not waste time thinking about or wishing for your dream to come true.
Today, make the decision to move toward your dream and take one step in that direction!
May 6, 2011
To reach a port, we must sail—Sail, not tie at anchor—Sail, not drift.
- Franklin Roosevelt
Life is enriching when we add goals to strive toward. It is incredibly satisfying to achieve personal goals after days, months, even years of working hard and staying focused.
While setting personal goals, we want to plan as best we can, making sure we establish resources in our life that will help us achieve those goals. For example, if your goal is to increase your exercise, you might want to join a gym and establish a schedule, therefore, you can exercise regardless of weather conditions and the consistent schedule makes it easier for you and your family to adjust to your commitment. Setting the stage give you the resources to be successful in your goals.
Today, establish resources that will help you achieve an existing goal or new goal!
April 29, 2011
Know thyself means this, that you get acquainted with what you know, and what you can do.
- Menander
As we go through life, we experience moments where we evaluate who we are, what we have accomplished, and where we want to go next in life. In these moments, we pause to acknowledge what we know - our strengths and what we can do - our opportunities. There are always opportunities to learn, grow, and development areas that help us become quality individuals.
Today, pause and reflect on the knowledge you have and the opportunities that are available to facilitate further development.
April 22, 2011
You've got to get up every morning with determination that you're going to go to bed with satisfaction.
- George Horace Lorimer
We have the opportunity to start fresh every day. Why not start each day with determination, positive attitude and gratitude? Be thoughtful and prepared. Set your intention for the day and stick to it. When you do, you will go to bed feeling satisfied and proud of your accomplishments!
Today, don't lose the opportunity...make the effort to start your day with determination, positive attitude, and gratitude.
April 8, 2011
Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.
- William Feather
You are successful in quitting smoking! Some moments are easily managed and other moments are challenging to manage. Achieving success during difficult moments require you to stay focused and hang-on. The difficult moment will eventually pass and when it does, you can look back and feel proud…successful. If you ever doubt whether you can make it through a craving, just hang-in there. Take a deep breath and hold-on. The craving will pass and you will achieve success – again!
Today, reach success by hanging-in there after others have let go.
March 25, 2011
It doesn’t matter where you are coming from. All that matters is where you are going.
- Brian Tracy
As you prepare to quit smoking, stay focused on where you are today and where you want to be. Do not get caught-up in thinking about previous quit attempts or the years you have spent smoking. Leave any anxiety or shame in the past. All that matters is today and the days ahead living without cigarettes.
Today, feel gratitude for where you are today and where you intend to go.
March 18, 2011
Every day in every way I am getting better and better in health, wealth, happiness and knowing: no one is perfectible but everyone is improvable.
- Author Unknown
Nobody is perfect and we all have improvements to make. Every day we have the opportunity to work toward achieving our goal. Some days we accomplish many things that bring us closer to our goal. Other days we make decisions that may not result in favorable outcomes. However, every day we have the opportunity to improve and every day we are getting better at making the right decisions.
March 11, 2011
When the world says, “Give up,”
Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.”
- Author Unknown
Sometimes life’s circumstances are challenging. Quitting smoking and learning to navigate through life’s challenging circumstances without smoking can add a level of complexity. In these moments, it would be easy to give up. However, this is precisely the moment when we need to keep going, try again, and persevere. Listen to hope. You have the inner strength to keep going.
Today, whenever you feel like giving up, repeat to yourself, “Try it one more time,” or “Keep on going.” You deserve freedom.
March 4, 2011
Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.
- Napoleon Hill
There is no quick fix for quitting smoking. Successfully quitting smoking requires patience and persistence. It takes the mind and body time to adjust to living with nicotine and the act of smoking. Build a solid foundation. Know what your triggers are and plan for each one. Identify support people in your life who will listen without judgment. Make sure you have FDA-approved medications to help you through withdrawal and the quitting process. Once you have your solid foundation, move forward with quitting one day at a time. Be patient – this is a transition. Be persistent – never give up. Stay focused on one moment at a time and eventually you will look back and realize you have successfully lived one day, one week, one month, one year etc. without smoking.
Today, make a commitment to patience, persistence, and perspiration.
February 25, 2011
Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Willing is not enough; we must do.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
As smokers, we know we need to stop smoking for our health. However, knowing is not enough, we must act. Wanting to stop smoking for all the reasons that we we hold dear is not enough, we must act. Write down your reasons for stopping smoking. Research FDA approved smoking cessation medications that are appropriate for you. Join a stop smoking program for support. Understand the times of day or feelings that are difficult to manage without smoking and develop a strategy to cope during those times.
Today, it is time to apply and do. Start to apply your knowledge and take steps toward planning your quit attempt.
February 4, 2011
To become a champion, fight one more round.
- James Corbett
Quitting smoking is incredibly rewarding. Making it through one craving or one day without smoking is incredibly empowering. Sometimes we get through days with ease, other times, we struggle. In the moments of struggle, give it everything you have to not smoke a cigarette. At times when you feel you have no energy left to resist the urge, dig deeper and find the strength within yourself. You will always find the energy and strength you need to make it. It is there – just keep going, do not give up.
Today, become a champion. Find the strength within to go one more round.
January 28, 2011
People think I’m disciplined. It is not discipline. It is devotion. There is a great difference.
- Luciano Pavarotti
Being successful in quitting smoking requires more than being disciplined. It requires the right treatment and also a deep devotion to improving your health and quality of life. Dedicate the effort that is required to yourself and your life. Respect yourself and believe you deserve a life free from the dependency of smoking. Let your devotion drive everyday - coping and living without cigarettes.
Today, find your devotion.
January 21, 2011
Great changes may not happen right away, but with effort even the difficult may become easy.
- Bill Blackman
Quitting smoking and becoming free from the dependence of nicotine is a great change to strive for. Quitting smoking is a process and getting to where you want to be will not happen right away. You must persevere and stay focused and eventually even difficult situations will become easier and more comfortable. Stay with it!
Today, believe that great changes are possible with effort and perseverance. In what way can your persevere today?
January 14, 2011
The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything.
- Theodore Roosevelt
Quitting smoking successfully is a process. Often, people do not get it right the first and it takes experiencing a few mistakes before becoming successful…or figuring out what really works for you. The key is not to give-up after you make a mistake. Pick yourself up, learn from your mistakes, and try again. Think positively knowing you will be better prepared the next time you encounter a similar situation that perhaps caused you to relapse.
Today, let go of the fear and guilt that often surrounds mistakes. Think positively because you are moving closer toward success!
January 7, 2011
The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.
- Arthur C. Clarke
Sometimes we may feel that quitting smoking is impossible. Explore the impossible. What makes it feel impossible? What can we do to make it feel more realistic? Nothing in life is impossible if we want it and work hard enough for it. However, sometimes there are barriers and resistance that we have to work through first. Do not give up on the goals that you have.
Today, identify your limits and explore the impossible...moving impossibilities closer to possibilities!