Tag Archive for genuine living

What Does It Mean to Think Strategically?

January 3, 2022 John Uncategorized No comments

I’ve always felt that improving how you think will go a long way toward improving what you think. The result is a marked improvement in your life.

 As a new year begins, GenuLines offers a closer look at the thought process.
 

What Does It Mean to Think Strategically

 
“The purpose of life is a life of purpose” – Robert Byrne
 
Have you ever thought about what it means to think strategically? Does it mean to create strategies like in a war?
 
Is it a skill you are born with or something you learn? Strategic thinking seems like vague buzzwords.
 
Man thinks
 
 
 
The kind that CEOs toss around to sound important.

Learning

Actually, strategic thinking is a skill we can all learn. It’s how we plan, think, and ask questions to grow and learn while we work toward a goal.
 
It’s embracing what you were like when you were young child. When you asked questions like, “why?”
 
Thinking strategically grows out of a combination of knowledge, experiences, and your hunches. It’s about taking calculated and uncalculated risks that we hope will pay off in the future.
 
It’s about shifting your focus. You go from just doing things to thinking and planning what should be getting done.
 

Three Behaviors That Inspire Thinking

Strategically Switching your focus is easier said than done. To cultivate a mind of thinking strategically, these three behaviors can help.
 
Question why. Don’t accept doing a task a certain way because it’s the way it’s always been done.
 
Ask yourself why it’s done that way. Or if there’s a better way to do it.
 
Thinking strategically is about knowledge to help you make an informed decision. Asking questions and listening to others’ opinions is important.
 
It supplies you with the information you need to make a well-informed decision.

Observe everything

Spending every minute doing stuff and getting things done might seem productive.
 
But it doesn’t allow for you to think strategically about what you are doing.
 
Instead occasionally step back and observe what’s going on. Look for areas that could be more efficient. Who’s doing what and how much each activity is helping things move forward.
 
Look at the big picture. See the way the pieces fit together.

Reflect on your day

Think about what gave you energy or took it away.
 
Reflect on the activities that helped the organization move ahead. And the ones that wasted your time.
 
Reflection time each day allows you to ask yourself if you’re on the right path. Whether you develop solutions, and stay on track with your goals.
 
This is where inspiration and creativity have a chance to grow in a visible way.

Takeaway

When you focus on doing and making something happen by doing this and doing that, you’re working hard. But you’re not thinking strategically.
 
Of course, working and doing is necessary up to a point.
 
Instead stop focusing on just getting things done. Take a step back and set goals for what you want in the future and how you can help the organization win.
 
Thinking strategically is inspiring. You move away from going through the motions in a mindless way.
 
You don’t jump at the commands of others. Or you plan and observe and put ideas into motion.
 
And that takes you (and your team) to success.
 
JohnK 1-3-2022
 
stick figure hears about how to think
Overheard: “The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
                           ~Christopher Hitchens, Lettets to a Young Contrarian
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for how to think

Why Personal Growth Matters

December 27, 2021 John Uncategorized No comments

Think of your personal growth as the measuring stick of your life. The quality of your progress can affect the quality of your years. 

And GenuLines wants to make you aware of that quality and how you can improve it. 

Why Personal Growth Matters

How much time have you dedicated to your personal development in the past year? Six months? Week?
 
Unfortunately, society trains us to put other things first, like education and careers. We’re not downplaying their value in life.
 
We only want to point out the importance of taking the time to invest in our self-improvement.
 
Today, we’re talking about all the reasons why personal growth matters. As you’ll find out below, it makes up a huge chunk of your life as a whole, no matter how old you are.
 
graph showing growth
 
So, let’s get started.

What Is Personal Growth?

Working on accomplishing things in life, setting goals, and achieving them. This is personal growth.
 
It starts with the drive to do and be better.
 
Even before that, you have to start with a positive mindset. That helps boost your resilience and keeps you going, even when things don’t go your way.
 
The beauty of personal growth is that it’s subjective. It’s different for everyone, like success.

A Closer Look

Some people define being successful as having a happy, healthy family. Others define it as having a career, or more money than they know what to do with.
 
