4 Ways To Have A Better Attitude And Change Your Entire Life

By Nicole Tinkham

What if I told you that your attitude has EVERYTHING TO DO with your success in life? Looking at your attitude right now as you’re reading this, are you setting yourself up for that success?

Be honest with yourself. This is nothing to be ashamed of if you’re feeling a little down in the dumps right now. Any little thing can make us feel this way and everyone goes through it. Having a bad attitude does not make you a bad person. You just need to tweak little things you’re doing to live a happier and more successful life. Read on for 4 ways to have a better attitude and change your entire life.

1.    Change your perspective

How often do you stress out over paying the bills or not selling enough artwork? Whatever it is that has you stressed out in life will only get worse if you keep focusing on the problem.

Instead, work on fixing that problem. Have a vision of what your life will look like without that problem, create a plan, take action and make a change. You will always have that problem and negativity in your life if you do nothing to change it.

Also keep in mind that you will fail. Nothing great ever comes out of change without a few failures. You can’t avoid it. But what you can do is get back up and try again. Never give up. Sometimes there are certain lessons you must learn before figuring it out.

2.    Smile

You probably hear advice on smiling more often to be happier in life and honestly, I thought it was ridiculous at first too. Just because you look happy on the outside doesn’t really mean you are happy. Isn’t that just being fake?

It is an actual fact that smiling does make you happy on the inside as well. Your body somehow thinks “Oh, we’re smiling. We must be happy.” I don’t know how it works but it does so just give it a try!

Having trouble smiling when you’re just having one of those days you wish you stayed home in bed and don’t want to face life? Trust me, I’ve been there too. What you need to do is take some time to yourself. Reflect and think about your goals and what you want to accomplish in life. Do more of what makes you happy and you’ll have an easier time wearing your smile.

3.    Set goals for a better life

When you set big goals for yourself, you’re working towards a better future and that’s something to get excited over. But setting goals is much more than scribbling a list of things you hope to accomplish in the year.

You must set goals and have an action plan. How will you actually achieve them? Have deadlines along the way so you can measure your progress.

You also want to have a clear vision of your life once you accomplish this huge goal as well as a strong why. This is what will keep you going when you want to give up.

Understand that this is a journey that will take time. You may become frustrated in the process but it will all be worth it in the end. To really get in the right mindset, try meditation and write down daily gratitude’s. Thinking about the blessings you already have in life will help you push through to your goal.

4.    Take a break

I’ve found in myself as well as others that when my attitude is off, all I really need is a simple break. Maybe that’s taking a vacation and escaping for awhile or maybe it’s just sitting at home in silence. We work our minds so much in day to day life that we just get really burned out but we keep on going which makes the situation worse. We get irritable and that’s when we get in a funk.

If sitting at home in silence to clear your mind isn’t your thing, spend some time with positive friends. Quality time with the right people can make a world of difference in your attitude as well as your success. Become friends with people who share the same vision and passions for life as you do. These are the people who will lift you up and inspire you to live happier.

I just gave you 4 simple ways to have a better attitude and change your entire life. It’s not difficult or complicated. It’s figuring out who you are and what you want in life. This is where your happiness lies. Focus on the solution versus the problem, smile more often, set goals for a better life and take breaks when needed. It’s not always easy to implement these changes in life but would you rather take a chance on them or waste away life being unhappy?

You Don’t Have To Quit Your Day Job To Live The Dream Life

By Nicole Tinkham

SO MANY of us do this and I’m totally guilty of it myself. We put our dreams on hold and wait for the “right time” to go after them. It sounds logical but that perfect timing may not ever happen which means you just wasted a whole lot of time doing absolutely nothing. We come up with all sorts of excuses like “when I retire, I’ll do the things that make me happy” or “when I have some more money I’ll start working on my goals”. That’s great that you want to make some big things happen in your life but while you’re daydreaming about them, time is passing you by. Maybe you can’t just leave your full time job tomorrow to focus on your art but you can start focusing on your dreams right now. Here’s how!

1.    Make the most of your free time

I often hear people say they would love to work on their art, go to different events, do some writing, travel and many other things. The one thing that’s holding them back (so they say) is time. I get that most of your days are spent working but there are several more hours in the day that you could be doing something that you absolutely love. Think about the activities you’re doing after work. Are you watching mindless TV or are you exploring your passion?

