Friday, February 29, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Looking on the bright side...
Optimism is the ability to look at the brighter side of life and to maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity.
The ability to bounce back from disappointment.
I have some questions about optimism.
Optimism involves always believing that everything will turn out well. Right?
No! That is merely poor Reality Testing.
Optimism means always giving yourself pep talks - just keep saying positive things to yourself. Right?
No! First, you won’t hear the pep talks after a short while because you know that they are phony. Second, you are in danger of hiding too much from real negatives that you need to notice and plan around.
Then what is Optimism, really?
You practice Optimism when you choose to view setbacks, downturns, and disappointments as temporary rather than permanent. Even if times are bad right now, you recognize that this need not be a permanent condition. Things can and probably will improve.
You practice Optimism when you choose to see misfortune as situational rather than pervasive. For example, your company is reducing its workforce and has let you go. While this may be a bad situation, it does not mean that you are an undesirable employee and will never work again.
You practice Optimism when you choose not to personalize bad events with statements like “Just my luck.” “This always happens to me.” “I have a black cloud over my life.” “I always screw things up.”
While optimists recognize that there are elements in a failed situation that they may not have been able to control, they are realistic about the aspects that they can control. If their performance in one of those aspects was poor, they take heart in the fact that it is within their control to do better next time.
Learn more about training your brain to think more optimistically from my show earlier this week.
www.BlogTalkRadio.com/todaysguest/2008/02/19/The-Science-of-Optimism
Also, listen for another fr.eebie that I mention on the audio.
To Your Best Life!
Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"
mike@PartnersInPurpose.com
P.S. Don't forget to grab your fr.ee audio from your favorite Life Design Coach at:
www.BlogTalkRadio.com/todaysguest/2008/02/19/The-Science-of-Optimism
The ability to bounce back from disappointment.
I have some questions about optimism.
Optimism involves always believing that everything will turn out well. Right?
No! That is merely poor Reality Testing.
Optimism means always giving yourself pep talks - just keep saying positive things to yourself. Right?
No! First, you won’t hear the pep talks after a short while because you know that they are phony. Second, you are in danger of hiding too much from real negatives that you need to notice and plan around.
Then what is Optimism, really?
You practice Optimism when you choose to view setbacks, downturns, and disappointments as temporary rather than permanent. Even if times are bad right now, you recognize that this need not be a permanent condition. Things can and probably will improve.
You practice Optimism when you choose to see misfortune as situational rather than pervasive. For example, your company is reducing its workforce and has let you go. While this may be a bad situation, it does not mean that you are an undesirable employee and will never work again.
You practice Optimism when you choose not to personalize bad events with statements like “Just my luck.” “This always happens to me.” “I have a black cloud over my life.” “I always screw things up.”
While optimists recognize that there are elements in a failed situation that they may not have been able to control, they are realistic about the aspects that they can control. If their performance in one of those aspects was poor, they take heart in the fact that it is within their control to do better next time.
Learn more about training your brain to think more optimistically from my show earlier this week.
www.BlogTalkRadio.com/todaysguest/2008/02/19/The-Science-of-Optimism
Also, listen for another fr.eebie that I mention on the audio.
To Your Best Life!
Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"
mike@PartnersInPurpose.com
P.S. Don't forget to grab your fr.ee audio from your favorite Life Design Coach at:
www.BlogTalkRadio.com/todaysguest/2008/02/19/The-Science-of-Optimism
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Learn to embrace your inner tortoise from the Slowskys
I don't know about you, but I can learn a thing or two from the Slowskys. You know the charming couple from the commercials.
We live in a world where the pace and complexity can be mind blowing at times. It is everywhere. There is speed dial on your phone, speed reading classes, I even saw a DVD on speed Yoga. Modern life seems to be stuck on fast-forward.
It is why I have followed the sage advice of the Slowskys. Check out their wisdom below.
Mindfully,
Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"
Co-Author of An Invitation to Personal Peace
http://www.aninvitationtopersonalpeace.com/products
We live in a world where the pace and complexity can be mind blowing at times. It is everywhere. There is speed dial on your phone, speed reading classes, I even saw a DVD on speed Yoga. Modern life seems to be stuck on fast-forward.
