Opportunity Awaits

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I've been thinking a lot about opportunities and how often they come disguised as something else. Sometimes it is the challenging situations, or the seemingly mundane tasks that are there for us to discover an important lesson about others or ourselves, if only we are open to learning. I love how Morgan Harper Nichols (her work is amazing, btw!) says that gratitude and hope can teach us something everyday. Perhaps the moments spent waiting on someone or something, the everyday routines, and things we take for granted are opportunities for hope and gratitude to be a teacher. May they allow us to slow down, savor, and be present. May we see lessons and not hinderances, hope and not frustration, gratitude instead of taking things for granted. Perhaps this perspective shift will show you that there's opportunities all around-- if only we are willing to pause and ready to receive them. I challenge you (and I) to allow gratitude and hope to be our lens through which we see the world. 

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How To Be More Positive

A positive life is something that we all desire; I have yet to meet someone who truly wants to be miserable day in and day out. I've encountered so many people who express their desire to become more positive or recognize the need for a better outlook on life. Here's the truth: Our lives go in the direction of our strongest thoughts. 

Sometimes, we may find ourselves in different circumstances than we planned, or perhaps are facing an unexpected challenge, and it can be easy to fall into a 'reactionary' type of mood. Most of the time, those reactionary moods or thoughts are not taking us in a direction of positive growth, so it's important to know how to switch directions quickly! If you want to take your life to the next level, a positive mindset is essential. Here's three simple tips to help you become more positive and less stressed!

1. Edit your environment. 

This is such a great starting point because our environment dictates so much of who we become. Look at the music you listen to, movies you watch, people you invest time with, books you read and social accounts you follow. What sort of messages or ideas are you filling your life with? A negative environment will produce negative attitudes. We live on the level of our input--this is a great time to make some changes. Cutting out the clutter of mental junk (bad music, movies, tv shows or negative self-talk, etc.) will make a major difference in your life. Remember to replace it with good things like new goals, encouraging words, and positive people. You may encounter all kinds of thoughts, but remember, it is always your choice of which you'll entertain. 

2. Get outside. 

It is so simple to get caught up in all the activities and work of the week that we miss spending a moment or two outdoors. There's something so peaceful and refreshing about the sunshine on your face, a cool breeze, a hike in the woods, the sound of the waves, or the brilliant colors of sunrise and sunset. If you start to feel overwhelmed or stressed with all that's on your schedule or perhaps need a boost, a few minutes outside will do the trick. Personally, I like to head out to the beach for a sunset after a hectic day; the waves and beautiful colors can transform even the most trying of moments. 

p.s. Leave your phone off for a bit--it's ok (encouraged, even!) to disconnect from tech and reconnect with yourself and nature.

3. Make a gratitude list.

Don't wait for Thanksgiving. It's never too early to start thinking about gratitude. When we take the focus off ourselves and whatever problems we may be facing, it's amazing how our perspective begins to change. One practice I've enjoyed cultivating in my own life is a gratitude journal. I like to take a few moments each day to list 5 things I'm grateful for. In doing so, it places my focus on celebrating the many blessings and great moments I have been given. When you look for the good, you'll find it. We will see an increase in wherever area we place our focus. 

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How To Get Organized For A New Season

It's that time of year when we begin to see the late afternoon light of summer shift into the cooler nights of early fall. Before we head for all things pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters, I am reminded that it is a good time to get organized for the coming season. It's always a good idea to plan before the hustle and bustle of new schedules, routines, and activities start up. Whether you're headed back to school, back to work, or simply beginning a new week, here's a few things that I've found to be a big help in getting it together before the busyness begins!

1. Schedule out your time.
It's amazing how quickly my time can get filled if I'm not careful about where I invest it. In order to stay organized and not waste time when working on multiple projects (because I like to do all the things!), I use a calendar that breaks my day into hourly sections. I love and use this particular one. Seeing my day visually helps me to assign my time according to the task, and throughout the day, I am able to keep track of what project or task comes next. This helps me to avoid procrastinating on projects or simply doing tasks in the wrong order...which leads me to the next point.