2.    Do something special for yourself

Do you ever feel selfish just thinking about spoiling yourself? Maybe you feel like you don’t have the extra money or you don’t think you deserve a massage or fancy dinner. To me, these extra little things sounded so luxurious and I always thought “when I’m successful, that’s how I’ll spend my days”. But who says I can’t pamper myself right now? Sure, it may cost a little extra money that you should be saving up for other things but it’s also important to live a little and enjoy yourself.

Note: Your “me” time doesn’t necessarily have to be extravagant and expensive. Quiet time to yourself in nature could be your little escape.

3.    Go on vacation

How many times do you use your vacation days for some work around the house, to visit family, or just stay home and do nothing at all? There is nothing wrong with doing these things but every once in awhile you need to take a real vacation. Get away to somewhere you’ve never been, go on an adventure, explore, and gain some new inspiration. You will return a changed person.

4.    Change up your day job

If you’ve been in your 9-5 job for awhile doing the same thing every single day, you probably feel like you’re in a never-ending cycle. No matter what the job is, it gets boring after awhile! But there are ways you can make it interesting again and get more enjoyment out of it. You can explore different departments within the company or look for new tasks to do in your current position. Even just moving things around in your office (we suggest sitting near a window and bringing in a plant) can go a long way. If you can, see if you’re able to work from home or cut back your hours to part time. All of these changes can improve how you view your full time job and make it more exciting.

5.    Make a difference

There’s no greater feeling than being able to help someone else out. I always said that if I had the time I would volunteer more and if I had the money I would donate more. I think many of us say these things and we don’t follow through as often as we’d like to. Remember that every little bit counts so do what you can! Even chatting with a friend when they’ve had a bad day is helping someone else and it feels so rewarding to be able to do that.

6.    Do things that scare you

When you think about the “dream life” it probably doesn’t include things that scare you but when you get stuck in the day to day grind, there’s nothing more exhilarating than doing something totally insane. Maybe you jump on a plane next weekend and visit New York City for the first time on a whim. Or maybe you sign up for a cooking class when you’ve been using your kitchen as your art studio and haven’t cooked a thing in ages. By doing these crazy things, you will gain so many experiences, meet incredible people and have amazing stories to share.

Don’t let life get boring before you dare to have fun. You only have one life to live so you better start doing all those things you ever hoped and dreamed of right now! You are never too old, too young, too broke, or too busy to enjoy life. You can live the dream life without quitting your day job and you can start right now!

5 Simple Steps To Just Being There, In The Moment

By Nicole Tinkham

“Being there” sounds like the easiest thing on the planet to do, right? You are where you are! It’s as simple as that. But are you really present in the moment? That can be a tricky question. Here’s what I mean. Have you ever been in a boring math class and totally spaced out? You were physically in the classroom but your mind was elsewhere. That boring math class may not seem very important to you (unless of course, you love math) but what if you caught yourself zoning out during a family dinner? This is something important to you but for some reason you’re not there in the moment. Why? Because you probably have a million things running through your mind and just can’t seem to focus no matter how badly you want to. Once we release the challenges spinning around our head we are able to focus on the moment and enjoy pure happiness. If this is what you want more of in life, read on for 5 simple steps to just being there, in the moment.

The biggest problem: Stress and worry over the past and future. You need to stop! You cannot change the past nor can you predict the future. Let it go and only be concerned with the moment right now.

1.    Plan your day out

Are you ready for this? We are going beyond creating just a typical to-do list. This is something I personally do to organize my day which helps me focus on the task at hand and actually relax on my time off. Here’s what you need to do before the start of each day: Take your daily to-do list and schedule times you will get these things done. Be careful with how much time you allow for each task though. Don’t give yourself too much time where you find yourself off-task but don’t limit your time either where you don’t have enough time to finish the task. Having allotted times for each task allows you to only concern yourself with one thing at a time. If you’re outside of those time slots, take your mind off it and move on.

2.    View and speak about your time differently

How many times do you catch yourself saying “I don’t have time” or “I’m too busy” when asked to do something? You need to stop that right now because what you say becomes your reality. Keep saying these phrases and your life will only become more hectic. Remember that there’s always time for things in your day. But it really depends on the things you choose to do. You can’t do everything so focus your time on what will move you forward with your goals. With anything else, you can say “I appreciate the invite but must decline because I made a promise to myself to reach my goals”. This will free up so much of your time, relieve your stress and allow you to focus on the important things, like being present with your family. From now on you should be telling yourself “I have an abundance of time”, instead of worrying over not having enough.

3.    Clear your head

Make the most out of your quiet alone time. Get in your zone. Get focused. Think about your goals and plans for the day. Always know where you’re headed. Do some soul searching and make sure you’re on track with where you want to go in life. Meditation and yoga are two excellent ways to get in touch with your inner self. Allow your stress and worry melt away. I recommend doing this every single day, even if it’s just for just 5 minutes at a time. You can always work your way up to longer sessions.

4.    Really listen

I don’t know about you but I can get really good at tuning people out when I have other things on my mind. If you’re striving to really be in the moment though, you’ll need to drop everything going on in your head, shut your mouth and really listen. Try this activity. When talking to someone else, start repeating things they say back to them. For example, you can say “So you’re saying it made you feel this way, right?”. It shows you’re paying attention and it keeps you focused.

5.    Notice the little things

There are so many small joys of life that are often missed due to simply being too busy to notice them. We wait around for something big and exciting in our lives to make us happy when really happiness lies in the things right in front of us, like a beautiful day or a smile from a stranger. Be aware of these things and it will help you be more present. One thing I like to do is picture something (like yellow butterflies) and focus on my surroundings throughout the day to see how many I notice. It turns your attention to what’s going on currently, so you’re not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Being there, in the moment not only has a big impact on your own life but on those close to you as well. Your relationships will improve, your communication skills will get better, and you’ll become a more thoughtful and caring person. To have this time where you can just enjoy the moment plan your day out being very specific with what you’re doing at each hour, view your time differently (remember, you have plenty of it!), clear your mind during some quiet time, pay close attention to what others have to say, and take note of the little things in life. Of course this won’t come naturally to you right away. Work on being present little by little each day and you’ll get the hang of it.

Tell us, are you living in the present moment? If not, what habits will you pick up from this blog to help you do that?

6 Reasons Why You Should Adjust What You’ve Been Told And Start Talking To Strangers

By Nicole Tinkham

How many times in your life were you told not to talk to strangers? Like any child, I was told this all the time growing up and even today by my husband. Of course your safety is always the main priority. Before getting into the 6 reasons why you should talk to strangers, we must stress the importance of talking to the right kind of strangers. Use your common sense and stay away from anyone who looks suspicious. Also, don’t give your personal information to any strangers you talk to. In this post, we’re referring to friendly small talk to people you come across in your day to day life like while on the bus commute to work or in the grocery store. Avoiding contact in these types of situations is silly! There are so many benefits to wishing a perfect stranger a nice day. Read on to see what they are.

1.    Learn from others

When you engage in conversation with someone new, you’re not only learning more about that person but also other valuable info that may interest you. Maybe it’s the weather forecast for the week, an interesting statistic, or a trick on preparing your spaghetti squash (if you happen to be at the grocery store buying one). You never know who you will meet and what type of things they have to offer you.

2.    Make new friends

When we’re in school surrounded by our peers, it’s so easy (or at least easier) to start talking to them and making new friends. But once we enter the adult life, things change and it’s more difficult to get out there and meet new people. I speak from experience after leaving my childhood friends in Pennsylvania to move to Florida. One way I was able to make some new friends is by meeting up with like-minded people through a website called meetup.com. We choose an activity and get together as a group, all of them being strangers at first. You don’t necessarily have to do this group method but the point is you have to get out there talking to others if you’re looking to make new friends!

3.    Build confidence

Talking to complete strangers is terrifying at first! Although it’s extremely uncomfortable, the more you do it the better you will get at it. Aim to talk to one new person for every day that you venture out of the house. Engaging in conversation almost every day will build your confidence even if you’re shy and it’ll make interacting with others come more naturally to you.