It is why I have followed the sage advice of the Slowskys. Check out their wisdom below.
Mindfully,
Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"
Co-Author of An Invitation to Personal Peace
http://www.aninvitationtopersonalpeace.com/products
Monday, February 18, 2008
Coaching for Personal Peace and Purpose
A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile
world: Everyone you meet is your mirror. -Ken Keyes, Jr.
Are you clear about the kind of person you want to be?
The source of true happiness resides within you. Until you allow yourself
to fully connect with and pursue your life's purpose you will never experience
true joy. It will take courage. It may mean fighting. Never! never! never! let other's opinions, their rejection or ridicule, or their complete opposition stop
you from being who you are. Show up. Speak up. Develop your gifts and
talents. Live the life you were meant to live. Dare to do what you want to do. There in is true happiness.
Complete the following sentence stems below to help you plug in more fully
to your life's purpose.
My life's purpose is…
My empowering self-definition is…
I want my life to be an answer to what question?
My personal purpose statement is…
The sort of influence on others I’d like to be is…
If you complete this brief coaching tool pass your responses on to others.
Making public declarations is a powerful way of building in accountability
for yourself. I would love to see your responses.
To Your Best Life!
Dr. Mike Davison
Y"Your Destiny Doctor"
mike@meditationandmore.com
P.S. Check out more information about my coaching programs at www.drmikedavison.com
world: Everyone you meet is your mirror. -Ken Keyes, Jr.
Are you clear about the kind of person you want to be?
The source of true happiness resides within you. Until you allow yourself
to fully connect with and pursue your life's purpose you will never experience
true joy. It will take courage. It may mean fighting. Never! never! never! let other's opinions, their rejection or ridicule, or their complete opposition stop
you from being who you are. Show up. Speak up. Develop your gifts and
talents. Live the life you were meant to live. Dare to do what you want to do. There in is true happiness.
Complete the following sentence stems below to help you plug in more fully
to your life's purpose.
My life's purpose is…
My empowering self-definition is…
I want my life to be an answer to what question?
My personal purpose statement is…
The sort of influence on others I’d like to be is…
If you complete this brief coaching tool pass your responses on to others.
Making public declarations is a powerful way of building in accountability
for yourself. I would love to see your responses.
To Your Best Life!
Dr. Mike Davison
Y"Your Destiny Doctor"
mike@meditationandmore.com
P.S. Check out more information about my coaching programs at www.drmikedavison.com
Friday, February 15, 2008
Need a double shot of passion and inspirtation?
If you do, you have come to the right place.
Today I am serving up 2 helpings of passion and inspiration.
#1 is a clip of Artist Michael Israel in action. It is undescribable. Check it out.
#2 is a clip of a contestant on American Idol practicing his craft. Even if you don't like his style of music, I beleive his passion will come though.
Have a passionate weekend!
Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"
P.S. Are you connected to your passion and purpose?
Today I am serving up 2 helpings of passion and inspiration.
#1 is a clip of Artist Michael Israel in action. It is undescribable. Check it out.
#2 is a clip of a contestant on American Idol practicing his craft. Even if you don't like his style of music, I beleive his passion will come though.
Have a passionate weekend!
Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"
P.S. Are you connected to your passion and purpose?
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
It works for Monkeys, make it work for you...
Have you ever heard of mirror neurons?
It is a hot topic in the brain sciences right now.
It has huge implications about the power of modeling, and how being purposeful about modeling others we can more rapidly learn new behaviors.
This research was originally conducted on monkeys. However, it applies to human learning as well.
I recorded a show today where I talked about this highly technical research in a highly simple and practical way.
Check out the audio at:
http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/todaysguest/2008/02/12/Using-Your-Mirror-Neurons-for-a-Change-Modeling-Your-Way-to-Success
To Your Best Life!
Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"
mike@MeditationandMore.com
P.S. Get purposeful about designing and living your best life.
It is a hot topic in the brain sciences right now.
It has huge implications about the power of modeling, and how being purposeful about modeling others we can more rapidly learn new behaviors.
This research was originally conducted on monkeys. However, it applies to human learning as well.
I recorded a show today where I talked about this highly technical research in a highly simple and practical way.
