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A Good Morning Routine Can Change Your Life

January 21, 2020 John Uncategorized One comment

Your morning routine is on automatic pilot for the most part. You don’t give it much thought.

But what if you tweaked your routine a bit? It could help send you on your way to more success in life.

GenuLines explains how that works.

(You can listen to this article by clicking on this player)


 ____________________

 

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A Good Morning Routine Can Change Your Life

How would it feel to start your day motivated and organized? It would be great, wouldn’t it?
 
You’d know what you were doing, and that everything was sorted out. You’d feel brilliant.
 

two people's morning routineIt wouldn’t take much to get a great start to your day every day. The key is to create a morning routine that motivates and organizes you for success; every day.

One of the secrets of success for the very successful is a morning routine. It doesn’t need to be complex nor does it have to be time-consuming to create or follow.
 
 
First, you’ll need to commit to planning it. Then practice it daily until it becomes a habit.
 
Now let’s look at the morning routine of motivated and organized people:
 

Early Start

Forget about long lie-ins and putting the alarm on snooze every 5 minutes. Set your alarm for an hour (or even two) earlier than normal and see your productivity soar.
 
The early start may be tough at first. But if you go to bed earlier and get enough sleep you’ll soon notice a positive difference.
 

Positive Visualization and Affirmations

Set the tone of your day with a positive charge. Visualize your success from the get-go.
 
Use positive affirmations. To boost their efficacy display those affirmations where you can see them often.
 
Do this step within the first 20 minutes of waking. The affirmations will reach your subconscious before your conscious mind takes over.
 
Exercise
Do some form of exercise. It will get your blood flowing, send oxygen through your body, and generally wake up your entire system.
 
You don’t need to go for a 5-mile run every day. Your regimen could consist of morning stretching, yoga or Tai Chi.
 
These will help calm and ground you as well as provide time for inner contemplation.
Hydration
Make sure you keep your body hydrated. Many people start their day with a glass of water and lemon.
 
Herbal tea or green juice are also good choices for an early morning drink to get your day started the right way.
 
Planning
When you know what needs to be done you increase your chances of having a successful day. Have a to-do list ready and identify the order of priority.
 
Make sure the list isn’t too long, 10 items or fewer is an ideal length.
 
Nutrition
A healthy breakfast fuels your body for the day ahead. You’ll feel more alert.
 
And you’ll be better able to concentrate on what needs to get done.
 
Reading
Take some time to read. A few minutes of inspiring material will help you be positive and motivated.
 
Even 10 minutes can be enough to get your mind working and your motivation kick-started.
 
The list of possible reading material is endless. From biographies to self-help the writers can inspire you and even act as role models.
 
Money Tasks
Somewhere during your day, you want to do something that will either make you money or keep you from spending it. Pay your bills so that you don’t get overdue notices and charges.
 
Kitchen Patrol
Prep the day’s meals so that you don’t feel tempted to get take out when you’re feeling tired at the end of the day. Load the dishwasher.
 
Clear (and clean) the kitchen counters.
 
If you want to have a successful day, start it in a positive way. Having a morning routine will ensure that you’re organized for success.
 
And you’ll feel motivated from the start.
 
JohnK 1-22-2020
 
stick figure talking about plant morning routineOverheard: “The sun is new each day”
                            ~Heraclitus
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer about morning routine

A Good Morning Routine Can Change Your Life (re-sending)

January 21, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments

Your morning routine is on automatic pilot for the most part. You don’t give it much thought.

But what if you tweaked your routine a bit? It could help send you on your way to more success in life.

GenuLines explains how that works.

(You can listen to this article by clicking on the player below)


 ____________________

 

banner to help morning routine

A Good Morning Routine Can Change Your Life

How would it feel to start your day motivated and organized? It would be great, wouldn’t it?
 
You’d know what you were doing, and that everything was sorted out. You’d feel brilliant.
 

two people's morning routineIt wouldn’t take much to get a great start to your day every day. The key is to create a morning routine that motivates and organizes you for success; every day.

