Boost your Self-esteem – Nurture your talents

We’ve all heard the saying “if you don’t use it, you loose it”. In most cases that is not exactly true, but in some way it may be. We all have great talents within us, but too often the demands of everyday life lead us to put them aside. As children, many of us had these great talents that we “outgrew” when we chose to follow more practical routes. The truth is more practical does not always mean better. And choosing the “practical” does not have to mean giving up on the enjoyable.
These talents provide many necessary parts of our lives that are often overlooked. By continuing to nurture a talent individuals also find an opportunity to also experience personal growth and improve self-esteem.
The first is the opportunity for growth. As you nurture your talents the skill level will undoubtedly improve. This is not to say that by continuing to practice the piano every one can become the next Mozart, rather that over time and with practice, they will play better. In order to do this, you have to find opportunities to continue developing your talents. If as a child you sung well, this may be you great talent that that needs to be nurtured. Take the time to practice. Singing along with the radio can be great, but in most cases you would then be trying to sing with/like the artist you are singing with and not developing your own voice and sound.
When lessons are possible and finances allow, take a lesson or two, to get the basics and add some structure. This will provide motivation to keep going. The better you get, the better you will feel. The better you feel, the more motivated you will be to work harder and get better. If you were a visual artist, the same principles will apply. Catch 22? Just little.
The point is, whatever that talent used to be that inspired you as a child, it could still have the same impact if you allow it. As you develop your talents, there is a level of growth that you will experience as you learn more about your craft and about your self. This will boost confidence in your skills as well as capabilities. Practice doesn’t make perfect, but it makes better and provides more opportunities to learn and get even better at what you do. In that process you will also grow as you discover more about your abilities, great skills and learning styles and even what make you tick or pleases you. What better way to uncover your learning styles could there be? Or even better, can you imagine all the other things you will achieve when you know the best way for you to learn? This can be helpful on a personal and professional level.
Continuing to grow in your craft will also lead to a continuation of personal growth. Without fail, personal growth is bound to lead to an increase in confidence and higher self-esteem. Wonder how it work?
Well as you experience personal growth, you start to learn more about yourself and start to appreciate more of your greatness. You can discover some unique attributes that were previously hidden or ignored. The more good things you know about someone, the more you tend to like them… that goes for yourself too. Even if you were to discover some not so great things about you, who you are growing personally, you will be inclined to work on these potential blemishes, and even that will make you feel good.
Now let’s say by some fluke none of the above happened for you (though very unlikely). What then? Well then you would have had a ball trying. So either way you still win. So how about it? What hidden talent will you nurture?

I’m just saying though…

Dream Big… Live Bigger…
DrJudiC
www.DrJudiC.com

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The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People – Developing Habits

They say youth is wasted on the young.  Some times I wonder about that statement.  I purchased this book during my first semester of college, as a requirement for my First Year Seminar.  I bought it like all my books at that time, because my scholarship provided funding for books.  Luckily I’m a packrat with a lot of space so I was able to keep it all these years.  I have gone through this book several times in recent years and continue to have some aha moments each time I pick it up.  Today was the realization that I recognize something new each time I open it. As a college freshman I did not take full advantage of the opportunity that was before me, when I read it again later I was able to see the potential of these lessons.

The first and most important thing about these seven habits for me was that they were all for the most part internal.  It’s all things that the individual could take charge of and achieving once they decided they wanted it. And of-course committed to it.  Success behaviors, once they become a habit, are able to translate into the desired success.  Stephen Covey defines habits as “the intersection of knowledge, skill and desire”.  He continues to say “Creating a habit requires work in all three dimensions” (p. 47).  This could not be more true, and this to is internally motivated.

Can I do this is different from I can do this.  One of the primary differences is that one question and one asserts.  This also means that with one statement opportunity is left for doubt to come in and potentially limit possibilities.

Desire is one of our greatest resources, and with enough desire the possibilities are endless.  With a strong enough desire, knowledge and skill are attainable; although I am not sure how true the reverse will be.  Many people can remember a time when there was something they really wanted and their parents were starting to implement the “if you want it you have to earn it”.  Yes what a nightmare that was.  But the more important memory should be of how far and how much you were willing to work to get it.

