Work-Life Rebalance In 3 Simple Steps

That day I dreamed I had a "normal" life.  I remember staring out my office window at exactly 5:00 PM on a Friday evening. Happy, smiling people poured outside the building entrance and into the parking structures, ready to embrace their weekend.

I look at my overflowing in bin, and sigh. My eyes settle upon my carefully planned Day Timer as it beckons me to get back to work. I sigh again. There has to be something more to life than work! 

"Sooner or later, we all have to find a way to find a good work-life balance." says freelance writer and workplace wellness consultant Mike Martin.

"If not, we find that work takes up so much of our life that there is little time left for anything else. Or, we pay a much greater price in terms of our physical, mental, or emotional well-being."

I couldn't agree more.  I stare at the can of diet coke, and the half eaten Snickers Bar on my desk. I have a headache, my neck hurts, and I wonder why I am working so hard on all this "stuff", because on my death bed I certainly will not be thinking about my work deadlines! 

The naked awareness shakes me.  I get up, grab my coat and make a vow from that day forward to make my work my play, and to reclaim my life.

In a recent article MikeMartin shares 3 simple yet practical ways to re-balance your life and your work.  If you are currently feeling like you are all work and no play, these steps will help you to take a step back, rethink, refocus, and refresh.

Read the full article here to discover three simple lessons on work-life balance.

If you found these tips relevant - leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts!


## Copyright 2014, by Dar Payment. All rights reserved. If you would like some additional information on self improvement, meditation, and spirituality go to http://www.transformationalspirituality.com/ to down load free ebooks, mp3's, and other resources. Like us on Facebook!

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Your Personal Meaning of Success - What is it?

"Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire." ~Arnold H. Glasow

This really is a great quote. Not only is it interesting but also inspiring.

One of the truths that I find most frustrating as a transformational spirituality teacher and a life coach, is that many people believe that success, in whatever field of endeavor they are currently striving, is rather like winning the lottery. In fact, it certainly seems from the evidence that they in fact believe that success is even more random because they aren't even buying a ticket. They are simply passively waiting.

If you listen to how people talk you won't hear many people voicing this opinion of success but look around you and watch what people are actually doing--or rather not doing--and you will quickly see what I mean.

Many people want things--they want to be rich, they want to be at the top of their profession, they want a successful marriage, they want to raise great kids, they want to be respected in their community, and so on.

You Must "Do" to Have

But what do they do to achieve this success? Are they working both hard and smart toward their financial goals and living frugally while they do so?  Are they constantly learning and striving at their job?  Are they showing their spouse love, consideration, understanding, and generosity?  Are they spending time with their children both modeling how to be a good person and being generous with their love and understanding?  Are they regularly proving themselves an asset within their community by being a good neighbor in every sense of the word?

We all know that we must accomplish these tasks and be successful in those areas, but we are also acutely aware that something is missing as well. It all come down to what success means to you.

Your Personal Definition of Success
 
So let me ask you a question.  How do you define success?

Is it money, career, love, marriage, family, friendship, respect, community?

For me, success is primarily about love. How many lives do I touch with mine? How many hearts?  Who has been changed by my existence in a positive way?

Your definition of success will also help you zero in on your personal value system - or that which you hold most sacred for your self. Your core values influence the way in which you behave, act, and how you live your life.

Define Your Meaning of Success - Write Your Own Obituary

The best way to define your meaning of success is by writing your own obituary. Over 250 years ago Alfred Nobel saw his obituary in the newspaper. His legacy?  The man who created dynamite.  The obituary was a result of faulty information, but never-the-less, Swedish Scientist Alfred Nobel took notice and  decided to create something positive that could be remembered forever - The Nobel Peace Prize!

When you write your own obituary and record how you want the world to remember you, and what skills that you contributed to make the world better place you set your Spirit on fire!  You get a clear glimpse of not only what success means to you, but also of your own unique greatness and what it is you have to share with the world.

When you are able to do this you will set not only your life, but also your world on fire.  If you truly want this particular definition of success then we will set ourselves on fire and avoid the possibility of spontaneous combustion.

## Copyright 2014, by Dar "Dardarji" Payment. All rights reserved. If you would like some additional information on self improvement, meditation, and spirituality go to http://www.transformationalspirituality.com/ to down load free ebooks, mp3's, and other resources. Like us on Facebook!

