Optimistic Journey » Personal Development

Who Are You Really?

Jarrod Clark — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:18:07 +0000

A wise man once said, “When you know who you are, you know who you aren’t.” I couldn’t agree any more.

Too often we walk around wearing a mask and conforming who we are to those around us. We lower our standards to fit in. We try too hard to be like someone else. And we end up forgetting what the bible says we are.

The bible says that you are more than a conqueror. It says that you’re a victor and not a victim. It says that you can do all things through Christ.

If you focus on doing what’s right and try to be all that God says you can be, then I believe you’ll rise higher in life. Don’t conform your standards to be like the next man – no be who God says you are.

If the world chooses to go left and God says that you should go right, take that bold step and take the God route today. If the world tells you that you shouldn’t smile no one will take you serious, smile anyway. God says to spread your light and let no one steal your joy.

You see, the bible says that you are the head and not the tail. You are above and not beneath. And just like today’s quote points out, because you know that you have the favor of God then you know that you’re not a failure. You know that you’re blessed and not cursed.

If you’ll remember who you are today, then you won’t fall into the trap of being someone that you’re not. Don’t conform to that of the world. Constantly reform yourself to be the person God wants you to be as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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April 26, 2010 -- Empowerment Begins On The Inside (14)
April 16, 2010 -- 9 Ways to Boost Confidence (6)
February 24, 2010 -- Overcoming Low Self Esteem (0)
July 6, 2010 -- Be Just Who You Are (0)
June 15, 2010 -- Don’t Dress For Less, Dress For Success (2)

Break the Tradition Today!

Jarrod Clark — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 01:57:55 +0000

I heard about this young couple that had recently gotten married. And the man noticed that every time his wife cooked the ham she cut the ends off of the ham. He thought that was kind of strange and wondered why she would waste the ham like that.

And one day while his wife was making the ham, he got his nerve up and said, “honey why do you cut the ends off of the ham?” She got kind of defensive and said, “Well, my mother made the best ham in the world and she always cut the ends off the ham.”

He said, “Well that’s fine… but do you know why she did it?” She said, “I have no idea.” He said “well can we call your mother?” She said, “sure!”

So they called her mother and he explained, “my wife’s cutting the ends of the ham off and she says she does it because you always did it. Can you tell me why you cut the ends of the ham off?”

And her mother got kind of defensive. She said, “well my mother made the best hams in all the world and she always cut the ends of her ham off.” He said, “Well that’s fine… but do you know why she did it?” She said, “I have no idea.” He said, “well can we call grandmother?” She said, “sure!”

So they called the grandmother and he explained that, “my wife cuts the ends of the ham off. She said she does it because your daughter did it – and your daughter said she does it because you do it - Grand-momma can you tell us why you cut the ends of your ham off?” She said, “Yeah, that’s easy – because my pan is too small.”

Are you stuck in a rut? Falling prey to tradition? Doing things because that’s the way it’s always been done?

Today, I dare you to think out of the box. Just because something has been passed down from generation to generation doesn’t mean that’s the way it has to be.

You can be the one to break tradition. Maybe you’ll be the first in your family to get a doctorate degree. You might be the first to own a lucrative business.

Whatever it is that’s holding you back, break that tradition today. Don’t be enslaved to your past. Get a bigger pan. Get a bigger vision. Stop “cutting the ends off the ham” just because that’s the way it’s always been done. Remove the limitations today as you step into a new dimension in life!

Photo credit: animakitty

March 24, 2010 -- Which Law Are You Abiding By? (2)

Laughter Is The Best Medicine

Jarrod Clark — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 02:42:09 +0000

I don’t believe that it’s God’s intent for us to go around all sad and gloom. In fact, I believe God has one of the greatest sense of humors of all time.

Life has it’s ups and downs but If you’re not careful, you’ll miss the underlying comedy in everything. Sometimes you just have to break down and laugh.

Find the comedy in your day to day interactions. When you’re tempted to get stressed, take a second and dwell on that which amuses you.

Yes, It’s okay to laugh at yourself. Never take yourself too seriously. Most of the things that we face in life or the mistakes that we make, we will end up looking back and laughing.

We may chuckle and say things like, “boy what was I thinking? I’m sure glad I’ve overcome that. What a learning experience that was.” In fact I hear it all the time – the greatest example is in the change of fashion. It could be something from a fashion trend or hair style that we love. Years from now you may look back at the pictures and say, “What was I thinking of wearing that?” You might follow it with a laugh.

What am I saying? Learn not to take yourself too seriously. The laughter may be at your expense but the trade off is much better.

