Tag Archives: Self Improvement

Beliefs, Celebration, Intentional Thinking, Responsibility

Whatever Your Excuse Doesn’t Matter Part 3

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Horizons the-audience-phil-koch

“Happiness and success is based on some very simple principles or steps. The results you get in life is based on your thoughts, your actions and your habits. Most people have difficulty making their dreams come true because they don’t take responsibility for these.

In the past few blog posts we have explored identifying limiting beliefs and negative thoughts. Typically, these are expressed as blames, excuses, reasons ‘why’ you can’t be happy or successful. The first step is awareness, the uncovering process.

If you haven’t yet done this, go back a couple posts and do the exercises. Once we become aware of how we think we are limited we can begin to change it . From awareness we move into understanding. We can begin to see how these old beliefs limit us.

Right Awareness And Understanding Leads To Positive Changes

At this point, we may realize we need to make a change. As Andrew Carnegie, Napoleon Hill and others have stated, ‘the only limitations humans have is in their thinking’. The only limitations that exist for us are the ones we THINK we have. We must change our thinking.

Instead of remaining stuck with limited thinking we make the decision to take responsibility for everything in our life, the good and the not so good. This gives us choice as to how we view our circumstances. Everything can become an opportunity for us.

When we decide to take responsibility for everything we take charge, we determine the meaning of each event without assigning blame. If we created it we must be doing it for a useful reason. We can look for the seed of opportunity within adversity.

As Our Awareness Grows – We Grow

Yes, it is an arbitrary assignment of meaning. Instead, of blaming and excusing we re-frame circumstances, events, disappointments and look for the possible positive intent. We chose to be optimistic about all of our life circumstances and maintain a positive slant or position.

Make sure you have done the second exercise in replacing ‘I can’t’ thinking with ‘I won’t’. This clearly places the responsibility on your shoulders. You may not like the feelings that accompany this but understand the liberation that can occur. Ultimately, it is freeing!

It begins with awareness! You become aware of limitations, and then you become aware of your reluctance or resistance to accept FULL responsibility. If you explore it you may see that these limiting thoughts loop round and round. Some people quickly dismiss it all.

When You Take Responsibility For Everything Everything Changes

It is more comfortable to dismiss and remain the same than to face ourselves courageously.  I do it, you do it, we all have. It keeps things status quo. Though the status quo may be uncomfortable, at least is is not as uncomfortable as having to change it.

If you are astute in your awareness you will recognize this as an opportunity to state ‘I will not change’ instead of running the same old thinking patterns again. Every moment is a opportunity to become aware of what you think and how it affects you.

In all of it you have the possibility to discover your incredible resourcefulness and creativity. You can begin to look at yourself and your circumstances in an entirely new positive light. You can begin to see there is nothing holding you back but your limited thoughts.

People Would Learn From Mistakes – If They Didn’t Deny Them

Great news. You can change your limited thoughts. You may not be able to change, and typically can’t, the weather, the economy, events, and other people but you can change your thinking and your reactions to these.

You can liberate yourself and choose to respond instead. It is in the process of recognizing a limitation or problem or what you don’t want and turning away from it and shifting your attention to what you can and will do to make it better that transformation occurs.

You can determine how you WILL make things different for yourself because you CAN and WILL. You can and will take charge of how you think, feel, and act. You will develop new habits of successful thought, feeling and actions that lead to new positive results.

I Can – I Will – End Of Story – Period

None of us will ever do it if we don’t change where we put the control for our lives. If others and circumstances dictate we are like a cork bobbing in the water going wherever the current takes us. We are puppets. If we take charge we have a mighty say in all of it.

In my next post I’ll add a new exercise designed to help continue to dissolve the limitations and build new positive, powerful beliefs. There is no need to rush. Be thorough in your exploration. Take your time. Repeat the exercises now prior to adding in the new ones.

Explore, discover, find and become aware. Understand how limited thinking holds you back from your goals and dreams to be, do and have the life you want. Become aware and understand how changing your beliefs and locus of power can make everything better for you.

Create The Life You Can’t Wait To Wake Up To

Assume the control for your thoughts,feelings, actions, habits and the results you get. Once in charge you can adapt and adopt, you can change as needed. You become more flexible and much more able. It is a great advantage to live with positive power and optimism.

Everything can be wonderfully different. It can begin right now. Take a moment to feel grateful for everything; for learning about limitations that held you back, for all the disappointments and each moment that led you to right now. You can look back, connect dots.

Everything has a way of working together. Ultimately, it all works out and works out for good, you just can’t see it yet. IF just NOW you went off and thought BS, not true, etc. that is a belief you may wish to address. Instead of believing limiting beliefs you get to choose.

Wake Up With Determination – Go To Bed With Satisfaction

You pick the beliefs you want to live from that support you. You determine how you are going to play this game of life. You make the rules. You are in charge. You can decide that everything always works out and that you are blessed! You can be grateful for it all.