 

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Goal Setting: The Magic of Congruence

Congruence is the state achieved by coming together, the state of agreement. The Latin congruō meaning “I meet together, I agree”. As an abstract term, congruence means similarity between objects. Congruence, as opposed to equivalence or approximation, is a relation which implies a kind of equivalence, though not complete equivalence.

Make sure you are congruent with your life purpose.

In order to assure, quick and effortless success you must make sure that your life goals match up and are defined in relationship with your life purpose. What do I mean?  Everything in your life flows from your heartfelt purpose, or intent. It is your purpose which is the lighthouse on the top of the hill.  Like the lighthouse beacon, it guides and directs you in every area of your life. Your purpose points you in the appropriate  direction everyday of your life.

Here is an example using part of my life purpose as a author: “To inspire and encourage myself and my readers to achieve our highest potential and to embrace our best life; To live an awakened life, consciously and freely in truth, love and power“, while my goal for the mental aspect of myself as a writer is to “To unlock and utilize the full creative capabilities of my mind.”  My goal then is actually a subset of my purpose which is to achieve my highest potential and to help others do the same. Both compliment each other and are therefore congruent.

So how do more specific goals like stopping smoking fit into the larger picture?

First, take a look at what that specific goal personally means to you. If I was a smoker and wanted to stop for instance, for me, stopping smoking would mean looking and feeling my personal best and achieving vibrant health. This would fit in with my with my purpose to embrace my highest potential.

Here's an eye opening truth, if your goals and your purpose are not congruent with one another, it either means that:

1.      Your goals are not in-line with what you really want to do, have, or be in life. If you find yourself in this category you need to take an honest evalutation of your overall life purpose and what it is that you want.  Revisit your purpose, and list your goals.   Then take a a look at each to understand 'the why' or the motivations you want to achieve or have these things.

2.      You have a limited the definition of your life purpose. In this case you will need to spend some time mulling over your life purpose and expanding your definition and vision of your purpose.

Do you know what your purpose is?

If you have not yet contemplated and/or discovered your life purpose , I highly recommend you read the informative articles Finding Your Life Purpose before proceeding, as your life purpose sets the right framework and background for your setting goals. The magic of congruency is that when you are able to identifying your life purpose you have absolute clarity on your direction and focus in life, which means that you do not need to spend your entire life trying to grow apples when you actually wanted grapefruit.

Copyright 2014, by Dar "Dardarji" Payment. All rights reserved. If you would like some additional information on self improvement, meditation, and spirituality go to http://www.transformationalspirituality.com/ to down load free ebooks, mp3's, and other resources. Like us on Facebook!

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Discovering Your Divine Soul Purpose

The new times that are arriving on the Earth will require a new kind of human being to navigate through the stormy waters of present day challenges and to create new solutions based on the spiritual principles of harmony, balance, and respect for life. At this time on the Earth, many souls are awakening spiritually, and coming to more deeply understand and experience their own unique and divine spiritual origins.

When a soul, embodied in human form, begins to awaken and realize their inner connection with spirit, a new path is forged within the body, mind, emotions and consciousness. The awakening human being begins to experience a greater depth of communion with spirit, and many new questions arise. One very important question the soul asks is, "why am I here?", and "for what purpose did Source create me?"

For some on the spiritual path, an inner understanding of divine soul purpose emerges relatively early in the spiritual journey, guiding and supporting them in the directions needed for optimal growth and manifestation of their life's work.

For others, knowledge of divine soul purpose eludes the human embodied self for quite a long time, necessitating a period of "walking in the desert" with little outward or even inward support that can be perceived. This period of seeking is purposeful on the soul's part, but may cause deep suffering to the embodied human self that feels empty, meaningless, and worried that they may be going in the wrong direction.

The manifestation of your divine soul purpose is as unique and precious as you are. The best way to discover that which is the guiding essence of your life purpose is to look within at what desires, dreams, aspirations, hopes and longings you carry most closely in your heart.

Source created you so carefully, and uniquely for the sacred purpose you embody. Think of the beauty of a newborn baby, the precious nature of their tiny fingers and toes, and the sweet wisdom in their eyes. We can see the divine blueprint of the soul clearly in the radiance of their simple and innocent being. In this same way, you are created uniquely for your spiritual purpose, with every finger and toe, every hair on your head known and accounted for by Source's infinite wisdom and grace.