I love how they say that laughter is the best medicine. The good thing is that every time you laugh, you’re getting better. You’re healing. You’re releasing those endorphins on the inside.

As you go through your day, make a choice to laugh more. Don’t sweat the small stuff, laugh at them. If it gets on your nerves, laugh at it. It’s making you better! If it stresses you out, find out the underlying comedy and laugh away. It’s making you stronger! If you get a negative report from the doctor, laugh at it. It’s causing you to heal!

Whatever you do, don’t let the enemy steal your Joy and laughter. He wants to steal your laugh because it’s your supernatural key to victory. Don’t let your victory go to waste today! Laugh at whatever the enemy brings your way as you charge forth into the life of victory that God has in store for you!

Photo credit: ♥ Jaye

April 23, 2010 -- 3 Needed Stress Busters (4)
June 28, 2010 -- Break Down The Walls (2)
January 11, 2010 -- How To Stay Sane In An Insane World (0)

Be Just Who You Are

Jarrod Clark — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:18:44 +0000

Sometimes in life we have a tendency to tailor our personality to be the person that we think others would like us to be. Like a chameleon out in the wild, we’re able to adapt to our surroundings. I believe that this all stems from our need to fit in.

This can be a great trait to have to an extent. In fact salesman, have the awesome ability to conform to his prospects.

But what about that golden personality? What about the tailor-made personality that God has given you? Well you may say, “I’m shy, who would want to be shy?” No, I believe that if you’re shy, God made you shy for a reason. It may have been His ultimate plan that you make peace among people.

Maybe you have a tendency to be over the top with laughter, jokes, and fun. That’s okay. No need to change who you are. It’s healthy to laugh. I love how they say laughter is the best medicine. Someone may be having a down day and in need someone to make them laugh and cheer them up. If this role fits you then try going out of your way to make someone laugh today.

You see, it’s important to remember that people want to see the real you. When you first meet someone, you’re weeding out those who are drawn to you naturally and those who aren’t drawn to you naturally.

Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. You’re only going to attract the wrong group of friends. And before long, people will be able to see the real you. You want friends who will accept the real you just for who you are. Make a decision today to accept yourself just for who you are as you step into the purpose filled life that God has in store for you!

Photo credit: danorbit.

April 16, 2010 -- 9 Ways to Boost Confidence (6)
July 25, 2010 -- Who Are You Really? (3)
June 15, 2010 -- Don’t Dress For Less, Dress For Success (2)
April 27, 2010 -- You Deserve To Be Respected (2)
April 26, 2010 -- Empowerment Begins On The Inside (14)

Put Your Best Foot Forward!

Jarrod Clark — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:23:40 +0000

You know, everything you do says a lot about you. Every job you perform speaks volumes about your work ethic, integrity, and how much you care about the work you put forth.

A wise man once said, “Every job is a self-portrait of the person who does it. Autograph your work in excellence.”

Whether you’re doing that personal do-it-yourself project around the house or braving that big presentation for the office, you should always give it your best shot. Put your best foot forward.

Speaking of the work place, most people have a tendency to put their best foot forward on the first day of work. They do their best to arrive on time or even ten minutes early. They dress their best. They do all they can to finish the assigned tasks with their best effort applied. They want to do their best to make the best impression.

But something happens over time. After a while, the ten minute early arrival time turns into just barely making it on time, or dragging their feet in the door. They lose the pep in their step. They don’t feel as much of an urge to make a great impression.

What happened? They’re showing their true colors. They’re showing others what type of work ethic they truly have. Does this sound like you?

If so, know that it’s never too late to get straight. Fix the root problem. Make a choice today to put your best foot forward. Don’t endeavor to just make that best impression on the first day of work. No, put forth your best effort five or ten years on the work force.

That friendship that needs mending, go out of your way to call a friend. Take them out to lunch. That exercise program that’s lacking, instead of barely making the work-out regimen, up the ante. Do your best to take the work-out to the next level.

Whatever you do, give it all you got. Put that pep back in your step today. Make the choice to put your best foot forward as you charge forth on your journey of life!

Photo credit: Janine

May 19, 2010 -- Build Your Work Momentum And Watch Miracles Happen (2)
May 16, 2010 -- Let Go of The Superman Mentality (9)
December 15, 2009 -- Autograph Your Work In Excellence (0)

Break Down The Walls

Jarrod Clark — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 02:12:55 +0000

Do you walk around with a chip on your shoulders? Do you feel the need to guard your heart in an effort to protect yourself from being hurt?

Maybe you’ve been hurt in the past. You might have had your heart broken. Maybe you’ve been terribly offended. If you find yourself answering yes to the above questions, no doubt you may have built up a wall to protect the wounds. You’ve probably put up a protective barrier to prevent the hurt from resurfacing.

This is perfectly normal. Just like a scab protects a wound, we all put up walls for protection.

The unfortunate thing is that these barriers are only masking the hurt. We’re not bringing healing to ourselves, we’re only sealing the pain. At some point in time, the past hurts will resurface and we’ll have to face them again.

Just like fear, you will have to face those past hurts. You have to forgive those who have done you wrong. You see, when you put up walls you’re not only blocking others from seeing who you are but you’re blocking yourself from gaining the full benefit of those around you.

Understand today that the world is not out to get you. Sometimes you have to break down those barriers and allow someone to see the light that’s in you. You have to go outside of yourself and seek ways to bless others.

Why not be so kind as to smile at a stranger? Let them see into your heart. Show them the Joy that God has given you. There is fulfillment in lending a helping hand. Don’t let the tough exterior block you from the full abundance that God has for you.

We live in a world where most everyone’s attitude is, “me, me, me. What about me!” But I dare you to go against the grain. Break down those boundaries. Cross the lines and see what you can do to serve others.

What about the neighbor who has her hands full of groceries? Go and lend a helping hand. You just might find her to be a blessing to you. What about the man behind you in line at the supermarket? He’s only got a few items, why not let him go ahead of you?

In order to heal those past hurts you have to break down the walls and open yourself to rejection. You won’t heal over night but take it one day at a time. In doing so you will experience the full victory and abundance that God has for you!

Photo credit: Todd Huffman

July 8, 2010 -- Laughter Is The Best Medicine (2)
January 18, 2010 -- Failure Is Not A Bad Thing (0)

Don’t Dress For Less, Dress For Success

Jarrod Clark — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 01:28:50 +0000

People have a keen sense of ability to sum you up within a second of meeting you. They can make a quick determination on what type of person you are, where you’re headed in life, and your sense of self-worth.

I don’t think that you should stress over what others think of you, but I think that it’s worth your while to use these factors to your advantage. In other words, take control over the way others perceive you.

One of the best impressions that you can make is in the way you dress. Oftentimes, we forget the importance of dressing for success. We can get so used to dressing down or getting away with the least impressive outfit.

But I want to encourage you today, don’t be afraid to stand out. Don’t be afraid to make an impression.

I believe that not only is your dress connected to the way others perceive you but it’s greatly connected to your sense of self-worth. Every time you choose to put on that new blouse other than that ten year old torn T-Shirt, you’re communicating to yourself and others that you have a sense of high self-worth. Every time you choose to iron that wrinkled polo or button down dress shirt, you’re communicating that you took the time to care for yourself.

It’s also important to understand that the way you dress goes far beyond the shirt that you put on your back. There is a supernatural wardrobe that is oftentimes more important. It’s called confidence — it’s called strength. It’s called determination and perseverance. In other words, don’t carry yourself in away that indicates you’re inferior. No, put your shoulders back and stand tall. Lift your head up and show the world the winner that God made you to be!

You may not have the latest trends in fashion, but take what you have and make the best of it. You will be surprised at what you’re able to come up with if you just apply yourself. I encourage you today not to dress for less, but to dress for success as you charge forth on your journey of life!

Photo credit: Fuschia Foot

April 16, 2010 -- 9 Ways to Boost Confidence (6)
February 20, 2010 -- Ingredients For Success (4)
July 25, 2010 -- Who Are You Really? (3)
July 22, 2010 -- Are You Living Your Best Life? (1)
July 6, 2010 -- Be Just Who You Are (0)

Benefits of Smiling

Jarrod Clark — Mon, 24 May 2010 03:16:27 +0000

“A smile confuses an approaching frown.” – Author Unknown

As we get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the day, we tend to let our smile fade away. We forget the true benefit that a warm smile has on us and others around us.

I encourage you to start your day off with a smile. It will instantly curve your mood for the better and it will uplift another person’s mood in return.

Well you may say, “Jarrod, people won’t take me seriously if I walk around smiling for no reason.” I dare you to shake this mentality and open your range of thinking. You’re only focusing on the negative aspect of the spectrum, when thinking such a thought.

