1. Music For A Better Life
June 14, 2005


Would you like to pop in a CD and have a better quality of life, and even self improvement? There are three ways you can use music to accomplish this. Music For Motivation Put on energetic music, and even doing housework seems less like work. Using music to motivate yourself or change your mood is an area where you can trust your experience and experimentation. When you find the msic that energizes you, relaxes you, or makes you happy, keep it ready for when you need it. Music For Intelligence Music creates neural pathways in your brain that stimulate creativity. Studies sh... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1554

2. How To Think Clearly
June 13, 2005


Does your mind sometimes feel like a television station you can't quite tune in? You know there's an interesting program on - or several, but everything is mixed with static. What if you could "tune in" at will, have clear thinking whenever you want it? Try some of the following. Ten Clear Thinking Techniques And Tips 1. Take a walk. Science will eventually prove this to be a great way to improve the quality of your thinking, but don't wait for the proof. Aren't there enough other reasons to take a walk anyhow? 2. Stay away from sugar. If you want to understand what brain fog ... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1539

3. How To Remember Things
June 12, 2005


What's the biggest problem with memory tricks? Remembering to use them, of course. There are many memory techniques that work well, but you'll forget them when you need them most - unless you make using them a habit. So when you take the time to learn a technique, use it until it becomes automatic. Here are some to try. Using a Story-List I went to a party as a child. There was a game that involved looking at a table covered in 15 various items. After a few minutes, we were taken to another room, and each child was given paper and a pencil. We had to write down as many items as we c... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1537

4. Who Are You, Anyway?
June 12, 2005


Self-identity? Who are you really? We identify with many things, but this is just a process in our minds. In fact, this identification causes us to suffer. Your favorite basketball team loses, and you suffer as though YOU lost. Your car is damaged and it feels like YOU are hurt. Somebody attacks who they think you are, and it is as though they could actually reach inside and poke at your true self. Is there a way to escape this unecessary drama and pain? Perhaps, if you can see what you are not. Seeing this clearly can free you from much of the suffering that comes from identificati... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1523

5. Say I Don't Know
June 09, 2005


Why am I writing this? I don't know. I can give reasons, but I can't be sure they are accurate. Such ignorance is okay, or at least it should be. The temptation is always to explain, but that often does nothing useful. In fact, it can just get in the way of actual understanding. Let me explain... Rationalization 101 John was hypnotised, and given the post-hypnotic instruction to get up and put on his coat whenever the doctor touched his nose. Once out of the trance, they talked. During the conversation, the doctor scratched his nose, and John immediately stood up and put on his coat.... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1541

6. How To Have Gratitude
June 08, 2005


Yes, it might feel great to win the lottery. Money, houses, travel - these are wonderful, but not enough by themselves. You need the right frame of mind to fully enjoy life. You need the attitude of gratitude. Be Grateful Life is better when you feel blessed, when you can look around and say "Thank you, God." Religious or not, when you see life as a wonderful gift, your experience is a richer one than any amount of money can provide. Imagine going through life like you're a child, and every morning is Christmas. It's tempting to think gatitude comes from having what you want. Y... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1545

7. A Better Life In Easy Steps
June 07, 2005


Want a better life? Big changes are difficult, and take time, but there are many easy steps you can take right now. Take many steps, even small ones, and pretty soon you're getting somewhere. A Better Life Today It's easy just to look, right? Start looking for specific ways to make your life better, and to improve yourself. Even if you don't accomplish anything immediately, you are preparing yourself. Thinking about change sets your mind and your motivation in motion. You're not looking for an excuse to avoid difficult tasks, but you wouldn't expect to quit cigarettes, alcohol, ... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1511

8. Easy Steps To Weight Loss
June 06, 2005


It can be intimidating to follow a weight loss plan, right? Sometimes there are so many rules, and so many major changes in your life required. Is there another way? Not just another diet or plan, but a whole different approach? Try Small Changes To Lose Weight If a diet or a complicated weight-loss system is just too overwhelming, try making a small change instead. For example, develop the habit of eating celery or another low-calorie food before any other snacks, so you don't eat as much of the junk. Is this going to do much for you? No, not by itself. It is a small change you... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1413

9. Don't Listen To Winners
June 05, 2005


Do you know what the problem is with asking successful people for advice? They don't always know why they are successful - but they'll give you all the reasons you want. I once watched an 100-year-old man explain that smoking every day was the secret to his longevity. It would be great to know why he lived so long, but I'm pretty sure we won't learn by asking him. Don't Listen To Success - Model It Don't do as they say, but rather do as they do. That is the way to learn success from the successful. A wealthy real estate investor once told me he didn't believe in setting goals. Only l... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1503

10. Insanity: A How-To Guide
June 03, 2005


Somebody once said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result. Optimal mental health, then, may include adapting your approach if you don't get the result you want. (NOTE: Seek help if you need it - this is just a general discussion of how to stay mentally healthy.) There is a problem solving technique that involves finding all the ways to cause a problem in oreder to solve it. Here then is a list of ways to become insane, so we can see what we can learn about mental health. To Become Insane... Leave a hundred decisions unmade, hanging... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1526

