Archive for Goals and Aspirations
Be Open To Possibilities
Posted by: | CommentsThe day that we stop learning is the day that we stop growing. In fact, you should never get to that point where you’re convinced that you’ve arrived or that you’ve seen every possible way around something. It’s in that moment that you block yourself from progressing in life.
You see, in order for you to increase, you must be open to possibilities. Don’t be closed minded. Seek out to explore new horizons!
You may have tried one idea after the next and experienced no progress but don’t dare give up on other possibilities. You’ve got to keep pressing until you reach that mark that catapults you into a new dimension in life.
The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again, expecting different results. At this point, you should try new ideas and experiments. Don’t throw in the towel due lack of progress. One of the reasons we’re unsuccessful in our dreams and visions is because we give up at the first sign of defeat.
You should know that there is more than one way around hurdles in your life. You may be running your race, trying to jump over hurdles and find that you’re just not reaching the height required to soar over the hurdles. Don’t let this discourage you – remain hopeful. Stumbling blocks will always be present, but you must be bold and seek new ways around such obstacles.
I believe that stumbling blocks are really opportunities in disguise.
In sports they have rules in regulations that say you can only jump over the hurdles. But be mindful in real life you are free to explore new ways of doing things. Thomas Edison wasn’t successful at inventing the light-bulb because Read More→
What’s Next? That Is The Question
Posted by: | CommentsSetting goals is a life long journey. For some people, setting and accomplishing one goal is not enough to create life-long fulfillment.
Having accomplished one goal may be a temporary sense of fulfillment, but after making such an accomplishment, you should ask yourself — what’s next?
For instance, if a body builder’s goal is to bench press 500 pounds, once he reaches that mark, he shouldn’t become comfortable there. His next goal should be to bench press 550 pounds then 600 pounds.
You see, some people thrive off of reaching their full potential. Are you among that number?
You should constantly challenge yourself and strive to reach higher heights. Aspire to always put your strength and abilities to the test.
When you push yourself to accomplish new and exciting things, you give yourself something to look forward to. The scripture says, “Without a vision the people perish.” Always keep the bigger picture in mind.
Know that self-growth is achieved when you constantly strive to meet new expectations. Don’t become complacent and settle for one accomplished goal. Continue to rise to new occasions and set new standards for yourself.
I think about various influential people across our nation who have made great strides. President Obama didn’t stop once he landed his spot in the oval office. He celebrated but he didn’t stop there, he was expected to rise to the occasion. He was expected to meet the standard that he set for himself.
Michael Jackson didn’t lose momentum once he gained the likes of Motown Records and landed his first platinum selling album. No he used those Read More→
Build Your Work Momentum And Watch Miracles Happen
Posted by: | CommentsDon’t despise the day of small beginnings. – Zechariah 4:10
When working toward the things we want to accomplish out of life, often times we hit a rough patch of discouragement when we don’t see the results we want. We have to alleviate discouragement during those times and remain optimistic about the end result.
You have to know that when working towards the ultimate goal, your labor is not in vain. You should realize the importance in building a work momentum, even when you don’t see the fruits of your labor.
Your labor should be equivalent to a child jumping on a trampoline. A child may start off reaching low heights, but each time he jumps the higher he goes. You have to shake off that defeatist mentality. Just like the child on the trampoline, if you keep your momentum, before you know it you will be reaching higher heights!
A wise man once said, “The ripest peach is highest on the tree.” You see, in order to get to the ripest one of them all, you had better start jumping now my friend! Before you know it, the ripest peach will be within your reach.
The scripture exclaims, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.“
It might look like you’re destined for failure. It may seem as though Read More→
Are You In It To Win It?
Posted by: | CommentsI have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: – 2 Timothy 4:7
Are you in it to win it? Are you staying your course? Or are you going about your goal saying, “well… I’ll see how I do. I’ll see if this is really for me”?
Sometimes we have a tendency to start something with the ‘I’ll see if I can make it’ mind-set. This mind-set means that we’re just going with the flow. It means we allow the circumstances of our goal to take charge of us. We operate on the ‘if it’s meant to be it’ll be’ mind-set.
The only problem with this is that, when any sign of pressure comes our way, we run the other way. When obstacles present themselves we don’t fight back, we immediately come to the conclusion that the goal isn’t meant for us. You must understand that obstacles will always be present.
