encouragement Archives - Page 14 of 15 - Aaron Keith Hawkins | Elite Leadership Training for High-Performance Teams

3 Huge Reasons Giving Helps You Get

Photo Courtesy of © thinglass / Dollar Photo Club

Remember that feeling?

The smile creases their face; their eyes light up; you hear those wonderful words, “oh my gosh!!…”

In that moment you realize you nailed it; you’ve given an awesome gift.

It just flat-out feels amazing to give, and its such a win-win. They feel good, you feel good right?

Despite the positive experiences we have during acts of altruism, for some strange reason many of us still associate the concept of giving with …loss! There’s still seems to be a lingering misconception that being a giver is either too expensive, too time consuming or something to be relegated to special occasions such as birthdays or holidays.

This silly “rule” that giving isn’t practical as a daily ritual simply isn’t true. Generosity is an amazing and rewarding lifestyle!

Please, let me help.

The best way to squash any fear of “over-giving” is to become aware of the awesome things we GET from giving.

This may initially seem counter-intuitive, since the purpose of giving isn’t to receive something in return. However, as a means to get the get the ball rolling, it’s good to know that developing the habit of giving is not a burden, it’s a means to better living. (more…)

Aaron2018-02-05T22:04:37-05:00Blog, Personal Development|1 Comment

Mental Growth; A Key Ingredient to Fulfillment and Happiness

Photo Courtesy of © gustavofrazao / Dollar Photo Club

Many of us spend much of our lives focused on doing things in an attempt to make us feel “happy”.

This may initially seem like a worthy pursuit, but does the practice of “happy-chasing”, and nothing more, lead to a truly satisfying existence? Too often, when we do find something that invokes momentary happiness, it’s like a sugar-rush for the brain. Fun, but not sustainable.

Is there something more we can do to get some long-term satisfaction?

Instead of just chasing happiness, what if we chased a life of fulfillment? (more…)

Aaron2018-02-05T22:04:37-05:00Blog, Personal Development|Comments Off

How To Improve; Every Day

Photo Courtesy of © Coloures-pic / Dollar Photo Club

How to improve every day? Ugh, a bit heavy isn’t it?

No worries. With a little effort, we can tackle this one.

Sometimes we just have to dumb it down and ask the right question. A question that will lead us to the result we want. Let’s have at it!

“What would happen if we acted as if every day could lead to only one of two results? – Progression or Regression.”

Think about it; how conscious of our behavior would we be if we acted as if we were in a continual process of progressing or regressing our professional competencies, intellect, communication skills, social behaviors, and personal development?

Well…we are!

For better or worse, we’re simply not the same when we go to bed at night. This is such a simple but empowering principle to live by, and it has personally changed my life. (more…)

Aaron2018-02-05T22:04:37-05:00Blog, Personal Development, Uncategorized|Comments Off

5 Steps to Improve Your Beliefs

Photo Courtesy of © Marek / Dollar Photo Club

“Well, that’s just what I believe…”

Have you ever heard this gem of a statement and cringed? Have you ever said it?!

Yup. I have.

Unfortunately, it’s often synonymous with “I don’t like considering the fact that I may be wrong.”

Refusing to challenge our beliefs can be a BIG problem considering our beliefs are what drive our decisions, and subsequently, our actions.

Some of you may already be thinking, — “I will never compromise my beliefs!”

While I understand why you might initially might think this …you’re wrong (sorry!).

No offense intended.

Seriously though, think about how often we change our beliefs all the time! Best business practices, what to wear, what’s the best wine. Honestly, are any of you dressing the same way you did in the 1970’s? I doubt it, but please send pics if you are!

Most of us update our beliefs all the time. Unfortunately, we don’t often update the ones that matter.

(more…)

Aaron2018-02-05T22:04:37-05:00Blog, Personal Development|Comments Off

4 Reasons You Shouldn’t “Conquer” Fear

“Conquer fear!” “Overcome Fear!” “No Fear!”

It feels like the impossible battle cry doesn’t it? Lets flip the lens around for a minute. Maybe we’re being a little too harsh on fear.

Is there a better alternative than constantly thinking of fear as an enemy to be destroyed or overcome?

I don’t think the problem is that we experience fear. The problem is, we’re not in the habit of utilizing fear as an asset or tool that can be useful when needed, and set aside when its not.

We too often put fear to work in situations where it’s not serving our current need. It’s often like using a cannon to cut a wedding cake. Messy!

We would be well served in remembering that there are only TWO fears that we are actually born with. The fear of falling, and the fear of loud noises. All of our other fears come from things we’ve “learned.” And you already know that everything we “learn” isn’t necessarily true. (more…)

Aaron2018-02-05T22:04:38-05:00Blog, Personal Development|Comments Off