Friday, August 31, 2012

Building Self Confidence

Art Expo Sydney 2011


So how do you build self confidence? Particularly when you need to have confidence when you're running your own business...

Self confidence is one of the greatest attributes that you can have.

Building confidence so you can run your business is not as difficult as it may sound.

True self-confidence isn't an overnight achievement. It takes lots of  practice and dedication to build the foundations of confidence. And that becomes easier once you realise that you are a great person, and that you deserve self respect, love, and respect from your peers.

In some of our other blog postings we've talked about "Confidence and Competence".




Here are several ways to  build your confidence by focusing on your competence:

  1. Learning-Do courses or attend business seminars to help you build your business.
  2. Research-Do regular research, like surfing the Internet and gain business knowledge. You can also join online business networks to get advice from industry experts.
  3. Hire Experts-Get experts (like a business coach  or a mentor) to help and guide you as you learn and grow your business.
  4. Competency- Commit to learn something new, and if you willing to learn and apply what you learnt you will become competent as all the knowledge and experiences you gained will give you the confidence and competence to run your business.

True confidence comes from within you, from how you see yourself, and you feel about yourself.   


Here are some tips you can use to build confidence in YOURSELF:

  1. Acknowledge your insecurities - recognising your insecurities is the first step to build your self confidence. Be aware of your head chatter. What does it says  in the back of your mind? What makes you feel uneasy, nervous or ashamed of who you are? These feelings could be anything from negative childhood experiences, to identity crisis. For me it was always the acne scars. How I learnt to accept who I am today was by asking myself why do I feel like this, and did people see me like I see myself? We can be so self critical while most of the time people around us are accepting of who we are. It's us who can't accept ourselves.  I used to write a list and work through them one by one by looking at the negatives and the positives of each issue. From the list select the top three that you think it will transform your life and will help you build your confidence. The next step is to confront it and to turn the situation from uneasy to comfortable. Do not skip to the next issue till you  are happy with the results, and feel comfortable with it. During the process if you are feeling down in the dumps and insecure, write down all your positive traits and read them out loud. Even better, stand in front of the mirror. This feedback will reinforce your positive out look and help you to realise how good you are as an individual  and what you have achieved. The results might even surprise you.
  2. Tell Someone - The best way to deal with this issue is to share and tell some one about it. Tell when you are ready. Let you family and your friends know, tell them  how you feel and ask for their help and support. In my situation at first it was very hard to tell my family and friends about how I felt about my acne scars. I was very embarrassed and felt ashamed. I was at a stage where it consumed me and my confidence was getting worse.  I could not even look at the mirror at all. Now, because I had  decided to move forward with my life and to be happy again, I needed to resolve this issue before I could even move on the next. Keep in mind that this doesn't always mean that you have to get rid of whatever makes you feel uncomfortable (and I can tell you that sometimes, you just simply can't).  What you can do is to learn to accept who you are, and your circumstances, without the negative head chatter. Be comfortable with who you are.
  3. That's life embrace it - We are not born perfect. We are on earth to learn and to grow, so learn to accept and embrace the fact that life can be sometimes be a struggle. Even some successful people you know went through difficult times in their lives. The difference is they won't give up till they get where they want to be. The same goes for your confidence too. You need to build it up and allow yourself to feel those insecure feelings. They come and go depending on how you feel and your mood swings at the time too. Seeking perfection will freeze you from growing and exploring. If you aim for perfection you will never be happy or accepting who you are. It can also stop you moving forward to achieve your goals and dreams.
  4. Identify your strengths - We all have something we are good at. if you ask people you know to identify your strengths, they'll tell us things that sometimes we don't recognise it in ourselves. So explore your  talents and follow your passions. Knowing your passion will give you the desire to find your inner strength. Find something you like to do and enjoy doing. If you still not sure about your strength, your family or friends can help you define your strengths. We are all born with talents and strengths, all you need is to identify them, nurture them, and you'll shine. Another way to define your strengths is to think about activities other people do that you would like to try out. You can join a community group or enrol in courses or workshops to fine tune your strengths. Engaging in doing things you like or participating in various interests will help your build your self confidence.
  5. Cause and Effect which one are you? - Being the "Cause" means you are not playing the victim ,and you are taking full responsibility in your own hands. You build confidence by owning the situation and being willing to fight and excel. If you choose to be in "Effect" on the other hand, it means you are playing the victim, “the poor me” and letting people around you to feel sorry for you. Playing a victim will never move you forward to where you intend to be. Your confidence with be in the reverse and it will set you back as you let everything around you consume you and eat you up.
  6. Be Grateful for what you have - Acknowledging and appreciating what you do have right now. We need to be real and appreciate our lives and what we have and take a holistic approach by thinking about the world as a whole. Sometimes we go off track and start complaining about things that bother us or wanting a lifestyle that we can’t have.  So sit back and be the observer. Did you know our life is as wealthy and precious beyond compare? Have you ever thought of making a small list of some of our overlooked privileges and things in our life we take for granted? Also Finding that inner peace in you will  also help you see clearly and boost your confidence.
  7. Positive Mindset is the way to be. Keep positive. Focus on the good things in life. Talk positively and  choose positive words that make you feel good about yourself. If you keep doing this the negative vibes will gradually fade away. We know our minds will wander and the negative head chatter will kick in, just acknowledge it, and give yourself time out to re frame your thinking. Trash the self pity and avoid vulnerability otherwise people see you as a victim and they will treat you like one too. How you present yourself is how people will perceive you. If you present yourself positively and talk about your bright future, you will inspire people along the way. This positive behaviour will reinforce in yourself and continue to help you build self confidence.
  8. Act & Be Confident Now! - The best way to build confident is to act like one. So who is your idol? who is the person you would think of first when it come to confident & competent? Do you have someone you look up to? Act confident might actually make you believe that you are, remember practice makes perfect, try is next time and go through the motions and see how you feel! So act now!.
  9. Look in the mirror and Smile - I know it sounds vain, but what is it that you are not comfortable looking at in the mirror? I used to avoid looking at the mirror so I don't have to see my acne scars. I built up such a complex that I would not like to see  my own reflection. I was thankful to a dear friend of mine who helped me to accept who I am and be comfortable with myself. I clearly remembered she gave me a poem and got me to stand in front of the mirror, look at myself, and recite the poem. At first it was so hard to do, but after I did the routine for several weeks, I started to feel much more comfortable looking at myself and accepting the acne scars as part of who I am. So looking at the mirror and smiling everyday will make you feel happier with yourself and more confident as you are accepting who you are. I can assure you that I can comfortably put myself in front of the mirror and smile and feel good about myself , although the acne scars still with me, it no longer has any power over me. This is because I am who I am, and I am comfortable with myself.
  10. Offer Help - Helping people is a gift that you can offer to people around you. You will  feel good about yourself  that you are making a positive difference in other people's lives. This positive attitude will make you realize you have  the strength, and  you are a  kind person. Helping people grow is helping yourself grow too, and this in tern will boost your self confidence.  
  11. Step out of your comfort zone -  Challenge youself everyday. Stretch yourself and explore the unknown and such adrenaline would help you see how easily things can be accomplished. The best of all you have experienced something new and rewarding.
  12. Healthy LifeStyle - Eating well and staying healthy with regular exercise will also build your confidence. When you exercise, you actually raised endorphins and you will feel good  and happier and healthier too. Healthy LifeStyle is definitely a key contributor to boost your self confidence.
    Would you like to learn how to build your confidence the ArtSHINE way?

