The Story of Leonard

In the vast savannah, Leonard stood out—not for his size, but for his resilience. While the other lion cubs doubted his abilities, Leonard dreamed big. Despite being the smallest of the group, he dared to enter a climbing competition that many believed was beyond his reach. The towering baobab tree became a symbol of his determination.

Through relentless practice and unwavering focus, Leonard prepared for the race. He faced setbacks, moments of doubt, and the skepticism of others. Yet, when race day arrived, Leonard surprised everyone by scaling the tree faster than his larger, stronger peers. His victory wasn’t just a triumph of skill but a testament to his perseverance and self-belief.

The Moral of the Story

Leonard’s journey teaches us that:

1. Your size doesn’t define your potential.
   • Just as Leonard’s small stature didn’t hold him back, our perceived limitations are often just that: perceptions.
2. Determination conquers doubt.
   • Leonard’s success was the result of consistent effort and refusing to give up, even when others doubted him.
3. Hard work beats natural talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
   • While others relied on their strength, Leonard’s practice and preparation gave him the edge.

Practical Takeaways for Your Own Journey

Leonard’s story isn’t just for kids; it holds valuable lessons for all of us. Here are some ways you can apply these lessons in your life:

1. Believe in Yourself

• Self-confidence is the foundation of all success. Leonard’s journey began with the belief that he could achieve what others thought impossible.
• Practical Tip: Start each day with a positive affirmation, such as, “I am capable of overcoming any challenge.”

2. Persevere Through Challenges

• Success is rarely achieved without effort and persistence. Leonard’s consistent practice paid off in the end.
• Practical Tip: When faced with a daunting task, break it down into smaller, manageable steps and tackle them one at a time.

3. Embrace Growth Opportunities

• Challenges aren’t obstacles; they are opportunities to grow stronger and wiser.
• Practical Tip: Reflect on past challenges and identify the lessons you’ve learned from them. Use those lessons to fuel your future endeavors.

Watch Leonard’s Inspiring Journey

To see Leonard’s determination in action, watch the video below and relive the tale of The Climb. Let his story inspire you to reach for your own “baobab tree.”

Reflect and Share

What challenges have you faced that required perseverance? How did you overcome them? We’d love to hear your stories and reflections in the comments below. Let Leonard’s story inspire a community of resilience and growth.

Join the Conversation!
Take the discussion further by joining our Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence Forum. Share your experiences, seek advice, and connect with others who are on a journey to build confidence and overcome life’s challenges. Together, we can grow stronger and inspire one another!

Conclusion

Leonard’s victory wasn’t just about climbing a tree; it was about proving to himself and others that determination and self-belief can overcome any obstacle. Let this fable be a reminder that we all have the strength within us to achieve great things. So, the next time you face a challenge, channel your inner Leonard and embrace the climb!

The post The Climb: What a Lion Cub Can Teach Us About Perseverance appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

Self-talk is what psychologists call the inner dialogue you carry on with yourself. It’s usually filled with conscious and subconscious beliefs that started in your childhood. 

It’s also a habit that you can reprogram if you want different results. You can convince yourself that you’re inadequate or you can remind yourself that you have the potential to learn and grow. Positive self-talk builds your confidence and makes it easier to persevere. 

Learn how to take control of your self-talk. Try these strategies for becoming a better friend to yourself. 

General Principles for Adjusting Your Self-Talk: 

1. Increase your awareness. The first step in changing your self-talk is becoming more familiar with it. Many of the messages that you send to yourself are so automatic that they can escape your notice. Keeping a journal may help you to pay more attention. 

2. Plan ahead. Have alternatives ready for the patterns you want to change. Make a list of positive affirmations to replace your old put-downs. You can browse online for ideas or use your own words. 

3. Identify your options. Negative self-talk can narrow your vision. Read self-help books or observe others to see different ways to respond to conflicts and setbacks. 

4. Depersonalize situations. Do you blame yourself for things that are beyond your control? Most events have multiple causes. Distinguish between taking responsibility for your actions and beating yourself up. 