Begin to find everything you can think of that is a blessing and feel how wonderful it is. Write them out. List them daily. Most importantly, savor the feelings that arise from appreciation. It is the feelings that are most important. Feel these fully! Enjoy them!

You can and will transform yourself and your life for the better as you do these things. Do these consistently, repeatedly, for long enough and you will develop new neural pathways. Your brain will make you new success habits to live from. It will become automatic.

I Will Either Find A Way – Or I Will Make One

Everything improves. You can handle disappointment better! Wouldn’t you like that? You can accomplish much more and can achieve your goals? You can make positive things happen in your life and feel wonderful much more of the time. It can become incredible!

Look for and discover more and more to be grateful for. Life changes when you do! Fill your moments and your thoughts with gratitude. Feel blessed. Act blessed and more blessings come your way. It works! It really does. Look for the good in all. Find it and celebrate everything!” Rex Sikes

Discover the joys small and large in your day!

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

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Awareness, Intentional Thinking, Overcoming Difficulty, Responsibility

Whatever Your Excuse Doesn’t Matter! Part 2

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Horizons to-infinity-phil-koch

“Have you noticed you can feel stopped by all sorts of things? What we think and say to ourselves has a great impact. Some people never get going for this reason. Instead of making their dreams come true they live life as a victim. Do you? Do you have victim mentality?

If you honestly ended up answering yes, you can change it. That’s good news! You don’t have to live as a victim of excuses and blames. You can become free and begin to make marvelous positive changes that are meaningful and powerful. Let’s begin to explore how!

Start changing all your ‘I can’t’ and ‘I don’t’ to ‘I won’t’ or ‘I will not’. Take complete responsibility for being in charge. Example; I won’t make enough money because I will not. I won’t make enough money because I won’t do the things I have to. ACCEPT responsibility!

Awareness Is The First Step

I won’t be happy because I won’t think positive thoughts. OR I am not going to get healthier, any time soon, because I refuse to eat right. I will not get a raise because I will not do what is expected of me at work. I will not be good at basketball because I won’t practice.

Take FULL responsibility for not being, doing and not having. Accept that it won’t happen because YOU won’t make it happen. No blames, no excuses simply shoulder the responsibility. Convert all your can’ts and don’t’s to won’t and will not. If YOU won’t then YOU won’t.

I can’t be rich because I won’t work at it. I won’t be rich because I will not do what is necessary. I am not going to be happy because I will not take control of my mind. I will not be healthy because I will not eat right, exercise right or sleep right. I am not going to ___________.

The Second Step Is Understanding

OWN up to not being, doing or having what it is you want! Understand if you want to be, do or have anything in life it is up to YOU. It is not going to happen without YOU making it happen. YOU are the one who determines your own happiness and success.

Take all your excuses and blames and reasons why YOU can’t be, do or have, why life isn’t grand, and convert them to ‘I won’t’ or ‘I will not’ statements and notice what is different.  WRITE these out. Notice what happens when you change them. Notice how you feel.

Notice if and how things shift. It may feel very foreign or uncomfortable. You may fight or resist trying these statements on but do it anyway. If YOU can’t do it then you must! Realize you must put yourself in the driver’s seat if you want to get anywhere.

Beliefs Create What Seem Like Facts – They Are Beliefs

Besides, the only way you couldn’t write these is if someone tied your arms down or removed all writing implements and locked you up so you couldn’t write them out. Otherwise, you are more than capable to make these adjustments to your excuses list.

Of course, there are those of you who didn’t do the exercise from my last post, to begin with. Why not? Didn’t want to. Seemed silly. I already know it. Didn’t have time. What was the reason you didn’t do it fully? Why not? Own up to it.

The bottom line is you chose not to for whatever reason. Own your decision. Each second we have a choice. Each second we come up with  reasons for the choices we make. Whether they are valid or not is a separate issue. We believe they are. Hence, believing is seeing.

If You Think You Can Or You Think You Can’t – You Are Right

We act as if these limiting beliefs are the truth. They aren’t but we think they are. As long as we maintain limiting beliefs we will be limited. Don’t you think it is time to change them? Do the exercises and we’ll discuss more in the next blog post.

Once you convert your I can’t, or I am not able to, or this is what prevents me to I won’t or I will not THEN hang in there. It can be upsetting or it can be liberating. You are challenging assumptions and beliefs you have held for a while. It takes a bit of time to adjust.

Realize this, whatever you discover can be wonderful. Even if it is painful at first. Look at it and understand you don’t have to be limited. You have the opportunity to change in wonderful ways. Sit with it, even if it is uneasy. Relief is coming!

Be Willing To Explore Discover Become Aware And Understand

You will discover how marvelous you truly are. You are marvelous with imperfections and flaws. Embrace yourself and be gentle with yourself. Understand it is only old conditioning, it ISN’T YOU who are limited. Beliefs either support us or they don’t. It’s the beliefs!

Most of us weren’t brought up told we can choose. We were brought up believing we had to be the way we were. We had to accept what we think and believe as the truth. The TRUTH is we aren’t our beliefs but we operated from them as if we were. We can change them!

