10 Little Known Secrets that Will Help You Overcome Obstacles and Adversity

Everyday, life throws obstacles and challenges along our path. It is a fact of life. 

How we deal with obstacles and adversity defines our lives.

Some obstacles are more serious than others. You might crave ice cream, only to realize that the fridge is empty. This is a minor obstacle and the solution is obvious...Hop in the car and go to the nearest supermarket. Job's done. On the other hand, bigger obstacles require an effective approach and a high level of perseverance.

Use these 10 Little Known Secrets that Will Help You Overcome Obstacles and Adversity: 

1. Man up! Take responsibility. Blaming the circumstances or others is disempowering. If you believe that the cause for the failure is outside yourself, there’s nothing you can do to rectify the situation. 

2. Take control of your negative thoughts. Negative thoughts are limiting. It’s very easy go down a dark mental path. There are no answers to be found there. Asking yourself, “Why do I always fail?” won’t provide useful information. You’ll only succeed in making yourself stressed, miserable, and less effective.

Read my related blog post on "Using Positive Positive Self-Talk To Conquer Any Goal."

3. Focus on solutions. Instead of beating yourself up, seek a solution. Unsuccessful people focus on problems rather than solutions. Be different. Keep your negative thoughts to a minimum and redirect your attention to finding a simple, elegant solution.

It’s easier to find something if you’re looking for it. Focusing on problems only makes them appear more challenging. Explore options, ask around, search the internet...solutions to problems abound only if you know where to look.

4. Acknowledge adversity as a test. Imagine that the universe is testing your commitment and cleverness. Can you stay positive, find a solution, and make it work? Adversity is a challenge of your skills.

5. Take up exercise. Adversity brings stress, and few activities deal with stress better than exercise. Hitting the weights or running for few miles can relieve your stress and provide a new perspective.

The type of exercise doesn’t matter, as long as it lasts at least 30 minutes and you’re breathing heavily by the end.

6. Stay calm. There are few advantages to being anxious. Prolonged anxiety will eventually lead to illness. The best solutions are likely to present themselves when you’re calm and relaxed.

Meditation, listening to empowering audios and doing breathing exercises are beneficial when you want to stay mindful and calm. They open up your inner intelligence and you'll soon discover new ways and strategies to overcome obstacles and adversity.

7. Stop worrying and focus on what you can control. What’s the point in worrying about things that are out of your control? Keep your attention on the things you can control. Ask yourself what you can change and then get busy changing it.

Worrying is a waste of valued time. As we all know, time is gold. We can never turn back time. So, get laser focused on what you can control.

8. Be good to yourself. Love yourself to the max! Take care of yourself by eating well, engaging in exercise, and getting enough sleep. Eating poorly, lying around all day, and staying up all night only make you less capable. Be at your best, regardless of the setback. Maintain your grooming and your social life.

The world is still turning. Be a part of it.

9. Revisit your goals. Remember your "Why." Ask yourself why you are doing what you're doing. Remind yourself of what you’re trying to achieve. Visualize the endpoint and remember how great you’re going to feel when it happens. If you’re bogged down in the present, remind yourself of your ideal endpoint.

Having a clear vision will inspire you to take the steps no matter what obstacles or adversities lie ahead.

10. March on. Keep going despite the setbacks. Have the courage to continue pressing forward.  You can always find a solution. The key is to keep moving forward.

Life is always throwing up roadblocks at inopportune times. The choice is either to wither away in misery or to use adversity as challenge to take your life to the next level. Adversity is a test of your perseverance and problem-solving abilities.

Accept that obstacles and adversities are here to help you become a better person. Challenges in life are universal. No one is immune. 

Dealing with adversity skilfully separates those that are successful from those that are not. The choice is yours.

Be enlightened with this one fundamental truth...Success is your birthright. You were created to enjoy success and abundance in all facets of life. This blog post will help you realize success:  "Soar to Greater Success By Eliminating Your Fear of Failure."