5. Develop compassion. Be kind to yourself! Imagine you’re speaking to a close friend. Avoid harsh words or insults. 

6. Seek moderation. Distorted self-talk tends to become more exaggerated over the years. Check the accuracy of your statements and stick to the facts. 

7. Be patient. It often takes considerable repetition to replace your old messages with more constructive wording. Hang in there. Eventually your new affirmations will seem natural and authentic. 

Specific Strategies for Adjusting Your Self-Talk: 

1. Use present tense. The only time when you can take action is now. Keep your self-talk focused on the present moment instead of reliving the past or trying to anticipate the future. 

2. Say your name. Research shows that addressing yourself by name is often more effective than using pronouns. Maybe it encourages you to be objective or makes you feel like you have company. 

3. Look in the mirror. Reinforce your messages by looking yourself in the eye. Repeat affirmations while gazing into a mirror in your bathroom or in your car. 

4. Create reminders. Stay on track by surrounding yourself with cues to speak to yourself with kindness and respect. Spend time with family and friends who boost your spirits. Write inspiring quotes on sticky notes and put them on your office phone or closet door. 

5. Speak out loud. Repeat your affirmations out loud when you have privacy. It may be awkward to tell yourself that you’re amazing in the middle of a coffee shop, but you could record a message on your phone that you can listen to anywhere. 

6. Consider therapy. It can be challenging to change self-talk that you’ve been reinforcing for years. Talking with a professional could help you to gain more insights and ideas. Ask your doctor for a referral or consult the online Psychologist Locator at The American Psychological Association. 

Enjoy a happier and more meaningful life by transforming your self-talk. That little voice inside you can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and helping you to reach your goals. Ensure that it’s lifting you up and guiding you toward success. 

The post A 5-Minute Guide on How to Talk with Yourself appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

Self-confidence is one of the most important ingredients for your happiness and success. It makes you feel more motivated and energetic. It helps you to reach your goals. It can even strengthen your relationships and enhance your health. 

Do you want to feel surer of yourself and your ability to face life’s challenges? Learn how to use meditation to build your self-esteem and confidence. 

Using Meditation to Increase Your Awareness 

Self-doubts can narrow your experiences and opportunities if you shy away from taking risks. Meditation creates a safe space for looking at yourself and your habits with honesty and courage. 

Try these strategies: 

1. Scan your body. Your posture affects your confidence. Start your meditation session by sitting up tall and taking deep breaths. Examine yourself from head to foot to spot any discomfort. Try squeezing your muscles and then releasing them. 

2. Let go of judgements. Notice your thoughts and feelings without criticizing them. Embrace your strengths and weaknesses. 

3. Challenge your assumptions. Do you cling to outdated beliefs that hold you back? Rewire your thinking by examining your typical reactions and considering more constructive approaches. 

4. Make conscious decisions. It’s easy to wind up drifting along on autopilot. Mindfulness practices help you to take charge of your life. 

Using Meditation to Generate Compassion 

You may be undermining your self-confidence without even realizing it. Paying attention to your thoughts gives you an opportunity to transform the way you treat yourself. 

These techniques can help you to be kind to yourself and boost your confidence: 

1. Change your self-talk. What does your internal chatter sound like? Replace harsh messages with friendlier feedback. 

2. Chant mantras. Reciting uplifting words and phrases is a proven way to stay focused during meditation. Write your own encouraging affirmations or find inspiration in scriptures and self-help books. 

3. Nurture yourself. Scheduling daily meditation time is a great way to start investing in your confidence and wellbeing. Make healthy eating, regular exercise, and restorative sleep part of your routine too. 

4. Seek support. Childhood memories and other influences can make it difficult to show compassion for yourself. Consider listening to guided meditations or talking with a therapist if you need more assistance. 

Using Meditation to Accomplish More 

True confidence comes from within and recognizing your achievements can give you a boost. Meditation teaches you to live more mindfully, and that can help you to excel in your personal and professional life. 