As we choose more supportive and productive and positive beliefs we transform delightfully. As we accept responsibility for everything, without blaming ourselves or outside ourselves, it frees up our energy to find opportunities so we make good things happen.

Always Believe Something Wonderful Is About To Happen

This is a journey of discovery and exploration. This is all about becoming aware. Great changes can occur and you can get anything your heart desires. Let’s clean some house and make room for the new, good stuff. Do the exercise. Learn what you learn. Be grateful, enjoy and delight. Celebrate everything!” Rex Sikes

Have a wonderful day!

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

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Awareness, Beliefs, Focus, Overcoming Difficulty

Whatever Your Excuse It Doesn’t Matter!

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Horizons breached-phil-koch

“Do you want to be happier? Would you like to be healthier? Want to book more work? Are you seeking the career of your dreams? Do you want fame, fortune and success? How about love? Wouldn’t you enjoy a deep loving relationship? Whatever it is, what do you want?

Okay, great. How come you don’t have it yet? Why aren’t you experiencing it right now? I bet you know. I bet you have already answered that question in your mind. What was your answer? Go ahead write it down. Write all the reasons down. Part 1.

Let’s do an exercise. Let’s do something that will reveal a lot about you and help you aim your thoughts and efforts toward success and what you want to accomplish in your life. Write down all those reasons why not; why you don’t have what you want.

As Our Awareness Grows – So We Grow

I can’t be successful because I don’t have enough money. I can’t be happy because I don’t know how. I can’t be successful because I am not educated. I can’t become successful because I don’t have the right connections. I can’t make it because I am not pretty enough.

I can’t become rich because I am not smart enough. I can do what I want because I am a single parent with responsibilities. I can’t be healthy because I like sugar too much. I can’t go to the party because I don’t have nice clothes. I can’t learn because I have a disability. I can’t concentrate because I have ADD. I can’t, I can’t I don’t, I don’t!

Continue this exercise fill in the blanks:

The reason I’m not rich –

I can’t be happy because –

I can’t do it because –

Awareness Like The Sun Shines On Things – They’re Transformed

Go on. Answer. Keep answering. I bet you have multiple answers for each. Dig deep. Keep going until you exhaust the possibilities. Notice what you find and how it makes you feel. Do you like what you feel? Notice what you notice. This is an opportunity to become aware.

Did you get some answers? I bet most of your answers are one’s you have told or said to yourself and others many times over and over during your lifetime. These reasons are excuses and blames for why you aren’t where you want to be yet. These reasons are your story.

These answers are the stories you have been telling and believing and creating over again and again in your life. It is comfortable even if it hurts. You are used to these. These are thought habits. Chronic, old thought habits which may or may not have originated with you.

Awareness Allows Us To Observe Ourselves In Action And Change

This is the very thinking you must stop and change. This is the very negative thinking you must switch to positive. You must eliminate the why’s you are not able, the blames and the excuses and all the reasons for why not and begin to emphasize what you can do.

In the next post I’ll share with you some of the powerful approaches you can take to eliminate the negative, focus on the positive and make your goals and dreams come true. Meanwhile, do the exercise. Discover your excuses. Dig deep. Enjoy the process of illumination.

Turn the light on in a closed shuttered room and the darkness flees. Turn the light on your negative reasoning and it can flee too. Stop making excuses and blames and start making positive declarations and mantras. Enjoy, delight and celebrate everything!” Rex Sikes

Make today most enjoyable!

If you like these posts please subscribe. If you think these posts would help others please share them. Help Spread the word. 

Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

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Expectations, Faith, Patience, Persistence

If You Don’t Keep The Faith And Persist You Will Lose!

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Horizons an-autumn-walk-phil-koch

“Sometimes you think right and do all the right things, yet, nothing seems to happen. What you want still seems far off, removed from you. Will it happen? You begin to worry, doubt or fear it may not. After all, you don’t see any results from your efforts? What gives?

There is the Chinese bamboo plant. Once planted, it is watered and nurtured for up to 6 years. The plant remains underground with no evidence of growth. In the 7th year the plant sprouts and grows 90 feet within 2 months.

Can you imagine? Nothing all that while, then suddenly! So when did it grow the 90 feet? Did it not grow at all during the first many years and then suddenly grow 90 feet? OR was it growing the entire time? Obviously, it must have been growing the entire time.

Be Positive Patient And Persistent And You Will Get It

If it wasn’t watered or taken care of, in any given year, it would have died. It was always growing even when you couldn’t see it. The same is true of your goals. When you do the right things consistently and for long enough they will come about. Even though invisible now.

You must have faith. Expect good things to come to you. Even though you cannot see it. Even while it is invisible maintain the faith that something good is about to happen. It may not be right away. It could take years. Keep the faith. It will happen. Believe in yourself.

Ancient texts, historical records, are full of examples of people who kept going when it seemed pointless. There are countless stories of people who persevere against seemingly insurmountable odds.Odds give way to a new reality. For 7 years the plant grows underground.

