Betterthrive: Mentoring Sessions

1. Introduction: Hi. My name is Pat Shane. I'm an author, storyteller, and Success and lifestyle mentor to High Achievers worldwide. Through my writing, podcasts, courses, and other meaningful creations, I enjoy sharing life changing ideas and insights related to personal development, philosophy, success, mindset, and the human condition. My recent books include an Apple A Day, the way of the Kermyoki, and books from the daily Learner series. And I also created a course called Productivity one oh one, not too long ago. For more information and other useful resources, check out my websitepartsani.com. In this course, I present to you a collection of powerful mentoring sessions from my personal and professional development themed online publication, Perati. In these sessions, you'll explore proven strategies to enhance your focus, resilience and decision making. Through a unique blend of practical wisdom and inspirational guidance, this course will empower you to overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and create lasting positive change. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or simply someone committed to personal growth, this class will provide you with the tools and mindset to excel in all areas of life. To work on the path of daily betterment and to keep moving forward in business and in life. In this class, you learn how to, one, cultivate a success oriented mindset that propels you towards your personal and professional goals. Two, develop resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. Three, leverage effective leadership techniques to inspire and motivate others and achieve meaningful results. Four, apply innovative business strategies to drive growth and stay ahead of the competition. And five, create a personalized roadmap for continuous self improvement and lifelong learning. These sessions are for all levels, and you don't need any prior knowledge, tools, or experience before beginning the class. I've included some exercises and prompts for reflection and writing in the accompanying PDF worksheets as well. To make sure that the lessons in this class stick, I encourage you to ponder upon them and write down your unfiltered thoughts in the worksheets. So with those things discussed, let's get rolling right away. I'll see you inside. 2. Session 1: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Nurturing Self-Esteem : Do you ever feel like you're not good enough? Many of us struggle with doubting ourselves. We might think we're not smart enough, talented enough, or just not. This negative self talk can really bring us down and hold us back. But there's good news. We can learn to be kinder to ourselves and build up our self esteem. Self esteem means feeling good about who we are. It's about knowing we have value, just for being ourselves. One great way to boost our self esteem is by doing things we enjoy and that make us feel proud. Maybe you love to paint, cook, or help others. When we spend time on activities that make us happy and show off our skills, we remember how special we are. For example, if you like to write stories, try setting aside time each week to work on a short story. As you see your ideas come to life on the page, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment. This reminds you that you have unique talents and ideas to share with the world. Or perhaps you care deeply about the environment. You could volunteer to clean up a local park or join a group that plants trees. By taking action to help a cause you believe in, you'll see that your efforts can make a real difference. This shows you that you have the power to create positive change. The key is to focus on activities that light you up inside and challenge you to grow. When we do things that matter to us, we connect with our true selves. This helps us appreciate our own worth and unique qualities. So next time, that mean voice in your head tries to put you down. Remember that you have the power to build yourself up. By doing things you love and that showcase your strengths, you can learn to believe in yourself more and more each day. 3. Session 2: Reconnecting With Our Authentic Selves: As newborns, we are the epitome of unblemished purity, untouched by the world's anxieties and preconceived notions, where the embodiment of love, joy, and limitless potential still deeply connected to the creative force that brought us into existence. Yet as we embark on our journey through life, this pristine state gradually becomes obscured. By the fears and limitations we adopt from our surroundings. In our formative years, our primary desire is to be loved and cherished by our parents and caregivers. This innate craving for affection drives us to mimic their behaviors, beliefs and attitudes, even if they are rooted in fear or negativity. We unconsciously absorb their anxieties, apprehensions, and limiting beliefs in a desperate attempt to forge a stronger bond with them. This process of adopting external fears can manifest in various ways. We might inherit our parents fear of failure, their anxieties about money or their apprehensions about relationships. We might also internalize their prejudices, biases, and societal conditioning all in the pursuit of their love and approval. As a result of this continuous absorption of external fears, we gradually drift further away from our true selves. Our authentic nature becomes burret built layers of conditioned responses, societal expectations, and self limiting beliefs. We become a product of our environment, a reflection of the fears and limitations we have we have inherited from the world around us. However, it is important to recognize that this is not our true identity. Beneath the accumulated layers of fear and conditioning lies our authentic self waiting to be rediscovered. To unveil this hidden essence, we must embark on a journey of self exploration and healing. The first step in this transformative process is to identify the source of our fear. This involves delving deep into our subconscious mind, examining our childhood experiences, and exploring the patterns of behavior we have inherited from our parents and caregivers. It requires a willingness to confront the uncomfortable truths and challenge deeply ingrained beliefs. Once we have identified the root of our fears, we can begin the process of healing and transformation. This involves acknowledging and accepting our fears, understanding their origins, and working through them with compassion and self love. It might involve seeking professional guidance, engaging in therapeutic practices, or simply taking the time for quiet introspection and self reflection. The journey of sharing our accumulated fears is not an easy one. It requires courage, perseverance, and unwavering self belief. However, the rewards are immeasurable. As we release the fears that have held us captive, we reclaim our authentic power, our limitless potential, and our innate capacity for love and joy. So while we may have straight from our original state of perfection, it is never too late to reconnect with our true selves. By acknowledging the impact of external fears, exploring their origins, and working through them with love and compassion, we can break free from the limitations of the past and embrace the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. We can rediscover our authentic nature, reclaim our inherent power, and create a life that is aligned with our true purpose and passion. 