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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Sunset Serenade

There's something so magical about the colors of sunset. I love the soft blush and lilac hues that melt into the horizon and create a rosy glow upon the water. If there's something that always makes me feel at home, no matter where I am in the world, it's watching the sunset at the end of the day. In a way, the colors seem to create a symphony with each color blending together to serenade the light's last lovely moments of the day as it transitions into darkness. 

Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it just felt right to escape for a little while to the islands and to soak up the sun, take in the sunset, and make time for some rest. There's such value in taking time to breathe and to enjoy the simple things. While traveling to a new place can make this easier, it is a practice that we should add to our daily routine. Whether it's a sunset, a good book, or time invested with family and friends, make some time this week to take a moment to breathe, relax and enjoy the moment. 

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How to Get A Good Night's Rest & My Nightly Routine

A good night's rest is so important to feeling your best, achieving success, and simply living well. Too many of us just don't get good quality sleep, and then we wonder why we feel like we're walking around in a fog or hit that afternoon slump. I've found it easy to slip into the habit of staying up to burn the midnight oil or to scroll on social media before bed, but when I'm deliberate about creating and sticking to a routine, I always feel incredibly better. Consistency is so essential to creating a successful life. Here's a few things that are a part of my evening routine:

• Start by lighting a candle. There's something about changing the lighting in my room to a softer glow that helps me to make the switch from daytime productivity to a slower, more relaxed pace. 
• Making a cup of tea is a great way to unwind; I love having peppermint or chamomile in the evenings. Sipping it out of a fun mug is an added bonus! I've linked my latest favorite below!
• Put away technology---yes, this includes both my computer and my phone. It can be so easy to mindlessly scroll, and before you know it, time gets away from you! Also, our screens emit a high level of blue light, which is great during the day because blue light is a natural stimulant to increase activity and alertness. Unfortunately, many of us expose our eyes to lots of blue light before falling asleep and then wonder why we can't seem to quiet our minds. By staying off technology before bed, we allow our minds and bodies to prepare for rest. In order for this to really work, I try to stay off technology for at least 30-60 min before bed. (I know it's hard, but so worth it!! Trust me!)
• Plan for the next day. Mornings are always far less rushed and more productive when I have taken the time to plan for the next day. To do this, I often begin by looking over my planner, making any note of meetings, events, or things I will need to prepare for. In addition, I've started laying out my workout outfit and choosing my clothes for the day. If you find it hard to hit the gym or head out for a run in the morning, this step will greatly increase your ability to get out and do it! 
• Skincare routine. After I've prepared things for the next day, I wash my face, brush my teeth, and then smooth on a moisturizer and eye cream. Lately, I've also been using a lash serum and a lip conditioner before bed, and I've been pretty pleased with the results. It's never too early to begin taking good care of your skin, and this step also impacts your overall wellbeing. When you care for your body, it will be far easier to achieve better sleep and increased wellness.
• Journal. Journaling is such a wonderful habit to add to your life! Whether it is a recap of the day, a bullet point or two, or a list of things you're grateful for, it's such a healthy way to process elements of your life in a way that you can go back and review. I remember consistently keeping journals all through my high school and college years, and those are some of my favorite ones to go back and reread from time to time to see what I've learned and how I've grown since then! It doesn't have to be a novel, just write a few sentences to reflect and calm your mind.
• Read. I love to end my evenings on a positive, encouraging note, and reading a few chapters of a personal development book is my favorite way to do that. Currently, I've been reading The Magic of Thinking Big as well as Louie Giglio's newest, Goliath Must Fall. Both are fantastic, practical and inspiring. In addition to reading a good book, I also review my goals. This helps to solidify their existence in my mind and life. (Need some help writing successful, achievable goals? Read this and this.)
• Get a good mattress. Finally it's time for some sweet dreams, but before you shut out the lights, make sure you have a great mattress! It's pretty challenging to sleep well when you're uncomfortable, and a good night's rest often starts with a comfortable place to fall asleep. Leesa has some great options, and in addition to donating one for every 10 they sell, they've also partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant a tree for every mattress sold! How cool is that? I love companies that are committed to giving back to their communities and world. Find out more about how to get your own Leesa mattress and their social initiatives here!