Do The Right Things Consistently For Long Enough – You’ll Get It

Then one day it sprouts and grows to over 90 feet in a short period of time. The invisible becomes visible. Once your results start coming, look out. They may come faster than you can imagine. So don’t give up just because you don’t see any results, yet. Persist.

Stop comparing where you are to where you want to be. Be patient. Be steadfast. Maintain a positive attitude. Continue your due diligence in thought, feeling and right inspired actions. Be grateful and enjoy, Your day is coming. Expect it with certainty. Celebrate everything!” Rex Sikes

Delight in the day and discover what is good and new.

If you like these posts please subscribe. If you think these posts would help others please share them. Help Spread the word. 

Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

NEW BLOG SITE LAUNCHES SOON – Do you get this blog emailed to you? You will have  to again subscribe to this blog, newsletter. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches. Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude!

Attitude, Opportunity, Overcoming Difficulty, Positive Thinking

To Enjoy Greater Happiness And Success You Must Be A Positive Flexible Thinker

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Horizons into-the-field-phil-koch

“What does it mean to be a positive thinker? Seems many people today are under the wrong assumptions. Maintaining a positive mental attitude is one of the top indicators of potential success. Without the right attitude and dedication few get very far.

My recent post discussed the benefits of positive thinking on the brain and the detrimental effects of negative thinking. Today, we realize it is not just a cheery, greeting card, rosy glasses type of facade. It is a potent power that actually changes brain structure.

Some have cautioned people to not think positive because if they do and then they don’t get what they wish for they might be more disappointed than if they hadn’t thought positive about it first. That is negative thinking. Better not do it because it might not work.

Positive Results Never Come From Negative Thoughts

Hogwash at its best. Don’t do anything, don’t think about it, don’t try because if you don’t succeed you’ll be worse off. Better you do nothing than disappoint yourself. How sad is this line of thought. Stay stuck. Rely on psychologists OR WORSE psychiatrists.

A useful definition of positive thinking is this statement by Napoleon Hill.  ‘Flexibility, perhaps, can best be described as the ability to survey and assess a given situation swiftly and react to it on the basis of logic and reason with a minimum of emotion.’

‘By developing flexibility you are prepared to take prompt action in seizing opportunity or problem solving. It can help you become decisive.’ That’s a pretty accurate description of positive thinking. The ability to asses, take right action, for solutions or opportunity.

Believe You Can And You Are Half Way There

Hill maintained, as others have, that you can control your own mind. He felt it imperative that all people learn to do this. He emphasized the ability to direct your mind productively without getting caught up in less than glorious emotions that might drive or influence you.

A PMA is desirable in taking advantage of opportunity and problem solving. One focuses on the advantage or the solution not the problem. The problem helps you define what is needed, then your attention is turned to the solution. It is about what you CAN DO!

Drop the problem. If you are broke, okay you know that, now focus on what you need to do to make money. Stop concentrating on broke and stop complaining about it. Stop thinking about what you can’t do. Move on. Move forward. Stop staying stuck and focused on past.

We Are Shaped By Our Thoughts – We Become What We Think

Think what you can do. Think about what you want. Work to make that happen. Don’t just sit and wish for a change. Be active in bringing change about. That is positive thinking. Positive thinking leads to inspired action because you FEEL like you can do it.

Thoughts lead to feelings – so chose the best thoughts and get the best feelings. Feelings lead to actions. Actions lead to habits when repeated over time. Actions lead to results. If you want great results you begin with great thoughts. THINK and grow rich! Remember!

Hill went on to say, ‘flexibility is the one trait that softens poverty and adorns riches, for it helps you be grateful for your blessings and unabashed by misfortune. It can also help you to make beneficial use of every experience of life, whether pleasant or unpleasant.’

Positive Thoughts And Actions – Produce Positive Results

As Henry Ford said, ‘whether you think you can or you can’t, you are right.’ YOU determine what will be. Think positive and you will get further faster than if you think negative. Your brain will help look for those opportunities and solutions. It is designed to do this.

You grow new neural pathways and develop success habits that support you. It is a win to learn how to control and condition your mind positively. The secret to success is to learn to be successful at managing your thoughts and feelings. Learn this kind of self-control. When you do, the world can be your oyster. Take charge, delight in all, and celebrate everything.” Rex Sikes

How much fun can you stand to have today?

If you like these posts please subscribe. If you think these posts would help others please share them. Help Spread the word. 

Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

NEW BLOG SITE LAUNCHES SOON – Do you get this blog emailed to you? You will have  to again subscribe to this blog, newsletter. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches. Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude!

Affirmations, Conditioning, Intentional Thinking, Self Talk

How You Talk To Yourself And Others Physically Changes Your Brain

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horizons roads-home-phil-koch

“What you say silently and out loud to yourself, and others, has a physiological effect on your brain structure and density. You grow new neural pathways on the left side or the right side of the prefrontal cortex according to research. Positively or negatively.