4. Session 3: The Power of Positive Thought Émile Coué's Transformative Insight: Early 20th century, a French psychologist and pharmacist named Emil Que made a revolutionary discovery about the transformative power of the human mind. Ko recognized that our thoughts and internal self talk had a profound impact on our health, well being, and ability to achieve our goals. Through his clinical work, he developed a simple, yet profound daily affirmation that he encouraged his patients to practice. Every day in every way, I'm getting better and better. Kui understood that this seemingly simple statement held immense power. By consciously focusing the mind on positive change and improvement rather than dwelling on problems or limitations, his patients were able to harness the healing potential of their own psyche. The conviction and emotion with which they voiced this affirmation was key. Kui knew that the force we put behind our words could profoundly shape our reality. This insight applies far beyond the realm of physical health. Every day, in every way I'm getting better and better, is a powerful affirmation that can catalyze positive change in all areas of our lives. When we make the conscious choice to focus our thoughts on growth, progress, and betterment, we activate our innate capacity for transformation. Whether we are seeking to improve our relationships, advance in our careers, cultivate more fulfillment, and enjoy, or simply live with greater peace of mind. This affirmation can be a potent tool. By repeating it slowly and wholeheartedly, we reprogram our subconscious mind to align with our highest vision for ourselves. The words becoming a mantra, a touchstone to return to again and again as we navigate life's challenges and opportunities. CoA's pioneering work reminds us of a profound truth. We have far more control over our circumstances than we often realize. Our thoughts are not just passive mental chatter, but generative forces that can shape the trajectory of our lives. By harnessing the power of positive affirmation, we can begin to consciously craft the reality we most wish to inhabit. In a world that can often feel overwhelming or out of our control. CoAs simple yet revolutionary insight offers a pathway to greater agency, resilence, and empowerment. Each time we declare, every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better, we ignite the alchemical spark of our own potential. Through the focused power of our minds, we can manifest the change we wish to see in our health, our relationships, our work, and in the very fabric of our existence. 5. Session 4: Keep Planting Seeds of Positivity Each Day: Willi Nelson said, once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results. We all have negative thoughts sometimes. It's normal and natural for our minds to go to dark places every now and then. But we don't need to fight those negative thoughts or try to control them. That will only make them feel bigger and more powerful. Instead, the best approach is to simply start planting more good thoughts in your mind one by one. Every time you have a positive uplifting thought about something you appreciate or something that makes you feel good. That's like planting a little seed of light in your mind's garden. At first, those good thought seeds may seem tiny compared to the negative thoughts and worries. But if you keep nurturing those positive thoughts day after day, something amazing will start to happen. Good thoughts, just like real seeds tend to multiply when you give them light and care. Steve Maraboi advised plant seeds of happiness, hope, success, and love. It will all come back to you in abundance. The more you appreciate the simple joys in life, the more your mind will naturally turn in that positive direction. You'll find yourself feeling gratitude more often. You'll notice beauty everywhere you look. Problems that seemed huge before will start to feel smaller and more manageable. It's like a garden full of gorgeous flowers driving out the weeds and dead leaves without you even trying. When your mind is blooming with positive thoughts, there's just no room left for the negative ones to take root. So don't worry about negative thoughts. Just gently turn your attention toward the good things as often as you can. Plant those seeds of positivity and allow them to bloom and spread. Before you know it, the whole garden of your mind will be overflowing with light. 6. Session 5: The Dirty Tricks Retailers Employ on Black Friday: Retailers prepare months in advance for Black Friday and come up with creative ways to stimulate our insatiable desire to buy more. NRM president and CEO Matthew Shea says, consumers today want more than just discounts, they want exclusive offerings and a good reason to spend their discretionary budgets. He further adds, we could witness a sea of change this holiday season as consumers reliance on extremely deep discounts over the biggest shopping weekend of the year shifts to more of a wait and see mentality around what retailers will be offering on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. We positive retailers have a few tricks up their sleeves that will draw their customers to their stores and websites deciding that these are worth it after all. Retailers throw all kinds of temptations away door buster sales, one day only, unleissable offers, now or never Oli Wood specials, get the best deal, last chance, act now, shop at half price, while supplies last. By employing these anxiety inducing buzzwords, retailers fuel the frenzy of Black Friday. They cultivate the illusion of scarcity and hence pressure people into buying items now and asking questions later. All they want is to see cards stacked up with multiple items. As target CEO Brand Cores says, what I've been most interested in is what's in the basket. You look at the people who you know came out for a specific item, but then they have actually taken the time to shop other categories, which is really important. The fear here is seeing baskets or cops with one item. It's easy to get caught up in the panic when we believe that our resources are limited. Unfortunately, Kate, this drives people to believe they need to buy up bargains fast, even when some of those bargains