The average American watches 4 and a half hours of TV a day, according to Nielsen Media Research.  Even more fascination is the finding that in the average home, the television set is turned on for over 8 hours a day!

Activities such as watching TV or playing video games are what I call brain drain activities.  It keeps you busy at the moment and is pleasant and enjoyable, but a year from now, what have you really accomplished?  Those activities are  very unproductive.  I suggest keeping the TV watching to a minimum of 1 hour a day.  Watching the news to keep up with current events would be an hour well spent.  Or you can multitask and combine watching TV with another activity such as working out or making dinner.

A common reason people watch TV is because they are bored.  I suggest we take those hours and do something productive: pick up a new hobby, learn a new language, spend quality face time with friends, or even start your own business.  If the average American cuts their tube time to 1 hour a day, they would end up with 1280 hours saved or 53 days!  53 days to  do anything you want: imagine the possibilities.

-Andy Monsters

-Andy Monsters

Frank Lloyd Wright was a famous architect who designed many beautiful buildings, structures, and homes. At the peak of his career, he was asked, “Which building of yours is your favorite?”  “My next one,” he answered.

Frank knew the importance of stretching himself, of constantly growing, and avoiding stagnation.  It’s easy for us to be comfortable where we are and think we’ve made it.  But the most successful people will tell you about the importance of innovation and constantly improving yourself to achieve even greater things knowing that the best is still yet to come.

Don’t get comfortable where you are.  That doesn’t mean don’t be content and appreciative of everything you have.  But always strive to improve and better yourself every single day: sharpen you mind, keep your body in shape, keep educated, keep learning, and keep achieving.

-Andy Monsters

-Andy Monsters

Here’s a great poem  I came across: it’s a classic.  It’s about why you do what you do because at the end of the day, it’s about being true to yourself and your values.

Man in the Mirror

When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf,
And the world makes you King for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.

For it isn’t your Father or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgment upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.

He’s the feller to please, never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear up to the end.
And you’ve passed the most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.

-Anonymous

-Andy Monsters

-Andy Monsters

Self confidence and self esteem are often the foundation to success and accomplishing anything worthwhile.  If you believe in yourself and feel good about yourself, it makes your goals infinitely easier to attain. Self confidence is a mental state of mind but there are physical things you can do to enhance it.

1.  Dress the part

Dress and look your best at all times.  We’re not all blessed with good looks, but we can easily maintain good hygiene and proper grooming.  Look and dress your best every time you go out, and not just on special occasions.  Who knows, your simple trip to the grocery store just might turn into a special occasion!

2. Smile

When we’re happy, we smile; but when we smile, we also become happy.  Remember and be thankful for your strengths and all the blessings in your life.  Be grateful.  The majority of the people in the world are not as well off as you are.

3. Be aware of body language

Walk the part.  Raise your head high, shoulders back, chest out.  Sit up straight and make eye contact.  Positive body language conveys self confidence to others as well as yourself.

4. Work out

Keep your body in good shape.  If you hate working out, find a sport that’s enjoyable.  The most important thing is to stay physically active.  Keeping healthy and physically fit will give you more energy, help you feel better, and boost your self confidence.

5.  Remember your accomplishments.

Write down a list of the biggest accomplishments in your life, these are moments that really made you feel great and confident.  It could be a football game where you scored the winning touchdown or a speech you gave that had the crowd standing on its feet.  Write them all down and recall the positive feelings you experienced.  Experience them again.  Every time you need a confidence booster, simply replay the events in your head and apply the positive feelings to your next challenges.

6. Surround yourself with positive people

Choose your friends wisely as they can have a huge impact on your life.  You want people that will be supportive and encouraging, but also let you know what you need to improve upon.  Avoid pessimistic and cynical people that can shoot down your ideas or steal your dreams or discourage you from achieving your potential.

7. Have positive self-talk

Focus on your strengths, not on your weaknesses.  If your mind is filled with self-doubt and constantly wondering, “I’m not good enough,” “What if I fail” or “do I deserve this”, toss them out and replace them with a can do attitude.  Yes you are good enough, you are capable, and you can accomplish your goals.

-Andy Monsters

-Andy Monsters