For instance, if you’re trying to lose weight and get fit, you will have those days where you just don’t feel like exercising. Let’s say your goal is to run the mile in 5 minutes, at some point in time, you will experience fatigue.
When you face these obstacles it doesn’t mean that exercise isn’t for you, or that you should just give up trying to run the mile in 5 minutes. No, the obstacles are there to make you stronger. With out roadblocks, you may not learn to appreciate the hard work that you put in to achieve the end result. We have a tendency to appreciate the things that we have to work hard for.
Your attitude should be, “I’m in it to win it.” You should say, “I’m going to keep at it until victory is won.”
You see, you’re already a victor- you’ve been already declared a winner. You Read More→
Are You Taking Short Cuts?
Posted by: | CommentsJesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6
Are you taking shortcuts to your destination? Do you find yourself looking for the easy way out?
Many times on the journey of life we find ourselves looking for the easy way out. We don’t want to put in the effort that it takes to accomplish goals. We don’t want to roll up our sleeves and get down and dirty when that is what’s often required of us.
Often times we find ourselves looking at the end result but we tend to forget that it takes a great deal of hard work and determination to get there.
In the interim of fulfilling our destiny we look for the shortcut and attempt to take the easy way out. What sense of fulfillment does this bring us?
I heard a story about a novice who was running a marathon. He really wanted to prove that he could win the race. However, in the midway attempt he began to get extremely tired. He cut through the trees, took a breather and cut back onto the track just in time to land the first spot in the race.
From the crowd point of view, he accomplished something that most novices rarely accomplish, especially being non-experienced.
The question is, does he lose his integrity for taking the shortcut, when others braved the long run?
Sometimes it’s better to carry our weight all the way throughout Read More→
Raise Your Level of Expectation
Posted by: | CommentsA wise man once said, Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars.
What are your expectations when you wake up in the morning? Do you expect to lead a mediocre life or do you expect something great to happen to you?
When the pro shoots in a game of darts, he doesn’t aim for the outer rim of the target, he aims for the bullseye. Why? Because he knows that there are more points for hitting the bullseye. There is a greater reward in nailing the center of the target.
Like today’s quote, we have to ask ourselves- even if we aim for the moon and reach the stars, is it not worth it? Metaphorically speaking, I would much rather land among the stars than land in the desert place. The desert represents a dry place. It represents the land of not enough.
God wants to place you in a land of more than enough but you have to expect more than enough. You have to reach for the stars.
The latter part of 2 Corinthians 13:11 tells us to aim for perfection. Greatness is on you my friend. You can achieve anything you put your mind to as long as you aim high. Raise your level of expectation.
It’s not God’s intent for us to get comfortable and settle. It’s not His intention for us to be mediocre and live average lives. The scripture says that, He will make you the head and not the tail, you are above and not beneath.
Aim high
There may be those who try to tell you that you can’t make it or that it’s pointless to shoot for the sky. You must tune out the voice of the naysayers. Surround yourself around those who are shooting for the moon as well.
Always know that with God on your side no one can be against you. His favor is surrounding you. Even when it looks like you’re destined for failure, know that God is making a way of provision for you. I encourage you to raise your standards. Your expectation should be such that, as they say in Star Trek, you’re going to go where no man has gone before.
Remember, what you focus your time and energy on is what will manifest itself into your life. Don’t focus on mediocrity, focus on the abundance that’s in store for you. When you do so, you will see major life changes come to pass as you charge forth on your journey of life.
Success Is Relative – What Does It Mean To You?
Posted by: | CommentsWhat is success to you? Is it having everything together? Being in total control over everything in your life? Could it be never-ending joy and happiness? Is it having financial freedom or owning that house on the hill or driving a Rolls Royce?
Success if different to different people. To one person, success is achieving all the goals that they’ve set out to accomplish. For the next, it could simply mean living a life full of joy and happiness.
Success is defined as: an event that accomplishes its intended purpose; or a state of prosperity or fame;
The dictionary provides a skeleton type definition of success. However, it’s up to you to determine what success means to you.
What influences your view of success?
I’ll never forget the series that used to come on TV entitled, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. I guess there’s really no need to go into depth as to what the show is all about. The title pretty much sums it up.
