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Chris Educator's Top 10 Affirmations on Gratefulness for building a positive attitude and patting your own back

February 22, 2021

Do you encourage yourself? Funny thought, right!

Why Affirmation?

 When I got the results I was surprised I actually got the score I had aimed for. 

How many of you have seen 'The Secret'? Let me start by a small confession. I just don't buy the idea of the law of attraction. Before you skip this page, Please wait I shall share some reasons why I don't believe it.

But regarding Affirmations, I think there are good reasons to believe it (is effective). Let me share a testimony. I could have started by listing my reasons, but I think a testimony will capture much more about how I feel. 

It was during my Grade 10 exams, I had read an article on tips for preparing for examination. Yes, Students do read and believe ideas you share (So we must be careful while sharing ideas).

This article suggested that affirmations and visualization had helped people achieve great results. I tried it everyday but not very seriously. During the day casually I reminded myself about my goal to achieve a good grade. Sometimes I would even dream about it. 

When the exams approached me, things and people just supported me and things really worked out. I got the right material for studying and my parents really supported me. It was a great experience. When I got the results I was surprised I actually got the score I had aimed for.

So did that convince to practice Affirmations and visualizations, Lol, actually no. But I do use it sometimes. But what interests me more is that how it works and its effectiveness.

What are Affirmations? Please explain. 

Affirmations are positive statements


Okay, Let me explain affirmations and what they are. Are they just repeating statements? Do they have magical powers?

So here it is, What is an Affirmation? According to Mindtools.com, "Affirmations are positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging  and negative thoughts. When you repeat them often, and believe in them, you can start to make positive changes."

affirmations and visualization had helped people achieve great results. I tried it everyday but not very seriously. During the day casually remind myself about my goal to achieve a good grade.

So they are simple positive statements that you repeat to yourself. They are not negative statements. I know it was quite obvious. A lot of us may not realize, how we talk ourselves into negativity. I know it feels fake or just an exercise in self deception.

Patrick Bet-David from Valuetainment puts it like this, He calls it a 'Future truth'. Just Think about it, why should it be a present reality to use it as an Affirmation. It could be something that you strive for and dream about. These affirmations can be seen as an exercise in Self Motivation.

We can also use Affirmations to build a spirit of Gratitude. This has tremendous benefits.


Being Grateful and How it matters



According to Researchers, Joshua brown and Joel Wong in the Article, 'How Gratitude changes you and your brain' Gratitude has tremendous benefits.


In their research, they discovered that it has mental benefits and it also has positive effects on the brain. It can be used as an 'effective beneficial tool'. Please do read the article.

It can have a great benefits in your personal life, relationships and understanding others. It helps us see the positive in our lives. Rather than just building on the positivity it helps by reminding us of the benefits we are receiving from various situations, things and life in general.

Woo woo and the known

The science behind the 'Law of Attraction' is highly questionable. They try to use Quantum Mechanics and then use that as a spring board to tie it with affirmation and give it magical powers.

I don't see why they should build such a big claim on limited evidence. Quantum Mechanics is a science and there is scope for learning a lot more information. This can transform technology. But to claim that it would attract riches and good health is largely unproven scientifically.

Yes, I must say if you have a spiritual or religious connection to the theory than the topic would need to be approached from a different route. I don't see the connection it has with Science and how is different from Psychological benefits

Here is an interesting article by Ashley L. Peterson where she explores the question if Thoughts vibrate, Check it here.

Reasonable Use of know facts

Affirmations are not inherently magical


I believe in the reasonable use of facts ( and let me add experiences). I am not saying that we should discount spiritual experiences, but I do believe we must practice a certain level of healthy skepticism.

We know about the psychological and practical benefits of practicing Gratitude. We can now start by actually writing our own Gratitude statements.

Some tips to write your own Gratitude Statement:
Step 1: Write it in the 1st Person.
Step 2: You could begin the statement with 'I am'.
Step 3: Avoid using negative statements or words.
Step 4: Write them down.
Step 5: Read them aloud to yourself.