According to various researchers, Doldge, Merzenich and others, plus research conducted at UCLA by Schwartz and Gladding, what you say and how you say it dramatically affects you, your behaviors and the results you can get while physically reshaping your brain.

Research demonstrates that negative thinking, your thoughts, images and words, negatively grow more neurons (neural pathways) in the front right part of the brain known as the right prefrontal cortex. Negative thinking closes one off to discovering opportunity.

What You See – Imagine – Is What You Get – Replace the Negative

People who think negatively literally close off possibilities, ideas, opportunities and slow down brain processing speeds. The brain slows down because it has to deal with fight, flight or freeze instead of focusing on advantages and solutions. It is a literal drag.

Negative thinking has a physical and operational effect on the brain. Whereas, people who think positively reshape and stimulate their brain on the left prefrontal cortex making it more likely they will notice advantages, solutions and opportunity. Beneficial results!

People who think positive tend to make better choices. When you think and talk positively to yourself you wire in the neural pathways that positively alters the structure of your  brain. This causes you to look at life more positively, feel better and increases your options.

What You Say – Declare – Is What You Get – Replace The Negative

When you look at life optimistically, feel good and have more possibilities you tend to be happier and more successful. Remember, thoughts lead to feelings, feelings lead to actions, actions lead to habits and habits lead to results. You create neural pathways.

Either you create neural pathways that support you and become successful habits through inspired right action or you lay down less than glorious neural pathways that tend to slow you down and keep you stuck. It is your choice. Which you will do more of? Your choice!

If you want things in your life to change you must change how you think. Taking control of your mind means you stop old habits and begin new positive ones. You steer your mind to do what you want it to do. You train it to think how you want it to think. You are master.

What You Feel Is What You Get – Replace Negative With Positive

Withdraw energy from the negative and put it into the positive. If you stop supporting negative habits AND you encourage and support new positive habits you can make the changes you desire. It is a conditioning process. Persist all the way through and you’ll do it.

You will bring about the changes if you keep going until you get here. Don’t quit because it might be tough at times. Push on through. It is far easier than most people think it is prior to trying it out. Dive in. Change your thinking and change your life! The process is simple!

It won’t change if you don’t. It will change if YOU do! Begin with gratitude. Find things you appreciate about yourself, others and the world. Count your blessings often throughout each day. Delight in it all.  A new world can and open up to you when you take charge.

Always Believe Something Wonderful Is About To Happen – It Will

Fill your mind with positivity. Read and listen to inspired materials. Stay focused. Speak only to bless, heal and prosper yourself and others. Keep the stories of your life that you speak about to others positive. Do this and soon you will discover your life improving.

Keep reading these posts to find out what you can do to make a real difference in the results you are getting. Share them with others. Find positive like minded people to hang with. Support each other. Enjoy, delight and celebrate everything!” Rex Sikes

How much fun can you stand to have today?

If you like these posts please subscribe. If you think these posts would help others please share them. Help Spread the word. 

Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

NEW BLOG SITE LAUNCHES SOON – Do you get this blog emailed to you? You will have  to again subscribe to this blog, newsletter. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches. Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude!

Act As If, Focus, Gratitude, Mindset, Uncategorized

2 Reasons You Are Stuck And Can’t Get Anywhere

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Horizons lake-michigan-shore-phil-koch

“Why don’t some people make things happen fast enough? Why aren’t they creating or manifesting what they want? If the Law Of Attraction worked how come some people, perhaps even you, are struggling and not getting what you want? What is up with that?

Two simple reasons. Excuses and blames rule the day for some. Those people unfortunately never get too far. When you make excuses for yourself and or blame yourself, or anyone or anything outside yourself, you don’t help yourself. You keep things away.

When you whine and complain, excuse and blame you get more of the same back. Bird of a feather flock together. Like attracts like. It is simple. You must be what it is you want to attract FIRST. For some people this concept is difficult to wrap one’s head around.

Quit Beating Yourself Up You Are Not A Finished Product

How do I become something I am not presently but that I want in the future? You must become its essence. This is why you act ‘as if’ you already have it. This is exactly the reason you live with gratitude now. This is why mindset, attitude and feelings are so important.

Become it, now, in your mind and someday you will have it in reality. Most likely not overnight because everything takes some time. Plants take time to grow from seeds. Keep the faith and know with certainty it is yours and you will make it happen. Be certain!

Thoughts precede feelings. Feelings precede right inspired actions. Right inspired actions precede success habits. Successful habits precede the results you want. Keep in mind, YOU are making happen what you want rather than attracting it. Get it? You are doing it!

You Are A Work In Progress – Celebrate And Delight

People who hope or rely on luck don’t make it either. We make our own breaks. Attitude is everything. Luck and hope comes from the outside. If you hope to get it you most likely never will. You must be certain you will make it happen not luck into it. It is all your doing!

The second reason is comparison. People compare the distance between where they are and where they want to be. Stop it! Stop it right now. Keep your eye on your purpose while simultaneously focusing on the right inspired actions step that gets you there.