Developing a habit is a simple process, though not without difficulties.  If there is the desire the other two components suddenly become more attainable.  Desire is the drive that will push you to get things done.  That is what will make you stay up to finish that last project or read the last page.  This is the reason that when people seek success or financial freedom, it is best that they seek to use what they are passionate about to fuel this desire.  What the passion will do is keep you interested. 

Take for example the many Multilevel Marketing opportunities or Real Estate Books or CD packages that are available and tout financial freedom in no time.  These programs are offered to everyone and encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities… Ever wondered why they work for some but not all as is promised… One of the reasons is the lack of passion.  Unless they are truly passionate about that what they are doing.  They are therefore not as motivated to go above and beyond and do what it takes.  I started writing this but got caught up in other stuff, but the other day a friend gave me copy of an overview on CD.  So this is my queue to finish the blog series I planned.  So look forward to that in the coming days…

I’ll go though each habit.  A reminder for those who read it and a taste for those who haven’t.  I believe that these habits a have the potential to help people move mountains if they have a desire to get to the other side.  As Keith Harell would say, let’s go from part-time Positive to full-time Positive.

I’m just saying though…

Dream Big… Live Bigger…
DrJudiC
www.DrJudiC.com

STOP WAITING… Just go out and get yours!

In the last 18 hours (including the 8 I was sleeping) I have spoken to two people who talked about a something they want to do, but are waiting for things to get better or be right before they start. Both of them had these great ideas that they are VERY passionate about, and ideas that I believe could be beneficial to them as well as the clientele they wish to target. Feasibility of-course can be a problem if they allow it to be. Unfortunately that’s exactly where they both happen to be. Two individuals; opposite in as many ways as you can imagine, facing the same problem: hindering their ability to live their dream.
Don’t get me wrong, both their projects would require a great deal of resources. The good news is that the resources are available. Though the bad news is that they are keeping themselves from accessing them. Both of them actually told me that there are some things that they want to get in place before they can move forward. Sounds fair enough, right? No, because if they move forward these things will be taken care of through the process. An analogy I often use to describe this dilemma is that of a man who is having car problems, and wants to fix the car before he has the mechanic work on it. Hello – The mechanic will fix the car and once you fix it, you no longer need a mechanic.
Many people have these big dreams that they want to live out. The store they want to open, the Bed & Breakfast they want to run, the degree they want to complete and so many more. All these require a great deal of planning, and some financial backing. They also have the potential to contribute to greater financial independence. How many times have we heard of someone who said they needed to be financially independent before they can pursue a venture that would help them reach financial independence? The sentence some times starts with “If I won the lottery…” Let’s be serious – If they won the lottery chances are they would choose to do other things that will not require them to work or work hard.
There are so many opportunities that are available in our communities. Organizations whose existence is centered around helping people start small businesses; schools focusing on helping adults continue their educations; government programs providing grants and loans to encourage small business that would create jobs; the opportunities are endless. If you have a good idea that you truly believe in, its implementation should not be suppressed by your current lack of funding. Just like many individuals with limited funds are looking for opportunities to reach financial independence, there are many others who have reached that level and are looking to help others reach it too, contribute to their community, or just invest to secure their continued financial independence. So if it’s funding that has been the barrier to a pursuing a dream, the solution may be as simple as looking for the key to open this gate.
What is often truly a barrier is getting motivated and beginning the process of working, especially in the early “no money” stage. Doing the prep work. A good idea is only that; a good idea until it is written out into a viable plan. While most financially savvy individuals and institutions may be reluctant to invest in a good idea, they would usually take the time to review and assess a plan. A strong business plan which can show the investor the potential good along with when and how they can see the fruits of their investment is likely to generate some interest.
The first step to following your dream is to make the decision to follow your dream. I grew up hearing the proverb “help yourself, and heaven will help you”. This is not to say that God will not help you unless you take the lead, rather that you are provided opportunities and that it will be up to you to take advantage of them. If you have a dream, an idea, something you are passionate about, get out there and create your plan make it happen. If you start to take action- planning and researching, you will find that resources are available to help you get there. If you need more help, get it. So, Ready? Set? Go Get ‘em!