4.    Become a better listener

Remember to be all ears when talking to others. This goes for both new people and people you already know. Ask questions and actually listen. You will get the most incredible information this way plus people love talking (especially about themselves) so it’s a surefire way to get others to like you. Do you have the tendency to cut people off mid sentence and put in your two cents? Talking to strangers and practicing your listening skills can help you control that habit and understand people on a deeper level.

5.    Improve someone’s day (including your own)

I find it rare these days to run into friendly people. Everyone seems to be lost in their own little world or they’re in such a rush that they don’t even notice you. But when I’m out and someone smiles and says “hi”, it’s so refreshing and instantly puts a smile on my face. If you feel the same way about friendly people, it’s time you pay it forward! Spread joy and you’ll not only make others happy, you’ll also be working on your own happiness.

6.    Make everyday tasks more interesting

Do you ever feel lonely even when you’re surrounded by a ton of people? Time seems to stand still and you become bored out of your mind. Think about the frustration of waiting in a long line or the dreaded commute on a bus. We don’t like these things because it takes up time in our day and we get nothing accomplished during that wait time. However, if you start a conversation with that person behind you in line it makes time fly by and the wait will be worth while. Make life interesting by talking to more people!

You don’t have to be a chatty Kathy and talk to every single person you see to reap the benefits of talking to strangers. Start small by just smiling and saying “hello” to a few people. Then work your way up to small talk in your every day life. Before you know it you’ll feel comfortable chatting with more and more people. Don’t turn this into a chore. Have fun getting to know new people and always wear that smile of yours. It’ll help you light up the room and spread positivity.

Tell us, what are some of your best tips for talking to strangers and how has doing so made an impact on your life?

7 Ways To Have Fun With Your Art Again And Why It’s So Important

By Nicole Tinkham

It’s possible you got started on this art journey for one reason: To have fun (so we’re guessing anyway). That’s how many artists begin their art career. They have a passion for art and they take the leap and start creating to earn an income. Doing what you absolutely love for work is the ultimate dream. But what happens when it begins to feel more like “work” and less like fun? We all get into these ruts from time to time so don’t get down on yourself for feeling this way. Maybe you’re stuck on a particular project, can’t think of any creative ideas, or just lost your spark. Don’t give up on that dream just yet. Before doubting yourself thinking you just weren’t cut out for the art life, read on for 7 ways to have fun with your art again and why it’s so important.

1.    Try something new

When it comes down to just trying something new with your art there are endless ways to mix things up. Need ideas? We got ‘em!

Try a different medium, take an art workshop, paint a different subject, work outside, work with other artist friends, learn a new skill or technique, change up your color palette, listen to music while you work, work in silence, work on a different size canvas, create something just for yourself, watch some art YouTube videos, pick up a new book for inspiration, take on a new challenge (like a 30 day sketchbook challenge), find a new tool to try out, sit rather than stand when creating, change your environment, work from real life versus a photo, and our list goes on and on..

One of the main reasons why you could be feeling less than enthusiastic about the work that you’re doing is because you’re burned out. You’ve been doing the same things for far too long and it has simply gotten boring. Any little shift in the way you work or what you’re working on can bring new creative inspiration and joy into your artwork.

2.    Work in a creative atmosphere

As we mentioned above about doing the same things over and over again, being in the same environment day after day can also wear you down. Your environment has a huge effect on your feelings and your feelings have a huge impact on your artwork. Maybe your studio needs a makeover. Rearrange things so your space makes you feel happy. You’ll notice a huge difference not only in your attitude but also in the quality of your artwork.
Our biggest suggestions when making adjustments to your art space are to get organized (yes, you may have to get rid of things you no longer use!), have plenty of natural light, lots of colorful inspiration, and some plants. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you’re comfortable in your space.

3.    Take a vacation

Just because you work for yourself as an artist doesn’t mean you can’t take days off! Plan vacations, weekends, and random days off. Do something new or something that you really enjoy outside of the studio. This gives you something to look forward to so you’re not just going through the motions every day and a nice break can bring on fresh, new creative ideas.

Be sure you get away for a bit even if it’s for a day trip. This is so refreshing and you won’t have work sitting around to worry about. Shut off your mind and actually relax! Another important thing to keep in mind is your daily business hours. Remember that you need breaks throughout the day as well.

