Life is hard, BUT...

When I was a boy we use to play in the park. You all know what a merry-go-round is.

My friends and I particularly like this piece of equipment. So how it works - Some of my mates were pushing the merry-go-round and some were on it holding on for dear life.

The faster it went the more people were flying all over the place and the person holding on the longest had bragging rights till we meet again. It was difficult holding on but great when you find yourself the victor.

Like life, we find ourselves in a community where we sometimes struggle to hold on facing the challenges. So how can life be hard and great at the same time?

Everybody wants to be happy in life. Everybody wishes for a good life. There are different levels and meanings to what a good life is. But whatever your definition of it, there is perhaps one thing that you may have in common with other people. You might want that good life without having to struggle. Nobody likes to struggle through life.

I recently came across an old book titled “The Road Less Travelled” by M. Scott Peck.

Peck says: “Once we know that life is difficult- once we truly understand and accept it - then life is no longer difficult.” Life is hard.  - Accept that! Once you do, you will feel better about your circumstances. Then you won’t think of your situation as anything but what is common to every human being. 

There is always two sides to a coin. On the one side of the coin is where you have the words “life is tough”, but if you turn that coin over you will find the words: “You can make it better” You have the power and the ability to think differently about your challenges. You have the power and the ability to decide what they mean and how they are going to influence you. 

You have the final say to your life and how great it is or will become. You decide what the meaning and purpose of your life is. 

What will you live for?

Will you serve yourself or others?

Will you put all of your energy into trying to get all the material things life has to offer?

Or will you work toward significance?

Will you try to make a difference by helping others?

I can assure you that when you give something about yourself and help develop the human race you WILL feel fulfilled. And what an amazing feeling you will get. Energy will follow shortly and suddenly you will find yourself wanting to do even more. 

Take control over your life again. Grab that bar on the merry-go-round and hold on tight. You might feel dizzy at some stages, BUT you have the power - YOU HAVE THE FINAL SAY.

Enjoy challenges and look for the life lesson in each. 

AND...

Why not go out this weekend and give something and enjoy that blessed and fulfilled feeling. 

Have a great weekend!

Are you chasing what you really need in life?

I believe many people chase success, just because it seems like “the thing to do.” and everyone is doing it.  The word success sounds good and why wouldn’t you want to be successful? Why wouldn't you want to show off what you have?

Here’s why: Because I believe success has different meaning to different people. Depending on your personal set of values the word success takes on different shapes and sizes. So, if you believe that success is not how much you have but rather how much you give then keep on reading. Those of you that feels your car or status is success, please go and have a coffee for the rest of this post will be boring.

Tagging on my previous post (Givers and Not Takers) I believe there’s more to life than making money or receiving credit for your achievements.

So I'm a product of a broken home and in my teenage days showing off what I really didn't have was who I was. I was kind of building my self-image on the feedback I got from others - biggest mistake! That unconsciously had a big impact on the choices I made and think the direction I took. So to make a long story short, I came to a crossroad and thank God made the right decision. I so to say PAUSED and had a look around where I were and where I would like to go.

What kept me focused on my goal was the approach I took in rather letting other people shine and what I got from it was enormous. I felt energetic, alive and fulfilled. I felt I had a PURPOSE. My purpose or life goal was all about using what I have learnt from my rebellious teenage days and helping other get through that stuck feeling. It's all about feelings isn't it? You can try your best to make decisions without emotions, but I am pretty sure you will fail if your heart weren't part of making that decision in the first place. That feeling of fulfillment is what is driving me.

I think that deep down, you feel this way, too. It’s my belief that within each of us is a longing to make a difference in this world, to do something that matters, something of significance.

Once you get a taste of significance, there is no turning back. Your meaning of success will get energy and you will soon find that everyone is smiling around you. YOU ARE BUSY CHANGING THE WORLD MY FRIEND! 

It’s my goal in life to add value to people. It’s all about significance! I truly believe in changing lives of those around me.

I want to journey personally with you towards a life of significance. Please visit my website at www.karmic.co.za and sign up for my newsletter and become part of a life changing community. 

You are also welcome to send me an email to info@karmic.co.za of a life changing experience you've had and if the content is relevant and inspirational I will be happy to share your story on my blog.

I am looking forward to taking this journey of significance together, and I can’t wait to hear your story of making a difference in our world!

Givers and not Takers

Do you know how we get fulfilled? You can be happy because you did things. You can be proud or excited because you had a big success. But do you know how you feel fulfilled in life? WHEN YOU DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE! It's the only way we can get that feeling.

