Tag Archive for genuine living

Why You’re Not Happy (And How to Change This)

February 10, 2025 John Uncategorized No comments

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Why You’re Not Happy (And How to Change This)

So you’re reading this while you grapple with feelings of discontent in certain areas of life. Especially when it comes to being happy.

I get it.

Quick fixes and hacks don’t deliver and don’t help your mood. The changes they bring don’t last.

Their temporary highs don’t give you genuine fulfilment. Enter GenuLines and our ways to point your life toward fulfillment.

The truth is, your life isn’t a circumstance beyond your control. Your happiness and fulfillment are not accidents or the result of external factors.

happy smiling character

They/re a direct result of the choices you’ve made in the past.

The law of cause and effect is undeniable: every decision you’ve made has led to where you are today. Your thoughts, more than anything else, have shaped your life.

Your thought patterns and the way you choose to think have created the circumstances you’re in. And here’s the good news: you have the power to change your thoughts and, in turn, change your life.

As humans, we’re incredibly adaptable. We can thrive in most any environment, no matter how challenging.

But we often forget this power and allow our circumstances to define us.

We become victims of our own expectations and standards. We forget that we created those standards in the first place.

One key to happiness and fulfillment lies in recognizing that you have the power to choose. You can choose to focus on what you can control and scale up from there.

You don’t have to be held back by your current circumstances.

So, where do you start? Focus on the areas of your life where you’re doing reasonably well – the areas where you have control.

See if you can improve them, broaden them, or expand your area of control. From there, you can tackle the more challenging areas that may be holding you back.

Remember, your life isn’t a fixed landscape. It’s a dynamic, ever-changing environment that reflects your choices and decisions.

Choose to focus on what you can control and adapt to your circumstances and you can create a more fulfilling and happy life.

Don’t wait for external circumstances to change; change yourself by changing your mindset. You have the power to choose.

And with that power comes the ability to create a life that truly reflects genuine living.

JohnK 2-10-2025
chifoforyourself.com

stick man hears about being happyOverheard:  The habit of being happy enables one to be freed, or largely freed, from the domination of outward conditions”

~Robert Louis Stevenson
 

Article Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/yellow-cube-on-brown-pavement-208147/

 

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5 Steps To Decide What To Do Next In Life

January 27, 2025 John Uncategorized No comments

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5 Steps To Decide What To Do Next In Life

Are you feeling stuck in life and have no idea what to do next? Do you feel paralyzed with fear at the very mention of change?

First off, you can be proud of reaching this state. It means you sense that your life is shifting.

Yet, knowing where to begin or what to do can be overwhelming. So, if you’re facing this decision, these GenuLines points are for you.

Below are five steps to help you decide what to do next in your life.

Take a Step Back

When you’re looking at what to do next in life, it’s imperative to stop and take a step back. Take a look at the big picture to identify where you want to go and what you want to do.

Too often, we struggle with all the ways of how to get there without fully knowing where ‘there’ actually is. We don’t take the time to highlight what’s working in our lives and what’s not.

man facing life decision

So when we reach a crossroads, we’re baffled and unable to move forward. This is when taking a step back can help you specify where you want to go as you move on in life.

Understand What Fulfills You

Get to know what makes you you. Dig deep and do some soul-searching to understand what motivates you.

Ask yourself these questions: What drives me and makes me excited? What are my values and beliefs?

And, what contributions do I want to make to my community?

What’s important to me? What are the skills and talents that I bring to the table?

Explore Your Passions

Make a list of all the things that you’re passionate about and explore those options in more detail. It’s important to analyze your options on emotional and intellectual levels.

To do this, try to imagine how each one impacts your thought processes and your emotions. Do this step without worrying about any of the whys, should-haves, and would-nots.

Instead, connect more with your subconscious. Find out what resonates with you and your core values.

For instance, let’s say you value innovation and technology. You might look for positions at industry-leading businesses.

If family culture suits you might be better off seeking a job at a small family-owned organization.

Learn New Skills

No matter how many great skills you already have, it’s always nice to learn something new. Whether it’s soft skills or hard, think about what you’d like to learn.

Look for places in your community or online where you can take classes.

For example, you want to learn more about graphic design. You may consider applying to an art program.

Or you could be interested in gardening. You can take a class in gardening and plants, then apply for a job at a garden center or arboretum.

Whatever ever you do remember to set short-term goals that follow the SMART plan. This framework ensures that your goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based.

