Social anxiety is a specific form of anxiety. It is an emotion characterised by a discomfort or a fear when a person is in a social interaction that involves a concern of being judged or evaluated by others. Typically characterised by an intense fear of what others are thinking about them (specifically fear of embarrassment or humiliation, criticism, or rejection), which results in the individual feeling insecure and not good enough for other people, and/or the assumption that peers will automatically reject them.

Developmental social anxiety occurs early in childhood as a normal part of the development of social functioning and is a stage that most children grow out of, but it may persist or resurface and grow into chronic social anxiety during their teenage years or possibly in adulthood. People vary in how often they experience social anxiety, and in which kinds of situations they experience it.

Chronic social anxiety that causes considerable distress and impaired ability to function in at least some parts of daily life is an anxiety disorder called social anxiety disorder (SAD). It is the most common anxiety disorder and one of the most common psychiatric disorders. Wikipedia

Social anxiety is an avoidance of interacting with work, social and family activities. This fear avoidance creates intense anxiety and distress. Small groups, authority figures, being observed, being the center of attention, are all a part of the daily activities to be avoided.

Social anxiety is a pattern of thinking that involves; predicting the future, mind reading, over generalizing, taking things personal and focusing on the negatives. The bodily symptoms can include; sweating, flushing, heart palpitations and elevated blood pressure.

Social Anxiety Companions~Alcohol, Sugar, Nicotine 

Many people with social anxiety will use alcohol for liquid courage in social situations. Alcohol affects the brain’s serotonin levels that regulate mood. Alcohol is full of sugar which leads to feelings of nervousness, confusion, restlessness and sometimes dizziness.

While the main strategy is avoidance of social situation, people who suffer from social anxiety, develop social and emotional skill deficits as a results of the avoidance of interacting. While their peers are learning these skills by interacting. As time goes on, the anxiety and distress of avoiding interactions is loneliness and often depression.

Smokers often use the habit to try to relieve tension and anxiety. However, research has shown that smoking cigarettes may be linked to an increased risk of anxiety disorders. The effect of cigarette smoking on your anxiety may be related to the indirect effects of the habit of breathing, as well as the direct effects of nicotine on your body. Not only will quitting smoking be better for your social anxiety, it will also be better for your overall health.

Effective Therapy For Social Anxiety

Research indicates that the most effective therapy for social anxiety disorder is called cognitive-behavioral therapy. New rational ways to deal with and eradicate the anxiety can be learned. By learning to work with the “behavior” rather than being controlled of the anxieties. Anti depression medication can also be of assistance.

Resources To Overcome Social Anxiety

1. Video by the University Of California Television. Physician, author, speaker, researcher, and consultant Martin L. Rossman, MD, discusses how to use the power of the healing mind to reduce stress and anxiety, relieve pain, change lifestyle habits, and live with more wellness. Series: UCSF Mini Medical School for the Public.
2. Documentary on Social Anxiety Disorder.
3. The Social Anxiety Institute offers an online therapy course.
4. Text for Social Anxiety.
5. Books available

Change your thinking, change your life!

Watch This Video By~Bestselling author, Noah Elkrief, explaining why you have social anxiety and how to completely lose your social anxiety.

More Than Butterflies: Overcoming Social Anxiety ~The Signs, Symptoms, and Learning how to Cope. By Barbara Markway, Ph.D., a psychologist with over 25 years of experience and the author of four self-help books. Barbara has also been featured in the award-winning PBS documentary Afraid of People. Her work has been published in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Prevention, Essence, American Health, Real Simple, Web MD, Psychology Today, and her own website The Self-Compassion Project.

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Tools To Find Your Dream Job

Are you considering investing years getting an education for a future career? If so, this is a pivotal time in your life. Gleaming all the information you can about your decision will set you apart from the pack. Doing a full assessment gets you one step closer in minutes rather than years. The information can provide you with self information that will have a lasting impact on your life.

Worthwhile Assessment Texting

Taking an assessment test is the first step for clarity. Taking hours to analysis the results and put it to use will save you hours, days, months and years of time. On first glance you will see some things but on a more in-depth study of your results you can put the information to work for you. In the end you will approach your final decision with a deeper conviction and focus. Here are two assessment text, both include the Myers Briggs. One is sufficient when you study it in-depth.

Personality Max  $37

Myers Briggs  $49.95

SDS Self-Directed Search $9.95

Strong Profile – College Edition  $9.95

Statistics Regarding Career Options

When it comes to a placing yourself in an environment to flourish, many aspects need to be considered. These statistics and information described in detail the things to consider and sort through. There is a difference in the natural strengths that you bring to any environment and putting yourself in an environment where you will never be recognized for your natural abilities. This website describes what the career entails and what you need to get started.

