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1 Degree of Difference – Heat Up Your Personal Growth

By Nina East · Comments (0)

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

At 211 degrees, water is hot………..At 212 degrees, it boils.

And with boiling water comes steam. ………….And steam can power a locomotive.

So many times it is that one extra degree of effort in business and in life that separates the good from the great.
The beauty of this idea of 212° – or one degree of difference – is not only the simplicity but all the places you can apply it in your life.

So what kind of life are you living? Are you living and growing in a 211⁰ style?

Or have you amped it up just a teeny-tiny fraction and are living and growing at a 212⁰ level?

You can apply the concept to that extra degree of service, the extra degree of attitude, the extra degree of leadership, kindness, commitment, focus, perseverance and the list goes on.

So what would be different if you went up just one teeny-tiny degree in your focus on personal development?

What would you be capable of?
What would you do?
What would you stop doing?
How would your life be different?

Take a look at the 212⁰ movie, published by Simple Truths, a company that sells inspirational and motivational books, gifts, etc.
(Simple Truths was started by Mac Anderson who founded Successories.)

And while you’re at it, watch this other inspiring movie!
I’m a little partial to it – not just because it starts with sunflowers (which are my favorite) – but because it is about finding joy.

Share your thoughts or reactions in the comment section below!

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Categories : Inspiration, Recommended Resources

Tags : 212 degree movie, finding joy, personal growth, simple truths

The 5 Best Self-Help iPhone Apps

By Nina East · Comments (2)

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

If you’re an iPhone user, you’ll want to know about these top self-help apps. They provide additional tools and shortcuts for helping you track and maintain your personal growth. They aren’t magic and won’t create instant transformation, but like most useful tools, they are simple and straightforward. That means they are also fun and easy to use, and especially useful for the electronically-minded.

I first read about some of these at Mashable, and then researched further to find out what real people thought of them. Here they are in no particular order:

HappyTapper has 3 self-help apps:

Gratitude Journal – this works like an electronic pad. Everyday (or however often you want) you write/text in the top 5 things you’re grateful for. You can also add photos to your entries – to to spice up the bulleted list – add inspirational quotes, and even rate your day. Plus you can password protect your list, email it to yourself, and search previous entries. Price: $0.99

app gratitude 172x300 The 5 Best Self Help iPhone Apps

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Little Buddha - Just rub Buddha’s belly to access over 39,000 inspirational quotes. You can search the quotes by keyword, add your own quotes, and share them with your friends via twitter, facebook, and email.
Price $0.99

app buddha1 168x300 The 5 Best Self Help iPhone Apps app buddha2 172x300 The 5 Best Self Help iPhone Apps

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Vision Board – the authors describe it as a “sacred place in which you define your hopes, goals, and dreams.”
You can pick from the 7 different board themes/styles and then start adding your inspirational photos, quotes, etc. It comes with sticky notes, star labels, torn white paper, and a few other graphics to give it pizzaz. It looks pretty cool. (I’m more of a “create it with my hands” kind of gal, but I can definitely see the appeal of having it right on your phone.)
Price $0.99

app visionboard 181x300 The 5 Best Self Help iPhone Apps

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Live Happy - Live Happy is a positive psychology iPhone app developed by Signal Patterns’ SP Labs research team together with Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, author of the book The How of Happiness and professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside. It’s a whole mobile happiness boosting program based on principles of positive psychology – including evaluating goals based on her system, keeping track of happy days, and a way to remember random acts of kindness. It also includes a personality analysis and science of happiness information.

Price $0.99

app livehappy 300x194 The 5 Best Self Help iPhone Apps

And just to make you feel even better about it, they are donating a portion of every app sale to the Live Your Life Well program, a public education campaign (launched by the non-profit Mental Health America) dedicated to helping people combat stress and promote well being.

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My Thoughts – If we become what we think about all day long (Earl Nightingale), then it’s a good idea to monitor your thoughts. When you change your thoughts, you change your destiny. Use MyThoughts+ to focus your thoughts on what you most desire.

This app includes 0ver a thousand affirmations, multiple categories of thoughts, plus lots of customizable features, such as 9 different background images (or use your own), the ability to change font, text size and color, as well as adding your own music, just to make it a multi-sensory experience.
Price: $0.99, or free version with limited options.

app mythoughts1 172x300 The 5 Best Self Help iPhone Apps

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That’s just a few of the many, many self-help apps. And, of course, they are just for the iPhone. We Droid users will have to wait a bit for the library of apps to grow.

Do you have a favorite self-help app you use? If so, let us know – leave a comment below and tell us what it is and how you use it.

Comments (2)

Categories : Goals, Positive Thinking, Recommended Resources

Tags : Goals, gratitude journal, HappyTapper, iphone apps, little buddha, Live Happy, My Thoughts, self-help apps, Sonja Lyubomirsky, The How of Happiness, vision board

Self-Help Books – Why they give you the best advantage

By Nina East · Comments (0)

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Is buying self-help books a better personal growth strategy than attending seminars or working with a coach?

I was just reading an interesting post at clicknsave.com on this very topic. The author makes the bold statement that self-help books have a definite advantage over seminars, counselors, or coaches.