Consider these tips: 

1. Slow down. The stress of rushing around can erode your confidence. You’ll probably accomplish more with less effort as meditation trains you to move more deliberately. Figure out your priorities and shorten your to do list. Take breaks throughout the day to prevent burnout. 

2. Express gratitude. Being thankful makes you feel more secure and connected to others. You’ll have the confidence to take worthwhile risks and try new things. Your warm and relaxed attitude will also make it easier to collaborate with others. 

3. Keep practicing. Change is usually a gradual process. Be patient with yourself as you build your confidence. Expect some setbacks and evaluate your progress on a regular basis. You’ll probably find that meditating is more productive on some days than others. You’re a success as long as you keep trying. 

4. Create balance. Meditation helps you to look at the big picture. As you balance the various aspects of your life, your confidence and peace of mind increase. 

Meditation can make your confidence soar. When you love and appreciate yourself for who you are, your life becomes richer and more rewarding. 

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Mornings are a busy time for many families just getting everyone out of the door on time. 

On the other hand, you and your kids may be spending your days at home. That can be just as stressful as commuting, especially if you’re concerned about your health and finances. 

The specific habits you choose will depend on your values and goals. Start small and have fun experimenting. Consider these ideas for morning rituals designed to help you thrive. 

Empowering Morning Rituals for Your Body: 

1. Skip the snooze button. Do you feel groggy even after 8 hours of sleep? The trouble could be your snooze button. It interrupts your body’s natural waking process. That can cause sleep inertia that lasts for hours. 

2. Drink water. You may want to postpone your first cup of coffee. Plain water will rehydrate your organs and make you feel more alert. You can add a little flavor with berries, herbs, or cucumber slices. 

3. Eat breakfast. You also need to refuel. Enjoy a balanced meal of traditional breakfast foods or heat up some leftovers. Smart choices include Greek yogurt with fruit or a fish taco. 

4. Work out. Complete your main exercise session or move around a little, especially if you’ll be sitting at a computer for hours. Choose an activity that you love, like yoga or swimming. 

5. Weigh yourself. If you’re trying to lose excess weight, stepping on the scale each day may help. Keep in mind that daily fluctuations are natural, so look for upward or downward trends. 

6. Go outdoors. Morning light wakes up your body and starts a hormone cycle that prepares you for restful sleep at night.Sit on your patio or bike to work. 

Empowering Morning Rituals for Your Mind:
1. Avoid technology. Resist the urge to lose yourself in social media. Turn off your phone or check for urgent messages only. 

2. Be prepared. Starting on tasks the night before can make your mornings more pleasant. Lay out your clothes and pack your briefcase. 

3. Meditate and pray. Nourish your spirituality. If you’re a beginner, start with a few minutes of meditation and build up your time gradually. 

4. Repeat affirmations. Give yourself loving and motivational messages. Speak in the present tense and keep your statements brief. Looking in the mirror can help you focus. 

5. Connect with loved ones. Enjoy family time. Play a word game with your kids while you’re helping them get dressed. Tell your partner that you love them. 

6. Cultivate gratitude. Count your blessings. Think of someone who you need to thank today. 

7. Continue learning. You could use your mornings to complete your degree online or study more informally. Listen to history and economics podcasts. Read high quality fiction or nonfiction. 

8. Have a project. Do you struggle to find time for yourself? The early hours may be an opportunity to engage your personal passions or expand your side gig. 

9. Listen to music. Research shows that listening to music reduces anxiety and enhances mental alertness and memory. Put together a personal playlist or turn on your favorite radio station. 

10. Plan your day. Set goals and block out your time. Otherwise, external events can keep you from focusing on your true priorities. Remember to leave yourself adequate downtime for refreshing breaks. 

Kick off your day with a morning routine that will make you feel more productive and fulfilled. Adopt positive habits and jump out of bed with a smile. 

The post 16 Empowering Morning Rituals appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

This cycle of negativity can be damaging, but there are things that you can do to break the cycle. 