Let Go of What Could Be

Change is scary because you don’t know what to expect from your decisions. This fear keeps you in a state of inaction and apprehension.

But what if you could let go of all that worry just for a few minutes?

To do that, you need to trust yourself and maintain a positive mindset. Have faith that whatever comes along, you’ll find a way to handle it.

Stop thinking of change as something to be dreaded and feared. Instead, you can begin to think of it as something stimulating that adds a layer of excitement and intrigue to your life.

Be open to whatever life brings your way. It may surprise you with an even better outcome than the one you first imagined.

Final Thoughts

These five steps can help your personal and professional life short term and long. It’s a tough journey, but if you’re determined to make it, it can also be extremely rewarding.

Now, all that’s left to do is take that first step to discover your purpose and get back on your life’s path.

JohnK 1-27-2025
www.chiforyourself.com

 

stick man hears about life decisionsOverheard: “The purpose of life is a life of purpose”

~Robert Byrne
 

 

Article image by Yan Krukau: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-gray-suit-sitting-on-black-chair-covering-his-face-7793987/

 

 

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Self Development And Your Success

November 4, 2024 John Uncategorized No comments

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Self Development And Your Success

Life experiences come and go. But, how do they impact your life’s success?

Some of us insist that every event serves a purpose. Negative events can challenge you to see the positive in them.

A “looking with new eyes” mindset might open you up to more positivity. And GenuLines has some practical tips on guiding you on this journey.

Feeling as if you’re a failure

There are no failures in life – only people moving through different experiences. How can others accept you if YOU can’t accept yourself?

Comparing yourself to media figures

Don’t compare yourself to them. The same holds true for the real people you meet.

There is no need to obsess about your looks, financial situation or anything else. Self acceptance does not depend on those things, nor does the approval of others.

Man prepares for success

Down and out

When you see that other people are feeling down about themselves, give them a helping hand. But if you find that they’re determined to stay in their negativity, leave them to it. Nobody benefits when you’re both in a tailspin.

There are no mistakes – only lessons learned

Don’t feel stupid or doomed because you failed some kind of test. See failure as a step on the road to success.

Take things one at a time

It’s fine to have big goals but split them down into realistic, simple steps. Self development means working on habits that you have built up over years or decades. You will not turn everything around overnight.

At YOUR best

Understand that self development will help you to be the best YOU that you can be. It will not turn you into somebody else. Look for your own strengths and build on them, instead of comparing yourself with others.

Little things matter

Sometimes, we don’t realize that the little things that we do are like a pat on the back. Saying “hi” or “hello”, or passing little compliments can mean a huge amount to other people.

Be sensitive to other people’s plight. Help them to see the positive in their lives. This will come back to you in a positive way.

You’re willing to accept change

But it doesn’t mean that everyone else is. It may not be the right time for them, or the method you are using may not be what they need. So do everything you can to be successful with your self development, but don’t bore others with it.

There’s a profound quote that says that “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” We’re all here to learn our lessons.

Your parents, children, friends, colleagues, neighbors, even strangers. They all have the potential to be your teachers.

Open the door to self development. You can learn from every person and every situation that you encounter.

JohnK 11-4-2024
chiforyourself.com

 

stick man hears about reaching successOverheard:  “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out”

~Robert Collier
 

Article image by Zen Chung: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-pen-writing-on-a-notebook-5749155/

 

 

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The Importance Of Your Mindset In Anything You Do In Life

October 21, 2024 John Uncategorized No comments

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The Importance Of Your Mindset In Anything You Do In Life

There are two distinct approaches to this thing called mindset. And the outcome of each type of thought lies at opposite ends of the spectrum.

The first is a “fixed mindset,” while we call the second one a “growth mindset.” Read on as GenuLines shows you which brings more success in life.

Sign reads mindset

The “fixed mindset” tends to see skills, potential and abilities as pre-determined. So, you can’t improve on them.

The growth mindset is open to the idea that there’s always room for improvement by way of working at it.

The “fixed” category tends to make you feel powerless. In the growth category there’s more optimism about who’s calling the shots so to speak.

But there are a few other big differences in these two attitudes.

The main one is how you view mistakes or obstacles and your attitude toward them.

For example, if you have a fixed mindset, you’re quicker to get discouraged by your first setback. The growth mindset and its optimistic attitude help you “make the best of it.”

Any negativity can turn into a chance to learn and grow. Are you getting the idea that the fixed mindset doesn’t leave much room for growth?

But wait, there’s more!