I’m just saying though…

Dream Big… Live Bigger…
DrJudiC
www.drjudic.com

Self-esteem boost – Easy as 1-2-3

Even the best of us can wake up having a bad day. Confidence can be shaken even if for a brief moment. When that happens, how the day and the circumstance are handled is key. That is why it is imperative that individuals have tools to help them generate a little self-esteem boost to help through these days. Walking with your head held high is not just a saying. It really does help you boost confidence –IF– you’re willing to let it. When your head is up you are able to connect with others and allow them to bring you positive energy.
Try this exercise one day… When you wake up and just feel like you’re not feeling your best. Walk into your closet and find something you know is just cute and sexy – not skanky – sexy. That will vary depending what you have to do that day. If you’re going to work or a business meeting a suit with the right umph; out and about maybe a nice casual ensemble; out in the night life – Do you! Once you get that, then go to the mirror and take a moment to admire your master piece. When you feel that you have a developed enough appreciation for the hotty before you, step out into the world with that picture in your mind.
The Spark
Sometimes you may not be completely satisfied with how you look. Of-course I will say DO something about it. But for the moment until you have completed that goal, there is ALWAYS something that you can appreciate. Your smile; your eyes; your nose; teeth – That’s your spark! I personally believe that God made us all and we are beautiful because God took the time, but I know that not everyone sees it that way and not everyone even believe in God. If you are one who does, I would recommend that when you are having trouble finding that one spark of hotness look hard, because God couldn’t get you all that wrong.
Once you have found that spark step into the world, and believe that each individual you encounter will be directed to your spark. I you appreciate that spart in you, they more than likely will too. So when you move, look to draw people’s attention to your spark. The way you do that is by capturing attention. If when you walk you’re looking down, any attention toward you will be guided in that direction. If you want the attention elsewhere you first have to get it, and you get it with eye contact in a smile.
How it works
Eye contact draws a person to you. Once you get them in that split second, if you don’t project discomfort, they a get a chance to extend the look from your eyes to the rest of you; and that’s when they get to notice what ever part of you that you showcased.
Pick your Spark
Although you may have some great assets to work with, it’s always important to carefully pick what you showcase. I’ve heard many women complain about guys who go for their cleavage and have to be reminded that their face was a little bit higher. That’s a topic for a different time. What you want to do is showcase an area that people will be comfortable complementing you on. If you showcase your smile, men and women may compliment you (if you’re female that is… Sorry guys, only women will dare). If you showcase your cleavage, many may look, but most will not be comfortable saying “hey nice cleavage”. For many women, that comment/“compliment” would not be accepted as such.
Think of the last time someone complimented you. Regardless of the your relationship with the person or lack there of, it made an impact. Whether big or small, compliments make us feel good. When a man walks into a room, and some says “hey- did you just get a hair cut? Looks good!” That man gets a little ego boost. If he gets enough of these throughout the day, by the time he gets home that night, he may be a different man then he was when he left that morning.
If you come out in need of a compliment you need to create opportunities for compliments to come. That means give people the opportunity. There certain things that are no-nos ie: butt, cleavage, legs that people will be less comfortable to compliment. If that’s your asset and you fee good showcasing that, then you can. It just requires more effort on your part because you don’t get as much of the positive feedback, and some of the feedback you do get may not be desirable. Just the same, these are some attributes more likely to draw a compliment, ie: smile, eyes, hair (sometimes a nicely trimmed facial hair in men). These are easy and innocent compliments that people will not be too uncomfortable to share.
Finally, paying a compliment is another way to draw compliments. You say something nice about someone and they say something nice about you. That method is not a particular favorite, because if feels less genuine. Some people even have difficulty returning a compliment, because it can feel forced. It can work, but it’s not a best bet.
When you’re having a rough day, you may not be in the mood to give positive energy, but if you can find a way to attract it to you, you can then reflect it. Then you will be able to attract more positive energy and before you know it turn change your moods, feelings and perceptions. Isn’t it nice to remember how powerful you are?