While you'll have to find the nighttime habits that work best for you, hopefully you've gotten a few ideas to add to your evening routine! I often think about evenings as the set up for a wonderful next day. When we plan for success, it will follow. I encourage you to set up a routine and be consistent. Here's to many sweet dreams ahead! 

Thanks to Leesa for partnering on this post.

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How To Become A Morning Person

It's time to rise and shine!! If you're not always feeling bright eyed when the sun starts to rise, here's a few suggestions for giving your morning routine a little boost of ease and energy! 

1. Get to sleep earlier

You knew this one was coming, didn't you? I know, I know, it's easy to stay up and burn the midnight oil, but resist the late nights and get to sleep. Our bodies are often functioning on a lack of sleep and this contributes to more than just the ability to get out of bed easily in the morning. Studies show that getting the right amount of sleep (somewhere between 7-9 hours) is directly linked to increased focus and mental clarity, faster metabolism, and lower levels of stress. Also, our bodies repair and rejuvenate while we sleep, and by looking at the pace most of us keep on a daily basis, this is essential! When you're feeling like you're in a fog during the day, or find it hard to get out of bed every morning, you probably need to get some rest, so skip the evening scrolling, and get to sleep!

2. Create a routine

We are creatures of habit and the good ones will help you make the most of your mornings! Set up a routine that you can stick to on a daily basis. Personally, I have a specific time that I get up, a time that I eat breakfast, among other things that help me to be productive and enjoy the morning hours! To get into this habit pattern, I began by setting up a routine that I followed closely for about 2-3 weeks. After that time, my body began to fall into the rhythm of when I wanted to wake up, and now I often wake up right before or exactly when my alarm starts to go off. By doing things at the same time each day, you'll create a habit pattern of success and also set your body's inner clock to wake up early each day. (I wrote a post with more specifics on my morning routine; find it here.) 

3. Limit your screen time at night

Our bodies are meant to react and respond to light--specific colors/rays of light--which helps to let us know when it is time to be up and active and when it is time to start winding down. In the mornings, the light rays are usually growing increasingly more blue which generates the response from the body to wake up and be active. As the sun begins to set, the light rays become more red and orange, generating the signal to the body to start winding down and getting ready for rest. Our devices (phones/ipads/tv/computer screens) emit a high percentage of blue light which is great during the day; however, this does not help us get our bodies into rest mode in the evenings. To get a better night's rest and an easier wake up, sleep researchers suggest limiting your screen time in the evenings and completely cutting it out at least an hour before bed. It's much easier to quiet your mind and body if you're not constantly consuming social media feeds right before you get to sleep, so put that phone down, unplug, and relax.  

4. Exercise 

Morning exercise is one of the best ways to start the day, and a great way to get into the habit of becoming a morning person. Getting the body going when you wake up is essential to starting the day out on a positive note, and I have found that it gives me increased energy and focus throughout the rest of my day. Also, I've noticed that when I workout in the mornings, I tend to eat much healthier during the day, and have less cravings. In addition, morning workouts have become a great time for doing some thinking/visualization, prayer, and getting some time to myself before the start of a busy day. Cultivating this habit has helped to make mornings enjoyable and gives a sense of accomplishment as the day begins.

5. Plan ahead and enjoy the time

Mornings can sometimes be a little rushed and even stressful if you're not properly prepared. One way that combats this craziness is to plan ahead and get things ready the night before. I like to lay out my gym clothes and running shoes along with any specific things I need for the day ahead. When you're prepared, you are able to enjoy the morning and use the time for something beneficial. A great way to enjoy the morning is to start the day off with gratitude. Instead of focusing on all the stress of the week or things that are happening in the world, cultivate a spirit of thankfulness for the many things you have been blessed with. By focusing on the positive, you're setting the tone for the day ahead. Take a moment to journal, sip your coffee, and make a list (either on paper or in your head) of at least 5-7 things you are grateful for. This habit does wonders for your mind and spirit.  

