Climb. Reach. Achieve

If you've never failed, you've never lived

2012-01-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

Take risks. Go!

Take a Detour

2011-10-30T18:01:00.000-04:00

At some point in our lives I'm sure we have all felt the need to belong, the need for approval from others, the need to be part of the cool crowd. I've felt this way before but learned early on that it is necessary to step away from the crowd, to not be easily influenced by others and to not fall prey to peer pressure. This was not an easy thing for me to accomplish while growing up. However, as a got older, became more mature and had a greater understanding and awareness of self I realized that I didn't need anyone's approval or praise. I realized that sometimes it can be more rewarding taking the less commonly traveled route.

Dare to be different

Reverse Your Thinking

2011-09-29T08:30:00.000-04:00

There is Hope. I am NOT from a lost generation.

Be Patient, Your Reward Is On It's Way

2011-09-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Ever so often it happens; you are discouraged as you feel like the reward, or lack thereof, does not correlate to the amount of effort you've placed into doing something, completing a certain task, etc You get impatient and you want things to happen right away. After all you've put the hard work in and they say you reap what you sow right?
Sometimes we just need a reminder that, although we may be doing everything right, everything we're supposed to do, things don't always happen when or how we want it to. We must give things time, have patience, nurture that which you are working on and sit back and wait for the reward. I was certainly reminded of that with the below video:

Breakaway

2011-08-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

Don't falter on your dreams and aspirations. Develop the courage to spread your wings.
Make a wish, take a chance, make a change and...breakaway

Summertime, Martini and all

2011-07-26T10:00:00.001-04:00

Summer is upon us! This is most evident with the heat wave that most of the country experienced last week. I overheard a few comments where people were calling for the winter. I chuckled when I heard those comments because these are the same individuals that echo similar sentiments during the winter, especially when parts of the country is bombarded with snow. Unfortunately, it doesn't matter what mother nature throws at us it is embedded in people's DNA to complain. Mother nature has been kind to us, especially in the United States. Have we paid attention to the wrought that mother nature imposed on the people in Asia, the Caribbean and the Middle East over the last 3 years?
It's summertime people... Kick back, sip a Martini by the pool or the beach and enjoy the best of summer. Afterall, isn't this all part of summer before some of us go back into the cloaks of winter?

Change Your Words...

2011-07-06T10:00:00.001-04:00

Don't sweat the small stuff, give energy to what is relevant, be thankful for what you have and...say something kind today. A little dose of inspiration:

Hunger for Validation

2011-06-29T10:00:00.007-04:00

Human beings are always seeking the approval of others. A good example: On Facebook and Twitter people are constantly posting updates of their lives. Do they ever really wonder whether others care about what they are doing? It is no longer appealing to do something and let it be. In this day and age of social applications we have allowed ourselves to be a walking billboard. Can we do something and keep it to ourselves without "Tweeting" or posting it on Facebook? Can we do something without attempting to seek the approval of others? If we baked a cake we have to tweet about how good the cake looked and tasted. If we bought a new dress we have to take a picture of it and post it on Facebook.

If after attempting to tell others how great a cook you are and no one responds, that doesn't mean that your cake wasn't delicious. If after modeling your new dress and the response was silently deafening, don't allow your ego to be bruised. We have to step away from the impulsive approval seeking and recognize that you are worth more than a mere "Like" on Facebook, or an approval from someone. In this age of an insatiable hunger for validation, develop the art of self esteem in yourself and you would not have to worry about overly pleasing anyone, nor seeking approval for your actions. Live and enjoy life the way it was meant to be, rather than a wait for a click or a nod.

Outlook

2011-06-23T08:00:00.002-04:00

I felt a little down yesterday. Sometimes we want things that are at the time out of reach, we set goals and make plans which, due to circumstances we may not necessarily be able to implement. When this happens it's easy for us to fall into a funk of sorts. It weighs heavily on us and becomes almost all you think about. It becomes a distraction.

Even though things may not happen when we want it to or how we want it to, we have to remember to be patient and be happy and appreciative for what we do have at this point in time.

After a little reflection I came to the conclusion that:

“The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.”

Happy Thursday!!

It's OK to say NO!

2011-06-08T09:00:00.003-04:00

...without feeling guilty

A simple 'no' can sometimes be the most difficult thing to say. We too often tend to put everyone's needs in front of our own, we slowly put ourselves on the back burner and become this sort of "people pleaser."

It's now time to say NO to being a people pleaser and YES to moving closer to our own priorities, without feeling guilty about it.

The key is figuring out when and how to say no. There are different ways to go about doing this: 'I can't make it', 'that doesn't work for me', I'd rather stay in' or simply 'no, thank you.' There is no need for an explanation either because, frankly, it is no one's business why you choose to decline.

Saying no elicits a feeling of liberation, and the benefits and freedom gained is absolutely great! In the end you will be spending less time at things you'd rather not do with people you'd rather not be around at places you'd rather not be.

"Saying no without guilt requires you to think about what you stand for. As you learn to eliminate unwanted obligations from your life, you are making room for yourself which is just as important as making room for others. Get over the need to be nice. Stop worrying about disappointing others and let go of the sense of importance you get from being indispensable." ~ Anisa Lewis at www.examiner.com

Success Comes in Cans

2011-05-25T08:00:00.002-04:00

Drink Up!

The Face of Insecurity

2011-05-20T19:21:00.000-04:00

Some people seem to have everything in order - well spoken,well dressed, always the center of attraction, and appear confident. On the other hand, there are others whose overt appearance may lack the same order as the former - bland, introvert, and the perceived lack of confidence. If one is to ask, of the two individuals described, which one appears to have everything going for them? Most people will think that the first person described have the edge. However, most times they are wrong. You see, most people put up a front in order to be accepted. It is evident by observing their behavior. They are always seeking the approval of others; they are always bragging about something that they have done; and finally, they always seem to want to have the last word in. If you're not looking closely and paying attention to such a person, you may be deceived into thinking they have it all together. Oh, you can be so wrong!

Insecurity has many faces and can manifest itself in many different ways but there are tell-tale signs, if you look closely enough you'll realize that the ones who seem to have it all together are often times the ones who are most empty. The overt traits displayed sometimes are done so to mask the void that they're hiding. If you pay close attention to such a person, you would realize that their words and actions are incongruent, to say the least. What one sees as confidence as a result of the spoken word may be just an image of a person crying from the inside out. Don't be fooled; pay close attention and remember "Silence is the symphony of the voice," and one need not be shallow in order to be effective.

He who is humble is confident and wise. He who brags is insecure and lacking. ~ Lisa Edmondson

Dont Wait on Your Dream, Act On it

2011-04-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

How many times have we been told to pursue what we love and not what would give us the most money? How many of us believe that we should pursue our dreams and not the money that we can make from the things that we do? If only as human we recognize that the gift of life resides in us diligently pursuing our dreams rather than waiting on it. Rather than acting on our dreams the average person waits on it by the habits that they engage in on a daily basis. For example some people religiously purchase lottery tickets almost daily in anticipation of striking it rich. This action is called getting something for nothing. While the probability of winning can occur, the chances of that dream becoming a reality is almost slim to none. The odds are 1 to 1,000,000. However, if the average person direct their attention to acting on their dreams religiously on a daily basis,and develop a plan by which they will accomplish their goal, then the probability of accomplishing their goals are 1 out of 5. So the next time you dip into your pocket to purchase that lottery ticket (if you do so religiously) you can direct your efforts more so toward diligently acting on your dream rather than waiting on it to happen. The odds of striking it rich by acting on your dreams is priceless.

When Life Throws Dirt At You

2011-04-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

Dissatisfied with yourself, Hmm!

2011-04-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

Are you dissatisfied with the position that you are in at the moment? What are you doing about it? If you choose to do nothing, then don't complain. If you choose to do something about it, then you are on the right track.
Quite often people are dissatisfied with the direction of their lives, but they refuse to act on it. Rather, they may not realize it, but they may be allowing their creativity to be constipated. Instead, on this blog I propose the following: (a) Be strategic and deliberate in all actions; (b) Aim at something and not nothing; minimize on efforts that are misguided; (c) Don't employ a do nothing and expect everything attitude; and (d) Be tenacious and relentless in order to overcome adversity and to prevail. I do believe that being proactive in one's life, any negative situation can be transformed into a positive one. Be proactive and take more ownership of your responsibilities and have fun while doing so. Or, as the NIKE tagline says, "life is fun, just do it."

Don't Worry

2011-03-30T13:59:00.000-04:00

We spend a lot of time worrying sometimes about things that we cannot control. At times we may not be able to help it, but we must understand that worrying doesn't do anything for us; it doesn't make the situation any better, nor does it take away the pain. We have to learn to be aware of this action so that we can counteract it with positive energy. It is important to internalize each situation and take a closer look at the circumstances surrounding the problem. It is equally important to look for solutions rather than sit on the problem. Finally, it is equally important to form a positive view and approach each issue as such.
In life we are not expecting everything to be perfect; for, situations do arise. When they do, we must realize that worrying is a waste of time! It never robs tomorrow of it's sorrow, it only saps today of it's joy.

Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but it doesn't take you anywhere ~ Anonymous

Build Your Empire

2011-03-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

A Guest Post by: Just Become

The important thing to concentrate on while attempting to succeed is to see the big picture. It takes time to accomplish. While you are waiting and seeking out success remember that patience and hard work will pull you through.

Mastery isn’t accomplished overnight. You could obtain success quickly, but if the fruits of your labor aren’t sound then be prepared to have a short lived moment under the spotlight. You are not just attempting to obtain your hopes and dreams; you are building an empire for your hopes and dreams. Every task you complete on your journey will not only bring you closer to success, it will also teach and mold you. The teaching and molding will prepare you mentally. This will prepare your mind and spirit to be able to embrace your accomplishments in a way that will make them last.

If you were able to sit on top of the world without experience, doubt and a lack of knowledge would certainly cause destruction. There are rare success stories where hard work seems to be of no consequence; however (Read more...)

Technology - villain or hero

2011-03-20T11:01:00.000-04:00

Maybe I'm too young to understand, but when I hear my parents speak of "back in the old days," how things were different it makes me really wonder what life was like. Back then ( in the 70's) there were no cell phones, mainly land-lines, no internet, facebook, twitter, and texting, and yet they were able to function. I seldom wonder what life was like "back in the old days." In an era of cell phones, internet, twitter, texting, and facebook, as a society we've become so dependent on these tools that if we are to do without them for a half-day most of us will function like an addict wanting a "fix." This may sound funny, but most of us haven't realized how we've allowed social networking tools to be so closely interwoven into our DNA. Is this a good or bad thing? I cannot say. However, what I do know is that while we use these tools as a means of entertainment, socializing, or for mere communication, we should be cognizant as we use them and not allow ourselves to become totally "lost," while using them. Is this just me, or are we as a society too entrapped with the use of technological tools that it's changing our mental state and interpersonal relations?
Food for thought...

For Strength

2011-03-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Words cannot express the deep sorrow felt when seeing the 03.11.11 tsunami of Japan unfold.

In the midst of this great tragedy, I mourn for the people of Japan, the lives lost and the families disheveled. I pray that they find the strength to carry on knowing that strength is born in the deep silence of long suffering; not amid joy.

Stop Waiting For Circumstances To Change Your Life

2011-03-03T10:00:00.001-05:00

A few days ago i began perusing through one of T.D.Jake's book "Reposition Yourself- Living Life Without Limits," and I kept asking myself what does the term 'success' mean to the average person? Success as was discussed on this blog means different things to different people. However, to an onlooker of someone successful, the endpoint or tangibles is what they see. How many times do an onlooker of a successful person ask themselves " what did it take for that person to be successful?" I guess that may be irrelevant, especially in this microwave society that we are living in.
As we look around, anyone that is successful will, for the most part let you know that they've failed many times over before they attain their success. They will also inform the onlooker that SACRIFICES and being CONSISTENT, are two main attributes that a person must employ in order to be successful. One must develop a prize fighter mentality and rid oneself of apathy and mediocrity.
So, the next time you come across someone who is successful, and you still are not, just ask yourself have I rid myself of mediocrity and apathy? Do I have the prize fighter mentality running through my veins? Am I making the necessary SACRIFICES in order for me to be successful? If not, why aren't you?

Great People vs. Mediocre Minds

2011-02-23T07:33:00.000-05:00

If you have a big dream, soon it will be challenged. Great people always receive violent opposition from mediocre minds!

Very sad, but true. Some of us tend to be selfish in our ways; wanting success for self but never for anyone else. This tendency often leads to envy and jealousy toward the successor. I'm sure we've all experienced this at some point or another. But why is this the case? The answer is actually quite simple. People tend to always see the end results, the fruits of someone's labor but never what the person has/had to endure to get to where he/she is at present. I do believe that if people are to conduct a personal introspection of their lives and reassess themselves in the context of what they're trying to achieve for themselves, it will give them a perspective on what others are enduring to achieve their goals. Quite often rather than approaching a person and conversing with them, we are quick to talk about them. Rather, great minds will complement a person if they've found that that person is doing something great. At the same time, they may even choose to emulate in some ways what that person has done, or is doing. This type of reaction/action tends to foster harmonious relationships, and in some cases serve as a motivating factor for others to step up their game. There is enough success around for everyone to get their piece of the pie. Rather than expend more energy talking negatively about others and what they're doing, approach that person if you can and tell them how much you appreciate what they're doing. This can often lead to the nurturing of another great mind, that if left alone can wander into counterproductive negative behavior rather than positive behavior. We are our brothers and sisters keeper.. Or, as a great American poet once sagaciously said, "no man is an island." I believe this to be true because there is always something to learn from another which can help to enhance what is already done, while at the same time nurturing a great mind, and who knows a potential life changing relationship with another person.

Interpersonal Relations

2011-02-14T10:00:00.001-05:00

While we may have peeled back the layers and better understand ourselves, and motivation, it is equally important for us to be honest with ourselves in our interpersonal relations with others. While to some interpersonal relations may not be a high priority, I do believe that better understanding and making a concerted effort to improve upon it is of paramount importance in our overall growth and development.
As human beings, we want what's best for ourselves and want to be treated with utmost respect at all times; hence, it is of equal importance for us to treat others in the same manner. In other words, the degree of interpersonal competence between individuals can go a very long way in this journey that is called life.
To recognize and acknowledge the importance of interpersonal relations in our lives, we must be honest with ourselves and be willing to employ what I call the triumvirate of better relations: carefully listen, assess information, and offer solutions to problems; rather than hearing, criticizing without solutions and misrepresenting. If we are to truly grow individually and collectively, it becomes evident that improving on interpersonal relations is a must for us.

Turn Your Back On Your Negative thoughts

2011-02-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

There is little difference between people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude, the big difference is if it's positive or negative. ~ W. Clement Stone.

I find that many people around me these days are just so negative. I'm sure you know a few too. You know, the ones that always look at the worst side of a situation, have nothing good to say about other people, take the opposing view in a positive conversion, complain about the inequities of life...the ones that seem to be just plain bitter.
I'm not saying that sometimes I don't fall off the positive/optimistic band wagon. However, I do recognize when this happens.

The first step to reconciling with yourself as a means of improving, is to simply rid oneself of negative thinking. Many of us may not realize, but our negative thinking about what happens in our lives stains our mind and hinder our progress. We are far from perfect and negative thinking or action towards a situation is almost inevitable, but it is always important to recognize when this happens and begin by raising an awareness with self and acting on that awareness. When I find myself harboring a negative thought; the moment I realize the mode that I am in, I stop myself and refocus my energies into more positive thoughts. It's really not that difficult. Try it!

Critical Thinking

2011-01-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Is your thinking uninformed, distorted or bias? Do you realize that the quality of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts? Well, if it is, then developing a systematic way to analyze thoughts and evaluating outcomes is a trait that must be cultivated. The cultivation of that trait is called critical thinking. Critical thinking in a nutshell is a self-conscious, corrective thinking process. It requires discipline and a strong passion for figuring out solutions to problems, while improving on communication. Critical thinking requires asking essential questions and assessing information. Critical thinking involves developing well thought out solutions that relies more on objective, rather than egocentric thinking. Critical thinking can affect your quality of life; so, if you're interested in developing intellectual traits, then it's important for you to recognize that relevance, significance, depth, clarity, and accuracy are five standards that must be routinely applied to one's sense of reasoning if one is to become a critical thinker.

Marinate on that.

Words

2011-01-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

If only I can take back what I have said because I really did not mean it. How often have we said things that we have regretted? Words are powerful! Words can be viral! Words can take on a life of its' own if we are not careful. It is important that we become more responsible with the words that emanate from our mouths. It's important that we properly commission ourselves so that we continually use the right words in our interpersonal relations with other. Remember, as you use words you have to live by what you say. So, the next time that you open your mouth to speak, just allow yourself to think before you do so. You are what you speak! make your world better by sharing and speaking positively rather than doing so with negative words or actions.

Before you speak, think - Is it necessary? Is it true? Is it kind? Will it hurt anyone? Will it improve on the silence? ~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba