Shift Your Mindset, Change Your Life

2025-05-17 ~ adminlife

How to Develop a Better Attitude and Live with Confidence

Have you ever noticed how draining it is to be around someone with a bad attitude? They shoot down every idea, complain constantly and bring a heavy cloud into every room. These people don’t just make life harder for others — they make it harder for themselves. If you’ve ever been told you come across this way, it might be time to reassess how your attitude affects your life — and your confidence.

The good news? A bad attitude isn’t permanent. Like any habit, it can be changed. Here’s how to build a better one, backed by psychology and real-life impact.

Before you can start to plan your success goals, there are many things that you need to understand before you can be sure that the goals you set are really the ones you want.

One of those things is to determine if there are any Limiting Beliefs that can stop you from actually achieving those goals.

I have a self-study Limiting Belief Program that you can go through to determine what your Limiting Beliefs are and how you can remove them.

You can read more and register for the program at Limiting Beliefs Program on my Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Start your journey on your path to success by identifying and removing your Limiting Beliefs so that you make the journey a lot easier.

You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life.

The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address) Limiting Beliefs Download

Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.

If you are ready to move even further into the process of Identifying and removing and replacing your Limiting Beliefs, you should consider my short Limiting Belief’s Coaching Program

1. Negativity Doesn’t Help—So Stop Relying On It

Negativity is everywhere: news headlines, social media rants, toxic workplaces. It’s easy to absorb. But ask yourself: when has being negative ever helped you solve a problem, build a relationship or move forward?

Negativity often feels like protection — it makes you feel like you’re being realistic or staying grounded. But in reality, it’s just a way to keep yourself stuck. It leads to pessimism, self-doubt and avoidance. It kills motivation. The longer you stay negative, the more you reinforce failure before even trying.

A better attitude starts with rejecting negativity as a go-to response. Life isn’t always positive — but you can choose not to live in the negative.

2. Positivity Reduces Stress and Builds Resilience

Stress is part of life. But how you respond to it makes all the difference. A negative mindset magnifies problems. It sees obstacles instead of opportunities. In contrast, a positive attitude doesn’t ignore difficulty — it just faces it differently.

When you choose to approach challenges with optimism, your brain kicks into solution mode. You’re more likely to take action, find workarounds or seek support. Your body responds, too. Positive thinkers have lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels, better sleep and improved cardiovascular health.

More importantly, positivity is linked to confidence. When you believe things can improve, you’re more likely to try. And that effort is the root of real change.

3. Gratitude Is a Shortcut to Perspective

You’ve heard it before: “Be grateful.” But this isn’t just feel-good advice. Gratitude is a proven tool to reshape your mindset. And it’s one of the fastest ways to shift your attitude from bitter to better.

When you’re stuck in frustration or self-pity, look at what’s going right. That doesn’t mean pretending life is perfect. It means recognizing what’s working. You might have your health, supportive friends, a roof over your head or the strength to keep going.

Make gratitude a habit. Try writing down three things you’re thankful for every day. Over time, it rewires your brain to notice the good, not just the bad. Gratitude naturally breeds confidence — because it reminds you that you do have value and strength.

4. Smile, Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

It sounds silly — but smiling, even if you’re faking it, really can boost your mood.

Studies in behavioural psychology show that facial expressions feed emotional feedback to the brain. When you smile, your brain receives signals that you’re happy — even if you aren’t. This triggers the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

A simple smile can spark a small mood lift, and that can shift your entire day. Over time, this small practice can reframe your emotional baseline. So even if it feels forced, smile. Your attitude — and your confidence — will follow.

5. Stop Blocking Other People’s Joy

Misery may love company — but that doesn’t make it right. If your attitude brings others down, it’s time to ask yourself why.

Often, people with negative outlooks project their inner frustrations onto others. They can’t stand to see others happy when they themselves are not. But here’s the catch: bringing others down doesn’t lift you up. It isolates you, makes you bitter and damages relationships.

Instead, support the happiness of others. Encourage it. Compliment people. Celebrate their wins. You’ll often find that in giving joy, you receive it. Being a source of positivity builds social confidence — and makes you more pleasant to be around, too.

6. Start Loving Yourself More

One of the deepest roots of a bad attitude is self-loathing. If you don’t believe you’re worthy, why would you expect your outlook to be any better?

Self-love isn’t narcissism. It’s acceptance. It means recognizing your value, forgiving your past and giving yourself permission to change.

Start with self-talk. Pay attention to the way you speak to yourself — especially when things go wrong. Would you say the same things to a friend? Probably not. Replace inner criticism with curiosity and compassion. Instead of “I’m a failure,” try “What can I learn from this?”