You create a gratitude journal, Please check this article on  Creating your own Gratitude Journal.

My Top Affirmations for Gratitude

  1. I am filled with thanksgiving.
  2. I am grateful and thankful.
  3. I am grateful for a good sleep, job etc. (add the Benefit you enjoy) 
  4. I am grateful for all of my successes.
  5. I am grateful for all of my mistakes and failures.
  6. Thank you for this New day.
  7. Today I will have an attitude of gratitude.
  8. I am grateful for everything in my life.
  9. Today I will have an attitude of success.
  10. I am grateful for all resources I have.
In Conclusion

It can be surprising how simple practices and strategies can enhance life. Self Development is a personal journey.

Practicing gratitude is just not a virtue but also a healthy practice that can enhance your mental and overall health.

I send out regular emails sharing additional content on Self Development and updates. Please do subscribe by using this link.

Do Share & Comment on How you practice Gratitude!

References

Study on Affirmation

Positive Affirmation by Actualized.org

Reasons to Practice Gratefulness

Power Ideas on Experience your Daily Miracles

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5 Important Ideas that bleed strength to your New Year's Commitments

January 04, 2021

 

Tired of New Year's Resolution...Try Commitments


Before We Begin I would like to wish you a Blessed and Prosperous New Year. May joy, peace and good health embrace you and be with you.

You see over the years after many trials I decided commitments are more better than Resolutions. 

Resolutions are very neatly packaged and tightly fitted Goals that seem like a reasonable approach. But for me it was something that did not encourage forget motivate me.





It just reminded me of what I lacked, It was not positive. I have a tendency to be critical which is not bad. But taken to an extreme it can be a discouraging experience.

So this year I decided to adopt Commitments. These are areas of my life that need attention. 

These are like mini projects that can improve this journey called life and enhance it.

Check this list of Interesting Books for your interest, Click Here!

Realization and Key anchors

I realized that succeeding required anchors to help me move ahead. These anchors will keep me grounded to my goals and help me build concrete plans to be successful.

I listed the areas I want to succeed this year. The areas that need attention

The next thing I did was to divide these areas to separate projects.

Each project is related to the other one. For example, If you decided to get a promotion in your current job. You also wanted to reduce your weight. Though these may be separate projects. They have a relations to each other.

Lastly do not keep a huge list. [full-width]

Now do not try to solve these problems like they are resolutions. Do not jump on them and just strike them of your list.

These are areas you have kept as commitments. So if you want to lose some weight. Don't just diet and get it over with. Try changing your lifestyle and let that get you healthy.

Similarly with other goals.

Save your self from Courses that are short of a Scam, Read here

In Conclusion


This 5 Ideas are simple that would help you build 2021 as a fulfilling and blessed year.

There are a lot of things we cannot change but there are some that we can build and shape to help us have a better tomorrow.

Would love to leave you with this simple thought, Remember your goals, they are commitments and not just resolutions.

Further Reading








Resolutions are meant to be broken, but commitments can be kept. We don't need to be perfect along the way. But we can...

Posted by Chris Educator on Monday, 4 January 2021

Incredible Power of Self Learning, 10 Steps to Become an Effective Self Learner

December 09, 2020

 

Powerful ideas to be an Effective Self Learner


Introduction

Change is a scary word and one loaded with surprises. We don't know about the twists and turns life can throw at us. But Change always remains our constant companion.

Recently I came across a person from a New religious movement or as some may call a 'Cult'. I was able to treat the person with respect and educate him whilst hearing him. It was a very interesting interaction.

I have been a self-learner for a very long time. It has helped me tremendously, not just professionally or with self-development but also with making good choices in Life.


What is Self Learning?

Self Learning is also called as 'Autodidactism

 

Self Learning is when a learner teaches him/her/zer self to learn a body of knowledge, without a Teacher, Master or an Institution.

It is also called as Autodidactism. Quite a heavy word to learn. I am sure most of may not realise but at some point, we all have been Autodidacts or as we may say Self Taught.

Isn't it really Awesome? To Learn by yourself, Just having your curiosity lead you and Trial & Error be a guide. Can it be heartbreaking, yes it can be.

