When we set strict limits on what we think we can do, we are underestimating ourselves. We don’t believe in ourselves. We believe we are inadequate or inferior in areas such as intelligence, ability, talent, personality, creativity, etc. We’ve gotten so used to thinking and talking negatively to ourselves that we’ve convinced our subconscious mind that we are all of the above, and maybe some more. These are your “limiting beliefs.” You are condemning yourself to a life far below what you are capable of accomplishing! Remember the statement, “We use, at the most, only 10 percent of our mind’s capacity.”

So, let’s begin to have fun. Imagine for a moment that there are absolutely no limits on anything. You have all the talents and abilities to accomplish anything in life that you want ? all the friends, contacts, opportunities, relationships, money ? everything.

Wow! That’s really exciting! You mean I can write down anything I want?? Absolutely! That is the first step in getting rid of the shackles you have placed on yourself.

Pay close attention to what pops up in your head. Sometimes we have limited ourselves so much we don’t even allow ourselves to think about what would make us really happy. So let yourself go and write it all down ? doesn’t have to be in any particular order (you can do that later), and it doesn’t have to be “sensible.” And, if there are things that come up later, by all means, add them to the list. You will be amazed how long your list becomes.

Now, picture your life five years from now ? still without a ceiling or limits. Create a picture in your mind of your “perfect life” and what you have accomplished in that time span to make it happen. Now you have the basis upon which to build your goals.

Don’t ever compromise your dream. Continue to visualize your dreams and visions and don’t settle for half successes.

Peter Drucker once said, “We greatly overestimate what we can accomplish in one year. But we greatly underestimate what we can accomplish in five years.” Don’t let this happen to you. Imagine that everything is possible. The most powerful question of all is “How?” Unsuccessful people wonder whether a big goal is possible. Successful people ask the question “How?” and then look for ways to turn their visions and goals into realities.

What additional knowledge and skills do you need to develop in the next five years? What are you excellent at now? What do you need to do to become a top performer in your field? Get the additional knowledge and skills you will need, and you will be the WINNER! With an exciting future vision, you will continue to be motivated and stimulated.

Take the necessary actions to make your ideal vision a reality. And don’t allow those limiting beliefs to jeopardize that potential reality ? throw them all out and don’t allow them any room in your mind. When they try to sneak back in (and they will) just say “cancel” and turn that thought into a positive one.

Here’s to that great future. You now know the simple secret of being, doing or having anything you want. You know who the enemy is ? a bunch of misspoken words and thoughts. You’re in charge ? get rid of ‘em!

Finding the ideal location for a home office is sometimes not easy since it requires enough space to move about comfortably and have the necessary equipment to operate efficiently.

Some entrepreneurs combine a guest bedroom and their home office. If you do not have a lot of overnight guests, this could work very well. Adding a desk, small filing cabinet and bookcase are often all that’s needed to turn a guest room into a functional office.

Other possibilities are a small area in a family room, dining room, etc. Depending on your climate, even a small area in your garage would work to get you started. And, if you have an extra room in your home just waiting for “someone” or “something” to claim it ? there you go! That would be the ideal situation. Here are some recommendations for your home office.

1. One thing that is absolutely necessary and can fit into any office location is a comfortable and supportive desk or office chair. This is imperative because you will spend many hours a day in your office, and if you end up being uncomfortable or get a backache, you will avoid spending time there, and your productivity will surely go down.
2. If you do a lot of your business by phone, you MUST have a good-quality cordless telephone system with at least two additional handsets located throughout your home. That will prevent missing that all-important phone call, and you won’t need to run to your office to answer your phone.
3. A good headset for your phone will save you a lot of frustration, will make you more comfortable and more conversational. There are many choices out there. When I was looking for a good headset for my business phone, I tried MANY different models ? all the way from $30 to over $200. I finally found the perfect one for about $40 and recommend it to all my team members. When you are choosing the right headset for yourself, make sure you can exchange or return it if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
4. A temporary desk often works well for awhile; however, you must always have your computer keyboard at a comfortable level that works for you. After you have decided on the location for your home office, it is then time to look for permanent furnishings. In addition to office supply stores, check out the consignment shops. There often are great bargains there!
5. When you have moved into your permanent home office, be sure to put pictures on the wall, bring in a plant or two and make room someplace for your “Vision Board.” There you will build your dream life by putting up magazine clippings, photos, etc., on a cork wallboard ? anything that represents the life you are working towards.

Just keep that stress level down by enjoying your surroundings!!

Swanie Brandt

Here is a list of 7 communication elements that everyone can use for self-assessment.

1. Your knowledge

To be an effective speaker, you must have experience in the field in which you are speaking. An effective speaker will not try to “snow”? everyone into thinking he/she is knowledgeable by using unfamiliar concepts or words no one understands. Effective speakers work very hard at delivering the content of their message in a manner their listeners can understand.

2. Listen

Listening is just as important as talking. Listen to what your audience is saying before you launch into your presentation. The epitome of rudeness is cutting people off in mid sentence because you assume “you are smarter than they are, and you already know what they are going to ask.”? You will gain many more fans by listening and treating people with respect.

3. Eye Contact

How often have you been listening to a group speaker or even talked to a co-worker, and they would not make eye contact? They look down, they look over or through you, but they will not look you in the eye. An effective speaker knows the power of eye contact.

4. Smile

When you are talking to a group, the first few moments of your presentation will set the stage as to how your audience feels about you. If you have a sour face or a frown, your audience will take an immediate dislike to you. A smile is very engaging and will draw your audience into your presentation. There are times when a full-out smile is not appropriate, but a menacing frown will derail the goals of any message.

5. Be yourself

There are very few of us who can get up in front of a group and not be self-conscious. That is human nature. Unfortunately, some people try to get over this by putting on a persona that is not their true self. Instead of putting up a false front, accept the fact that everyone is self-conscious when speaking to a group, and that practice is the only thing that will make it better. The more time you spend in front of people being yourself, the more comfortable you will feel.

6. Preparation

Preparation is a key component to effective speaking. The majority of people need to take time to prepare and practice what they will say. If you take some time to practice in front of a mirror, or video tape your presentation and then watch it, you will have the opportunity to prefect your delivery and proactively eliminate or mitigate any nervous habits you may have to prevent embarrassment later.

7. Learn from others

Are there people you have listened to and have found to be an effective speaker? How did you feel while you were listening to them? How do you feel about them and their message now? Take some time to think about how they applied the areas of communication listed above.

Effective communication skills are critical to the success of your business and personal life. You will realize a huge payback in all areas of your life by spending the time and energy perfecting your communication skills.