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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

2014 is your chance to BE...

Be Happy 
Be Committed
Be Kind 
Be Positive
Be Amazing 
Be Confident 
Be Inspiring
Be Strong 
Be A BOSS 
Be Versatile

Be a good Family Member 
Be Optimistic 
Be Patient 
Be Humble
Be Faithful 
Be Determined
Be a good Kid 
Be Punctual  
Be a Lady 
Be Encouraging 

Be Curious 
Be Stress-Free 
Be Proud 
Be a good Roommate
Be Reliable 
Be Selfless 
Be a Gentleman 
Be a good Manager
Be a Traveler 
Be Respectful 

Be a good Partner 
Be Interesting  
Be Organized 
Be Active 
Be a good Neighbor
Be a Helper
Be Responsible 
Be Genuine 
Be a good Student  

Be Loving 
Be Cool 
Be Fun 
Be Classy 
Be Awesome! 
Be Persistent 
Be Understanding 
Be a good Cook 
Be Brave 
Be Intelligent 

Be Outspoken
Be a Leader
Be a safe Driver
Be Thoughtful 
Be Smart 
Be Powerful 
Be Fair 
Be a good Friend 
Be Active 
Be Funny 

Be Aware 
Be Sexy 
Be Considerate
Be a Listener 
Be a Team Player 
Be Adventurous 
Be Consistent
Be Wealthy
Be Successful 
Be Polite 

Be Loyal 
Be Healthy  
Be Calm 
Be Original 
Be Creative 
Be Thankful
Be Sincere
Be Fearless
Be Charismatic
Be Faithful

Above all… 
Be YOURSELF 

Happy New Year!

Sunday, December 29, 2013

"A Journey of A Thousand Miles Begins with One Step" Lao-Tzu

Is it a person you are trying to connect with? Is it a job that you want? Is it a trip you want to take? Is it debt you need to pay? Is it a paper or presentation you have to create? Is it a meal you want to make? Is it a house you want to buy? Is it a car you have to repair? Is it a tournament you want to win? Is it a wedding you have to plan? Is it a family you need to provide for? It can be anything big or small. 

Sometimes we don't know exactly how we are going to get to where we want to go. We may not always know how to get started, which priority to focus on or how to ask for help. Sometimes we get started on a great note but have a set back, which can leave us feeling defeated. 

While we can't predict the future, and we can only plan so much it's important to stay focused on what we truly want to achieve. It may be just a few simple steps, or several obstacles to overcome. One of my favorite quotes states, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." Lao-Tzu. I even wear a ring that is engraved with this quote as a constant reminder for me to always keep trying.

Every challenge we face has a starting point. Sometimes taking the first step is the hardest part of the journey. Once you begin you gain momentum to keep moving forward. Don't stop until you get to your finish line.

Don't let anyone tell you "you cant." At times it may feel like an eternity just to take one step or to see a single result. Be patient. Stay calm. Sometimes you have to try something 9 times, and not get what you want. Just know it takes that "one more time" for it to become a success. 

Surround yourself with people that can help and motivate you. Never give up on what you truly want. You are the creator of your dream, and the only one that can make it a reality.

So as you embark on your next journey remember to think positive, be patient, persevere, and don't forget to wear a comfortable pair of shoes :) 

#Journey #Dreams #Goals #Success 

Friday, December 27, 2013

Great Expectations

Great Expectations

 

We all want to be happy. We all want to be successful.

Don’t sell yourself short by expecting little of situations and of others.

Yes, we may have all been let down at some point, or felt defeated by something. We have to remember that the reason we do things and why we make plans is because we have goals and passion to see something play out.

 

So why not be optimistic? Think the BEST case, and not the worst case scenario. Be smart and have a backup plan, but stay positive.

 

There seems to be such a negative tone these days that I often hear, “I’ve learned not to expect much.” That’s sad!

Why not have high expectations? Personally, I used to believe what people told me, “don’t expect much, and you won’t be let down.” I admit I was lead to believe that was realistic, but something inside me always made me think that wasn't a healthy thought.

 

I have extremely high expectations. I have high expectations of myself, my family, my friends, and projects that I embark on. I want great things in life. I work hard. I'm determined, and I want to see my dreams become a reality. Not to mention, I genuinely want to see those around me succeed.

 

Expectations should be realistic. However, it seems as though we have lost a little faith in what we truly expect. This may not be applied to all people and all circumstances, rather a general thought to mull over.

 

To further elaborate...

Do we set realistic deadlines? Do we stick to deadlines?

Are we punctual? Do we offer consequences?

Do we motivate and inspire others to follow through? Do we offer incentives?

 

Do we think and believe that there’s a chance “it” could be better than imaged rather than thinking the worst case?

Do we trust people? Are we being fair (to ourselves/our hard work/others involved)?

 

I have an overly generous heart, and often give people the benefit of the doubt. I’ve learned my fair share of lessons, but I continue to see the positive in things (with my guard up when needed).

 

Not everything will turnout the way we hope. Accept the outcome, forgive, learn the lesson and move forward. 

As long as we expect positive results, think with an optimistic mindset and stay determined to succeed then we walk away from the situation with a WIN.

 

Set standards and expect them to be met.

Continue to put your mind and heart into the things you want in your life.

 Along the way be sure to encourage yourself and your partners of the hard work put it, and the great outcome that is yet ahead.

 

Give yourself credit and those around you.

Have great expectations!

Thursday, December 26, 2013

What Do You Have to Lose?

Be courageous and go for what you want. What do you have to lose?

This is an ambiguous thought that can apply to your goals, work, education, relationship status, personal interests, finances and other facets of life.

If there is something, or someone, that you are interested in pursuing then go for it! What do you have to lose? If you start something but have a change in heart along the way, that's ok. If you spend time with someone, or invest time in something, you are passionate about, and your feelings change then vocalize it. Be honest to those involved and simply communicate your thoughts. What do you have to lose? 

So many people are afraid to take a chance, try something new, take a risk and be courageous enough to hold ourselves accountable. In reality, you sit back and watch the opportunity go by, or witness that person get snatched up by someone else...and all along in your mind you think “I should just do it" or even later you're left thinking "I should have just taken the chance.” Don’t let yourself fall short of the opportunities you don’t take.



Have no fear. Speak your mind. If the network you surround yourself with, or the significant other in your life doesn't support your decisions, then maybe they aren't the best contributions to your success. Being happy and successful starts with you. Say what is on your mind. Speak up! Don't let others control how you live your life, or prevent you from what you want to achieve. Do what YOU want to do. What do you have to lose?

Are you afraid? Why? What are you afraid of? And so what? 
Are you looking to make a change or try something different? Do it! You just won't know the outcome until you seek out the opportunity and ask questions. Be courageous. Try it. Go for it! What do you have to lose?

The moment you say or even THINK "no" or "I can't" to an opportunity could be the moment you pass up something that could have been so great! Whether it's one thing you're looking to pursue or several tasks that you encounter on a daily basis, just go for it! Be courageous every day. Think "I can,"  "It will work," "I will do it," and put aside your fear of rejection. 

All you can do is try. Simply put. Take a chance, speak up and do your best. Regardless of the outcome, you will gain strength, experience, and sense of accomplishment for taking another step in your journey. Be courageous. What do you have to lose?

A Toast to You and the New Year ahead!

As we head into 2014, we owe it to ourselves to reflect back on this year and give credit where it’s due. We tend to be hard on ourselves with little self-recognition. Take time to reflect on your successes and positive experiences of this past year. Pat yourself on the back for overcoming the obstacles you encountered. Regardless of what you achieved this year, be proud that you kept your chin held high, persevered and worked hard to get to where you are today. 

Feel free to praise others in your surroundings for their accomplishments as well. We could all use a little extra boost from those closest to us or even complete strangers. Congratulations on evolving through 2013; can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store!