    It’s as simple as 1... 2... 3...



       
    2. Send an e-mail to this ArtSHINE : info@ArtSHINE.com.au

    3. Contact Vinh for a no cost, no obligation coaching 
    session:


















Thursday, August 30, 2012

Fine Food Australia, Melbourne Exhibition Centre 10-13 September 2012



"The next Fine Food Australia show will be held in Melbourne on 10-13 September 2012

If you work in the retail, foodservice or hospitality industry, then you simply cannot afford to miss Fine Food Australia. It only takes one visit to discover hundreds of new ideas withfood that could change the way you do business forever!


Fine Food has earned the reputation as Australia’s only truly international event for the food industry. This is the place to find the newest and best products and sevices on offer and stay abreast of what’s hot and happening in the industry.

What you will see

To help you get the most out of your visit to the most exciting food event of the year, Fine Food Australia presents dedicated zones to help visitors find their way around the show."

Food

Bakery World
A full range of equipment, ingredients & finished product
Meat & Seafood World
Fresh & processed products for the chef & supermarket
Drinks World
A full range of hot and cold beverages
Gluten-Free
The latest in gluten-free products
Natural Products
A new section for natural & organic products

 

Confectionary World
Confectionary & snacks for the retail and foodservice markets
Dairy World
Dairy products including milk, cheese, dips and drinks
Flavours of the World
International food for the retail & foodservice markets
Gourmet Food
A zone dedicated to high-end gourmet products
Flavours of the World
International food for the retail & foodservice markets

Equipment

Bakery World
A full range of equipment, ingredients & finished product
Packaging World
Cutting-edge ideas & packaging solutions for the foodservice industry
Retail Equipment
Cash systems, POS systems, scanners, software,supermarket equipment and more.

 

Hospitality
Hospitality equipment, furniture, interiors, guest amenities, POS systems and more
Catering Equipment
The latest in equipment for the foodservice industry


To Register Click 


Images & Source:

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

"Green Savvy Sunday " at Old Bus Depot Markets, Canberra Sunday 16 September 2012

"


GOES
16  September 2012

"Participate in Canberra’s first interactive market which brings together products and community groups focused on domestic green sustainable living. 
Why visit? 
To discover the latest in green technology for the home environment, buy specialist green/sustainable products, and speak to a variety of government agencies and companies about what programs, assistance and products they provide to the community and householders.  Indulge in some organic food and discover just how many of our stallholders make products using ecological methods/ materials.
Stallholders and items you’ll find:  Products that have been recycled, upcycled or produced with low energy use or using organic techniques"
Delight in the flavours, fun and feeling of Canberra’s national award-winning markets. With a fresh contemporary feel, the Old Bus Depot Markets promise visitors a vibrant atmosphere and a truly sensory experience.