11. Easy Relaxation Techniques
June 02, 2005


Stress is more than just unpleasant. It's dangerous. Try these relaxation techniques today, and use them whenever you feel that tension coming on. 1. Leave the room. This really helps if the things stressing you out are in the room or related to it. Just get out for a little while. 2. Take five deep breaths through your nose. Close your eyes and pay attention only to your breathing while doing this. This is like a mini-meditation. 3. Take a hot shower. The hot water relaxes your muscles, and the break from more stressful activities helps too. 4. Drink chamomile tea. It... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1519

12. The Problem With To-Do Lists
May 31, 2005


Do you use to-do lists? Do you find it satisfying to check off the items on that list? Too satisfying perhaps? More than once I've found myself adding something I've already done to my daily list. I get to check it off then, you see. I get "credit" for all the things I've done. Whatever satisfaction this may give, it's also an indication I'm confusing effectiveness with just being busy. Do To-Do Lists Help? Of course it helps to write down meetings and events and necessary tasks. The problem is we sometimes start to work for the list, and then the list may not work well for us. ... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1527

13. Ten Problem Solving Techniques
May 30, 2005


Do you ever need to find some good ideas, or come up with a solution for a persistent problem? Learn some simple problem solving techniques, and start applying them. Choose a few of the methods below, and get in the habit of using them in your personal life and your business. Problem Solving Techniques 1. Clarify what a successful solution is, and that will guide your efforts. In fact, sometimes just clarifying the desired outcome will suggest immediate solutions. 2. Get opinions and/or advice from several people. They might have good ideas, and you'll be sure you're not over... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1493

14. Fatigue Getting To You?
May 29, 2005


I've had problems with fatigue and a lack of energy all my life. It would be wonderful to know why. I've asked doctors, read books, and learned that some questions just won't be answered in my lifetime. I've also learned that even without discovering the root causes of my tiredness, there are things I can do to alleviate it. Here are some of energy boosters that have worked for me and others over the years. Sometimes it helps to use several at once. Ten Energy Boosters 1. Breath deeply. Three slow deep breaths help oxygenate the blood supply better, and especially seems to wak... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1589

15. Seven Methods For Daily Motivation
May 28, 2005


Isn't a lack of daily motivation one of the biggest problems we face when trying to better ourselves? We often know what to do, or at least the first few steps. But we hesitate, something else catches our attention, or we just don't feel like doing what we need to do. Want some help? Here are seven ways to get motivated - ways that have worked for others. If you find only one or two here that work for you, you'll be on your way. Seven Methods For Daily Motivation 1. Create desire. See the rewards of your effort clearly. This motivates many to sign up for get-rich-quick plans.... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1536

16. Busy Beavers Build Piles Of Sticks
May 27, 2005


"Well, you're just a busy beaver, aren't you?" You've either heard or used this cliche, but what do you know about beavers? Let me tell you about something I learned. One night on the Discovery Channel, I watched a scientist determine how beavers knew where to put the sticks to build their dams. It's by the sound of water, he discovered. A recording of running water would soon have the beavers busy covering the tape player with sticks. He could get them to build useless piles of sticks anywhere he wanted. What a great metaphor! Aren't we often building useless piles of sticks? We kee... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1536

17. Try Creative Procrastination
May 25, 2005


Do you ever postpone things, or just forget about them for a while, or tell yourself, "I'll get to that later?" Do you sometimes feel guilty about it? Well, it's true that procrastination can be a bad habit, but there are times when it can be useful. Procrastination When You Are Unsure Sometimes procrastinating makes sense if you aren't sure you should be doing something. If you haven't started that business, for example, maybe your unconscious mind is saying you aren't ready to do it. Look into the reasons for your procrastination, not to rationalize your lack of action, but to see ... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1625

18. Here's A Diet That Won't Work
May 25, 2005


How's this for a diet: Take in fewer calories than you expend and you'll lose weight. I just read another article that suggested this as the sure-fire way to lose weight. Of course it's true, and about as useful as telling an alcoholic he can beat his problem by not drinking. Yeah, right. Have you noticed that almost every diet is guaranteed to work if you follow it? Of course, it's your fault if you don't do what they say, right? What a bunch of nonsense. If you can't stick to a diet, then it doesn't work - not for you, anyhow, and what's the difference if it works for others? Unique Di... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1696

19. Buy Happiness? Maybe
May 24, 2005


Can money buy happiness? It's easy to say no, and probably correct, but that's just a way to stop thinking about the tougher issues. What is your relationship to money, for example, and how do you use this most powerful of worldly tools? Maybe you see that chasing after money for its own sake is destructive, but isn't it equally damaging to have such a powerful instrument in your hands while pretending it has no importance? Money Is Important Some say that money isn't important to them, but this isn't true. The truth is they don't see the importance. They make more than they nee... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1600

