Proper goal setting makes you the master of your own future. Tomorrow is directly affected by the actions you take today. And guess what? You did what you did today because of the goals you have set. 


If you set specified goals, you will determine where you should focus your efforts. It will also weed out the distractions that can hinder your progress. 


Unrealistic weight-loss goals are a bad idea as they will undermine your efforts. 


There are two types of goals for weight loss. 


The first goal focus on the desired outcome you want to achieve. This goal gives you a target but does not address how you will achieve it. 


The second goal is a process goal which focus on the steps to take to achieve the desired outcome. 
For example, a process goal may be to walk 30 minutes each day and to drink water with every meal. -process goals are very helpful for weight loss as you focus on changing habits necessary for weight loss. 


Set SMART goals
Both your process and target goals should be according to these criteria:
•    Specific
•    Measurable
•    Attainable
•    Relevant
* * *
Long-term and short-term goals
To make your overall goal more manageable you should set long-term goals which is then divided into many smaller weekly and daily goals - like bite-sized pieces.
* * *
Keep track
Keep track of your weight loss goals. There are many tracking tools available online or you may visit the app store for a goal tracking app.
* * *
Set realistic goals within a reasonable time frame
We have good intentions but within three days we bury them in a bowl of ice cream. Setting realistic goals means to take real stock of what you can do within a said time.
* * *
Adjust your goals as needed
As you make progress in your weight loss plan, you will sometimes have to change your goals. That is ok an allow for that.
* * *
Allow for setbacks
Every successful person has experienced setbacks. That is a normal part of life and a normal part of behavioural change. 
* * *
Stay open minded
To be open-minded means to be flexible, an important key to successful change. Remember that we cannot learn new habits overnight and that it will take time.

“Success is the sum of small efforts—repeated day-in and day-out.”  —Robert Collier

Fall journaling stickers - a great way to get into the mood!

​Your experiences are shaped by your thinking. Even obstacles have a value when you can see it. You can develop convictions that will help you to feel happier and achieve more, regardless of the situation.

​How to take charge over your life - 16 Empowering Beliefs to Live By Today
 
Your experiences are shaped by your thinking. Even obstacles have a value when you can see it. You can develop convictions that will help you to feel happier and achieve more, regardless of the situation.

Consider these empowering beliefs that you can start using today to transform your life through the power of positive thinking.

​Empowering Beliefs to Make You Smile

• I understand my potential. You can achieve amazing results when you put your mind to it. Feel excited about reaching your true potential.

 

• I count my blessings. List each thing that you have to be grateful for. Remember to include the smaller items, like warm socks or tart cranberries. Expressing your appreciation reminds you of how rich you are.

 

• I learn from mistakes. You can make setbacks work for you by focusing on the lessons that they contain. Flubbing one job interview can teach you how to ace the next one.

​

• I find meaning in adversity. Tough times can be the most rewarding phase of your life. Know that you can emerge from any challenge with greater wisdom and courage. Look back at the obstacles you’ve already overcome, and reassure yourself that you can handle what’s ahead. The 30 day journal and book linked below might be of great help if you would like to know how meaning can be found in adversity.  

Take Charge Of Your Life: Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities - A Quick Guide
​
Take Charge Of Your Life: Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities - Journal with life changing affirmations

• I embrace change. Accept that life is a series of changes. Focus on the present moment, and prepare yourself to adapt to whatever circumstances come your way.

• I dream big.Expand your wish list. Setting demanding but attainable goals gives you adventures to look forward to each day.

 

• I practice forgiveness. Lighten your load by clearing away any resentment you’re holding onto from the past. Set reasonable boundaries while you respond with compassion when others disappoint you. Pardon yourself too.
  
  
• I give generously. Sharing your blessings makes you more powerful and joyful. Volunteer in your community and speak kindly to each person you meet today. Buy coffee for your co-workers or give your receptionist a flower. Also read: how an attitude of gratitude will improve your mental health
  

Empowering Beliefs to Make You Strive

• I take responsibility. You are in charge of your life. Hold yourself accountable for the outcomes you create.Celebrate the fact that you have the power to determine your own future.

