It seems to be customary that at the start of a new year resolutions are made, visions are set, and goals are established. But does life really magically change just because the calendar turns from December 31st to January 1st? Of course it doesn’t. So how do you manage to flip the switch to be successful in the new year?

The primary key to successfully accomplishing your vision and goals for the new year is your mindset. If you go haphazardly at your new vision and goals with your previous mindset, expect failure. The reason most people create resolutions and update their vision is because they’re looking for a change. If what you were doing and thinking worked, you would not be looking for something new. The only exception to this is if you’ve actually accomplished your previous goals and visions, and you are updating to the next level. But even then a mindset adjustment may be necessary, because what you did for the previous level may not work for the new level. Preparing your mind for your new journey will allow you to gain perspective and look at things from a fresh point of view.

You will also need a plan. There is a popular saying and quote that says, “if you fail to plan, then you should plan to fail.” This is where you need to set actionable steps that will lead you down the path to your ultimate vision. I like to call this your “Plan of Action.” These are the tasks, assignments, and measures that need to be completed in order for your ultimate vision or resolution to be accomplished. It is your blueprint. Taking time to brainstorm and map out the goals and steps needed to accomplish your resolution and vision in the beginning, will save you greatly on time and unnecessary mistakes along the way. 

Finally, you must constantly check-in and assess your progress regularly. This is where you will see just how effective your plan of action is, and if you are actually meeting the goals and measurements needed to accomplish the task at hand. If you find that something is not working, or that you are missing the mark on your goals, here is where you would make the necessary adjustments to get back on track and begin moving forward again. Just because something is not working the way you expected or wanted it to, doesn’t mean you should chuck or give up the whole idea. Sometimes just a few minor adjustments is all you need. However, if you discover that the path you are on is totally not for you or where you should be, it’s nothing wrong with acknowledging you’re on the wrong path, and re-establising a new direction based what is best for you.

So as you move forward to accomplish your goals, remember these key elements to bringing forth your vision. It can be done if you spend a little more time preparing for your journey. As always, I thank you for stopping by. I hope you’ve enjoyed this quick message. Remember today is a great day to make a difference in the lives of those around you, and don’t forget to like and share this helpful tip. Enjoy your day!

Image courtesy of Asia Speaks

HAPPY NEW YEAR! As we enter into another year, and begin to set our vision and goals, I want to encourage each of you to cater to your strengths. So often in life we spend countless hours focusing on improving our weaknesses. But the one thing we miss is the areas that we are strong in. We each have different areas that we naturally excel in, and when we come together working in our strengths, the puzzle gets completed. 

As you work toward your goals and vision in this new year, be sure to operate in your strengths to accomplish them. Once I discovered the value of my strengths and the areas that I was strong in, I applied them to different areas of my life. I began to see myself soar and move forward, especially in the areas of my career and business. 

So today, I encourage you rather than focus on improving in the areas you are weak, discover and hone in on your strengths, and let them soar you to your next level. 

As always, I thank you for stopping by. Remember today is a great day to make a difference in the lives of those you encounter! Also, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to this blog so that you don’t miss a beat. 

This year has been one amazing year.  What’s even more amazing is it all kicked off when I decided to embrace my authentic self, move out of my comfort zone, and put some action toward my dreams and goals.

Literally one year ago I encountered the conversation that would change the course of my life. That day I was forced to take an honest look at myself, and be accountable for the role I played in my dreams and goals not being accomplished. That day I made the conscious decision to kick my excuses to the curve and start walking, even though I couldn’t see the rest of the staircase. Now, I’m not only a published Author, but an Amazon Best Selling Author; I’m speaking at conferences across the nation; and I’m a certified Life and Holistic Health & Wellness Coach. Can you say an active year?

Today, I want to encourage you to not give up. No matter how far away you seem to be from your dreams. Don’t give up. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of us changing our perspectives and putting action towards our goals. I’ve said it many times, I had every excuse in the book for why I couldn’t pursue my dreams. In the end, I discovered how to use those very things to be my catalyst. I changed my perspective, and learned how to say, “No,” or “Not right now,” as well as how to better manage the time I do have available. Every minute counts. Although you can’t do anything about the time that has passed, you can make good use of the time you still have.