Too often we focus on the reason why everyone says we shouldn’t smile, but what about those reasons that we should smile? Here are a few reasons why you should smile:

Smiling is contagious.
Smiling has been proven to be an instant mood changer.
When you smile you communicate to yourself that everything is okay.
Studies have shown that employers promote employees who tend to smile more.
People who smile are seen by most to be more confident.
Smiling is universal body language.
When you smile, the whole world smiles with you. When you frown you frown alone.
It takes less muscles to smile than it does to frown.
You look better when you smile. After all, why do they always say smile before taking pictures? To make the pictures look presentable.
A warm smile brightens up the room.
People who smile appear more friendly and outgoing.
Coping mechanism – Such as laughing, sometimes you have to smile to keep from crying. Even when in the face of adversity and extreme stress a smile is your ability to cope with the situation.

Relinquish the mind-set that the world has placed on you that says you shouldn’t smile. Change your focus.

Remember, you have a small window of time to make a great first impression, why not make that impression on the back of a welcoming smile. I do believe you will be remembered for the smile that you posses. Make the wise decision to bring a warm smile to the equation today as you charge forth on your journey of life!

March 18, 2010 -- Random Acts of Kindness Go a Long Way (4)
October 24, 2009 -- Why Should You Smile More? (0)

Live an Extraordinary Life

Jarrod Clark — Sat, 22 May 2010 04:31:21 +0000

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with they might…. Ecclesiastes 9:10

There are times when we find ourselves half stepping through the daily tasks that we pursue. It may be due to stagnation and complacency, pure habit, or lack of energy. There may be times when, although we’re due in at 8 am, that is the exact moment we set foot through the door.

Now don’t get me wrong, it’s better to be there at 8 am than to arrive later. But you should strive go that extra mile. Why not be the exception and show up ten minutes early?

If someone asks you for a helping hand, lend them two. If your goal is to say a kind word to one random stranger a day, why not up that to two random strangers a day?

You see, God doesn’t want us to live an ordinary life. He doesn’t want you to go around with the attitude that, “Well, I’m doing somebody a favor by giving them my time. I really don’t have to be here, I’ve got a million and one other things I could be doing…” No, God wants you to lead an extraordinary life. You should aspire to go that extra distance.

I have a favorite quote that I often think about, and it says, “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” When going about our daily lives, we should look for ways to be extraordinary.

Instead of throwing that aluminum can out with the trash, try recycling it that would make all the difference. Maybe you want to hold that door open for that person entering in after you today. Or maybe you’re waiting in a long line at the bank, why not let someone go ahead of you? Who knows maybe they’ve had one of those days where nothing went right for them, you just might make there day.

I believe that people have a keen sense of ability to see through to our hearts. They can tell who is in it to win it or who is half stepping. They can see where your true intentions are and whether or not your heart is pure.

When all is said and done, you will be remembered for the extraordinary zest and zeal that you posses. Make the choice to put forth that extra effort in everything that you do today and notice an exceptional blessing cover you as you charge forth on your journey of life!

Photo credit: metamerist

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Have You Had Your Priority Check Lately? (3 Easy Steps To Get Back On Track)

Jarrod Clark — Sun, 16 May 2010 02:12:34 +0000

Have you found that your priorities have gotten out of order and have become extremely mis-aligned?

We may find that overtime, we allow our priorities to take a dive for the worse, as we focus on things that are not so important in life.

Just like we vow to devote to spring cleaning in the spring, we have to devote to our priorities just the same, only much more often.

When was the last time you had a priority check?

From the hustle and bustle of our busy schedules, what is most important for us can easily fall into last place. Here are 3 crucial steps to help bring order back to life:

1. Write down what’s most important to you – Make a list of what’s important in your life, with the most important being on top and the least important being on the bottom. It doesn’t matter how long the list but keep in mind, the shorter the list the more defining it will be.

2. Decipher what it will take to bring order back to your life – After you have made your list, brainstorm on ways to make it become a reality. It may not be as easy as one-two-three. It may end up being something that you have to sleep on or seek counsel about. But this is something worth doing for yourself.

3. Take action – Taking action is one of the more, if not the most, important steps out of the three. It’s easy to talk the talk but you have to walk the walk. Just like the scripture says, faith without works it dead. Sometimes you just have to roll up your sleeves, dip into some elbow grease, and break a little sweat.

You may find that life is much easier, once you set your priorities in line. You may notice a load off your shoulders when defining them.

No one can define your priorities but you. What comes first for one person will be completely different for the next. So be true to yourself and discover what is most important to you and only you and notice a change for the better, as you charge forth on your journey of life.

Open discussion

What are some ways that you’ve allowed your priorities to get out of whack? How have you gotten them back on track?

Photo credit: Marco Arment

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Optimistic Journey » Personal Development

Who Are You Really?

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