Try these techniques to give your self-esteem a boost: 

1. Learn and master a new skill. When you learn a new skill and become good at it, your confidence will no doubt grow. This is especially true if the skill benefits something you already do. 

2. Make a list of all of your accomplishments. It can be easy to forget all of the things you’ve achieved in your lifetime. So, make a list of these accomplishments, and from time to time, read the list to remind yourself of them. You’ll feel much better about yourself. 

3. Do something creative. Being creative helps to stimulate your brain, and the more use your brain gets the bigger the benefits. If you combine creativity with trying something new, even more benefits will be achieved. 

4. Set values for your life. What are your values? Does your current lifestyle reflect these values? If it doesn’t, take action to make the necessary changes. Learning who you are and what you stand for, and then living these values, will increase your confidence. 

5. Think positive. Instead of thinking negatively when faced with a difficult task, think about it as a challenge that you can overcome. Think positively, consider what you can learn from the experience, and be proud of yourself once you’ve accomplished it. 

6. Stretch your comfort zone. Try new things. Go to new places. Meet new people. As a result, you’ll see your confidence grow.

7. Help someone. When you help someone else, you’ll feel a sense of achievement and enjoy higher self-esteem.

8. Try to heal your past. Past issues or drama can prevent you from moving on and growing as a person. You may want to speak to a trained counselor to talk through any issues you may have. 

9. Avoid worrying about what others think. The one person whose opinion of you matters is you! Do what you feel is best, feel confident that you did your best, and your self-esteem will soar. 

10. Read something inspirational. Stories of others who have overcome issues or dire situations and gone on to lead successful lives can inspire you to do the same. Self-help content can inspire you to reach for the stars and help you get there. Such inspiration also makes you feel optimistic and better about yourself. 

11. Stay away from negative people. There will be people in your life who always seem to put you down and leave you feeling badly about yourself. It may be best to let them go. Instead, try to surround yourself with positive people who will lift you up and make you feel good about yourself. 

12. Take care of your appearance. When you look after yourself, you are going to feel good about yourself too. 

13. Focus on what you can change. Some things in life are out of our control. Focus your energy on the things you can control, and you’ll happily find that you can change your life for the better. 

Once you start to incorporate some of these tips into your daily life, your self-esteem will start to grow. It may not happen overnight, but with time you will certainly see an improvement. 

The post 13 Ways to Give Your Self-Esteem a Boost appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

Would it not be helpful if you were able to boost your confidence in your skills and workplace abilities? 

Try these tips to increase your confidence at work: 

1. Cut out negative self-talk. A positive mentality will help you learn more easily and ultimately help boost your confidence. When you find yourself speaking negatively or criticizing yourself, immediately switch it to something positive, instead. 

• For example, instead of criticizing your lack of knowledge about something, tell yourself: It’s great that I can learn what I need quickly and easily so that tasks like these become a cinch to do! 
• Instead of saying, “I can’t,” ask yourself, “How can I?” This takes your focus off of the negative and puts it in the realm of the positive. In this mode, you may come up with the solution you need to enable you to do the thing that you thought you couldn’t. 

2. Increase your knowledge. When you take the time to learn a new skill or piece of knowledge, you can be certain that what you’re doing is correct. 

• You may want to look at online courses, or perhaps attend a seminar, designed to enhance your skills. 
• Watch what others in your workplace do successfully and try to copy them. 

3. Practice makes perfect. When you practice at a certain task, you will get better at it in time as you are able to correct any mistakes that you make. 

• Each time you complete a task, ask yourself whether there is anything you could do differently to improve the process the next time you do it. 

4. Work on your strengths. A proven way to boost confidence in the workplace is by focusing your attention on excelling at the skills you are already good at. 

• Doing something excellently, rather than just adequately, can do wonders for your confidence! 

5. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if there is something you don’t know or understand. After all, the knowledge you seek could be the information you need to finish your task quickly and accurately. 

6. Focus on your past successes. An easy way to boost your confidence is to think about past projects that you’ve completed successfully. Did you complete a task within the deadline? Perhaps received praise from your boss? 

