What are you THANKFUL for?

On this special holiday, people encourage us to create a GRATITUDE list.  If you have never done this before, I am going to be like those people and encourage you to take a few minutes out of your day and honestly ask yourself... "What Am I THANKFUL For?" It does not matter how long or short your list is.  For the next two days, I would encourage you to reflect on this list and GIVE THANKS.  Happy Thanksgiving! ~Kacee Tannenbaum, LCSW

3 Tips to Increase Your FOCUS.

“Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Devil and Miss Prym

We all struggle to maintain focus throughout our daily lives whether it is completing a task at work or a project around the house.  Here are 4 tips that will help you increase your focus to GET THINGS DONE:

1. Minimize external distraction triggers.
Break the cycle of outside distractions causing you to break your focus by wearing earphones or earplugs and put on digital blinders.  This means step away from all technology that can be distracting.
2. Pinpoint your internal distractions and stop them before they start.
Simply put the breaks on the wandering thought process. Stop thinking about what's for dinner or the inappropriate comment you made to your boss.  Think about the here and now and what must get done.
3. Prioritize tasks.
Make a list of the tasks that must be completed and give your self a deadline. You will enjoying checking things off your to-do-list.

Training your brain to focus takes patience, practice, and time.  Have some tips that help you to maintain focus? Please share. :)

4 Tips to Increase Your Self-Esteem!

When people believe in themselves they have the first secret of success. ~Norman Vincent Peale

Self-esteem is a person's overall evaluation of how one thinks, sees, and feels about him or her self.

Sometimes it is easy to like who you are and other times it may be a little more difficult.  The good new is you can learn to like yourself or have self-esteem at all times.  You are in control; you can make the difference.

Here are 4 tips to boost your self-esteem into high gear:

Tip #1:  Be honest with yourself. 
Figure out your strengths and weaknesses.  Hone in on those strengths and don't beat yourself up over your weaknesses.  It is important not to compare yourself to others and accept yourself for who you are.

Tip #2: Set realistic goals for yourself.  Take one day at a time and do your best each day.  Try to focus on your strengths without demanding too much from yourself. (Refer to our previous blog post, S.M.A.R.T goals).

Tip #3: Trust your own feelings. Listen to yourself and pay attention to your emotions.

Tip #4: Celebrate your accomplishments.  Enjoy your achievements and successful efforts.

Need more tips to boost your self-esteem, please contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our Certified Board Professional Counselors.

References: Mental Health America. www.mentalhealthamerica.net