Direction

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direction...
Values, Needs and Wants influence the direction of life.

"Whenever there’s a genuine commitment, no matter what direction you choose, all of life’s elements will align to gain you an advantage, stack the deck, and prepare one and all for some serious legend making."

— Mike Dooley, A Beginner’s Guide to the Universe —

mindset environment activities direction

Let ourselves grow in a

POSITIVE WINNING CULTURE.

Good culture produces great products, and therefore if we want to be healthy, thriving, successful and happy individuals and teams, it is important to let ourselves grow in a positive winning culture. Who are you? Where would you want to be? What culture have you been nurtured in?

Culture includes internal and external focuses. Internal focus leads us to look into our own beliefs, values, mentalities, personalities, behaviors, attitudes, spirits, energy, styles, passion, interests, ideas, perceptions and codes of conducts. External focus leads us to being aware and know our surrounding such as our relationship with our love ones, family, relatives, friends, co-workers, school mates, associates, customers, competitors, people in our communities, our pets and other creatures around us.

Culture helps molding the way we think, feel and act that constitutes and conduces to success. A culture that celebrates family bonding would inspire the people within it to build highly connected functional families and hold high emphasizes and practices on forgiveness and letting go of negativities. A culture that rewards sharing values would motivate people within it to know their own richness, maximizing on their strengths to share with others, and put emphasis on interdependent for people to stay connected and build strong teamwork. The people within this culture would acknowledge of each others' important roles in teams and demonstrate more respect toward one another. A culture that practice of 100% willingness would encourage and support individuals to take on whatever comes their way with openness and grace. People from willingness culture have great awareness of their resistance, of all the No, Cannot, But, and the excuses that hold them from moving forward with openness and grace. Their awareness help them get closer to acknowledge their reality and work on their openness and willingness. A positive winning culture cannot be built from only one person; it has to come from group of people who agree to building and maintaining it. Together We Upgrade Our Mindset, Environment and Activities! Together We Create and Celebrate!

INTERNAL INVENTORY

NATURE & NURTURE

KNOW YOUR TOP 10 CORE VALUES

You are encouraged to spend some time research and have a clear sense of your top core values to ensure your choices align with your core values. Your core values are part of your character strengths.

SAMPLE OF CHARACTER STRENGTHS

EXTERNAL INVENTORY

ENVIRONMENT

Air Qualities | Water Qualities | Safe Stable Housing |

Institutions, Organizations, Cohorts, Community, Neighborhood |

HUMAN RELATIONS | Communication & Relationships | Team & Community Building |

Role Models, Mentors | Family, Relatives, Friends | Classmates, Co-workers, Neighbors, Associates |

ACTIVITIES

Indoor Activities, Outdoor Activities | Education, Learning Skills, Hobbies, Tasks |

National Happiness Productivities | Earning The Money We Deserve |

Many people serve their bodies as rented houses are used. The plaster begins to fall, the weather draws out the nails, and the clapboards spring off. "No matter—we won't have to stay here long." It will matter, though, if, through your neglect to mend the roof or the windows, you get a rheumatism that will hound you to the grave, filling your old years with misery.... I believe much of the muscular decay of old age comes from inactivity. At sixty the man sees the folly of his early ambitions, and lays them aside. He has a competence now, so he hands his business over to his sons. Thus the stimulus to exertion is gone. This relaxation of effort would have been bad at twenty-five. It is disastrous at sixty-five. No unused muscle can hold its vigor.

—Mrs. J.F. Willing, "Growing Old," in The Ladies' Repository, July 1867—

We encourage each one of us to take time to learn about our anatomy and physiology to better understand about ourselves, and embrace Self-Care for healthier and happier life journeys. From anatomy, physiology, and health sources, left hemisphere of the brain controls speech, comprehension, arithmetic, and writing (1) while the right hemisphere of the brain controls attention, memory, reasoning, and problem solving (2). Healthy kidneys filter about a half cup of blood every minute, removing wastes and extra water to make urine (3). The liver filters all of the blood in the body and breaks down poisonous substances, such as alcohol and drugs (4). The heart is a fist-sized organ that pumps blood throughout your body. It's the primary organ of your circulatory system. It also works with other body systems to control your heart rate and blood pressure. Your family history, personal health history and lifestyle all affect how well your heart works (5). The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, and a complex network of nerves. This system sends messages back and forth between the brain and the body. The brain is what controls all the body's functions. The spinal cord runs from the brain down through the back (6). The tendon is a "mechanical bridge." It allows the transmission of muscle strength to the bones and joints. On the other hand, it enables the contraction of the muscle to make the final tangible movement. Different types of tendons reflect the morphology of the muscle and their specific function (7). Reading helps us exercising our minds, and build knowledge. The more awareness we have, the better it is in making our choices to regulate ourselves.

