Taking Control of Your Life

April 2, 2012 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

Don’t let anybody else run your life.

However, if you let somebody else into your life, expect that they’re going to want to help steer.

Let them.

We need others. We are not as strong one our own as we are with them. That is why we develop relationships and build communities.

Yet, sometimes, there can be a fine line between getting support and having someone else run your life. Be open to letting others assist you. Listen to their ideas. However, if it doesn’t feel right, remember no one knows what’s best for you as well as you do.

Having said that, if you accept someone else into your life, let them help.

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Dare to Believe You CAN

December 19, 2011 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

When was the last time you dared yourself to believe you actually COULD?

Why are we so quick to find the reasons why something will NOT work out, or why we are incapable or unworthy of the success of our endeavors? What could possibly go wrong by believing things could actually go the way you want them to go?

Some people will tell you, “Set your sights low so you won’t be disappointed.”

But, can we be honest?

Even if you do that – and it doesn’t happen – aren’t you STILL disappointed? Of course you are. Setting you sights low just lowers expectations, it does nothing to alleviate the pain of failure.

Yet – if you enter into your goal believing you can – and it doesn’t happen – at least you got to enjoy the ride for awhile. And during that time, you were invigorated, happy, and energized. Those emotions make you more aware, which make you open to new ideas, which allow you to try what you might not have tried if you thought all would come apart.

So, in reality, believing you could might actually be a necessary first step in getting what you want.

Try believing it WILL happen more often – see if you’re right.

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Getting More Done

September 19, 2011 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

The only way in which we are all identical is that we each get 24 hours a day.

Some people just use it better – but no one gets any more time.

Those of us who are more successful simply better utilize our time.

One way in which we do that is to realize that even if we can’t carve out enough time from a hectic schedule to get everything done, we can squeeze in a few moments here and there.

For example, if you’re trying to be more fit, start holding in your stomach right now. Keep it that way while you search the web or read your emails. It takes no more time but helps you accomplish much more.

In other words, it’s better to get up and walk a block today, than to swear you’re going to run a mile tomorrow and sleep in. Remember, “Small steps done regularly generate more results than large steps done intermittently.”

What can you do RIGHT NOW to feel more successful? (Go do it.)

Note: Every Monday, a new motivational memo is posted. Subscribers to ThisTimeIMeanIt.com’s coaching service get this – and many more benefits – sent to them directly. If you’d like to know more, follow this link.

Stop that right now! (I’m Talking to YOU!)

August 31, 2011 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

What are you looking around for?

You know I’m talking to you. Yes, you — no, not the guy behind you. I’m speaking to YOU. Look at me; quit pretending you think I’m referring to someone else.

Now, just stop; it’s for your own good. We both know it.

Yes, I know you’re busy. You have so many responsibilities and commitments. But that’s not going to fly this time. We’re all busy. We’re all overloaded. It’s a matter of priorities, plain and simple. This time, make it work, OK?

Oh, more excuses? Well, welcome to Excuse Central pal; know ‘em all. Got ‘em all right here. “Just a little bit won’t hurt.” “I deserve it; it’s been a tough week.” How about this one: “When things settle down, I’ll do it.” I don’t mean to be rude or crude, but the only time things will totally settle down is when six friends are carrying you away in a box.

Of course, there’s always my favorite: “I can stop whenever I want.” Yeah, right. If you can stop anytime, why did you let it get so out of control?

Do you enjoy unending aches and pains? Isn’t it just oodles of amusement avoiding the dark side of the closet because you’re afraid those unused clothes “shrunk” since you last wore them? Are we having fun now?

And finally, the ultimate kick in the pants: that undisguised glance in someone’s eyes when she can’t cloak how surprised she is by how large you’ve become since she last saw you. Just makes you feel warm all over doesn’t it? Sure, sure, she covers it quickly; after all, she’s not trying to be rude. But for that moment — that one, brief, instantaneous, short-lived, horrifyingly candid, flash — your sole desire is to drop through a hole in the floor. Honestly, do you really want to deal with that again? How many times will you avoid friends to prevent that from happening?

What’s that? You DON’T like those feelings? Oh, good, we’re making progress. But you don’t have the energy to change?

I hear you! But, how much energy does it take for the 24-hour discomfort in your own skin? Or missing out on your kid’s lives because you’re too tired to play? How much of your precious life-force do you waste feeling bad about yourself every thinking moment of each and every day? Makes the effort more worthwhile, doesn’t it?

Ready to stop now? Good. I’m pleased for you.

Step one is stop talking to this mirror; get out there, and take a walk.

Video: The Darker Side of Positive Thinking

July 12, 2011 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

Can a positive attitude actually be a problem?

I had not previously heard of Barbara Ehrenreich, but she’s listed as “acclaimed journalist, author and political activist.” In this video, Smile or Die, from RSA, she explores what is termed as the “darker side of positive thinking.”

Whereby I agree that just thinking something can be naive and even dangerous (per her war example), I think she is simplifying the process. It’s not about just thinking and expecting a result. It is also about getting support, guidance, and direction from other people. Of course, you have to take some action too. Having said all that, my good friend Henry Mulak posted this on my Facebook wall and I think it is very cool. Not only does the animation intrigue me but she makes some great points.

What do you think?

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