What Do You Expect?


Expectation is a large part of reality. What we visualize in our minds has a huge impact on the kind of results we get. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the importance of visualizing my goals. When I've invested a few minutes thinking about what it will look like, feel like, etc. to have/be/obtain whatever my goal is, I have found that those goals have come to fruition faster than when I did not visualize. In fact, I have even practiced this with my day to day life. Each morning, when I am driving to work or to meetings, I visualize the kind of day I want to have. It helps me to think, What's the best thing that could happen to me between 10am and 2pm, or whatever time frame you are doing meetings/work/school etc. Instead of focusing on the things that go wrong or create stress, I switch to both a problem-solving and best possible scenario mindset. Doing this has not only increased my productivity over the last couple weeks, but has also showed me that there's so much more that I am capable of doing and achieving. Sometimes our mindset is what keeps us from increasing our capacity or limits productivity. I challenge you to start your day, perhaps as you drive to work or school, visualizing. Ask yourself, "What's the best thing that could happen today between 10am and 2pm? What would that look like? How would you interact with others? What kind of things would you accomplish? It's amazing to see how much is possible when we focus on it!

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Be the Best


When I first began this blog, I wrote my inaugural post on the topic of inspiration that I had received from attending a particular conference where I was able to listen to global leaders and other standouts in many fields as they shared wisdom from the journey that led them to their success. It is so valuable to constantly be looking for ways to expand your thinking and challenge your limits to see what is actually possible if you're willing to try. Throughout the year, I invest time in personal growth and training whether that is in the form of a conference, certain books and podcasts, or other resources that challenge me to become better. I think we're always doing one of two things: getting better or sliding backwards. The ability to get better is not achieved without intentionality, and I can say from my own experience that investing time in your own growth is one of the most important investments we'll make. It is interesting that some years later (8 to be exact), here I am writing this post after having attended that same conference once more, and I am inspired and challenged to think differently and become a better version of myself. We all need those reminders from time to time. So I challenge you: What are you doing to push yourself to expand your thinking, change your perspective, and become the best version of yourself possible? 

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Change of Plans



Confession: I'm a person who really likes to have a plan. I keep my week organized in multiple calendars, and I set goals to keep me motivated and productive. Knowing where I'm going and deciding how I'm going to get there is a fun part of the process for me. However, one of the biggest lessons I've learned is that sometimes having a perfectly executed plan isn't always possible or beneficial in the long run. Life is often filled with unexpected twists and changes, and many valuable lessons can be learned from a change in plans. Here's a few things I've learned in this process. 

1. Done is better than perfect--don't waste too much time planning. 
Plans are good, but too much planning can be a sneaky form of procrastination. You may feel like you're doing something, but in reality, you're actually avoiding the risk of taking action to get started. It's smart to have a plan, but eventually you need to stop planning and start doing. We learn far more by doing than simply planning. Once you take that first step, it's so much easier to continue that forward motion; unfortunately, many people get stuck in the planning process and never begin the action.

2. Don't let the pursuit of perfection keep you from accomplishing something. 
It's ok if things aren't perfect. If you're always waiting for the perfect timing, the perfect set up, perfect reason etc. you'll never accomplish your goals. In fact, you probably won't accomplish much of anything. So, if you're looking for a sign to begin, this is it. Start now, don't wait. Things will never be perfect and that is ok. Begin now!

3. Don't become so attached to one plan that you're unable to be flexible as circumstances change. 
One of the best pieces of advice I received was to set your goals in concrete and your plans in sand. The end result doesn't necessarily need to change but the way in which you get there might. The best laid plans may not be what is best for you. Go back and read that sentence again because that's something we all need (myself included) to realize. I can think of many times in my own life where I had made a plan A or plan B and plan C and ended up doing something completely different in order to reach that goal. Looking back, I realized that had I stayed on the original course, I would have never had the experiences, friendships, or learned some valuable lessons that were necessary for my success. My original plan was not the best route.

Even recently, as I've set out to accomplish my current goals, my initial plans have required some changes along the way due to shifting situations or new information. Think about how a pilot flies a plane. Airplanes need mid-course corrections to be made throughout the flight in order to stay on course to reach their final destination. Our goals often require us to make shifts and adjustments along the way, but if you're so attached to a specific way to do something or a certain plan, you'll miss out on what is best for your life. Flexibility is one of the most important skills we can have as leaders and individuals. When you're flexible, you open yourself up to new opportunities and successes that can change your life for the better. Flexible people don't get bent out of shape. This doesn't mean that they are easily swayed or opinion-less, but rather, they are dedicated to a goal and open to change. When plans change, and they often do, a flexible person doesn't get stuck, they simply shift to a new course of action. The challenge for you and I is to be flexible and open to change! I always remind myself, especially when plans change, that God's plans are always better than anything I can come up with, and when I choose to trust him and his timing, things are always exceedingly more wonderful in the end. Besides, when you relinquish control of the plans, you also allow yourself to let go of the stress and can fully enjoy and embrace the journey.

Which lesson do you need to remind yourself of today?
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March Motivation










Happy March! I love the beginning of a new month. March is especially exciting because it brings in the beginning of Spring. Every month I like to share a few thoughts that are inspiring me lately. It's so important to create an environment for yourself that aligns with your goals and purpose, and much of that environment is dependent on the words you speak and the belief you have about yourself. I encourage you to speak words of life, success, strength, and faith into your world and see what kind of a difference it will make for you! What's inspiring you this month?
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