I’m just saying though…

Dream Big… Live Bigger…
DrJudiC
www.drjudic.com

Shout outs to the Real Men!!!

Yesterday we celebrated Father’s day. As the day approached I heard quite a few people talking about it. How they celebrate, who they celebrate and things like that. I also heard a few people talking about how some deadbeats have a tendency to surface around that time… trying to get some acknowledgement… AS IF!!! (Yes I know how ditzy that sounds, but that’s what came to mind).
Now that it’s Monday, in most cases the celebration of dad is over. The focus will now shift back to those who are not around. This does not just stay with the fathers. We do that all around. We focus the ones not doing the right things and not the ones standing tall and holding it down. When is CNN going to do a special on the dad who goes to work and comes home to his children and their mother every day? The brothers who stay in school and get those degrees? All the fellas who do the dang thing. I guess they’re too busy celebrating the guys dropping the ball.
It is believed that people would not watch it if they did a special on people doing the right thing. Wow… Do we really enjoy feeding on negativity that much? Personally, I’m a bit annoyed that they think we have nothing better to do than watch other’s pain. Then again, the rating folks probably can’t even tell when I turn off my TV. But my issue though is how do we give props to the men who do their manly things?
I know some great guys, sons, brothers, dads, husbands, friends, boyfriends. Just amazing men! I know that I’m not the only one who knows these guys. We all know a few, but for whatever reason they don’t get enough credit. Instead of making a big deal out of the guy who was up all night with his sick child, we focus on the one who was not there. Instead of the guy who rubs our tummy when it hurts, we hear of the one who doesn’t call.
As a child psychotherapist, I and many others I know in the field work with parents and teachers to get them to encourage positive behaviors. Make a big deal when a child does something great and not so much at their bad behaviors. This encourages the ones who are already doing well and motivates those who aren’t doing well to make changes because they want the attention. As much as society jokes about these ball dropping guys being like children who knows?
I’m not saying it’s gonna suddenly make every guy want to change or anything like that, but I want us to make a big deal of the good guys. Facebook, I challenge you to make a big deal of the good guys.
Some of my tops… My brothers – Didier, Ben, Bill, Yve… My cousins – Can’t name them all – Grandpa was a busy guy. DAS, Uncles, friends and other relatives… I am surrounded by great guys… You are too…
To all of you guys I dedicate Heather Headley’s He Is …
I’m shouting a few of them… add yours in the comments. Shout ‘em out on Faccebook with your comments!!!

I’m just saying though…

Dream Big… Live Bigger…
DrJudiC
www.drjudic.com

Best You Forward: Make the lasting impression that ends your unemployment

When we hear on the news how high the unemployment rate is it’s always troubling. We all wish there was something that we can do to help, and people in the job market are always seeking more tools to help them get an edge. DrJudiC Presents a series of teleseminars to help.
On Monday June 22, 2009 DrJudiC will present Best You Forward: Make the lasting impression that ends your unemployment. This event is free to fans of Living The Dream on Facebook and visitors of the Living The Dream website.

Phenomenal Women

I was at a career fair yesterday and met so many people. It was encouraging to see how many people were plugging away at trying to get that next gig. To these folks I must say Way To Go!!! There were many people there who had been through the mills with trying to make things happen. Today I’m shoutin’ out the Phenomenal Women who are out there holding things together. You are keeping the world moving even when there is a lot of pushing and pulling required of you. We are truly blessed even when things are not going the way we want them too.
My charge to each one of you today is to do something nice for someone else. Assert the power of your greatness. Make someone smile today. Give a compliment. If you know someone who is in the market for a job right now call them and give them some encouragement. It’s hard to be in the hunt in this market, but with the support of people around them, they can be positive another day. After that, say a special prayer of thanksgiving for yourself and others around you. If you are in the job market, I am proud of you for hanging in there. Even when you don’t know it I pray for you, and encourage you to continue doing the same.
Ladies, I dedicate your favorite India Arie song to you today… Play out, because today it is your song.
I appreciate you all.