One of the secrets of success for the very successful is a morning routine. It doesn’t need to be complex nor does it have to be time-consuming to create or follow.
 
 
First, you’ll need to commit to planning it. Then practice it daily until it becomes a habit.
 
Now let’s look at the morning routine of motivated and organized people:
 

Early Start

Forget about long lie-ins and putting the alarm on snooze every 5 minutes. Set your alarm for an hour (or even two) earlier than normal and see your productivity soar.
 
The early start may be tough at first. But if you go to bed earlier and get enough sleep you’ll soon notice a positive difference.
 

Positive Visualization and Affirmations

Set the tone of your day with a positive charge. Visualize your success from the get-go.
 
Use positive affirmations. To boost their efficacy display those affirmations where you can see them often.
 
Do this step within the first 20 minutes of waking. The affirmations will reach your subconscious before your conscious mind takes over.
 
Exercise
Do some form of exercise. It will get your blood flowing, send oxygen through your body, and generally wake up your entire system.
 
You don’t need to go for a 5-mile run every day. Your regimen could consist of morning stretching, yoga or Tai Chi.
 
These will help calm and ground you as well as provide time for inner contemplation.
Hydration
Make sure you keep your body hydrated. Many people start their day with a glass of water and lemon.
 
Herbal tea or green juice are also good choices for an early morning drink to get your day started the right way.
 
Planning
When you know what needs to be done you increase your chances of having a successful day. Have a to-do list ready and identify the order of priority.
 
Make sure the list isn’t too long, 10 items or fewer is an ideal length.
 
Nutrition
A healthy breakfast fuels your body for the day ahead. You’ll feel more alert.
 
And you’ll be better able to concentrate on what needs to get done.
 
Reading
Take some time to read. A few minutes of inspiring material will help you be positive and motivated.
 
Even 10 minutes can be enough to get your mind working and your motivation kick-started.
 
The list of possible reading material is endless. From biographies to self-help the writers can inspire you and even act as role models.
 
Money Tasks
Somewhere during your day, you want to do something that will either make you money or keep you from spending it. Pay your bills so that you don’t get overdue notices and charges.
 
Kitchen Patrol
Prep the day’s meals so that you don’t feel tempted to get take out when you’re feeling tired at the end of the day. Load the dishwasher.
 
Clear (and clean) the kitchen counters.
 
If you want to have a successful day, start it in a positive way. Having a morning routine will ensure that you’re organized for success.
 
And you’ll feel motivated from the start.
 
JohnK 1-22-2020
 
stick figure talking about plant morning routineOverheard: “The sun is new each day”
                            ~Heraclitus
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer about morning routine

A Plant-Based Diet: Is It For You?

January 15, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments
The Plant-Based Diet is getting a good bit of attention lately. People want to be pro-active in their health, and what they put into their bodies is a good place to start. 
 
GenuLines takes a look at the Plant-Based Diet and whether it might a good fit in your life. To your health!
 
Banner helps with plant based dierts

A Plant-Based Diet: Is It For You?

picture of plant based dietThe phrase “Whole-Food Plant-Based (WFPB) Diet” is flexible. It can apply to any number of different eating styles.
 
The main difference? WFPB is characterized by what it includes rather than what it excludes.
 
There are lots of studies showing the benefits that come from eating a WFPB diet.
 
 
 
Those benefits start with a baseline of better nutrition. This is a given, but better nutrition is where a healthier body always starts.
 
It fuels our bodies. And it’s our defense against long-term chronic and avoidable lifestyle diseases.
 
Better nutrition
Most of us know that fruits and vegetables are healthy sources of nutrition. Yet we don’t eat anywhere near enough of them, let alone eat the recommended amounts.
 

Why not?

After all, they’re nutrient-dense edibles rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Plus, they’re delicious.
 
Disliking or avoiding a specific fruit or vegetable is fine. Same with fruits that you have to clean, cut, or carve.
 