One inspired step at a time. When hiking or mountain climbing it is advised you not look at the peak but at your feet and each step you take. When you look at the peak you notice how far away it seems. Your steps are immediate and you can control each. Focus on steps.

Losers Fix The Blame Winners Fix What Caused The Problem

Inspired right action comes from having the right mindset and the positive wonderful feelings. Then your brain, your intuition, you inner resourcefulness kicks in. Your Reticular Activating System works to find matches on the outside for the good going on inside.

Your RAS is working anyway. Either finding matches for how far away things are, for blames and excuses, whines and complaints or for the positive ‘life is wonderful I can do it’ thoughts. You are in charge of which it looks for by what you focus on repeatedly.

You inform your own brain what you want to create and attract more of by what you presently think and feel. It is all your doing. Don’t blame yourself if you aren’t where you want to be, change yourself. You can make it happen. Learn how by doing it.

A Flower Doesn’t Compete With Others Or Try – It Just Blooms

Focus on the positive. Fill your mind with positive, wonderful thoughts. Fill yourself with feelings of gratitude. Author your story to include what you want more of and imagine it ‘as if’ you already have it. Speak only to bless, heal, prosper and further your story.

If we don’t have will and persist positively, others who do will prevail. Success comes from having a successful mindset first and then going the distance. Everything takes some time so be patient and enjoy each moment along the way. Delight and feel marvelous!

Stop whining, complaining, excusing and blaming. Stop hoping and relying on luck. Stop comparing and being frustrated. Instead, live with passion, enthusiasm and certainty that YOU can make your dreams come true. Then you can if you keep going until you do! Do this now. Live your dreams. Celebrate everything!” Rex Sikes

Have a delightful day!

If you like these posts please subscribe. If you think these posts would help others please share them. Help Spread the word. 

Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

NEW BLOG SITE LAUNCHES SOON – Do you get this blog emailed to you? You will have  to again subscribe to this blog, newsletter. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches. Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude!

Intentional Thinking, Mindset, Overcoming Difficulty, Responsibility

How To Knock Off The Whiny BS If You Want Happiness And Success

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horizons one-horse-phil-koch

“What do you do when things go wrong? What happens if you are riding the crest and suddenly discover yourself in the trough? Bad stuff happens how do I get out of it or around it?  What about when everything simply sucks?

These questions I am asked a lot. I will answer these from my perspective. This is how I choose to view my world and my responsibility in it. I learned it from others. from ancient and modern texts and role models. If I can do it you most likely can do it better.

Here is what I think and do. Recently, I was hit by a car. Injured in a hit and run. I got notice that one of my monthly payments was going up a gazillion times at the end of the month. There are numerous ‘crappy things’ going on in multiple ways. The fan has been covered.

Against All Odds And Obstacles You Are Going To Make It

I say, ‘Bring it’. You think you are tough you haven’t met me then. I am bigger than all my problems even when I don’t know how I will solve something I expect it to work out for good in the end. This is my mindset. I take 100% responsibility for all that happens to me.

It is as if I created it. I think the universe is trying to provide me a lesson to learn from by giving me hardships to deal with. Do I actually believe that? NO, not on your life. It is, however a useful frame I adopt and use. It supports me. I don’t BS myself.

If I BS myself it means I put the blame on everything else, which may include me. I blame the weather, the government, the economy, my parents, my kids, anything else outside of me. It is their fault. Well, if that were true then there is probably little I could do to change it.

It Is Kind Of Fun To Do The Impossible

However, if I am the author of it then I must change whatever I am doing that got me the poor results I didn’t want. I must shift something in me. Change my thinking and feeling to be more positive and productive.

In accepting the responsibility for it means I CAN CHAGE IT!

I create everything. The good and the bad. Currently, some bad stuff is going on. Okay, I created it. Why? I don’t know and I don’t care. I do know however, that the kite rises against the wind. We are made stronger through our struggles. I know I will learn something. I will!

In the end it will all be good BECAUSE I declare it so. So what if we have troubles. My troubles may pale in comparison to someone else’s. We all have troubles. Bad things happen to good and bad people. Good things happen to bad and good people.

Pessimists Calculate Odds Optimists Overcome Them

I don’t worry about why or fret and fuss. What is IS. I can either handle it or I can’t. I choose to be able to handle it. I direct my thoughts to what can I find to learn, to be grateful for, and feel blessed by. Something good is out there that I don’t know, yet.

In the end and right now I am blessed regardless of what is going on around me. I am not going to be a victim of circumstances. If I am responsible for the crap I am responsible for cleaning it up. If I am responsible for the good I am responsible for everything.

I made it happen. DO I believe that I somehow engineered the universe, or conspired with the gods. NOPE not for a second BUT it is a useful frame. I did it to me so I can undo it. No blame, no shame, no excuses.  You think your god is tough I’ll show you tough.

Impossible Difficulties Set The Stage For Amazing Miracles

You haven’t met tough yet. No wallow. No victim. Bad things happen, unfortunate things happen get over it. Go on. Because bad things happen it doesn’t mean I have to be unhappy. I choose to be whatever I want to be. I may bend but I won’t break. Fortitude!

