"It would probably be fair to say that most social problems are result -- directly or indirectly--of someone's low self-concept.

Not too many years ago, I was going through a dark time in my life. So what changed? Was it outward circumstances? Did my environment change and with it my inner experience? No.

Somehow I knew that for things to change it would have to be me who would have to change. It would be an inner transformation that would eventually alter outward experience. Some of things I did unconsciously. Others were done with deliberation."

Mr. Angier goes on to state that he removed himself from people who had been critical and found he gained a better perspective. He read books of inspiration which gave him hope. He saw a therapist. He focused on his strengths, talents, and knowledge. When he felt negative thoughts coming on, he'd redirect his mind to something else. No more pity parties were indulged. He kept busy, not knowing what his future would bring - he took one day at a time.

"And each day I did what I could to clean up my messes, make things better, keep my focus forward instead of backward and keep faith. It was my faith in Universal Spirit that helped me get through this 'winter of discontent'. I believe that everyone has a unique purpose and I was determined to discover mine. God doesn't make junk."

Michael ends article with this: "You're either building yourself up or tearing yourself down. There is no status quo when it comes to your self-image."

I hope that these two pieces have opened up your thought patterns and will encourage you to release negativity, junk, or emotional baggage you may be harboring and lugging around. Release it into your visualized nightly junk pile, or write it down and then burn or rip to shreds piece of paper, or go outside and vent it verbally while letting breeze carry it away. May you find peace and increased energy.

5. Take a break if you start feeling stressful. Once you are distracted by emotion it's that much harder to give your full attention to present task. It's best if you don't lose what concentration you've built up to that moment by talking to others. Instead take some deep breaths, gaze out window, take a short walk, or listen to instrumental music for a few minutes. Once you finish job, then take a longer break to relax before moving on to next item you need to accomplish.

6. Do your best to block out everything else. Obviously, this is much easier said than done. Becoming preoccupied with what will happen when you finish this project tends to make your thoughts more scattered. You need to be focused on present moment. Your thinking must be that right now, this is most important project to you. It should be only thing in your consciousness while working on it.

7. Believe that you are capable of attaining whatever end goal is. How many of you played card game of Concentration where you had to match cards as they were flipped over? You paid attention to location of cards, you developed a ritual for remembering where certain cards were, you didn't leave game until it was finished, you told yourself and/or your partner that you were going to win, and you were elated (or at least quite satisfied) when you ended up with lots of matched pairs.

Here's to improved concentration in whatever you do whether it be work oriented, scholastic, social, sports, or anything else.