2. Know when your most productive times are.
Are you a morning person? Night owl? Somewhere in between? Once you know when you are able to be most productive, assign your most challenging or involved tasks for that time slot on your calendar. For me, mornings are great and I'm able to work and think creatively when I'm feeling fresh after a good night's sleep. Instead of scrolling on Pinterest or Instagram, checking emails, or any other mindless task first thing, I start with working on the most important task of the day. Once I have completed the task or the portion of that project allotted for the time slot, I move on to address the rest of the items on my list. Doing this creates momentum that is necessary for getting more things accomplished instead of wasting precious time and brain power on something that's not totally important.

3. Make a list.
Have you ever been working on something important and been interrupted by a random thought regarding something you wanted to do, an errand you need to run at some point, or a fleeting idea? You're not alone! I've definitely experienced this, and when that happens, I jot it down on a notepad or put it in the notes app on my phone. Instead of allowing it to totally derail my progress, or forgetting about it altogether, I write it down and will come back to it later. What I've discovered is that many things are often ideas for projects, random activities I would like to schedule at some point, or a task that needs to be completed (just not right away). At the beginning of each month, I'll make a list next to the monthly overview with the activities, main projects, or important events that I need to accomplish, attend, or complete. Knowing that these are part of the monthly plan, I'm able to then schedule my time accordingly in order to ensure that I accomplish or attend them.

How do you stay organized? Tell me below!

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May Motivation

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Happy May! We're right around the corner from summer, and this is often the time where it can seem like things just get ridiculously busy. Instead of letting things go, succumbing to the craziness, and allowing your goals or year plans to fall by the wayside, decide to really stick to it! Put in the extra time or effort, stay the course, and decide to be dedicated to the goal--no matter what. I'm working on a few big goals too, so let's do this together, ok? Here's a few thoughts that are motivating me this month; what is inspiring you lately? 

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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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How I Achieve My Goals Every Month

It's almost February which means it's close to the end of the month. One thing that really helps me to stay focused and achieve my goals is to do a check-in around this point. I thought I'd let you in on the process in case you want to use these for your own progress!

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1. I start each of these checkpoints by writing out my goals for the year as well as the goals I had for the month. By writing them out, I am able to clearly see what my overall vision is and can begin to quantify my progress for each one.

2. For each of my monthly goals, I list the 2-4 action steps I've taken to achieve the goal or progress I had set out to accomplish.

3. For each of the yearly goals, I look at the progress made in that month and check to see if I am still on track for the goal or if there needs to be any modifications.

4. Next, I create action steps for the upcoming month's goals.

5. Finally, I celebrate the progress made, made a note of any lessons I learned that month, and check off any of the items on my yearly fun experience list (like a bucket list but more fun!) that I completed.

In addition to this process, I also go through and answer a list of progress-related questions which helps me plan out the right steps for each goal and keeps me laser focused throughout the month. Let me know if you'd be interested in seeing a post on those! It's so important to make time for checkpoints. When we track our progress, it is much easier to actually achieve what we set out to accomplish. Challenge yourself to take a moment or two before the month ends and check in. Where are you on your goals, what needs to be done, what have you accomplished, and where are you going? Here's to great success!

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How To Stress Less This Year

We live in a busy world, don't we? I've often found myself answering the question of "How are you?" as "I'm busy!" We've glorified activity, busyness and even stress in this process. Stress is often a constant companion for us and although some may say that they perform well under pressure, the reality is that stress is not beneficial to our overall wellbeing. Research tells us that 77% of people regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress, and 44% of people feel as though their stress levels have gone up over the past 5 years. (AIS, 2017) We all want to be productive and so often we end up taking on more projects, putting in more hours, or investing deeper into a relationship and can easily neglect the symptoms that our body is using to tell us that it's time to take a step back.

Whether it's a work situation, family challenge, or even the traffic on your way to work each day, dealing with stress will eventually impact your health and mental wellbeing if we don't do something about it. We may think that more activity or taking on additional hours will help us get ahead or even feel happier, but the reality is that instead we're left feeling worried, anxious, or exhausted. So, I'm sure you're wondering, How do I fix this? I've put together a guide with five simple ways to lower your stress level this week. These are things I have found to be so beneficial in my own daily routine and have helped me to regain a sense of balance amid a busy calendar.