It really got me to wondering…are books better? bookstacksflying Self Help Books Why they give you the best advantage

Obviously I’m a fan of books, but given the tens of thousands of dollars I’ve spent at personal development seminars, I’m a fan of them, as well.

On the surface level, the answer to the question would have to be “it depends”. It depends on you and how you process information. If you aren’t a reader, then buying all the self-help books in the world isn’t going to help you, other than giving you a quick boost of optimism and inspiration.

You have to actually USE the book in order for it to serve you – and if you do, then there are some definite advantages you get.

And when I say USE, I don’t mean using it to pick up people at the local coffee shop by leaving it out where people can see it! And I definitely don’t mean using it to prop up all the other self-help books piled beside your bed.

The point of the article I was reading is that books provide the best advantage because they are the only form of personal growth that can really accompany you wherever you go – whether in paper form or on your Kindle, iPhone, or other electronic device.

I like the idea of portable self-help and the advantage that gives.

But there are a couple of problems: Read More→

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Categories : Choice, General Musings, Recommended Resources

Tags : book summaries, personal growth, self-help books, self-improvement

Book Summaries – the best path to personal development

By Nina East · Comments (0)

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

“With the economy headed for even more dramatic changes it’s as important as ever to know both how to stay ahead of the curve in business, and how to stay happy and fulfilled.” – Tony Robbins

Wise words from a wise leader in the personal growth industry.

Of course, you already knew that reading books was important and valuable – that’s why you’ve been buying them, right? And then life steps in and all of a sudden weeks or months have passed and you still haven’t read that book.

Tony’s suggestion is that what we need to do is constantly find new ways to make ourselves more valuable – and that reading (and applying) the right books (great books) is an essential ingredient.

He also points out that in order to be more fulfilled in our lives, we have to have meaning beyond ourselves.
And remember, we’ve named 2010 The Year of Fulfillment here at Personal Growth Princess.

You already know that growing yourself so you can grow others is paramount. The years of self-improvement being “selfish” are long gone. Anyone who has ever had a relationship with another human being knows that the more we love ourselves, take care of ourselves, and grow ourselves, the more love, care, and generosity we have to give others.

The problem is…how to actually find the time to find new ways to make ourselves more valuable.

That’s what PersonalGrowthPrincess is here to help with. You can read more of the details about the foundation here and here.

But the bottom line is if you are like most women, you already know what to do, and that you “should” be doing it, but you don’t have the time…or by the time you do have the time, you’re too exhausted to pick up a book and read it, must less understand and apply it!

Unfortunately we just don’t get more time. Time is what it is.We all have the same number of minutes in a day.

But, you can change the way you use the time you do have – and that will change everything. Read More→

Comments (0)

Categories : Recommended Resources

Tags : Happiness, Happiness Hypothesis, personal development, personal growth, self-improvement, Tony Robbins

You don’t need permission. You need to act.

By Nina East · Comments (0)

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Hugh MacLeod, Gaping Void Gallery, is a “poke-you-till-it-hurt-but-then-find-relief-in-the-absurdity-of-life” cartoonist. He has become one of my favorites of all time. His language is colorful at times, and not appropriate for all audiences, but his ability to capture and say the things we never want to say, or rarely give ourselves permission to act on, makes him a master philosopher.

(If he’s reading this I’m sure he’s cringing at all the hyperbole. But, Hugh, I mean it. [superemotions file="icon_cool.gif" title="Cool"] )

Hugh has graciously given me permission to share his cartoons before, and I do so with every intention that you will click through to his site, sign up for his newsletter, and maybe buy a lithograph or two. (I don’t receive any commission, just the fun of knowing I’m helping spread the word.)

This is a business card he created for Pam Slim, author of Escape From Cubicle Nation. (That’s her book on the right.)

It captures the essence of what holds many of us back from really making a difference in the world, and in our own lives – the thought that we need permission.

Permission to think we’re worthy. Permission to think we’re good enough. Permission to think our ideas will actually make a difference. Permission to risk being different. Permission to be successful – whatever that means to you individually.

Permission to be a Princess, even.

Thanks, Hugh. As always, you are a gem.

Please visit Hugh’s site – Gaping Void Gallery.

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Categories : Choice, General Musings, Recommended Resources

How to turn a problem into an opportunity

By Nina East · Comments (0)

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Since you are a personal growth enthusiast, I suspect you are often looking for ways to turn problems into opportunities. That seems to be wired into the DNA of people who are into self-help, personal development, self-improvement, etc.

Of course, being in the midst of the problem is often the hardest time to even get your mind to shift to thinking about the opportunity inherent in it. I have a friend who always asks me “What’s great about this?” when I bring up something that is frustrating me. Usually this helps me shift, but every now and then I want to bop her on the head for it. [superemotions file="icon_wink.gif" title="Wink"] Every cloud has a silver lining, but when it’s cloudy, sometimes it just feels cloudy.

As with anything, practice and use increases your skill at not just finding the opportunity, but to remember to do so in the first place. It’s easiest to practice new “ways of being” before the problem arises. Once you’re in the throws of it it’s harder to do, unless you’ve been practicing it so that has become automatic for you, or almost automatic.