aren't bargains at all. In reality, the Black Friday ideas aren't even that good after all. They're only designed to look attractive on paper and to get us to act on impulse. Retailers try to seduce us with a limited time offer and coerce us into purchasing stuff we don't need by creating the fear of missing out form. Retailers also take advantage of human psychology and invoke our primal brain, forcing us to behave like our hunter gatherer ancestors by creating false scarcity and using alarming and somewhat frightening colors, mostly shades of red to highlight their offers and deal prizes. As a result, many people end up spending more on items, even if they can't afford those items. And due to this, there accrue heaps of credit card debt. That Friday is just right around the corner. I'll be safe to assume that a majority of people are still paying off the credit card debt they wrapped up over the holidays last year. Kimberly Palmer, personal finance expert at Nerd Wallet, says, It's so easy to overspend with all of the excitement, and people forget that they will have to pay all of that debt off eventually. Instead of spending recklessly, she recommends setting a budget ahead of time. Along with that, I'd also recommend not to use credit cards at all if you want to buy items this holiday shopping season, especially if you are in deep deck right now. It may be difficult to control your impulses, but in the long run, it'll be totally worth it. The retailers these days set up multiple traps, both in stores and online, and due to these clever marketing strategies, they're winning big. It's rare to see a card with just one item in it. The giant corporations are doing all they can to keep us buying more. And as consumers, it gets really hard for us to not submit to these appealing offers. This has led to manic consumerism in our current culture today that is now known as the target ethic, which is defined as the resert of going into a store, intending to buy a few things and leaving with much heel. On Black Friday, retailers create the illusion that you're getting an enormous discount by reducing a product's price by some significant percentage. But in truth, the sale price is often what they intended to sell the product for in the first place. Marketers invade newspapers, TV, magazines, radio, billboards, you name it. It's hard to escape advertisements and special offers, whether you're out on the street or online, the latter being full of marketing land mines these days. In spite of these devious practices employed by the retailers, unfortunately, most people actually don't care. In fact, they want more of it. It's sad, but on Black Friday, we all consume gluttonously, without regard for the damage we are inflicting on ourselves and our finances. We let our greedy selves lose and we run around buying things in order to satisfy the insatiated hunger within us and to try to fill the void within us that can't be filled by stuff. It's a shame that shopping has become such a major pastime among us, as Joshua feels Melbourne and Ryan Nicodemus write in their blog, the meramists.com. Shopping. This one word, although birthed from great intentions, has fundamentally changed our outlook from blissful to grim, from jolly to anxious, from celebrating Christmas to surviving the holidays. It's upsetting and with Consumptions vicious inertia, it seems there's no way for us to exit the speeding train of consumerism. 7. Session 6: Experiences Trump Stuff: Embracing a Minimalist Lifestyle: In today's session, I'll read a passage from my book, Daily minimalism. So title of this passage is experiences drunk stuff. By having less and doing more, we will be happier, healthier, richer in every sense, less clutter, less tort, less anxiety, more meaning, more flow, more intrinsic enjoyment, better conversations, more connections, a healthier take on status, and a stronger sense of belonging. James Bolman suffocation. It's not wrong to say that when we get rid of clutter and invest in experiential living, we get on the course to living a happier and more intentional life. Our older generations, unlike us, used to be quite thrifty. They understood the usage of every possession that they had and believed in making things last as much as they could. The rise in consumerism birded a new advertisement industry whose main purpose was to attract eyeballs. And create want and desire in people. As a consequence, the well intentioned frugality gradually transformed into a perennial desire to consume more. The repercussions of this industry started by the 20th century madmen, have come to the surface now. We are gradually becoming cognizant of all the hidden costs that came with them. The mountains of junk and non essentials that pile up in our homes, keep us anchored, rob our mental peace, and keep us away from experiencing happiness before it gets too late, it's important that we break prim from these shackles of overconsumption. Committing to a minimalist lifestyle, cutting back on our consumption, and having fewer meaningful possessions are sound strategies in this regard. Another alternative approach that can act as an effective remedy against rampant materialism is valuing real life experiences over the junk and superfluous stuff that prevails in our garages, closets, basements, and other territories of our homes. Experiences connect us to people, educate us in beautiful ways, as well as give us wonderful stories to share. They bring more meaning, joy, and satisfaction through our life, as Eleanor Roosevelt remarked. The purpose of life is to live it to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience. So it's best to focus on experiences rather than collecting stuff. There's more enjoyment, meaning, and satisfaction that we get from having beautiful experiences either by ourselves or with our loved ones, rather than just collecting shiny objects and accoutrements that don't really add value to our life. You have to protect yourself from the attention engineers and, um the advertisement. Gurus who bamboozle you, who trick you to buy their products and commodities and services. So be aware and be vigilant. Make sure that you don't fall into the strap of overconsumption and live a moderate life, take the middle path, and with a balanced approach, you can definitely enjoy a life that is both minimalism focus, as well as you get the things and material positions that add value to your life. But also at the same time, have some resources to enjoy experiences as well. When you focus on this and choosing and being a curator of the things and services and products that you bring into your life, I think it really helps you make a conscious decision to live a life in which you are enhancing in all the aspects of your life, you're both focused on living a spiritual as well as a material life. Definitely focus on experiences rather than