iQwest

Self-sabotage is a destructive pattern of behavior

We all have goals and aspirations, but sometimes it can feel like we're our own worst enemy when it comes to achieving them. Self-sabotage is a destructive pattern of behavior that can prevent us from reaching our full potential. Whether it's procrastination, self-doubt, or other forms of self-defeating behavior, it's important to understand why we engage in these actions so we can stop holding ourselves back and feeling overwhelmed by situations and circumstances that we don't necessarily have the ability to control.

Why do we self-sabotage?

There are many reasons why we self-sabotage. Low self-esteem, fear of success, internal conflict, and unconscious beliefs or past experiences can all play a role. It's also important to note that self-sabotage can be a manifestation of a larger mental health issue such as anxiety or depression. Understanding the underlying causes is key to overcoming self-sabotage and making positive changes in our lives.

Low self-esteem and self-sabotage

Low self-esteem can lead to self-sabotage because we don't believe in our abilities or worth. We may think that we don't deserve success, or that we'll fail anyway, so we give up before we even start.

Fear of success and self-sabotage

Fear of success is another common cause of self-sabotage. It may sound counterintuitive, but some people are afraid of the changes and responsibilities that come with success.

They may also fear being judged or compared to others. When these feelings arise, it's typically *easier* for us to stick to what we know, so our natural inclination is to seek security in comfort.

Internal conflict and self-sabotage

Internal conflict can also lead to self-sabotage. We may have conflicting goals or desires, or we may be torn between what we want and what we feel is expected of us. This can lead to indecision and inaction, or to making choices that undermine our own success. When we choose not to make a choice, we push off having to deal with the ramifications of the choice we made. It gives us an *out* and this out becomes a justifiable crutch.

Unconscious beliefs and self-sabotage

Unconscious beliefs and past experiences can also play a role in self-sabotage. We may have learned negative patterns of behavior or self-talk from our parents, teachers, or other authority figures. We may also have had past experiences that have led us to believe that success is out of reach or that we're not good enough. These unconscious beliefs can impact our behavior and self-esteem, leading to self-sabotage. We tell ourselves a story and our mind goes to work fulfilling our story, so it's important that we change our story to achieve a better outcome.

Understanding self-sabotage is really important

Self-sabotage can be a complex issue with many underlying causes. Understanding why we engage in self-defeating behavior is the first step to breaking the cycle and achieving our goals.

Whether it's through therapy, self-reflection, or other forms of self-improvement, it's important to take an active role in addressing our own self-sabotage so we can move forward and reach our full potential.

Woodworking is Not My Escape, but if it's Yours …

Let me premise this - I'm not a woodworking guy! I wish I was because I love quality craftsmanship and unique handmade woodenware - these handmade wooden creations are truly works of art when polished to the highest level of workmanship!

However, I'm an Electrical Contractor by trade, so I get my DIY needs "overfilled" every day! Business has a way of taking some of the sizzle out of your passion - I'm not complaining, but my escape is fishing and mountain biking!

Woodworking is a Lost Art

Without question, high end woodworking is a lost art. Learning a skilled trade, honing your woodworking skills … let's just say nearly anything that requires the use of our hands … has been largely dismissed for a computer and what's considered to be a "higher level education" (definitely a different topic for another day)!

Don't get me wrong, education should be a top priority for all of us (I don't need to explain this!), but those who were born with greatness in their hands (or have put in the time develop their crafting skills) and can build things shouldn't be dismissed but, in today's society, they largely are.

Let me remind you, we wouldn't have our homes, places of business, community centers, and so much of what keeps us and our families comfortable without the hard work of skilled trades women and men!

Pride in Having Made Something with Your Hands

Enough of my rant. If you're behind the computer all day or have a desk job that keeps you idle, woodworking may be the stress release you're looking for to break the monotony of your day to day responsibilities.

Building something from raw lumber and turning it into a wood creation generates a level of unmatched fulfillment. It's a different sense of accomplishment then what many of you are used to.

If you're a DIY'er, you know what I'm talking about. However, if this is your first foray into woodworking, you'll soon find out what "pride in your work" stands for. You'll understand what goes into something that is truly "handmade".

How to Get Started Woodworking

If you are interested in learning woodworking but have no idea where to start or you've been scared off by the idea of working with power tools, put your fears aside!