You know why statistics say that over 90% of people don't feel fulfilled by the work that they do? It's not because of the job. It's not because of the pay. It's because we don't help each other anymore. We sit at work and the only time we turn to speak to someone else is because we need something. It's because we need to get something. And yet we don't put ourselves out there simply by giving.

You know what generosity is? Generosity is doing something for someone else and expect NOTHING in return - AT NO POINT EVER. (I did something for him - why won't he help me?)

Mother Nature has given us this feeling of fulfillment when we do something for someone else to encourage us to do it more. This is what we get. You can't feel good by not giving.

We are social animals. We are human beings and our survival depends on our ability to support each other and form trusting relationships.

My question is: What are you doing to help the person next to you? Don't you want to wake up and start your day for the only reason to do something good for someone else? Wouldn't you want them to do it for you?

I encourage you to put yourself out there today and give something to someone with no expectations and enjoy the feeling you got from it - THE FEELING OF FULFILLMENT.

SO STARTING TODAY - LETS BE GIVERS AND NOT TAKERS!

The Secret to a Happy Life Part 2

IT'S TIME TO RELAX

We hear the word "BALANCE" a lot of times during our life's journey, and for a good reason. Balance is the foundation for living a happy life. Think about it for a moment. If you like playing golf and you train day in and day out, what effect would it have on your relationship. There are many examples where things in moderation can be enjoyable and healthy, but if take to the extremes can be damaging to your physical and mental well-being.

FINDING THAT SWEET SPOT

You are the most important person in the world to you. It's not your parents, or your spouse, or even your kids, it's you. You deserve to relax, to smile, to enjoy life and be a balanced individual. Your world exist in one place and one place alone - inside your head. Everything you have ever experienced happened exclusively inside your brain. Therefor, if you don't look after yourself properly and take time to look after your own mental and physical health your smile will be fake. Sometimes it's imperative to say 'no' and put yourself first without feeling guilty. I know work can be a different matter and sometimes people think they cannot say 'no' but they absolutely can. You always have a choice and your work must treat you with respect. Of course we have to make some sacrifices, but that's not the same as not having a choice. You always have a choice! You have a choice to put yourself first and say 'no' to look after the most important person in the world to you.

RELAX - SMILE - ENJOY - EXERCISE - SEE A LIFE COACH - AND SAY NO

By implementing these changes you can have a tremendous effect on beginning to balance your life.

STOP SETTLING......

SPREAD YOUR WINGS AND FLY

Nothing is static. We are constantly changing and so is everything and everybody around us. Yet we crave stability and security although they do not exist. Your situation can change within a blink of an eye. So why not do what you've always wanted? Your brain's number one priority is to keep you alive and it constantly searches for the safe route - the route with stability - the route with the least challenges.  

IT'S TIME FOR A REWIRE

For me to be an effective coach I have to be able to help clients see that change is not the enemy, even when their unconscious mind may be telling them otherwise. The only way I can do this is to ask questions that will help clients think differently. Questions are the core of growth because the right question at the right time can have a massive mind-set shift and can create and entirely new perspective. Start your rewiring by asking question like WHY AND WHAT?  Why am I doing this job? Why am I in a relationship with this person? What am I doing here? What can I do differently? By doing this, what impact will it have on my life's purpose. By asking these simple questions your thoughts will start changing your life. 

The Secret to a Happy Life

LET'S FEEL LIKE THIS AGAIN

One thing that binds us humans together is that we all want to be happy. SO WHAT DOES MAKE US HAPPY? So you have a core set of values. These values helps us in making the best choices. It helps our way of thinking - talking - doing and ultimately determines our destiny. All we need to do is to figure out if our values are in alignment with our life's purpose.

Align your values with your life

The first step in creating the kind of balance you want, is understanding what you want from life - Your vision - Your purpose - Your destiny. Jump on a time machine and imagine yourself at that place. What do you see? What do you feel? Who are there with you? Why are they there with you? What does it smells like? This is the exploration part, so really get your teeth into that picture. Take your time at this stage. It will be fun!

Next, it's important to name your core values and what they mean to you in your everyday life.

Now it's time to start the journey by implementing these values and use them to your advantage. You will feel confident and driven with all these amazing tools at hand. Revisit your dream every now and again to see if you are still on track. 

You should be well on your way to being happy!

ARE YOU READY TO FACE YOUR CHALLENGES?

It is safe to say that nobody ever truly fulfills their potential. You might think....Huh? No matter what we achieve there is always room for improvement. However, you will know if you have come close by pushing the boundaries every now and again. Make no mistake in thinking you can excel in life by staying in your comfort zone.

GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH THE UNCOMFORTABLE

When I started my own business, which by the way were the most challenging stage in my life, I can't remember being in my comfort zone ever. And today I can't remember what it feels like to be in my comfort zone anymore which for me is a good thing. Even now I know I can do more, but the big difference between now and then is that now I am constantly looking for ways to push myself. The one reason people never get even close in achieving their full potential is because their brain is often conspiring against them. One great starting point to move toward maximizing your potential is to set goals that really pushes you. Keep them SMART and if you don't achieve them STOP - REVIEW - LEARN - AND GO AGAIN. My final remark is how boring the world would have been if it wasn't for challenges. Face your fears by overcoming your challenges on a quest in reaching your full potential.

Improving Self-Confidence

Self-confident people are admired by others and inspire confidence in others. They face their fears head-on and tend to be risk takers. They know no matter what obstacles come their way, they have the ability to get past them. Self-confident people tend to see their lives in a positive way even when things aren't going so well. They are typically satisfied with themselves. 

Wouldn't it be great to have this outlook every day for the rest of your life? You know what? It's possible!

It comes down to one simple question: If you don't believe in yourself, how do you expect other people to do?

Before I give you some tips I need to mention that these advice would only have an effect if they are put to action...MASSIVE ACTION! They must be alive and here's the best part: You will soon see yourself believing.

So, how do you spot a confident person without talking to him? Here's an image that pops to mind. I see a boy walking - pants up, shoulders pulled back and chest out. He looks kind of proud doesn't he? He also have a smile on his face. I get the feeling he is content. Okay, so lets go over to what gets us there.

Tip 1: Embrace positive thoughts and chuck away those negative ones. This is a time to really evaluate your inner circle, including friends and family. It's time to seriously consider getting away from those individuals who put you down and shred your confidence. This will help you make strides towards...yes you're right - CONFIDENCE! Walking tall with a smile. I am getting really excited writing this :) 

Be positive, even if you're facing a challenge. Soon the positive pictures will lead to positive outcomes. And when looking back, smile and say thanks for the lessons learned Mr Challenge! Get energized and hit the ground running, excited to face the next challenge. Focus on solutions and making positive changes. Pumped? Great! Lets go over to the next step.

Tip 2: Create a great list! Life is full of challenges and there are times when it's difficult to keep your self-confidence up. Sit down right now and make a list of all the things in your life that you are thankful for. Add another list of all the things you are proud of accomplishing. Now, put them up where you can see them every day. Somewhere where you can easily be reminded of what an amazing life you have and what an amazing person you really are. If you feel your self-confidence are down and those negative thoughts are creeping in, take a look at those lists and let yourself free and inspired again. You're worth it!

Tip 3: Be prepared. Learn everything there is to know about your niche, whether its sports or academics. If the next challenge arrives you are conquering it with confidence. Be as good as you are meant to be or even better. I hated reading when I was younger, but when I started, a new world opened for me. So start reading boys and remember the saying: Knowledge is power!

So now its up to you. Be strong - Cancel negative thoughts with positive ones - Pull up your pants, shoulders back, chest out and be CONFIDENT! And oh yes READ READ READ!

Have a great day!

Hope for Teenagers

There is sometimes in life where your challenges are just too much. And you feel that you don’t have the strength to overcome them. Maybe you have doubt in your life. Maybe you worry what people think of you – what people say about you. Maybe your future looks dark. It scares you. That feeling of fear – That feeling of no options.

You sort of put a mask on your face and pretend that everything is okay – and it’s not! When you lay in bed when no one is looking – when you don’t have to pretend – that feeling of loneliness appears. That feeling that you are a failure. You lay awake searching for options - searching for answers. 

I would like to ask the following:  Do you think you have hope? Are you trying to get back on track? Are you seeing a happy future?

It’s not about failing or being a failure. It’s all about what you do about it. It’s how many times you try to get back up and get going again. And just the fact that you are reading this should persuade you that you have another chance. Another chance to sink your fingers into the life you were meant to have. There is still hope!

I might not fully understand your situation – your pain – your challenges. Whether you have a broken heart or a broken home – there’s hope. It’s not the end!

It’s not where you’re coming from or where you are now. It’s where you are going! It’s not how you start but rather how you finish. Finish strong!  Find that strength within you and go and get what’s yours.

Lets live!

What do you want to do with your life?

Believe in yourself

Sometimes you just want to be yourself and feel good about it. You want to be more decisive and certain in life, but you can't. Why?

Are you sometimes self-critical...Why?
Where do these negative thoughts come from? How can you get rid of them?

It can often be hard to believe in yourself, especially if you feel like you have nothing to offer. But YOU ARE WORTHY AND YOU ARE CAPABLE. If you are having trouble seeing all the amazing things about you, there are things you can do to start believing in yourself.