Check out the audio at:
http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/todaysguest/2008/02/12/Using-Your-Mirror-Neurons-for-a-Change-Modeling-Your-Way-to-Success
To Your Best Life!
Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"
mike@MeditationandMore.com
P.S. Get purposeful about designing and living your best life.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Shift happens...
I have mentioned in previous messages thing such as...
Your thoughts make a difference.
The environments you put yourself in make a difference.
Your emotions make a difference.
I came across some cool research that reinforces the notion that your MINDSET MATTERS.
What you focus on makes a difference.
Small shifts in your focus can make a difference.
Here is the Source: Crum, A. & Langer, E. (2007) "Mindset Matters: Exercise as a Placebo," Psychological Science, 18, 2.
Here is the ABSTRACT—In a study testing whether the relationship between exercise and health is moderated by one's mind-set, 84 female room attendants working in seven different hotels were measured on physiological health variables affected by exercise. Those in the informed condition were told that the work they do (cleaning hotel rooms) is good exercise and satisfies the Surgeon General's recommendations for an active lifestyle. Examples of how their work was exercise were provided. Subjects in the control group were not given this information. Although actual behavior did not change, 4 weeks after the intervention, the informed group perceived themselves to be getting significantly more exercise than before. As a result, compared with the control group, they showed a decrease in weight, blood pressure, body fat, waist-to-hip ratio, and body mass index. These results support the hypothesis that exercise affects health in part or in whole via the placebo effect.
Pretty powerful stuff, huh?
Have a great weekend.
Remember, shift happens...
Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"
mike@meditationandmore.com
P.S. Consider life design coaching so you can design and live your best life.
Your thoughts make a difference.
The environments you put yourself in make a difference.
Your emotions make a difference.
I came across some cool research that reinforces the notion that your MINDSET MATTERS.
What you focus on makes a difference.
Small shifts in your focus can make a difference.
Here is the Source: Crum, A. & Langer, E. (2007) "Mindset Matters: Exercise as a Placebo," Psychological Science, 18, 2.
Here is the ABSTRACT—In a study testing whether the relationship between exercise and health is moderated by one's mind-set, 84 female room attendants working in seven different hotels were measured on physiological health variables affected by exercise. Those in the informed condition were told that the work they do (cleaning hotel rooms) is good exercise and satisfies the Surgeon General's recommendations for an active lifestyle. Examples of how their work was exercise were provided. Subjects in the control group were not given this information. Although actual behavior did not change, 4 weeks after the intervention, the informed group perceived themselves to be getting significantly more exercise than before. As a result, compared with the control group, they showed a decrease in weight, blood pressure, body fat, waist-to-hip ratio, and body mass index. These results support the hypothesis that exercise affects health in part or in whole via the placebo effect.
Pretty powerful stuff, huh?
Have a great weekend.
Remember, shift happens...
Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"
mike@meditationandmore.com
P.S. Consider life design coaching so you can design and live your best life.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
More on meditation (and on creating lasting change)
Check out my series on meditation on our blog at www.aninvitationtopersonalpeace.com/blog/
Another fr.ee resource I want to share with you is the audio from a show I did today on the fundamentals of change. I know you will find the information helpful.
http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/todaysguest/2008/02/05/The-fundamentals-of-change
Remember, the only difference between a rut and a grave are the dimensions. Knock the walls off your personal ruts today!
To Your Success!
Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"
mike@aninvitationtopersonalpeace.com
P. S. If you are interested in creating massive change in your life, consider hiring a coach.
Another fr.ee resource I want to share with you is the audio from a show I did today on the fundamentals of change. I know you will find the information helpful.
http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/todaysguest/2008/02/05/The-fundamentals-of-change
Remember, the only difference between a rut and a grave are the dimensions. Knock the walls off your personal ruts today!
To Your Success!
Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"
mike@aninvitationtopersonalpeace.com
P. S. If you are interested in creating massive change in your life, consider hiring a coach.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Another misconception about meditation
Another misconception about meditation that came up in my recent teleconference was about a concern about meditation slowing a person down. One participant expressed a concern that their job requires them to be energetic and move quickly. He expressed the concern that meditation would lead to losing his "edge".
Here is what I know to be true about meditation. It helps you hone your edge. Meditation leads to being more centered and increases your capacity to be focused. Therefore, meditation will help you be more focused in a fast paced setting that requires you to focus on multiple tasks throughout the day.