Is there a point in getting a four-year degree to end up working for $20.00 an hour. Do your research, what are the real possibilities of your career choice income. Before you begin your course of study check out the job prospects in the future and what it may be like to work in the environment you have selected. There is detailed information about these details with the SDS Self-Directed Search.

Education About Your Education

Will you need a four-year degree or an advanced degree. What true value will you gain from an advanced degree, in your field of study? What are the top schools in the field I want to be prepared for? Would you have a leg up on getting the position of your dreams if you attended the leading university for your field of choice?

Top Universities

Relocating For Work

As an example: Chemistry. California is the largest employer chemist. If staying in your home state near family is important, notice the realistic possibilities of your career choice in your local area. Check it out before you begin your education. Save yourself time and money. Avoid going back and doing your education again.

My Personal Story Using Assessments

I took the Strong/Campbell Interest and Skill Survey in the early 80’s. It showed photography as an interest. I was called shortly after and asked to work for a company doing photography. Without this skill survey I would have never said yes. I was personally trained to do the photography for a video dating company in Mill Valley. This was the moment my professional career started in photography.

Near the millennium I was in a career crisis and took several assessments. This time diving deeper into the information. I was looking for what they all had in common. For me that included; religious activities, counseling, writing, public speaking, teaching and photography. As well as the culinary arts which has been a consistent thread in my life both as a restaurateur and a home chef. I developed a wedding and coaching business around these skills and enjoy a lifestyle that feels well suited for my interest, passions and skills. I’m an INFJ.

The information is only as good as the research that goes into understanding it and yourself. Dive deep…you deserve it. Build a life that fits you! Take one or take them all. Either way spend time with the information and find success.

Need Help Making Sense Of It All?

You don’t need to struggle with the results if you need help to see the clarity of what is in front of you. Give me a call and make an appointment. We will search for your clarity together. 415-409-9264

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Entrepreneurs Rule And They Always Will

The Men That Built America

They became the titans of America’s Industry, each one becoming the richest man in America at one time.

1. Cornelius Vanderbilt built the infrastructure across the United States with the Railroad and built Grand Central Depot in New York. He became the richest man in history.
2. Andrew Carnegie became a self-made steel tycoon. At the age of 65, Carnegie decided to spend the rest of his days helping others by building libraries and making donations to education.
3. J.P. Morgan went from buying railroads to bailing out the U.S. Government. He went from rich to richer.
4. Henry Ford’s Model A shaped the future of America society, by building affordable cars to the masses.

Shared Interest And Strengths of The Titans

• The believed in building an idea with a sense of destiny, foresight and determination.
• They saw possibilities where others didn’t.
• They continued to show courage during the constant changes in the marketplace and in the climate that threaten the empires they built.

They never would have guessed what they would accomplish in thirty years. And neither do we! We don’t know where our vision will takes us, when we start out to build an idea into a reality. Once the idea is birthed it has a life of it’s own and can take us on a journey never foreseen.

Become the entrepreneur you have always envisioned, with a little help success is just around the corner. Start today getting the business coaching you need to move forward. Call Ema at 415-409-9264.

The 15 Characteristics of Effective Entrepreneurs

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Tuition-Free Accredited University Minus Debt

Now that there is free education online with an accredited online university, I wonder why people choose to go into debt and wait endlessly for required classes. Who wants to start their career in debt with student loans? Or feel the guilt of emptying a parents retirement account to finish their education? Most parents and students think this is the only way.

Know there is an option to the costly system of higher education. The world’s first non-profit, tuition free, accredited, online University.  Students are asked to pay a $100 processing fee per exam taken. Students are required to pay approximately $2,000 in exam fees for studies for an associate’s degree and approximately $4,000 for a bachelor’s degree.

The College Board, reports the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2014–2015 school year was $31,231 at private colleges, $9,139 for state residents at public colleges, and $22,958 for out-of-state residents attending public universities. For a four year degree the cost is easily near $124,924 for private college, $36,000 for public college, and $91,832 for public university.

A new institution with a revolutionary new model for higher education. Currently a B.S. and A.S. is offered in both Business Administration and Computer Sciences. Graduates of Computer Science and Business Administration programs are in highest demand in the international job market, which is these programs are offered to students. More will be added.

The application process takes place online and involves, six writing assignments. Students need to be 18 years of age or older, have a high school diploma, be proficient in English, along with internet connection. Students are required to participate in class discussions, as well as evaluate other students’ work. Students receive a grade for their contribution to these discussions. With 20-30 students in each classroom, instructors can ensure all students take an active part in discussions, as well as provide individualized encouragement and support for each student.

With students from 142 countries, the United States is the most represented country, the most represented region is Africa. Over 95 percent of students would recommend the University as a good institute of higher education.

Check out the University Of The People, tuition free online university. Attain your higher education without going into debt.

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How Entrepreneurs Experience Emotional Stress

Vital Emotions To Success 

Perhaps the most emotional career decision made is to be an entrepreneur. The ups and downs can be astounding, and the emotions involved can test the commitment and resolve of even the most stubborn of entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurial experts claim that there are four emotional stages that almost every entrepreneur passes through on their way to becoming completely comfortable with their new life and career.  Both negative and positive.

Of course it is pure exhilaration once you have taken the biggest leap of  your life.  Despite the uncertainties, you are officially on your way to making your dream a reality.  It’s the honeymoon stage. Hopefully the enthusiasm is contagious further boosting the feelings of excitement that propels you forward.

Once the excitement wears off, the next emotion can be loneliness.  Leaving old patterns behind can be compounded with feelings of isolation.  Develop new patterns and keep the focus on your vision. Develop new skills to push through negative feelings.

Next follows overwhelm.  The commitments and obligations can feel overwhelming. Your new venture will require most of your time and energy.  While an overall plan is effective this overwhelm can best attended by breaking it all down to the task at hand. Separating it into its parts and bringing your attention to one part at a time moves you along quickly.

Starting a business can truly take an emotional toll and yet the thrill of bringing your vision into fulfillment also brings deep satisfaction.  Do your homework, get support and perhaps a business coach to help you through the emotional ride.

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My Entrepreneurial Life by Ema Drouillard

Tenacity, Passion & Vision 

Entrepreneurs take risk and deal with uncertainty. Today the term implies qualities of leadership, initiative and innovation in business. Entrepreneurship is often associated with true uncertainty, particularly when it involves something really novel.

Most of my adult life has been involved with entrepreneurial endeavors. In my earlier years I co-owned and operated a small resort on the lake in Michigan.  The resort had a small motel, marina, restaurant, bar and guest houses for rent. When I moved to California I become a Realtor, Financial Planner and Registered Investment Adviser.  It was via these avenues that I learned to be wise with money, become known as an expert and to build a solid reputation.

With motherhood came a strong desire to deeply understand nutrition, health and healing. Completing studies to become a Nutritional Therapist, Spiritual Director and Life Coach. A number of healing arts have been gathered over the years. 

An entrepreneur holds a strong self-belief of a successful outcome. That belief comes from a strong passion which is best when combined with doing what brings inner joy and satisfaction. Following ones bliss is the only juice to see an entrepreneur through the up’s and down’s of taking risk and bringing innovation to the market place.

Equally as important is the trait be able to persevere failure as one step closer to success. The path of success can feel at times like one step forward and two steps back. With each misstep knowledge  is gleamed for forward movement in a clearer direction.  Flexibility brings success, seeing, listening and waiting for the cues that usually come from customers or clients.

An entrepreneur has many things to manage all at once.  Technology, marketing, planning, projecting, preserving, re-structuring.  It takes smarts on many levels.  Many hats on top of one another.

Perhaps the biggest management task is to successfully manage ones emotions.  Between the highs and lows there is the ever-present fear.  The next post will share entrepreneurial skills and awareness for avoiding emotional pitfalls of being a successful entrepreneur.

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Life Decisions Create Pivotal Events  

In life, most of our wrong turns, frustrations and pain can be traced back to the bad calls we’ve made.  Knowing when to say a clear ‘yes’ and when to assert ‘no’ is how we effectively navigate the choices and dilemmas before us.  Life’s rich palette of choices knows no end. How much time do we take deliberating the best course of action?

With all the conditioning from family and culture, society often makes decision for us, without us even realizing it.  People also fall in to the misleading trap of relying on other people to make decisions for them.  ‘What would you do if you were in my shoes?’  It is an impossible question.  What’s right for them would not be right for you.

Some of us can make a decision in the moment, while others need to wait until they are emotional calm, still for others it’s all a matter of the heart.  Some of us need outside input and some of us simply need to follow our own flow and response to life.

Understanding how you personally make decisions can change your life.  If you have been making decisions in the moment and you are designed to wait.  Just image how waiting will affect your life by making decisions that are better understood.

The most important decisions you make in life are the ones that create life changes.  Life decisions made in a way that is in a-line with your true genius will sail you along a self illuminating voyage.  Find out yours.  Know it and use it.  Watch your life unfold in a transformational way.

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