First you need to start by taking stock of where you are and where you would like to be. In other words you need to find ways to keep moving forward - SMART SHORT TERM GOALS. Setting goals are just a small part of the process. Keep them simple and achievable.

The key part of the amazing journey is how you go about taking action. Your thought are incredible important in your journey of life.

The challenges you've faced in your past had an impact on you character and the way you think about yourself. Its like hitting stones with your bicycle  - unbalancing your wheel. How do you get this wheel in balance again?

Start with overloading you thoughts with positive pictures. See a positive outcome in everything you do. Talk to people who loves you - Find a cause you believe in - Reflect at the end of each day - Be persistent - Build yourself up - Be proactive in your thinking - Focus on the positives - Pay attention to your appearance - Eat healthy - Exercise daily - Get plenty of sleep.

Soon you will find yourself on track again - believing - positive - confident.

If you find that you continue to have issues with self-esteem despite your attempts to build yourself up, consider talking to a Life Coach.

Best of luck finding balance with a smile!

Emile

Personal Growth

Most of us carry that one thing a teacher or a friend sniped at us. You want to show them a point or two on who you've become and that they were so wrong. We all have something or someone that holds us back on becoming who we are meant to be.
In fact it is you that holds you back!


We all know that what you think, you talk about and what you talk about determines your actions and your actions determines your fate. Scary to think that it all begins in your head. Your thinking is very much in control in who you become. You must make an effort to keep it positive and focused on your dream. If you take small positive steps and improve your thinking you will become a better person. Whatever your goal is, you can achieve it!
You have so much potential. 

The question to answer here is: How do you become better at what you do? Have a strategic plan.

All of us had difficult experiences and it is just those experiences that shapes us. Our reactions to those challenges have a massive impact to where we are headed. We learn best the hard way.

We all have dreams, goals and aspirations and hard work alone won't cut it. You need to work hard strategically.
Step 1: Take complete ownership of your growth. Why? Because nobody else will do it for you.
Step 2: Embrace the challenge. You were created to become someone special. Love yourself and the journey you are on. You will soon become a more effective, fulfilled individual.
Step 3: Think strategically. Set aside 10 minutes each day and review where you are and where you are going. If you don't like what you see in the rear view mirror, turn the wheel.

If you wake up tomorrow morning it's time for you to pursue your purpose. Look, review and act. If you spend time thinking and planning before you act you will grow closer to your purpose. Shortly you will be on your way to reaching your potential. And when you look back, you will be proud on how far you have come.

We are here to change the world

Welcome,

I am Emile Neethling, founder of the company Karmic Group. We are passionate, and I mean really energized about life and having a positive impact on people.  It is so rewarding to make a difference isn't it? But first meet my family. Gerna my wife is the best wife and mother we could have wished for. My two daughters Emma (7) and Isabel (4).

I am 38 years of age and believe me if I tell you that I have seen the challenging side of life. Challenging through the eyes of the people that crossed my path and mostly being teenagers and young adults. I was a sports teacher for 15 years and I believe I was placed in circumstances for a reason. And the main reason being to give or so I believe.

We all want more or less in life. So that is my journey know. If you are also passionate about the things that really matters then we would get along just fine. From now on you would be my friend. Please read what I say and not how I say it for I am an afrikaans speaking gentleman. Brought up in the country districts, so reading was for the bright people. And I like learning from my mistake. So mistakes are good and making mistakes your friend is even better.

Why am I blogging? Because I believe I should use all the mediums available to maybe get like wise people to engage for a balanced well lived life or to inspire others for the better. I started life coaching, which is my niche by the way and boy old boy. I have come to a conclusion that it is not easy being a teenager in this day and age. Having that said, it is even more difficult to be a parent not to even mention the words role models or mentors.

So that is the one part. The other is leadership coaching for newly appointed leaders in schools, colleges and universities to equip them with tools to inspire their peers.

I recently started business coaching as well. Through one on one's we started by focusing on the individual and his or her needs apart from the job. We are all working to provide for our family. My question is: When is enough enough? When would your children be happy with what they have. Or is it a  norm to rather give money than time. Love is spelled TIME. Eye contact with no distractions and getting yourself as a parent to focus on the needs of your family. Focus is listening with all you have to take the best actions and really inspire your family. And the next step is to implement some leadership skills. I believe the most effective people in the workplace are the ones that is happy at home.

So this is what I do and from now on I would be blogging about various aspects of life and leadership coaching. You are welcome to communicate with me through email: info@karmic.co.za.

Have an awesome day!

Best wishes
Emile