One model you can use to help yourself re-think problems is called the Dynamic Opportunity Model.

The Dynamic Opportunity Model was created by Thomas Leonard, founder of CoachVille – one of the largest and most innovative coach training programs ever. (Thomas is no longer among us, but Dave Buck, who inherited the company, has graciously given me permission to share this model with you.)

The diagram shows Read More→

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Categories : Goals, Mindfulness, Recommended Resources

Tags : dynamic opportunity model, Goals, personal growth, self-help, turn problem into opportunity

Worry Less, Live More – Michael Beckwith’s ideas on anxiety

By Nina East · Comments (3)

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Like many personal growth princesses, I have use “card decks” to help me set my intentions for the day. You know, the decks of cards with spiritual and inspirational messages. While some people may use them in an effort to “tell the future”, that’s not my focus. Instead, I think of them as “prompts” – to give me an idea or message to focus on for the day, to provide a different perspective than usual. They help me remain more mindful and less scattered.

Lately I’ve been using the Life Lift-Off cards by Michael Beckwith. They are a great set. Not stuffy and not woo-woo. Just practical, insightful suggestions for mindfulness.

The other day I drew a card that said “Worry Less, Live More”.

On the Personal Growth Princess home page we use the phrase “Read Less. Grow More”. Like anyone, I like the idea of more for less [superemotions file="icon_smile.gif" title="Smile"] so this really struck home.

It struck home because, despite my lighthearted, playful, princess attitude, I also tend toward the worry end of the spectrum.

What Michael Beckwith says with this card is that “worry is like paying interest on money you haven’t borrowed yet, and it pays no dividends except more worry.”

How true is that?! Worry begets more worry, which begets more worry, etc. etc.

His suggestion on how to worry less and live more? Stay focused on the Now. Keep your attention on this moment, not what might or might not happen, and express gratitude for your life just as it is. This sets off a cascade of appreciation and positive thoughts, which beget more positive thoughts, which beget more positive thoughts…you know the rest.

Now, be clear. Beckwith and I aren’t saying don’t have goals and don’t dream about or plan for the future. But when the worry bug starts to creep in, shift your attention to NOW, and focus on what you are grateful for.

How do you keep worry at bay? Or, more positively, how do you stay focused on good thoughts? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Comments (3)

Categories : Mindfulness, Recommended Resources

Tags : anxiety, goal setting, Mindfulness, personal growth, worry

Right Brain vs. Left Brain – how does it really work?

By Nina East · Comments (0)

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

What you are thinking about DETERMINES what you see – what you actually, physically see.

If you hang out with educators or in personal growth circles – or read anything by Dan Pink – you’ve heard people talking about being “right brained” or “left brained”. People don’t always know what this means – or at least not really – and they really don’t know how it works and how/if/when they can control it or use it to their advantage. Usually they are using it as shorthand to describe whether they are being analytical and focused, or free-wheeling and creative. Sometimes they are even using it as a sort of insult – as in, “People who are right-brained are flighty or woo-woo” or “People who are left-brained don’t know how to live.”

I found a fascinating article at The Daily Telegraph that has a test that allows you to experience – in the moment – how what you are thinking about directly affects what you see. Read More→

Comments (0)

Categories : Assessments, General Musings, Mindfulness

Tags : neuroscience, right brain left brain, The Daily Telegraph

Do More Great Work – Michael Bungay Stanier [video] [Book Review]

By Nina East · Comments (0)

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Michael Bungay Stanier, author of Find Your Great Work, has written another book – Do More Great Work. As you would expect, he has a way of capturing exactly what you and your clients are thinking about busy work and great work.

His message is: Stop The Busywork!

We’ve all been there, right? You’re up to your eyeballs answering email, returning phone calls, attending meetings, scrambling to get things done. But when did being busy become a measure of success?

Here’s a video he created to share a little about the new book.
(Secretly I have video-envy when it comes to Michael’s videos. They are truly great!)

You can see this and the rest of Michael’s Possibility Virus resources on his website.

Let me know what you think of the video – and the books – in your comments below. I’m especially curious to know how you might use this in your own work.

Comments (0)

Categories : 5-Minute Book Reviews, Audio-Video Programs, Goals

Tags : 5-Minute Book Reviews, Do More Great Work, Find Your Great Work, Michael Bungay Stanier

Famous Failures…how do you deal with adversity?

By Nina East · Comments (0)

Friday, October 30th, 2009

I ran across this video the other day…full of poignant examples of how someone else’s opinion or assessment of you doesn’t really matter.

Adversity is a peculiar thing. For some people it is the call to action, the call to step up and do the unexpected. To others it is the slap that knocks us flat.

Which is it for you? Chances are it’s a little bit of both, depending on what else is happening for you. If your environment is an invalidating one, you’ll lean toward the being-knocked-flat side. If it’s validating and empowering, you may feel like you can leap tall buildings in a single bound.

What this video demonstrates is that it’s what inside YOU that matters. You get to choose what you pay attention to and what influences you.

I know you’ve heard that before, yes? Perhaps all you need is a compelling picture.