20. Getting Robbed Overseas On A Bus
May 24, 2005


We knew better. Both me and my wife had a strong feeling we shouldn't get on that bus in Cuenca, but neither of us said anything. A taxi was two dollars, and the bus cost only twenty-five cents. Ana sat down, but there was no room left for me, so I was packed in with the other commuters standing up. Almost immediately I noticed the drunk pushing his way through the crowd, randomly going this way and that. I knew somethimg was up, and instinctively reached into my pockets to check on my money. We had just visited the ATM that morning, and the $170 cash in my pocket was the most we had carr... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1693

21. What If You Were Intuitive
May 21, 2005


Think back to a time when you had a hunch about something. That was intuition. It is nothing more than your mind using more than what you are consciously aware of. But how do you trust your intuition? How can you improve it and use it? First, understand what it is. Gary Kasparov can play and beat the best chess computer. How is this possible when the computer can calculate positions many moves further ahead than he can. It is because of his intuitive grasp of the game. Experience allows him to combine analysis with a "sense" of which move is best. Intuition also works as a warning d... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1623

22. Learn To Meditate Right Now
May 21, 2005


Why Should You Meditate? What if you could close your eyes, then open them a few minutes later and be relaxed, alert, and able to think clearly? Meditation can do that for you, and it's easier than you might think. Documented Benefits of Meditation Less anxiety. Decreased depression Reduction in irritability and moodiness Better learning ability and memory. Greater creativity. Slower aging (possibly due to higher DHEA levels). Feelings of vitality and rejuvenation. Less stress (actual lowering of cortisol and lactate levels). Rest (lower metabolic and heart rate). Low... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1648

23. Be More Intelligent By Writing
May 21, 2005


Have you ever noticed what happens to an idea once you express it? Just talking about it or writing it down causes you to clarify it in your own mind. How can you use this to increase your brain power? Start writing. By putting thoughts into words, you are telling yourself the logic behind what you think, feel, or only partly understand. Often, explaining a thought is the process of understanding. In other words, you boost your brain power by exercising your "explain power." Try this experiment. Explain how you'll increase your brain power, even if you have no idea how right now. Jus... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1816

24. Who Cares What Your IQ Score Is
May 21, 2005


You Want Brain Power, Not Scores! Would you like to know what your IQ is? Want to improve it? What is IQ anyhow? The American Heritage Dictionary defines Intelligence Quotient as "The ratio of tested mental age to chronological age, usually expressed as a quotient multiplied by 100." Basically, it's a test of intelligence, with 100 as the average score. There are some problems with IQ tests however. A recent IQ test asked which of four fruits was different. It was the one with more than one seed; but what if you were not familiar with these fruits? Obviously this test is culturally ... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1665

25. Easy Memory Tricks To Try Today
May 21, 2005


I remember a birthday party I went to as a child. There was a contest that involved looking at a table covered in 15 various items. After a few minutes, the things were taken away, and then we each got a piece of paper and a pencil. The object was to write down as many items as we could remember. I struck out after seven or eight, but one little boy got all 15 items, and won the prize. Only years later did I learn why he was able to do that. His father had taught him a simple technique that none of us other kids knew. All you have to do is tie the items together in an imaginative story. ... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1622

26. How To Learn More Effectively
May 21, 2005


How Do You Learn Something New? If you could learn fast and effectively, you might become the person with something interesting to say on any topic. It also can help you in your carreer or business. You can learn more efficiently. Just use a few of the following techniques, and use them until they become habit. First, when you want to learn new material, expose your mind to it as soon as possible, even before you feel "ready," or have time to study. This first stage of learning is the confusing part where you look at new ideas and say, "huh?" If you do this quickly, however, reviewin... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1912

27. Increase Your Intelligence With Music
May 21, 2005


You Are What You Listen To Can music really help you think better? Yes, according to the research that has been done so far. Listening to, and participating in music creates new neural pathways in your brain that stimulate creativity. Studies have shown that music actually trains the brain for higher forms of thinking. There was a study at the University of California, for example, about 10 years ago. Researchers followed the progress of three year olds, split into two groups. The first group had no particular training in, or exposure to music. The second group studied piano an... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1874

28. How To Ask Einstein For Advice
May 21, 2005


What If You Could Ask Anyone For Help? Have you ever noticed how sometimes you are at your most creative when you are interacting with another person? You and your friend or acquaintance feed off of each other's ideas and help each other clarify things. Well what about those times when you are alone, or you have no one you wish to share your ideas with? What can you do then to stimulate creative thought and to find elegant solutions to your problems? You could try talking to Albert Einstein. Okay, you might want to talk to Andrew Carnegie or Lee Iacocca if your problem has to do with... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1639

29. How To Enhance Your Creativity
May 21, 2005


Have you ever heard the saying, "The harder I work, the luckier I get?" Guess what? That's the way it is with creative inspiration too. Don't Wait For Creative Inspiration Graham Green, the famous English writer, attributes much of his success to a simple habit: He forced himself to write at least 500 words daily, whether he felt like it or not. Creative inspiration can strike at any time, but it strikes more often when there is work instead of waiting. Don't Expect Creativity To Come Uninvited If you want to have creative ideas for inventions, start redesigning everything ... (read more)

Author: Steve Gillman | Article Views: 1601