GENERAL MEDICAL & FAMILY HISTORY: Alcohol/Drug Problem, Allergy/Hay Fever, Asthma/Emphysema, Eye problem, Glaucoma, Hypertension, Stroke, Seizures/Epilepsy, COPD/Emphysema, Atrial fibrillation Heart murmur, Heart disease/heart attack, Congestive heart failure, Rheumatic fever, High cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, History of cancer or tumor, Thyroid condition (hypo or hyper), Bladder or Kidney Infections, Diabetes, Liver Problem, Osteoporosis, Bone fractures, Radiation treatments to the head/neck, Glaucoma, Acid reflux or heartburn, Hepatitis, Liver Cirrhosis, Stomach or duodenal ulcer, Irritable bowel disease, Stomach/intestine, Colon or bowel disease (including polyps), Diabetes, Kidney problem (including stones), Gynecologic problems (including fibroids or endometriosis), Prostate problems, Ear problem, Migraine headaches, Psychiatric, Schizophrenia, Anxiety or panic attacks, Bipolar disease, Depression/Suicide, Mental Problem, Alzheimer, Endocrine, Nerve problem, Anesthesia, Genetic, Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus Gout, Anemia, Blood clots, Blood disease, Blood transfusion before 1992, Sickle cell, Cancer, History of chicken pox, Spleen removed, History of pneumonia, Tuberculosis, Lung problem, History of positive skin test for tuberculosis, Obesity, Alcohol/drug problem, Attempt Sexually Transmitted Disease, Vegetarian diet.

SURGICAL HISTORY: Abdominal surgery, Appendix removed, Back surgery, Biopsy, Breast surgery, Coronary bypass, Coronary stenting, Gallbladder removal, Heart surgery (other than bypass/stents), Hip surgery, Hysterectomy (ovaries removed), Hysterectomy (ovaries left), Knee surgery, Neck surgery, Tubal ligation, Spleen removed, Other.

BEHAVORIAL HEALTH ISSUES: Tobacco use, Other tobacco, including pipes, cigars, snuff, or chews Alcohol use, Type of drink and # of drinks /week, Drug use such as marijuana or recreational drugs, Needles to inject drugs, Active Sexual Activity, Birth control method, Pregnancy, Ectopic Pregnancy, #Miscarriage, # Abortion, # Live Birth, Numbers of Living Children, Caffeine intake (coffee, tea, soda), Diet management (Healthy fresh food vs. processing food), Exercise types, minutes and times per week, wearing seat belt in the car, self-exam, safe relationship and home situation, education, occupation, immunization and screenings such as Last pap smear (women): ; Last mammogram (women): ; Last colonoscopy: ; Last cholesterol: ; Last DEXA(bone density): ; Last Fasting Blood Sugar.

QUESTIONNAIRES TO HELP US ACKNOWLEDGE OURSELVES

Each one of us has our characteristics that we perceive of ourselves and willingly or unwillingly to apply certain behaviors, styles, and choices because they are parts of our identities. There are many websites with great questionnaires that can give us insights to learn about ourselves a bit better. Briggs Meyers, DISC/DiSC, ViaCharacter, Colors are the three sources that offer some basic personality assessing questionnaires and basic results that are quite helpful as food for thoughts. Some sites I utilize are listed in research reference. Here are some sample questions.

* Circle one word in this row that you feel describes you best right now: Row-5; Respectful, Out-going, Patient, Daring.

* The best way for others to show me they care about me is to:

_ Do fun things with me.

_ Give me space to be myself.

_ Spend time with me doing whatever.

_ Do what I want to do; not let me down or go back on their word.

* You usually stay calm, even under a lot of pressure. (I strongly agree, I moderately agree, I agree, I am not sure, I disagree, I moderately disagree, I strongly disagree)

* I can always find the positive in what seems negative to others. (I strongly agree, I moderately agree, I agree, I am not sure, I disagree, I moderately disagree, I strongly disagree)

Many times we encounter with people or engage in conversation with others who might not value our beliefs, thoughts, experiences, creativities, and more, it is important to not take things personal. Remember that we all have weaknesses and blind spots, acceptance is a necessity as it helps us to better achieve focus, calm and happy feelings. Embrace ourselves - strengths as well as weaknesses and build ourselves stronger and better each day with God's help. In God' grace, we transform and praise the Lord.

UNDERSTAND CLEARLY NEEDS VS. WANTS

Assessing your needs is a very important process to help you collect information and identify what you might be missing or lack of from your current compared to your desired outcomes. When people's needs are met, they are more likely to have better emotions and being much more effective in life. It is important to have more food for thoughts to bring about more ideas and insights of what you can work on to effectively improve your life and regulate your emotions.

Types of Needs

Physical performance and activities:

__ Regularly doing stretches and deep breathings to relax muscles and blood flow daily.

__ At least 30 minutes fast walking / performing daily.

__ Intake enough healthy nutrients for our body to function properly such food with Omega-3 and water daily.

__ Expose to enough sunlight to better support bone and muscle health, immunity systems, body regulation.

__ Replenish daily with rest and healthy 7-9 hours of sleep.

__ Have enough warmth to keep body healthy.

Bonding and Social Connection:

__ Have a Sense of Belongings.

__ Have connection and bonding with family members and relatives.

__ Have connection and bonding with role-models and mentors to look up to and have safe guidance.

__ Have connection and bonding with friends, associates, schoolmates, co-workers, neighbors, people in the community.

__ Have connection and bonding for special relationships.

__ Have healthy social network connections.

Being Secure and Safe:

__ Have a safe place to live daily.

__ Have enough money and resources to cover basic needs daily such as food, personal care products, housing, transportation, and childcare.

__ Have a safe environment (School / Work / Community Places / Neighborhood) for activities and performances.

__ Feel safe with your thoughts, activities and people around you daily.

__ Read healthy, positive, enlightening, and useful materials at least 20 minutes daily.

__ Seeing Medical and Professionals as needed to maintain healthy mental, emotional, and medical conditions.

Self-Esteem and Confidence:

__ Have positive thoughts and beliefs about yourself.

__ Have awareness of negative thoughts and beliefs of yourself and life, pause, and challenge yourself by replace them with the positive lenses instead.

__ Not criticize yourself; Keep encouraging and motivating words around for yourself.

__ Forgive yourself for mistakes you made because everyone has weaknesses, and poor judgements here and there, not just you.

__ Spend more time with people who you have positive relationships with, and avoid negative relationships.

__ Have awareness about domestic violence and clearly understand that your abusers are not well, and seek help.

__ Have the ability to be assertive and say 'No' as needed.

__ Have a good sense of respecting others and being respected by others.

__ Identify and build your strengths.

__ Feeling accomplished when complete tasks, milestones, overcome challenges, gain skills, knowledge, education, abilities, relationships, etc...

Cognitive and Aesthetic:

__ Have knowledge and full understand of the subjects that matter and mean a lot to you.

__ Explore more information to help you knowing more about things that makes your life meaningful and fulfilling.

__ Read, listen, observe and be a curious and studious student in learning more to expand your horizon and keep life full and interesting daily.

__ Have appreciation and seek for beauty in various ways and forms to bring about symmetry, orderly, balance and uniqueness about yourself.

__ Design, organize and arrange your styles, your particularly remarkable, and your unique appearance.

Actualization:

__ Able to accept factual information about yourself, your backgrounds and life.

__ Has great awareness of yourself and others to bring about good morality, justice, peace, hope, joy and love.

__ Feeling fulfilled with purposeful and meaningful gains, rich personal growth, and keep on marching to reach your full potentials in this gift of life.

Transcendent:

__ Gain the ability to be more interconnected and able to challenge and overcome Self-Ego.

__ Willing and ready to give to others without self-interest attached.

__ Willing and ready to help other pursuing greatness for their lives.

__ In touch and well connected with spiritual aspects of life.

Identifying for Possible Improvements

__ Is this a health issue?

__ Is this a disability issue?

__ Is this a deficient issue?

__ Is this a motivational issue?

__ Is this a behavioral issue?

__ Is this an attitude issue?

__ Is this a willingness issue?

__ Is this a readiness issue?

__ Is this a habit issue?

__ Is this a lack of knowledge / protocols / policies issue?

__ Is this a lack of understanding issue?

__ Is this a lack of clear expectations issue?

__ Is this a lack of clear clarifications issue?

__ Is this a lack of instructions issue?

__ Is this a lack of basic skills issue?

__ Is this a lack of specific task-related skills issue?

__ Is this a lack of listening skills issue?

__ Is this a lack of communicating skills issue?

__ Is this a lack of problem solving skills issue?

__Is this a lack of decision-making skills issue?

__ Is this a lack of responsibility issue?

__ Is this a lack of flexibility and adaptability issue?

__ Is this a lack of acceptance issue?

__ Is this a lack of calmness issue?

__ Is this a lack of activeness issue?

__ Is this a lack of alertness issue?

__ Is this a lack of interpersonal skills issue?

__ Is this a lack of being sensitive to others issue?

__ Is this a lack of the ability to follow instructions issue?

__ Is this a lack of understanding of consequences issue?

__ Is this a lack of expert support issue?

__ Is this a lack of goals issue?

__ Is this a lack of planning issue?

__ Is this a lack of knowledge and understand how to carrying out actions appropriately from the plans issue?

__ Is this a lack of resource issue?

__ Is this a lack of tool or equipment issue?

__ Is this a lack of human connection and support issue?

__ Is this a lack of strength issue?

__ Is this a lack of inability to learn new tasks / information issue?

__ Is this a lack of concentration issue?

__ Is this a lack of dexterity issue?

__ Is this a lack of stamina issue?

__ Is this a lack of energy issue?

__ Is this a lack of attentiveness?

__ Is this a lack of internal / external rewards for success issue?

__ Is this a lack of initiation and take charge ability issue?

__ Is this a lack of persistency & consistency issue?

__ Is this a lack of knowing about self core values issue?

__ Is this a conflict of interests or internal conflictions issue?

__ How can this performance, activity, or task be broken down into doable / practicable / trainable parts issue?

__ How can I find the cause for the deficient / challenges in performance / issue?

__ Is skill training the appropriate way to fix this issue issue?

__ Is on the task training the appropriate way to fix this issue?

__ Is coaching the appropriate way to fix this issue?

__ Is counseling the appropriate way to fix this issue?

__ Is disciplining / self-disciplining the appropriate way to fix this issue?

__ Is stress managing the appropriate way to fix this issue?

__ Is time managing the appropriate way to fix this issue?

__ Is conflict resolution the appropriate way to fix this issue?

__ Is coping skills and management the appropriate way to fix this issue?

__ Is self-care the appropriate way to fix this issue?

__ Are registered and managed social media and forums appropriate way to fix this issue?

__ Are events, cohorts, clubs, organization appropriate way to fix this issue?

__ What is the best and correct way to do this activity?

__ What is the specific thought, behavior, habit, routine, hobby, attitude, belief, task, people to help in this improvement process for the desire outcomes?

__ When is it best to implement this new improving thought, behavior, habit, routine, hobby, attitude, belief, task, people?

__ What are the requirements?

__ What are the expectations?

__ How to best deliver the new and improving process?

Are you aware of what or who are holding you back and why? Are these obstacles or challenges existed naturally or are they barricades that you have created against your own desires over the years? We all have weaknesses and blind spots, and having self-awareness about our barriers is the very first step in removing them. Acknowledging the truth and facts, accepting them, and then looking for supportive system to work on rearranging and transforming the current situation or condition to the desiring ones.

BASIC LIVING CHALLENGES

LACK OF BASIC TOOLS, CLOTHING & SHOES, PERSONAL ITEMS AND FOOD, POOR HOUSING SITUATIONS, EVICTION, CHILDCARE, NO ACCESS TO RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE...

EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS, LACK OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, LOSS & GRIEFS, TRAUMAS...

FINANCIAL CHALLENGES

LOW INCOME, DEBTS, UNABLE TO PAY BILLS, FINANCIAL CRISIS, SPENDING BEHAVIORS, BAD CREDIT SCORES, CREDIT REPORT ERRORS...

MEDICAL & PHYSICAL CHALLENGES

CHRONIC PAIN & DISEASES, MIGRAINE, DIABETIC, HIGH CHOLESTEROL, HYPERTENSION, ASTHMA, ARTHRITIS, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, MANY DISCHARGED OF HEALTH PROBLEMS, OVERWEIGHT, UNDERWEIGHT, HANDICAP...

MENTAL & BEHAVIORAL CHALLENGES

DRUG ABUSE, ALCOHOL ABUSE, GAMING & SOCIAL MEDIA ABUSE, GAMBLING, OTHER ADDICTIONS, DEPRESSION, SLEEP INSOMNIA, STRESS & ANXIETY, PERSONALITY DISORDERS, SCHIZOPHRENIA, BI-POLAR, OCD, PTSD, C-PTSD...

Other Specific Challenges that Might Affect Employment

Lack of Goals, Lack of Labor Market Information, Not Understanding Modern Recruitment Practices, No Employable Skills, No Resume, No Job Search Skills, Poor Employment Application, No Work Reference, Lack of Work Related References, No “Good” Jobs, Fear of Interviewing, Unrealistic Job Expectations, Hours Not Available that I Want to Work, Lack Basic and Employability Skills, Inability to Identify Transferable Skills, Lack of Formal Qualifications, Long-term Unemployed, Spotty or No Work History, Gaps in Employment, Too Many Volunteer Quits, Employer Biases.

Low Levels of Literacy, Learning Disability, Lack of Education, Poor Math Skills, Can’t Read Tape Measure, Limited Writing Skills, Poor Reading Skills, Poor Penmanship, Lacking Computer Skills, Lack of Trainings, No High School Diploma, English Language Learner.

New to Area, Live Too Far From Worksites, Don’t Know How to Drive, No Car Insurance, No Money for Gas, Car Broken/Trouble, Suspended Driver’s License, No Access to Public Transportation near by Home or Worksite.

Don’t Want to Leave Children, Too Many Children, Child with Special Needs, Children’s Services Involvement, Family Member with Sickness, Disability and or Mental Illness, Caring for Family Member, Interference with Family and Friends, Friend or Family Holding You Back, Single Parent.

Long-term Welfare Recipient, Fear of Losing Welfare Benefits, Fear of Losing Subsidized Housing Benefits, Exhausted TANF, Negative Attitude, don’t want to work/not motivated, Low Self-Esteem, Lack of Confidence, Too Busy, Social Isolation, Appearance, Lack of Personal Hygiene, Too Old, Too Young, Fear of Other People, Fear of Rejection, Displaced Homemakers, Concerns with Restitution, Cultural Barriers, Seasonal/Farmworker.

Ex-Offender, Criminal Backgrounds, Criminal Record – Within 7 Years, Disadvantage Backgrounds, Permanent Residency is Expired, Not a United States Citizen...

Everyone is entitled to have healthy and caring relationships in their lives. Domestic violence can be stressful, draining, and painful to acknowledge, witness, experience, or intervene. Nowadays, the 8 common types of abuse are: physical, verbal, emotional, mental, financial, digital, stalking, and sexual. Twelve common reasons that victims stay in abusive relationships are: fears, love, children, lack of resources, religious and cultural restrictions, legal status, disability, intimidation, low self-esteem, shame, normalized abuse. Abuse is a learned behavior to gain control and power or prioritize their needs over other people's needs. When we work on building healthy relationships, it is important to be aware, to recognize of poor behaviors, take a deep breath to pause and freeze the behaviors, and make our choice to choose good behaviors instead.

REMEMBER THAT GOD IS OUR SALVATION.
WE CAN BE TRANSFORMED IN GOD'S GRACE

WILLINGNESS IS A STATE OF MIND.

Removing all the BUT - all the restraining thoughts - out of your mind and your mouth. Replacing it with God's help, do your research, talk to people who have the strength and success in the area, pray on it to ensure you are moving in the Devine's light, and march forward with faith. With willingness, you will be able to receive guidance and are coachable. You are getting closer to where you want to be. God's Blessings are with You!

Let Us Review Our Journeys and

DISCOVER OUR LIVES' PURPOSES.

What Are my life's purposes...?
It is very important to take time to do some deep reflections without denials, genuinely looking into things. Ask ourselves questions we sometimes avoid or hidden under the rugs as long as possible. Look into our strengths, the struggles we want to overcome or already overcame, the challenges our loved ones have to live with, our yearning for something deeper within our hearts, acknowledge our passions perhaps they have been hidden or suppressed for any reasons, and always remember and stay true to our core values? Make sure that God is at our core as we pray, make any decision and march forward in doing our best and allow God to help us taking care of the rest.
May God's Grace Transform Our Lives Today and Always!

Preparedness

What should i do to prepare for...
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
― Abraham Lincoln ―

Building

OUR ENERGY

We need energy to think awesomely, feel great and do amazing things, and therefore, we are building our energy to meet important goals in life. Our elements are inter-connected and interdependent. Lowering our standard is different from neglecting things that are important to us. Therefore, we need to be in great spirits with the Lord our God, say enough graceful things to ourselves daily, eat enough real food (non-process food), intake enough healthy fluid such as water, physically move around enough, expose to enough amount of sunlight and fresh air, sleep enough, do our blood check and thyroid to understand our medical condition if we experience fatigue, know and address our allergies, read and listen to positive trends of beliefs and perspectives, spend enough time with the people we want to be with, do enough activities that we enjoy doing, withdraw less than what we deposit, do our homework for the goals we have in mind (example: if you want to become a mail deliver specialist, make sure you start walking many miles daily, and have good vision, have good driving record and reading ability.) and apply coping mechanism regularly to not let stress and negative thoughts, challenging individual, substance, and things take over the best of us. Building anything requires hard work and persistency and the great results are always very worth it. May God's Abundance Blessings are Always with Us.

Research Reference

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direction... Values, Needs and Wants influence the direction of life.