This television series had the great ability to paint the perfect picture of success, in the eyes of it’s many viewers. It featured people who lived in extravagant homes, drove extraordinary automobiles, traveled the world, and then some.
The media has a way of painting the picture into our minds of what true success is. I believe propaganda is the word that comes to mind. It’s almost as if to say- if you aren’t living the lifestyle of the next man, or you have achieved the things that this and that person has achieved, then you haven’t achieved success.
Maybe success is raising a healthy family and seeing your children live past eighteen. Maybe success is planting a tree and watching it grow to be tall and strong. Could success be overcoming a condition that the doctors said there was a little to no chance of you overcoming?
I write on the importance of dreaming and dreaming big. But I think it’s important that Read More→
5 Goals Worth Setting
Posted by: | CommentsI often write about setting and establishing goals. If you’re an avid reader of my blog, by now you know the importance in setting goals.
If you’re wondering what goals are worth setting, then began by asking yourself these questions. What are you passionate about? What do you like to do? By answering these questions you create a sense of direction as to what type of goals you want to fulfill. To help out, I’ve formulated a list of 5 goals that are worth setting.
1. Start a workout regiment – The most common goal or new years resolution for most is losing weight and getting into shape. There is a huge benefit in this goal because not only are you working to achieve the body that you want, but you’re increasing your level of health. Physical exercise adds years onto your life, it’s great for the heart, and combats high blood pressure.
2.Wake up at 5 am – You may wonder what is so specific about 5 am. This is the time before the break of day. It’s also the time when we’re in our deepest sleep. Studies show that we’re in our deepest state of sleep right before we wake up. This is what makes it so hard to fight off those early morning zzz’s. It may be difficult to wake up out of your deep sleep but the morning hours are often times the most peaceful and the most productive part of the day.
3. Start a business – We all know the benefits in starting a business. You get to Read More→
Edison’s Persistence, Can You Use It?
Posted by: | Comments“Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done.” – Louis D. Brandeis
One of my all time favorite inventors of all time is Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb. We can’t help but marvel at Edison’s drive, persistence, and determination because it was reported that he had about nine-thousand (9,000) failed attempts at inventing the light bulb.
What really moves me about Edison is that in spite of the way it seemed, he was determined to achieve what he sought after. I could imagine that during the attempt to create the light bulb, he had naysayers around him urging him to give up, urging him that it’s impossible and pointless. But Edison’s persistence is an example that motivates us today.
Edison changed the world because had he given up, we probably wouldn’t have the luxury of light in the world we live in today. Most people have a hard time trying 9 times, much less nine-thousand times at something. Most would give up after the first sign of failure. Some will give up at the first word of discouragement from their peers. Are you among this number?
What really inspires us about Edison’s persistence is that after asked how it felt to have had nine-thousand failed attempts at creating the light bulb, he said, “it felt great, for every time, I learned a way NOT to create the light bulb.”
Do you find yourself doing the same thing over and over, only to achieve the same results?
Edison didn’t fall into stagnation, he thought outside of the box. We can learn from Edison’s magnificence, for he’s living proof that it is possible to do what the world said is impossible.
You can achieve the impossible. The bible affirms that we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us. Nothing is impossible through Christ. Find what Read More→
5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Accepting a Yes
Posted by: | Comments“Don’t settle for a yes, rise above to find a yes.” – Jarrod Clark
We have a natural ability to want to go where we’re accepted. When were told no so many times, we go to settle for any yes that we get.
Sometimes the yes that you accept isn’t always the yes that God has for you. I always say that when one door closes another opens. Yes, but every door that’s open unto you isn’t necessarily the door that’s best for you. It’s the sad truth.
How do you know when a door is meant for you?
Sometimes it can be a rather difficult task to be able to discern what pathways to take. Here’s a list of 5 questions that will help you come to that conclusion:
1) Does the opportunity benefit you? Some opportunities are like poison in disguise. They look like the perfect opportunity from an entering standpoint but ultimately there’s nothing in it for you. In fact some opportunities have the ability to kill your dreams and goals.
2) Is it in line with God’s will for your life? Some pathways lead to the pot at the end of the rainbow but the receiver ends up sacrificing his integrity, morals, values and neglects God’s will for his life.
3) Are the people involved supportive? I’m a strong believer that the people you surround yourself around have a huge benefit on where you’re headed in life. If you allow the wrong people to get into your mind and deter your Read More→