• Focus on the positives rather than the negatives. 

7. Act confidently. If you’re approaching a new task, or perhaps an entirely new job, then chances are you won’t know exactly what needs to be done. In these situations, it’s completely normal to feel under-confident. However, if you act confidently and put on a positive frame of mind, you may surprise yourself. 

• Not only will you gain the trust of your work colleagues, but your own self-confidence will increase too, with the knowledge that you are capable at your job with valuable skills to offer. 

8. Have fun. Taking yourself too seriously in the workplace will leave your self-esteem in tatters when you encounter setbacks. Of course, you want to be good at your job, but this does not mean that you need to be serious 100% of the time. 

• You are allowed to have fun and doing so will allow you to laugh at yourself and any mistakes you make. 
• Take any criticism directed at you with good humor and you won’t suffer any knocks to your confidence. 

A little extra confidence can go a long way toward helping you reach your career goals. Think of these tips the next time you’re feeling doubtful about your skills or abilities and you’ll be able to bring your confidence back up again in short order. 

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Too many people tend to think that they have to go outside and explore to be able to find the peace and happiness that they’re looking for. This just isn’t the truth. You have many ways to increase your happiness right in your own home. 

Bring in some joy with these indoor activities: 

1. Read a good book. A good book can transform your thoughts into another world. When you find a book that has you hooked from the very first page, you just know that it’s a special read. 

• Allow yourself to get caught up in the words and discover a world that you never knew existed. 

2. Play a game. Card games and board games are simply the best. Neither option takes much effort and it’s always fun to challenge yourself or someone else inside your home to a good old game of War or Connect Four. 

• Allow yourself to have fun during the game. Avoid turning it into something overly competitive. Such competition can cause tempers and tensions to flare. 

3. Start a fun hobby. There’s nothing like a new hobby to stimulate your brain, relax you, and show the world and yourself how much you matter. Find a hobby that looks fun to you and dive in. 

• The time that you spend on this hobby is all time that you’re taking just for you! Affirm how valuable you are by enjoying a new hobby! 
• If you choose a hobby in which you create things, you’ll also raise your self-esteem when you admire the items that you create. Plus, you get the joy of getting to use the items as well, or you could bring joy to yourself and others when you give them away. 

4. Binge on your favorite show. Sometimes we all need to turn off our brains and turn on the TV. Settle in for a day of watching TV, movies, or just trying to learn the latest dance moves. 

• The easiest way to achieve self-care and to make it happen is to do some of the things that you love. You can easily see that with just a little bit of effort, your time at home can have a positive impact on your day. 

5. Bake some goodies. Do you consider yourself to be a foodie? Why not put your tummy front and center and spend a day baking up some of your favorite treats? The best part? You’ll get to enjoy the food! 

• Drink your water and sprinkle in some other healthy options, too. Having a well-balanced diet is important for your overall mental, as well as physical, health 

With the world being full of so many uncertainties, it’s a good time to take charge of the things that you do have control over. Finding indoor activities that bring you happiness isn’t a hard thing to accomplish at all. 

Fight the urge to leave your home and instead look at the room you’re currently in to see what you can find to do. Who knows, you just might find a way to reconnect with yourself and your home during this time. 

Indoor activities can be a great way to save your sanity and pass the time. 

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Taking time out may also cheer you up if you’re feeling sad and anxious about the changes that the recent pandemic has made in your life. 

Calm your mind and lift your spirits with these suggestions for retreating in place. 

Setting Goals for a Home Retreat 

There are many varieties of retreats. Forming an intention will help to narrow your options and guide your efforts. 

You might want to try one of these popular goals: 

1. Rest and relax. Relieving stress may be your top priority. One morning of restorative yoga and deep breathing could reduce inflammation and fix any sleep issues. 

2. Increase your mindfulness. Living in the present moment and letting go of judgements builds resilience. Center your retreat around meditation and other mindfulness exercises. 