Even though personal growth is a bit more elusive, it’s all improving as an individual. This can be polishing up your education or refining your temperament. Whatever it is you’re seeking out of life, that’s your personal growth journey.

What’s In a Name?

Because it’s so diverse and covers so many aspects, it goes by several names, including:
 
*Self-improvement
 
*Personal development
 
*Self-growth
 
*Self-help

Why Does Personal Growth Matter?

Now that we understand what personal growth is, you can see how it can have a positive effect on someone. Then, without even trying, that person will motivate others to work harder and do better.
 
So, personal growth isn’t a solitary journey. Yes, you do the hard work. Yet, you reap so many rewards that soon you realize it was all worth it.
 
Working on developing as a person will help you in various aspects of your life. You’ll shine at work and you’ll notice people will start to praise your accomplishments.
 
You’ll also grow into a more compassionate and loving person. Listening and being attentive will become second nature. You’ll feel good about yourself, and you’ll make others feel good as well.

How to Start Your Personal Growth Journey

Empathy and positive thinking are two traits we seem to lose over the years. Personal growth can help you regain them.
 
Here are some of the things you can do to begin achieving personal growth.

Set Short-Term Goals

Aim to set and achieve short-term goals. When creating goals, keep the following in mind:
 
Make your goals realistic
 
Divide long-term goals into several short-term ones
 
Write each goal on a Post-It and hang it on your desk or bathroom mirror
 
Recognize and accept your strengths and weaknesses
 
Treat yourself to something nice every time you complete one of your goals

Keep Learning

We’re never too old to learn. Keep an open mind and take a step out of your comfort zone, and you’ll find fascinating things to learn about.
 
Ask any entrepreneur, and they’ll tell you they never stop learning. Their fascination with the world is what keeps them a step ahead of everyone else.
 
The trick is to find something that piques your interest. Nowadays everything is evolving so fast, there’s no shortage of that!

Find Your Purpose

What makes you happy? Find what makes you giddy with happiness, a.k.a. your purpose in life.
 
Each one of us has something that drives them and sets them apart from everyone else. Find what you want and go after it.
 
Even if you don’t know much about it, you can always learn. Thanks to modern-day technology, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Wake Up Early

Having healthy sleep patterns will regulate your physical, emotional, and mental states. You’ll feel more energized and ready to tackle the day that lies ahead.
 
Studies looked at people who make a habit of waking up early. They found those people to be healthier, happier, and more productive. It may take some time to get used to, but, once you do, you’ll never go back!

Read More

Many of us have given up on reading, thanks to our ever-present smartphones. You have to start the habit of reading each day, even if you read one blog a day.
 
Acquiring knowledge can be quite satisfying. You feel both competent and good. It’s an easy way to boost self-confidence and personal growth.

Personal Self-Acceptance

Knowing what your talents and skills are, is a vital part of self-acceptance. Likewise it’s important to recognize the areas where you’re not as strong.
 
Be confident in what you’ve accomplished and forgive yourself for any past mistakes. That’s the first step to accepting who you are and realizing your true worth.
 
We’re all here for a reason. Take the time to find out what yours is.

A Final Note

Understanding why personal growth matters is like understanding the secret of the universe. It can mean the difference between being happy, hopeful, and feeling dejected and lost.
 
Well, of course no one wakes up saying, “I want to be miserable.” It requires hard work and dedication.
 
You have to have a positive outlook and accept yourself for who you are. Only then can you unlock your true potential, which I have no doubt, will be amazing!
 
JohnK 12-27-2021
 
Stick figure hears about growthOverheard: “Don’t go through life, grow through life.”
                                    ~Eric Butterworth
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for growth

How Your Thoughts Influence Your Behavior

December 20, 2021 John Uncategorized No comments

Someone once said thoughts are things. Whatever they are thoughts thoughts play a big part in guiding your day to day activity. 

And GenuLiines wants to give you some insight into how that’s done. 

How Your Thoughts Influence Your Behavior

picture of thoughtsThere’s a universal secret to living a full life: you are what you think. Not what you were expecting, huh?
 
Many of the great minds of our time agree that thoughts are the building blocks of life experiences. They’re telling us that the quality of your thoughts reflects the quality of your life.
 
 
 
 
The problem is when you start to believe that material things can make your life better. You buy shiny, expensive things and go on trips to faraway, exotic places.
 
Some people even resort to mind-numbing substances to help them forget their reality.
The truth is that creating a better reality starts by creating change from the inside.
 
Your thoughts are the driving force behind why you feel and act the way you do. Once you understand the link between those three, you can start living the life you want in the way you want it.
 
Below, you’ll find three life-altering tips. Incorporate them into your day.
They’ll help you change negative thought patterns to positive ones. Let’s dive in

Recognize Faulty Thought Patterns

Most of our beliefs and thoughts tend to be more on the negative side. These faulty thought patterns can lead to mental disorders like anxiety and depression.
 
The author Earl Nightingale said, “We become what we think.” So, why are you letting your negative thoughts dictate how you live your life?
 
Below are some of the more common negative patterns of thought many of us suffer from. Get a pen and paper and write down which of them you most relate to.
 
Once you’ve identified them, you can start to transform them from the negative to the positive.
 
Minimizing achievements and maximizing simple errors
*Catastrophizing future outcomes All-or-nothing dichotomous thinking
*Generalizing people and situations
*Filtering out positive statements and focusing only on the negative

Foster Healthy Habits

When you do something often enough it becomes a habit. The more you do it, the more likely you’ll keep doing it in the future.
 
Thought patterns are the same way. The more you think in a certain way, the more you’ll likely keep thinking about it the same way over and over again.
 
Soon enough, it’ll start to consume your day-to-day living. The science behind it is that each thought ignites a chemical reaction in your brain.
 
This process then triggers a certain emotion.
 
As a result, your emotions send a signal to your body and then you react. This cycle repeats itself until you realize you’re not living the life you want for yourself.
 
You can’t even recognize who you are anymore.
 
Think Good Thoughts
Marcus Aurelius’ quote rings true here, “A man’s life is what his thoughts make of it.”
It’s then that you should decide to make a change.
 
Recondition yourself by recognizing negative thoughts and how they affect your emotions.
 
This thinking about your thinking is what psychologists refer to as metacognition. It’s one of the best ways to find out what’s causing your thought patterns.
 
As with most things, reconditioning your thoughts takes time. Brace yourself for a few bumps along the way but stick with it.
 
You’ll realize it’s the only way to become aware of the link between your thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Only then will you be able to regain control and live the life you deserve.

Seek Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective tool for dealing with certain mental disorders. This type of therapy focuses on the idea that our thoughts, behavior, and emotions are all linked.
 
The best thing about CBT is it’s all about your present, rather than focusing on past events. After all, it was Ralph Waldo Emerson who wrote, “A man is what he thinks about all day long.”
 
Through CBT, you learn how to challenge negative thoughts and behaviors. CBT is also unique in that it assigns practical work outside each session.
 
It’s a great way to see first-hand how thoughts influence behavior. You’ll be able to start living with intention.

Check out some of the most common CBT strategies:

*Exposure: Coming face-to-face with your fears to confront and overcome stress and apprehension
*Mindfulness: Focusing on the present moment through steady breathing and your five senses
*Skills training: Practicing certain skills through role-playing, modeling, and mock scenarios

The Takeaway

Now, it’s time for a little challenge. Become more conscious of your thoughts, both the good and the bad.
 
Negative thoughts hold you back from living life to the fullest. They keep you shackled in a tiring cycle of self-doubt, fear, and panic.
 
On the flip side, positive thoughts make you feel good about yourself. They lift your mood, boost your motivation, and encourage you to work hard.
 
So, work on rewiring your brain to think happy, positive thoughts. Getting started may be difficult in the beginning, but it’s worth it in the long run.
 
Your future self will thank you!
 
JohnK 12-20-2021
 
 
Stick figure hears about thoughtsOverheard: “Our thoughts make us what we are”
                             ~Dale Carnegie
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for thoughts
 

Trouble Staying Focused? This Might Help

December 13, 2021 John Uncategorized No comments

Your focus needs to be laser-like. But for some reason it tends to wander. These few reminders from GenuLines will help keep you on the beam.

