We are all meant to be builders of our own incredible lives. You make it hard on yourself to do this when you are so focused on what everyone else is doing, especially people who have no idea that you even exist. If you feel lost, it's because you're off track. Get back to building … Continue reading Builders
Author: Fox Michaels
Fox Michaels is a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Practitioner from the Academy of Modern Applied Psychology. He is an intuitive leader with more than 15 years experience as a trainer. In his spare time, Fox writes the ongoing blog Like a Fox!, where he shares his fun, joyful approach to life and love, as his own way of contributing to the Human Potential Movement. When not reading from his library full of personal development books, you can find Fox enjoying the cinema perks of being on AMC’s A-List, and also working to make sure that he’s the most stylish man on his own Instagram page. Feel free to check out if he's succeeding with that @foxmichaels.
Artificial
It's important to remember that no matter how impressive, if something is "artificial" that means it isn't the real thing. And nothing will compare to the real thing, even with all of it's human foibles. After all, the almighty creator is responsible for the real thing, not anything artificial.
Youth
They say that youth is wasted on the young, but truly, they can have it. Because with youth there is a lot of inexperience, ignorance and insecurity. And that's important, because all of those things motivate you to grow. In youth it is the perfect time to establish healthy ways to grow into your best … Continue reading Youth
Underneath
We're sold a lot of products and techniques in order to help keep our outside appearance looking acceptable. And, "acceptable" apparently means as young as possible, but in your prime, tan but not too dark, fit but "fit" per the current trend. It can be a full-time job just to keep up. It's all backwards … Continue reading Underneath
Tension
A little bit of tension can help motivate, a lot of tension can cause a final snap. The key is awareness. Be aware of what kind of tension you're dealing with. By the way, the key to everything is awareness.
Stress
Stress is a killer. You could eat the most healthy nutritious diet. You could hydrate perfectly. You could exercise, even stretch regularly, but if you don't have your stress levels in check, all those other things will only stave off an inevitably bitter end. Life brings stress, but you don't have to keep it. Learn … Continue reading Stress
Relationship
Everything in our life involves a relationship. That includes the relationship we have with ourselves. In fact, that one is fundamental. Your relationship with yourself will determine your relationship with anyone else. If you don't respect yourself, you have no respect to give another. If you don't love yourself, you have no love to give. … Continue reading Relationship
Presence
Like it or not, you bring with you a unique presence that is unmistakable. Hopefully you like this, and that means you've consciously thought about your presence and what it projects. You shouldn't be artificial, and you needn't be extra. You should just be deliberately, unapologetically you. Let your presence be known.
Obligations
We all have obligations we're duty-bound to fulfill, even though we'd rather have what we think is freedom. But it's those very obligations that enable us to enjoy the freedoms we have. And, we still have a choice whether or not to honor these obligations. Not everyone has that choice. Our obligations are better than … Continue reading Obligations
New
You get a chance for a new day each time you wake up to it. This won't always be the case. But while it is, cherish those new days. Cherish the chance of untold possibilities that each new day brings. And live it up.
Movie Stars
Movie stars are just people. Their job is to entertain and tell stories, and it's true that it comes with fame, even sometimes big paydays. They get publicly awarded for their work, and the masses clamor to hear what they have to say. And then they rip them apart for every word. The public give … Continue reading Movie Stars
Lighthouse
A lighthouse is an important structure that shines a bright light as a beacon of help to ships on rough waters in stormy weather. We all have some sort of a "lighthouse" in our own lives. It could be a solid, trusted friend, or our faith in a higher power, or even our own confidence. … Continue reading Lighthouse
Knowledge
Knowledge is power, but only when you use it. It's important to combine it with wisdom, in order to be able to use it best. Hoarding it for its own sake is foolish, as knowledge is most valuable when shared. It's a perfect aid for human relations. This is because knowledge is most effective when … Continue reading Knowledge
Joyful Living
Joyful living is a lifestyle choice. It's like physical fitness, you do it to have a better quality of life. It sustains you. But you have to keep at it, or else you'll fall out of shape, and much quicker than you would hope you would. So, much like physical fitness, you have to show … Continue reading Joyful Living
Imagination
One of our greatest gifts, perhaps our utmost greatest gift, is our incredible imagination. Your imagination is what helps you create everything for your world. It's what helps you do anything. You imagine it first, and then it makes logical sense to you. In fact, Einstein famously said, "Logic will get you from A to … Continue reading Imagination
Hold On
Hold on until the ride is over. Don't let go before it does. It may seem daunting, but it's a ride after all, so there will be ups and downs. All you have to do is hold on, the ride itself takes you through the adventure. The ride is call life. Your life is the … Continue reading Hold On
Generosity
Generosity can't be faked. If you're giving for the sake of appearing generous, then that's not exactly generous. That is transactional. It's fine, as long as this is understood by all parties. Generosity is given purely for the sake of expressing love and affection. It is more rare than you might think, but this also … Continue reading Generosity
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is so much more than some act of goodwill. Forgiveness is critical for your own well-being. If you hold onto resentments they'll eat away at you much more than they'll ever disturb the wrongdoer. Forgive to lighten your heart. You don't have to forget, but you should definitely drop the resentment, and move on.
