Change is a blessing that I am learning to enjoy.

I am grateful for the gift of change.

Without change, I would never be able to grow, learn new things, accomplish my goals, or look forward to anything different than what I’ve got.

Even though I may resist change at times, I am learning to enjoy its possibilities.

Even when change is forced upon me and brings challenges, it opens new doors of opportunity.

I now realize that a change that seems devastating can actually propel me into a better life!

Where would I be today if I had not lost that job, causing me to seek a better, more fulfilling path in life?

How could I have the husband I enjoy now if I had not left my old boyfriend behind?

Change is one of the blessings that come with the power of choice.

I can choose to leave things the way they are, or change them to something better.

I can choose to waste my life fighting inevitable changes or take advantage of them and enjoy life.

When life hands me lemons, I choose to make lemonade!

Change allows me to learn and grow.

As I strive to achieve my goals, I embrace the changes in my life that bring me ever closer to success.

With each change, I become more knowledgeable, stronger, and more confident that I can handle whatever life may bring.

I know that today brings its share of changes.

I choose to welcome them all and allow myself to enjoy all opportunities that come my way.

What changes are you resisting in your life right now?

How can you embrace these changes and use them to improve your life?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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I take pride in my small achievements, for each step brings me closer to success.

I have a bulletproof plan for success and it keeps me fulfilled and motivated all along the way!

It is my road map and every small task I accomplish is one step on the road to attaining my goals.

I divide every major goal in my life into a series of smaller goals that lead up to it.

Then I divide each of the smaller goals into a series of small, attainable tasks.

Once I take the time to figure out the smaller goals and tasks, I have a sure-fire plan for success.

All I need to do is dive right in!

I schedule some quick and easy tasks for the beginning so that even large projects can be easily started.

This helps me build my focus and momentum.

Once I get going like this, it’s easier to keep going, even when challenges arise.

I have the momentum to solve the problem and continue on.

I keep my plan flexible so that small detours around a challenge can still get me to my destination.

So in my plan, every task completed – every small achievement – is something to be proud of.

Each task is an integral part of my journey to success.

When I complete even the smallest one, I celebrate my victory.

Today, I intend to figure out my detailed plan for success and then I jump right in to achieve those small victories on my journey.

What is your plan for success?

What small steps can you put at the beginning to get started right away?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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How to Strengthen Your Money Management Skills

It’s always a good idea to tweak and reevaluate your money management skills.

The world of money can be a huge task to manage which can get overwhelming at times.

However, with clear goals and careful calculations, you can adopt a manageable system that works well for you.

Follow these tips to strengthen your money management skills:

1. Tweak your tracking system.

You probably already track your spending to some degree, but it would be helpful to see what it’s like when you track all of your spending.

Try doing this for at least a week.

When you see all of your expenses written out, you’ll be able to clearly see what’s necessary and what’s not.

You can then decide to spend your money differently based on your current spending habits.

2. Consider your savings. 401Ks and other tax-advantaged retirement plans are a good option for saving money long-term.

On the other side, it’s important to have money in a regular savings account that you can access regularly for surprise expenses, like car or home repairs.

3. Determine your needs and wants. If cutting back drastically is a necessity to you at this time, look at your monthly expenses in detail.

Make a two-column list and divide your expenses into needs and wants, then eliminate as many items from the “wants” category.

4. Set realistic goals. It’s important to be realistic when setting out new money management goals for yourself.

You shouldn’t do anything too drastic too quickly.

It’s always best to take on changes in stages and ease into new situations. You’ll avoid shock this way.

5. Give yourself an allowance. If you tell yourself you can’t spend any money, you’ll get frustrated and you’ll be more likely to revert back to old habits.

Instead, give yourself a monthly allowance.

Tell yourself that you can spend $50 to $100 each month on the things you enjoy.

You’ll have some fun and save money at the same time.

When You Want To Change

The trick to strengthening your money management skills lies in your drive to change.

People usually run into trouble when they want to save money but are unwilling to live a different lifestyle.

Realize that you can shift your lifestyle without it being a burden.

When you start slow and make small changes, you allow yourself the time and opportunity to create positive new habits.