For one, there’s knowing that your mindset can have a major impact on your health and well-being. A depressed and discouraged attitude can suppress your immune system.

You’re more prone to illnesses. And you might take longer to recover from what your defeated attitude brought you.

With a growth mindset you tend to be sick less often- and happier too.

Experts on the subject agree that you have control over your attitude. Their consensus is that it’s smart to switch out of a fixed mindset.

And you can do it in any phase of your life.

This is good news if you find yourself stuck in the pessimistic fixed mindset. Your fatalistic attitude toward accomplishments and success don’t have to be permanent.

You can always improve.

John K 10-21-2024
chiforyourself.com

Stick figure hears about mindsetOverheard: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

                                     ~ Earl Nightingale

 

Article image by Brian Jones from Pixabay

 

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Stop Letting The Past Dictate Your Future

October 7, 2024 John Uncategorized No comments

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Stop Letting The Past Dictate Your Future

On one level you know that clinging to the past is a bad option and that you need to progress in life. But have you taken a moment to reflect on this?

Why should you move on from the past? Let GenuLines show you how not moving on from your past can affect most every other aspect of your life.

What’s so bad about focusing on the past?

First, we look at a negative aspect: holding grudges. This can stunt your emotional and mental growth.

The more you focus on that, the less attention you have to give to what’s happening in the present.

Now flip the script to the positive side of things. Fixating on a positive event from your past steals attention from your future.

You also run the risk of comparing everything that happens from then on to that one “perfect” event.

This fixation can lead to negative outcomes in your future. The more you focus on the past, the less you witness the present.

You have a tendency to miss special occasions or important events.

You move through life in a more distracted way. Worst of all is that you stunt your development and growth.

How can focusing on the past dictate your future?

You could get distracted when you need to pay attention to the present. And you start making comparisons to another moment in time

Plus, you risk turning down new opportunities. You’re afraid they won’t live up to the past experience.

How do you stop focusing on the past?

The first step in putting an end to this behavior is to resolve to let it go. Yes, it’s easier said than done.

But you have to make a conscious decision to let go and move forward with your life.

Fixated on a positive past event

This is different than letting go of a grudge. Letting go in this sense is to stop comparing other events to this one.

It doesn’t mean that you have to forget the moment you’ve valued for so long. But it does mean that you continue to experience and enjoy each new moment.

Fixated on a negative past event

When you let go of a grudge you forgive the person and move on from the event. You don’t condone what happened.

But don’t let it live rent-free in your head or you’ll only hurt yourself.

JohnK 10-7-2024
chiforyourself.com

stick man hears about the futureOverheard: “Only you can control your future”

~Dr. Seuss
Article image by Photo by Thirdman: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-jacket-fixing-the-rear-view-mirror-6945902/

 

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The Value of Playing to Your Strengths

September 23, 2024 John Uncategorized No comments

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The Value of Playing to Your Strengths

Stuck in a job that doesn’t exactly ignite your sweet spot? That doesn’t mean you can’t find happiness.

A lot of us put in the hours, earn a good wage and reap the rewards that help support our families. It’s entirely possible to appreciate what you have while still longing for something more fulfilling

But does that mean you should be complacent? Does that mean you have to give up on branching out to find where your real skills and enthusiasm lie?

The answer is no, and GenuLines is going to show how you can make changes by playing to your real strengths.

What Happens When You Play to Your Strengths?

Most of us have at least a few things that we’re good at. And for most of us, those are the things we love. We spend more time practicing them and we love them because we’re so good at them.

man demonstrates strengths

 

So, when we work on that ability or strength, everything about our demeanor changes.

For starters, we become much more focused on what we’re doing.
Our brains produce dopamine and catecholamine hormones to keep us fixated.

This is what some circles refer to as ‘flow states’.

 

You’re much happier and more confident when you’re doing what you love. You’re motivated and you become much less likely to take breaks.

All this of course helps you perform at your very best. At the same time, you’re more focused, happier, and you’re more motivated since you’re in flow.

It means that you’re now going to produce better work that gets you noticed and that gets you promoted. You’ll earn more and perform better because you’re doing what you love.

Signs You’re Playing to Your Strengths

All these are the benefits of playing to your strengths. They’re also a tip-off that you’re doing what you love.

Ask yourself: when was the last time you felt completely focused on a project and found it rewarding? That you worked so hard you ended up holding your need to go to the toilet?

Yeah… you should start doing a lot more of that!

JohnK 9-23-2024
chiforyourself.com

stick man hears about strengths Overheard:  “One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity”

~Albert Schweitzer
 

 

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Reinvent Yourself: Remove All That’s In Your Way

September 9, 2024 John Uncategorized No comments

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Reinvent Yourself: Remove All That’s In Your Way

The phrase “The quickest route from point A to point B is a straight line” is a familiar adage,. But this can be a challenging practice when you aim to reinvent yourself.

You might run into obstacles on this path that discourage you. The result may be that you’re taking longer to reach your goal.

man demonstrates reinvent yourself

Yes there are unavoidable barriers. Today GenuLines reminds you that you can remove some of the ones that stand in your way.

Don’t be Afraid to Let Go

Fear can affect you in a positive or negative way. It can help you achieve your goals.

On the downside it can hinder you from letting go of things that are holding you back.

The words “what if” can put a downslope on any thought process. Dwelling on the what if puts your focus on the obstacle in your way and not the goal you are moving towards.

The fear associated with “what if” only entrenches the thing that is in your way.

Don’t be afraid to let go of the “what ifs.” Focus instead on what you want.

For example, say you’re thinking “what if I start my own business and then get into financial trouble?” Switch to “what I want to achieve is independence in time, finances, and passion.

“So I’ll open my own business.”

Don’t be afraid to let go of the fear that’s littering your path to success. This is a necessary key to reinventing yourself.

Keep an Open Hand

You want to create an environment where your emotional hands are not clenched shut. When you’re holding onto things, you’re not able to use your hands for anything else.

Your hands need to be free and functioning. An open hand is free to move what needs moving.

Get A Pair of (non rose-colored) Glasses

Sometimes we need help to clear our vision. This is particularly true when it comes to seeing what’s in our way.

You might want to get the help of a friend, mentor, or advisor. They can often identify the things we are not able to see.

Your own eyes tend to identify the larger items in your path. But the small ones can slow you down every bit as much as one large boulder.

Do the Heavy Lifting

At the end of the day, moving the things that are in your way requires that you do some heavy lifting. There’s going to be sweat, effort, or even a little pain.

It’s part of the process. So, roll up your sleeves and get to it.

The fastest way from point A to point B is a straight line. Reinvent yourself and take the fast route to success.

John K. 9- 9- 2024
chiforyourself.com

 

Ostick man hears about reinvent yourselfverheard: “You’re always free to change your mind and choose a different future, or a different past”

~Dale Carnegie
 

Article image by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-wearing-paper-bag-on-head-3951612/

 

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How To Be Happier In Your Own Skin

August 26, 2024 John Uncategorized No comments

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How To Be Happier In Your Own Skin

You have the power to change many aspects of your life, but your skin isn’t one of them. That’s why it’s essential to get your head around being happy in your own skin.

Unfortunately this is often much easier said than done. GenuLines looks at a few ways you can learn to be happier in the body you have.

Accentuate The Positive

Woman being happy

 

Write down all the things you like about yourself. Put the list in places where you’ll find them later.

These places could be on your mirror, in your wallet, or even around your desk at work. Then every time you see them, you’ll get a boost.

 
 

Quit Scrolling Social Media

Social media creates unrealistic expectations. You can you feel uncomfortable in your skin because of social media.

If so, it’s time to stop participating. Switch to books, music, and videos that are life affirming.

Work On Your Body Language

Believe it or not, your body language can play a huge part in feeling comfortable in your own skin. Catch yourself when you’re hunched over with your arms folded.

It’s time to walk with your shoulders pulled back, and your head held high. It’s a small change but it does affect your mood.

The Clothes You Wear

You may be wearing clothes that make you uncomfortable in your own skin. Aim to find clothes that fit you well.

Size is not the first consideration here. Rather, try on things that look like they will fit you and decide from there.

Being happier in your own skin is a lifelong journey. But remember that being comfortable in your skin is an inner game.

It’s gotta come from within.

JohnK 8-26-2024
chiforyourself.com

 

stick man hears about being happyOverheard: “Happiness is not a goal… it’s a by-product of a life well lived”

~Eleanor Roosevelt
 

 

 

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The Art of Rapid Problem Solving

August 12, 2024 John Uncategorized No comments

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The Art of Rapid Problem Solving

When you think of problem solving, what comes to mind?  Or, What ideas or images pop up for you when you hear the words “problem solving”?

Most of us might see someone sitting at a desk or scratching their head and chewing a pencil.