 

I’m just saying though…

Dream Big… Live Bigger…
DrJudiC
www.drjudic.com

New heroes for the babies…

I recently attended a forum where I heard something disturbing (I know… It’s starting to sound like I attend a lot of meetings).  I don’t think it was so much what was said that bothered me, but more that this was not the first time.  One of the panelist commented that there were not enough role models for our youth outside the entertainment industry.  It’s not every child who is going to be the next Jay-Z, Tom Brady or Randy Moss.  Locally in Palm Beach County we do have home grown talents like Vince Wilfork and Devin Hester who have been making big plays in the NFL over the past few years.  Each of these men were on a high school teams with many other young athletes, but we’re not keeping up with their careers.

Is it that we don’t have role models or are we not showcasing them?  How many athletes do you know are now doing great things in the community?  There are many of them.  There are more young athletes from all sports who don’t get drafted out of high school and college then the ones who do.  We can’t forget the entertainment industry.  Lights! Camera! Action!  Mic check 1-2 1-2. Many people left these things behind and have pursued fulfilling careers where they are making a difference in our communities, but they don’t get the lime light.  The youth in turn don’t get exposed to them.  They don’t get to see the great running back who is a doctor; the star wrestler who is an attorney; the singer who now loves teaching her students; the actor who works with community youth… you get the picture.  They don’t get the recognition for making a change in the community. 

Many people in our society have become too focused on money.  Last time I heard a group asked what success meant to them, more than 75% (probably more) of their responses was about having money.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I don’t want money.  I’ll pick a dollar off the ground before giving it a single thought, but I know there are other things in life.  My point is more that when we glorify having an exorbitant amount, we show kids that success means having a lot of money.  

We should really show these kids that they can throw a ball and then grow up to be CEOs.  Technicians, mechanics – If you don’t believe they can make a good living, check your bill (and don’t act like I’m the only one that’s ever been taken for that ride).  

It’s great to have children grow up and do the things that they like, but are we sometimes giving them the wrong idea?  More importantly how can we get more options in front of our youth.  They need to know that you don’t have to be a celebrity to live a good life.  Yes, I agree that parents should be the first role models for their children, but be realistic.  In many cases, parents loose cool points just by their children becoming teens (don’t worry parents, you get them back later… with interest).  The next best option is to get other people in front of them who they can still see as cool, and who are living the successful lives.  The challenge of-course is getting these great “role models” in front of our youth at the rate that athletes, and other entertainers are.  I know… that’s probably asking for a too much.  Especially when these groups bring in the money.  But then again Flavor Flav is on how many attempts at finding his next baby mama?  

There are so many reality shows depicting drama and vulgarity.  Could we possibly move some of that energy, money and good airtime to show a positive light on some of our local heroes?  People like us who do our thing and do it well.  I do have that thing with always asking for too much, but I think we could do this.  What do you think?  How could we make this happen?  Share your thoughts and ideas. 

I’m just saying though…

Dream Big… Live Bigger…
DrJudiC
www.drjudic.com

What if God was waiting for the media?

I attended a meeting not too long ago where we were discussing ways that we can help young brothers in the community. I know… we’re forever having these little feel good about yourself type meetings. A whole group of people get together, talk about all these things that are needed and then shift to how we need the government or some outside forces to intervene and provide the money so we can implement these great ideas that will never see daylight. But we really want to help the community. Yeah! Right!
So at this particular meeting a participant provided a recommendation that was practically cost-free. It wasn’t going to have a monetary cost, but required time and dedication. It was reading program. People would read with children over the phone. The person shared that he was doing this with some folks and that they were using the bible. Most of us have at least one in our home. It might still be as new as it was when we got it 10-20years ago, but we got one. I though this was great idea, and something that could get started immediately, especially in churches. If I was a pastor, I would jump for joy at something like this. To get my flock to read the bible outside of church. In most cases, this would mean that there would be teams of at least one adult and one child or teen reading the bible weekly for a few minute.
We discussed the program, what it would take and how we can get it started immediately. In the end, it was decided that it would be best started in the churches, where there was a captive group to be paired. Imagine my astound when one of the pastors (‘cause you know there’s always a few of them at all of these meetings) started to question how we would get the media. The man asked the question in so many ways that rest of us were missing, until he finally said out right that we would need to find a way to get that information to the media so they can cover it. Why? Are we asking the anchors to read? That would be great, but we’re just piloting a program in the church. Of-course, always wanting silliness to stop, I recommended that we can get the media involved after the program has been done for a while and get them to report success stories. Fair? At least I thought it was. That was not enough. He wanted the media to know that his church was doing stuff in the community to help people. Isn’t that the purpose of the church? Silly me! I guess I had been missing the point all these years.
Now I wonder, what if God had to try to get publicity before everything? What if God wanted CNN & NBC to be present before helping your church grow Pastor? What if God wanted to media to be present before doing anything for any of us for that matter? Can you imagine where we’d be? It really does bother me when people have been blessed with so much and are putting so many contingencies on their sharing these gifts with others. I’m not saying everyone needs to be a Christian, but what ever you say you believe in, believe for good. Both spirituality and religion encourage good deeds. Next time someone is seeking publicity before they agree to do some good, my question will be “what if God took that same position with you?” Seriously Pastor, if God was waiting for The Palm Beach Post or Sun Sentinel to cover his blessing upon your church, you might still be the only member of your congregation. You could not even get your wife to join, if not for blessings. So stop putting publicity before kindness.

I’m just saying though…

Dream Big… Live Bigger…
DrJudiC
www.drjudic.com

Unleashed!

Wow… I am actually blogging.  This is odd!
So world what can I share? I am a therapist by trade and have wanted to be in the counseling field since I was in high school.  Recently I have decided to take my training and experience into life coaching.  I know… They’re a dime a dozen these days.  But that’s OK.  With life coaching you just need to know your stuff and your clients.

What’s important for a client? Know your needs.  For instance I have been a therapist for a good while now, so I have the back ground to work with clients on learning skills that can be helpful in making behavior changes to day and anytime in the future.  That’s because behavior modification is my thing… I am very much a Solution-Focused Cognitive Behavior type…  Other coaches are trained from various schools and may be able to provide different methods.   But don’t misconstrue point though… your coach should be able to tailor their coaching to meet your current needs and goals..

When choosing a coach, you need to ask questions.  You have to know who this person is that you are about to commit to meeting with on a frequent basis, regardless of how long you choose to work with them at the beginning.  I often recommend interviewing.  That is something people don’t seem to do enough of when seeking services.  You have to explore the goodness of fit, and the best way is to converse with your potential coach and get a feel for how you two talk.  If you make sure that you get a good match, you will do amazing work together and in the future. 

It’s 4:30 AM AKA get off the computer time. 

Dream Big… Live Bigger…
DrJudiC
www.drjudic.com

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  • Dr. Judi Cinéas

  • Dr. Judi Cinéas

  • I am Dr. Judi Cinéas (DrJudiC) the founder of Living The Dream, an organization providing Life Empowerment and Motivational Coaching to South Florida’s elite. With many years of experience as a psychotherapist, I use my counseling skills to help clients maximize their progress. Author of the book Six Months To Dr.: How To Complete A Dissertation In Six Months. I have also been working with doctoral candidates as to help them progress toward completing their theses and dissertations. I hold a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Social Work degree more than 12 years of experience working with individuals, families and organizations providing Counseling and Behavior Modification services in South Florida. After a rough start, I PHinisheD my dissertation in 6 months, and I wrote a book to show others how I did it. I even talk about the mistakes that caused my rough start so others won’t make it too. On this blog, I share some of the things I learned as well.