Trouble Staying Focused? This Might Help
We all have days when we’re struggling to stay focused on our work. One of the first things you should look at is distractions.
 
Various things and people can keep us from concentrating and getting work done. Let’s look at what shape and form these distractions may take and what you can do to lose them.
 
kids focus 
 
Then we’ll look at how you can get back to staying focused.
 
Physical Distractions
First the obvious. There can be all sorts of things that distract you in your office, or around your desk. This could be your phone blinking each time you get a new social media alert or email.
 
It could be your email program on your laptop notifying you of incoming messages. It could be your phone ringing, or that pile of files sitting on the corner of your desk that you know you need to deal with.
 
If you’re working at home it could also be that sink full of dirty dishes. Or the washing machine beeping to let you know it’s finished.
 
The key here is to realize that you’re in control of your work space. Turn your phone to silent and stick it in a drawer, or lay it upside down while you’re working.
 
Turn off the phone’s ringer, and either deal with the files now, or stick them in a drawer until you can take a look at them. Cut out the physical distractions as much as possible.
 
Then work on staying focused and getting your work done. The key here is also to make a conscious choice of when to deal with things that tend to interrupt you.
 
Distracting People
People who show up and distract you can be a little harder to deal with. You need to work with others.
 
You want to cultivate friendships. And there are times when you have to deal with a family situation, no matter how big a work deadline you have looming.
 
Setting expectations helps. So does making it clear that there are times when you need to shut your office door.
 
If you can set aside a time and make a schedule of sorts. Let people know when you must work without interruption.
 
At other times having an open door can help. This works well with co-workers, but also with family and friends.
 
Mental Distractions
Last but not least there are mental distractions. They can be the trickiest to keep at bay since there’s not a lot you can do to shut them out completely.
 
Thoughts will pop into your head and do their best to distract you. It helps to keep a notepad nearby.
 
You can jot those thoughts down. Later you can go back and check on things after you’re done with your task.
 
For example, if you’re worried if your check cleared, make a note.
Then get back to work.
 
Check your online bank account during your break.
By writing it down, you don’t have to worry about remembering to do it.
 
JohnK 12-13-2021
 
stick figure hears about focusOverheard: “Focus does not mean saying yes, it means saying no”
                                ~Steve Jobs
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for focus

Why You Might Be Failing at Self-care

November 29, 2021 John Uncategorized No comments

Are you falling down in the area of self-care? If so you’ve got a lot of company.

Time for a gentle reminder from GenuLines 

Why You Might Be Failing at Self-care  

picture of self care
 
You might know how important self-care is to your well-being. But it isn’t always easy to work it into your daily routine.
 
Here, we’ll look at why you often fail at this.
 
 
 
 
And we’ll look at the things that are holding you back.
 

It’s often perceived as selfish

One of the main reasons people fail to take care of themselves is because they feel it’s selfish. It could be that you feel guilty when you take time to focus on yourself.
 
Or, you may worry about what other people think.
 
It’s a total myth that self-care is selfish. In fact, it can help you to be a better parent, friend, spouse, and relative.
 
The more you take care of yourself, the easier you’ll find it to take care of others.
 
You’ll also show your children how important this is. Teaching them to take care of their own needs is a crucial life skill.
 
One that’s going to help them to grow up to be happier adults.

It requires effort

There’s no getting away from the fact that self-care does take some level of effort in the beginning. When you aren’t used to making self-care a priority, you’re going to need to make quite a few changes to your routine.
 
Coming up with a self-care plan can feel like a chore, making it easy to put off. But there are ways to reduce the effort.
 
For example, focusing on one thing you want to improve at a time can help. Would you like to start working out more?
 
Scheduling time to exercise as soon as you wake up, for example, can be a great start. Or, if you’re looking to drink more water, focus on that goal first.
 
If you break down your self-care tasks, it makes them much easier, reducing a lot of the effort involved.

Different approaches work for different people

Every one of us is different, and we enjoy different things. You might find more feel-good in going for a run than you do in yoga or meditation.
 
So you would list running as a self-care task.
 
If you find one approach isn’t working, try something else. Your decision should be personal and fit your own needs.
 