 

• I apply effort. Figure out your definition of success so you know what is worth working for. Give yourself credit when you’re making progress rather than comparing yourself to others.
  
  
• I leverage my strengths. You have your own individual strengths that you can draw on. Figure out what you’re good at and what you want to do. Let that knowledge guide your choices.
  
  
• I listen to feedback. Ask for feedback so you can enhance your performance and show others that you respect their point of view. You grow faster when you gather solid input that you can translate into action.
  
  
• I ask for help. Expand your capabilities by building a sturdy support network. Carpool with other parents. Divide up household chores with your spouse and children.
  
  
• I connect with others. Moral support counts too. Surround yourself with loving and encouraging family and friends.Participate actively in your faith community. Join a club with members who share your interest in solar power or badminton.
  
  
• I recognize opportunities. Stay alert for promising openings. You may meet a new friend while you’re standing in line to buy your morning coffee. FOUR remarkable ways in 
  
  
• I try new things. Be open to experimentation. Go kayaking one weekend instead of playing tennis. Bake your own bread or knit a scarf. You may discover hidden talents.

​An upbeat attitude increases your happiness and productivity. Question your old assumptions so you can replace them with a new sense of certainty about yourself and your future. Adopt empowering beliefs that build up your confidence and prepare you for greater success. Start today. You’ll be glad you did!

Never let the things you want make you forget the thinks you have...

Also Read 4 Remarkable ways in which Gratitude will change Your Life 

​Also Read 5 advantages Of Maintaining A Gratitude Journal

Also Read 5 Tips For Growing Gratitude And Increasing Your Happiness

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Hoarding happens when clutter gets the upper hand. Being a hoarder takes the joy away from life, and can severely alter your lifestyle as your numerous belongings spiral out of control. Here are some ways to stop hoarding and start living the clutter-free life you desire.

Hoarding happens when clutter gets the upper hand. Being a hoarder takes the joy away from life, and can severely alter your lifestyle as your numerous belongings spiral out of control. Here are some ways to stop hoarding and start living the clutter-free life you desire.

Find out Why You Hoard

Everybody has a different explanation for hoarding, therefore everyone will have a different inspiration required so as to quit. Reflect in your past. Have you always loved to keep things too long, or was there a specific point when the hoarding began?

​Also Read 5 Steps to Minimalism - Living A Meaningful Life

Becoming a hoarder can take place very naturally. It can start with a sincere wish not to waste, and to utilize what you have. It can begin with a love for shopping that gets out of control. It can start with a terrible event and the loss of a loved one, and an ultimate hesitation to let go of any personal memories you have of them. 

Think about a Few Little Steps

You don't need to completely give your home a remodeling in an instant. Begin thinking about little ways you can change the home you stay in, so as to slowly turn it into your dream home.

Take little steps, like deciding not to buy anything aside from necessities such as food. If you do buy something, make a promise to yourself that you will do away with a minimum of ten other things before it arrives through the door. Clean one section of your home each time, even though it is only a desk or another small area.

Find Strategies That Inspire You

A little fantasizing always helps you alongside your goal of quitting hoarding. Save a folder on Pinterest with pictures of minimalist homes that you love. Visualize yourself and your family living there, and think of how you might feel. Make a small binder of suggestions you find in magazines, if you like. Just beware not to overdo it with the clippings to the point where they are adding to the mess. You can also invest a minimal amount in a printable declutter planner like the one pictured on this page,

Get Help If Needed

There is no embarassment in seeking help if your hoarding goes beyond what is normal. Find an organizer who is competent in helping hoarders reduce their clutter and organize their homes. Donít hesitate to ask your friends for help, as they love you and are greater than likely to be happy to help you enter your new, clutter-free life.

Also ReadDecluttering Your Mind

If you believe that you just can not make the changes, seek an advisor who knows with hoarding to ensure that they can assist you in releasing yourself from the prison youíve enclosed yourself in. Major hoarding is greater than just a bad habit, and could be mentally crippling.