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Best Of: New Year Goal Setting

Happy 2018! It's the start of a brand new year! I love the promise that a new year brings--brimming over with possibilities, potential, and unknown adventures. We have the ability to create it as we see fit and to choose how much or little we accomplish. It's so exciting to begin afresh and year after year we see countless individuals creating 'resolutions' of potential changes they would like to apply to their life. The problem is that come next month (sometimes even Jan 31st), many of the well-meaning resolutions have faded into the background of old habits and routine. So, how do we fix that? My suggestion is to set goals rather than make resolutions. Goals have accountability and progress checkpoints in addition to a date of completed accomplishment. Simply wishing to change or even deciding to change will never actually get someone to act differently unless it is backed with action and a set end result. Goal setting is truly one of the most powerful tools I've used to drive progress and accomplish incredibly exciting things in my own life, and I encourage you to apply this process to your own dreams and desires. Over the years of blogging, I've written a few posts on this subject, so I've rounded up some of the best quick/practical reads below so you can effectively set goals and accomplish some fantastic things in the new year! Here's to great success!

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Get Ready, Get Set:

#Goals

How To: Set New Year's Goals

Go Get 'Em!:

How To Achieve Your Goals In the New Year

Worth It

3 Ways To Make This Your Best Year Yet  

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Motivation Monday

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 It's time for a check-in. How are you doing? What goals are you working on currently?

I recently took some time to do a self-evaluation of my progress and goals from the last few months. This process is such a necessary part of achievement for me, and I often find that if I am not consistent with this self-accountability, the results of my productivity reflect it. Part of this process is focused on environment, specifically, the words I allow to encourage and inspire me, and I wanted to share a few of the ideas and quotes that have been motivating me lately. Words are powerful, and often we don't give a second thought to the ones we use and listen to. Part of the challenge for me, and you also if you choose, is to be mindful of what we feed our minds. What makes up the environment in which we operate on a daily basis? Does it include words that inspire, invigorate, and empower us to achieve great things? Do you use words that build yourself up internally? How about the words you use toward others--are they encouraging, positive, and life-giving? If not, what changes need to be made in order for us to both live in and create an environment that includes words that create positive growth and success? Here's a few questions that I used to help start the conversation in my own life.

What is inspiring you this month? 
What does your internal and external dialogue sound like? Do I need to make any changes?
How are you doing on your progress toward your goals?

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May Motivation

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Happy May! We've begun a new month and this means it's time for new inspiration and a progress checkpoint! I've mentioned that one of my habits is to check in at the beginning of every month and evaluate how much progress I've made toward my personal goals. Sometimes I feel as though my progress has been made in leaps and bounds, and other times it seems as though it's only baby steps, but nevertheless, I take a quick personal inventory of where my time and efforts have gone. It's good to know where you are along the journey; your checkpoints serve as a GPS, helping you to stay on course. Part of this process is focused on the words I allow to encourage and inspire me, and I wanted to share a few of the things that have been motivating me lately. What is inspiring you this month? How are you doing on your progress toward your goals?

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Are You Teachable?

One of the most interesting and challenging questions to ask yourself is that of "Am I teachable?" The initial reaction for many of us is most likely, "yes, of course!", but are you really? Are you willing to learn from others...even from those we don't agree with or situations that are challenging or uncomfortable?

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The teachable spirit requires patience. A teachable spirit says, 'Every experience and person has something to teach me." This idea is incredibly freeing as you no longer have to try to be the authority on absolutely everything in life. Go ahead, Breathe a sigh of relief, whew! Now, this does not mean that you take everything as fact or listen to every opinion as equally important; however, it is an opportunity to see situations as something that can change us into better people if we allow it do so. Sometimes the most trying individuals or challenges we face in life can bring about the greatest lessons or reveal to us new abilities, levels of patience, or even a belief about ourselves that had been previously holding us back from greatness. While it is easy to say we're teachable, it is another thing to really live that way. How many times have we closed ourselves off from opportunity simply because we thought we knew better or we wanted to take the path of least resistance? I challenge you to allow yourself to be patient, learn from others, keep an open mind for possibilities and lessons, and watch your impact and success soar.

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In the Moment

"So what does it matter in the moment?" We often ask ourselves questions like this, thinking that the little things don't seem to mean that much in the grand scheme of life. It's easy to rationalize things to become seemingly insignificant, but in actuality, every moment matters. Life is comprised of little moments strung together. Some of the happiest and most joyful memories are created in the shortest flickers of time.

When we look at what separates the winners from the losers, the successful from the unsuccessful, it comes down to a small margin of differentiation. Upon further examination, we can trace that back to the habits (read more about habits here) and seemingly small decisions made day in and day out. You see, success is not necessarily about large quantum leaps but rather the consistent compounding of choices over time.
Consequently, the chasm between you and your goals is made up of tons of tiny steps, one foot after another, series of intentional decisions. What is simple and easy to do is also easy not to do. It is easy to get up and exercise and it is just as easy to sleep in. It is easy to read books that will expand your thinking and it is just as easy to mindlessly scroll on social media. It is the simple, positive decisions that make the biggest difference. Easy to do, easy not to do. The choice is always yours...and so are the results. Remember, every moment matters.

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Worth It

At this point in the year many people start to waver when it comes to upholding their 'resolutions' or goals. One of the questions I often ask myself, sometimes repeatedly, is that of, "Is it worth it?" The truth is, goals require a lot of us...including time, habits, relationships, and sacrifice. We always give up something of comfort to see an increase in success or to accomplish a breakthrough. 

What makes a seemingly stunning "overnight success" is really the result of consistent, deliberate, self-sacrificing, hard work. I'm often reminded of the fact that the things we train for in the dark produce the success that comes in the light. There's a commercial Michael Phelps did with Under Armour that beautifully illustrates this concept. (Watch it here.) His incredible success was not simply achieved by talent alone; it is the result of hard, driving, often uncomfortably challenging work. We'd all like to just experience achievement without going through challenges, but challenges are what create true character. Anyone can put forth some effort when success comes, but how many will put in the long hours of hard work away from the spotlights and cheering crowds? Not many people are willing to withstand the challenges of the usually "unseen" darkness in order to get to the light, but when the answer to that question of worth is 'yes', it's time to get up and get moving. 

How do you know if it's worth it? 

Here's a few thoughts that will help you to evaluate the goal:

1. What are my values? Does the goal align with them?

2. What is the investment of time required? 

3. What actions will be required?

4. Am I willing to pay the price and sacrifice what is necessary to reach the goal?

Something to keep in mind is that it's ok for priorities to change, midcourse corrections to be made, and for your answer to the question of, 'Is it worth it?' to be 'no' at times. When you answer those questions that determine a goal's worth, or the price you must pay for it's achievement, sometimes you will need to part ways with a project, a prior goal, or even a relationship that will not get you to where you really want to be. Is this easy? No way. Is it wise? Definitely, if the goal is worthwhile to you. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what is worth pursuing and what should be edited from your habits or lifestyle in order to get to your goals. Excuses are a dime a dozen, but for those who persevere, leaving the darkness behind and stepping into the light, the sacrifice is truly worth it. 

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5 Questions To Ask Yourself This Week

We're coming to the end of the first month of the year which means it's time for a check-in. It's good to do a quick evaluation of your progress to see where you are and what adjustments (if any) need to be made. Ready? Grab a sheet of paper or the notes app on your phone and let's dive in.

1. How are you doing on your goals?
2. Where did you think you would be?
3. Where are you on your progress?
4. Where do you want to be?
5. What are you going to change to get there?

Remember, self-evaluation and accountability are keys to successful completion of goals. Challenge yourself to do this quick exercise each month and watch your achievements soar!

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Priorities

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Priorities seem to be a buzzword around this time of year. We think about arranging and rearranging schedules, we look at how we can increase our productivity, and we invest time finding new ways to accomplish everything on our to-do lists. Sometimes it feels like there's just not enough hours in the day to achieve everything we've placed on our schedule to do and I've often heard people (myself included) say, "I just don't have time for that/to do that." Can I submit a thought to you? 

We have time for what we value, and we make time for what is important to us. 

This isn't rocket science or even a new concept, but the validity of it really impacted me recently. You see, we all have the same amount of hours in the day, and if we're really honest, we have time that could be utilized or invested differently to accomplish things we "don't have time for". You're probably thinking, I already knew that...