Children often get finicky with things like broccoli, and that’s okay, too.
 
Still, science tells us that better nutrition comes from a nutrient-dense diet. The kind that’s filled with fruits and vegetables rather than processed meats. (Tuso, Ismail, Ha, & Bartolotto, 2013)
 
The same is true even for refined grains.
 
So, if you don’t like to carve your honeydews ask your produce department to carve it for you. Most grocery stores offer that service, but you have to ask.
 
And be persistent with children who like to avoid broccoli. Keep offering it.
 
In time your 5-year-old may surprise you and try something new after all.
 

Better health for your heart

A plant-based diet significantly reduces the risk of Cardiovascular Disease. WFPB diets can lower blood pressure, enhancing blood sugar control, and lowering cholesterol.
 
Choosing a WFPB diet is one of the best natural ways to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases on the whole.
 
Increased longevity
A WFPB diet might help you live longer. It reduces your risk of premature death due to untreated chronic lifestyle illnesses.
 
These include high blood pressure, CVD, obesity, and some cancers. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists red meat consumption as a “likely carcinogen.” (Harvard Medical School, 201)
 
That’s not to say that consuming red meat is inherently dangerous. Occasional consumption of meats, including red meat, is allowable by some WFPB diets. (Think Mediterranean diet)
 
It’s a higher consumption of red meat that’s the culprit. That’s linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers like colorectal.
 
A plant-based diet will not only help your body become healthier but also help you live longer.
 

Lower cancer risk

Research also turns thumbs down on too much processed or red meat in the diet. The connection here is colorectal cancer. (Harvard Medical School, 2018).
 
But something good happens when we eat fruits, legumes, grains, and veggies on a regular basis. The risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses goes down.
 
This is because plants contain disease-fighting phytochemicals that can thwart cancer.
 

Lower rates of obesity

One of the main challenges of our modern lifestyle is obesity (Tuso, Ismail, Ha, & Bartolotto, 2013). We have plenty of ways to counter obesity at our disposal.
 
But the most effective is the diet.
 
Choosing to stick to a WFPB is an effective weight-loss strategy. Obesity is a risk factor for all the chronic and lifestyle illnesses listed above.
 
A nutritional approach to diabetes kick starts your process to better health.
 
The results? A healthier BMI, and the stunting of chronic illness like high blood pressure and CVD.
 
There’s no shortage of studies that factor in WFPB diets in relation to health and longevity.
This body of evidence seems to support WFPB diets.
 
And their many health benefits.
 
JohnK 1-15-2020
 
stick figure talking about plant based dietsOverheard: “Gluttony is not a secret vice”
                                      ~Orson Welles
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer about plant based derts
 
 
 
 
 

How to Set Powerful Goals You Can Achieve (pt 2)

January 8, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments

Your goals are important to you. That’s why GenuLines used two days to cover the topic. 

Today we offer some takeaway thoughts toward reaching your goals and building your genuine life! 

banner to help you set goals

How to Set Powerful Goals You Can Achieve (pt 2)

 
Be Measurable
At which point have you achieved the goal? If you can’t come up with a number or something that’s measurable, then you won’t have a real goal.
 
Let’s say you want your business to earn x number of dollars each week by a certain date. You would work out the how and why you’re going to do it.
 
Computers show goals
 
Be Actionable
To achieve any goal there have to be steps you can take to get there. It’s like using a map to reach a vacation destination.
 
You need to draw a map to your vision of success with the steps and paths you’ll take along the way. Put not only what but when, and how you’ll reach your endpoint.
Be Realistic
You don’t want to work toward a goal that’s too hard to achieve or worse, impossible. Make sure to do thorough research and be realistic about your expectations.
 
For example, you’re not likely going to start a business today and earn six figures by tomorrow. Or even your first year in business.
 
Look at the research and determine what is doable and how you’ll do it.
Be Timely
Every goal has to have a time limit otherwise you may never achieve it. Start at the end and work your way back to today.
 
Create a list of things to do each day to finally reach the end result. But, do set a time limit. You can adjust as you get into the project if it works to be more realistic.
 
But resist the urge to change the time because you’re not sticking to your task lists.
Now Create!
Keep these points in mind to create powerful goals that you can achieve.
 
You’ll reduce your failure chances because:
 
  • you can always adjust your timeline and your goals
  • you’ll learn as you move along in the process

The important thing is to give each goal a lot of thought, consideration, and study before setting it.

JohnK 1-8-2020

chiforyourself.com home

 

stick figure talking about goalsOverheard: “All successful people have a goal. No one can get anywhere unless he knows where he wants to go and what he wants to be or do”

                                                    ~Norman Vincent Peale

 

Banner helps with goals

 

 

Article Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

 

 

disclaimer about goals

 

 

 

How to Set Powerful Goals You Can Achieve

January 7, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments

Goals are a sort-of road map on your life’s journey. You want them to be satisfying, yes. But you don’t want them to be too challenging. 

In this first of a two part post GenuLines offers a map to guide you on a comfortable and rewarding trip!

Banner helps with goals

How to Set Powerful Goals You Can Achieve

Say you need a fresh start? O.K., you want to challenge yourself, but you don’t want to make things so tough that you fail.
 
target for goal reachingFirst we’ll look inside, at the things that are important to you. And we’ll make sure that these goals are even doable.
 
 
 
Match Your Core Values
Start with four main areas in your life. 
  • Family
  • Financial
  • Physical
  • Personal
The better you goal fits into one or more of these the more likely your goal is achievable.
If for some reason a goal doesn’t fit into one of your core values, it’s not likely you’ll experience much success.
 
Be 100 Percent in Control
Goals that rely on others are not necessarily wrong. But they can be harder to achieve.
 
A goal you control 100 percent is one that you can reach.
 
Make sure fear isn’t getting in your way. Be realistic about whether you do have control or not and give yourself more credit. And, don’t blame fate for your setbacks.
 
Don’t think you lack control over your financial future because “that’s just how it is,”
 
Be Able to Envision the Goal
If you can’t see the end result, it will be very difficult to move forward toward achieving the goal. If you need to draw a picture, make a vision board.
 
Or take a day off to fantasize about your big dreams. Imagine how it all fits together in the big picture of your life. You need to see the end to be able to achieve it.
 
Be Specific-Spell It Out
Every goal you set needs to be very exact in nature. If you want to be sure to reach the goal, you have to know when you’ve actually reached it. Instead of saying “I want to start a business,” state exactly what type of business you want to start.
 
Know who you want as your clients. Know all you can to make the goal more concrete.
 
JohnK 1-7-2020
 
stick figure talking about goalsOverheard: “If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable.”
                                                          ~Seneca the Younger
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer about goals
 
 

 

 

 

 

2020 Vision For a New Year

January 1, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments

So 2020 has arrived. You’ve looked forward to it. ‘Gonna make lots of changes. But will you actually make those changes?

GenuLines is here to take inventory of some of the most popular resolutions, and to add a few you may want to consider. 

We begin with a look back at a GenuLines post from 2011 

Ready..set..2020!

Happy New Year 2020We’re off to the resolution races- lose 20 pounds, move to a nicer address, take that tropical vacation.

As we move into another year I know that many of us are asking: What is it that really matters this year?

 

Are your New Year’s resolutions about the small things–getting organized, losing weight, getting in shape, being a little kinder…or about something wider and deeper?

There’s nothing wrong with making small commitments, but are they enough for you and who you intend to become, what you know you must do in this world?

Or are you ready to step into something bigger and more radical–daring to fulfill your passion to evolve not only a better self but a better world and a more enlightened future?

May I suggest some inward inspection to start the process? Ask yourself:

  • What is happening in my life?
  • How is my health?
  • How is/are my relationship(s)? Really, how are they?
  • How are my finances? 
  • Do I enjoy my work?

Just a few ideas to take care of the inner self so that the outer results might be more satisfying.

 

call to action for 2020

 

List of goals for 2020

 

 

Happy New Year!

JohnK 1-1-2020

chiforyourself.com home

 

stick figure listening for 2020 tipsOverheard:  “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”

                                                         ~Seneca

 

 

 

 

 

Article Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

 

 

disclaimer about 2020

 

 

 

 

Happiness Doesn’t Run On Success

December 27, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments
 

Happiness runs on a diet of success. That seems to make sense.

But GenuLines asks you to consider a different path to happiness.

Banner helps with happiess

Happiness Doesn’t Run On Success

It’s easy to simplify happiness and say that it’s obvious that successful people are happy. But if you interviewed 100 successful people you might find otherwise.
 
directions to happiness
 
You can have wealth, great spouse and kids, and yet not be happy.
 
Turn the equation around and you find that happiness fuels success.
 
 
 
 
 
The Effect on Productivity
When people are happy with their work, they approach it more with a more cheerful attitude (some say they’d do it for nothing) When you have good health, food, and shelter you can find joy doing the most mundane things.
 
You focus on outcomes instead of effort.
 
The Bottom Line
Certain companies offer living wages, benefits, and flexible schedules. This can result in higher profits for the employer.
 
When people feel respected they’re likely happier about work, even when it’s hard.
 
Stability
When people are happy, they tend to be a lot more stable. They stick to tasks longer, and are more likely to complete an assignment.
 
They tend to job hop a lot less, too. This is one reason smart employers know that by making work a happy place they can reduce turnover.
 
A Better Work Ethic
People often think of work ethic as something that grows out of adversity. Happy people tend to stick to their jobs longer and work even harder.
 
They put their positive energy into envisioning the outcomes.
 
Don’t Bet on Wealth
An unhappy wealthy person may even be hateful. They seem to have everything but happiness.
 
Bank balances look good but don’t always make you feel good.
 
A New Attitude
It may surprise you but happiness can color your view of the world. You’ll see brighter outcomes regardless of your situation.
 
Staying In The Now
If you’re happy today you’re more likely to eat right, move more, get your work done, and do everything well. Of course, that can affect the future too.
 
Mindset
Still, doubt that happiness comes from your mindset? With some effort, you can train yourself to have a happier and more positive mindset.
 
This can work during tough times, too.
 
You can realize happiness now regardless of your life situation.
Accept that possibility while at the same time planning to make changes.
 
JohnK 12-27-2019
 
stick figure talking about happinessOverheard:  “People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re
happy”              
                                      ~Anton Chekhov
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer about happiness

Is True Happiness Possible?

December 26, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments

Happiness has a reputation for being elusive. Some would say it’s not even possible.

GenuLines offers you some points to consider as you do your own evaluation. 

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Is True Happiness Possible?

When your struggles get to be too much it’s easy to think that happiness is not even possible. The truth is there are different levels of happiness that you can experience in your life.
 
The process doesn’t move in a straight line. Your attitude is the difference maker.
 
Look Around You
happy personIt’s one thing to say that people can’t be happy unless they have their basic needs met. But there are people all around you who don’t have their needs met yet are very happy.
 
 
 
Studies of affluent people tend to show find they’re not happier than poor people in general.
 
It’s Not About Stuff
If you look at a list of the happiest countries in the world, you tend to find that being happy isn’t about owning things. Often the happiest people live in the poorest countries.
 
It’s common to find that the USA ranks in the teens on these lists. Stuff doesn’t guarantee happiness.
 
It’s Not Even About Goals
You may insist that it’s all about about reaching your goals. If you often say things like “I’ll be happy when…” then happiness may elude you.
 
You can be happy now, before you reach your goals.
 
It’s Not About Your Circumstances
Now, of course, some things in life can really get you down. But a happy disposition can serve you well.
 
You’ll be better able to navigate the murky water.
 
*Dr. Gillian Mandich is a well known name in this area. She believes that our circumstances account for only 10 percent of our happiness.
 
Happiness is about accepting that you can experience it and understanding it’s meaning. A happy person isn’t going to be the same level of happy 24/7, 365 days a year.
 
Think about cancer sufferers who manage to have a happy attitude. Or children around the world who don’t get enough to eat.
 
Be in that state of mind and you can be happy, too.
 
JohnK 12-26-2019
 
stick figure talking about happinessOverheard: “It’s a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy.”
                                             ~Lucille Ball
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer about happiness

Angels Everywhere, So Are They Real?

December 25, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments

If you’re celebrating Christmas today you’re probably in close proximity to angels. We see them on decorations, greeting cards, and tree ornaments.

Do you know that the majority of North Americans believe angels are real? In this interview we hear from Corin Grillo. She says angels are real, and they’re standing by to help you in your daily life.

picture of angel authorCorin Grillo is the author of The Angel Experiment: A 21-Day Magical Adventure to Heal Your Life.

Click on below to hear the interview. And, enjoy your holiday!

 

 

 

 

logo is angel button

 

JohnK 12-25-2019

chiforyourself.com home

 

 

 

 

 

disclaimer about happiness

Happiness Is More Than Thinking Positive Thoughts

December 24, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments
 
Your happiness level isn’t what you’d like it to be. Someone in your circle suggests that you should think positive thoughts. That’s the answer, or so it seems. 
 
Today GenuLines looks at happiness as more than just staying in a positive mindset.  
 

Banner helps with happiess

Happiness Is More Than Thinking Positive Thoughts

The dictionary defines happiness as “the state of being happy.” Not a lot of information to go on there.
 
Let’s look at some different things that happiness can be. But realize that in truth, happiness is in the mind of the beholder.
 
smiley faces show happiness
 
Your Needs are Met
When a person is happy, they usually aren’t wanting for much. It doesn’t mean that they’re not having a tough time.
 
Rather, they’re making what they have fill their needs.
You feel satisfied
When you’re happy you tend to feel satisfied with your life. You think about your life and feel good about your good fortune.
 
This could include your living space, your life partner, or the fact that you live alone.
 
Contentment is a hallmark of happy people. Whether it’s their job, home, health, or things in general.
 
Happy people do experience stress. But they have a way of drawing on their contentment when things are less than perfect.
 
You Are at Peace
A happy person often feels a lot of peace surrounding their life and family. They tend to know that everything will turn out okay.
 
They’re pretty good at turning negativity into positivity.
 
Your Definition
You can set your own definition of happiness. It’s not necessarily about getting tons of stuff.
 
It’s not about finding a spouse unless you want that. Or about having kids, unless you want that.
 
It’s a Journey
Happiness isn’t a destination where you’ll forever dwell. It’s a lifelong journey that will have many ups and downs and struggles.
 
Still, you manage to feel good about it.
 
In the 1989 movie “Parenthood”, one of the main characters is a struggling mother. She says she loves “the roller-coaster” of life.
 
Her husband, though, is struggling and not as happy. He focuses on the downs instead of the ups.
 
It’s How You Act
When you’re happy your actions lean toward the positive. You eat better, you move more, you think better thoughts.
 
Know that you have it in your power to be happy where you are in your life right now.
 
Thinking positive thoughts is not the be-all and end-all of happiness. It’s having your needs met, yes.
 
But it’s not about having everything, or even the best. It’s about being satisfied with what you have while also being able to work toward the things you want.
 
It starts with your thoughts. And it manifests with your actions.
 
JohnK 12-24-2019
 
stick figure talking about happinessOverheard: “If thou wilt make a man happy, add not unto his riches but take away from his desires.”
                                                         ~Epicurus
 
 

 

 

Article Image by Gino Crescoli from Pixabay  
 
 
disclaimer about happiness
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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