4.    Loosen up and remember your why

Just when you’re about to give up and feel totally defeated, you must remember why you started in the first place. Remember that anxious and excited feeling when you were first starting out? You had so much joy and big goals for yourself. You started out loose and creating artwork for fun which showed in your work. As you go, you may become strict with your artwork and put more pressure on yourself. This is when the mood about your artwork shifts. You may start to resent the work that you’re doing. Instead, get back to the good ole days, create for the fun of it, and loosen up.

5.    Be yourself and trust your inner voice

It’s incredibly easy to slide out of your true personality and start acting differently once you get your art business rolling. You start to conform to what you think others want and what you see other artists doing. But it’s so important that you remain true to yourself. For starters, you’ll have fun being yourself. It’s much more difficult, draining, and time consuming trying to be someone else. Also, people need what you have to offer specifically. You were born to bring something special to this world so don’t just be a copy of someone else. Be your own unique self.

We recommend sitting down and really thinking about who you are, what your values are, and what you want to give to the world. Check in with yourself frequently to make sure you’re on point with your priorities and goals.

6.    Smile while you work

You don’t have to wait for something good to happen before you can put a smile on your face. Wear a smile no matter what, even if you’re having a terrible day. It tricks your mind and actually does put you in a better mood. Don’t believe us? Go ahead and try it 🙂

A simple smile makes you happy which helps you have fun in whatever you’re doing and also puts others in a better mood as well. You can attract better, more positive clients and just be happier in your business altogether.

7.    Work with people you love

You may think this sounds totally crazy but you do not have to work with negative clients who stress you out. Choose to work with the people you get along with and who make you happy. It makes dealing with clients much easier and a happier experience for you both. You can also gain a strong lasting relationship and build trust with them. It’s much better to have quality clients who stick around than flaky ones who cause you stress.

Why is it so important to love what you do?

Would you wake up on your days off, weekends, and vacations to scrub the bathroom floor and spend the day doing other miserable things you hate doing? Yes, these things need to be done but chances are you won’t be doing these things all day long on every single day you have available. With that being said, why would you wake up every day and spend your time doing things you don’t like even when it’s for work? What we’re trying to say is life is just too short to not like what you do and by the way, you do have a choice. You chose to be an artist for a reason, because it excites you and you enjoy it. Just because your flame may be going out doesn’t mean you should give up on that dream. You can easily bring that spark to life by applying the 7 ways to have fun with your art.

Remember, you were born for more than to just go through the motions of every day life. You may have to tweak your path but you should never give up on your dreams.

9 Essentials To Living The Good Life

By Nicole Tinkham

As we go through life, we have our ups and we have our downs. The scariest thing of all isn’t going through difficult times, but just going through life without truly enjoying it. Have you ever woken up in the morning not wanting to get out of bed, just dreading the busy day ahead of you? That’s no way to live! Now’s the time to get your passion back and start living the good life. It’s simple: love what you do, do it with good people, give often, treat yourself well, continue moving forward, do the things you want (even if they’re crazy), keep smiling, and be yourself. Read on to see how you can make these 10 essentials a habit in your life so you can finally enjoy every single day.

1.    Wake up with passion

If you aren’t excited about starting your day, what’s the point of even getting out of bed? We understand that it can be a challenge to do exactly what you want every single day but you have got to find something you can get passionate about. Even a hobby on the side is something that should put a smile on your face. But if you find yourself constantly dreading your day, every day, it may be time to make a career change.

2.    Spend time with good friends

Laughter is the best medicine and a group of positive friends who you can be yourself around is sure to bring more joy to your life. Good times will allow your stress to melt away. You can relax and just have fun. A good group of friends will also lift you up and inspire you to do more with your life, things you may have never considered before.

3.    Give more than you receive

The power of giving far outweighs the act of receiving. You may be thinking that you don’t have much to give but we bet you have more than you realize. Something as simple as a helping hand or a compliment goes a long way. The more you give, the more you’ll put others in a better mood as well as yourself.

4.    Be good to yourself

You are so worth spoiling yourself! Eat healthy, be active, and you can even work on your mind while you’re at it. When you treat your body well everything else starts to improve in your life. You gain more energy, sleep better, experience less aches and pains, and just feel happier. And don’t forget to pamper yourself from time to time too! Get a nice massage or take a long restful nap to help you feel your best.

5.    Keep moving forward

So maybe you feel content with life and that’s a wonderful thing. However, staying in the same spot is just as bad as moving backwards and living an unhappy life. There are times to be happy where you’re at and times to move forward. If you never move forward, you’ll start to feel stuck. Sometimes moving forward means taking a risk which is scary. But you’ll never know what could possibly happen if you don’t make that change.

6.    Don’t miss out

Get out there and experience life! Don’t pass up opportunities when they come with lame excuses. Sometimes it doesn’t matter if you’re ready or not. Some experiences are just worth it and may never present themselves again. Make time for the things that could possibly change your life.

7.    Do something crazy

We can get so wrapped up in what other people (and society) tell us we should and shouldn’t do. But this is your life and you have every right to make your own decisions even if they are a little out there. If you feel it in your heart, go after it. Do something different. Get out of your comfort zone and discover a new side of yourself.

8.    Smile even on the bad days

When you start the day off poorly, it’s so incredibly easy to let the whole day go downhill from there. But if you proudly wear a smile all day long no matter what, we can almost guarantee you’ll have much better days. Just try it today and see how you feel. A smile can instantly put you and those around you in a better mood.

9.    Be unique

You were born for a reason and you’re different for a reason. The world desperately needs what you have to offer so stop hiding in the shadows, afraid to be who you truly are. Some people may not agree with you and that’s totally fine. Just think about all the lives you can impact of people who can relate to you.

There’s a better life out there for you if you open your heart and allow it in! Stop closing off all new opportunities. Start taking more chances, keeping your own betterment in mind. If you’re not growing and improving as a person every single day, there’s something wrong. You need to pay attention to yourself more! If you’re feeling stuck, follow these 10 essentials for living a good life and put them into action right away. You deserve to do this for yourself.

9 Super Easy Ways To Be A Nicer Person

By Nicole Tinkham

When we think about giving back, we often think about giving our time and money to the community. We immediately think of volunteering, helping out, and making a donation. These are all wonderful things but many of us can’t do them on a regular basis as we’d like to. There’s just not enough time in the day! But there are so many other ways you can make a huge difference to those around you. These things don’t cost you a dime and they’re so easy that you can accomplish several of them within one day. Read on for 9 super easy ways to be a nicer person. This will change your life!

1.    Compliment

Don’t throw out a compliment just to do it. Be sincere about it. Think about that person and the qualities about them that really stand out to you.

2.    Smile

If you’re in a bad mood, smiling will not only make you but everyone around you happy as well. Smile often and spread that joy. It’s totally free, so why not?

3.    “Thinking of you” call

Close your eyes and think about all the wonderful people in your life. The first couple people who come to mind, give them a quick “thinking of you” call. This can be a phone call, email, handwritten note, or a Facebook message. Just let them know that they were on your mind and ask how they’re doing. You never know, that person could really need you in their life at that particular time.

4.    Listen

So often we have conversations and while the other person is speaking, we’re going through in our head what we’ll say next. This is distracting and we may not get the full message from the other person. Instead, take some time to really listen. Be there for that other person without a hidden agenda.

5.    Hold the door open

It’s so simple but means so much! Holding the door open for someone, even a stranger, goes a long way.

6.    Stop complaining

The more you complain, the more you bring the people around you down! Take a full day without complaining, not even once. We bet you’ll feel a whole lot better and you’ll put others in a better mood too.

7.    Express gratitude

Let the other people in your life know how they have made a difference to you. It’s easy to forget about the small things someone else does for you consistently so take some time and really appreciate others.

8.    Notes of encouragement

Grab some Post Its and leave little notes of encouragement to anyone in your life. There’s nothing more powerful than the support of others.

9.    Forgive

This one is the most difficult on the list and it could take same time depending on the situation. It’s not easy to forgive and let go but once you do, you’ll both feel better.

It’s really not difficult to be a nicer person once you take the time to focus on other people. Smile more, have a positive attitude, listen to others, and just be happy. You can make a huge impact on others if you just keep these 9 things in mind throughout the day. Try it out for just one day (at least) to start and let us know how it goes!