Why then, if we know this, do we not change our schedule to become more productive or to cross those things off our list? The reality is, the reason we don't do those things is because we don't see a high value in them so they aren't priorities of ours. This even includes relationships. We make time for what and who we think is important. Sure, we might say that certain tasks, commitments, or even individuals are a priority, but our actions speak the truth. We define what is important to us by what we commit our time to. Do your habits reflect your priorities as you want them to? If we want to change our life, we must begin by changing our priorities. Choose to invest your time with the people that will inspire, encourage, and motivate you. Make time for the activities that will challenge, grow, and develop you. We're all finding time for something...make sure it's what you want. 

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It's A Habit

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We often hear about changes that need to be made around this time of year. People want to try new things, do something different, and achieve greater results. Behind all of the goals, changes, and well-meaning resolutions is the idea of making changes to our habits. The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting different results. If we're honest, the real day in and day out challenge is to adjust the things that we've become accustomed to doing. The comfort zone of the familiar is what we must be willing to sacrifice to make the necessary adjustments in our habit patterns. Successful people know that it's not simply the practice of setting goals, or just knowing what we want to achieve that gets us to the accomplishment. Instead, the careful examination and intentional changes made to daily habits will be the critical key to great success and achieving dreams. 

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I recently discussed this concept with a couple of friends, and as we talked, we discovered that this was something all of us had encountered in one area of life or another. Sometimes the smallest or most simple of habits are the most challenging to change, but if we're willing to take that first step of action, the following momentum is often enough to propel us forward into the new pattern. It's often said that success is hidden within your daily routine, so I encourage you to take a look at your daily habits and see what to keep and what to change. Remember, when you get rid of a habit, you're making room for the creation of better ones that will lead you to success. Without a replacement, the old habits quickly resume their place, sometimes with unwelcome additions. Take a moment today to think of one small change you can make to your routine that will produce better, more successful results when compounded over time. 

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How to Achieve Your Goals in the New Year

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Happy 2017! We are a few days into the new year already, and as we begin, many of us choose to set aside time to pause, reflect, and set some goals to help us achieve new heights over the next months. Goal setting is absolutely essential to success, and I often encourage the practice of goal setting over resolution writing. Resolutions never seem to truly stick and tend to fizzle out come March {if not sooner}. Goals are measurable, energizing, and catalysts for actionable change. Want this year to be your best one yet? Your key to success is creating goals that can be broken down into success-building daily habits. 

You see, we often think about goals as these lofty aspirations or big accomplishments, and while some may be, the way to get there is through small actions done consistently. It's often said that it takes about 21 days to start a habit. If we're making changes, we need to examine our habits and see if there's some edits to be made in relation to our new goals.  What does your daily routine look like? Are there some tweaks you need to make to your mindset, input (music, movies, books, shows, etc.), or even waking/sleeping hours? Is this going to be comfortable? No, probably not, but is it going to lead to your success? Absolutely. The success stories we see are never brought about overnight...they are all preceded by consistent, non-glamorous, behind-the-scenes preparation work.  

Is it worth it? Well, that question is something only you can answer. For my own goals, the answer is a resounding yes!! I encourage you to find the things that challenge you to become better, push you far beyond whatever you dreamed possible, and cause you to grow into more of the person you've been created to be! This year is what you make it; let's commit to making it the best one yet!

Ready for a few action steps? 

1. Set aside time to write out 8-10 things you are going to accomplish in the next 6-12 months; all goals should be written in the present, positive tense as if you have already achieved them. 

(Example: I am thrilled to be traveling to Hawaii for a fun-filled vacation.) Don't forget to get specific! A simple 'I want to go on a vacation this year' just isn't compelling or action-oriented. Try to keep the "SMART" acronym in mind when writing your goals: Specific Measurable Actionable Realistic Time-bound

2. Commit to reading and visualizing your goals everyday. 

The best way to make this happen is by placing them in a spot you'll see each morning and evening. I place mine by my mirror so I can review them while I get ready or wind down for the day. 

3. Jot down a list of small habits or actions you can take to start working toward the accomplishment of your goals. 

For the Hawaii trip example, setting aside a certain amount of money each month into a 'vacation fund', doing a little research on places you'd like to eat/stay/explore on the trip, putting up a photo of where you want to go, and subscribing to flight notifications from certain airlines when they have good rates to where you want to go are all small, actionable steps to help you start working toward making it a reality. The more you place the goal in front of your mind, the more you'll begin to subconsciously work on it's creation. It may sound crazy, but I can honestly vouch for this technique's success. 

Here's to your most successful year ahead!

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4 Ways to Improve Your Life Right Now

I boarded my flight and upon settling into my seat, promptly took out a pen and notebook and began, for the next hour, writing out a self-evaluation of where I was in my life at this point.
Summer is always a checkpoint time for me and the goals I've set, and I take advantage of my travel time to get this very important task accomplished. Perhaps it's fact that I'm not on the ground running through my day, or the seemingly "lack of routine responsibilities" while in flight that causes me to focus more on the various areas of life that I can improve upon before the year's end. Regardless of the reason, I'm intentional about investing this time in my personal inventory and improvement. As I was doing some of this on a recent trip, I thought about some of the lessons I've learned and areas I've been working to improve. Some of these have turned into posts here on the blog from time to time, and I wanted to share four of them with you in the hope that you may be experiencing and/or learning some of these also.

3 Keys to A Balanced Life

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Right Now

How to Successfully Handle Stress

5 Ways to Achieve Anything In Life

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Inspiration & Lifestyle

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6 Qualities of Successful Leaders

Not all leaders are successful at leading. Sometimes people are placed in a position of leadership, yet never truly accomplish their full potential or develop a successful method of working with and leading teams. John Maxwell has said that leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less. If that is the case, most of us have been placed in a role of influence whether or not we may realize it. In order to grow and develop in our leadership abilities, it is essential to look for certain qualities that successful leaders cultivate and exercise. Take a look at your own life, and see how many of these are part of your leadership and character.

1. Honesty

2. Respect for others and their opinions

3. Superb communication skills

4. Decisiveness

5. Courage

6. Confidence

How many of these are a part of your leadership style? If you're like me, there's always areas where you can grow and continue to cultivate these kinds of character traits into your influence. Leaders are always held to a higher standard, and these kinds of qualities will continue to propel you, and the teams you lead, toward success. I encourage you to add to this list, and think of some qualities in other significant, successful leaders that you admire, and begin to implement some of those characteristics into your own life. As Jim Rohn says,

"Each of us should be in constant search of people we admire and respect, people after whom we can pattern part of our own behavior. Regardless of our age or circumstances, we are never beyond the reach of influence."

Know that as a leader, you can continually grow and make a significant difference through your influence. Continue to cultivate these qualities and others that will lead you toward success.

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What Are You Waiting For?

I ask myself this question a lot, especially when it comes to facing a new challenge, fear, or setting a brand new goal. It's easy to be distracted by things that may be good/fun/interesting but if it pulls you away from what you are trying to accomplish, is it worth it? If you don't make a choice that takes you in the direction of your dreams then your priorities are aligned elsewhere. If not now...then when? If not you...then who? Here's the deal: no one can change your life except for you! Challenge yourself to take that leap of faith, to do the thing that you've been putting off, stretch yourself to a new limit, and decide that nothing is going to stop you from accomplishing that which you have set out to do. Now is the best time. What are you waiting for? If you've been looking for a sign...this is it. Just do it. Things are always easier once you get past that first step. 

We often set up mental roadblocks to our progress, and make things seem far more difficult than they actually are. Think about when you end up taking some time off from your exercise routine. Is it easy to just pick up and go again when your alarm goes off in the morning after taking a few weeks off? Probably not. You think of how cozy your bed is, how working out is always so challenging, and you think about how great it would be to sleep in a few extra minutes...etc and sooner or later you're off for another two weeks. Once you decide that feeling healthy and strong is more important that hitting snooze again, you're still faced with the same situation, but the end result is different. When the alarm goes off in the morning, do you want to get up? No. Do you do it anyway? Yes, because you know that once you're up and out, you'll be glad you took the time to strengthen and care for your body. The same is true for your goals. The longer you put things off, the easier it is to prolong a lack of progress. If not now, when? This is your time. Go do those things you've been wanting to accomplish. There's never been a better time than today to begin! What are you waiting for?

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