Tag Archives: success

The Best Time to Act is Now

Posted on by Leave a comment

Do you have some decisions in your life that you keep putting off?  We often delay making decisions on the very things that need our attention the most.  What we fail to realize is not making a decision is making a decision, and most times, our delay leads to more consequences.  Recently, I was watching a sermon by Bishop T.D. Jakes, and during his sermon he said, “Procrastination will never produce purpose.”  Regardless of your religious affiliation, I’m sure you’ll agree that most of us are striving to either identify our purpose or live it out.  And, most of us discover our purpose through day to day experiences and failures.

Unfortunately, as we experience life we can begin to doubt our ability to make sound decisions.  As fear sets in, we become afraid to take risks and we delay acting on those things that will move us one step closer to living out our purpose.  So, are there decisions that require your attention?  If so, the best time to act is now.  If you are struggling with procrastination, the following steps can help you move forward:

  1. Define the root cause for your delay.  Are you afraid to ‘move’ because of fear of failure?  In the book, An Enemy Called Average, the author states, “Even a turtle has to stick its head out to get ahead.”  He goes on to say, “Security and opportunity are total strangers.  If an undertaking does not include faith, it is not worthy of being called God’s direction.”  Fear is a strong emotion that in most instances does not depict reality.  In essence, the scenario we play out in our head is often far worse than reality.  Identify the root, acknowledge it, and act.
  2. Tell someone you respect about your plans.  Talking about your plan gives life to it.  I’m sure we’ve all met a ‘talker’- someone who talks a great game but does not follow through.  Perhaps you’ve been that person.  One way to ensure that you make the tough decisions is by discussing your plans with individuals you hold in high regard.  In doing so, you create a level of accountability that doesn’t exist when you’re the only one who knows your intentions.  Another benefit to discussing your plans is you may gain support or counsel that you would not have had if you had chosen not to share.
  3. Act.  We’re all familiar with Nike’s tag line, “Just Do It.”  Sometimes in life, you have to just do it.  There will always be reasons to delay, but successful people don’t spend time creating excuses.  The reality is if you make a habit of delaying decisions because of fear, you will not rise above it.  In a way, emotions are like muscles – the more you exercise it, the easier it becomes.  If you begin to move in spite of fear, over time it will become much easier to make the tough decisions.

I am not a stranger to procrastination.  During high school, my friends and I created a club called “Procrastinators Anonymous.”  There were four of us and we all struggled with waiting to the last minute to complete tasks.  At my graduation party, we had a cake to honor graduating from the club;  I wish it was that easy to leave the habit of procrastination behind.  I still struggle at times, but as I’ve matured, I’ve learned to perform the steps listed above.  You too can move beyond procrastination.  I hope you find this Post helpful, and I’d love to hear from you.

Write Down Your Goals For 2012

Posted on by Leave a comment

We are quickly approaching the end of the first week in 2012.  If you haven’t taken the time to write down your goals for the year, it may be time to do a bit of soul searching.  The fact is most people don’t drive their car without a destination in mind, and a plane doesn’t leave the terminal without a flight plan.  If a plan is required for the routine tasks that we perform on a daily basis, how much more important is it for us to have a plan for our lives?  So, if you haven’t taken the time to write down your goals, it’s time to eliminate excuses and get moving.  Included below are some of the common excuses along with the reasons why they are not valid:

Excuse # 1:  I don’t believe in New Year’s Resolutions.

While I agree with you that we shouldn’t wait until the New Year to change something in our lives for the better, the New Year is viewed as a fresh start for many.  When people use this excuse, it is often based in fear; the fear that they may not accomplish their goals.  If you have used this excuse when asked by others about your goals, I urge you to move in spite of the fear and make a commitment to try.

Excuse #2:  I haven’t written down my goals, but I’ve thought about them.

In the Bible, Habakkuk 2:2 states, And the Lord answered me and said, write the vision and make it plain upon tables that he may run that readeth it.  That being said, a goal that isn’t written down is no goal at all.  If you’ve been so busy this week that you’ve not had time to write down your goals, what do you think will happen next week?  Make yourself a priority and take a moment to document at least one goal for the year.  If you’re having a difficult time getting started, consider the following categories:  spiritual, family and personal. 

Whatever you do, don’t waste time comparing yourself to others.  Many times people aren’t successful in achieving their goals because they are busy trying to achieve someone else’s goals.  Make it personal.  God made you authentic, and I don’t believe he’ll bless your attempt to be someone else.  He’s given each of us our own destiny.  The choice is ours.  Our goals are merely the stepping stones that are required to reach the divine destiny that God has placed before us.

Excuse #3:  I wrote down goals last year and didn’t achieve them.  I don’t want to be a failure.

One thing is certain – if you don’t try, you’ve already failed.  Additionally, how are you measuring success?  In last year’s post, A New Year, A New Beginning, I talk about the all or nothing approach we take when judging ourselves.  This approach leads to self-sabotage.  Many times, it is not the naysayers that keep us stuck, it’s the loud voice in our own minds that tells us we aren’t worthy.  If your perception is you failed at reaching your goals last year, take a moment to document the steps you took toward your goals.  For instance, if last year was the first year you had documented goals, that’s an achievement.  Above all, stop being your worst critic.  If you don’t love yourself that may very well need to be your goal this year.  This is merely my opinion, but if you have a negative perception of yourself, you will likely always struggle to achieve your goals.

Please make the decision to become excited about 2012.  Everything may not go your way this year, but you can choose to have a positive outlook and make the most of each day.  As you make your plans for the year, don’t forget to celebrate each success no matter how small because what we focus on expands.  Happy New Year!

Life’s Woes… Gateway to Success

Posted on by Leave a comment

At the beginning of the year I posted the article, A New Year, A New Beginning.  It seems like yesterday, but it was more than six months ago.  Where has the time gone?  Has this year been what you expected?  In the spirit of transparency, I’ll confess that I’ve had my own share of unexpected setbacks.  That’s the interesting thing about life, it seems as soon as you decide to pursue your dreams life has a way of bringing you to your knees.

A famous quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson states, “Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.”  While I believe in the essence of this quote, I also think ‘all hell breaks loose’ in your life too.  Why is that?  I’ve had some time to ponder this question and I think the primary reason is preparation. 

As human beings, we often grow the most during life struggles and failures.  When we decide to pursue our dreams, it requires us to change.  In many instances, we haven’t developed the skills that will help us achieve success at the next level.  Consider the following:

Relationship Troubles – Trials in your relationships help you to:

  • Identify what’s important
  • Establish proper boundaries
  • ‘Weed-out’ relationships that are no longer mutually beneficial

A word of caution is required here; relationship troubles can be ‘sticky’ because only those people closest to you have the ability to hurt you.  That being said, your family and friends may not embrace your change.  You will have to be strong enough to move pass this if you really want to pursue your goals.  It’s also important to recognize that you may experience some ‘battle’ wounds along the way.  Additionally, there are some relationships that are indispensable.  Define why the relationship is important to you and do what you can to sustain it.  It may take some time, but it’s worth it.  No matter what you do or where you go, relationships are essential to your success.  The struggle that you’re experiencing may be the preparation you need for the next level.

Financial Difficulties – Perhaps you’ve been downsized or experienced an unexpected financial setback.  Financial woes force you to focus on money management and establish priorities.  Additionally, if you aspire to become an entrepreneur, financial stewardship should be an essential part of your plan.  I’ve heard that God won’t bless you with more until you prove that you can handle what you have.  It’s amazing how creative we can be during a time of lack.  We find ways to ‘stretch’ everything! 

Health Concerns – I’m sure that we can all do a better job of taking care of ourselves.  It’s a shame that it takes a health scare to make us wake up and pay attention.  Change is hard but necessary.  We all have our own opinions on Health Care Reform.  While I do believe that no one should be turned away or denied coverage because of their socioeconomic level, I foresee that individuals with predisposed health conditions may be required to pay more for medical insurance.  Years ago, you were never asked whether or not you used tobacco products.  Questions were initially added to life insurance applications, and now they also appear on medical insurance applications.  Today, if you apply for life insurance, you may be required to take a physical.  If you’re overweight, have high blood pressure, or other medical conditions, you may be denied or required to pay a higher premium.  I believe those same questions will become a standard part of all health insurance applications in the near future.  This change will significantly impact the African American community.  According to a study performed by the Office of Minority Health, about four of five African American women are overweight or obese.  African American women also have the highest rate of obesity in the U.S.  Our lifestyles have to change.  I am talking to myself too!

Michael Jordan once said, “If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”  The lesson that has been invaluable for me this year is to continue moving.  Setbacks can often cause you to become stuck.  If you become stuck, you can’t change your situation.  Life will not stop for you.  I know that this is easier said than done, but don’t focus on the problem, identify the lesson.