Cheers to your passion, purpose and freedom,

Cielo Marie

8 Tips on How to Feel Inspired More Often When Motivation Sucks

"An ounce of inspiration is worth a pound of perspiration." 

Cielo Villa 

As humans, we are moulded differently according to God's perfect plan for us. Individual differences make us unique, such that each of us view ideas or concepts differently, therefore tackle problems in varying ways. 

The same is true with feeling inspired. Every one of us has felt uninspired at some point in our lives. Therefore, it is wise to know effective strategies on how to feel inspired more often when motivation sucks.

Studies confirm that some people do better at how to feel inspired more often than the rest of us. While those moments of revelation may seem elusive, the impact is powerful. In addition to the initial exhilaration, inspiration can make you more productive and successful. You perform better and enjoy your work more.

The good news is that these same studies suggest habits that you can cultivate that will bring more enthusiasm into your activities.Try these tips to awaken 

your muse. 

Here are my 8 Tips on How to Feel Inspired More Often When Motivation Sucks:

1. Take massive action. It is true that when you are less motivated, you tend to stall more, leading to an unproductive life. Before you know it, days then months, then years pass and you're still stuck in a rut of your own doing. There are better strategies than sitting around waiting for inspiration to strike. You’re more likely to gain insights while you’re working on a project rather than putting it off until you feel more motivated.

Knowing how to feel inspired more often when motivation sucks will keep you moving from day 1.

The key is to just start. Start blogging, start writing your first novel or start contacting acquaintances who might want to invest in your start-up business. Start that business you've always dreamt of.

I know of a couple who took massive action by leaving their miserable jobs in a cruise ship where they used to earn substantial incomes. They have lost all motivation when they discovered that their combined incomes had shrunk beyond paltry due to a downturn in the economy. 

What kept them going? 

Action. 

They took action and started an online business that not only gave them the freedom to pursue their passions but allowed them to earn unlimited income that wasn't possible in their previous jobs.

2. Focus on intrinsic motivation. When you keep your focus on things that motivate you from the inside, then you are on the right track. Inspiration is more abundant when you’re engaged in activities that you value for their own sake. Put aside thoughts about competing with others or earning money. Contemplate how much you enjoy gardening, surfing or riding your bike.

You will learn how to feel inspired more often despite a lack of motivation when you seek to pursue things for happiness' sake.

When your inner voice speaks, listen up and do the things that make you happy. Focus on the joy that you feel when you do something that you love. 

Being inspired will take less effort when you engage in activities that light up your soul. If sewing curtains makes you happy, then by all means do it! If playing video games makes you happy, then by golly do it! If watching funny movies makes you happy, then do it!

3. Go outdoors. A change of scenery sometimes, is all that one needs to feel more inspired. Sunlight and natural beauty make your mind more receptive. Pack a picnic lunch and take a hike. Go climb that mountain you've always wanted to conquer. Take a dip in the sea, snorkel, dive and get your feet wet. 

There will always be something outdoors, whether it be the clear blue skies, the caressing warmth of the morning sun or the soft cool breeze brushing against your cheek. Nature has a way of reminding you that life is beautiful and life goes on.

Most times, it is wiser and more effective to control your environment than simply relying on self-control. Find out what hours suit you best and work within those hours. You'll find that you're more likely to be productive if you set your working hours between 1-2 am than at 3-4 pm.

4. Appreciate beauty. Like attracts like. If you are attracted to a certain book or a certain personality, it means you are on the same frequency. If you find a book attractive, then buy it immediately because it will inspire you in many ways. 

Learn more about your favourite personality...you may be inspired to follow their way of thinking and pretty soon, you'll become a better version ofyourself. Visit an art museum to learn from old masters or browse through an auction catalogue. Examining the work of others can prepare you for your own breakthroughs.

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. So train your eyes to seek beauty and appreciate all of God's wonderful creations. Appreciate the beauty of a lone white rose, bask in the innocent smile of a baby, be entranced by the twinkling of a million stars.

"One has truly mastered how to feel inspired more often when he has mastered how to appreciate more often."

~ Cielo Villa 

5. Learn about science. Knowledge is power and it is wise to be inspired by the breakthroughs that are happening with lightning speed in the realm of science and technology. Science is another field that offers opportunities to unleash your own genius. Scan the latest headlines about progress in medical research or renewable energy. Who knows, your curiosity might just be the light that fuels your motivation to become inspired.

6. Practice gratitude. A sense of gratitude and simply being thankful opens up opportunities to feel inspired more often amidst a lack of motivation.

However we describe inspiration, it usually has something to do with transcending our ordinary experiences. Pick something you tend to take for granted and look at it more closely. Feel thankful for rain and sunlight, winter and summer, ice cream and hot coffee, peace and chaos, silence and laughter, night and day.

As soon as you wake up, say the magic words "Thank you." And as you find your footing, say "Thank you." Continue doing this for the rest of your day, be thankful as you go through your activities and your life will magically transform. 

7. Meditate and pray. 

It is in the stillness of silence that one becomes fully open to things that inspire. When you practice meditation, you become more receptive to new new ideas, better thoughts and the best inspiration. In stillness, one hears the voice of the inner self, a comforter in times of despair and cheerleader in times of hope. 

Many adults associate inspiration with their spiritual practices. Schedule time each day to read something that brings cheer and touches your heart. Thirty minutes every day that you dedicate to reading, meditating or praying will ignite a steady flow of inspiration into your life. 

Read the holy bible or any spiritual book that your soul resonates with. All the answers to your deep-seated questions are found there. Talk with others about how you connect with the divine. Develop a daily meditation practice or attend worship services.

For me personally, my day is not complete without spending a few minutes meditating and praying. I find that when I sit in silence as the dawn breaks over the horizon, my day unfolds effortlessly and magically. My mind becomes more focused and imbued with more clarity. I can easily come up with inspiring ideas to write about and simplify my tasks for the day. I now know how to feel inspired more often, even when I feel that my motivation sucks.

8. Enjoy listening to music. Grab your headphones, slow down and listen to your favourite tunes. It could be a love song, an outdated track from your bygone era or a song of worship. No matter what, the sound of music is soothing to the soul.

Tune in to your fave radio station, better yet, dance like crazy to your favorite dance songs. Be wild, forgive yourself if you have two left feet...most of us do anyway, for it really doesn't matter. Music is the food for one's soul.
A self-made millionaire got most of his inspiration from listening to inspirational audios that featured well-known speakers in the realm of personal development. Listening to audios on a consistent basis re-wires your brain to think bigger and do better. These inspirational audios changed his mindset completely and freed him from self-defeating patterns, attitudes and negative thinking, sparking the change that propelled him to become the person that he is today.


6 Strategies on How to Sustain Your Inspiration

1. Set goals. Every successful person began by setting goals. Inspiration tends to reinforce itself. Translate your visions into challenging goals. Once you reach them, use that motivation to create new goals that aim even higher.

2. Share your goals. Decree and declare what you want to achieve and you'll achieve it. When you say your visions, your subconscious mind believes them to be true. Therefore, share your dreams with others especially your loved ones. 

You’re more likely to implement your inspiration when you share it with others. If you tell your boss that you have a plan to go on an annual leave, she’s probably going to expect a leave form to be submitted soon. When your husband knows that you have a deadline to meet, he'll be more patient and supportive towards your endeavor. When your kids know that you figured out a way to afford a tropical island getaway vacation, they’ll remind you to book the flights.

3.Be optimistic. A lot has been said about being positive but everything about optimism rings true. Inspiration and optimism go hand in hand. When you’re cheerful and upbeat, you’re more receptive to fresh ideas and making changes. Also, life is more exciting when you surround yourself with positive, forward thinking individuals. 

4. Learn from role models. Find a great mentor who has been through the same path that you are currently on. Their successes and failures will be your guide, paving the way to your success. Simply said, your learning curve will be cut in half or more because your mentors/ role models have perfected the path for you.

Of course, bringing your eureka moments to life still requires courage and effort. Imagine how your mentor or a historical figure you admire would rise to the challenge.

5. Be patient. Patience is a virtue. Once learned, you have no option but to succeed in any endeavor. Most successful people struggled for a long time before they realized their sweet spot. Inspiration can be a sudden flash of lightning, but it may also be a long process. You’ll need to persevere if you want to realize the full benefits of a promising opportunity.

Consider this true story of a treasure hunter who quit on his dreams to find gold. He became impatient and stopped digging altogether when despite a period of hard work, he still didn't find gold. A short time later, another gold hunter struck on a massive pile of gold, a mere three feet ahead from where the last gold hunter gave up digging. The morale of the story is, never give up on your dreams.

6. Be fit and strong. A man is made up of mind, body and soul. A healthy body correlates to a healthy mind. You will sense it when you lack energy because your mind is like a haywire of sorts. A lack of sharpness, focus and inspiration results from a lack of health.

Considering the close connection between body and mind, it’s natural that staying healthy invites more inspirational moments into your days and nights. Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet full of natural foods, and enjoy plenty of good quality sleep and rest.

Yoga and Pilates are great ways to keep a toned body. A simple thirty minute exercise involving stretching and light exercises go a long way to achieving a healthy and energetic body.

I hope that you'll find my 8 Tips on How to Feel Inspired More Often When Motivation Sucks helpful. 

Drawing on inspiration nourishes creativity, hope and belief. You’ll achieve more and find the journey more pleasant when you are brimming with inspiration.

If you were inspired by this blog post, please share it.


Cheers to your passion, purpose and freedom,

Cielo Marie

Top 6 Reasons Why You Haven't Found Your Passion/ How To Find Your Passion In Life

Hey, are you living your life passionately?

If yes, then good on you! If no, then why not? 

Life is too short to be wobbling along without a sense of passion and purpose in your life.

Truth is, that’s exactly the way most of us live our lives.

What happened to the exciting and ambitious ideas you had as a child? Are they gone forever?

You’re going to have to work diligently at whatever you choose to do if you want to be successful. It only makes sense to spend that time and effort on something that’s meaningful to you.

Can you be more committed to your freedom and happiness than you are to your comfort zone?

Well, let me tell you this...hope it helps:)

I've discovered how to find your passion in life and experience life to the fullest!

Surely, there are many reasons keeping you from discovering your passion.

Check out my Top 6 Reasons Why You Haven't Found Your Passion and How To Find Your Passion in Life

 1. You don't have the necessary experience.

While a few people choose the course of their lives by the age of six, most of us need more experience to make that determination. You can’t know what it’s like to play the guitar, fly an airplane, or write a movie script until you’ve actually spent some time doing those things.

Ever since I was small, I remember being always drawn to books and captivated by the stories woven within its pages. My father was my biggest influence because despite his meagre income, he would find a way to buy books for us. He always had a book by his side and wrote on his journal on a daily basis. Naturally, I felt a deep desire to write my thoughts on paper, too. It took me years to realize that it was my calling... 

Boy was I glad to finally make a decision to enrol myself in a writing course. And despite my busy schedule juggling work with family commitments, I managed to complete a diploma in writing stories for children.

Deep in my heart, I knew I made the right decision. I've seen too many people on their death beds regretting the things they wished they could have done but never had the time nor courage to do.

2. You've become too comfortable and have forgotten what you love. Dreams and passion start to die as soon as you take a job primarily for financial stability. You quickly lose sight of what you love to do in the name of comfort and convenience.

Spend some time thinking about and experiencing the things you once loved to do. It might spark some new ideas.

Avoid being too practical.

We are like zombies indeed! We head towards the direction where majority of the human race go. And forget to carve out our own paths because we've become too comfortable or too contented with our present situation.

Don't get me wrong, to be contented is a positive attribute. However, you must allow yourself to stretch beyond your comfort zone. Life is about growth and change. You are here to evolve and become the highest version of your self.

Find some time to do the things that used to make your heart burn with passion. If it's playing tennis, by golly do it! If you love to paint caricatures, just do it!If  you find joy in baking sweet treats for your family, then do it. 

Who knows, your rekindled passion for the things you loved to do might just open opportunities to create more financial blessings.

If you still haven't got a clue how to find your passion in life, then check out this great article entitled, 6 Clues for finding your purpose and passion in life.

3. You don't know that you have what it takes to succeed. All you need is to believe in your capabilities. Nearly any passion can be turned into a significant income.

In most cases, your greatest passions and utmost joy will come from something that allows you to be creative.

Come on, who else will believe in your capabilities more than you do?

Certainly, your family will support you in your endeavor. However, you are the master of your destiny. You know your capabilities more than anyone else does. So, believe in your self and if ever there are negative influencers around you, never mind them. It's your life and it's your call.

Now let me ask you again, how do you find your passion in life? 

Well, you know it already. You are just too busy doing the mundane things and have lent a deaf ear to the creative soul within you, begging to be expressed. Meditation is key to finding your passion and purpose in life. Be quiet and listen to your soul speak.

In fact, many of today's successful people are  those who chose to pursue their passions, enjoyed their creative side while at the same time, created opportunities for financial freedom. A prime example  is Oprah, who created a multimillion media empire by doing what she loves most.

Read my related blog post on success entitled, "How badly do you want success?"

4. You’re projecting too far into the future. It’s easy to becomediscouraged if your passion will take a long period of time to achieve. Becoming a rock star or an orthopaedic surgeon won’t happen overnight. It’s easy to think that all the steps leading up to a big goal are meaningless.

• But all of those steps are part of the journey and just as worthwhile. In fact, they’re not just obstacles, but learning opportunities necessary to make your passion a reality.

I chanced upon a video on Youtube which documented how it takes ten thousand hours to master a craft or to be an expert in your field...a guru, so to speak. People don't get to see the work, endless hours and hundreds of failed attempts that happen behind the scenes. What they see is the successful person that you are right now.

What about you? Do you have the discipline, fortitude and persistence to create the life that you want by pursuing your passions?

It's never too late. Now is the best time to start.

5. You’re unclear about your values. When your values are crystal clear, it’s much easier to make decisions and plot your course.

What’s most important to you? Create a list of your values. You’ll find this exercise is highly useful. It will help to define you as a person.

Let me give you an example. Let's say, you love caring for dogs and it breaks your heart to see dogs being neglected by their owners. You might find that you want to be in a profession where you can be proactive in preventing these kinds of abuses to animals. Find out about a career in animal protection and pursue that. After all, you need to love what you do and do what you love. It's a win-win solution for you. 

6. You’re not great at dealing with discomfort. When you think about your passion, you might feel uncomfortable. After all, if you’re sleeping on your mom’s couch with $33 dollars to your name, how will you ever become the world’s most powerful  spy agent?

You must be able to step out of your comfort zone in order to change your life for the better.

Every successful person had to take a leap of faith, suck it up and just do it. If you really want to live a meaningful and purposeful life, then you have to face your fears. Stretch if you must but don't you quit.

No matter how you’ve been living, you can change. If you want to be an online marketer, you have to develop the mindset and skill set necessary to be successful in your chosen career. Regardless of the investment, time or money wise, be prepared to do everything that's needed to be successful. In due time, you will reap what you sow.

Regardless of your age, you can begin living your passion right now. You give your best to the world and your family when you’re excited, committed, and fully engaged.

So, have you found your passion? I hope so and believe you'll do.

I appreciate it if you can leave me a comment or spread the love by sharing this post:)

Cheers to your passion, purpose and freedom,

Cielo Marie

How To Make Your Own Miracles/ 7 Amazing Steps To Miracle Creation

Can you create your own miracles?

Well, it's impossible to guarantee a miracle, but there are actions that make miracles much more likely.

What exactly is a miracle? You may ask.

According to Wikipedia, " A miracle is an event not explicable by natural or scientific laws. Such an event may be attributed to a supernatural being (god or gods), magic, a miracle worker, a saint or a religious leader."

Sounds simple? Well, not quiet.

But...it's POSSIBLE!

You can help bring miracles into your life with your own abilities.

In fact, the number one key is to be open to every possibility.

If you are in need of a miracle today, then read on...

"How To Make Your Own Miracles/ 7 Amazing Steps To Miracle Creation"

I found out that there is a process to follow and if you're obedient, you'll reap the benefits of knowing how to make your own miracles.

1. Be clear regarding your intentions. Do you know precisely what you want to happen? It’s not enough to hope for a financial windfall. Give your miracle specificity and a timeline.

• Vagueness might result in your miracle occurring, but who wants a five-cent windfall? That’s exactly what you might get if you fail to specify a dollar amount. Regardless of the type of miracle you seek, be specific!

• If you don’t want to limit yourself with a specific intention, you can always put “or better” or “or more” at the end of your intention, like “…$10,000 or better this year, lose 10 pounds or more this month, get this particular promotion or better.”

2. Rid yourself of disbelief. Disbelief will keep miracles away. When you believe something is possible, you become more capable. Would you take action if you were certain you would fail? If you can visualize success without getting a queasy feeling in your stomach, you’re in a much better position to be on the receiving end of a miracle.

• Each morning and evening, imagine your desired miracle occurring. Relax and stay with the image until you feel comfortable. Imagine that you’re a bystander just watching the scene. Slowly put yourself fully into the scene while remaining comfortable and relaxed.

Additionally, in this thought provoking article, the author describes 3 powerful steps that will fill your life with miracles.

3. Don't worry about “how” your miracle will happen. Be open to any process that allows your miracle to occur. If you’re in need of money, avoid limiting yourself to finding a bag of money on the street or winning the lottery. Avoid specifying how your miracle will occur. Just allow it to happen.

• Forget the "hows,'" instead allow for creative thinking to fill your mind. Who knows, these creative ideas will open windows of opportunities and turn you into a miracle making machine. Find out in this related blog post how creative thinking beats worry every time.

4. Relax and pay attention. If you’re hoping for the man of your dreams to come into your life, it’s unlikely that he’s going to knock on your door and present himself, though he might. Instead, you will be presented with opportunities to meet the man of your dreams.

• Keep your eyes open for any signs or opportunities. Accept that party invitation or finally decide to join that yoga class you’ve been considering for the last six months. Join the dating site highlighted in the email that shows up in your inbox each week.

• The raw materials you need to make your miracle happen are all around you. Are you paying attention adequately?

5. Expect the best. It’s not enough to believe that something wonderful might happen. It’s necessary to expect it to happen. Start each day with the expectation that today is the day. Keep your head up and something great will happen soon enough.

6. Be patient. Most days won’t be the day your miracle occurs. Maintain hope and be confident that your miracle is on the way. Great things take time. Be patient.

7. Take responsibility. Are you doing all you can? Miracles tend to happen when you’re holding up your end of the bargain. For example, you have a better chance of landing a dream job if you’re applying for jobs each day. Avoid relying only on luck for your miracle to happen.

Remember that you’ve already accomplished many amazing things in your life. Be clear regarding your expectations and be confident that your miracle will happen. Keep your mind open while you live your life expectantly. Miracles happen every day, and they can happen to you.

Lastly...You, yes you, are a miracle indeed!

I appreciate if you can leave me a comment or spread the love by sharing this post:)

Cheers to your passion, purpose and freedom,

Cielo  Marie