You will find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring unique items that are handcrafted by local and regional artists and craftspeople.

Located in the Old Bus Depot building on 21 Wentworth Avenue in Kingston, Canberra, the markets are easy to access, have ample free parking and a wide range of food stalls to enjoy lunch, a coffee or a quick bite to eat and browse a wonderful array of unique handcrafted items.



Source & Images:

http://www.obdm.com.au/

http://bymarienicole.blogspot.com.au

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Close Up Interview with Colour Artist Pascale Rajek


 acrylic and mixed media

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
Born in Noumea, New Caledonia, I moved in Sydney in 2003 to be with my husband.
Being a Graphic Designer for years, I had the desire to draw and paint again and needed to be in touch with the surface and decided to paint with my hand.

My artwork embraces the natural surroundings by creating and integrating the colour, texture, energy and emotion we experience from the land and the people. It is the inter relationships of the environment and human activity that is the focal point of my art making.


Meli Melo 

 acrylic and mixed media

Who (or what) inspires you to do what you love in your own creative business?
There are a few artists that I like in terms of the colours they used and also the reason why they started to paint.
Romero Britto is an amazing inspiration for me as his style is bold and joyful.
The other person who has opened the realm of paint for me is a Canadian artist called Kardif. Her use of textures and colours as well as the story I read in her painting gave me the desire to express myself and share my story.

Madoka Vibe- 2012
24x24", Acrylic, Oils and mixed media

Where do you get your inspiration from when you design/paint?
I always start with mixing the paint or playing with textures. I try not to have a definite vision of the artwork but let the artwork take me on a journey. Every colour, textures are like words in a book, they are telling a story and the viewer is the one getting the information he needs by looking or reading it.

It is a different approach with commission artwork where I have to connect with the client and what they are trying to tell.

What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?
Colourful, Passionate, Creative, Caring, Enthusiastic


Dance with me
48x36"
Mixed Media and Acrylic

Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?
Looking after kids during school holidays in playground facility.

From then my passion for graphic design, arts and colours as well as holistic medecine has allowed me to connect with children and adults to show them the world of colours and the emotions that comes out of it.

As an Artist, what is your biggest frustration?
Time and space.. I could paint all day

I just finished a course with MoMA (Museum of Modern Art in New York) and tried oils and was frustrated with the smell and the length of time it takes to dry.


Tahitian Dreaming
40x40"
Mixed Media and Acrylic

Tell us about how you prioritise your work.
Painting, drawing, creating is like breathing and I need it to feel alive.. So people need to walk, go overseas but for me it is a piece of paper, canvas and colours that will make me happy.

I consider all of my work a priority, inspiration and creativity are not a switch on button and I need to be in the space to be able to express myself.


How do you connect with other artists, and your customers (i.e. how do you network)?
Once or twice per month, I will visit an Art Gallery to learn more about the artists in Australia and because I am a Pinterest fan, I always find well known artist on the web.

My customers are from facebook, my website and blog as well as referrals.. Hope I will be able to have an exhibition sooner than later to showcase myself.

My Picasso's inspiration

Tell us about your upcoming project with ArtSHINE?
My passion for colours and textures has been there for ever.

2 – 3 years ago after finishing a Surface Diploma, I had the desire to tap into the emotion of colours and textures. This was an amazing discovery to see that we are drawn to colours and textures depending of our state of mind and that they could help us deal with which ever emotions was sitting in the space.

I am very proud and honoured to post a monthly article as a guest blog on the ArtSHINE community about colours & passion.

240mm × 118mm
 acrylic and mixed media

What advice can you offer other creative people who are just starting out and following their passions?
Believe in your dreams.
My moto is “ It always seems impossible until it is done”

Sunshine Colours - 2012
610mm x 712mm, Acrylic, Oils and mixed media


What dreams do you still want to achieve or fulfil in your life?
I would like to have a school where I can teach people to open their creativity.
Have my own brand of products

What is your proudest moment so far?
Having a solo exhibition in October 2011

Who do you most want to meet and why?
Claire Desjardins because if her use of colours and the joy I have in looking at her art

Breathing
40x40"
Mixed Media and Acrylic

What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned?
Do what you love and don’t worry about the rest!!

What book are you reading right now, and do you have a book you would like to recommend?
I am reading “Dying to be me” by Anita Moorjani
This book is not only about cancer but also about us coming back to life itself.

Sorted by Lissanne Olivier
I have done so much in my office and in my painting using this book. I have found tools in the draws to add texture on the canvas.. This has help me as well to remove all the negative stuff in my life, office and emails.. to only have the time for was real..


Escape 

36x36" - Cotton Duck Canvas
Mixed Media and Acrylic
2010



Where do we find you and your Art? (list stores & links, websites )

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/artonsurface/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ArtOnSurface
Art on Surface website:http://www.art-on-surface.net/



Pure Leverage

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