We would approach these challenges in a gradual way. And we’d take a gradual approach to solving them.

In reality though, this isn’t always the case.

youngster problem solving y

 

 

Often, we’ll have to solve problems in a hurry and, on the fly. And this is when things can get difficult.

Here GenuLines looks at why this ability is so important and what you can do to improve it.

 

 

 

Action Sports

The best place to study ‘rapid problem solving’ is in the world of action sports. This will include sports like snowboarding, surfing, racecar driving and others.

These involve last-minute reflexes and reactions. You might think that these actions are automatic and in the moment.

Even so you can still consider them forms of decision making.

For instance, it might be pure impulse to go around an obstacle. But you still need to think about which way around that obstacle you want to go.

This could include which route would be quicker. Or which has the most obstacles further on and which will make it easiest to balance as you travel.

The decisions you might face are countless.

In every-day life we make decisions like this all the time too – right down to knowing when to cross the road. So how can you improve this kind of decision-making process?

Flow States

The answer might lie in ‘flow states’. A flow state is a psychological phenomenon.

It lets you make rapid but accurate decisions.

The kinds you would otherwise not be capable of. During these states you’re completely focused on the matter at hand.

And your performance is flawless though you’re almost not thinking about it. The world seems to slow down, and you become untouchable.

It’s a lot like the zone you enter when you’re very focused on a work project.

The fuel for this state is a large number of neurochemicals. These include dopamine, norepinephrine, anandamide and endorphins.

It’s much like the fight or flight response (which tends to deaden creativity). Even so you remain relaxed and in control the whole time.

How to Get Into Flow

So how do you get into flow? The answer seems to be that you need to be completely focused on what you’re doing.

And this happens when you’re a) very passionate about it, or b) you believe your life is on the line. To be better at rapid decision making you need to be 100% present.

And as with anything, the best way to do that is to practice. Practice while doing things that mean a lot to you.

And look for your rapid decision making to improve!

JohnK 8/12/2024
chiforyourself.com

stick man hears about problem solvingOverheard: “All problems become smaller when you confront them instead of dodging them”

                                                                 ~ William F. Halsey

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Is Your Own Negativity Affecting Your Friendships?

July 29, 2024 John Uncategorized No comments

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Is Your Own Negativity Affecting Your Friendships?

You’ll find lots of information online about how to do away with negative friendships. But what if the source of negativity is coming from you?

It isn’t always easy to recognize when you’re being negative. Some people have no idea how their negativity is impacting others.

man loses friendships

 

 

Today GenuLines looks at how your negativity could be affecting your friendships. We’ll also look at what you can do about it.

 

 

 

Are You a Negative Friend?

It isn’t always easy to see the negativity in ourselves. You can be unaware that you’re projecting negativity onto others.

So, how can you identify if you’re a negative friend?

Here’s a few signs to look out for:

You find it hard to maintain friendships.

You make plans knowing you’ll cancel them.

You don’t check in first or see how your friends are doing

Most conversations are about you

They don’t come to you for advice or support

Now, some of these signs may not be down to your own negativity. For example, you may not check in first with your friends.

This is because it always used to be you initiating contact. That alone would not make you a negative friend.

Many people find it hard to keep friends. Yet, if you generally find it easy to make friends and not keep them, there may be a problem.

Assess your friendships, including those from the past.

Is there a pattern, and could it be due to your negativity? Life gets busy and it isn’t always easy to keep in touch with friends.

But if you never contact anyone first, this is a sign you may be a negative friend.

Remember, friendships are a two-way street. Your friends need to know you care about them too.

The Impact Negativity Has on Friendships

So, why is it important to be a more positive friend? For starters, negativity can kill friendships.

Nobody wants to be around someone who always spouts negativity.

It brings down their mood, leading them to feel more depressed or drained after being around you. Another way negativity impacts friendships, is that it’s bad for the heart.

Studies have shown that negative friendships affect heart health. So, you could be impacting your friends’ health issues with your constant negativity.

These are only some of the problems you can cause if you are a negative friend.

When you bring negativity into your friendships, you won’t have strong relationships. Healthy friendships are important for our health and wellbeing.

So, if you do identify as a negative friend, now’s the time to start working on adjusting your mindset. It might not be easy; but, doing this will help you have much healthier and happier friendships.

JohnK 7-29-2024
www.chiforyourself.com

stick man hears about negativityOverheard: “Positive anything is better than negative nothing.”

                                                          – Elbert Hubbard

 

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