I personally love studying world religions and different worldviews. It's just a hobby, exploring tough questions can be eye-opening and difficult but transformative at the same time. Sometimes one can misunderstand the information we are reading.

That is where online communities are kind of helpful, but not a good replacement for a Good Teacher.

Personally speaking, I love Self Learning with all the joy and pain that comes with it.


Power of the Internet (and some Consequences)

Internet is powerful for Learning


Over the years, there has been a lot of purposeful disinformation. This can be really dangerous. It can take us on a rabbit trail to a place we don't want to be.

I must say healthy scepticism and critical thinking can really be useful. So one place topic to begin learning or taking a course is on Critical thinking and logic.

Over the years, there has been a lot of purposeful disinformation.

The internet is a powerful tool, but the disinformation part of it besides the many avenues to time-wasting can be quite detrimental.

I would like to repeat the cliché, 'Don't believe everything you read on the internet'. But that is not to say that there are no good or great resources available online.

There are many. I have listed some of them on the Resources page on this website.

So what are some consequences we may face from learning the wrong information? Firstly, it will give us a wrong view on things and in some cases even lead us to bad decisions.


How to Start Self Learning?


So How does one begin teaching oneself? I would say it begins with passion. The next required is a healthy sense of enquiry.

Yes, there are many quick to learn guides and resources available online. Are they good? I would maybe or yes, it depends on the course or book and the topic.

But the way to decide could be by first doing a little bit of research into the topic you want to learn. Then maybe after reading a few articles or books getting deeper into the subject.

Note making is something that could really be useful. I have listed some keys pointers to help effectively Teach yourself.


10 Steps to Effective Learning

Create a Plan to Learn


  1. Scan the topic and related topics: Before you commit to learning something new, read a bit about it. Find related topics and get a basic understanding of the topic.
  2. Do a bit of enquiry: Enquiry is like a shorter version of research. It doesn't need to be professional, but it could be thorough. You could find material related to the subject and try to understand a bit more about it. You will be able to understand the gaps in your knowledge and skills you would need to learn the subject.
  3. Understand your motives before you commit: Remember time is a limited resource. Understand your motives behind learning the subject and how it is relevant to you.
  4. Take Action: Start learning, do what you planned. 
  5. Commit Time: It can get interesting initially and if you do not commit time, it could be a fad that fades away. Don't make it a fad, get serious, commit time to your new Learning project.
  6. Take Notes: I think this is one of the most important skills to learn as a learner. Recording and systematically learning a subject. Note making is a very important skill for any good learner.
  7. Revise your learnings: Take time to evaluate what you learned. Reflect on it and probably do a short project or maybe write an article on it. 
  8. Find a good group or online forum: It's priceless to join a community of like-minded individuals. It motivates you and gives a forum to discuss what you are learning. You could even share what you learned.
  9. Find a good mentor: Find someone who has mastered the subject you are learning. It is very helpful and it could help you get a deeper understanding of various aspects of the topic you are studying.
  10. Read articles or whitepapers published on the topic: Keep yourself updated on the latest research and case studies on the topic you are studying.

Conclusion

I would say learning is life and all of us at some point need to understand the gaps in our understanding. This is only possible if we evaluate ourselves and begin the process of learning.

Learning does not end at a course or with professional Education. It is an ongoing process, it is transformative to learn and share ideas with people

Share your ideas and this article with people if you found this post interesting.

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Christonanda's Guide to using Awareness for achieving happiness and your goals... Life skills to a Better life Now

November 18, 2020
Self Awareness is a tool for self empowerment
Self Awareness is a tool for self empowerment


If you been following my blogs for some time I have been focused primarily on sharing insights on Life and work in general. 

Life has shown me that Work and Living life should not be boxed. Yes, I would not like to acknowledge the benefits of having a Professional life separate from our personal sphere.

But we must all acknowledge the fact that Professional Life is a huge chunk of our time we spend here on earth.

I sincerely believe that a lot of the problems we face as a world can be solved by becoming more mature spiritually and together 💓.