Mornings can be productive, enjoyable, and something to look forward to, but it may take a little bit of planning and rearranging of some habit patterns. Changing your habits and mindset is certainly a process, so if it seems like an adjustment to get into the 'I'm a morning person' routine, that is ok! With proper planning and consistency, you'll start each day with excitement and fulfillment! 

What do you do to start your day? 

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3 Ways to Boost Your Work Productivity

It's easy to get stuck in the same old routine of work, and we're often asked to do more in a shorter amount of time, am I right? If you're feeling like you need a little boost, much like a cup of coffee in the morning, here's a few quick tips that will help you seize the day and accomplish that extra task or assignment.

1. Set the right kind of goals.
Just because we have a "goal" doesn't mean that we're automatically set up for success, in fact, many people set goals the wrong way. Instead of looking backward at what we've been able to accomplish in the past, and setting goals from there, look ahead at what you could do if you were giving your very best to the task at hand. Set a goal that is measurable, specific, and attainable, but don't think too small! If a goal is important, you must write it down. Things will not come to fruition if you just keep them as nebulous good thoughts in your head, sorry. Write your goals down and put that card in a place where you can view it everyday. That card will serve as a daily reminder of where you are going, and the great things you're tracking towards!

2. Organize your day so you don't waste time.
Priorities, priorities! This is so critical to a productive and fruitful day. I'm talking about more than making sure you're getting your coffee in the morning. This is about scheduling your day to reflect what is most important, not necessarily what is most urgent. We're often in reaction mode, and we respond to the things that pop up and feel pressured to handle those tasks right away. I challenge you, the next time one of those appears, to evaluate the task or situation in terms of importance vs urgency. Not everything that is urgent is important. Invest your time working on the things of greatest importance and you'll find that your time becomes far more productive and valuable.

3. Get enough sleep and stay hydrated.
When life gets busy, it's easy to neglect things like enough sleep and water. Your brain functions better when the body is properly cared for. I know this sounds obvious, but it's easily forgotten. Instead of burning the candle at both ends, get. some. sleep. You'll find that your mind is sharper, more creative, and focused when it's well rested. The same concept applies to water. Most of us aren't drinking enough water. My suggestion? Keep a large bottle or two by your desk, and challenge yourself to refill it a couple times throughout the day? There's plenty of cute container options out there from sport bottles to glass containers, and even bottles with built in infusers that you can throw fresh fruit and mint leaves into (for those of you who think plain water is boring). When you're properly hydrated, you perform better. Trust me. Besides, you get a side benefit of a slimmer waistline and clear skin...what's not to like?

Have any other tips that help you stay productive? I'd love to know! 

Here's to a fantastic, successful week ahead!

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5 Ways to Create A Relaxing Space

When I come home from a busy day, the first thing I want to do is relax and unwind. Your space can be a sanctuary or simply functional. Over the last few years, I've put more thought into creating a space that is beautiful, livable, and allows creativity. Regardless of whether your space is big or small, here's five tips for turning it into a place to allow the cares of the day to slip away.

(Image via Gray Malin blog)

1. Choose your decor carefully.
One of my favorite pieces in my room is a large aerial photo of a beach with the sunlight sparkling on the turquoise water, brightly colored umbrellas lined up in the sand, and beachgoers tanning or playing along the shoreline. Every time I look at this, I'm instantly transported to vacation mode. After a busy or stressful day, we could all use a little vacation, am I right? Pieces that inspire, relax, or make you smile are a great way to add some personality to a space, or send you on a little mental vacation.
Shop a few of my favorite vacay-inspired pieces, and find a budget-friendly option here.