I hope this short message has been inspirational and encouraging. As always I thank you for stopping by. Remember today is a great day to make a difference in the lives of those around you, so be Friendly, Show Favor, and Give Love.

As I celebrate my personal National Holiday, my birthday, I sit and look at my life in awe. I remember as a child I would always wonder what I would look like, and where I would be when I was 20, 30, 40, etc. I am so grateful that I have been able to now see all of those milestones.  

In my 20’s, I spent my time hopping on different roads trying to figure out where the heck I was going. In my 30’s, I spent a lot of time being frustrated from all the u-turns I had to make, from all the wrong turns, and turns I missed driving without clear directions. Now at the turn of 40, I am finally on the right road, headed in the right direction, and constantly checking my GPS to make sure I stay on the right route.  

No, it has not been easy, but it hasn’t been all bad either. If I were to speak with my younger self today, this is what I would tell her. First and foremost, embrace your uniqueness, and never trade it in to be a carbon copy of someone else. Dating is cool, but don’t get hung up on it. If he doesn’t see the beauty and value in you, then it’s his loss, not yours. That gift that’s inside of you to write and tell stories, own it and hone it! It was given to you for a reason, and while it may not be the norm and make sense to others, stick with it. It will take you places beyond what you could ever dream.

If you are seated at the table, you belong there even when it doesn’t feel like it. Be confident, yet humble, and always show gratitude. Always be ready to learn from those who go before you, encourage those who walk with you, and teach those that follow you. Don’t fault God for the failures and disappointments of people, they have the right to choose just as you. Keep God as your center and compass, and always, always remember to authentically be you!

As always, I thank you for stopping by. I hope this encourages you. Remember today is a great day to make a positive difference and impact in the lives of those around you by being friendly, showing favor, and giving love! Peace and Blessings unto you!

“If you nurture it, it will grow.” – T. Lynn Tate

As I sit here today, my heart is filled with gratitude. There are so many things I am grateful for, but today I am going to focus on just one, at least that’s my plan. 

A couple of months ago, I embarked on a journey to write my first novel. Although I had briefly talked about writing a book before, I had never put any real effort toward it. So, up until recently it was just an idea, or rather a seedling. The interesting thing is once I put some action toward the idea almost instantly it began to take root and grow. I went from bouncing around the idea of writing a book to setting deadlines and goals for completing the book, to now being at the end of writing and editing the book. 

It has not been easy. Though the soil was fertile for the idea, there were still some rocks and other inhibitors that had to be removed from the area. The conditions were not always perfect and sunny, but I pushed to nurture and tend to the needs of my idea seedling. To my amazement my seedling not only produced one bud, but another bud sprung up as well. Now instead of one book, I have two books releasing in the same year, one of my own and the other a collaboration.

Just think, had I not put action toward my idea, the other opportunity wouldn’t have been presented. I always talk about the law of attraction, and this is why. As I continued to work on my book, my network circle started to change. I began to meet other authors, editors, investors, etc., that are able to mentor and guide me on this journey.  

So today, I encourage you to stop dreaming and put some action toward your goals and dreams. Even if it’s 10 minutes a day, do something to put you one step closer to your dream. Again, though not easy, continue to push, because if you nurture it, it will grow. 

As always, I thank you for stopping by. I hope this encourages you. Remember today is a great day to make a positive difference and impact in the lives of those around you by being friendly, showing favor, and giving love! Peace and Blessings unto you!

Happy New Year!

Every year about this time, I take an assessment of my life, of where I am, and what I have accomplished. This year, I can truly say that I ended 2016 in a good place. So for 2017, my goal is to take it to the next level. The question I now ask myself is, “What am I willing to do to get to the next level?”

One of the things I am going to do is set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound) goals. SMART goals will help establish the blue print to accomplish your dreams. As you reach each milestone, the feeling of accomplishment will propel you, and build even more momentum to keep pushing for the finish line.

I will purposefully carve out time daily to work on my craft. Regardless of your profession or industry, if you are not putting in time to hone your craft and work toward your goal, you cannot expect maximum performance and results. Athletes work out almost daily, even during their off seasons. Why, because it keeps them in shape and prepared for the next season. Everyday you should be working on something that will put you one or more steps closer to your desired goal.

Last but certainly not least, I will identify and connect with other individuals who have successfully accomplished what I am trying to do. If you are at the top of the food chain in your circle of friends and associates, then you are hindering your growth potential. It is wise to have three types of people in your life at all times, someone you can learn from (mentor), someone you can lean on (peer), and someone you can share your knowledge with (mentee). I can truly say whether it was switching to a more holistic lifestyle, building my business, or even writing; once I linked up with mentors in the areas of my desired goals, I started to see a difference in my success level.

Now I’m not saying this is going to be the end all be all for me getting to my next level, but it is certainly a start. I encourage you to really take time to plan out your strategy to accomplish your goals this year. One of my favorite quotes is, “If you fail to plan, plan to fail.” Don’t miss out on all that 2017 has to offer you, because you didn’t have a plan of action.

As always, I thank you for stopping by. I hope this encourages you. Remember today is a great day to make a positive difference and impact in the lives of those around you by being friendly, showing favor, and giving love! Peace and Blessings unto you!

Sometimes the greatest distance between you and your goal is you. My life has taken a very interesting and active turn of events in the past couple of weeks. Some of you may have already noticed but this blog now contains a link for a campaign to fund my book project. Yes, I have taken the leap and put some action behind my words. If you love or even like the material I share on this blog, please consider and donate to my campaign. Your donations are truly appreciated, and will be put to good work.

So, a week or so ago I reached out to an author friend of mine to purchase a few of her books. After speaking with her for two hours, I had set the deadline for completing my book, picked the title, established the day of my first book launch and signing, and obtained a book writing coach and mentor amongst a few other things. It wasn’t until I got off the phone that I realized what had just happened. I won’t lie, I am both extremely excited and nervous, BUT I am moving forward. Since that conversation, everyday I have a list of things related to this project I must complete. Truthfully speaking, it has been challenging at times getting my daily tasks completed. The amazing thing is I have been very aware of the things that contribute to me being distracted. Let me explain.

Some time ago my cousin attended a seminar in which one of their topics was “Hidden Commitments.” The definition she gave me was hidden commitments are the things that get in the way or prevent us from fulfilling the goals and commitments we make. As I have journeyed through these past couple of weeks, for once I can say I actually took notice and was very aware of the things that distract me and pull me off task when I am trying to accomplish something. It didn’t fail that everytime I sat down to write there was something else that all of sudden needed to be done. Some of it came from outside sources (i.e. family, friends, anybody else needing something), and then other times it was simply me. I would sit down, and all of sudden run through the list of things that I needed to do. If it wasn’t the laundry, it was cooking. If it wasn’t cooking, it was cleaning or going to pick up something else that I had forgotten. I mean everything except sitting still and writing. Normally, I would instantly get up and go do or address whatever it is that came up, but not this time. This time there was something in me that said, “No, it can wait,” and wait it did.

I am amazed at how much I have gotten accomplished by being aware of my hidden commitments, and having the power to say, “No, I will deal with you when I’m done.” Now this doesn’t mean that I was neglectful of my family or my responsibilities. No, no I did, however use wisdom to know when there was something that truly needed to be handled at that time, or if it was something that could wait. I don’t know about you, but too often I put the needs of others before my own. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, it just shouldn’t be the case all the time. One of the mantra’s I once heard at a business conference was, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” If we are to accomplish any of the goals, commitments, and dreams that we set, we have to set aside time solely dedicated to the tasks necessary to accomplish our goals. Most importantly we have to learn to say, “No, not right now. It can wait.” Today, I challenge you to set aside time each day to work on the tasks and assignments that need to be accomplished in order for you to reach your goal; and during those set times be laser focused on your goal at hand. Be like the Practicing Mind, don’t multitask, and see how much more productive you feel and get accomplished.

As always, I thank you for stopping by. I hope this encourages you. Remember today is a great day to make a positive difference and impact in the lives of those around you by being friendly, showing favor, and giving love! Peace and Blessings unto you!

Photo Courtesy www.thebetterplan.org

“Use your own power to be the change you want to see.”
-Nina Shaw

I love the experience of moments filled with inspiration. To me there is nothing like having the lights come on, and suddenly everything becomes clear. One of the things I have been diligently working on is owning who I am. Not who people want or think I should be, but who I am at my core. The things that make my heart beat, and make my socks go up and down. The things that make me happy, and bring joy to my life, and the things that fuel my passion and help me to feel like I am really making my mark on this world.

In today’s society, it is very easy to get the lines of who you are and who society says you are, or should be, confused.  Especially, when you don’t really know who you are. At my core I love to make a difference. I love to positively impact the lives of those I encounter. By nature I am a nurturer.  I care about the feelings and lives of others even sometimes to a fault, but that is who I am. I am not one who likes to sit around and talk, but one who searches out results. Sometimes I exhaust myself trying to do everything, because once an idea gets a hold of me I am obsessed with it and must research, plan, and figure out a way to make it happen.

As I sat watching the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards, I started to feel that obsession rise up in me. The final words of Nina Shaw’s acceptance speech stuck to my ribs like glue, “Use your own power to be the change you want to see!”  I mentioned in a previous post that this year I was going to get back to the business of doing rather than just talking. You see my dreams aren’t just made up of visions of fame and wealth, no my dreams include making a difference in my community and eventually the world. No matter how messed up things may seem to be, I want to do my part to bring healing, hope, encouragement, faith and wholeness to those who have been broken by various circumstances in life. Since I don’t like to put limits on my possibilities, that is just the start because I don’t know what this passion will blossom into to after that.

I love her charge, because it is time for all people to stop passing the buck and waiting for others to make the change. We are empowered, and it starts with us. It starts with our choices and decisions. You don’t like how the political landscape looks, then get up, vote, and research your candidates. Stop allowing bias and slanderous media ads to help you determine your candidate choice. Know what they truly stand for before you put your vote in for them. You think children today don’t have enough good roles models in their life, then become a mentor and take time to positively contribute to the molding and shaping of a child’s life. Use your power to be the change you want to see!

As always, I thank you for stopping by, and please know I truly appreciate your time. Remember today is a great day to make a positive impact in the lives of those around you. So be sure to Be Friendly, Show Favor, and Give Love

I don’t think it’s a secret that I am a firm believer in the law of attraction.  As a man thinks, so is he.  Here lately I have found myself sharing this principle with others to encourage them to change their way of thinking. In the same token, I find myself being challenged in maintaining my thought process and outlook. If you haven’t read my previous mentions, the Law of Attraction simply put means like attracts like.

In most cases you hear people refer to this principle in terms of if you think positive thoughts, you will yield positive results. If you focus on the negative, you will yield negative results. Real simple right? Actually no, it takes daily and continual practice to adopt and maintain a positive and forward thinking mindset. At the end of the day, you have to choose what you are going to focus on. There are times when literally I have to make the conscious decision to focus on the positive rather than the instinctive negative feelings and perceptions that flare up. Does that mean I don’t have moments where I give into the negative? No it does not, but I don’t set up camp in that space. I deal with the negative moment and work through it.  Then I make the choice not to stay in that moment and move forward.

There was a time when those negative experiences and moments would continuously run through my mind like a broken record. Along with the thoughts, came the feelings. When looking back, those negative thoughts and feelings usually resulted in a negative response to events that occurred in my life. I pretty much developed a pessimistic view on life.  However, when I started consciously choosing to take a different more positive outlook on things, I began to see and experience things in my life differently. I started to see more opportunities open up for me and my life began to change. I took control of my 90% in response to the 10% of what was happening to me.

Today, I encourage you to make the conscious decision to take a different outlook on your life. I have a Dove candy wrapper that says, “The more you celebrate life, the more life there is to celebrate.”  If you don’t believe me, just try it. Choose to look at what life has to offer you, rather than what you feel life has cheated you out of. As always, I thank you for stopping by. Remember today is a great day to make a positive impact in the lives of those around you. So in the words of my Pastor, Be Friendly, Show Favor, and Give Love.