I would like to explore with you Self Awareness, This is one tool that can help us bring those changes in our personal spheres.

So let us dive into understanding Self Awareness...


What is Self Awareness 🙏


via GIPHY

We are not what we do, what we say or what we think.

Experience of our life does not determine who we are.


"Mindfulness is about finding some space in the mind, less judgement, a greater sense of perspective, in which we see this fundamental truth for ourselves in a very direct and personal way."
- Andy Puddicombe at Psychology Today

When we take our thoughts too seriously, life becomes heavy. When we identify with our emotions too strongly, we begin to get lost in them.

We assume our words define us.

Self-awareness is the ability to see yourself clearly and objectively through reflection and introspection.

Self-Awareness Theory is based on the idea that you are not your thoughts, but the entity observing your thoughts; you are the thinker, separate and apart from your thoughts (Duval & Wicklund, 1972)

Some Benefits

  • Positive Self Development
  • Empathy with others
  • Evaluate our decisions and build self-control
  • Build Self-confidence

For Example 👍

Example: Stuck in Traffic

This is something most of us can relate to and may feel gosh it's so boring. Just as an experiment if we could just use this time to understand our reaction.

Some of us could be bored, while may enjoy being stuck or some just plain normal use to the situation. We can use the moment to understand ourselves and why we feel the way we feel.

Or may just observe others without building an opinion about them. Just being present in the moment.

Next, while Looking at our reactions and then choosing a better thought or story to understand the situation.


How to Practice Self Awareness 👷

Check this post


Yes, we can see it is a valuable idea. But how do we use this idea to improve the quality of ourselves?

I have just collated some pointers to get started with building Self Awareness.

Key Steps to Living Consciously: 💪

Step 1: Create Space & Time

- Keep some time for refection

- Shut your phone and Tv off for a while

- Create a space for reflection

Step 2: Practise Mindfulness

- Observe your inner life

- Be more intentional in simple activities

- Meditate

Step 3: Use Journaling

- Record your thoughts and actions

- Review it and journal some more

Step 4: Practise Listening

- Pay attention to the speaker

- Observe emotions and body language

- Don't judge or evaluate

- Improve your listening skills by reading or hearing your favourite podcasts

Step 4: Gain a different perspective

- Ask for feedback


Having Clear perception🔎

"We are Creators and tools as well. "

Just having clarity in situations can be a positive start. I think we are Creators and tools as well. 

We have the ability to create and do impressive things. We creativity can be a blessing and a curse as well.

Self-awareness is the first step to achieving clarity.


Wrapping it up ☕

I believe as human beings situations and sometimes even our own reactions and responses can be surprising.

Stopping and reflecting on the journey we enjoy (called Life) can be transformative. It can help strategize effectively and also create happiness for ourselves and others.

These ideas have been quite empowering to me at a personal level. I hope it helps you too.

Please share what you think in the Comments Section.



References

 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/get-some-headspace/201309/what-is-awareness

https://positivepsychology.com/self-awareness-matters-how-you-can-be-more-self-aware/

https://www.trackinghappiness.com/why-self-awareness-important/

https://positivepsychology.com/self-awareness-matters-how-you-can-be-more-self-aware/

https://nickwignall.com/self-awareness/


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The Short guide on Understanding Introvertedness: Advantages of Being Introverted and some necessary myth-busting

July 20, 2020

Understanding Introversion and some wrong ideas about it


Introversion is not a disease


I have been comfortable with being me for quite a long time. 

But during my shyness phase, things were quite different. 

I remember when my parents would push me to make new friends. 

They treat my Introvertedness as something bad. I don't know your opinion, but It's okay to be yourself.

Over the years while reflecting on the topic of Introversion-Extroversion. I realized I was not Introverted but an ambivert. 

Nonetheless, I tend more towards being an introvert (Though my wife thinks I am a full-blown extrovert.)

Today, Let's look at what does it mean to be an introvert and How does it differ from an extrovert.


What is an Introvert?

According to the Dictionary, It means a Shy, reticent person.

It's understandable how it can seem quite out of place for some to be one. But think about it, if there are 2 introverts for every 5 people. 

We are speaking about a lot of them (This is not a verified figure, I am using this figure to drive a point). 

Imagine there are billions of people, and that all are somehow deficient. The reason because they are not very sociable or whatever.

It is plain stupid. According to Introvert Retreat, 25% of the U.S. population are introverts. They say that other studies say that it is about 50% of the population.

So if you are an introvert, You are fine and it's normal. There is nothing to sweat about.


An Introvert is not shy (Though some could be)

Interesting Video on Shyness vs Introversion


Yes, Whatever the definition may be, all Introverts are not shy. 

I have had friends who were comfortable not being too sociable. They preferred more close friends and deeper conversations. 

But they were far from being shy.

So Thinking to be an Introvert is to be shy is not true. Shyness is not introversion, and I would like to speak about that in the future.


Homebound by choice

Being Introverted does not mean staying at home all the time.

There could be other reasons for that. 

I would love to move around but at the same time be comfortable with myself being with no one. 

 I did not feel alone or anything. 

In my mind, it was more time for thoughtful reflection and enjoying the moment in my own kind of way.


Boring

People have their definitions or criteria for what they enjoy.

It's personal and generalizing it is a problem. I enjoy debates and love reading books. 

For another person, this may not be stimulating. To me that is fine. Each one can have their own idea of what fun is. 

There are no celestial commandments of fun.


So are there any advantages to being an Introvert?


Never assume quiet is weak and loud is strong - Anonymous
 

It's pretty obvious there are advantages. Some may not want to reflect on the benefits of Introversion.

For Starters, Introverts have more time to pursue ideas and thoughts. 

They couple it with reflection and deep thinking. This has its advantages.

Another benefit could be Reasoning and being deliberate before making a decision. 

This could help them make thoughtful and strategic decisions.

Last but not the least, They can give a good listening hear. Probably proper guidance too. This could really great.


Conclusion

There is a lot more I could say about Introversion. But I think as Humans we generalize to help us make sense of People and concepts.

But each person is unique and sometimes these generalizations are unfair and stereotypical.

I have included some resources to help you dig deeper into this topic and related ideas.

Do Join our Community by liking my FB page for more ideas and updates.

Do share your feedback and comments!


Further Reading

Startup Mindset is important to be Successful, 5 interesting points from an Educator

March 08, 2020

Startup Mindset is important to be Successful, 5 interesting points from an Educator


Is Startup just a Buzz word?

A Startup's mindset is not always about the profit motive


Entreprendre is the root word for Entrepreneurship. It is a French word that means to undertake. 'Startup' is more than a buzz word. It is something that is more than just doing business, it is creating solutions and enhancing our daily lives.

A Startup's mindset may not always have a profit motive driving it, but could be more than that. I have seen it as a way of creating something a great value. Value to customers and the market.

I don't think it is a millennial fad. It is actually applying what they have understood about their field and using business to enhance the effectiveness of their venture.

So today, Let's look at five interesting points that I believe are important to a Successful Entrepreneur.


1. Being Action-oriented

Massive Action



This is one interesting aspect of a Successful Entrepreneur. The ability to move beyond the ideating phase to actual execution.

A lot of times it is the overthinking that kills the project.

Moving to action is what is needed. I remember seeing one of my ideas years later becoming an actual product. (I had thought up something similar...Won't tell you what! :))

It made me interested in Entrepreneurship even more. Sometimes we need simple ideas to begin our journey as an Entrepreneur, not a complete roadmap.


2. Moving away from Perfectionism


Perfection can seem like a very noble task as a person. But sometimes it stifles any action.

Rather than getting stuck in Perfectionism, we can move away from it to something more achievable, namely Excellence. 

Now it is more about a journey and not a destination. 

We are now focused on the daily activities and processes that enhance or kill our dreams rather than an illusory event.

3. Always being ready


One thing in life that is constant is change ( I thought Buddha said it...maybe he did). I think it is true and like death all of us experience it.

So how do we prepare for it? We can build a process or a plan for change. A successful Entrepreneur builds processes and systems to deal with change.


4. The Compounding Effect

I found this idea on many books but in this podcast 'The Mindset Mentor'. It got me thinking about it again, but more in the context of Entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship is also about a compounding effect of various tasks and responsibilities carried out daily.

Small Steps that we take daily has the potential to add to our success or failure. It is something that we determine.

5. Uncovering the Reasons

Having a Strong Foundation


The reasons behind our actions or even the dream projects we undertake are important.

It should be something as firm as a rock. 

A Successful Entrepreneur understands the benefits he is proving stakeholders and himself by the projects he undertakes.




Conclusion

Entrepreneurs create value and opportunities for a lot of people including themselves. They bring about positive change (most of the time). But it is some important points that I just covered that make them more effective. 

There will surely be some points you find interesting in Successful Entrepreneurs that you see, please share them in the comments section.

If you have come this far, please consider subscribing to our Facebook Page. We share more ideas and content there, Click Here.

Further Reading



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If you believe you can't, you can't...

August 21, 2019

Learn how to be Deliberate: Christonanda Style

Being Deliberate can be like walking on a tight robe. It can feel so intimidating and discouraging. We get cold feet and just gone a loop thinking about possibilities. How do we overcome this predicament?


"My Mantra is Fuck it and Fake it."

I felt the same way a lot of time, Be it sharing my feelings with the opposite sex or receiving an award for the best teacher of the year. It just very scares for most of us. 

My Mantra is Fuck it and Fake it.

So start by telling yourself Fuck It. What it means is telling yourself that you will face the consequences. You consider the pros and cons and then move ahead. Moving ahead would mean taking action. It will mean giving it your best. Remember there are consequences to all of this. Don't think there are no repercussions.


Now Step 2, Fake it, This is how you can approach this situation. Calm down, Sit in a chair and just calm your mind, your body and your entire being. Find yourself an affirmation that can motivate you or else some gibberish would also do. When you feel anxious repeat your affirmation. Now calm down again. So are faking it now.


" Find yourself an affirmation that can motivate you "


Benefits of faking it:
  • You learn your shortcomings
  • You get feedback to improve
  • You could actually deal with issue productively.

It all sounds simple, as always believe in yourself and God. Everything will possible to those who try.


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Who is a Life Coach ? A Short Guide on understand Life Coaching

November 14, 2018
Who is a Life Coach
Life Coach... A Mentor and guide

Helping people and hearing their problems have always been something I enjoyed. 

But I never wanted to become a psychologist. So what are the options I always wondered? I came across the concept of a Life Coach.

So I wondered how different could a Life Coach be from a Psychologist. I have been to a Psychologist and even had some psychologist friends. I always wondered if there were any difference between two, a Psychologist and a Life Coach. 

They both look the same. So are they different? Let's see. So today we shall look at the similarities and differences between a Life Coach and a Psychologist.

According to Tony Robbins, the difference between Life Coaching and Psychologist lies in their goals. He says Life Coaching is about helping people with their goals, whereas therapy is about the diagnosis of 'illnesses and pathologies.

So if you are working on Personal Projects, work-related issues and/or major life changes a Life Coach could be someone who could help. 

Generally, a Life Coach is certified by an Institute or International Body, unlike a Psychologist who is licensed and possesses a degree in Psychology. One can be a Psychologist and a Life Coach too.

So though a Life Coach and a Psychologist may have some similarities. Their essential differences define them. A Life coach is more suitable to help guide and motivate people to succeed.  

A good Life coach besides being certified should have relevant experience in coaching.

To become a Life coach one does not need to leave their existing jobs. It can be done part-time. According to Payscale.com, Life coaches can make around $ 27000 to $ 40000 a year. There are a lot of Institutes that offer certifications and training to be a good Life Coach. 

I believe passion and right training can make a huge difference in becoming a successful Life Coach.


So
urce:*1 https://www.tonyrobbins.com/coaching/life-coach-vs-therapist/

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