Confidence doesn’t start with looking good — it starts with liking who you are.

7. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

You can’t build a better attitude in a toxic environment. If the people around you are constantly negative, critical or draining, your mindset will suffer.

Seek out people who inspire you, challenge you and support your growth. Look for those who solve problems rather than create them. Spend time with those who lift you up, not those who keep you down.

This doesn’t mean cutting off every friend who complains. It means setting boundaries, limiting exposure and choosing to prioritize relationships that help you become better.

8. Take Responsibility for Your Energy

A good attitude doesn’t mean you’re always cheerful or never upset. It means you take ownership of your responses, not blame others for your state of mind.

When you take responsibility for your energy, you gain power. You stop reacting to life — and start responding to it. You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you show up.

Ask yourself daily: What energy am I bringing to this situation? If it’s negative, shift it. If it’s positive, protect it. Your attitude isn’t just a reaction — it’s a choice.

A Better Attitude Builds Real Confidence

Confidence isn’t arrogance. It’s not loud. It’s not fake positivity. Real confidence comes from knowing you can handle what life throws your way. And that kind of belief starts with a better attitude.

Changing your mindset takes effort. You won’t flip a switch overnight. But with small daily choices — gratitude, positive thinking, self-love — you’ll begin to shift. Over time, those shifts stack. And suddenly, you’re living with more energy, clarity and confidence than ever before.

Don’t underestimate the power of attitude. It might just be the most important thing you can change.

To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Working together can help you overcome personal and professional barriers, ensuring you reach your highest potential.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

P.P.P.S. You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life.

The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address) Limiting Beliefs Download

Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.

P.P.P.P.S. If you are ready to move even further into the process of Identifying and removing and replacing your Limiting Beliefs, you should consider my short Limiting Belief’s Coaching Program

P.P.P.P.P.S. I have posted a series of articles on the “Fear of Success” at Confidence and Life Coaching. You can also request a free PDF of all 4-articles by sending me an email message at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Photo by Dushawn Jovic on Unsplash

How Self-Discipline Builds Confidence and Resilience

2025-05-16 ~ adminlife

Life constantly throws challenges our way — some expected, many not. Whether it’s a sudden job loss, a failed relationship, financial struggles or just a feeling of being stuck, the way you respond can shape everything that follows. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal isn’t motivation or even talent — it’s self-discipline.

Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

I have a program that can help you to discover what is holding you back from achieving your goals as well as help you set an attainable goal related to where you are in your life and where you are trying to be.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance

Self-discipline is the mental muscle that helps you stay consistent, push through fear, take meaningful action and stay focused on your goals, especially when things get tough. It’s not about being perfect or never feeling lazy — it’s about doing what needs to be done, even when you don’t feel like it.

Here’s how to harness self-discipline to overcome obstacles and create lasting confidence.

Step 1: Just Start

“Beginning is half of every action.” – Pythagoras

This ancient quote captures a modern truth: getting started is the hardest part. When you face a major challenge, your first instinct may be to freeze or overanalyze. You might get caught in the cycle of planning, researching or waiting for the “right time.” But the truth is, the only perfect time is now.

Self-discipline kicks in when you take that first step — before you feel ready. It’s the push that gets the ball rolling, and once it’s rolling, momentum builds. You might not see the full path ahead, but you don’t need to. Start with what you know and take action. Each step gives you more clarity and builds confidence. Progress, even slow progress, beats perfection every time.

Step 2: Become Your Own Role Model

Think about someone you admire deeply — a public figure, a personal hero, even a fictional character. What makes them stand out to you? Is it their determination? Their grit? Their ability to thrive under pressure?

Now ask yourself this: How would they handle your current obstacle?

Modelling someone you admire isn’t about copying them — it’s about borrowing their mindset. Picture yourself reacting to challenges the way they would. Would they complain, make excuses or wait for rescue? Probably not. They’d take initiative. They’d lead.

Now take that energy and turn it inward. Become the version of yourself that you look up to. When you visualize your strongest self, you start to act like that person. And when you act like them long enough, you become them. That’s the discipline — consistently choosing actions that align with your best self.

Step 3: Ask the Right Question

When life gets hard, your brain naturally wants to protect you. It urges you to wait, to pause, to avoid discomfort. But discomfort is part of growth. The people who develop real confidence and resilience ask themselves a very different question when facing hard times:

“What am I willing to do to change my life?”

This question does two powerful things. First, it reminds you that you have the power to make changes. Second, it shifts your focus from the problem to the solution. You start to think in terms of action instead of excuses.

You don’t have to have all the answers. You just need to be willing. Willing to try. Willing to fail and learn. Willing to get back up. That’s discipline. It’s the choice to do something uncomfortable now for a better life later.

Step 4: Redefine Control

A harsh truth: you can’t control everything. Life doesn’t always play fair. Things will happen that are completely outside your power.

But here’s what you can control — how you respond.

Your response is everything. It determines your next move. It shapes your mindset. It decides whether the challenge breaks you or builds you. And self-discipline is how you choose your response instead of letting your emotions choose for you.

Reacting impulsively often makes things worse. But responding with discipline — pausing, thinking, choosing — puts you back in control. That quiet control builds confidence. Not fake, loud confidence, but the deep kind that sticks around when things go wrong.

Step 5: Use Discipline as a Confidence Tool

Confidence doesn’t just appear out of thin air. It’s not about hype or bravado. Real confidence comes from keeping promises to yourself. Every time you do something hard — even a small thing — you build trust in yourself.

Discipline is proof. It says, “I can rely on myself to take action when it counts.”

That’s why small wins matter. Making your bed, showing up to a workout, turning off distractions, having a tough conversation — these moments might seem minor, but they add up. They send a message to your brain: “I’m capable. I don’t need perfect conditions. I can do hard things.”

And once you believe that, everything changes. Challenges don’t shrink, but you grow.

Step 6: Break Big Problems into Small Wins

Obstacles can feel overwhelming because we see the whole mountain at once. The key to moving forward is breaking that mountain down into manageable hills.

What can you do today to move one inch closer to your goal?

Self-discipline doesn’t mean solving everything in a day. It means showing up every day — even when you’re tired, discouraged, or unsure. It’s choosing one task and doing it well. Then repeating.

Consistency beats intensity. You don’t need massive leaps — you need steady steps. Over time, those steps become a powerful force.

Step 7: Build Systems That Support You

Relying on willpower alone doesn’t work long-term. Instead, set up systems and habits that make discipline easier.

Here are a few examples:

Plan your day the night before. Knowing what needs to be done removes decision fatigue.
Use time blocks. Focus fully for 30–60 minutes, then rest.
Keep your environment clean. A tidy space encourages a clear mind.
Limit your options. Fewer choices mean fewer distractions.
Track progress. A checklist or journal builds accountability.

These systems don’t eliminate obstacles — but they reduce resistance. They make discipline feel less like a battle and more like a routine.

Step 8: Don’t Wait for Motivation

Motivation is a great spark, but it fades. Discipline keeps the fire going.

If you wait until you feel like taking action, you’ll rarely move forward. But when you act regardless of how you feel, you become unstoppable.

Some days will be easier than others. But if you build a habit of doing the work — even when it’s boring or hard — you won’t need to wait for motivation. You’ll create your own momentum.

Your Life, Your Choice

At the end of the day, you don’t get to choose every obstacle that shows up in your life — but you do get to choose how you respond. Self-discipline is the tool that puts that choice into your hands.

It’s not about being harsh with yourself or never making mistakes. It’s about staying committed, consistent and clear-headed. It’s about doing what needs to be done even when it’s not easy — and knowing that the process itself is what builds your confidence.

Self-discipline isn’t a punishment. It’s your power. Use it well, and you can turn almost any setback into a comeback.

To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Working together can help you overcome personal and professional barriers, ensuring you reach your highest potential.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program. If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

P.P.P.P.S. I have posted a series of articles on the “Fear of Success” at Confidence and Life Coaching. You can also request a free PDF of all 4-articles by sending me an email message at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Photo by Brando Makes Branding on Unsplash

Handle Daily Pressure Without Losing Your Cool

2025-05-15 ~ adminlife

Pressure is part of modern life. Work deadlines, financial stress, family responsibilities and social expectations can stack up quickly. While a certain amount of pressure can motivate us to act, too much of it — especially if unmanaged — can lead to burnout, anxiety and reduced performance. That’s why it’s essential to learn how to handle daily pressure before it takes over.

Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

In this updated and guide, we’ll walk through five powerful, easy-to-use techniques you can start practicing today to stay calm, think clearly, and regain control when life feels overwhelming.

1. Use Box Breathing to Regain Control

You’ve probably heard the advice to “just take a deep breath” when you’re stressed. That’s not bad advice — but most people don’t breathe in a way that truly calms their nervous system. That’s where box breathing comes in.

Box breathing is a controlled breathing technique used by Navy SEALs, athletes and mental health professionals to reduce anxiety and regain focus. The name comes from the four steps, each lasting four seconds:

Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds.
Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 seconds.
Hold again with empty lungs for 4 seconds.

Repeat this cycle for 1–3 minutes. As you do, you’ll notice your heart rate slows and your mind feels clearer. This technique works because it activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of your body responsible for calming you down. Use box breathing anytime you feel the tension rising: in traffic, before a meeting or when overwhelmed at home.

2. Yawn on Purpose to Reduce Mental Pressure

It might sound odd, but forced yawning is a surprisingly effective way to reset your nervous system.

Yawning cools the brain and improves alertness. It helps reduce the overstimulation that often comes with stress and pressure. Neuroscientists have found that yawning increases oxygen intake, triggers relaxation and prepares the brain for more efficient functioning.

Here’s how to do it: spend 60 seconds making yourself yawn repeatedly. Stretch your arms overhead, open your mouth wide and lean into the sensation. Even if the first few yawns are fake, real ones will usually follow.

This quick, subtle hack can help you regain clarity and calm when you’re stuck in a stressful moment.

3. Walk It Off — Literally

When the pressure builds, one of the most effective (and underused) tools is physical movement.

You don’t need to hit the gym or run a marathon. Just a 5-minute walk around your block, office or even your living room is enough to trigger real physiological changes. Movement releases endorphins, the brain’s natural stress relievers, and shifts your focus away from spiraling thoughts.

Additionally, walking gets your blood flowing and helps reset your posture, especially if you’ve been sitting in a stressful slouch. Studies show that regular light activity during the day improves mood, focus and energy levels — three things you definitely need when under pressure.

Make it a habit: set a reminder every hour to stand up and move. Even light stretching counts. The key is to interrupt the cycle of stress by doing something physical, even briefly.

4. Learn to Say “No” Without Guilt

One of the biggest sources of daily pressure is taking on too much. Whether it’s accepting every work request, overcommitting to social plans or trying to please everyone around you, overextension drains your energy and builds quiet resentment.

Here’s the truth: you’re not supposed to do everything. And saying “no” is not selfish — it’s necessary.

Start by identifying what truly matters to you. What tasks or commitments align with your goals and values? Once you get clear on that, it becomes easier to decline the rest without guilt.

Saying no doesn’t have to be rude or abrupt. Try phrases like:

“I’d love to, but I’m at capacity right now.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I need to pass.”
“That’s not something I can commit to at the moment.”

When you stop overcommitting, you free up mental space and emotional energy. That directly reduces the pressure weighing on you day-to-day.

5. Use Gratitude to Reframe Stress

Gratitude is one of the most powerful mental shifts available to you — and it’s free. When you focus on what you’re thankful for, your mind naturally moves away from panic and scarcity.

Stress often comes from feeling like you’re not enough or don’t have enough — time, energy, money, control. Gratitude flips the script. It trains your brain to look for what’s going right, rather than what’s missing.

You can practice gratitude in a few simple ways:

Write down 3 things you’re grateful for every morning or evening.
Say thank you out loud to someone or to yourself.
When you feel pressure mounting, pause and notice one thing in your life that’s stable or positive.

Over time, this mental shift builds resilience. Gratitude doesn’t eliminate pressure — but it changes the way you experience it. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you’re reminded that you have resources, support and strengths to draw from.

Pressure Will Always Exist — But It Doesn’t Have to Control You

You can’t eliminate stress completely. Life will keep throwing things your way. But how you respond to pressure is entirely within your control.

Box breathing, purposeful yawning, movement, healthy boundaries and gratitude are all tools that train your nervous system to respond, not react. With regular practice, you’ll notice your baseline calm rise — and your ability to handle challenges without panic improve.

Pressure doesn’t have to crush you. With the right tools, it can sharpen your focus, build your resilience and help you live more intentionally. Start today. Just one small shift could make a huge difference.

To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Working together can help you overcome personal and professional barriers, ensuring you reach your highest potential.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

Break Through the Barriers to Change

2025-05-14 ~ adminlife

Change is part of life. It happens whether you want it to or not. But when it comes to making change — steering it in the direction you want — most people struggle. That’s not just anecdotal: around 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail, and over 95% of dieters regain lost weight within three years. Clearly, desire alone isn’t enough.

What’s going on? Often, people get in their own way. Without realizing it, they sabotage their progress or skip critical steps. The good news? Change isn’t out of reach — it just requires strategy, commitment and clarity. Below, we’ll examine the three most common internal obstacles that hold people back from real, lasting change — and how to dismantle them.