These are some of the most common reasons people fail to take good care of themselves. It can be difficult overcoming the initial barriers.
 
But when you understand what and how important it is, you’ll find it much easier to stick to a self-care routine.
 
JohnK 11-29-2021
chiforyourself.com home
 
stick man hears about self careOverheard: “When you say ‘yes’ to others make sure you are not saying ‘no’ to yourself”
                            ~Paolo Coehlo
 
 
 
disclaimer for self care

Stop Worrying About What People Think

November 22, 2021 John Uncategorized No comments

Worrying isn’t good for much. Especially when you worry about what people think.

GenuLines wants to help you keep others’ opinions from getting to you. 

 

Stop Worrying About What People Think

Do you find yourself always doubting your decisions? Are you fretting over other people’s reactions to your actions or opinions?
 
worrying guy in hoodieIn this post, we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you stop worrying about what people think of you. Learn how to use constructive criticism to your advantage.
 
Then filter out any negative judgment.
 
 
 
This will leave you less anxious and less overwhelmed. As a result, you can stay more focused on yourself and the best ways to achieve your goals.
 
Let’s get started.
 
Are People’s Opinions Holding You Back?
Worrying about what others think and feel about you is a normal part of our DNA. We’re programmed to seek others’ approval.
 
Studies show there’s a reward center that’s activated when we’re given a compliment.
 
Even if you sense people’s recognition of your hard work, your brains fire up those same reward centers.
 
So acceptance brings a good feeling. Yet we won’t find acceptance from everyone every time.
 
Problems start when we start pivoting our lifestyles to fit people’s expectations. We give others power over our lives and how we should live it.
 
Thus, we lose out on experiencing genuine living.
 
Next
After that, things go downhill and start spiraling out of control. Being stuck in that mind frame can be destructive to you and those around you.
 
Going down this unproductive path, you’ll be leaving a path of destruction in your wake. It will affect your job, your relationships, and your self-esteem.
 
How Can I Stop Worrying About What People Think?
Do some serious soul searching. Do you feel that your reality has shifted? Have you started to believe in other people’s version of who you are as opposed to the real you?
 
Then, it’s time to step up and take some actionable steps. You owe it to yourself to share the real you with the world.
 
We rounded some simple, yet effective, ways to help you break this vicious cycle. Read on to learn more.
 
Focus on What’s Important
Has someone said something unkind about you? Instead of letting it fester, don’t let it go to your head.
 
Chances are, that person won’t recall what they said in about ten minutes. Plus, what they say reflects who they are as a person.
 
If you think about it, it actually has very little to do with you.
 
In other words, their perceptions of you come from them. And you’re not responsible for how they feel or what they think, neither can you change any of it.
 
So, why waste your time fretting over something you have no control over?
 
Instead, channel that energy into something productive. You can learn a new skill, take up a class, or pick up an old hobby.
 
Whatever it is, make sure it’s something you enjoy.
 

Some things more worthy of your time

Spend quality time with friends and family

 
Smile at the barista serving your coffee or hold the door for someone
 
Surround yourself with people who encourage and support you
 
Volunteer at a local shelter or food bank
 
Take a walk through the park
 
Have dinner at that restaurant you’ve been dying to try
 
Highlight Your Accomplishments
We’ve all been through difficult times in our lives; some more than others. At the same time, we’ve all accomplished one thing or another.
 
It doesn’t have to be anything grandiose or elaborate. But it does have to mean something to you.
 
Like filing your taxes on time or making home-cooked meals for an entire week. Be proud of yourself and all the hard work you put in.
 
You can even write down these accomplishments and hang them up on your fridge or vanity mirror. Then every time you catch a glimpse of one of your achievements, say to yourself, “I did that!”
 
Say it over and over until your subconscious takes it in.
 
Uplifting Talk
Another way to boost your confidence is to practice saying encouraging statements. These will help build up your self-esteem and improve the way you view yourself.
 
Here are a few statements to get you inspired:
 
My self-confidence is on the rise.
 
I’m worthy of all good things.
 
I can’t control what happens, but I can control my reaction to them.
 