buying stuff. I mean, retail therapy is just a bit. Instead of just going on Amazon or going on any other retailer website, whether we Target Walmart or what have you, just go out for a long walk, go out to a forest or a beach if you have the privilege to do so, or just go take a long walk in the city or a park. And I think that will be a better experience and will work in favor for you. And also, that'll stop you from just hopping on to a website and going through retail therapy and spending money to make you happy. That's just ablip of pleasure, to be honest. For a while, you'll feel okay, you'll be happy, and then you'll crash. So it's best to choose experiences that bring you lasting joy. Be a collector of experiences, collect meaningful experiences both either by yourself or with your loved ones, with your friends, with your family, with your relatives. So I also would like to mention one more thing that even in experiences, there are different levels. So I'll tell you something from my own example. For the past few months, I have actually not been to a movie theater. I've massively reduced the number of movies that I see. What I've been focusing on is just exploring the city more and visiting all these places, the neighborhoods and the spiritual places that I've always wanted to visit, but I was just delaying them. I was procrastinating. Even in experiences, either you can go for a movie or maybe, you know, like, go further enhance the level of your experience. And go through an activity or go to a place that I've always wanted to visit and see, but you just have been delay. So I think just going to all these places, I feel much better. I feel so satisfied, so content that I have actually implemented my motives, my desires, and I'm actually going to all these places that I wanted to visit, and again, exploring the city, going to the places because of the lockdown, sometimes you have these limitations in your mind and you build these boundaries in your mind that that place is too far. But when you actually go through the experience, I think to yourself, Why I don't do this before? It was just a complication in the mind, and it just seemed difficult and tough and a challenge in my mind, but rather, it was just simple and pretty easy to do. So even in experiences, there are different levels of experiences. So Again, you have to ask yourself, what kind of experiences do you think would add more meaning, joy, and fulfillment to your life? It might be just going to a place, a spiritual place, maybe an outing that you always wanted to take part in, but you were just procrastinating. So again, choose experiences over stuff. I think you'll be able to better use your resources and your time and invest your time and energy in better pursuit. 8. Session 7: Hygge Holidays Celebrating Comfort and Joy This Season: As the holiday season unfolds, a familiar feeling takes hold. Anticipation and excitement mingle with a tinge of stress. Between gift giving gatherings and endless tur lists, it's easy to lose sight of the true essence of the holidays, joy, connection, and warmth. This is where the Danish concept of Hogar comes in, pronounced Hoka Hogar is more than just a cozy aesthetic. It's a philosophy of finding contentment in the present moment, celebrating simple pleasures and fostering meaningful connections. Hogar design, interior designer Audrey Scheck explains, focuses on creating spaces that exude a feeling of warm coziness by balancing soft textures and pieces inspired by nature. This philosophy and aesthetic continues to inspire design around the world, given the universal desire to combine function and beauty. So how can we infuse the spirit of Hogar into our holiday season and create a truly magical experience? Here are a few tips. Embrace warmth and softness. Transform your space into a haven, dim the overhead lights, and light a symphony of candles for a flickering inviting glow. Layer soft tos and blankets over furniture and arrange fluffy pillows on sofas and armchairs. Scened candles and essential oils can add a touch of seasonal aroma, like cinnamon or pine. Indulge in the tactile pleasures of Hogar. Snuggle up in your favorite pajamas or sweaters and pamper yourself with warm socks and fuzzy slippers. Let the textures of wool, cashmere, and flannel bring a sense of comfort and well being. Savor the slowness. Disconnect from the digital world. Resist the urge to constantly check your phone or social media. Instead, curl up with a good perk, listen to calming music, or simply enjoy the company of loved ones without distractions. Savor the rituals of the season. Make a pot of your favorite hot cocoa, bake festive cookies together, or decorate the tree with mindful attention. Let these activities be opportunities to connect, share stories, and create lasting memories. Gather with loved ones, prioritize quality over quantity. Instead of hosting large overwhelming gatherings, opt for smaller, more intimate get togethers with close friends and family. Focus on meaningful conversations, shared laughter, and simple games. Celebrate traditions old and new. Whether it's a shared meal, a caroling session, or a movie marathon, create Hogar inspired traditions that your loved ones will look forward to year after year. Reconnect with nature. Bring the outdoors in, decorate with natural elements like pine cones, branches, and fresh greenery. Even a small potted plant can add a touch of life and vitality to your space. Take a walk in the crisp winter air, bundle up, and go for a stroll in a park or nature trail. Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the sounds of nature, and appreciate the beauty of the season. Remember, Hogar is not about perfection. It's about embracing the simple pleasures and finding joy in the everyday moments. This holiday season slow down, save with the present, and connect with your loved ones in a warm and meaningful way. Let Hogar be your guide to creating a season filled with peace, contentment, and lasting memories. One more thing. Don't be afraid to get creative. Hogar is all about personalizing your experience, whether it's baking a new recipe, starting a fire in the fireplace or playing your favorite holiday tunes. Find what brings you a sense of comfort and joy. By embracing the spirit of Hogar, you can turn the holiday season into a time of genuine warmth, connection, and well being, a time to truly celebrate the simple joys of life. 9. Session 8: 10 Ways to Ring in the New Year With a Positive Mindset: As the final embers of this year dwindle and the crisp anticipation of next year rises, what better time to cultivate a positive attitude and set the stage for a fulfilling year ahead? While flashy parties and grand resolutions often steal the spotlight. True New Year's magic lies in embracing simple practices that nurture optimism and growth. So tisch the pressure, crab