2. Light a candle.
I love the ambiance that a flickering candle creates. Aside from the fact that they make your home smell fabulous, candles can really help you to unwind and relax. Choose your favorite scent or pick up a few unscented versions for dinner parties and lighting additions. It's fun to rotate out your candles depending on the time of year. I'm often drawn to a clean, fresh, and light floral scent in spring, a tropical-inspired pick through summer, something cinnamon or woodsy in the fall, and peppermint or balsam for the holidays.

3. Pick your playlist.
Music plays a large part in the atmosphere of a place, doesn't it? There's certain songs that are perfect for a morning run, but not so great after a long day. Others are just right for a relaxing evening and too slow for the start of the day. Choose songs or even a style of music that will help recharge, inspire, and help you to decompress. Some of my personal favorites for relaxing are smooth jazz, anything Sinatra, classical guitar, jazz piano, and even a bit of Hawaiian music.

4. Add some fresh flowers.
It's amazing to see the effect that fresh flowers can have in a space. There's something about those blooming beauties that adds just a little extra to a dining area, bedroom, guest room, or kitchen. Pick up a bunch at your local grocery and arrange them in various vases or jars. It is always lovely to walk in to a room and instantly be greeted with a colorful arrangement.

5. Keep things clean.
After a busy day, the last thing I feel like doing is cleaning up a messy desk or room. One great way to ensure that your space is relaxing, breathable, and a happy place to be in is to keep it clean. This may sound obvious, but there's always the temptation to let things slip a little, and sooner or later, you're faced with a mess. Make it a habit to put things away, dust off the counters or dresser, keep things organized, and make the bed as soon as you get up in the morning! You'll find that this little tip makes a world of difference for the atmosphere of your space.

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Kitchen Confidential: My Go-To Smoothie

Today's post is all about food! I don't know about you, but I love smoothies. It's fun to get creative combining all kinds of ingredients to create delicious new flavors. Many mornings I'll want something that is simple, quick, and nutritious, and keeps me full until lunch time. I was all about the fruit smoothies until this fantastic recipe for a Chocolate Banana version entered the scene as a recommendation from a friend. Now this is definitely the go-to favorite that I enjoy for breakfast, lunch (at times), or even a snack after a workout. I may be just a little bit obsessed...maybe ;) It's sweet and creamy thanks to the frozen bananas and packs a protein punch that keeps you fueled and full until your next meal! Trust me, one sip and I think you'll have a new favorite too!  Enjoy!

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Better Together

(image credit: Peter Lee)

We live in a self-focused society. We're all about the things that will cater to our needs, wants, and wishes. With iPhones and selfies, it is no wonder that we can become so focused on our own lives that we forget the power of community. I love my iPhone and admit to participating in the selfie trend; however, I cannot help but be reminded of the incredible power of relationships. We were not designed to be alone, man is not an island. We need one another. There's something that you bring to the world that I do not. My purpose on earth is different than yours, and instead of comparing one to another, we should celebrate the differences! I am always interested when some one is praised as "self-made" because no one truly accomplishes anything great without help from someone else. Everyone needs other people to help them in the process of achieving their dreams. Whether that help is something big or small, everyone experiences the input and influence of others. The late Jim Rohn said something powerful in regard to this concept.

He says, "We become a powerful force when each of us understands how powerful all of us are and when all of us understand how valuable each of us is."


You are created to great things in this world, but you are not called to do it alone! We all benefit from the help, encouragement, and support from others around us. Life is always more fun when lived with other people, and when you succeed, there's someone to celebrate with! Take a good look at your recent successes. Who played a part, big or small, in that victory? Have you ever thanked them for it? It's amazing to see the kind of things that we can accomplish when we all work together, not simply competing, but rather, completing one another. There's a reason that people say, "teamwork makes the dream work". Life is far sweeter when we appreciate the beauty and the differences in other people. It is good to step out of our own life bubble for a bit, and to invest in someone else. What kinds of things could we accomplish if we decided to work together? Challenge yourself to invest into the relationships in your life, and I can promise that you will find that we are all truly better together.

