Notifications can be very helpful, even exciting. They're great, until there's too many of them, too much of the time. They're kind of like people. It's best to see them in moderation.
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.
Mistakes
Mistakes are inevitable. They're how you learn what you need to know. They're lessons and can be blessings in disguise. In fact the only mistake you don't want to make is not acknowledging you make them.
Life
Life is a funny thing. We have no control over the length of it, but we are in charge of its width. In fact, we think our life is ours, but it can be taken away as randomly as it was given. The main point is that it's a gift, and we can cherish or … Continue reading Life
Kinder
Find a kinder way to respond. Find a kinder way to conduct yourself. Because even though it may be tempting to just go low and get them back, the world has too many assholes as it is. Don't be one yourself if you can help it. Be kinder.
Jaded
The lazy way is to allow yourself to get jaded. It's the lazy way, but it isn't easy. Because being jaded means you've made life hard. It becomes hard to put up with and only makes you more and more unpleasant, which will make life more and more hard to navigate because no one will … Continue reading Jaded
Image
You can try to manufacture a false image of yourself, one that you think the world will accept better, but who are you fooling? The image could appear flawless, but if it's made-up, then it will reek of desperate effort. The image may look good, but people pick up on the energy you give off, … Continue reading Image
Happy
Happy is a journey not a destination. It helps to think of it that way, especially when you end up taking pit stops along the way. And there will be a ton of pit stops, in some not so great places, like Sad Town, Angryville, and The Audacity City to name a few. Just remember … Continue reading Happy
Gravity
Gravity is already doing a good enough job pulling you down, don't add to it. Don't drag yourself down because your dreams feel too big. That's what dreams are supposed to be. Somewhere between the fantastical magnanimous scope of your dreams, and the sensible practicality of being "down to earth" is where you'll end up, … Continue reading Gravity
Failure
Failure to succeed at something isn't devastating, it's information. Failure isn't bad as long as you a, don't think of yourself as a failure, and b, don't let it stop you from moving forward.
Experts
And expert has devoted a lot of time and energy to studying and learning a particular field. They should be respected for their expertise. But they are still human, and so not all-knowing. Give respect, and also grace to acknowledge they aren't perfect.
Dream
Dream because you can. Because it helps to clarify what you want. Because it's the beginning of the creative process. Because the effort is so much sweeter if you're fulfilling a dream.
Cool
Be cool. But don't try to be cool, because that type of effort isn't cool. Show your awkwardness, show your vulnerability, and be authentic with it. That's cool.
Bend
Remember to not be so rigid that you can easily break. Have standards of course, but remember, it's the trees that can bend in a storm that survive. The ones that won't budge, end up snapping in powerful gust of wind.
Again
Keep in mind, that we don't get unlimited amounts of anything. So, if you get to go out to dinner again, or start holiday decorating again, or visit your aging relatives again, remember that these moments are precious. There won't always be an "again". At some point it will be the last time. Knowing that … Continue reading Again
Years
The thing about years, they go faster the more of them you collect. As you age, years no longer seem like the major milestones they used to. Instead, they seem to breeze by, until you suddenly look back and five years took the place of what only one used to feel like. The point is, … Continue reading Years
Winning
The thing about winning, is once you've realized you've already won, because it's your life, that's winning.
Vying for Attention
Realize that the reason why every single marketing tool is desperately vying for your attention is because it is the most valuable thing in our modern society. Energy flows where attention goes, and that translates into where we spend our money. Guard your attention for the precious resource it is. Because everyone else is already … Continue reading Vying for Attention
Underlying Causes
It's important to not only focus on the symptoms of a problem, but to address the underlying causes. Those are harder to see, harder to fix, but crucial to address. And if there's a problem, be prepared to realize that there are underlying causes.
Teams
In order to have a successful team, it's got to be filled with people that want to be there. Otherwise it's just a group of people thrown together, forced to cooperate. And that doesn't seem to work out with humans.
September
September is a big transitional month. Even though it's still fairly hot, and technically summer, the light changes ever so slightly and the feeling of fall, or autumn, blankets over you. Our fast-paced world makes us want to speed things along ourselves, so Halloween decorations start popping up, and stores start pushing sweaters and knitwear. … Continue reading September
Revenge
Revenge is not worth it. There's a saying that if you seek revenge you should dig two graves, because essentially you're attacking yourself just as much as the "enemy" that you're seeking revenge on. Revenge eats away at you every second you entertain the thought of it. Even if you get to inflict it, you've … Continue reading Revenge
Peace
Peace is simplicity. No clutter, no loud noise, no demanding appointments, just simplicity. A great way to achieve peace is to simplify.
Orders
Orders sounds official and formidable. If someone issues orders, you're supposed to follow them. But, remember, it's your choice if you do. You could choose not to, and then deal with the consequences. Usually they're in your best interest to follow them. But remember, you always have a choice.
Negativity
Negativity can take over your outlook faster than you realize. It pretends to be a protective mechanism. But before you know it, you're criticizing and discounting everything, all in the name of being discerning. Negativity can ruin your relationships. If you're not careful, negativity can end up being your personality. Stay aware of the quality … Continue reading Negativity
More
The idea of needing more can be tricky. You could end up always needing more, because that's what you're focused on. It might be a good idea to take stock of what you have right now, and focus on appreciating it. Then decide if you need more, or if you simply want more.
Let Go
Energy needs to keep moving. Life needs to keep moving. In order to live, you have to let go and move with life. Let go.
Keeping Up
Our lives are so scheduled and then filled with distractions that we seem compelled to always keep up with. Don't forget yourself in all of this. It's your life. You're in charge of it. Be sure that you're keeping up with you.
Junk Food
Junk food is poison. It seems like a treat at first. It tastes good, can be easy to get, and it seems to be always available. But it's extremely unhealthy and can make you all sorts of sick. Gossip is kind of like junk food for your brain. It can seem like a treat at … Continue reading Junk Food
Investments
Your most valuable asset is time, and all you can do is spend it. The question is, what will you spend it on? Will you invest it in learning new skills? How about quality time with loved ones? Or will you spend it on mindless entertainment and distractions. Some are costs, the others are investments. … Continue reading Investments
Honor
Honor is earned. It's best earned by giving it to others. Treat them with honor, and earn it for yourself.
Grace
Grace is what allows you to be. And it's with grace that you should allow others to be as well. What goes around comes around, and back around it comes again. Live with grace. Extend grace to others.
Failure
A failure all depends on how you look at it. One perspective can look at a failure as simply information. Choosing not to see a failure as simply a result, could be a failure all in itself.
Easy
We always think we want things to be easy, but "easy" always comes with a cost. Easy is deceptive. Easy comes with strings attached. Easy ends up being a big hassle in the end. There's actually nothing easy about it. Hard work pays off. Put in the effort. You'll be glad you did.
Drama
You'll find as much drama as you are looking for. It's all in how you look at it. If you don't want drama, don't entertain it. Refuse to get baited, and eventually it will move on. Unfortunately, life always comes with a bit of drama, and people certainly do. So, unless you can find a … Continue reading Drama
Create
At some point you've got to get sick of only consuming, whether it be online content, material items, or food. If you consume too much it's bad, and if all you do is consume it becomes misery. The cure is to create. Contribute through creation. If you're stuck on what to create, look to what … Continue reading Create
Being
We're called human beings, as we are being humans. We're not human doings, we're human beings, so it's funny that one of the first questions we get asked when meeting someone is, "What do you do?" And that question always seems to rile you up, because it makes you feel like you're inadequate if you're … Continue reading Being
August
August is a hot month. It's the month when traditional "summer stuff" starts wrapping up. Time to get in the last of those vacations, beach excursions, and pool days before the new school season starts and business starts getting serious for the upcoming fourth quarter. Admittedly, August has always felt like the "Sunday afternoon of … Continue reading August
You’ll Know
You'll know when it's time to make your move. You may worry that you actually don't know when that is, but that is only because it isn't the right time. When it's the right time, you'll know.
Winners
True winners are those who appreciate the moment, but understand how fleeting it is. They're gracious because of this, as they know the tables can turn oh, so quickly. This makes them "true" winners, because with this outlook, they've really won at the game of life.
Vanity
Vanity is usually a trait employed to cover up a deep insecurity. Not about one's looks, or talent, whatever they're vain about, but an insecurity that it's all they're good for. If someone acts extremely vain over their good looks, it's usually because they think (or have been told) that they hold no other value. … Continue reading Vanity
Unicorns
Unicorns are so fantastical because they're unlike anything we've seen in "real life." They're somewhat equestrian, but you could easily spot them in a herd of horses, because they would stand out with their sparkly horn and colorful glittering mane. It takes major confidence to be that fabulous. To not only stand out from the … Continue reading Unicorns
Talk
Talk is cheap, but it can cost you dearly. Listening is free, but incredibly valuable. Somewhere in there is wisdom. Creation designed it for two ears, and one mouth, because it's grander to listen more and to talk less.
Spreads like Wildfire
Just like a wildfire can spread fast creating mass destruction if you don't stomp it out at its small beginnings, so too can negativity spread among humans. Stomp it out as soon as you spot it. Don't fan the flames of negativity. Kill it before it begins, if you can. Or at the very least, … Continue reading Spreads like Wildfire
Revel
Celebrate your live. Cheer and revel in your wins and accomplishments. But remember that life keeps moving forward. Don't get stuck in a moment. You never want to stay too long at the party because it can turn sad after too long, as if all you're doing is looking backwards. Revel and celebrate, but remember … Continue reading Revel
Patience
Patience is a virtue as long as you're clear on what you're waiting for. If you're simply allowing someone to waste your time with disrespect, then you aren't being virtuous in your patience, you're being a doormat. Be calm, be patient, but know how to respect yourself.
Outrageous
Why do we keep ourselves small? Why do we worry so much about what other people think? Truly, social media has made this issue worse. What was meant to connect people, seems to have helped embolden their vicious judgments. But keeping ourselves small, stifles us until we just want to be let out of our … Continue reading Outrageous
Needs
If we can only get clear on the difference between our needs and our wants, we can help end some unnecessary anguish. As it stands, too many of us think too many of our wants are needs. Since we're lacking in most of them, it feels like we're suffering. But, truly we have a small … Continue reading Needs
Motives
We all have our motives for our actions. Some are more obvious than others. Some are more obvious to others than they are to ourselves. Some are common. Some are a mystery. Sounds like anything regarding humans.
Look
Look and see what's in front of you. It's there, right now, but it may be completely different without all of the expectations and judgments you're tacking onto it. Look at it without all of that, if you dare, and see the world before you.
Kill ’em With Kindness
The idea to "kill them with kindness" is catchy because it seem so aggressively ironic. In actuality you shouldn't focus on the "kill" part, but only concern yourself with the "kind" bit. The idea is, if they're truly awful, the fact that you remain kind will "kill" them internally by their own pettiness. They're doing … Continue reading Kill ’em With Kindness
Jealousy
Jealousy is not an emotion to mess with. If you entertain it, it can quickly knock you down a low depressing path that is extremely difficult to come up from. Jealousy can make an awkward experience even worse, by adding conflict and anger. It's far better to drop it the moment you feel it coming, … Continue reading Jealousy
Interesting
What's interesting to you may not be to others. The reverse is also true. We're supposed to have different interests, because we are all unique, just everyone else. If only we all understood this, then peace could ultimately be possible.
Handle With Care
Doesn't matter what it is, if you are in charge of it, handle it with care. You're teaching the world how to act by example. How you do anything is how you do everything. So teach the world to be full of care, and teach it to be careful with its responsibilities.
Give What You Can
A sure way to prove abundance is to give away what you can. This is because in order to be able to this, you have to be abundant enough with something to give. Realizing this makes you realize that you are abundant. This realization helps you to attract more abundance to you. Abundance isn't greedy. … Continue reading Give What You Can
Fix it
Sometimes the most important fix for something is to realize you can't fix it. Sometimes what you need to fix is your incessant need for it to always work out. Fix it when you can, make peace with when you can't.
Expressive
Even if you don't say a word, you are communicating your thoughts. Sometimes you're communicating them even more so by not saying a word. We are expressive beings. We all have thoughts that run through us, so we all can pick them up from each other in one way or another. It's just that words … Continue reading Expressive
Driven
Being "driven" in life can be a great thing. That is unless you find that you have been driven all the way to the edge of a cliff. As with everything, moderation is key. It's nice to be driven, but there's no need to speed.
Customize
It's your life, you don't need to follow a cookie-cutter route. You get to customize how it looks and what it represents. That's the whole point to having you here. There's around 8 billion people, and so that's 8 billion chances to customize how to lead a life. People just need to make the choice.
Better Days
If you're going through a hard time, remember that there are better days ahead. And if you're doing okay, remember that these could very well be the better days that you dreamed of before when you might have been struggling. Better days don't have to be extraordinary. They could just be ordinary, average, and lovely … Continue reading Better Days
Answers
Oftentimes when you go looking for answers, you discover that they vary as much as the different perspectives that are giving them. Oftentimes answers depend on the one who answers them. Truth may not be subjective, but people's personal feelings and opinions certainly are. That's why it's always wise to consider the source.
Yes
It is most certainly important to learn how to say no. It's vital that we know how to look out for ourselves, and not let others cross our own boundaries. But it's also important to remember to say yes to what you want in life. Try not to be so focused on saying no that … Continue reading Yes
Wonderment
If you aren't often in a state of wonderment looking at the miracle that is your life, then you're not doing it right. You're either listening to the wrong messages... and there's a lot of those spewing out lately... or you've forgotten to simply be grateful. Life is a wonderment. We're supposed to enjoy it … Continue reading Wonderment
Visibility
In order to get what you want you need to put yourself out there. Visibility is crucial. The internet and social media has caused a lot of anonymity as well as a slew of trouble and unhappiness. It's not all bad online, but the hiding aspect certainly isn't great. Visibility helps keep things honest. And … Continue reading Visibility
Understanding
The goal of communication is to achieve understanding. We need to be able to understand where we each are coming from. That comes from getting out of our own heads, and out meeting each other at least halfway. With understanding comes peace. So, lets get an understanding among everyone, like yesterday.
Totally
When people say "totally" they really only mean "for the most part" at best. It's interesting how we tend to use hyperbole in our language as if just stating reality isn't enough. As if what we represent isn't enough. Is all of this hyperbole in our conversations just like the filtered exaggerated images in our … Continue reading Totally
Stick With It
If you want to find success in any prospect, you need to stick with it. It won't always be smooth sailing, and it most likely will take a while to get there. Persistence is imperative. That and sticking with small, forward steps, is a simple recipe for accomplishing your goals.
Risk
Risk is determined by what you stand to lose in the effort to gain. Sometimes the stakes are extremely high, like life or death, other times it only involves something subjective or even made up, like your self-created image. What are you willing to risk?
Public
At times it may seem like it would be wonderful if everyone, the whole public, disappeared, and you were left alone. People out there can be rude, loud, and abrasive. But that's also how they can be your greatest teachers. Pay attention to what annoys you in others' behaviors, and then see if you aren't … Continue reading Public
Orbit
The orbit is the trajectory of a planet around a sun. It's also the trajectory of whatever we revolve our individual lives around. The question is, do you orbit a bright, shiny star, or have you been caught up in suffocating black hole? You get a choice in this. You just have to be aware … Continue reading Orbit
Noise
Noise can be a nuisance to one person, and pure music to another. It all depends on perspective. Actually, that's the main thought: It all depends on perspective.
Minute
Sometimes you can't take it day by day, sometimes you can only focus on making it from one minute to the next. The word minute also means "extremely small," and sometimes all you can focus on is an extremely small step forward. (In this version of minute, the "i" rhymes with the word "sky") But … Continue reading Minute
Let it Go
You limit what you can allow into your life by clutching on to what you already have. A closed fist can't receive anything more. Besides, clutching on so tight will only strangle and crush what you are holding onto. Let it go.
Keep Calm
It makes the experience of living your life much more pleasant when you can keep calm. You're going to continue experiencing the ups and downs until there are no more ups anyway. Might as well keep your calm and take it easy along the way.
July
July is right smack dab in the heart of the summer. Even still, the harsh weather shocks, and if you find yourself doing anything other than hanging out by the pool or the beach, in a hammock or a dark and cool movie theater, then it almost feels like you're being pranked. It's too hot … Continue reading July
Inspiration
Inspiration can come from anywhere, you just have to allow it in. Awareness is important, allowing is crucial. With these tools you're ready to get inspiration anywhere.
Happy
We often hear people tell their loved ones that they just want them to be happy. And often they try to help provide the circumstances or objects that they think will provide this happiness. But if they only realized that happiness comes from a choice to be happy, then maybe they'd try a different way. … Continue reading Happy
Grateful
Every spiritual practice calls for practicing gratitude. And how can anyone not be grateful? We get to choose our lives, even the challenging parts. These bodies of ours run on their own, pumping blood, breathing, beating our hearts, and healing even through all the damage we inflict on them. They heal right up until the … Continue reading Grateful
F-word
The "F" word could refer to any number of words beginning with the letter F, not just the popular slur. Family, friend, failure, favorite, these are all "F" words that can bring shivers down your spine, or make your blood boil. It all depends on your personal perspective. It's just like the famous "F'n" slur. … Continue reading F-word
Enlightenment
Enlightenment isn't hard to achieve, you just have to turn on the light. Of course, you'll most likely stumble in the dark until you find the light switch. Some people let their fear of stumbling stop them from moving. Hence the light doesn't get turned on. Hence, no enlightenment.
Destiny
Destiny can be a romantic notion, thinking your story has been mapped out for you, and, say, your dream partner or dream job is destined to find you. But what would be the point if everything was already decided ahead of time for you? What purpose would destiny serve if only to play out what … Continue reading Destiny
Calm
Calm should be more of our natural state instead of a goal to achieve and shell out big bucks for. Why are our lifestyles filled with so much agitation and stress? How did we get this way? And who gains from us not being calm? Is the promise of "calm" a profitable industry? When there's … Continue reading Calm
Bravery
Bravery is hard. You would think you'd feel brave to have bravery, but instead you feel scared. That's the secret. You feel the same fear as everyone else, but you don't let it stop you like it does most. You forge through despite being scared silly. That's bravery.
Afterwards
When we aren't enjoying something, we just can't wait until afterwards when it's over. When we're bored we think of afterwards when the situation will change. When we're having a blast, we think of afterwards and if we can keep the fun going or not. But afterwards is only a fantasy. Once we're in it, … Continue reading Afterwards
Yarn
Yarn tends to bring up images of the elderly. Of course, dear older ladies tend to knit. They also tend to share long, winding stories, sometimes called "telling a yarn." They may seem rambling, but that's just because life has many twists and turns itself, and these stories are sharing the treasure of life experience. … Continue reading Yarn
Wing It
Stop stressing so much. At the end of the day, you're basically gonna just wing it, anyway. We're all just "winging it" in life. There are no official handbooks, set in stone rules, on how to do every little thing. But those things get done only when you get out there and do them. And, … Continue reading Wing It
Visualization
Visualization is not that complicated. It's fairly easy to do, and everyone can do it. It's just the images will be different for each person. What you see in your mind's eye is different that what I see, even if only slightly. We all see something uniquely different. It's a good lesson to remember for … Continue reading Visualization
Unbecoming
Unbecoming is just a polite and gentle way to say "crude," "gross," or "disgusting." So, in effect, the word "unbecoming" itself is much more appealing than what it is describing. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the rest of the world was a polite and gentle as the word "unbecoming"? Aren't you over the world being … Continue reading Unbecoming
Treasure
Remember the saying that, One man's trash is another man's treasure. Also, remember that a treasure's value is subjective, and fleeting. It can drop as easily as it can be raised. So, don't go chasing another person's treasure just because they say they want it. Look out for your own treasure instead. The treasure is … Continue reading Treasure
Summertime
Summertime is a time to slow down for a bit and enjoy yourself. The days are long, lazy, and just a little to hot to take anything too seriously. If you can, take a vacation and do something incredibly fun to create memories that last a lifetime. And if you can't take a vacation, still … Continue reading Summertime
Rest
Rest is vital to our health. It's so vital that a day for it was built into the week. Or at least it was supposed to be there until we decided to fill it with chores and activities. We're so busy now, that we think we're resting when all we're doing is distracting ourselves from … Continue reading Rest
Persistence
Persistence is most likely the number one, top secret to ensured success. Nothing grand or complicated, just determined, unwavering persistence in achieving your goal. Think of water. Water seems harmless enough, but when it continually runs in the same direction, it can wear away the strongest elements, just from simply not giving up. Be like … Continue reading Persistence
On Your Way
You're always going to be on your way to something else. Life keeps moving forward. So, don't stress about where you are because you will soon be on your way to something else. Also, be sure to fully appreciate where you are right now, because the scenery will change sooner than you might like.
Needy
Being needy is such a turn-off to others because it reeks of manipulation. Even if you've convinced yourself that you aren't being manipulative, you're still being manipulative if you're acting needy. "Needy" insists that you can't help yourself to something and so you have to rely on another to get it for you. So, to … Continue reading Needy
Misunderstandings
Misunderstandings come from a lack of communication and an abundance of assumptions. When you're so busy jumping to conclusions that you forget to get all of the facts, then misunderstandings arise. And where they arise is where hate, fear and fighting flourish. In other words, nothing good. So, get your facts straight. Try to not … Continue reading Misunderstandings
Light Bulb Moment
It took Edison thousands of tries before he successfully invented a working light bulb. But the idea that he could do it came to him in a flash. That's how our world works. We can get flashes of brilliant inspiration, a "light bulb moment," that hit us in the blink of an eye. But then … Continue reading Light Bulb Moment
Kindness
Kindness is the primary lesson we were meant to learn. And kindness is what we should practice above all else. It isn't as prevalent as it should be, because it takes effort and perseverance, especially in the midst of hate and bigotry. But if we let those dark practices win, then life will get so … Continue reading Kindness
Joy
Joy doesn't have a blanket, common definition, but everyone knows it when they feel it. Joy is personal and subjective, yet universal. Joy is the most worthy goal you can seek out. So, seek.
Instincts
Instincts are great to follow, they shouldn't steer you wrong. As long as they are your instincts, and not your inner critic created by trauma and bad programming. There just isn't a magic answer to everything all the time, and you will make mistakes despite your and your instincts' best intentions. But it's all life … Continue reading Instincts
Honorable
We would all love to be given the esteem of being an honorable person. It comes from acting honorably. By being honorable. It's like respect, you earn it. We could definitely benefit from much more people earning the esteem of being honorable by acting honorably. Being jaded, angry and petty has worn out its welcome.
Gentle
Some people may scoff at the idea of being gentle with another's feelings. But think about how we instinctively know to be gentle with some of the most precious souls. We're gentle with small, helpless animals, and gentle with small, helpless humans. We do that because we know being anything else is inappropriate. And it … Continue reading Gentle
Like a Fox! 