For example, you can start with your grocery bill.

Decide if there are certain expensive foods that you can skip.

Tell yourself that you can treat yourself to them whenever they go on sale.

This way you’ll still indulge yourself every now and then, but you’ll be saving money.

Long Term Goals

It’s always a good idea to keep your eyes on your long-term goals.

Where do you want to be next year, in 5 years, and in 10 years?

Make an attainable action plan with your finances that will get you there.

When you keep your goals in mind, you maintain a drive that also enables you to enjoy the journey.

These strategies will help you bolster your money management skills so you can soon enjoy your life without the financial stress!

What are things you would like to buy but are unable to due to lack of funds?

How can you work on getting more stable with your finances?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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I create new habits to help me reach my goals.

When I set a new goal, I try to think of anything I can do consistently, on a daily basis, to help me achieve it.

Then I use mental cues, affirmations, and meditation to help me create that habit.

If the new goal is a positive character trait, like greater confidence, I strive to exhibit that attitude daily.

I create affirmations that remind me that I am a winner and I visualize conquering challenges with ease.

Soon enough, I realize that my habits have led me to my goal.

If I wish to become a philanthropist, I share my good fortune daily with those less fortunate, even if it is in very small amounts.

The habit of automatically exhibiting this generosity catapults me to my goal.

If I wish to fund something like a new car or a vacation, I get in the habit of automatically putting away bits of money daily, like dropping all my change into a jar or strictly paying cash for my purchases to avoid overspending.

These thrifty strategies become habits in a short time that help me reach my goal.

I use this strategy for every goal I set.

Every time I reinforce the habit, I strengthen it, which brings me closer to my goals!

My goal, today, is to create a new habit to help me maintain an optimistic attitude, no matter what.

Every time I find myself with a negative thought, I can repeat a positive affirmation to replace it.

What can you do consistently to help achieve your latest goal?

What strategies can you use to help reinforce those actions into a habit?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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Clarify Your Goals for Greater Success

A goal is like a compass.

It helps you focus on where you want to go in life and make positive progress to get there.

However, it’s important to remember that you need clarity in your goals from time to time.

You’ll want to make it as easy as possible for you to reach them.

It may take some more time on your part, but when you write out detailed instructions for yourself instead of vague ideas, you have a much better chance at success.

Not only do you know exactly what you need to do, but such plans also tend to invigorate you with more enthusiasm.

Follow these tips in order to clarify your goals:

1. Figure out your ultimate goal. What, exactly, do you want? 

Instead of a goal like “I want to be successful,” get down to specifics, such as “I want to own my own business which brings in at least $10,000 per month.” 

2. Don’t be afraid of detail.

You make the ultimate decision on what you want. Just don’t be afraid to set the details.

Avoid goals like “I want to be rich” because there is no detail.

How much money do you want to make?

Why? What will this money provide for you that you desire?

What lifestyle do you want? Cars, homes, ability to travel the world, philanthropy?

How do you want to earn this money?

When do you want this to happen?

How can you prepare for this?

3. Break up your goals.

When you stare at the ultimate goal, it may seem intimidating and unattainable.

It’s important to break up your main goal into smaller goals.

Write out detailed plans about how you’ll reach each of the smaller goals.

For example, if you want to start your own business, a small goal would be to research your local and federal business laws and register a name.

4. Give yourself deadlines.

It’s vital to give yourself deadlines so you know you’re making progress towards your goals.

Each of your small goals should have an attainable deadline.

In the business example above, maybe you’d give yourself a week’s time in order to research different business structures and laws.

5. Keep track. Make detailed notes about what you have done so far.

Keeping track of your progress will help you stay organized and on top of your goals.

6. Make alternate plans.

Sometimes you won’t be able to make the deadline you have set out for yourself, or maybe you’ll be unable to follow through with a current plan entirely.

It’s important to think of alternatives in case certain situations don’t work out in your favor.

If you already have back up plans in place, you’ll save time if you run into snags on the way to your goals.

Get Organized 

Organization can mean keeping all of your detailed plans and journals in a binder with tabs for easy access to your various sets of notes.

Alternatively, you may opt to keep your materials organized by using project management software on your computer.

Just remember to make backups of your digital information so that you don’t lose it.

No matter what method you’ve chosen, determine the details, set small attainable goals that lead toward your ultimate goals, be flexible so you can conquer challenges, and keep track of your progress.

Doing these things will bring you ultimate clarity and success.

How important are goals in your life?

How do you feel when you achieve a goal?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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How Optimism Can Help You Overcome Challenges and Reach Your Goals

All actions start as mere thoughts.

When you set out to reach your goals, negative thinking pretty much ends your journey right there.

You end up losing your drive, which you need in order to get anything done.

Thinking optimistically can be the difference between easily reaching success and falling short.

But how can you start thinking optimistically?

There are certain actions you can take that will help you shift your core beliefs.

Try these steps in order to set yourself up for success with optimism:

1. Expect the best. You should know your desired outcome for your ultimate goals and believe that the best case scenario can prevail.

You may tend to drift into the “what if” thoughts from time to time, but you also have the power to fight them.

If you catch yourself thinking this way, immediately shift your focus onto something positive.

2. Take immediate action. Reaching your ultimate goals can be intimidating.

There might be many things holding you back, including the fear of failure.

But when you take immediate action, you leave no time for pessimistic thoughts to arise.

You’ll plough forward in a positive direction.

3. Seek the silver lining. No doubt there will be situations that present challenges to you.

You must believe that everything happens for a reason and that there’s a silver lining somewhere in this challenge.

Do your best to learn from the situation and then actively seek the best direction forward.

4. Write down your thoughts. You can certainly benefit from a brain dump every now and then.

Write down your thoughts, including your fears, in order to vent.

Take note of your positive thoughts as well.

By writing everything down, you’ll gain clarity about your goals.

Worrying About Challenges

Don’t waste your time worrying about the challenges at hand or ahead.

Once you realize that worrying serves no purpose, you’ll be better able to let them go.

Chances are things will work out for the best.

You need to believe this in order to achieve an optimistic attitude.

Realism will tell you that there’s the possibility of failure.

While that may be true, you shouldn’t focus on it.

Worrying about failure will not make it any easier to endure if it happens, and it can even cause you to attract that failure to you!

Worrying only hurts you in the present moment and keeps you from taking the positive action that can bring your goals to fruition.

Challenges Are Normal

When you realize that challenges are normal, they may be a tad easier to deal with.

The fact is you’re faced with challenges of varying degrees everyday.

You already know that life throws challenges your way, but you must believe that you can overcome these challenges!

Then, you’ll be able to conquer every obstacle with an optimistic attitude.

Discover What You Can Learn

There’s a lesson to be learned in each challenge.

Realizing the lessons you’re presented with will allow you to grow as a person and learn from both your successes and failures.

As you learn, you build confidence and confidence brings optimism.

Evaluate the outcome of a few different challenges your life has presented you.

When you had an optimistic attitude, how did things turn out?

When you had a pessimistic attitude, how did things turn out?

Oftentimes your attitude alone can make a significant difference.

 And remember, your attitude is your choice!

How have you taken the time to look at your own expectations?

How can you focus on living your life in the moment?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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My life goals have deep meaning to me.

My life goals are the means to bring my dreams to fruition.

They provide the light that guides me right into the life I desire.

Without my goals, I would be lost – wandering aimlessly in the darkness!

My life goals enable me to keep my focus on what is important to me.

Life has a way of providing distractions that tend to occupy my time and threaten to disrupt my plans for the future.

With my life goals clearly defined, I can get back on track, moving steadily toward my goals.

I divide my life goals into a series of attainable tasks that will get me to where I want to be.

When I am constantly involved in this way with my life goals, I remain focused, even through the distractions.

My life goals bring me passion and commitment.

They are the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

I visualize living my dream life each day in meditation and I know that my goals will make all of this possible.

My ambition gets me past the rough times in my life.

When things get tough, I remember that this, too, shall pass and I feel hopeful.

Today, I plan to keep my focus on my life goals and I let my passion and commitment get me past all obstacles in my path.

What are your life goals?

How do they affect your daily life?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

Before you leave…

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