Woodworking is a skill that can be learned by anyone, and with the right guidance and resources, you can become a master of the craft.

The first step in learning woodworking is to understand the basics. This includes learning about the different types of wood, the tools you will need, and the basic techniques of cutting, sanding, and finishing. A great way to learn these basics is by reading a book on the subject and "The Complete Book of Woodworking" by Landauer is a good place to start.

This comprehensive guide offers a step-by-step approach to mastering essential woodworking skills, techniques, tools, and tips.

With over 40 easy-to-follow projects and plans, as well as 200+ photos, this book is the perfect tool for beginners looking to dive into the world of carpentry. The book covers everything from the basics of woodworking, such as selecting and using hand and power tools, to more advanced techniques like joinery and finishing.

One of the greatest strengths of "The Complete Book of Woodworking" is the level of detail and instruction provided. Each project includes a detailed list of materials and tools needed, as well as step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. The 200+ photographs provide visual aids to help readers understand each step of the process.

In addition to the woodworking projects, the book also includes a section on carpentry basics, such as understanding wood grain and selecting the right wood for a project. This information is essential for any woodworker, beginner or advanced.

Start Your Woodworking Journey

Woodworking is a skill that can be learned by anyone, and with the right guidance, resources, and time spent learning you can become a master of the craft and reading a book on the subject is a perfect place to get started on building your wooden creation!

By definition, Emotional Intelligence is:

"Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It encompasses several key abilities, including the ability to perceive emotions accurately, to use emotions to facilitate thinking, to understand emotions and emotional knowledge, and to manage emotions effectively. EI is often considered to be a key factor in personal and professional success."

Are you easily triggered in certain situations? If you are, can you control your emotions or does your "other", less desirable, persona uncontrollably spring to life?

If I'm describing you, I guarantee you haven't achieved many of the goals you've set forth in your life because this one trait, when it gets the best of you (which it usually does if you're allowing your subconscious mind to run the show rather than you taking control of it), is not only a limiting factor, but it can be downright destructive.

Why am I Behaving this Way?

Acknowledging you have a problem is the first step in fixing it. Taking for granted you're willing to make this acknowledgement, then, serious, mindful, thought needs to be given as to what's really bothering you.

Trust me, the behavior manifesting through your quick fuse is rooted in anger, frustrations, stress, almost always something deeper seeded in your life, not the actual circumstance at hand.

No, there's nothing wrong with you! We all have issues to work through and we all spend more hours than we'd like fighting the gremlins in our minds.

However, whatever this root issue is, it needs to be addressed and we have to deal with it head on. Otherwise, the routine cycle of finding ourselves in these out of control moments will never end and sabotage everything we're working towards (not to mention, strain or even completely ruin our personal and business relationships).

Knowing this, we can only move forward in our lives by taking the necessary steps to address what's really going on.

Change the Story You're Telling Yourself

Our mind does what we ask it to do. It listens to the story we tell it. If we focus on negativity, it will look for everything negative and find it. If we focus on positivity, it will look for the positive and then find it.

Here's an example:

We all know that person where everything in their life is a crisis. They define themselves by this drama and that, seemingly moving from one problem to another - always drowning in them. It's the same, predictable, movie - it's just a different storyline on a different day. Here's another example:

You know those days that get started off on a bad foot? We get out of bed and the world seems to be conspiring against us before we've even had a chance to take that first sip of coffee. On these days, isn't it funny how the entire day seems to be thrown off track? One problem seems to be compound into another. We put out one fire and another arises. It's like plugging holes with bubble gum.

Do you think this is a coincident?

Our lives don't happen by accident. Don't get me wrong, things most certainly do happen to us throughout our lives. There's no getting around this. However, when these things happen, we do have a choice in how we go about dealing with whatever comes our way. Again, when we focus our minds, our minds go to work with the direction we've given it to focus on.

Knowing this, start giving your mind better directions. Give it a better roadmap. Tell it where you want to go rather than sitting by letting it take you where it's always taken you. It's your mind - yours to run.

It's Your Life, Take Control of it

When we fail and blame someone else for what happened, we're merely making an excuse. We're telling ourselves our success is dependant upon outside variables and circumstances we can't control. Instead of tuning out the noise, we use the noise as our convenient scapegoat.