I control my thoughts and feelings as best I am able. I steer them to be maximally positive and productive and supportive. When the going gets tough the tough get going. Nothing is bad unless you name it as such. Things just are. What is IS. Stop labeling!

I am challenged in a new way that is all. New things have occurred. Life is going on. At the same time some really wonderful things are going on. I won’t let negativity obscure them. Do you get it? Everything is always up to each of us. We make our life what it is.

The Ability To Triumph Always Begins With You

I don’t call it anything other than challenges or opportunities. I have an opportunity here to learn and discover something new. I have a challenge that presents an opportunity for me to be different and create different results. I use the challenge as an alert signal.

Alert. Alert. Make some positive changes. I am not suggesting when bad things happen you are imagining bad things happening. I am not saying you are waving a magic wand. I’m say pretend you have the power and you did it so you can undo it. That is my point.

Accept responsibility and take charge for making it different. Don’t blame others or yourself. Don’t look for causes or excuses. Just recognize that life offered you a bunch of lemons. What are you now going to do about it? It is all in your hands and up to you!

You Have The Resources Within You To Make Any Change

We either think powerfully and positively or not. Yes, bad things happen. I only call them bad here to acknowledge that. As people we label events. That is a function of out mind of our our mental habits. Whatever you say it is, makes it so. Hence, I declare myself victor.

I call the win in advance. I expect to win. I expect to prevail. Sometimes things are easier sometimes they aren’t as easy. So what. Sometimes it is hot sometimes it is cold. Life is what it is. I am learning to celebrate all of it and discover what to be grateful for.

A champion wants a worthy competitor. If the seas of life are going to be rough so be it. Bring it. Bring the challenge on. I can handle it. I can handle anything. I will be victorious. This is the mindset I use when challenging situations come my way. Opportunity is hiding!

Know There Is Something Inside You Greater Than Any Obstacle

It isn’t very valuable if I only am grateful for the good stuff but can’t find the silver linings. I want to be grateful for everything. That is why I take responsibility for all of it. I can change and manage my thoughts. I am in charge. I determine the outcome. I choose to win.

I choose to be happy all along the way. I choose to find the blessings. I love my life. My life is wonderful when easier or hard. I love me and that I am learning to be a kind and gentle, dedicated, loving taskmaster of me. Get it? Begin Now. Celebrate everything! Rex Sikes

Have a delightful day!

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

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Creating The Future, Learning, Positive Thinking, Unlimited Power

How To Stay Young, Free And Independent In Mind, Body And Spirit

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Horizons dreaming-phil-koch

Today’ blog is an audio blog. I was interviewed by Lori Dean for airplay on a radio station fall of 2015.  I received the raw mp3 of that discussion a day or two ago. The discussion we had is on how we use our mind’s to be happier and successful.

Lori Dean Interviews Rex Sikes

Enjoy listening. Thanks, to Lori Dean. Click on this link to listen:

Smile and enjoy your day!

If you like these posts please subscribe. If you think these posts would help others please share them. Help Spread the word. 

Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

NEW BLOG SITE LAUNCHES SOON – Do you get this blog emailed to you? You will have  to again subscribe to this blog, newsletter. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches. Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude!

Act As If, Conditioning, Intentional Thinking, Responsibility

The Reason You Must Be Tough And Speak With Authority

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Horizons a-road-of-poems-phil-koch

“Most people seek and find problems. They don’t think they do but that is what they spend most of their time doing. They put out daily fires. Then they re-live them by talking about the fires of today and from long ago. They keep the issues alive in their minds talking about them. They even seem proud to share them much of the time.

They look for where things are wrong. They look for poverty, lack, frustration, crap and they find it. They seek limitations and what they can’t do and they find them. You can’t move forward always focused on what’s behind you. You must look forward. You must look forward free of what holds you back.

Stop looking at limitation and problems! Reverse the direction. Seek what is good and new. Seek and find what is enjoyable and positive that you can delight in. The brain provides you with either. It is up to you to direct it. The brain’s default is problems and dangers. It evolved this way to protect you in the jungle. It does a great job too!

You Must Focus On The Finish Line To Win Not The Starting Line

It is good at finding what is wrong so you could deal with it if you had to. This is WHY you must take charge of your brain and learn to direct it. You want to move it from operating at default to working for you. It will work perfectly for you when you train it to. It is a wonderful servant but a terrible master. You must master it.

The reason it seems difficult at first to make positive changes or gain control over one’s thoughts and feelings is because it runs by habit automatically. You want it to do that. You want it to be somewhat difficult to change because you want it reliable. You don’t want it  randomly changing all over the place. You want it to be consistent.

So it seems tough at first. It may be a little but you can change it. You must absolutely, positively change your focus from what you currently see, what the ‘reality’ currently is, and focus completely on the reality you want to create. You must focus on, and maintain your concentration on, the future reality as though you already have it.

