How Big are YOU?

As you look at your life and at your business each year, there are going to be times when things don’t go your way; these things are a given and something that we should expect, even though we don’t look forward to them.

Learning how to approach the tough times, and how to manage your attitudes and mindset when going through them, will be directly related to the amount of stress that you will endure and to how you will feel after the difficult period is over. The more positive you are, the better!

If you let the difficulties, challenges, and negativity control you, the stress will be much greater and the issues will continue to seem overwhelming and often insurmountable.

If you control your thoughts and manage your emotions during the difficult time, you are less likely to panic and fall into sustained periods of sadness, helplessness, and frustration.

My advice to you, during difficult times in your life, is to be bigger than the problem. No matter what you are going through, make up your mind and realize that you are greater than it and that there is no problem that you cannot handle. Sometimes you will be able to handle certain issues by yourself; sometimes you will need the help of others. Do not be too proud or stubborn to call on others in times of need. That’s what friends and family are for. Remember, you are there for them in their times of need, so let them support you if possible; for many people, it is often hurtful if you do not include them, especially if there is a good chance that they can make a difference.

So the next time you are dealing with a problem, notice the size of the problem, and be bigger than it. Lean on others, focus on the positives, and develop a strong plan of action. The problem will only be there for a specified amount of time, but your commitment to solving it, and effectively managing yourself during the process, will be a permanent, long-lasting change that will define who you are and what you have become!

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

So much of success in life is based on one’s ability to make things happen for himself or herself. There are so many people, unfortunately, who wait for things to happen for them, and before they know it, time and opportunities have passed them by.

The key is being proactive – taking massive amounts of action so that you can create the kind of wealth, success, and happiness that you truly crave and desire. Don’t sit back and expect the world to hand things to you on a silver platter; create a plan, outline some specific and realistic strategies, and then go and make it happen!

What determines your results in life is not based on how lucky you are, whether life has been fair to you, or what you feel you deserve; it is all determined by your relentless commitment to consistent improvement and the effort that you put in to make that happen! Go and make it a great day!

One in 20%

Well, well, well…. we are approaching the end of January and how many of you are still sticking to your new year’s resolutions? Come on – be honest! Has your focus and follow through escaped you like a bird through an open window?   If so, then you are not alone!

Did you know that up to 80% of people who make resolutions, don’t keep them? Why? Because they either make the wrong resolutions, or they make the right ones, but they aren’t specific or realistic enough to keep the momentum going. It is not enough just to want to achieve something; you have to plan well in order to reach your goals successfully.

If you have stuck to your guns and are still following your new year’s plan, congratulations! Keep it rolling and don’t ever let anything slow you down or cause you to break away from your mission! If you haven’t, do not fret! The year is still young and you have plenty of time to get back on the horse and gallop to a better and happier you! You first have to convince yourself that not achieving your goals will be extremely painful. Once that you are determined to reach your goals, you need well thought-out strategies, an air-tight plan, and something, or someone, to hold you accountable.

Millions of people before you have succeeded when making new year’s resolutions, and millions after you will succeed as well. Your job is to join that group of people, and become one of the 20% who say that doing something different and changing their lives is important, and then who are actually 100% committed to doing something about it!

It’s that time of year again!

As we wrap up another year, it always reminds me of a couple of things. Firstly, it gives us a chance to look back at the year that has just ended and to be thankful for what we did accomplish and for what we do have. It is easy, and often human nature, to look at the negatives and focus on what we didn’t do, or what we don’t have. Please don’t fall into that trap! Use that feeling to help fuel the next point that I want to make and that is to plan for next year!

This is the perfect time to add some specific goals for the upcoming year and to work on strategies to help you reach them. It is all about having the right plan in place and taking ownership! If you decide on what you want, then even if you haven’t gotten it yet, you must convince yourself that next year will be the year. Be confident, be realistic, and figure out what is important. It comes down to prioritizing, regaining focus, taking action, and being accountable.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and successful year ahead! Dream big, work hard, and feel the results!

It Is What It Is

When times get tough, and we know that they often do, we expend so much of our energy trying to change things that cannot be changed. It seems that the harder we fight, the more we think we can control or change circumstances. However, sometimes, we just need to accept what is happening and focus on how to deal with it, rather than wasting time endlessly. We need to ask ourselves, “What must I do?” or “How can I improve this situation?” instead of “Why is this happening to me?”

If we take the approach of “It is what it is”, we come to terms with the fact that we can’t control everything in life and that is all right. We must acknowledge that things in life won’t always go our way, and that the only thing that really matters is our belief in our ability to get back up, charge forward, and persevere!