your journal, and let's explore ten ways to welcome the New with a heart brimming with positivity. Number one, practice gratitude. Begin by acknowledging the beauty that already exists in your life. Take a quiet moment to reflect on all you are grateful for big or small, pin down a list, savor each memory, and let appreciation wash over you. Gratitude acts as a potent fertilizer for positivity, priming your mind to seek out joy in the year ahead. Number two, reflect and release. The New Year isn't just about beginnings, it's also about endings. Take time to introspect on the past year. Did you face challenges, Celebrate your resilience? Did you make mistakes, forgive yourself and learn from them? Lease burdens you no longer need to carry, making space for fresh possibilities. Number three, craft a vision board, visualize your dreams, cut out images, write down aspirations, and create a vibrant collage that represents your hopes for the New year. Place or vision board somewhere you see it often, allowing it to serve as a daily reminder and source of motivation. Number four, set intentional goals, move beyond generic resolutions and set intentional goals that resonate with your deepest desires. Smart goals, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound can guide you towards success. Remember, progress over perfection. Celebrate each step you take towards your aspirations. Number five, embrace forgiveness. Holding on to grudges weighs you down, preventing you from fully embracing the New Year. Forgive yourself and others, not as a favor to them, but as a gift to your own inner peace. Let go of negativity and make space for the light of forgiveness to enter your life. Number six, connect with loved ones. Surround yourself with the people who uplift and inspire you, share a quiet meal, engage in meaningful conversations, and create memories that will warm your heart throughout the year. Strong social connections are essential for well being. So prioritize nourishing your bones with loved ones. Number seven, practice mindfulness. Learn to be present in the moment, engage in practices like meditation or deep breathing to quiet your mind and connect with your inner self. Mindfulness fosters calmness, allowing you to approach challenges with a clear and positive perspective. Number eight, express gratitude creatively. Get creative, write a poem about something you are grateful for, paint a hopeful landscape, or compose a melody that reflects your optimism. Channeling your positive emotions through art allows them to blossom and color your world. Number nine, random acts of kindness. Spread the joy, perform random acts of kindness big or small. Offer a warm smile, buy someone a coffee, or volunteer your time. Seeing the impact of your generosity is a powerful way to cultivate positivity and build a better world. And number ten, celebrate yourself. Most importantly, remember to celebrate yourself, acknowledge your worth, your unique talents, and your unwavering spirit. Treat yourself with compassion and kindness and let your inner confidence shine through. As the clock strikes midnight and fireworks paint the sky with vibrant hues, let these practices guide you into the New Year. Remember, a positive mindset is not a destination for a journey. Embrace the ups and downs, savor the little things, and cultivate a heart filled with hope and possibility. Happy New Year. With a coming year, be filled with joy, purpose, and the unwavering belief that anything is possible when you approach it with a positive mindset. 10. Session 9: 5 Secrets for Setting New Year’s Intentions That Work: The allure of a fresh start beckons with each new year and with it the well worn tradition of resolutions. But how often do they actually come to fruition? Often, they fall victim to the same pitfalls, vagueness, ambition without action, and a lack of connection to our deepest desires. Instead, let's shift our focus from resolutions to intentions, carrying principles that infuse our lives with meaning and purpose. Here are five secrets to setting New Year's intentions and not only work but transform. Number one, plant the seeds of desire. Forget chasing fleeting trends or societal expectations. Instead, delve deep into your soul. Ask yourself what truly makes your heart sink? What experiences bring you joy and fulfillment? Perhaps it's nurturing your creativity, fostering deeper connections, or mastering a new skill. Identify these core desires, not as goals to achieve, but as seeds to nurture throughout the year. Number two, craft your mantra, not your master plan. Ditch the rigid Turo lists and embrace the fluidity of intention. Instead of dictating specific actions, craft a mantra that encapsulates your desired state of being. It could be, I cultivate in a piece, I radiate creativity or I connect authentically. This mantra becomes your guiding compass reminding you of your intention in every moment. Number three, make it measurable but not mundane. While specificity is important, it shouldn't suffocate your intention. Instead of focusing on numbers or rigid schedules, create measurable markers and align with your core desire. For example, if your intention is to be more mindful, you might decide to meditate for 5 minutes daily or practice gratitude journaling three times a week. These small achievable actions keep your intention alive and build momentum. Number four, celebrate the sprouting, not just the bloom. Growth isn't linear and progress often comes in fits and starts. Don't wait for the perfect moment on the grand accomplishment to celebrate. Recognize and celebrate the small wins, the moment of inspiration, the completed task, the act of courage. This constant nourishment fuels your intention and keeps you moving forward. And number five, embrace the garden, not the goalpost. Life is a dynamic landscape, and intentions are the seeds we plant within it. Don't be afraid to adjust, nurture, and even let go of an intention as needed. As you navigate your year, your desires and priorities might evolve. Embrace this fluidity and allow your intentions to blossom organically, remembering that the true reward lies not in reaching a fixed endpoint, but in the joy of tending your inner garden. Setting New Year's intentions is more than just a ritual. It's a conscious decision to shape your life with meaning and purpose. By focusing on desires, crafting, guiding mantras, celebrating small steps, and embracing the journey, you can transform your intentions from fleeting wishes into vibrant realities. Let this year be not about resolutions, but about cultivating a life that blooms with your authentic self. Happy New Year, may you be blessed with success, peace, love, happiness, and beautiful intentions that elevate your life and others. And 11. Session 10: Motivation and Inspiration Day: A Spark for Your New Year’s Flame: Every year on January 2, we celebrate National motivation and Inspiration Day. It's a day to dust off the cobwebs from the holiday season, reignite the embers of our New Year's resolutions, scratch that New Year's intentions, and fill our souls with the fresh winds of possibility. This day wasn't always marked on calendars. It arose in the wake of the 911 tragedy, a testament to the human spirit's ability to find hope and purpose, even in the darkest of times. Motivational speaker Kevin L McRden spearheaded the effort, believing that America and indeed the world needed a day to remember the power of motivation and inspiration in overcoming adversity. So how can we make the most of motivation and inspiration day? Here are a few ideas. Reconnect with your why. What are your goals, your dreams, the things that make your heart sing. Take some time to reflect on what truly motivates you and why. Having a clear purpose can fuel your fire and keep you going when the road gets tough. Seek out inspiration. Immerse yourself in stories of people who have overcome challenges and achieve great things. Red biographies, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, find the stories that resonate with you and let them fill you with the belief that you, too, can achieve your dreams. Take action. Don't let this day be just another passive observance. Choose one small step, one concrete action today that you can take today to move closer to your cons. It might be writing down your goals in a vision board, signing up for a class or simply making a commitment to yourself to stay focused and motivated. Share the spark. Inspiration is contagious. Spread the joy of motivation and inspiration day by sharing your own goals and dreams with others. Encourage and support the people around you and let your own enthusiasm be a beacon of hope for them. Remember, motivation and inspiration are not fleeting feelings. They are muscles that need to be exercised regularly. By making motivation and inspiration day a springboard for action, we can set the tone for your year filled with purpose, progress, and achievement. Here are some additional ways to celebrate motivation and inspiration day, host a potluck or gathering with friends and family, share stories, goals and dreams, and inspire each other to reach for the stars. Volunteer your time or donate to a cause you care about. Giving back to others is a great way to find meaning and purpose in your own life. Start a gratitude journal, taking time each day to appreciate the good things in your life, can boost your mood and increase your motivation. Listen to uplifting music or watch inspiring movies. Art can be a powerful source of motivation and inspiration. Let motivation and inspiration day be a reminder that we all have the power to create the lives we want. With a little motivation and a lot of inspiration, anything is possible. So light the fire within yourself and let it illuminate the path to your dreams. But 12. Session 11: 15 Inspiring Intentions for a Vibrant Year: Here are 15 well crafted intentions you can use to inspire and motivate yourself for a remarkable year for my mind, to cultivate curiosity, not certainty. I'll embrace the unknown, ask questions, even when answers seem elusive, and let wonder be my compass. To be a learner, not a holder, I'll devour words, not just skim them, allowing insights and stories to shape my perspective and ignite my imagination. Practice mindfulness on perfectionism, I'll be present in the moment, accepting imperfections and brushstrokes on my journey, not blemishes for my body. To move with joy, not with obligation, no more chasing and ideal physique. I'll find the rhythm of joy in movement, be it a sunrise jog, a twirling dance, or a vigorous hike. To nourish with intention, not deprivation, I listen to my body's whispers, choosing food that fuels my spirit, not just my stomach, to rest with reverence, not with guilt, I'll embrace stillness, recognizing it as a fertile ground for creativity and rejuvenation. For my soul, to cultivate kindness, not just outward smiles. I'll extend compassion to myself and others, understanding that true kindness blossoms from within. To practice forgiveness, not forgetting, I'll release the weight of past hurts, not erase their lessons, and allow forgiveness to be a balm for my soul, to celebrate vulnerability, to hide my scars. I'll share my authentic self unafraid of the tears and laughter that weave the tapestry of my being. For my relationships to listen with empathy, not just with ears. I'll seek to understand, not just respond and let hearts speak when even words falter, to offer support, not unsolicited advice. I'll be hand to hold, not a voice to dictate, trusting each soul to navigate its own path. Set healthy boundaries, not build walls. I'll protect my energy while nurturing genuine connections, knowing that true closeness thrives in a healthy space for my dreams, to chase purpose, not fleeting trends. I'll delve into my passions fueled by a fire ignited from within, not the flickering flames of societal expectations, to embrace small steps on giant leaps. I'll celebrate the daily victories, the inch by inch progress that builds a life of fulfillment. To fall in love with a journey, not just a destination, I'll find joy in the unfolding, the ever evolving narrative of my life and trust that the most beautiful chapters are yet to be written. Remember, these are just starting points. Personalize these intentions to your own values, passions, and aspirations. Make them specific, measurable, and achievable to increase your chances of success. Happy New Year again, and good luck fulfilling your intentions. Bonus step, write down your intentions and keep them somewhere visible like a vision board or a daily planner to serve as a reminder and source of motivation throughout the year. 13. Session 12: Discovering Your True Self: A Journey Through Inner Peace and Connection: Here are a couple of quotes by Tipuk Chopra from his landmark book, The seven Spiritual Laws of success. Pure consciousness is pure potentiality. It is a field of all possibilities and infinite creativity. Pure consciousness is our spiritual essence. Being infinite and unbounded, it is also pure joy. All of creation, everything that exists in the physical world is the result of the unmanifest transforming itself into the manifest. Imagine a vast infinite ocean of light pulsading with limitless potential. This is the essence of the law of pure potentiality, the first of Deeper Chopras seven spiritual laws of success. It posits that at the core of all existence lies a field of pure consciousness, a boundless realm where every possibility exists, waiting to be birthed into reality. Was individual drops of consciousness are intimately connected to this field, imbued with a spark of infinite creation. In these moments of tranquil connection, a hidden door unlocks within. It grants access to your true self, a boundless wellspring of potential wearing to be tapped. You shed the illusion of separation, realizing that you're not just alone traveler in this vast cosmic dance. You are an integral thread in the intricate tapestry of nature, your breath echoing the rhythm of the universe. This cosmic landscape extends far beyond the boundaries of our planet. It's an ocean of vibrant energy pulsing through every star. Every grain of every sand, every beating heart. And within this boundless sea, your true self swims limitless and free. When you awaken to this interconnectedness, the scales fall from your eyes. You no longer see yourself as a fragile island, but as a mighty wave crusting in the infinite ocean of pig. Your true self knows no limitations, unbound by the shackles of fear and doubt. But to access this power, we must first silence the chatter of the ego. The self proclaimed ruler cages us within a narrow mind, whispering insecurities and anxieties. It tells us we are separate, small and insignificant, but these are mere illusions veiling the radiant truth of our being. Fortunately, the path to liberation lies within reach. Through the practice of silent meditation, we can melt away the ego's icy crip. As we gently focus on our breath, observing thoughts without judgment, a wave of tranquility washes over us. Mind and body quieten, and the ego's whispers fade into the distance. In this stillness, our true self emerges, radiant and whole. 14. Session 13: The Eagle Who Found His Wings: High on a windswept crag, nestled amongst ancient pines, lay an eaglet's nest. Among the three siblings, one egg tumbled down the mountain carried by a tremor in the earth. It landed with a gentle thud in a faraway valley on the threshold of a bustling chicken coop. A brave old hen, her heart, touched by the fragility of life, took the alien egg under her wing. When it hatched, revealing a magnificent eagle chick, the coop was filled with pluck and concern. They raised him as one of their own, teaching him to scratch for worms, dust bathe in the sun and roost in the coop when twilight fell. The young eagle named Ari loved his foster family dearly, yet a strange yearning tugged at his heart. He'd gaze at the vast expanse of the sky, mesmerized by the effortless dance of eagles riding thermals. One day, he confided his longing to his clucking friends. Oh, I would love to fly like those majestic creatures. He sigh. But his friends, bound by the limits of their world, scoffed. Chickens don't fly, Ari they chirp. Your wings are for strudding, not soaring. Ari's heart sank, the weight of their words heavy on his dreams. They turn into years. Ari, though skilled at chasing beetles and pecking at grain, couldn't shake the yearning for the open sky. He'd stare at the clouds, his wings twitching with a phantom memory of flight. But the voices of the chickens, their clucking doubts and ridicule echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of his supposed limitations. One crisp autumn morning, as Ari stood on the edge of a hill, the wind whispering secrets in his feathers, he felt a shift within. The years of doubt had not extinguished the fire in his soul. Fueled. He closed his eyes, remembering the eagles he'd seen, the freedom etched on their wings. In that moment, he knew he was not a chicken. He was an eagle born with the right to soar. He spread his wings, hesitant at first, then with a glowing sense of purpose. He took a tentative step forward, then another, feeling the wind lift his feathers, carrying him towards the horizon. The whispers of the chickens faded into insignificance as he ascended, the sun warming his face, the world unfolding beneath him like a vibrant tapestry. Ari the eagle, who found his wings soared, not with the grace of his ancestors, but with the tenacity of a spirit that refused to be confined. He learned to navigate the currents, to dance with the wind, to claim the sky as his rightful domain. And in his triumphant flight, he carried a message for every caged soul. Inside you lies an eagle yearning to break free. Listen not to the whispers of doubt, but to the wings that beat within your heart. The sky is your birthright, your journey to claim, spread your wings, embrace the wind and soar. Now is your time. This is not the story of a tragedy but of a triumph. It is a reminder that even amidst doubt, the fire of our true nature burns pride. It is a call to listen to the whispers of our souls, to break free from the limitations we impose on ourselves and to reach for the sky with the wings of our dreams. So if you feel a yearning tugging at your heart, a call to something beyond the ordinary, answer it. Ignore the naysayers, the chickens would keep you grounded, spread your wings, embrace the wind and soar, the sky awaits. 15. Session 14: The Power of Thought, Gratitude, and Creative Harmony: What's your take on the initial step towards wealth? Is it diving into the stock market or launching a business? Well, it actually begins on a more profound level, the realm of thoughts. In his landmark book, The Science of Getting rich, Wallace G Watters explains that our thoughts wield immense power. By impressing them upon the original substance, we can manifest the very objects of our contemplation. Essentially, everything around us, from nature's wonders to the vast universe, stems from a thought in the original substance. By harnessing the power of thought and envisioning what you desire, you can bring it into existence. However, it comes with a twist. The goal isn't just personal enrichment. It's about becoming a creator, not a competitor. The idea is to attain your desires in a manner that uplifts everyone. For example, God envisions musicians with top notch instruments to inspire greatness in others through their music. But it's not a simple case of wishful thinking. Alongside belief in the original substance, living by the law of gratitude is crucial. This principle asserts that the more grateful you are, the more goodness you attract. So if you are a skilled musician longing for a new guitar, instead of complaining, express gratitude for the one you have. Trust that over time, the original substance will present you with greater opportunities and superior tools. 16. Session: 15: The Ripple Effect: How Giving Breeds Happiness: Greta Brooker Palmer wrote, Happiness is a byproduct of an effort to make someone else happy. Happiness is like an illusive butterfly flooding just beyond our grasp. We chase it with relentless zeal, sometimes exhausting ourselves in the pursuit. Yet, what if the secret to capturing joy wasn't a desperate chase, but a gentle act of sowing. Perhaps in the very act of giving of making others happy, we unlock the key to our own fulfillment. As Mahatma Gandhi once wisely said, the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. The universe works on a principle of reciprocity, a cosmic karma, as it were. What we send out in thought, word, and deed has a curious tendency to boomerang back, often in unexpected ways. Give and it shall be given unto you, echoed Jesus in the Bible, a sentiment that transcends religion and speaks to a fundamental truth of human connection. When we choose to shower someone with kindness, however simple, we set in motion a ripple effect of positivity. We become the pebble dropped in the pwd sending out concentric circles of joy that touch not only the recipient, but also ourselves. Think of a time you offered a sincere compliment, a helping hand, or simply a listening ear. Did you feel a warmth plum in your chest, a subtle satisfaction that lingered long after the interaction? That, my friend, is the immediate payback of kindness. Is the secret whisper of the universe, confirming the truth. We reap what we sow. Of course, this isn't about transactional kindness, about keeping a ledger of good deeds and expecting immediate returns. True kindness comes from a genuine desire to make someone else's life a little brighter without expecting anything in return. It's a smile offered freely, a word of encouragement whispered to a stranger, a small act of generosity that lights up someone's day. As Maya Angelou reminds us, I've learned that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. So take a step back from the frantic chase for happiness, look around you and see the countless opportunities to sow joy. Volunteer your time, offer a helping hand, lend a listening ear. Even the smallest gesture, a genuine smile can create a ripple effect of positivity that will wash over you, leaving you feeling lighter and more fulfilled. Remember, the equation is simple. What we give, we do receive. Let's make our lives a testament to the power of giving and watch as the universe rewards us with profound joy again and again. 17. Session 16: Why Little Actions Are Key to Realizing Big Dreams: We are often driven by grand ambitions, by powerful s that define our purpose and fuel our aspirations. Whether it's building a successful career, launching a business, writing a book, or making a meaningful impact in the world, our motivations tend to be vast and far reaching. However, while our reasons for action may be mighty, the actions themselves do not always need to be massive. In fact, taking small manageable steps may be the best way to ensure steady and sustainable progress. One of the first steps in any meaningful pursuit is identifying the key reason or small set of reasons that drive us. Once we have clarity on our purpose, we can break it down into tangible targeted actions that move us forward. Without this process of simplification, we risk becoming overwhelmed by the enormity of our goals, leading to inaction or burnout. In her book, Own your everyday, overcome the pressure to prove and show up for what you were made to do, Jordan Lee Dooley emphasizes the importance of small actions in overcoming impostor syndrome. Impostor syndrome, feeling like a fraud, despite evidence of competence often arises when we face new challenges or step outside our comfort zones. Dooley suggests that rather than pretending to have all the answers or striving for perfection, the best approach is to admit what we don't know and seek guidance from those who do. Asking for help, learning from others, and embracing a mindset of continuous growth dismantles the illusion that we must figure everything out on our own. Duly introduces a powerful concept to guide our actions. Incremental, implementable, imperfect action. This phrase encapsulates a practical and effective approach to progress. Let's break it down. One, incremental. Progress happens step by step. Instead of focusing on the enormity of our goal, we should concentrate on the next small step we can take. Each action, no matter how small contributes to the larger vision. Two, implementable. The actions we take should fit within our current circumstances. We may not always be able to take massive leaps forward, but we can always identify smaller feasible steps that keep us moving in the right direction. Three, imperfect. Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. By embracing imperfection, we allow ourselves to make mistakes, learn from them, and adapt. Taking action even if flawed is far better than being paralyzed by the fear of not getting it exactly right. Too often we are encouraged to take massive action to achieve our dreams. While bold moves have their place, they can also create a sense of overwhelm. Seeing the metaphorical mountain ahead, we might freeze, unsure of where to begin. Instead, we should focus on small achievable steps, knowing that each step builds momentum and brings us closer to our goal. Ultimately, the secret to sustain progress lies in embracing incremental, implementable, and imperfect actions, whether we are launching a project, learning a new skill or striving for personal growth, small intentional steps will help us overcome self doubt, avoid paralysis by analysis, and keep moving forward. The key is to start, to act, and to remain open to learning along the way. By doing so, we not only make steady progress, but also develop resilience, adaptability, and the confidence to tackle even the biggest of dreams. 18. Session 17: Seize the Moment, Take Action: The gap between intention and achievement is bridged by one thing alone. Action. We often wait for the perfect moment, the right feeling or some external signal to begin. But life's greatest truth is that these perfect conditions are illusions that keep us trapped in staces. Consider your most cherished ideas, those brilliant solutions, creative projects, or business ventures that light up your mind. They remain merely electrical impulses in your brain until you transform them into reality. No amount of planning or dreaming can substitute for the first decisive step, the first line of code written, the first call made to a potential client. The same principle applies to personal transformation. Your body will not scout itself while you contemplate the ideal workout routine. Your financial goal will not materialize through careful planning alone. Each push up, each investment, each small choice to save instead of spend, these individual actions compound into the life you envision. When inspiration strikes, it provides a surge of energy, a brief window where the path forward appears crystal clear. This clarity is precious and fleeting. To wait is to waste this natural momentum, allowing doubt and inertia to creep back in. The most successful people in any field share one common trait. They act immediately when opportunity or inspiration presents itself. The future is built in the present, one action at a time. Your dreams have waited long enough. The time to begin is now.