My ideas are great.
 
I’m blessed and appreciative of everyone and everything in my life.
 
Train Yourself to See the Positive
Our brains see the negative. They’re wired that way.
 
We complain, we blame others, and we dwell. This has to stop!
 
You can train your thoughts to be more positive. And you can do it in a healthy, productive way.
 
As a result, you become less anxious and more resilient.
 

Take an honest look at your weaknesses or flaws

We all have them.
 
Some are better at acknowledging and improving them than others. Why can’t that be you?
 
Write down a list of five things that bother you about yourself. Then, set some realistic goals to change them and reward yourself each time you reach one of your set goals.
 
Make sure you start small and work at your own pace. The point is to feel good about yourself, not overwhelm or burden you.
 
That kind of defeats the purpose.
 
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques are becoming popular because people are realizing the importance of self-care. These techniques aim at reducing stress levels and improving your health.
 
They also teach you the value of savoring the present.
 
When you focus on your today, you stop worrying about what happened in the past or what might happen in the future. These techniques can also help you stop worrying about what people think about you.
 
The great thing about them is that you can do them anywhere. Whenever you start to worry, remind yourself that you could be overreacting.
 
It’s likely that your colleagues aren’t judging you in the harsh way you think they are.
 
Take a few deep breaths and focus on anything around you: your coffee mug, a cloud, and your nails. Anything that can steer your thoughts to the present moment will do the trick!
 
Then, lo and behold, you’ll notice that your pulse is slowing down and so is your heart rate. Your anxiety will start to recede and you’ll realize you don’t care about what people think as much anymore.
 
JohnK 11-22-2021
 
Stick figure hears about worryingOverheard: “If only the people who worry about their liabilities would think about the riches they do possess, they would stop worrying.”
                                        ~Dale Carnegie
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for worrying

Are Emotional Vampires Draining You Dry?

November 15, 2021 John Uncategorized No comments

Those emotional vampires make you want to turn around and run the other way. And their effect can stay with you after they’re gone.

Today GenuLines helps you educate yourself to keep the vampires at bay. 

Are Emotional Vampires Draining You Dry?

The people around us affect our view of the world. And there are plenty of reasons why some people may drain your energy more than others.

An emotional vampire

You could be dealing with a narcissist or someone who complains most of the time.

If an emotional vampire is draining you dry, it’s time to start protecting your energy. Today we look at how to recognize the signs of an emotional vampire, and the best ways to protect your energy.
 

Understanding The Different Types of Emotional Vampires Emotional vampires come in a variety of forms.

They include:

 Victims Narcissists Constant talkers Controllers Drama queens
 
Each type of emotional vampire can leave an effect on you. You feel tired and deflated after being in their company.
 
The victim emotional vampire plays the victim, even when they’re the perpetrator. Narcissists are only interested in their own thoughts and feelings.
 
Constant talkers drain your mental energy.
 
They’re in your midst
Most of us know at least one type of emotional vampire in our lives. Not sure how to identify them?
 
There are a few signs to watch out for…
Tell-Tale Signs You Are Dealing with An Emotional Vampire
The main signs to watch out for include:
 
You feel mentally exhausted after spending time with them. Your depression or anxiety ratchet up.
 
You feel like they’re putting you down. You turn to comfort eating or drinking alcohol after being around them.
Protecting Your Energy
If you are dealing with an emotional vampire, how can you stop them from draining your energy? The good news is there are strategies you can use to deal with them.
 
First, if you can, you should distance yourself from the person. Avoid being around an emotional vampire.
 
Now, this isn’t always possible.
 

To thine own self

If you can’t distance yourself, make sure you’re practicing self-care. Taking care of yourself will allow you to feel more confident to set healthy boundaries.

 You’ll be more assertive and protective of your time.
 
So, if you don’t already, set aside time every day to focus on yourself. Take care of your own needs first.
 
Then watch how your energy and tolerance changes for negative people.
 
Getting help
If you’re struggling to handle an emotional vampire in your life, you can also turn to therapy. Seeking help from a professional will enable you to understand why you can’t deal with the problem.
 
And you’ll learn about solutions that can help.
 
Emotional vampires are everywhere today. It isn’t always possible to get away from them immediately.
 
But there are things you can do in the meantime to protect yourself and your energy.
 
JohnK 11-15-2021
 
stick figure hears emotional messageOverheard: “Genius is the ability to renew one’s emotions in daily experience”. 
                             ~Paul Cezanne
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for emotional vampires

Stop Letting Fear Control Your Life

November 1, 2021 John Uncategorized No comments

Fear is something that, at times, can help you in life. But when it takes control of your life it’s a whole different story. 

Never fear, GenuLines is here to get you back in the driver’s seat. 

 

Stop Letting Fear Control Your Life

The number one thing that holds many of us from going after our dreams is fear. If left unchecked, it can keep you locked up inside your own mental prison.
 
picture of fear ride
 
The trouble is, confronting your fears isn’t easy. And changing it is going to be uncomfortable.
 
While they may keep you comfortable, they can also cause frustration and depression. If you’re honest about wanting to live your best life, you need to stop letting fear rule it.
 
Here, we’ll look at how you can stop letting it control your life.
 
 
 
 
Explore the cause of your fear
If you want to stand any chance of getting over your fear, you’re going to need to know its cause. Write down all your fears.
 
Then, circle the fears that are most palpable. Once you’ve identified your main fears, start to think of ways you can prevent them from happening.
 
This can help you to feel like you have more control over them.
 
You won’t always be able to prevent your fears from coming true. But most of them are nothing more than a defense mechanism.
 
By facing our fears, we often find that they weren’t as bad as we thought they’d be. Once you have an idea of what’s causing them, you can then look at ways to combat them.
 
Practice mindfulness
Fear tends to generate a lot of anxiety. By practicing mindfulness, it can help to bring a sense of calm into the mind.
 
Lowering your anxiety levels will in turn give your fear less control over you. When you’re in a calmer state, you’re going to feel a lot stronger and better able to face your fear.
 
Meditation and deep breathing exercises are great for calming anxiety. They also deliver a lot of other great benefits for the mind and body.
 
Start with short, guided meditations if you’re a beginner. They’re free on sites such as YouTube.
 
Focus on the consequences if you don’t change
If you’re struggling to face your fears, focus on what will happen if you don’t make the needed changes. That is, how will your life be a year from now if you don’t change anything now?
 
Most likely, you’ll still be stuck feeling dissatisfied with your life. You’ll be unable to move forward.
 
The reason you’re reading this is that you’re already feeling fed up and wanting to make a change. So, if you don’t start facing your fear, you’ll only start to feel more frustrated, resentful, and lost.
 
Summary
Focusing on what will happen if you don’t face your fear can provide you with the motivation you need to do it.
 
These are the best ways you can stop letting fear control your life. Only by recognizing and facing up to this can you get past it.
 
Fear is also linked to how you feel about yourself. So work on your self-improvement and boost your confidence.
 
You’ll be in a much better position to face your fears.
 
JohnK 11-1-2021
chiforyourself.com home
 
 
stick man hears about fearOverheard: “Courage is knowing what not to fear.”
                          ~Plato
 
 
 
 
Fear disclaimer
 

Whole Food Vs. Refined- A Closer Look

October 25, 2021 John Uncategorized No comments

You want to eat the best quality food possible. But how many facts and contradictory reports can we consume? 

So today GenuLines is serving up this look at both whole and refined food. 

Whole Food Vs. Refined- A Closer Look

Which foods should I eat and how much? An endless parade of options gives us almost too much information on making good choices.

example of whole foodSure spinach is no doubt a healthier food choice than potato chips. But a new area of focus is getting attention.
 
It has more to do with the quality of the food rather than which food to pick.
 
So you took spinach over potato chips.
 
 
 
But is it still good for you if it’s canned, frozen, fresh, refined? It’s a tricky question.
 
Making good food choices
First, we need to define some of these key terms. Whole food is one without changes that could alter its natural state.
 
This might refer to vegetables that are grown without any modification. as if you’d picked them from the ground itself.
 
Grains or even meat can come into play, too. This means no chemicals, preservatives, or additives in the packaging process.
 
Altered states
By contrast, refined food has had some aspects of it removed or altered. This can but doesn’t always include processed foods.
 
These prepared foods have nothing taken away. Think fresh orange juice prepared from fresh oranges, or flour from whole grain.
 
Now, refined food goes through a process that creates a fundamental change. One example is the difference that occurs with converted rice- from brown to white.
 
But is it better?
Generally speaking refined does not refer to better or improved. Rather it’s often a refining process that’s removing key nutrients.
 
For example, white flour that’s made from whole grain. It starts with a process that removes a lot of the fiber content.
 
So it doesn’t have the nutrition density or health benefits of brown rice flour.
Not all refined foods are bad.
 
Processed dried fruits have had their water removed.
 
That doesn’t mean they’re bad for you. Heat plain popcorn and you change its structure.
 
It’s processed, but it can still be healthy.
 
Take a closer look
One of the key takeaways then is to dig deeper into any food that’s refined or could be. There are many refined foods that don’t deliver nutritional benefits.
 
And they’ve been fundamentally altered in the process. These deliver a much compromised nutritional benefit.
 
They include products like white bread, white rice, or refined pasta. These lose their original density when altered for taste and preservation.
 
But there’s more
Fruit juices are another example of processing for preservation. This gives them longer shelf life and more sweetness.
 
Their alteration kills most of the original benefit of the actual fruits.
 
So, if you think drinking apple juice is as good as eating apples, think again. Of course, some examples would be much easier to identify.
 
Compare potato chip quality to the original potato’s. Or fried chicken tenders and their original composition when they’re still fresh.
 
Summary
In a perfect nutrition world we would only consume whole foods straight from farm to table. Whenever possible this is the recommended choice.
 
So when you shop for refined foods, do your due diligence. Find out if the refining process has altered the food for the worse, and if so, do your best to avoid it.
 
As always, preparation equals success so do your research and eat the best food for you!
 
JohnK 10/25/2021
 
stick figure hears about foodOverheard: “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
                                  ~J.R.R. Tolkien
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer about food

Why Mental Focus Is Crucial For Success

October 18, 2021 John Uncategorized No comments

Focus can become a casualty during times like these we’re living in. Important things can fall through the cracks. 

So with that said GenuLines reminds you that focus is key to getting the results you want in life. 

Why Mental Focus Is Crucial For Success

Mental focus is one of the most important skills when it comes to success in any area of your life. To focus means to concentrate on a particular task or problem for a period of time.
 
picture of brain focus
 
 
It’s something you can get better at with practice. For now, let’s look at exactly why mental focus is crucial for success and how it can help you get things done.
 
Focus Keeps Distractions At Bay
Distractions are all around us. You sit down at your desk and end up checking email.
 
You browse through Facebook. Or you get lost on YouTube watching video after video.
 
We get distracted by new projects. Or things that need to be taken care of around the house or the office, and of course by family members and coworkers.
 
With all these distractions it’s a wonder we get anything done. There’s always something else that demands our attention, or a fun new project we’d rather be working on.
 
This is where your focus can make a huge difference and help you get things done. Focus is like a pair of blinders.
 
It helps you concentrate on the task at hand until it’s done.
 
Focus Keeps You From Making Mistakes
You make fewer mistakes when you’re not always distracted. You give full attention to whatever you’re working on.
 
The mistakes come when you’re not engaged and immersed in the task you’re working on.
 
To turn this around, concentrate on your work. If you do make mistakes you’re more likely to catch and fix them.
 
The end result is a better quality product, no matter what you’re working on.
 
Focus Helps You Get More Done Faster
Have you ever worked on a tight deadline? Let’s say you have to finish a report or write a blog post before you can head out to lunch to meet a friend.
 
You become dialed in (thanks to that looming deadline). Now tasks that would usually take you half a day you’re doing in 30 minutes.
 
Best of all, the end result is often better than your usual work. Now you’re focused and are getting into the flow.
 
And things seem to come together with almost no effort.
 
JohnK 10-18-2021
 
Stick figure hears about focusOverheard: “If you want to live a long life, focus on making contributions.”
                              ~Hans Selye
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer about focus
 
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