Comments (4)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., April 8, 2011 10:49 am

As a Senior Citizen, I’m told, “You can’t wear this.” “You can’t do that.” Why not? Who write those rules? I do not follow them! I am an individual and not a number. Let’s talk!

It depends on the senior. If a senior still looks good, she/he can be fashionable. We can exercise, have a positive life outlook and have longer hair! You can still have a fabulous hairstyle and if your face shape looks good with longer hair, I say, “Go for it.”

Just because you’re 65, you don’t have to move into a short hairstyle with your Social Security check. In fact, a younger look and lighter color can take years off your face.

When you reach the young age of 40 or 50, you are not doomed to short hair!

If you’re looking for a job or hoping to move up the ladder at this age, you might be competing with younger women. Take years off your look by using hair color and getting a sharp hairstyle that flatters your face shape. Try layers. Piece-y layers around the face are flattering or go one-length with under layers. This will give hair body and looks great dried under.

Hair that is too styled can make you look dated. Even if hair is short, don’t go for a spiky look; instead ask for longer layers. Cut out pictures and bring them to the stylist with you.

A lighter color can take years off your face. Ask your stylist what color works best for your skin tone. Don’t be afraid to try a change. Sometimes a slight variation in a style or how you care for your style is all you need. Or, you might decide that you need a bigger change in order to meet the demands of your current activities. Ease into change gradually. If you decide to cut your shoulder length hair, you can start with “stage one” cut that only takes off a few inches. Then you can continue to have it cut and restyled over a period of months until you reach the length you want.

The key is to find a style that flatters your face and is easy to maintain. If your life has changed over the past few years, maybe your hairstyle should, too. If you are searching for a new hairstyle, look at pictures of yourself – Pull out pictures taken of you over the past ten years. Look for styles and lengths that looked the best. Review pictures and models you find in magazines. Find a look that shows the style you are considering. Take this to a good hairstylist and see if your hair is the type that can carry that style. Remember to talk to your stylist – They understand the texture and behavior of your hair, so they are a key source for suggestions on a new style that will meet your particular needs. Be sure to tell them what length you prefer to stay at.

Remember, you are an expert on yourself; do what is best for YOU.
If you decide to make a change, be sure that your stylist allocates enough time to show you how to handle your new style. Before you leave, you should feel comfortable with all aspects of your new hair routine including knowing what you need in order to style your hair. Ask your stylist to show you the styling products you should use, how much to use and how to apply. Buy them from your stylist or head directly to the store after your appointment and be sure to have your stylist explain what you should do first, what brush you should use and how you should dry the various parts of your style. Practice with your stylist watching and coaching you. Use a hand mirror to watch how your stylist works with the back of your hair.

Perms:
Choose soft curls or body waves if you decide your hair needs a perm. With pin-straight hair, I’ve had perms for over 30 years and having them has never hurt my hair. You just have to choose a stylist who does perms all the time. Perms add body to thinning hair and cover up any areas that start to recede.

Skin Care and MakeupWhat is your skin type?
OILY SKIN—tends to be shiny. You generally see pores and tend to get whiteheads and blackheads.
DRY SKIN—tends to show a dull appearance. The pores are difficult to see and you seldom get whiteheads or blackheads.
NORMAL SKIN—tends to be clear and has no sign of oiliness.
COMBINATION SKIN—The skin is oily in the T zone (forehead, nose and chin) and clear in other areas.

Perform a Tissue Test:
Cut a tissue into 4 pieces. Press one piece against your forehead, chin, nose and cheek. Wait about 10 seconds. If your tissue sticks and is moist, this is an oily section. If it is unchanged, this is an indicator of dry skin.

The skin needs fresh air, daily exercise and lots of water. It needs a balanced diet, daily cleansing and sunscreen. Skin care is vital to health and beauty. Daily living dries out the skin due to pollution, traffic fumes, heat and cold.

The number one enemy of the skin is the sun.

If you compare the back of your arm to the inside, you can see the difference. The following rules apply to a good skin care program.
1.Keep your skin clean. Be sure to remove surface oils, dust, and dirt each morning and evening. Never rub your skin, always pat.
2.Moisturize. Apply to clean, still-damp skin and smooth on with fingers or a cotton sponge. Apply evenly and generously three times a day if possible. Do not forget your neck area.
 