Being a hoarder can have an unfavorable effect on each and every single area of your life. You can trade this way of life for a clutter-free version if you want. Take the necessary actions and turn your home into a haven that you always look forward to coming home to.

This handy declutter planner can be purchased on Etsy HERE

Some people believe that having more things or having better luck, will make them more grateful. Yet, the number of things that you have will not affect your attitude to life. Thankfulness is an attitude that is easy to cultivate, no matter where you are in life today. Below are 5 ways you can use to increase your gratitude to live a happier life

Below are 5 ways you can use to increase your gratitude to live a happier life
 
Start with your Gratitude Journal
Take a few minutes every morning or evening to write down 3-5 things that you are grateful for. These can range from being thankful for waking up and being healthy, having a warm cup of coffee, or getting to work on time. Spend a few seconds to feel how much blessed you are and allow that emotion to propel you toward greatness for the rest of your day (if writing in the morning) or towards a good nights sleep.

Follow our positivity board on Pinterest

Pause for a moment
Smell the flowers for a moment. That will change your day. Do this before you get overwhelmed with negative feelings. Take a stroll outside and feel thankful for those things around you. This simple activity can give you the change to view a stressful situation in a new way. ​

Download your FREE Gratitude Journal Planner Page
 
There is something positive everywhere
Before you allow yourself to become upset about what seems to be a difficult situation, take a minute to change the bad thought to one that is more favourable. If you're stuck in the early morning traffic, make use of this time to pray or meditate before getting to work. Take a look at these positive lunchbox notes that may brighten up someone’s day!
 
Try for an entire day not to complain
Set a new routine by abstaining from complaining for one day. Try to find only one good thing among the many of unfavourable things that might affect you through the day. Be transformed by this new attitude.
 
Give someone a genuine compliment
Share your positive outlook with someone around you. This will spread the love to another person, and will also uplift yourself and help you to focus on the good.

​Also read: How To Encourage Positivity Around You

​By making some of these pointers of gratitude part of your daily life, you will ultimately allow yourself  to become more thankful for each day, resulting in a much happier life.

Also Read 4 Remarkable ways in which Gratitude will change Your Life 

​Also Read 5 advantages Of Maintaining A Gratitude Journal

Also Read 5 Tips For Growing Gratitude And Increasing Your Happiness

When you begin to become used to performing at a high level, you start to neglect the tiny things in life that make things worth living.

​You find yourself failing to value the true blessings in your life, and you overlook to take in the valuable seconds with people you love. Below are a few simple gratitude activities that can help make you feel happier.

6 Easy Activities to Cultivate Gratitude Today

1) Recognise 3 Things You Value
Take a second to recognise 3 things in your life that you value and feel thankful for. These things could be in the present or in the past. Although no category or item is too large or small, it is important that you are specific in your gratitude.

Follow our positivity board on Pinterest

2) Pinpoint 3 Things You Take for Given
All of us take some things for given in our lives. Take a while to review these types of things and find which of these things you value the most. This could be anything, from good bodily health to a great paying job.

3) Find 3 Things you Value About Yourself
With our continuous need to match up ourselves to others, this could be a challenge. Take a while to think of the things that you cherish about yourself. It can be something in your character, your everyday actions, some good qualities, or just about anything else that is directly linked to yourself.
​

4) Discover 3 Things You Feel Thankful For At This Present Moment
In order to develop gratitude, it is necessary to remain in the here-and-now. Make the effort to consider what you can value about your present situation. Consider your surroundings and daily actions - think of just about anything that associates with the here and now.

5) Name 3 Individuals Who are Significant in Your Life
Think of all the people you've had in your life. These could be instructors, school teachers, coaches, relatives, good friends. Call those individuals to your mind and make the effort to think of how they made a big difference in your life.

​Also read: How To Encourage Positivity Around You
​
6)  Create Thank-You cards
Create thank-you cards for those 3 people which had a big influence on your life. You do not need to send them, just the action of writing down your thankfulness will be very valuable.

Engaging in these 6 activities routinely will assist you to grow your gratitude and lead you to a much healthier and more satisfied life.