The Evolution of Success

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” ~~Ursula K. LeGuin~~

Success is a moving target. It keeps evolving. As I achieve a goal or reach a destination, I find there is always more that can be achieved and reached. The way I achieve said success, then, needs to evolve as well. My destination keeps changing and therefore so must my path.

I often write about enjoying the journey. So, it seems fitting that today, what would have been my “attitude” day, that I was inspired to write about this. It’s sometimes hard to keep that positive attitude when you feel overwhelmed by change. But, since I strongly believe that it is “mission critical” to stay positive and rise above the stress I work hard to maintain that attitude.

I also strongly believe that change is good. It keeps us moving, helps keep us motivated, and often drives us to be the best we can be. Change keeps me on my toes, keeps me sharp, and enables me to adapt, learn, and grow. While it can be scary, when you trust your instincts, believe in yourself, and do your best, it can also be very empowering.

So, here’s to change! Here’s to the evolution of success! Here’s to enjoying the journey!

I’ve been doing a lot of research on transformation lately. Transformational Leadership, Culture Transformation… so I thought I was going to be clever and coin the phrase “Transformational Success”. Turns out others have already done that… but I am going to adopt the phrase. I look forward to where it will take me, and I look back with pride at how far I’ve come.

I urge you to look at your path. How have you defined success for yourself in the past? Is it still the right definition for you? If it is not, how can you transform the definition to better suit you? And, how can you alter your path? I believe you’ll find the evaluation enlightening, freeing, and exciting!

Note to my readers: I haven’t written in a while. I am contemplating changes to this blog as I contemplate changes in my own journey. I will always write to motivate others. That’s my passion. That being said, if there is anything that you would like to see more of, less of, or not at all, please feel free to let me know. I value your input and thank you for the support over the last few years.

Preparation: Doing Nothing

“We are always getting ready to live but never living.” ~~Ralph Waldo Emerson~~

Sometimes the best preparation is to do nothing. Well, maybe “doing nothing” isn’t exactly what I mean. Taking a break; resting, relaxing, recharging, taking care of yourself. Not worrying about when or how things are going to get done, but trusting that they will when you’re in a better place to take care of them…

I took a semi-long weekend. I recharged. I started to think about the workload in front of me, and then I reminded myself that in order to be at my best, I needed to feel my best, and what I needed was a break in order to have that happen. And, here’s the thing… I gave myself permission to take a break and not feel guilty about it! Well, ok, I’m still working on the not feeling guilty part a little, but I am ready to face the week ahead with renewed energy, renewed vigor, and a renewed sense of empowerment. Taking my cues from the buds popping up on every tree, from the dandelions poking through the bright green grass, from the birds and even the bumblebee I saw yesterday, all who “took the winter off”, I am revitalized and ready to go! And, all it took to prepare for that was “nothing”.

Are you prepared for the wondrous week ahead?

Attitude: Life is Abundant

“All our knowledge has its origins in our perceptions.” ~~Leonardo da Vinci~~

I’ve been working a lot lately on changing my perception. Using tools being taught to me by so many people now that I am open to learning them, I am changing how I look at the world. (E.F.T., short meditations I can do anywhere, pressing “pause”, breathing exercises, and so much more!) I recently wrote about how I was changing my perception on the work load I have. I simply decided that it was time to shift the way I viewed my calendar. I have moved from saying that I’m overcommitted and that I have too much to do, to saying that “life is abundant”. (Full credit on that statement is given to a colleague of mine with whom I was having this conversation!) I have just stopped focusing on the negative stress and focusing on how lucky I am that I have so much influence. It’s all in our attitude. It’s possible to change how we feel about anything just by making our minds up to do so. It’s all about altering our perception about our reality and our circumstances. It’s all in our own control if we would only learn how to shift our mind set. I know most will say that it’s not that easy. I get it. I used to be one of those people. It does sound crazy. If it was so easy to change how you felt about something then everyone would do it. The world would be a happier place. Hmmmm… We may be on to something here…

Preparation: Contemplating Brussels Sprouts

“April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks ‘Go!’” ~~Christopher Morley, John Mistletoe~~

As I prepped Brussels Sprouts, and peeled off the wilted outer leaves revealing the tender, fresh leaves underneath, I was somehow moved. I thought about two sets of friends who were off this past weekend “Spring Cleaning”, preparing for the seasons ahead. I thought about our lawn, just a few days ago brown and sort of sad looking, all of a sudden green and even lush in places. I looked around at the daffodils, magnolia trees, and buds, and noticed all the birds back around the yard. It’s an amazing time of year, and I am inspired to prepare for my own “spring awakening”; my own growth that lay ahead of me. I am excited to peel off the things that hide the true magnificence that I know in is there. Look out Spring; here I come!