Express
The word "express" has a few meanings. One being to communicate your thoughts. Another is to operate at high speed, like on an expressway. Both meanings define extremely relevant values for modern society. We need things to deliver at an express rate. And because we are so globally interconnected, it is imperative that we express … Continue reading Express
Destiny
The idea of destiny is pretty much a fantasy, unless you understand the nature of reality. And that is you see what you believe. So, destiny is what you've decided it is. And if you've decided it, then you're destined for it, whatever "it" is.
Confidence
Confidence is an extremely powerful value. That's why your confidence is always under attack. You can't be scared or influenced unless your confidence is weakened. And so, you're bombarded with all kinds of messaging, showing you how inadequate you are, how flawed, all so that you will willingly subscribe to certain groups or buy certain … Continue reading Confidence
Belong
The first gatekeeper you need to get past before you can belong, is your own self and your preconceived ideas about your worthiness. Really, the only gatekeeper you need to worry about getting past before you belong is yourself. Because once you believe in your own worth, you will go to the best place for … Continue reading Belong
Aspire
If you want to improve, you need to aspire to something greater than you currently are. Aspire to something grand. And then, and here's the important part, take action towards it. Keep actively moving towards it, and eventually you'll get there, or to something even better.
Yoga
Yoga can be great for helping with your flexibility. And that relates to your mind as well as your body. There's a quote that goes something like, Yoga isn't just about touching your toes, it's about what you learn on the way down to them. It's just a great way to integrate you mind and … Continue reading Yoga
Write
When you feel desperate or confused and you don't know what can help, write. When you're not sure exactly what to say, start writing. Writing will help you clarify your thoughts and come up with the right words. It's exercise for the part of your brain that communicates. Much like lifting weights will tone your … Continue reading Write
Volumes
Your life is so expansive that you have much more than just a few chapters in a single book to experience. You have volumes of books in a matching set, filled with chapter after chapter after chapter. And you can keep writing your story until you're done. Don't limit yourself to a tiny single novella, … Continue reading Volumes
Undo
Technically speaking, it's impossible to undo something because it's already been done. Time only moves forward. There isn't a rewind button for real life. The best you can do is to redo it. Or do it again, but better this time. So, in summary, what was already done is done. You can't undo it, but … Continue reading Undo
Tedious
There are some tasks we have to do that are just tedious. But, we have to do them in order to keep life running smoothly. As with everything, it's how you look at it. These tedious tasks could be looked at as boring, miserable, and burdens. Or they can be looked at as beneficial, easy, … Continue reading Tedious
Survival
Survival can be thought of as an act of love for yourself. Surviving is active. You have to actively participate in it. And remember, you've already survived your worst days. Survival is an act of love, and you've mastered it.
Release
Release your grip on how you think your life should go, and allow it to unfold for you. Holding on too tight can only strangle what is trying breathe through you. Release, breathe, and let yourself live your life.
Presidents
Presidents are powerful indeed. But they still need people to lead. Without the people, they are presidents of nothing. So, the people are a very important factor in the equation. Most likely the most important factor. It's important for everyone to remember this. All credit and certainly all blame does not fall solely on a … Continue reading Presidents
Organized
Some people may say they thrive in chaos, but at best, they're really only surviving in chaos. Chaos, inherently is chaotic, and not conducive for anything to survive long term, let alone thrive in. The environment that can help ensure the greatest success is one that is organized. An organized space gives a sense of … Continue reading Organized
Nine Lives
The concept of "nine lives" can sound cool, as if it's supernatural. In reality, we get something so much better than just nine lives, we get an eternal existence. We're made of energy. It's what keeps us running, what heals us. And, energy doesn't cease to exist. So, we don't cease to exist. We will … Continue reading Nine Lives
Manageable
It's ideal when whatever you want to accomplish is easily manageable. A big part of that is you and how you approach it. In other words, it can be manageable when you decide that it is. It won't be magically perfect, but it will be better if your attitude aligns with it being better. Truly … Continue reading Manageable
Little
The thing about being little, is it's perfectly fine if it's only a physical matter. Because you can always grow, either up or out if you don't want to be that little anymore. And, as with anything physical, "little" is a matter of context. You could be little compared to some, and huge compared to … Continue reading Little
Keeping Up
It can be extremely stressful just making sure you're keeping up with living your life. The question is, are you worried and thinking about keeping up, or are you doing it? Sometimes we're so busy thinking about what we should be doing, that we waste all of our time and energy in worry before we … Continue reading Keeping Up
Jump
You are in charge of your choices. Allowing someone else to make a choice for you is a choice. It's better to choose for yourself. And then jump into action. You've got to make things work for yourself. So jump to it.
Instincts
Your instincts are your greatest gift to help you navigate this life. They are the hunches you get from your higher wisdom and they are meant to always steer you in the right direction. That's why the world tries so hard to distract you from them. It will make a ruckus and worse, it will … Continue reading Instincts
Help
Often, the most difficult thing to ask is for help. That's usually because we believe we won't get it. That belief is like a locked vault on our mind preventing any relief from getting in or out. Everyone is fighting some inner battle we're not fully aware of. It's important to pay attention to the … Continue reading Help
Grow
You just can't keep things how they are forever. You need to grow. Because, if you aren't growing, then you're dying. Nothing is staying the same. Two choices, grow or perish. Might as well get deliberate and positively grow.
February
February brings a lot to the table. It's the second month of the year, so all of those half-baked New Year's resolutions usually fizzle out by now. It's still cold and dark in my part of the world, and can often feel like an in-the-meantime month. It's also the shortest month of the year, but … Continue reading February
Excerpt
All that we ever see is but a tiny excerpt from someone else's life. Just a fraction of what's really going on with them. And yet, we tend to tack on all of our own personal judgments to fill out the rest of the story. We assume we know what's going on with them, because … Continue reading Excerpt
Death
Death, for the most part, sucks. Even if you think it would be best, for whatever situation, when it happens, it's not just not fun. But, death is incredibly important for the whole process of life to work. Death may not be fun, but its sobering reality is what makes the things that are fun … Continue reading Death
Caution
Caution is wise to practice but important keep in check. Being overly cautious may just be a cover for fear, whether it's justified or invented. As with anything, moderation is key when it comes to caution.
Behavior
Your behavior is how you respond to situations and the actions of others. It's also how you choose to treat others. And your behavior is basically broadcast from a mile away, to anyone observant enough. As it is, most people are so wrapped up in themselves and the hypnosis of modern technology that they can't … Continue reading Behavior
Attitude
Your attitude pretty much determines how the journey of your life will go. It doesn't fully determine where you'll go, but it will certainly affect how you get there. And in a life where it feels like everything is out of control, it's pretty great to realize that your incredibly influential attitude is fully in … Continue reading Attitude
Yesterday’s Gone
Yesterday is gone, along with all the ways things were done back then. Life only moves forward. So, when you only look backwards, and you try to live in the past, you end up getting real cranky. Usually you hide that crankiness under a cover of impassioned righteousness about how great it was back then, … Continue reading Yesterday’s Gone
Weather
Weather is going to do its thing, and it's not always pleasant. That's why we work to make sure that indoors we're protected and comforted from it. It's not unlike, oh, everything that's out there. Outside forces are going to do their thing. We can't control it, we don't even have to. We just need … Continue reading Weather
Vision
Vision helps you see. Vision also points the way to what you want to see. Best of all, you don't even need to rely on sight to have vision. Vision is a blessing. Remember to appreciate it.
User Friendly
"User friendly" often means, "dumbed down." Also, it usually refers to some kind of software. But, user friendly could very well refer to a type of person. It could refer to someone who is so concerned with appearing pleasant, that they're friendly without any kind of discernment. They're even friendly to those "users" who take … Continue reading User Friendly
Teamwork
Teamwork works best when the whole team works. If there are some who are not pulling their weight, they're not really part of the team, they're beneficiaries. A team depends on it's members' contributions, the work in teamwork. These same members can enjoy all of the advantages that come with being a part of a … Continue reading Teamwork
Some Days
Some days are better than others. Some days are worse than the rest. But all days are better than no days, when it comes to what you get. You only get a finite amount of them. No one knows how many exactly, or why some people get less than others. However, one day your number … Continue reading Some Days
Rest
Rest is just as important to your success as work. Rest is vital. But rest is not about distracting yourself with trivial time-wasting activities, it's about taking a break from all activity. Your brain and body get put through a lot. You should repay them by letting them rest and recharge every once in a … Continue reading Rest
Prepare
If you want things to go well, then help yourself out and be sure to prepare for the outcome you want. You have to be ready for it. Prepare the setting, and most importantly, prepare your mindset. Practice the feeling of it coming true in your mind, and you'll be ready for it to happen. … Continue reading Prepare
Original
Being original is so appealing because a copy is just a slightly off, somewhat faded replica. Why would you want to be a copy? The good news is that you can't help but be original because even if you try to be just like someone else, you're doing it from your own perspective. Might as … Continue reading Original
Next Time
It's a risky gamble, putting off doing what you need to do or say until "next time." Nobody is guaranteed any amount of time. Every moment we get is a gift. So, if you need to say something, say it now. If you need to do something, do it now. Because there may not be … Continue reading Next Time
Motivation
Motivation is a nice idea, but it doesn't stick around. You're better off building small, sustainable habits that you can get used to doing no matter the circumstances. Because, motivation will leave you the second things get difficult. And in the real world, things get difficult almost immediately.
Learning
Learning is so much more than gaining knowledge. Learning is realizing how to use it. And, the chance to keep learning never ends, if you're lucky. If you're not learning, you're rotting. The choice, as always, is yours. So, which one are your doing?
Kindness
Society is working really hard to stir up rage in each of us. Having us all enraged keeps us separated, confused and weak. Don't fall for it. Stop being so quick to anger. The world needs less rage and much more kindness. You may feel that your rage is justified. You may simply feel relief … Continue reading Kindness
January
January is the chance for a fresh start. It's the first month of the new year, and it's electric with new motivation to make changes, commence exciting goals, with a chance to leave the troubles of the previous year behind. The holidays are over, decorations come down, and the winter weather plus short days can … Continue reading January
Intelligence
Intelligence is not the same as knowledge. It's actually how well you use knowledge that determines your intelligence. Intelligence is not the same as education. There are incredibly intelligent people who never benefited from a proper education, and there some terrifically moronic dunces who have acquired all the formal education that money can buy. It … Continue reading Intelligence
History
History shows how it was done. The circumstances are different presently, so it's not a perfect model for how to do things now. However, those that ignore history are doomed to repeat it. So, even if the circumstances are updated, the lesson learned still has merit. The point here is, honor history, just don't get … Continue reading History
Generosity
Generosity isn't so much about what you give, it's about why you give. It could be your time, or energy, it could be nothing material whatsoever, and if you give it with the intent of helping another, that's generosity. It could be just one dollar, but if that's all you have to give and you … Continue reading Generosity
Flex
Show the world who you are. Flex your strongest muscle, that beautiful brain of yours. Flex and share your brilliant ideas. Because only you can think in the incredibly unique way that you do. And the world needs that. From everyone. Why else would you be here?
Easy
You might think you want it to be easy, but you should remember that easy means low stakes. Low stakes means low worth. So, when you're going for easy, you're also going for low worth. Is that really what you want?
Dreams
They say that dreams are free. It's true, it costs nothing to dream. But there is a cost to not pursuing them. It gets more expensive the longer you wait. Invest in your dreams now, while you can. Because before long, they'll be way out of your budget, and you'll end up having to settle … Continue reading Dreams
Careful
You could pretend to not care, to act as careless as you believe the rest of the world is. You could try that tactic to protect yourself. But all you're doing is straining to act against your very nature, and creating a prison world around you in the process. Why not embrace your humanness, and … Continue reading Careful
Bright Side
Look for the bright side. There will be times when there just isn't one. That's a sad reality. But keeping an eye out for it is much more enjoyable than staying down in the dumps. And looking for the bright side certainly helps your chances at finding it much more than leaving it up to … Continue reading Bright Side
All at Once
Your dreams can come together and become a reality all at once. It's pretty simple, actually. You just need to focus on making it a reality. When they do come true, it happens all at once because there is only ever this very moment. All the rest of it is just an idea. So when … Continue reading All at Once
Your Best
Don't hold back. You don't get an unlimited supply of days or opportunities. Why not give it your best, every time? Be excellent. This isn't a practice run, where you only need to mark it. This is your life happening right now. It's the real deal. Give it your best.
Worth
Only some things have a fair price, but everything has a cost. Often, being stingy and cheap costs you much more in the end. There comes a time when you have decide what you're worth. Once you do, never accept anything less than that. If you do, it will surely cost you.
Value
The value of something is the measure of worth it has been given. And, that worth is mostly subjective. It's interesting to note that once the thing is gone or lost, its perceived value skyrockets. We never really seem to get how important it is to appreciate the things we have right now. Because we … Continue reading Value
Updated
You function at your best when you have been updated with the most pertinent information. Life keeps rolling along, things change, adapt, and hopefully improve. Keep rolling along with it, and stay updated. Don't get stuck in the past. You don't live there anymore. You live now, so stay updated.
Teachers
Teachers are only human, just like you and me. What makes teachers extra special, however, is that they actually care to share with others how to be a better human. Giving is their nature, generosity is their spirit. They don't get nearly as much credit as they deserve. Teachers are society's heroes. Yet they can … Continue reading Teachers
Safety
Safety is a state of mind. Someone could be enclosed behind steel doors and still not feel safe, while another could be sleeping out in an open field and feel perfectly secure. If a feeling of safety is what you're after, then you need start with just that, the feeling of it. Safety comes from … Continue reading Safety
Respect
Respect should be freely given, but in reality it needs to be earned. The best way to do that is to show respect yourself. Be respectful and you'll earn respect in turn. It's not a guarantee, but it does help your chances greatly.
Peace
The thing about peace is that you can't get it by fighting. You can get silence and capitulation by fighting, but that's run by fear not peace. And fear that hangs around long enough turns in anger, which turns into rage. Those are not recipes for peace. Peace requires a peaceful heart. Peace comes from … Continue reading Peace
Organized
Organizers are popular on TV and social media because what they offer seems to be more than just an organized space. They offer a way to peace of mind. Our personal environments can represent our mental state. A cluttered home or office oftentimes represents a cluttered and stressed mind. Getting our spaces organized feels peaceful … Continue reading Organized
New Beginnings
New Beginnings generally follow endings of some kind. So, the next time you find yourself coming to the end of something, don't despair. Realize that you're on your way to a new beginning just beyond this ending. Keep looking ahead, that's where the good stuff is happening.
Musical
Don't die with the music still inside you. Don't hide your gifts or even delay what you are meant to do. Make your life musical, let the music of your life be heard, whether that's literal or not. The time to begin is now, the place to start from is right here. Begin.
Love
We are meant to love while we are here. It isn't as complicated as people think. It isn't meant to be as complex or big or difficult as people think. It's the most natural thing to be. Be love. Give love. Receive love. Love. Start the new year out with more love in your life.
Kindness
It bears repeating: in the choice between being "right" or being "kind," choose kindness. There are just too many variables at play to guarantee you're going to be 100% right anyway, and sticking to your guns on this issue over being right will only make you look like a supreme jerk, so you lose anyway. … Continue reading Kindness
Jubilant
There are no rules that say you can't simply be jubilant for getting to live your life. So why not try it? Why is being jubilant just for the sake of it more weird than actively being bothered, disappointed and angry... just for the sake of it? You're choosing either way. Jubilant just sounds like … Continue reading Jubilant
Immediately
The decision to change for the better can happen immediately. Sticking to that decision and fulfilling the choice will take a lot longer. The thing about immediately made decisions is that they can just as immediately change. For a decision of improvement to stick, it has to be repeatedly acted on until a new habit … Continue reading Immediately
Help Others
Want to improve your life and feel great? Help others. Help yourself by helping others. It gets you out of your head, takes your mind off of your problems, and lets you accomplish some real good in the world. When you help others, you don't just help them, you help yourself and the world as … Continue reading Help Others
Gifts
Gifts are a fun part of holiday celebrations. It's exciting to get them, and just as exciting to give them. The shopping and planning the surprise are all part of the fun. And we usually gift the ones who gift us back, so it feels reciprocal. Beyond this we are gifted with so much more … Continue reading Gifts
Festive
You don't need to have a bunch of decorations and party food to be festive. All you need is a willingness to enjoy the moment and the people around you. That's what it's all about. Choose to be festive with what you've got right now, with your loved ones while they're here.
Enjoy the Season
The holiday season is busy, full of activities, visits, and traditions to keep. It can make you feel stressed, anxious and ready for it to be over already. The thing is that it will be over before you know it. It's just a short few weeks, one season at the end of the year. And … Continue reading Enjoy the Season
Decide
The first step to creating anything you want in your life, is to decide you want to. Then decide on the course of action you need to take. And then decide to take the first step in that direction. The point is that you get to make these choices all for yourself. You just have … Continue reading Decide
Christmas Magic
There is an undeniable magic in the air at Christmas time. People focus on their loved ones, gathering around and bestowing gifts of love to each other. And it seems to lift the moods of most as they spread cheer thinking about actively being jolly. They decorate with festive ornaments and lights and indulge in … Continue reading Christmas Magic
Be Well
Be well. It's the only thing your loved ones truly want for you. They want you to be well. And, that's also what you want for them. Sure, success and things, even experiences are nice to think about for them, but at the base of it all, if we know our loved ones are well, … Continue reading Be Well
All Over Again
Things may start to seem repetitive. You find yourself getting up, doing the same things to get ready, starting your day, living your day, and ending your day, only to get up the next day and do it all over again. But don't fall for the trap of thinking you get to just do it … Continue reading All Over Again
Years
It's a funny phenomenon you discover the longer you live. Years don't last as long as they used to, the more they add up in your life. A year that once seemed to be significant length of time in one's life, begins to zip along as one ages. Pay attention to these days rushing by, … Continue reading Years
Worth
Worth is subjective. It can raise or lower depending on a lot of outside factors. Something may be worth a fortune in certain circumstances, and viewed as completely worthless in others. So, if you find that your own worth isn't valued, perhaps you should change the circumstances. Because that viewpoint has nothing to do with … Continue reading Worth
Visitors
A Christmas Carol is a classic tale about a man named Ebenezer Scrooge, and his life choices. It's set on Christmas Eve, when he is visited by the ghost of his deceased business partner who was just a selfish as he is and is now paying for it in the afterlife. Later he's visited by … Continue reading Visitors
Unity
Unity is the state of being united together to form a whole, and there's great strength in that. So, why does it seem like we are being actively divided against each other? Why are our differences pitted against each other? Why is the strength of unity so feared?
Teachable
Learning is growing. Growth is the key to life. If you aren't growing, you're dying, so it helps to keep learning. To do this, you need to choose to be teachable. Anything can be your teacher, especially struggle. So, have a growth mindset, be teachable, and you can see how much the world wants to … Continue reading Teachable
Say it Now
If you have anything you want to say to a loved one, say it now. If you have anything you want to say to anyone, say it sooner rather than later. We never know how much time we have left. It could be over in a flash. Don't leave with those things on your heart … Continue reading Say it Now
Rewards
The best motivating factors are the rewards you've decided on for yourself. Flashy prizes are fun and all, but unless they have a personal meaning for you, they're just all flash. A reward might not even mean anything to anyone else but you. It could be the thought that you made healthy choices for yourself … Continue reading Rewards
Previous Experience
Previous experience may help you gain a bit of wisdom, but don't make the mistake in thinking it's a reliable roadmap for what lies ahead. Life is creative, adaptive and surprising. And it's all about what's in front of you, not behind. So, previous experience is great for character development, but it is not something … Continue reading Previous Experience
Like a Fox! 