Small children naturally begin to embody their soul purpose, even at a very young age. They are attracted to certain people and situations, and they relate to their environment in their own unique fashion. They may love animals, or spend their time drawing and painting, or they will play with cars and trucks, heal the neighborhood cats, or lead groups of children on the playground. They may enjoy singing and dancing, or they may read voraciously, or tinker with their computer. All the natural tendencies within, if allowed to flourish and expand, will lead a child to manifesting their divine soul purpose.

And what of we adults, who may have grown up in less than optimal circumstances where our natural tendencies were not supported? Perhaps we have forgotten what we most loved to do as a child, or perhaps even thinking about this brings up the pain of what we endured as children. How can we discover our divine soul purpose?

It may comfort you to know that you have not lost anything, even if you no longer feel in touch with your inner desires. The deep inner longing of your heart is never extinguished, even in the most difficult of circumstances. This is a quality of the soul that is eternal, that will lead you to manifesting your soul's purpose.

If you are feeling uninspired, disconnected from your divine soul purpose, it is possible to reconnect, by praying for this and creating a sacred intention to reconnect with your inner being. The prayer and intention activates a path of healing that will lead you towards that which you desire. If you have been disconnected for a very long time, you may find yourself experiencing deep emotions of grief or pain, as the reconnection to yourself is restored. If you can breathe and be with these emotions, without repressing them, but simply holding them in Source's light, this will create a healing and a freeing up on inner space.

The discovery of your divine soul purpose lies within your heart's desire. What do you most deeply long for? If you could do anything in the world what would that be? The path to manifesting your unique gifts in the world begins here, and then expands outward, as you begin to take actions based on your heart's calling. Your true life's work is this, to listen, follow, share your gifts, and manifest all that you are in the world of physical form. For this reason you came to the Earth at this time, to share all that you are with all of life.


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Copyright 2012, by Dardarji. All rights reserved. If you would like some additional information on self improvement, meditation, and spirituality go to http://www.transformationalspirituality.com/ to down load free ebooks, mp3's, and other resources. Like us on Facebook!

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Your Life Purpose: From Curiosity to Life Passion

Did you ever have a parent tell you, possibly after you had asked one too many questions, "Curiosity killed the cat!"

Were you taught the story of Pandora who was given a box of gifts from the gods with instructions never to open the box? Unfortunately her curiosity got the better of her and she opened the box that released all the misfortunes that would plague mankind forever.

These and other childhood messages paint curiosity as bad and dangerous, something to avoid. So is it any wonder a child brimming with questions and innate curiosity becomes an adult who is stuck or dissatisfied with life, lacking the natural ability to be curious?

What if curiosity doesn't kill the cat or unleash misfortune?

What if curiosity gives you clues to what lights you up, to your passions and purpose?

What if curiosity offers an antidote to judgment of yourself and others?

Curiosity can be one of your most valuable allies in discovering and creating a life you love.

Curious? Read on.

Clues to Passion & Purpose

When using the tool of "checking your lights" to determine if an idea, activity, or goal energizes and enlivens you, most of the time you are clearly lit up or not. Sometimes, though, you are not strongly "lights on" and yet you sense a spark of light, a subtle increase in your energy. You're curious about something.

Your curiosity is worth pursuing: it offers clues to explore and steps to take to discover what you are passionate about. Follow the sparks of your curiosity. Journey the paths you haven't traveled before and be open to new interests and passions that could unfold.

You might even have an experience like mine: an initial spark of curiosity led me to discover my calling.

In my case, I had long known I preferred to be the question "asker" rather than the question "answerer" in social and business situations. I saw no relation, though, between this and the life calling I'd been seeking for years. Then I attended a Clarity International workshop to learn what lit me up. I was told I had "curiosity" about "interviewing." I was also curious about the process my Clarity coaches were using and the profound effect that process was having on people. So I followed my curiosity.

I attended more Clarity events and began Clarity coaches' training, staying curious and noticing what lit me up. Eventually I had the opportunity to "interview" workshop participants, asking questions in a way that helped them discover what truly lit them up. When I used my questioning skills to help others find their passions -- I had found my own passion and purpose! All this from following my initial sparks of curiosity. This experience definitely made me a believer in the power of curiosity!

I often ask clients to 'stay curious' about something or to follow their curiosity. When they do, they often discover something that helps them create more pleasure, passion, and purpose in work or life.

That's not all though. What else do you think curiosity can do for you?

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Plug Into Your Life with a Purpose!

Imagine that each person on this planet carried with them a teaspoon of soil or rock from Mt. Everest. Certainly Mt. Everest would shrink! Those individual teaspoons of material from the tallest mountain on Earth now in the pockets of billions of people also wouldn't mean much.

Well I suppose each of us could put that small amount of mineral material into a bottle and keep it as a souvenir. But like most souvenirs we collect, we tire of dusting them and they become added to the already crowded drawer or box of meaningless, useless items. A teaspoon of dirt, in a jar, in a drawer, that by itself means little.

But, wait a minute - What about it’s P-0-T-E-N-T-I-A-L?

From Webster's Dictionary:

"Contribute": to give or supply in common with others

What if each person on this planet brought their teaspoon of Mt. Everest to the site where it used to stand and contributed it? What would happen? Why, we would build the highest, mightiest mountain on Earth together?

Good thought. Doubtful it would happen. Why not? Let's explore that. We can start by applying this Mt. Everest metaphor to our own lives.

Modern times finds we human beings have, at least in the developed world, become rather insular (just think of the word "insulate"). We cocoon in our homes. We don't have time, we don't have enough money, and we are tired. We don't have any time to ourselves, we go to work and slave for someone else’s goals and often receive a pay check for much less than we feel we are worth. We provide for our families, do the myriad of tasks and chores in and for the home. Sacrifice for and fearfully protect our children. We amass debt to do many of these things. We feel trapped in a vortex of stress. And yet, with all this striving for what we think we want, if we are honest, we still feel unfulfilled and probably guilty for feeling that way!

Something elusive is still missing.

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Success Is On Purpose!

You are always living. This may seem obvious, but the truth is that many people seem to go through most of their life on autopilot. Sure they have hopes and dreams, they have ideas and plans, yet few actually achieve them because they fail to recognize that success is on purpose.

With every second that passes you lose valuable time given to you to accomplish and experience various things that have the ability to increase success, prosperity, and joy in life.

Think about this for a moment. There are many people the world over that can not afford to sit in front of a computer and read articles like this to compel them to live life on purpose. This is because they have only one clear purpose - and that is survival. They are not dreaming of success, riches or retirement. They are hoping to survive one more day.

This is not a guilt trip, but hard reality. You and I are extremely blessed to be living in North America or some other developed nation where opportunities to successfully create the life of your dreams abound. But to whom much is given, much is expected. It is therefore your duty to succeed despite the challenges you have faced. Challenges after all are just that, they are by no means an excuse.

My best friend's Grandfather grew up in a third world country, and she still has many relatives who would be thrilled to be offered the chance to live in North America. They do what they can to get by, feed their families, raise their kids not unlike us over here, but they have very little to aspire in the way of opportunity.

In North America, you can aspire to the heights of society, finance, status, fame, etc and with focused attention and action you can achieve it in your lifetime. There is nothing you cannot do when you combine focused attention, action, and clear resolve.

I feel a heartfelt responsibility to make the most of my life. What about you? What would a successful life look like to you? Try exploring your dreams beyond that of merely riches and fame.

John Maxwell says "Success is knowing your purpose, growing to reach your maximum potential and sowing seeds that benefit others."

My definition of success is to actively close the gap between who you are now and who Source purposed you to be. So the big question then is this - "What is your purpose?"

Here are four foundational principles on purpose that apply to any created or invented things or being for you to consider:

1. Everything is life has a purpose

2. Not every purpose is known

3. If you don’t know the purpose of a thing, you will abuse it. (E.g. a surgeon's scalpel can be used to save or take a life.)

4. If you want to know the purpose of a thing, never ask the things.

The purpose of a thing is only found in the mind of the maker of that thing.

Only the original manufacturer of a car can know the full purpose of the car and each of its components. Only they know the potential and can give correct directions of use. Everyone else is guessing. You won't find a Ford Manual in a Toyota Car, neither could you get one to fix the others product. (Without voiding the warranty and performance guarantee!)

So what am I trying to get at here?  Here is what I am trying to get across in a nutshell: the fact that you exist implies that there was a purpose behind your creation.

You are not an accident (no matter how you were conceived) and your success in life is determined, not by how much you make or spend, or what other people may tell you that success is supposed to be and look like. Your success in this life is determined by whether you have fulfilled your purpose, and every second that goes by ought to be spent in the pursuit of that purpose.

In fact succeeding is not so much about achieving, but enjoying the journey towards what we were born to do. Challenge yourself to live a life of purpose. Seek out that purpose. Only your Maker can reveal that. Don't let people put you in a box! Always live your life on purpose and you will find not only success, but discover a life that is joyful, prosperous, and overflowing with abundance.

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