3. Deepen your spirituality. Retreats can be adapted for any religious or personal beliefs. Your mind is the only thing you need to have a sacred experience. 

Preparing for a Home Retreat 

Take care of the details in advance. That way you can settle back and nourish yourself when your retreat day rolls around. 

Consider these ideas: 

1. Arrange your space. Maybe you already have a meditation room or a nook with a shrine. Whatever space you use, try to find somewhere quiet and decorate it with objects that inspire you. 

2. Create a program. Would you host a meeting without an agenda? A written program will help you structure your activities and use your time constructively.

3. Browse for resources. Access a vast selection of videos, podcasts, eBooks, and more without leaving home. Search the digital collection at your local library or visit the websites of organizations like Tricycle magazine and Insight Meditation.

4. Connect with others. For more fun and enrichment, be social. Invite your partner or children living at home to join you. Organize a group of friends or church members to schedule a retreat on the same day and share some of your sessions online. 

5. Limber up. Leave your retreat with happy memories rather than a sore back. Stretch daily so you’ll be comfortable sitting for longer periods. 

Enjoying Your Home Retreat 

If you become sleepy or restless while meditating, you may run into similar obstacles during a retreat. 

Some simple precautions like these will help you stay on track:
1. Start small. Three minutes of focused meditation beats an hour of fidgeting and daydreaming. Respect your limits. Allow yourself to progress gradually. 

2. Limit distractions. Turn off your phone and forget about checking messages for a while. Ask others not to disturb you except for emergencies. 

3. Schedule breaks. Pause for 10 or 20 minutes in between each session. Stretch and walk around. Drink a glass of water or a cup of herbal tea. 

4. Dress comfortably. Layer your clothing so you can avoid becoming too cold or too warm. Choose soft garments with a loose fit. Keep a light wrap handy that you can drape over your shoulders. 

5. Eat light. Foods and beverages that are easy to digest will keep your stomach peaceful too.Prepare meals and snacks in advance. Good choices include yogurt with fruit, vegetable smoothies, and lentil soups. 

6. Transition back. You may have little to show for your retreat if you rush back to binge-watching reality shows. Enjoy a closing ritual like chanting or self-massage. Try to remain quieter and more deliberate as you resume ordinary tasks. 

Once you’ve completed your first home retreat, it’s time to start thinking about putting the next one on your calendar. Blocking out time regularly for relaxation and contemplation will help keep you strong and well. 

The post Who Else Wants to Plan a Retreat at Home? appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

But then one day… 

Digging burrows was the favorite pastime of the Green family of gophers. They spent as much time as possible digging deep and narrow tunnels where they could comfortably relax during their downtime. 

Grayson was the youngest member of the Green family, but he always shied away from burrowing. He was always nervous that whenever he did build a tunnel, his siblings would tease him about how shallow and tiny it was. 

Grayson’s mom noticed her son hiding in the background while the other kids were digging and decided to talk with him. 

“Grayson, honey,” she said, “How about joining me and your Papa while we dig our burrows?” 

“Aw, Mama, I just don’t know if I have what it takes to be a gopher!” he remarked. “My paws are so tiny and my claws are so short. I can’t possibly dig as impressively as the older kids!” 

Mama Green realized that Grayson was comparing his abilities to his siblings’, and offered a word of encouragement. “Grayson, my darling, only you know what’s good enough for yourself. Never mind what anybody else is doing. You have what it takes to dig a burrow that’s perfect for you, regardless of what anybody else says!”

With that word from Mama Green, Grayson felt encouraged, and reminded himself that as long as the burrow was deep and wide enough for his tiny body to fit, it’d be perfect! 

He spent the next few hours happily digging away, knowing that he had the ability to make the burrow his own. When he was done, he shouted, “Mama, look! Look at this burrow that I dug all by myself! And it’s just perfect for me!” Mama Green felt pride in her son’s self-confidence and gave him the tightest hug. 

“I knew you could do it, son! All it takes is just a little self-belief!” 

Moral: You won’t know what you’re capable of until you first believe you can do it. 

Grayson spent much of his young life watching what his older siblings were doing and comparing himself to them. Each time he did that, he would come up disappointed because he was unable to do many of the things they did. 

In Grayson’s mind, doing things the way they did was the only way to achieve the happiness and success that they achieved. 

The downside to that approach to life is the possibility of being stuck in the same place for a very long time. Grayson’s self-doubt when he compared himself to his siblings prevented him from trying to dig his own burrow. 

The same is true in life for us. We allow others to set the bar for “the ideal accomplishment.” When we fall short, we lose our self-confidence. 

Having self-belief is the first step in breaking away from the mold that others have set for you. Only you know what works well for you, so set your own bar and work towards reaching it. That is the true formula for success and accomplishment. 

The other person’s shoe rarely fits because your feet are a different size and shape. Declare who you are! Find your own shoes that fit your size and ability. 

The best way to avoid disappointment is to avoid the standards that others set and focus on setting your own. Think about what makes you truly happy and start on the journey to achieving that. The people on the outside are incapable of taking your joy away when you hit the mark. 

When you know what you want, you start to believe in your ability to achieve it. The next step is to start walking towards your goal with confidence and resolve. 

Self-Reflection Questions: 

1. How do I know when a goal that I set is truly attainable?
   
2. What are some factors that cause me to doubt my own abilities?
   
3. How much of an influence does the negativity of others have on my desire to
   achieve greatness? 

The post Grayson the Go-Getter Gopher Fable – A story about the power of self-belief appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

Being respectful of my time means using it productively instead of wasting it. When I show others how I spend my days, I am able to send a message to them. My usage of time encourages productive and useful discourse with others. 

I say positive things about myself in person and in public. By affirming that I am confident and loyal, I attract others who admire my confidence. I attract people who respect my loyalty and feel encouraged to be loyal to me in return. 

I treat myself respectfully by turning away ungentlemanly advances. I expect to be treated like a lady so I behave like a lady at all times. 

Displaying ladylike behavior shows others what my expectations are. Anyone who approaches me in an offensive manner is turned away. My self-worth is too great for me to make room for those who are disrespectful to me. 

Today, I know what I want so I display behaviors that encourage achievement of those desires. My ability to teach others about my boundaries ensures that I am treated respectfully. I am courageous when it comes to defending my pride and honor. 

Self-Reflection Questions: 

1. How do I show how I want to be treated in the workplace?
   
2. In what ways does independence identify me as a contender for a promotion?
   
3. What are some of my values that help to build my character?
   

The post I Teach Others How to Treat Me by How I Treat Myself appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

You have at least one incredible talent that lies completely beyond your awareness. You might even have more than one. There are so many things you’ve never tried, or even considered, that it’s practically guaranteed that you don’t even know what your greatest talent might be. 

Imagine how much fuller your life could be if you were able to find a few of these hidden talents. You don’t know what you’re missing! 

Discover your talents and learn more about yourself with these strategies: 

1. Follow your interests. There’s one approach to life that is built on the belief that your interests will lead you to find your talents and purpose. All you have to do is get off the couch and pursue these interests and see where they take you. 

• Whether you have a nagging urge to learn computer programming or a fascination with jazz piano, follow those breadcrumbs and see where they lead. 

• Make a list of all the interests you’ve never actually tried. Start with those that have been long-time interests and make plans to finally do them. Just pick one and do it. See what happens. 

2. List your strengths. What are you good at? What can you naturally do that others seem to struggle at? What are strengths you’ve developed over the years? Given all of those strengths, what else do you think you’d be good at? 

This can be an effective way to identify talents you’ve never considered. 

3. Ask for advice. Your friends and family know plenty of things about you that you don’t know about yourself. Ask them what they believe your strengths are. Ask them what they believe your talents are and how you could best use them. Most of your friends and family would be happy to do this for you. 

4. What do you like to talk about? What do you like to talk about with your friends? Is there a topic that you always seem to mention every time you hang out? Do you like to share the latest scientific news with your friends? Are you always telling them how you’d like to visit Egypt someday? 

5. What talents do you most admire in others? For example, if you are a huge fan of art, determine if you have a hidden artistic talent. Do you love good writing? Try your hand at some short stories. 

6. Take an aptitude test. An intelligence test measures intelligence. An achievement test measures how much you know. An aptitude test determines what you would be good at. In a sense, it’s a test that will reveal your talents. 

• There are plenty of aptitude tests you can take online. Take one and see what you discover. 

7. Review your movie, book, and music collection. What kinds of movies do you like? Where do your reading interests lie? What type of music inspires you? Is there one idea that ties your media collection together? How can you leverage this interest? 

8. Keep an open mind. Most of us made up our minds about ourselves a long time ago. Be open to discovering talents you never knew you had. It’s hard to discover anything with a closed mind. 

How many talents do you currently know that you possess? What if you don’t even know about half of them? What if there are several amazing talents you don’t know about? 

Given how limited everyone’s experience is, there’s no possible way you’ve found all your talents! 

Have you ever been surfing? Tried playing the tuba? Tried making Baked Alaska? Tried your hand at oil painting? Attempted to write a horror novel? Maybe it’s time to finally follow your interests and see where they lead you. 

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Our world is full of stress. When you live in a society that encourages competition, achievement, and success, you’re going to have to learn how to decompress effectively. If your daily routine doesn’t include a process for relaxing, you’re doing yourself a serious disservice. 

Relaxing is important, and you’re not going to be at your best each day if you fail to give relaxation the attention it deserves. 

Consider these relaxing techniques: 

1. Take a cold shower or walk in the rain. Exposure to cold might not sound relaxing, and you’d be right. It’s not the cold that’s relaxing, it’s the feeling after you’ve allowed yourself to warm back up. It’s as if the stress has been drained from your very soul. 

• Cold can also snap you out of your current mood. It’s not easy to think about how much you hate your job when cold water is making you physically miserable. 

2. Clench your entire body. Start with your toes and move up your body one muscle group at a time. Clench and flex that muscle with maximum effort. Hold it for a few seconds, relax, and repeat. Flex each muscle 3-5 times and move on to the next. Introducing more stress into your body can help to release that tension. 

• Alternately, try flexing all of your muscles at once. Try both methods and see which provides more relief. 

3. Pull out the crayons. There are adult coloring books designed to help take your mind off your troubles. Don’t like crayons? Try colored pencils or markers. Use whatever you like and give coloring a try. It’s not just for kids. 

• Coloring puts your attention on something neutral. It can be a form of meditation. You also have the added boost of having created something when you’re done. You might not want to hang it on your refrigerator for the world to see, but at least you have a sense of accomplishment. 

4. White noise. Consider the recorded sounds of ocean waves, rain, a crackling fire, or any other sound you might find soothing. These types of sounds can be very relaxing. 

5. Stare at a fire. If you don’t have a fireplace, a candle will do. Even high-quality video of a fire will suffice. There’s something primal and hypnotic about fire. Staring into a fire can be a great way to relax. 

6. Stretch. Stretching your body is an effective way to release tension and relax. You don’t need any fancy equipment. Just relax on the floor and do all those stretches you used to do in gym class. 

7. Buy a plant. Plants are relaxing. Walk around the local nursery and find the perfect plant. Take it home, put it in the sun, water it, fertilize it, look at it, and talk to it. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the positive impact a single plant can have in your home. You might even want more than one. 

8. Do a puzzle. Mental puzzles are a good way to occupy your mind and give it a chance to relax. Crosswords, sudoku, mazes, or any type of brain teaser can be an effective way to relax. A jigsaw puzzle can be just as good for relaxing. 

Create a routine that will allow you to relax at least once each day. Relaxation is important if you want to be at your best. Stress is damaging to your body and mind, so make relaxation a part of each and every day. There are plenty of ways to relax that you’ve never considered. Give one of them a try today. 

The post 8 Ways to Relax You’ve Never Considered appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.