We are all individuals with various allergies and sensitivities. Makeup has several ingredients that may or may not give you a reaction. It is best to try a product and experiment to see which products work for you.

The word “hypo-allergenic” can be misleading. There is no company or lab that purposely produces a product that will cause problems for a consumer. You need to become an expert on yourself to determine what you can and cannot use.

Less is more when it comes to downplaying wrinkles on your face.
Find out the right and wrong way to apply powders and foundation.
Highlight your eyes. Great eye makeup will make eyes “pop” and attract eyes away from the wrinkles on your face. Always keep brows groomed and filled in.

Many women with wrinkles make the mistake of trying to cover them. But a face full of heavy foundation only highlights wrinkles. Instead, try a tinted moisturizer and use only on the parts of your face that need covering up. I recommend a great tinted moisturizer or use Dior’s Air Brush. It’s fantastic!

Do not use Powder. When you were younger, you likely had oilier skin and got used to powdering your entire face. But dewy skin is actually youthful and you should put away your powder (except for the nose and chin). Makeup artists tell me they NEVER use powder on women over 50 unless they’re going to be taped, because powder sits on top of the wrinkles, highlighting them. Instead, use Evian Water and spray moisture on to your face. Choose eye-shadows that are creamy, rather than powder.

For a great video on makeup for adults, go to: http://www.monkeysee.com/play/1677-makeup-for-adults-creating-a-flawless-complexion-for-women

For information about makeup classes, email imagemaker@bellsouth.net and go to http://www.imagemaker1.com or call 1-855 Dr Joyce.

Comments (1)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., April 7, 2011 11:13 am

Today many men regard shaving as a daily chore ( a have to do) which must be completed as quickly as possible. This is a shame as the benefits of a good traditional wet shave are many. Shaving exfoliates the skin, removes dead skin cells and allows the skin to breathe. The method also provides the closest possible shave with lasting results. However, too often the result of shaving incorrectly is discomfort in the form of razor-burn, rashes and dry-skin.

Preparation

The key to the perfect shave is preparation. If possible, shave after a shower or apply hot water to the face prior to shaving to soften the beard and open the pores. Although shaving cream may be applied with the fingers. A richer lather is achieved with the use of a good quality shaving brush. The more thorough the lathering process, the better the shave. Use a small amount of glycerin-based shaving cream and rub onto the wet skin by moving the brush in a circular motion and back and forth over the skin, against the grain of the beard to produce good lather. Spend time on the lathering process, up to 2 or 3 minutes.

Shaving

Always shave with the lie of the beard, never against. Failure to do this is the major cause of razor burn. Glide the razor gently over the skin, holding the skin taut with the free hand whilst shaving. Keep the razor well rinsed to avoid clogging the blade and apply more water if necessary. After the shave, apply cold water to the face to close the pores and pat the skin dry. In the event of nicks or cuts, apply a moistened Block of Alum or Styptic pencil to stop the bleeding. Apply a skin food or moisturizing balm to restore moisture and nourish the skin.

Care of the Brush & Razor

Rinse and flick dry the shaving brush and razor. Shaving brushes should always be allowed to dry naturally, with the hair pointing downward in a suitable stand, to prevent moisture seeping into the base of the brush. Never store a shaving brush in a closed cupboard where mildew may form.

Block Out UV Rays

Cover up. Wear tightly-woven clothing that blocks out light. Try this test: Place your hand between a single layer of the clothing and a light source. If you can see your hand through the fabric, the garment offers little protection.
Use sunscreen. A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93 percent of UV rays. You want to block both UVA and UVB rays to guard against skin cancer. Be sure to follow application directions on the bottle.
Wear a hat. A wide brim hat (not a baseball cap) is ideal because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.
Wear UV-absorbent shades. Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.
Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re unsure about the sun’s intensity, take the shadow test: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are the day’s strongest
.
Nail Care:Johnny Carson once quoted, “For days after death hair and fingernails continue to grow, but phone calls taper off.“

Our nails are meant to be strong and healthy. Follow these nail care hints:

1) Incorporate the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B, calcium and protein into your diet. *Be sure to ask your doctor if you can do this. We are all different.
2) Take a daily multivitamin to ensure that you are getting the proper amounts of other vitamins.(*)
3) Do wear rubber gloves whenever you use cleaning products when your hands are about to get wet to protect your nails from chemicals and dirt.
4) Moisturize nail beds regularly (at least once a week) with a non-drying nail lotion. Rub the lotion over the entire nail bed at least once a day.
5) Trim cuticles once each week. Soften cuticles with a specialized cuticle cream and trim carefully with a cuticle clipper. You should push your cuticles back and only trim where obvious. It is best not to cut around your nail. This can cause infection.
6) Clip your nails regularly in a rounded or squared shape. The pointier the tip of your fingernail, the more likely it is to break off.
7) Give your nails a break from any polish (even clear) as often as possible. The more time your nails spend are natural, the less they will dry and chip.

Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth:

No matter how old you are, you need to take care of your teeth and mouth. When your mouth is healthy, you can eat the foods you need for good nutrition. You will also feel better about smiling, talking, and laughing. Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. By taking good care of your teeth and gums, you can protect them for many years.

Every day, a thin film of bacteria builds up on your teeth. Over time, the bacteria can cause holes in the enamel and cause a cavity. Brushing and flossing your teeth can protect you from tooth decay. You can protect your teeth from decay by using fluoride toothpaste.

•Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
•Floss once a day.
•Visit your dentist regularly for a checkup and cleaning.
•Eat a well-balanced diet.
•Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk for gum disease.

Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums:

There is a right way to brush and floss your teeth. Every day:
•Gently brush your teeth on all sides with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste.
•Use small circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes.
•Take the time to brush carefully and gently along the gum line.
•Lightly brush your tongue to help keep your mouth clean.

You also need to clean around your teeth with dental floss every day. Careful flossing will take off plaque and leftover food that a toothbrush can’t reach. Be sure to rinse after you floss.

If you are in the job market, you need to be well-groomed, that is, if you want to get the job!

For more information about grooming and image, go to www.imagemaker1.com.

Comments (0)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., April 2, 2011 6:52 pm

Discovery Questions for Consultative Selling
 What are your goals?
 What will success look like?
 What are your clients doing now? (Provide a Needs Assessment)
 What does your goal mean to you, personally?
 What can I do to help?
 What are your three biggest challenges and what would happen if nothing were done?
 What are your resources, budget, schedule, and timeline?
 Are you the decision-maker or do you have to get “permission?”
 What does your typical day look like?
 If you could change anything at all, what would it be?
 What is the biggest issue you have today? –
 Is it painful? Why?
 What is the measure of that pain (time, effort, etc.)?
 How are you solving this problem today? When was the solution implemented? Why was it done like that? Who made the decision?
 What is this problem costing you? (lost revenue, lost customers, increased service costs, etc.)?
 Who would you expect to solve this problem? expectations around that for service, price, etc.
 What are you hoping to achieve?
 What are the barriers standing in the way of effectiveness?
 How does this affect your results, programs and what you deliver to your clients?
 Is there a will to implement change? What’s your commitment level after the program?
 What have you tried in the past?
 What is the best we could do? What’s your optimal environment/reality?
 How is this impacting your bottom-line?
 What’s the payoff or ROI? (Long-Term)
 How do others view this situation?
 What are the outside forces creating the stress?
 Who has the authority, time or money?
 Who else will be affected?
 What events or scenarios led you to think you may need Stress Management or Team Building?
 What are the factors in your environment?
 What outcome are you hoping to achieve?
 Have you had any other training similar to this?
 What have you done recently?
 Are you the decision maker?
 Who else should I talk to?
 What would you like to see changed and what do you hope to stay the same?
 What’s happening that you don’t want to happen? What would you like to have happen?
 What should we start/stop and continue?
 Who’s my audience (the employees)?
 What is your employee’s/families perception of the training?
 What’s the cultural attitude about training?
 Are there any danger areas that I should know about?
 What’s your budget?
 What’s your timeline?
 How did you hear about me?
 What will happen if you don’t address this?
 What’s the cost of NOT doing this – financially and emotionally?

A good coach asks questions; the student or client can answer them. What can you add to this list. Contact Dr Joyce at 1-855-DR JOYCE for more information.

Comments (1)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., March 3, 2011 5:25 pm

HOW TO GET THE VISON YOU NEED TO SUCCEED.

Vision Circle: Career, Money, Physical, Personal Growth, Health, Friends/Family, Romance, Fun and Recreational.

What is missing? 3 things we often do:

1) Deny things we want
2) Tolerate things that don’t work
3) Not giving time for things in life that need attn.

We have learned that success is measured by money. We succeed by growing. Money comes after!

We must stop living in fear. Decide what we want out of our life.

We must get rid of our “inner critic” (could have a whole committee) Also known as Monkey Mind. This is the way they think!

• Only one or two choices or no choice at all.
• Black and white or either/or thinking
• Decision making based on fear
• I should or I have to versus I want to
• Acceptance that this is the way the world is
• Breathing is constricted, chest tight.

Give your inner critic a name – the sabotager.

• Identify and eliminate energy drainers.
• Give up always giving – if this is a should or an obligation.
• Understand wants vs. should (Stop shoulding yourself and others).
• Know at least 5 out of balance signals.

Exercise: What are YOUR energy drainers. These differ among us.

Comments (5)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., December 29, 2010 12:26 pm

Positive people smile….
Positive people give compliments….
Negative people give complaints…
Positive people are team-oriented
Negative people are self-centered…
Positive people are leaders
Negative people are tyrants…
Positive people are planners..
Negative people are schemers….
Positive people voice optimism…..
Negative people voice skepticism…
Positive people are gregarious..
Negative people are secretive….
Positive people speak
Negative people shout…
Positive people find solutions
Negative people find fault…
Positive people take action
Negative people take their time…
Positive people are cooperative…
Negative people are disruptive…
Positive people enjoy others..
Negative people ridicule others…
Positive people like challenges…..
Negative people don’t like anything…
Positive people are intellectually curious…
Negative people are intellectually stagnant.
Positive people assist others
Negative people resist others..
Positive people benefit from their experiences…
Negative people whine about them…
Positive people are flexible…
Negative people are stubborn…
Positive people have a sense of humor
Negative people have a sense of gloom…
Positive people think with a cool head and warm heart whereby Negative people think with a hot head and cold heart…
Positive people think with the big picture..
Negative people think they are the picture…
Positive people seek accommodation….
Negative people seek revenge…
Positive people are supportive…
Negative people are subversive…
Positive people appreciate their colleagues…
Negative people depreciate their colleagues..
Positive people are inwardly at peace…
Negative people are inwardly at war…
Positive people are friendly….
Negative people are friendless…
Positive people are open to new ideas…
Negitave people are closed to new ideas…
Positive people are conscientious…
Negative people just don’t care..
Positive people are trusting….
Negative people are suspicious…
Positive people are productive…
Negative people are petty…
Positive people are problem-solvers….
Negative people are problem-makers….
Positive people are dependable….
Negative people are dependent…
Positive people have dreams….
Negative people have nightmares…
Positive people are forthright….
Negative people gossip…
Positive people share….
Negative people hoard…
Positive people are propellers…..
Negative people are anchors.
Positive people live……
Negative people just exist!
ARE YOU POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE? THIS IS YOUR CHOICE!!!!!!!!

Comments (4)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., November 12, 2010 7:53 pm

A good friend of mine, DeBorah Carr, told me about this system and it just fascinated me! I hope it will fascinate you.

Effective teamwork is essential however you cannot expect a new team to perform exceptionally in the beginning. Team formation takes time, and follows some easily recognizable stages from being a group of strangers to becoming a united team with a common goal.

Understanding the Theory

Psychologist Bruce Tuckman came up with the memorable phrase “forming, storming, norming and performing” in 1965. He used it to describe the path to high-performance that most teams follow.

Later, he added a fifth stage that he called “adjourning” (and others call “mourning” Teams initially go through a “forming” stage where some members are anxious. some talkative and some quiet as they haven’t yet worked out exactly what work the team will involve. Others are simply excited about the task ahead. As the leader, you play a dominant role at this stage: other members’ roles and responsibilities are less clear.

This stage is usually fairly short, and may only last for one meeting at which time people are introduced to one-another. At this stage there may be discussions about how the team will work, given various personality styles where some members who just want to get on with the team task, while others want to socialize!

Soon, your team moves into a “storming” phase. Your authority may be challenged as others are concerned with position as their roles are clarified. The ways of working start to be defined and, as leader, you must be aware that some members may feel overwhelmed by how much there is to do, or uncomfortable with the approach being used. Some may resist taking on tasks or question what you want to accomplish. This is the stage when many teams fail, and even those that stick with the task may feel that they are on an emotional roller coaster, as they try to focus on the job in hand without the support of established processes or relationships with their colleagues.

Eventually, the team moves into a “norming” stage, as a hierarchy is established. Team members come to respect your authority as a leader and others show leadership in specific areas.

Now that the team members know each other better, they may be socializing together, and they are able to ask each other for help and provide constructive criticism. The team develops a stronger commitment to the team goal and you start to see good progress towards it.

There can be an overlap between storming and norming behavior: As new tasks come up, the team may lapse back into typical storming stage behavior, but this eventually dies out.

When the team reaches the “performing” stage, hard work leads directly to progress towards the shared vision of their goal,Individual team members may join or leave the team without affecting the performing culture.

The break-up of the team can be difficult for members who like routines or who have developed close working relationships with other team members, particularly if their future roles or even jobs look uncertain.

As team leader, your goal is to help your team reach and sustain high performance as soon as possible.

Some suggestions are to schedule regular reviews of where your teams are and adjust your behavior and leadership approach to suit the stage your team has reached.

Comments (2)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., September 5, 2010 10:30 am

The following blog report is from various forms of research and my love of understanding people. I believe this information is necessary to know of your children, in the workplace and in your personal life. Let me know what you think. I want to hear from you!

Silent Generation or Traditionalist – born between 1922 and 1946

This group of people lived through the depression and WW11.They are also called The Veterans (born 1920-1943.) Boomers are seen as most productive. Silent Generation” and “Greatest Generation” are the most admired:) That’s my generation!!

Depending on when you have children, these are approximate dates!

Baby Boomers- (born 1946 – 1964)
Generation X – (born about 1964-1980.) Generation X as most innovative.
Generation Y, Millennials or Nexters- They are defined as separate from Generation X to a succession from “Generation X” and also reflects a change in the sexual openness of the younger generation, and then aged 13–19 as well as the teenagers of the upcoming ten years. Generation Y is seen as most Self-indulgent. (born l980-2000.)

There is actually a Generation Me! This describes anyone born in the l970’s, l980’d or 1990’s. These people would be between 7 and 36. Know anyone like this? They are today’s young people who take it for granted that the self comes first! One of my children is in this one!)

A recent survey by Harris Interactive conducted for Charles Schwab and Age Wave asked almost 4,000 Americans, (ages 21 to 83) what they thought of different generations. Specifically, they were asked about people, (ages 13 to 31), or Generation Y; (ages 32 to 43) or Generation X, Baby Boomers,(ages 44 to 62,) the “Silent Generation,” (ages 63 to 83) and the “Greatest Generation,” (ages 84 or older.) The results show how very differently people view the different generations, with many people holding strong positive and negative opinions about them.

These are some of the results of a Harris Interactive survey, Rethinking Retirement, based on a nationwide sample of 3,868 adults (ages 21 to 83 )surveyed online in March and April 2008. Much of the survey was focused on retirement issues and retirement planning.

Some of the most interesting findings are:

Baby Boomers (35%) are most widely viewed as having a positive effect on society, followed by Generation X (25%);
The Silent Generation (33%) and the Greatest Generation (30%) are the most widely admired generations, followed by Baby Boomers (22%);
The Silent Generation (40%) and Baby Boomers (33%) are widely viewed as the most generous;
The two generations widely seen as the most productive are Baby Boomers (45%) and Generation X (32%);
A 53 percent majority (including a majority of Gen Y itself) believe Generation Y is the most self-indulgent, followed by Generation X (25%);
A 41 percent plurality sees Generation X as the most innovative, followed by Baby Boomers (25%) and Generation Y (22%);
There is no consensus as to which generation is most socially conscious, but Baby Boomers (34%) and Generation X (26%) top the list;
Gen Y would like to rename themselves the “Internet Generation” (32%). They really dislike being called “Generation Y” or “Millennials”;
Gen X would choose to rename themselves “Generation Tech” (25%). They dislike being called “Generation X”;
Baby Boomers are the only generation which seems to really like the name given to them (27%)
The Silent Generation would re-name themselves the “Responsible Generation” (44%). They strongly dislike being called “Silent” or “Invisible.”

So What Does This Mean?

These findings show that two widely-held views are false. One is that America is riddled with ageism and that younger people have no respect for older people. While there is surely some prejudice against older people which sometimes leads to age discrimination, the two oldest generations – the Silent and the Greatest Generations – are much more admired than any other generation. There are several reasons why there is so little hostility to older people or concern about what some people have termed “intergenerational equity”.

One is that they are our parents and grandparents. Another is that we all hope to get old one day. Furthermore, research has shown that older people are much more likely to give money to their children and grandchildren than vice-versa. While older people are the beneficiaries of Social Security and Medicare, and the taxes that are needed to pay for them, most people do not see them as a burden to younger generations.

Another common belief, shown to be false in this survey, is that Baby Boomers are widely seen as particularly self-indulgent or even greedy. In reality, Boomers get higher marks than other generations for being socially conscious, productive and having a positive effect on society.
This research was conducted by many studies. There is much disagreement about dates and ages of the various generations.

My hope is that we can GET THIS STRAIGHT with your comments. Let us know what generation you are from, what your age is and how you view life.

Now, this ought to get interesting!

Thanks so much for visiting! Feel free to follow me on FB – join http://bit.ly/cPk3qk (love to share information with you there) email me at imagemaker@bellsouth.net to be a guest on my radio show, talk about generations, or if you are thinking about creating a business. I would love to help in any way possible Look at www.imagemaker1.com for further information.

Warmly,
Dr. Joyce

Comments (0)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., July 14, 2010 10:47 am

What really motivates us? Is it making more money, driving in a more expensive car, achieving more social standing or prestige? Or are these goals external needs rather than motivations that serve our growth and transformation? What do we really value in our lives?

We all heard, “I have problems motivating myself.” They may have a wonderful house, nice kids, and a fine career, but, for some reason, they do not feel fulfilled and happy with their life. People want to change it but, for some reason or another, they just do not change!

This seems to be a common problem for people. We all have plans to be successful in life, but what is lacking is the motivation that keeps us going to convert plans and dreams into action. Usually you feel very excited at the beginning when doing something new for the first time, but after awhile, somehow you feel that you lack passion and motivation. The excitement that you had in the first few days and weeks just disappeared for no reason.

We all have this challenge from time to time but we do not allow a short period of not being motivated stop us from achieving your goals and dreams. Think about the five points and see if they help you become more motivated:

1. THINK ABOUT PURPOSE:
If you do not feel motivated, think of why you want to achieve what you want that is the purpose of doing what you are doing. Your purpose could be to improve the lives of others, to help people to do things more efficiently, or to help people to make more money. Thinking of your purpose and inner values is an important way to motivate yourself. Write them down and hang them in a special spot in the house where you can see them daily. Once you write goals on a page, they “magically” become more real.

2. PRETEND THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY REACHED YOUR GOAL and connect and focus on that great feeling. If you find yourself lacking motivation, simply start smiling (it raises your positive energy) and think about something you can appreciate. Keep focusing on appreciation and tell the universe how you want it to be rather than focusing on the obstacles. For more on this point, I suggest reading the book Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting– by Lynn Grabhorn.

3. TALK TO A POSITIVE AND SUPPORTIVE FRIEND
Find someone that you are comfortable with who has already solved the problem you are facing. It is my experience that after sharing and asking for what you need, you feel re-energized.

4. READ INSPIRING BOOKS THAT FEATURE SUCCESS STORIES
By reading these books, you not only learn from others, but the story will motivate you to move ahead with your plans. Success stories also make you re-focus your energy on your goals. Some suggestions of books to read are: Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill, or Path of Least Resistance, by Floris Rommerts and read Successful Failures by Dr. Joyce Knudsen!

5.CREATE POSITIVE ENERGY RITUALS
Start each day with a ritual that gives you a good feeling and positive energy. This is the most powerful mean to create the life you really want.

We all face challenges. Some are easy and some are difficult. But all these challenges give us the opportunity to grow stronger, and become more wise and experienced. Embrace those opportunities for in them you will find the beauty of life!

Please post and let me know if this blog entry helped. We’ll all grow together:)

Dr. Joyce

Comments (7)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., March 23, 2010 9:17 am

How do you feel about yourself?  What value do you place on you?  Gloria Steinem once said, “It’s just that there’s nothing without it.”  Self-esteem carries two dimensions—your self-image and your self-confidence.  Self-image is what you believe yourself to be.  Self-image is the image that you show to other people and it may not be who you really are. 

          SELF-IMAGE IS YOUR PERCEPTION OF YOURSELF

This self-image can be accurate or very misleading.  How many people do you know that are successful and talented and have a poor self-image?  There are several self-images.

PHYSICAL SELF-IMAGE – One does not have to look further than the daily newspaper to see what people will do to improve their physical self-image.  Everyone has opinions about their appearance.  Many people look at mostly the negatives that they see when they look into the mirror.  In the image business, we help people to enhance this part of image.  It is important to do what we can to be our best and then accept ourselves for what we look like.

INTELLECTUAL SELF-IMAGE – In your early years of school, this self-image may have been formed.  While writing the book Successful Failures, I learned from someone how one teacher made him feel so inferior that it affected the rest of his life.  There are many learning styles and people, not only learn differently, but each has their own pace.  It is important to learn as a lifetime process.  Do not allow others to make you feel you are not intelligent.

SOCIAL SELF-IMAGE – It is nice to be well thought of by your friends and colleagues but how “they” see “you” is  really not what counts.  Others are more worried about themselves and what everyone “thinks of them” to be that concerned with you.  Have a good opinion about yourself where people are concerned.  Do your best to be cordial, kind, and understanding.  Be a good listener and watch your social self-image soar.

EMOTIONAL SELF-IMAGE – Our feelings are responsible for how we feel emotionally.  If we are positive, we generally feel good; if we are negative, we do not.   Emotions are governed by thoughts and you have the power to select what thoughts you have.

CAREER SELF-IMAGE – We need to decide to be in competition with ourselves.  There is enough business for all of us and if you concentrate on your strengths and walk your walk, you will find that colleagues will only complement what you do and make you stronger.  Competing will make you work harder to achieve your goals.

As times keep changing, it is important to remember that you can not afford to have a low self-esteem.  You simply cannot be in charge of your life with a low self-esteem.  In order to make dreams happen, one needs to have the strength it takes to move forward in life. 

The following “tips” may be helpful as we enter the year 2007.

(1) Visualize yourself as a success.~If you can dream it, you can do it.    Walt Disney

(2) Improve your self-talk. ~Are you talking to yourself positively or negatively?

(3) Rid yourself of negative forces. ~Are you allowing others to bring you down?  

(4) Examine your strengths.~You have many more strengths than you think.

(5) Learn to embrace change.~ Without change, there is no growth.

(6) Concentrate on you.~It does not matter what others think; what is important is what you think. Stop being what others want you to be.  Become an expert on yourself.

(7) Focus on what you do well.~If you are creative, concentrate on that.  Devote yourself to something you are good at.

(8) Purchase a Journal~ I believe that once words are scrolled upon a page, they become more real.  How can you know what you want if you do not take the time to decide what to write down?

(9) Take Action~Look at your journal and work on something every day to accomplish the goals you have set for yourself.

(10) Find a Mentor~Find someone you admire and work with them to accomplish your goals.  A mentor is someone who has achieved the level that you aspire to. 

(11)    Let go of blame.~Forgive your friends, parents, and children.  Forgiveness is Powerful!  Blaming only drains you of positive energy.

(12)    Persistence~If you work at something hard enough, and long enough, success is eminent. Do not stop until you reach your desired goal

A person with self-esteem is able to value themselves as a unique entity aside and apart from their role or ambition. They base their value on their own internal standards. This internal “happiness” with one’s self plays a crucial role in job performance and satisfaction.

For more information about self-confidence, go to http:www.businesspresentationsplus.com and order the eBook, From Head to Soul®International. This book can change your life.

Written by Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., AICI Master (since l985)  Self-image Counselor

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By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., January 12, 2010 1:27 pm

10 Reasons Why You Should Become An Image Consultant – By Dr. Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D.

Why should YOU become an image consultant?

Speaking from my own personal experience, because I have been a professional in the wonderful, rewarding field of image consulting for some 35+ years. I am fortunate enough to be one of the few people in the world who has earned the designation as Certified Image Master from The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI). Every day I counsel my own clients and train others to become image consultants – successful image consultants.

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Here are 10 good reasons why you should become an image consultant:

(1) You Can Earn A Great Income

As an image consultant, you have the opportunity to earn whatever you want to earn.

Some image consultants charge their clients $50-$75 an hour; some charge $250 an hour and more.

Some work part time and make enough to cover all their living expenses.

Others make it their full-time career and earn high six-figure incomes every year.

(2) You Can Help People To Succeed And Live Better Lives.

A person’s image can make the difference between success and failure in personal life, social life and business life.

As an image consultant, you can take your clients’ lives in your hands and make them better by positively shaping and molding their images . . .

. . . not just their external images – but their self-images, too . . . the confidence and self esteem they feel about themselves.

In the process, you will earn their gratitude (and a sense of achievement from helping someone else that will stay with you forever.)

(3) You Can Earn The Respect Due An Accomplished Professional.

Think about this title:  “Certified Image Consultant.”

That title says a lot. It conveys a picture of learning . . . of competence . . . of professionalism. It says to the other person,  “This is a person of knowledge . . . of accomplishment . . . of skill – the kind of person who deserves my respect.”

(4)  You Can Work When And Where You Want.

An image consultant does not need an expensive office or any fancy equipment.

You can work out of your home, if you want. You can choose to meet  your clients in their homes or offices.

An image consultant does not have to work any set schedule.

You can work 12 hours a day or you can choose to work 12 hours a month.

You counsel your clients by appointment. And, you set the time and place.

(5) You Can Have The Fun And Enjoyment Of A Glamorous Career.

Some image consultants help their clients by going shopping with them to pick out the clothes that will make them look best.

I did that for a public official’s wife and picked up an extra $750 for a few hours of “fun” work. Others do the same thing for Hollywood Stars – even more fun. Some image consultants travel across town to advise a local business person on the proper etiquette for an important business dinner.

Others travel across the world to lecture large groups on the importance of image. I did that, too. I went to Hong Kong with my husband – all expenses paid for both of us.

(A LOT of fun!)

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(6)  You Can Be An Image Consultant Regardless Of Your Age Gender or Background.

Grandmothers become image consultants. So do their granddaughters.

College graduates become image consultants. So do high school dropouts.

People from big cities like New York and Hong Kong and little towns like, well, East Anywhere, become image consultants.

People who have lived in the same place all their lives become image consultants. So do people who have moved to homes in other countries.

(7)  You Can Have The Job Security Of A Professional.

Styles change, but image always stays in style.  It always has and always will. Cleopatra wanted a good image.  So does Cleo Jones.

(8)  You Can Have Clients Seek You Out And Come To You.

One thing you should know about being an image consultant . . .. . If you do it well, your clients will become walking, talking, praising, recommending, and referring “billboards” for YOU. Other people will see the great job you have done for Mrs. X and they will want that kind of image help for themselves, too. So, they will ask Mrs. X to tell them how they got that great look.

Then, your phone will ring.

(9)  You Can Reach Your Horizon – And Then Go Far Beyond.

Think about you as an image consultant. What do you see in your mind’s eye? Do you see yourself advising a client about the best clothing style for his or her body type? What is their best hair style? What eye glasses look good on them? What type of shoe should they purchase? Do they know the right colors that will flatter them? Do they know proper etiquette?

That’s what you can do – and you can earn a good living . . . an outstanding living . . . doing it. But that horizon is not the last one for you as an image consultant.

Think about you in an entirely different setting – standing at the podium addressing a room full of corporate executives.

You are advising them what they need to do to mold their employees in an image that moves their company ahead.

Moreover,  you are being paid several thousand dollars for a few hours of your time to do it.

Think about being called upon to appear on TV shows and being quoted in newspapers and magazines as an expert in the image field.  (I am all the time.)

Yes, that is the horizon that is open to you as an image consultant if you do your job well.

(10)  You Can . . . (Well, You Pick This One!)

We all have different aspirations in life. Nine of the reasons to become an image consultant I have listed above would apply to most of us. But you are not “most of us.” You are YOU. So add your own 10^th “good reason to become an image consultant” to this list. You well know, of course, there are no guarantees about success in life, and I can’t give one either.  Like everything else in life, what you achieve in image consulting is up to you.  It depends on how well you are trained and how well you apply what you learn.

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