One example would be working at the board of trade. Now that is a fast paced, high energy environment. I have worked with individuals who work in such environments that have reported learning to meditate helps them stay focused on what is most important in any given moment.
Think about it. We all have millions, probably billions of bits of information in our sensory field at any given moment. We can't focus on all of them. We need the ability to effective filter out the non-essential information. On the flip side, we need to be able to stay focused on the absolutely most essential. A meditation practice can help you develop that kind of edge. That kind of focus.
Mindfully,
Dr. Mike Davison
“Your Destiny Doctor”
mike@MeditationandMore.com
P.S. Have you checked out my book An Invitation to Personal Peace? www.aninvitationtopersonalpeace.com/products.php
Here is what I know to be true about meditation. It helps you hone your edge. Meditation leads to being more centered and increases your capacity to be focused. Therefore, meditation will help you be more focused in a fast paced setting that requires you to focus on multiple tasks throughout the day.
One example would be working at the board of trade. Now that is a fast paced, high energy environment. I have worked with individuals who work in such environments that have reported learning to meditate helps them stay focused on what is most important in any given moment.
Think about it. We all have millions, probably billions of bits of information in our sensory field at any given moment. We can't focus on all of them. We need the ability to effective filter out the non-essential information. On the flip side, we need to be able to stay focused on the absolutely most essential. A meditation practice can help you develop that kind of edge. That kind of focus.
Mindfully,
Dr. Mike Davison
“Your Destiny Doctor”
mike@MeditationandMore.com
P.S. Have you checked out my book An Invitation to Personal Peace? www.aninvitationtopersonalpeace.com/products.php
Friday, February 1, 2008
Simple idea about meditation...
I recently conducted a teleconference on the value of meditation in creating more personal peace in your life. It was a lively conference and many questions were asked about meditation that I will spend the next week or so responding to.
One of the question that was asked in a number of different ways was "how long should I mediate for?". The other variations of this question included, "how do I find the time?" or the statement, "I don't have enough time to meditate".
These questions seemed to be based on the notion that you need to meditate for a long to experience benefits. Let me say loud and clear that you do NOT need time to set aside large period of time to meditate. You may not even need to set aside any time. You can look for those moments of natural down that come up throughout your day. You can meditate for 1 minute or 5 minutes in your car or while taking a walk on a brief work break.
Keep in mind that mediation is not a specialized activity that requires a special room or special equipment.
One of my favorite times to meditate is when I am at a stop light. I simply put my car in park, close my eyes and focus on my breath cycle. It is a very rapid way for me to slow down and fully orient myself to the present moment. This one minute mediation technique has also renew my faith in humanity. Every time I use it there is a kind soul who will give me a gentle reminder when the light turns green. It is so reassuring to know that others in the community are so committed to helping me on my path to create more personal peace in my life.
Mindfully,
Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"
mike@meditationandmore.com
P.S. Have you checked out my book An Invitation to Personal Peace? www.aninvitationtopersonalpeace.com/products.php
One of the question that was asked in a number of different ways was "how long should I mediate for?". The other variations of this question included, "how do I find the time?" or the statement, "I don't have enough time to meditate".
These questions seemed to be based on the notion that you need to meditate for a long to experience benefits. Let me say loud and clear that you do NOT need time to set aside large period of time to meditate. You may not even need to set aside any time. You can look for those moments of natural down that come up throughout your day. You can meditate for 1 minute or 5 minutes in your car or while taking a walk on a brief work break.
Keep in mind that mediation is not a specialized activity that requires a special room or special equipment.
One of my favorite times to meditate is when I am at a stop light. I simply put my car in park, close my eyes and focus on my breath cycle. It is a very rapid way for me to slow down and fully orient myself to the present moment. This one minute mediation technique has also renew my faith in humanity. Every time I use it there is a kind soul who will give me a gentle reminder when the light turns green. It is so reassuring to know that others in the community are so committed to helping me on my path to create more personal peace in my life.
Mindfully,
Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"
mike@meditationandmore.com
P.S. Have you checked out my book An Invitation to Personal Peace? www.aninvitationtopersonalpeace.com/products.php
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