Refuse To Succumb Emotionally To Negative Events Around You

Don’t talk about what is. Stop. That is what you must no longer do. Talk only about what will be as if it has already happened. Create what you want. Don’t reinforce what you don’t like. Yet, that is what most people do. They discuss what is wrong far more often than what can and will be. That is why what can be never shows up.

Command the future to become your present. Demand it. Declare it. Affirm it with strong emotions. Expect it. Be certain of it. Then you will make it happen. You most likely can’t get to this place over night. It takes work, dedication and persistence. It takes will power. That is why many abandon the pursuit. They don’t develop what it takes.

People will tell them, ‘you can’t do it’. They will read articles that state, if you focus on what you want and don’t get it you will be disappointed. So don’t try it is too hard. There are all sorts of messages from others, and reasons from oneself, why not to attempt it. If you never attempt it you will never know what might have been.

A Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With A Single Step

The courageous and the steadfast make it happen. That is the plain truth. Those who go after their goals, in a smart and wise fashion, can and do make them happen. There are plenty of examples of people who get what they want and even exceed their own expectations. Learn from them. Learn from success. You can do it.

Don’t learn from those who haven’t done it and tell you not to. You are listening to the wrong people. Listen to those who try and who win. Stop listening to those who don’t and haven’t. They may mean well, so be polite, but if they are holding you  back, if you are holding yourself back, then what is certain is, you are held back if you listen.

Stop and move forward. How? Do what I have been sharing in these posts. Condition you mind. Learn from successful people. Focus on gratitude and ‘can do’. Do something each day. Exercise your mental muscle as you have to to condition your body. Eventually, the results will begin showing up. It isn’t magic. It is how it works. IT does work!

The Pain You Feel Today Is The Strength You Will Feel Tomorrow

You don’t get in physical shape overnight. It takes time. The same is true with mental toughness and the renewal of your mind. You condition it for success. Remember, the quote I shared from Muhammad Ali, ‘I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’

You must become the authority of your life. You must take charge, be in charge and stay in charge. You must think, and speak and act from authority. Stop being the victim of your own mental processes. Develop the direction  that serves you. Your brain is already serving you well. NOW you have to learn how to aim it positively. That’s all.

Your brain is working perfectly well on default to get keep you focused on what is wrong so you are aware of it. That is marvelous appreciate that. NOW learn to turn your attention from the problem to the solution and what works and what is good. Stop focusing on what is broken, wrong and bad. That is what you must learn. Steer it.

Develop The Mental Strength And Toughness Of A Warrior

Out of control it will run on and on as it always has. Take control and you will discover how powerful your are. If you don’t have enough money stop, shift the focus. Be thankful for the little bit of money you do have! Be grateful you have any money. Be grateful money flows.  Be grateful you can spend that money even if it is on bills.

You are circulating energy. You are making things move. If your attitude sucks, if it is is, ‘woe is me I am  broke, I’ll never have enough, this is awful’ what do you expect to attract and live from. You live from that attitude. That is your reality. Why? Because you go no further. Yes, you wish it different but you don’t demand it.

If on the other hand you begin by emphasizing what you are grateful for, what you have, ‘I have money, I can spend money, it is good to circulate money, I am able to put money toward my bills, money flows to me and I use it as a tool’.  Then you have a much more productive mindset. Speak with authority that which you want.

Whether You Think You Can Or You Think You Can’t You Are Right

Inside you mind live as if you already have it. Imagine this, see it, feel it and say it once or twice a day. Work your way into it. Concentrate on having wonderful feelings when you imagine and speak what you want your future to include. Imagine this future IS your present reality. Live within that reality, experience this fully in your mind.

‘I am glad I have money. I am glad I can spend money. I am happy to take care of my bills because it means I have money.’ This may seem foreign to you if you have’t done it. If you haven’t and you have been stuck for awhile realize that if you want things to be different in your life you are going to have to do different things.

You can’t do the same things and get different results. You must be different to get different. Be, do and have. Mindset first and actions will follow. Speak with authority. Live from your own strength and power. It will take a little while to develop strong muscles but you will as you work at it. Keep going and don’t give up. Commit.

If You Want Quality Act As If You Already Have It

Know what you want. Imagine it as if you already have it. Feel good and enjoy the marvelous feelings. Believe in yourself and expect to make it happen and never quit. You will make your dreams come true. Enjoy the journey all along the way. Learn from obstacles and keep going. Keep the faith. Feel positive. Plan for success!

You become what you think about most often. What you focus on expands. Energy flows where your attention goes. If it is going to happen it will be up to you. Remember and repeat, ‘If it is going to be it is up to me!’ It truly is. Enjoy making positive and powerful changes. Have fun with it. Delight and celebrate everything!” Rex Sikes

Let your smiles travel miles, today!

If you like these posts please subscribe. If you think these posts would help others please share them. Help Spread the word. 

Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

NEW BLOG SITE LAUNCHES SOON – Do you get this blog emailed to you? You will have  to again subscribe to this blog, newsletter. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches. Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude!