Thursday: Goals

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.” ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Resolution #5

I will live my life to the fullest. I will enjoy my family and friends, laugh, have fun, and remember that life’s meant to be lived, not watched.

Happy New Year my Friends. I wish you love, prosperity, good health, happiness and all the success you can possibly handle.

Wednesday: Positive Attitude

“Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities - always see them, for they're always there. “ ~Norman Vincent Peale

It really is all in how we look at things.

Tuesday: Focus

“Every man's life lies within the present; for the past is spent and done with, and the future is uncertain.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

So, in what may seem a contrary post to what I wrote about yesterday, today I am choosing to write about focusing on the present. I don’t actually believe it’s contrary; for me, I need to both plan for my future and focus on today. And, I often need to be reminded of both as well. I read something a long time ago, and while I couldn’t find its origin, it went something like this, “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.” I wish to learn from my past, look forward to the possibilities, plan for what I can, and live in the here and now.

One of the greatest gifts you can give to another person, and frankly to yourself, is to truly be present when in conversation, whether it’s during an interview, at a networking event, or over dinner with your spouse or kids. So, focus on today, be present, and grant yourself this gift.

Monday: Preparation

“Those who are unwilling to invest in the future haven't earned one.” ~H.W. Lewis, Technological Risk, 1990

Planning for the future seems like a good topic for this last “Preparation” Monday of 2009. And while over-preparation may crimp inspiration, I strongly believe that without a plan, we are sure to flounder. An investment can be as simple as a contribution of time, energy, or effort, so one of my investments in my future is my plan for 2010. It’s simple. It’s realistic (with a pipe dream thrown in for good measure) and it stems from my “small successes” of 2009. And, it has significantly helped me to prepare; for next week, next month and the year to come.

So go for it! Make a plan!! (You can always adjust it later!)

Thursday: Goals

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” ~T.S. Eliot

Resolution #4

I will get out of my own way. I know what I am capable of. Now I need execute.

What will you resolve to do today?

Wednesday: Positive Attitude

“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.” ~C.C. Scott

“Either way, things are a lot better - either a lot better than they were or a lot better than they're going to be.” ~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com

So – here we are. The Eve of Christmas Eve. Not yet the actual holiday, but filled with anticipation nonetheless. And, I have a leak in my kitchen ceiling. Water is dripping through the light fixture. And I will be preparing Christmas dinner for 10 in that kitchen tomorrow. Good times.

I am reminded of several Christmases past… The Christmas morning where we woke up late to no power in the house and were expecting my husband’s entire family for breakfast; the Christmas Day that the tree fell across my driveway taking power lines with it and blocking us all in; I could go on.

Well, on the bright side, we have wonderful memories of working together to get things done and fun (funny) stories to tell over and over. They never get old.

It really is all in how you look at it.

Another quote for today: “Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.” ~Maurice Setter

And an affirmation: I always see the silver lining and am frequently thrilled by the gold.

Tuesday: Focus

“I'm a great believer in luck, and I find that the harder I work, the more I have of it.” ~Thomas Jefferson

Like with a child where sleep begets sleep… it is also true that hard work begets results. So, it may be the holidays, and my focus may be on taking care of myself and being responsible for myself so that I can better be there for others… but I’m also making sure that I keep some focus on the work at hand, and on getting things done! I’m still striving for those results! So, I’m off to make things happen!

Monday: Preparation + Resolution #3

“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” ~ Alan Lakein

Even in a short week, maybe especially in a short week, planning is critical. Getting things done in 3 days instead of the 5 or 7, well… you know what I’m talking about.

So, since this blog is about motivation in challenging times, I hereby declare the next two weeks “the holidays” and would like to motivate you to take care of yourself!

An affirmation: Today, I will be responsible for myself. Then I can be more responsible to others. (Thanks Dad!)

And, since I missed posting last Thursday…

Resolution Number 3

3. I will not sweat the small stuff. I will enjoy the moments and all they have to offer. I will take the challenges for what they are… the things that help me get to where I want to go, and help shape who I will become. And I will learn from them.

What will you resolve to do today?

Wednesday: Positive Attitude

“I've decided that the stuff falling through the cracks is confetti and I'm having a party!” ~Betsy Cañas Garmon

I had to laugh when I read this one. I really do minimize the stuff falling through the cracks, but it happens. We all know it. Especially around this time of year when there’s just SO much going on.

So, figure out what it is that fell, and pick it up! It’s all in the attitude. Don’t stress about it, just fix it. Then it’s done, and you can enjoy the party!

Tuesday: Focus

“Look and you will find it - what is unsought will go undetected.” ~Sophocles

True, you need to know first what you seek… and then, only you can stop you. So, what are you waiting for?

My affirmation for the last two nights: I have the energy and focus today to accomplish even more than I planned. And yes. I had a truly productive and wonderful day yesterday! And, I’m off to a great start today!

Thursday: Goals

“It is always during a passing state of mind that we make lasting resolutions” ~ Marcel Proust

Again, a perfect quote…

Resolution Number 2 (for number one, please see last Thursday's post)

2. I will take better care of myself, both mentally AND physically. Mentally: I will start saying “no” and I will begin to spend less energy and time on those people and things who and which are not “good for me”. Physically: I will stress less. And I will. Starting now.

So, my short term goal – to not let events of my very recent past jade my feelings about the future.

And, my longer term goal – I will continue meditation and affirmations every night and spend more time appreciating the wonder. And, I give myself permission to “not” once in a while.

What will you resolve to do today?

Wednesday: Positive Attitude

“Your own mind is a sacred enclosure into which nothing harmful can enter except by your permission.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

What an empowering concept! I love when I find the perfect quote for expressing my thoughts for the day!

My preschooler has been home sick for the last few days so I’ve been spending more time than usual observing his behavior. There is so much to be learned, or remembered, from the mind of a preschooler. He is so innocent. He is so full of imagination. He is so full of joy and a zeal for playing! He can turn a crayon into a rocket ship in the blink of an eye. He can become Bob the Builder or Spiderman or Superman by simply turning around. He can do anything he wants to do and be anyone he wants to be just by thinking it is so. Even through a fever, he can smile just by getting a hug. He knows he is loved unconditionally, and even when he spills an entire full cup of milk all over his just-changed-into clothes he can turn tears to laughs in seconds. What power! How empowering!

Everything I need to know…

Tuesday: Focus

“Nothing can add more power to your life than concentrating all your energies on a limited set of targets.” ~Nido Qubein

When we strive to reach our goals, concentration and focus help propel us toward success. Believing you can get there and then focusing on the positive outcome really does help you stay the course. Lately, there has been some discussion (or question) in the news about the “power of positive thinking” and if it really is effective, but regardless of the “officia1” outcome, I am a firm believer.

I am often surprised at how many times I catch myself letting negativity and doubt get in the way of accomplishing what I really want. I did it again this morning. I am so grateful that I now have the tools to recognize it early-on.

A new affirmation may be: I will concentrate and focus on my short term goals today.

Are you concentrating on yours?

Monday: Preparation

“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

I feel so much better than I used to on Monday mornings! Between my Sunday night affirmations and my planning for the coming week, I wake up energized and ready to go! I love that I have a plan for the week, and a solid “to do” list for the day. Even if when I don’t accomplish everything on my list each day, when I actually have the list written out, and can see the things I’ve completed and crossed off, I love that I can see that I’ve gotten so much done. It used to be that I’d set what my husband calls, “unrealistic expectations”, mostly because I’m not very good at judging how much time certain things will take, but when I can really see how much I’ve crossed off the list, it’s a great feeling. We’ll talk (again) about staying focused tomorrow, but know that the list, and actually being able to “see” that list, really helps!

Last night’s affirmation: I have enough energy and focus to accomplish even more than I planned.

If you want some help drafting your own “planning affirmation”, feel free to drop me a note!

Friday: Motivation

"There are some people who live in a dream world and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other." ~Douglas Everett

Last night I came across something on Twitter. It’s Dave Carpenter’s 31 Day Success Plan that he’s posting with “Accelerate Success”. http://accelerate-success.com/tips/category/personal-success/31-day-success-plan/. For those of you who are familiar with Twitter, it’s @Dave_Carpenter #2010Plan.

I am once again inspired, and since I will not take away from anyone else’s brilliance, please visit the link above for what is promising to be a very exciting 31 days (or less – it is apparently day 3.)

But, and here I will quote Dave directly, “You can catch up quickly. Don’t beat yourself up, just climb back up.”

Hmmm… how many things can I apply THAT to?

Well, let’s do it together!

Thursday: Goals

“Clothe with life the weak intent; let me be the thing I meant.” ~John Greenleaf Whittier

Goal setting is akin to making resolutions, so every Thursday for this month, I will resolve to do one thing, thus creating my list of “New Year’s Resolutions” for 2010. There is just so much I want to do, it’s hard to know where to start… and sometime, therein lies my problem. Can you relate? So, here goes:

1. I will be a better networker. This includes better communication with family, friends, colleagues, and those whom I have yet to encounter. I slacked this past year in sending birthday cards, thank you cards, acknowledgements, photos, updates… I gave myself permission to do so, but still felt badly about it, so clearly that was not the right answer for me. I teach networking as a lifestyle… and I take that to the nth degree professionally… but really want to do a better job personally. And I will. Starting now.

So, my short term goal – to send an anniversary card to my grandparents, a birthday card to several people with upcoming December birthdays, and holiday cards.

And, my longer term goal – to send at least 5 acknowledgements / thank you cards per week. I’m absolutely certain I can find one person per weekday to be thankful for. It starts now.

Thank YOU! Those of you who check in to read my posts…I appreciate you! I’m thankful for the opportunity to help encourage you do all you can do, and to stay motivated while doing it!

What will you resolve to do today?

Wednesday: Positive Attitude

"To different minds, the same world is a hell, and a heaven." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my life 3 years ago this month. I had been laid off the week before Thanksgiving, and finally agreed to sign my severance / non-compete the week following – so this week, 3 years ago. I now had to decide how to handle my circumstances. Part of me was still angry as I had given up my maternity leave for my now former employer (although I did work from home during the time it should have been), but part of me saw some beauty in having the holidays “off” to finally spend some quality time with my then 6 month old son. I am thankful every day that I chose to see “heaven” in my time off. I went about networking and job hunting without anger attached to my circumstances, and only 3 short months later I launched my own business. And I’m still here.

So, today I challenge us all to see our own personal “heaven” in our circumstances.

Tuesday: Focus

“Do whatever you do intensely.” Robert Henri

According to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, “intense” often suggests a strength or concentration that arises from inner dispositions and is particularly appropriate for describing emotional states.

So, work intensely, job search intensely, play intensely, live intensely. And… intently; with purpose, with focus, and with a plan.