Yes, things happen to us that we can't control. It's maddening, it can be frustrating, and seemingly outright unfair at times. We've all been there and can relate.

However, we do have free will to choose how we react to any situation we run encounter. In making the better choice in how we react, taking the better road, we'll get to a better place. When we tune out the noise and take ownership of our emotional intelligence, we can then begin taking control of our lives, creating the life we want rather than believing we're getting the life given to us. It is indeed a choice!

We have one life. Live it and embrace the struggles. They make us stronger and our record, the book of our life (the one we are writing every second of every hour of every day) will reflect our ability to deal with the obstacles thrown our way and the choices we make in how we go about handling them.

Exploring the Boundless Possibilities of AI-Generated Photos

As we move deeper into the digital age, we're seeing a new kind of image emerging: the AI-generated photo. But what exactly are these images, and what does their rise mean for the future of photography?

First off, let's define AI-generated photos. They are images that are created by artificial intelligence, rather than human photographers. And with the advancements in machine learning, these images can be created quickly and at scale. This means that a single AI can generate an almost limitless number of images in a fraction of the time it would take a human.

But the benefits of AI-generated photos go beyond just speed. They can also be tailored to specific needs, such as generating images of a specific product. This allows companies to create thousands of images without the need for expensive photo shoots or hiring a photographer.

Another advantage of AI-generated photos is that they free from the limitations and biases of human photographers. This opens up the possibility for more diverse and inclusive images that represent different perspectives and cultures.

But with any new technology, there are also concerns. Some worry that AI-generated photos will take away jobs from human photographers or lead to a homogenization of images. However, I believe that AI-generated photos have the potential to bring about a new era of creativity and self-expression.

As AI continues to evolve, we will see more and more of these types of images. And while they may not replace human photographers entirely, they will certainly change the way we think about image creation.

Training Our Minds Completely Wrong

When we say, "I can't", we are unknowingly training our mind for the exact results we don't want. Our minds are always listening and when we tell it, "I can't", it listens and moves forward with the direction we've just given it.

Don't believe me?

Remember the last time you were driving down the road and realized 10 minutes into the ride you don't remember a thing. I guarantee you were thinking about something, anything, but it most certainly had nothing to do with driving.

In fact, when you awaken from this haze it may not even dawn on you that you haven't been present whatsoever.

Sound familiar?

Thanks to our subconscious minds, all kinds of routine behaviors like this are taking place throughout the day. It's an automatic program we've created and trained over the span of our lives. With these inputs over the years, our subconscious minds run the scripts we've built and away we mindlessly go.

What's the Point?

If you don't like your life. Change it. How? By giving your mind a new set of inputs. Build a better script to replace the one currently letting you down.

Retraining Your Mind Is Easier Than You Think

It's like training for a marathon - sitting on the couch, visualizing crossing the finish line, only gets us so far. Sooner or later we need to put down the Doritos and go for a run. Only by changing the inputs can we obtain the skills needed to run the marathon.

Start with small steps and compound these steps routinely and consistently. When we do, results start to come through the new habits we're developing.

Retraining our mind is no different. When we change the input, we begin changing the outcome, but it's a process that takes time, so this is where most people quit.

Since they don't "see" change or the change isn't coming quickly enough, they give up.

Don't! This is where all the "magic" happens.

Since the process is slow, it's oftentimes not even noticeable in the beginning, so perseverance is a must.

When You Say, "I can't", You are Training Your Mind that It Can't, So It Won't

After my daughter's soccer game yesterday, she was frustrated that a player got around her numerous times. This player was faster than her. I could sympathize with her frustration, but not with her attitude.

She told me, "I couldn't defend her".

Why not, I asked? She rolled her eyes at what seemed to be such an obvious answer yet humored me and said, "because she was faster than me".

"True", I responded, but you could have defended her I said.

Unfortunately, my daughter had sold her mind on the idea that she couldn't defend this player. She told herself, "I can't", so that's what her mind set out to do. Subconsciously of course. Not intentionally.

What if My Daughter's Thought Process was Slightly Different?

Instead of being defeated, working under the obvious rationalization that this player couldn't be defended because of the differences in their speed, what if her thought was, "I can defend her, but I need to find another way to do it".

Then, her mind would have started identifying other ways to compensate.

Ex: What are her tendencies?

This player, 8 out of 10 times, went to her right. So I told my daughter, when she's in front of you, pressing down the field, take an angle to the right. You'll be right most of the time.

"But Dad, she's still faster than me, so she'll still be able to turn the corner and get around me".

Yes, I said, but she can only turn the corner when the angle you've taken is too tight. Give her some room and concentrate on getting down the field to where you know she's going 80% of the time.

Now, without being faster than her, you've stacked the odds in your favor that you'll be able to successfully defend her even though you're slower than her. This small change enables you to keep the player in front of you. It slows her down. And, it gives your teammates time to get in position to support you.

Don't Make This Harder Than it Needs to Be!

These seemingly small changes in mindset are the differentiators that can be used to enhance nearly everything we do in life.

By telling our minds that we need to look for new solutions we're training our mind to figure it out, so it naturally begins to look for solutions to figure things out.

Then, once we being to figure things out, our confidence grows, and the positive impact on our lives begins to manifest.

Never stop learning, but don't forget to start doing. If you don't do anything with what you've learned, you're not going to get to where you want to go. It's that simple.

I often feel paralyzed taking that first step. It's not that I don't want to take that step, but it feels overwhelming figuring out what that step should actually be. Sound familiar?

I spend a lot of time trying to make the right decision - the first time! However, this process is exhausting and, without question, time consuming.

Don't get me wrong, details matter (more than most people realize), but there comes a point where engaging in this mentality equates to wasting valuable time - way too much of it!

At a certain point, we can ponder all day long (literally!) about the unknown, but much of what we don't know will not be figured out until we actually dive in and get our hands dirty doing it. Knowing that, ponder this quote for a minute:

"There is power in making a decision, even if it is a bad one".

The takeaway is that once we make a decision, we'll know whether or not we made the right one. If it was the wrong one, we now know what steps we need to take to resolve the issue. If it was the right decision, we're well on our way to the next hurdle and didn't exhaust ourselves on the "what if". The fear of what may be, rather than working on what we know at the moment, is debilitating.

Unfortunately, it's hard for us to remove our egos. We equate getting things wrong with failure and many of us internalize these failures in the form of, "there's something wrong with me", as if it's an indictment on who we are. It leads to self doubt, so we immediately run back to comfort (the antithesis of progress).

On the one hand, we internalize failures because we care about doing a good job (more than just showing up). That's a good thing, but too much of a good thing can be bad. And, that's where most of us go with this.

It's not easy changing our mindset, but we must. Failure is part of the process (for all of us!) and a positive one when we learn from what we got wrong. The ability to do this separates those who keep after their goals from those who are defeated by them.

On a podcast, one father said he asks his children every night at the dinner table what they failed at today. For most, this raises a concerning eyebrow.

The natural inclination is to celebrate success. However, most people fail to realize there's little success without failure. When we are failing, we are trying, and when we are consistently trying, we are learning. This cycle of perseverance leads to progress. It's building, Atomic Habits!

In his latest book, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, James Clear offers a comprehensive and actionable guide for building better habits and breaking the ones that hold us back. Clear is a masterful storyteller and teacher, and in this book, he shares a wealth of insights and strategies for creating positive change in our lives.

Atomic Habits Broken Down

The book is divided into four main sections:

Why we form habits

How habits are formed

How to change habits

How to create a system for lasting change.

Clear starts by laying the foundation for why habits are so important and how they shape our lives. He then delves into the science of habit formation, explaining the underlying mechanisms that drive our behavior.

One of the most powerful insights in the book is Clear's explanation of the "Four Laws of Behavior Change." These laws, which are cue, craving, response, and reward, provide a framework for understanding how habits are formed and how they can be changed. Clear explains that by manipulating these laws, we can change our habits for the better.

Clear also introduces the concept of "identity-based habits," which are habits that are aligned with our values and sense of self. He argues that these habits are more powerful and long-lasting than "outcome-based habits," which are focused on achieving a specific goal. By shifting our focus from outcomes to identity, we can create habits that become a part of who we are.

The book also provides a wealth of practical strategies for changing habits. Clear offers a variety of tactics for making small, incremental changes that add up to big results over time. He also provides tips for creating a "habit stack," which is a sequence of habits that build on each other to create a powerful system for change.

One of the most valuable aspects of the book is the emphasis on experimentation and adaptation. Clear encourages readers to try different strategies and see what works best for them. He also stresses the importance of being patient and persistent, noting that change takes time and that setbacks are a normal part of the process.

One of the things I love most about Atomic Habits is how Clear brings his own personal experiences and struggles into the mix. He is open and honest about his own journey to building better habits and breaking bad ones. This honesty and vulnerability makes the book feel more relatable and authentic.

All in all, Atomic Habits is a must-read for anyone looking to make positive changes in their lives. Clear's writing is clear, concise, and actionable. He provides a wealth of insights and strategies that are backed by science, and he presents them in a way that is easy to understand and apply. If you're looking to build better habits and break the ones that hold you back, Atomic Habits is the book for you.

In conclusion, James Clear has done a great job in this book, Atomic Habits, that he has written. It is a comprehensive guide on how to build good habits and break bad ones. Clear has explained the science of habit formation and has laid out the four laws of behavior change in a way that is easy to understand. He has also provided practical strategies for changing habits and creating a system for lasting change. His emphasis on experimentation and adaptation makes the book even more valuable.

The Power Of Consistency

When it comes to achieving success, there are countless strategies and tactics that one can employ. From setting big, audacious goals to focusing on small, incremental improvements, there are many paths to success. But there is one strategy that is often overlooked, yet is one of the most powerful drivers of success: consistency.

Consistency is the ability to do the same thing over and over again, day in and day out, without fail. It's the ability to stick to a routine, to stay focused on a goal, and to keep moving forward even when things get tough. And it's this consistency that sets apart the successful from the also-rans.

Keys To Consistency

One of the keys to consistency is understanding that it's not about perfection. It's about showing up and doing the work, even when you don't feel like it. It's about making progress (taking small steps help you make this progress), even if it's slow progress. And it's about being willing to fail, because failure is an inevitable part of the process. It's an important part of the process too. We learn from our failures if we truly evaluate why we failed. To do this, you have to remove your ego to see where you got it wrong. Most people can't do this as they equate failure to making them less of a person.

Think about it this way: when you're trying to build a habit, you don't start by trying to do it perfectly. You start by doing it once, and then you do it again the next day, and the next. Before you know it, you've built a habit that becomes a part of who you are. The 10,000 hour rule to becoming an expert. Consistent habits or as James Clear would say in his best seller, "Atomic Habits", tiny changes turn into remarkable results.

The same is true when you're working on a big project or goal. You don't start by trying to do everything perfectly. You start by doing one thing, and then you do another, and another. Before you know it, you've made progress, and you're well on your way to achieving your goal. The same habits apply.

One of the biggest advantages of consistency is that it helps you to build momentum. The more you do something, the easier it becomes to keep doing it. And the more momentum you have, the more you can accomplish.

Another advantage of consistency is that it helps you to stay focused on your goal. When you're working on something consistently, it's easier to see progress, and it's easier to stay motivated.

How Do You Become Consistent?

So how do you become consistent? The first step is to set a goal. It doesn't matter what the goal is, as long as it's something you're passionate about. Once you have a goal, you can start to work on building a routine that will help you achieve that goal.

The next step is to make a plan. The more detailed your plan, the better. Break your goal down into small, manageable steps, and then create a schedule that will help you to achieve those steps.

Finally, you need to be willing to make adjustments as you go. Consistency is not about being rigid, it's about being flexible. If something isn't working, don't be afraid to change it.

It's easy to get caught up in the idea that big changes require big leaps, but often, the most impactful progress comes from taking small steps.

Think about it - when you're trying to lose weight, it's not about suddenly cutting out all sugar and carbs, it's about making small adjustments to your diet, like swapping out sugary drinks for water or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. When you're trying to build a successful business, it's not about suddenly quitting your job and starting a new venture, it's about taking small steps to test your ideas and build your network.

It's a mindset change. Period. A way of doing things that naturally fosters progress.

Small steps are powerful because they're manageable. They're easy to commit to, and they're easy to sustain. When you take small steps, you're less likely to get overwhelmed or give up. Small steps also allow you to learn and adjust as you go. You can test different approaches and see what works and what doesn't, and then make small adjustments accordingly.

But here's the thing - small steps are only powerful if you take them consistently. Consistency is key. It's easy to start with good intentions, but it's much harder to stick with it over time. The most important thing you can do is to make a plan, and then stick to it.

"How To" Tips For Taking Small Steps Consistently

Here are a few tips for taking small steps consistently:

Break your goal into smaller goals. If you're trying to lose weight, for example, break it down into smaller goals - like losing five pounds in the first month. Having a smaller goal to work towards makes it more manageable and helps you stay motivated.

Make a plan. Figure out what small steps you need to take to reach your goal, and then make a plan for how you're going to take those steps. Write it down and make it concrete.

Take action. The most important step is to take action. You can have the best plan in the world, but if you don't take action, nothing will happen.

Be accountable. Find a friend or accountability partner who can help you stay on track. Share your progress with them and ask for their support.

Celebrate small wins. It's important to acknowledge your progress and celebrate small wins. When you reach a small goal, take a moment to acknowledge your achievement and give yourself a pat on the back.

Small steps are powerful because they're manageable, but you have to take them consistently to make progress. Remember, progress is not about big leaps, it's about taking small steps consistently over time. Also remember that failure is an important part of this process, but you must learn from them, make the necessary tweeks to fix what you got wrong, and get back at it again. Doing this consistently will enable your growth.

Every day is a good day when its being spent in the Desolation Wilderness. The outdoor photo above is the march up the trail to Lake Aloha (heading up to it from Heather and Susie Lakes located just to the East of Lake Aloha and lower in elevation).

Lake Aloha

Here's the expansive view across the lake. You can't make it out, but to give some perspective, South Lake Tahoe sits in the far distance (under the "thunderhead" cumulonimbus cloud to the left in the photo). Trust me, pictures don't do this open space justice.

Hikers And Backpackers - Be Prepared!

If you've never been here before, it's a place you want to go. Whether you are a backpacker looking to stay overnight or a day hiker wanting to explore, rugged beauty will be found throughout the Desolation Wilderness in the expansive Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Keep in mind, if you haven't spent much time in the outdoors, these hikes can be moderate in intensity, so make sure you are prepared.

Water and snacks are a must. Bring close you can peel off and quickly throw back on.

Temperatures vary throughout the year and the one constant is that the weather is always changing. Afternoon thunderstorms are a regular occurrence during the summer (which can lead to strong winds, thunder, lightning, hail, and brief heavy rains).

It's not likely you'll find yourself getting snowed on during the summer months (when the trails are typically fully open and accessible after the spring snow melt), but these elevations are pushing 7,000 - 10,000 feet plus, so it can never be ruled out. By all means, you'll run into patches of snow. Fun for the kids as they don't expect to get treated to a snowball fight during the summer!

Backpacking With Your Companion!

Going with your best companion is a must too, but make sure the trails are dog friendly. Bring plenty of food and water for them too.

Even though water is everywhere (you don't need to worry about treating their water like we need to do ours!), there are desolate areas along these trails where you'll find they need a drink on the longer, hotter, days.

Best Backpacking Shoe

For the best footwear, I transitioned from traditional hiking boots to the Altra Lone Peak. It's labeled as a "running shoe", but I use them for day hikes and backpacking.

The open toe box lends towards a wider shoe up at our toes. Don't think it makes a big difference? It does! No more bruised pinky toe because your toes are so scrunched in that narrow hiking boot you've been wearing.

They're so light weight they relieve stress on your legs too, so there's more fuel in the tank when you get to where you're going and you feel better when you get there. I'm 48, so I feel it from time to time!

They grip. There's a ton of loose chunk rock in the Desolation Wilderness, along with a lot of granite slab, so the inner sole rock guard blunts the sharp edges with each step and the grippiness keeps you on your feet.

They're not waterproof and that's actually a feature! They don't trap water on your feet like a traditional waterproof hiking shoe will after you miscalculated the stream crossing and got water in them, so your feet don't stay waterlogged. They dry out remarkably quick, so with the right pair of wicking socks, there's no need to shy away or worry about any water you encounter. It's truly unreal and was totally unexpected.

The only "slight" negative with these backpacking shoes is that you don't get the ankle support found in high top hiking boots, so there are times you feel like you're going to slip out of your shoes. This is mostly mental. However, if you don't have strong ankles, work these new hiking boots in. Make the long treks in your traditional hiking boots and trade off to these for your day excursions. The Altra's break in quickly, but you want to make sure you can handle the change.

Again, there's more than a lot to like about Altra's hiking shoe! They've made all the difference in the world for me and I'm glad I learned about them after stumbling across Jessica "Dixie" Mills online.

To find out more about her backpacking journeys check out her blog at Homemade Wanderlust - she's got a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things backpacking and has through-hiked the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail), CDT (Continental Divide Trail), and the Appalachian Trail (just to name a few of her major accomplishments).

Cheers to exploring Lake Aloha and the great outdoors. It does wonders for the mind and body, so get out there!

Mindset To Change Your Life?

"Rainbow Mountain" ... unbelievable colors ... stick with me here as I'm getting to how this translates into self-help, your future self, and what you can do today to start changing your life!

It's amazing what's out there if we get out and explore. No, we don't always have the time, but let's face it, even when we do, we don't often prioritize making the time for what we really want to do!

Today's technology gives us a glimpse into the entire world. Literally!

We never had the luxury of getting this glimpse until the computer in our pocket rolled us forward and connected us at a whole nother level. Don't underestimate the power it gives us to positively change our lives and that of others!

This insight not only comes in the form of pictures, but it comes in the form of giving us direct access to mentors we can learn from - motivated people who have traveled the road, endured countless failures (embracing the failures knowing they were learning from them), and persevered to get to the top of their mountain.

The Power Of One More

Ed MyLett is one of those mentors - he has a great podcast and his new book is awesome (we bought 4 copies to share with family and friends).

The Law Of Attraction

In it's loosest sense, we get what we focus on. That's a universal law. Goals are achieved by doing. Doing gets done when we resolve ourselves to making a change and putting in the work.

Unfortunately, the "work" and "sticking with it" parts (just showing up consistently and on a regular basis) get overlooked even though these two building blocks are a must if you want to have any chance to grow. In concept, it's so easy to do both but, in reality, it's what most people struggle with.

So, if you work on fixing these two simple things, do you think that will start changing your life? Trust me, it will! Don't take my word for it, just get on doing it!

How To Go About Consistently Putting In The Work?

Due to the nature of having to put in the work and knowing your success depends upon it, you must stack victories! And, since so many people (you know who you are - it's okay, it's human nature!) are looking for a "quick fix", victories are easier to come by when you break down your goal into mini steps.

By doing this, you get quickly rewarded for the work you're putting in.

As an example, you may want to run a marathon, but start by getting off the couch and running around your block first. That's all it needs to be!

Doing this is a change in behavior (a positive one!). That's a victory right? Yes! It was quick to do, right? Yes. And, when you do it again tomorrow, you're new building your new habit through consistency. The accomplishing your goal has begun!

When you've got this down, look towards making two laps around your neighborhood. If you're not up for running two laps. Break it down to an extra half lap. If that's too much, go an extra 100 steps. If that's too much, take one extra step, but take that one extra step. Don't minimize the importance of this!

These mini wins, on a regular basis, give you that feeling of accomplishment. It becomes the guide, your blueprint, for getting you to where you want to go.

This works for everything. All you have to do is get started and that choice (yes, it's a choice!) is on you!

Get On Getting On!

For this morning, if you're staring at this photo of Rainbow Mountain, enjoy and let this be your first step towards getting there. Visualize it and then start figuring out what steps you are going to take to get you there.

If Rainbow Mountain isn't your thing (as success is what you deem it to be and can only be found in things that truly fulfill you!), then find your thing and focus on that. Keep it in your mind and put reminders everywhere so you are constantly reminded (there's that trait again!) in your travels throughout the day of what you're working towards.

If you're not getting to where you want to go, take the first step in changing your old habits (the one's currently failing you) and begin creating new ones. By doing so, you're creating your new life. Again, this is well within you.

We have Winter before Spring. Spring before Summer. Summer before Fall. Fall before Winter. And the cycle repeats. The flushing out of the old and the ushering in of the new!

The cells in our body do the same thing. They are continually regenerating (throwing out the bad and starting fresh with the new). Again, you've got this in you, don't fight the laws of nature. Embrace them and get on living the life you want, not the one you're probably in now if you've actually taken the time to read this!

You're never stuck unless you refuse to put in the work and don't want to be consistent about changing. Turning your dreams into reality starts with that first step (which you've taken today).

Have you thought about what you're going to get your boyfriend on Valentine's Day?