Have you ever heard the phrase, “It’s written all over your face?” It’s an old and well used cliché—which happens to be very true.

We often think we can think or act a certain way and no one will know that we are feeling otherwise. There are many award winning actors out there who can pull-off this performance of hiding what’s going on within, but chances are that you’re not one of them.

Even if you are pretty good, no one is so spectacular Read more »

Attitudes of power exist that will energize your life and bring vitality into everything you see and do. These powerful attitudes and states of mind energize you in to moving forward into a more powerful, vivacious, focused and productive life.

The first of the energizing principles is living with an attitude of gratitude. Live with an attitude of gratitude. Could you have more? Could you do better in your life, your finances, your hobbies? We all could. Yet you need to appreciate what you have right now at this moment in your life. Read more »

It is essential to not allow frustration and anger to run rampant. Frustration is wanting something and not getting what you want. Anger is because you want something and take it to the next level by beginning to demand you get what you want.

Dr. Paramahansa Yogananda stated, “Anger comes from thwarted desires.” This was one of the first quotes of power that I committed to memory. Slow down and really think about this, because it is absolutely accurate. Anger comes from thwarted desires. Brilliant! Read more »

Your mental focus and belief systems have the power to create or to destroy.

Dr. Henry Beecher of Harvard Medical School proved that the brain has the ability to override the effects of drugs. The power of belief is absolutely crucial to healing and health. He spent much of his career studying beliefs that make the internal healing energy come alive. He proved that belief systems can be an integral part of healing ourselves and making medicine more effective.

In one research study Dr. Beecher used 100 student volunteers. He had each volunteer take two test drugs. One drug was in a red capsule, the other was in a blue. He told the students that the red capsules were a super stimulant. When you take these and they’re going to make you feel wired, very stimulated, rapidly. The other drug in the blue capsules, were said to be a tranquilizer that rapidly made you feel relaxed, calm, even sleepy.

In reality, what Dr. Beecher had done was Read more »

The vast majority of people like to think they live their lives and choose their actions based on their logic and reason. But in actuality, most decisions are based on ones’ emotions and internal state.

The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche in 1891 said, “When it comes to a battle between the will power and the imagination, your imagination will win hands down every time.” And your imagination is ruled by memories, self-talk, mental images and your emotions.

The amazing motivational speaker Zig Ziglar said, Read more »

I crossed paths with this quote years ago. It stopped me in my tracks. I’d never thought about duty in this way.

Robert Louis Stevenson said, “There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy.” The duty of being happy……… What a concept!

We accept the duty of doing a good job at work.

We might take on the duty of raising a family.

Some choose to sign up for the duty of protecting our way of life through military service.

Some step into the duty of leading others.

But I’d bet few of us ever thought of duty in the context of happiness–and fulfilling that duty to ourselves.

But, is it not a duty? Who is this duty performed for? Or, to put it another way, who benefits from someone doing their duty of happiness? Every person they interact with in any way.

Think about it. Who would you rather be around—a negative, grumpy, pessimist, or a positive, happy person?

Happiness can spread even if you don’t notice its effect.

Years ago while doing a months long training project, nearly every morning on my way to the executive club where the program was being presented, I’d see this same elderly woman strolling along the street reading a book.

She was always smiling to herself while she walked and read.

It didn’t matter if it was raining or sunny, she smiled as she went her way. I looked forward to seeing her smiling face in the morning. Though she and I never met—she had a positive affect on me.

Not only does everyone benefit from your positive state, but the real winner is you.

Accepting the duty of happiness is you taking good care of you. Happiness is like a tonic for both mind and body. Be sure you get at least your minimum daily requirement of this nutrient every day!

Make Every Day a Great Day, Dr. Larry

Here’s a great place to start. http://www.DrLarryIverson.com/products/barnums-rules/

Ever heard of “constructive criticism”? It doesn’t exist. Constructive means building up. The definition of criticism is: “To find fault with; to judge with severity; to blame, reprehend or condemn.”

Here is a strategy I developed years ago to give “constructive direction” or “constructive feedback” to another. We all need feedback, and it can be helpful or damaging.

Using this formula your input will be better received. Whether you are giving feedback to your children, employees, golf buddies or boss, this will assist in giving the message in a way they can hear what you are saying. This process reduces defensiveness in others because of improved communications. Read more »

In the 1960’s there was an amazing poem that captivated the minds and hearts of the world. It had been written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann, and was made into a record with background music.

The sentiments in it are essentials for all of us. Do we get too caught up in “to dos”? Too many hassles to deal with all at once? Allowing negativity to take over? It’s part of the human condition.

There is great value in the poem “Desiderata” below. Enjoy! Read more »