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Coffee Talk: Creating A Successful Morning Routine

When it comes to the morning, most people find themselves in one of two different camps. Either they love waking up early or they don't. I happen to be one who enjoys the morning hours, and I have created a routine that helps me to start my day off in a positive direction. While you certainly have to find what works best for you, here's a few suggestions from things that I do to begin my day.

1. Respond: Set an alarm.
While it's easy to slip back into snooze mode, decide to get up when your alarm goes off. If this is a challenge for you, set two alarms with the first one as your initial wakeup call, and then the second one after a few minutes of planned snooze time. If you don't plan, it's easy to oversleep and then to be rushed.

2. Refocus: Resist the urge to check your phone first thing.
I know it's easy to simply scroll as soon as you wake up, but challenge yourself to begin the day screen-free. What has worked for me is to set aside some quiet time in the morning to read, reflect, and journal. While I understand that each person is different, and has different priorities, starting my mornings with some quiet time and devotions is always the set up for a good day. Regardless of what you do, give your eyes a rest from the screen and take in the morning light instead...it's less stressful, trust me.

3. Re-calibrate: Start your day reading your goals out loud to yourself.
This may sound strange, but studies show that those who read their goals aloud to themselves have a higher goal achievement and success rate. I have about 8-10 yearly goals that I read aloud every morning, and I can honestly say that this practice actually works. Speak your success into existence!

4. Recharge: Begin the day with some exercise.
And...all of the night owl gym goers just collectively sighed. I get it, it's hard to wake up and immediately go for a run or workout. Do it anyway. Working out in the morning revs up the body's metabolism, boosts energy levels, and is one less thing you have to do after work. Stretch, run, do some yoga, or amp things up with a HIIT workout. You can even use the 7 Minute Workout App for a super quick sweat session! Not enough time you say? Perhaps you may need to get up a little earlier...See step 1.

5. Refuel: Eat a good breakfast!
Never underestimate the power of a good breakfast. After the body has been rebuilding and restoring itself in the night, it needs fuel to be ready to go again. Too many people skip breakfast and wonder why they can't seem to lose weight, or experience low energy levels throughout the day. There's a reason it's called breakfast. During the night we're sleeping, or fasting, so in the morning, it's time to break the fast and provide the body with nutrition for the new day ahead. If you're not a big breakfast person, there's all kinds of smoothie recipes, nutritious toast combinations, or fruit and yogurt ideas that you can ease your body into. Here's a link to some of my favorite recipe ideas!

One final thing: Choose to have a great day, everyday! A big part of starting the day off right is the decision to make it a productive, successful day no matter what happens. A resilient attitude is independent of circumstances and a common denominator of champions. Decide that today is a fantastic day and it will be!

 What is part of your morning routine? 

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3 Major Questions For Those in the Pursuit of a Successful Life

We're all striving for a better life, and while there's many things we can do to improve or adjust our current circumstances to grow and achieve, answering these three questions will have an incredibly powerful effect on one's personal direction and growth. It has often been said that what we think determines what we believe; what we believe influences what we choose; what we choose defines what we are; and what we are attracts what we have. If that's the case, we must be aware of how our thoughts are affecting the direction of our lives. What kinds of things will influence our thoughts? Attitude is a major determining factor in how our lives turn out; however, we must also consider the kinds of influences we accept from other people. Everyone needs others to come along and help them in achieving their dreams. How we feel about ourselves is a matter of choice, yet how we feel is often influenced by the associations we have. With that in mind, ask yourself these three incredibly important questions to determine if your associations and relationships are providing the kind of influence that is beneficial to your best life:

1. Who am I around?

Take a personal inventory of the relationships that are closest to you. What kind of attitudes, conversations, and decisions do they partake in on a daily basis? Weigh the effect that they're having on you and your life. 

2. What effect are they having?

It is essential to be deliberate about the kind of input that we receive and accept as reality in our lives. While it may be some minor habit or negative thoughts and opinions, those small behaviors, over the passing of time will become deeply rooted habit patterns in your own life. Is that the kind of influence you want in your life? If it is positive, continue to invest time in that relationship, but if not, it may be time to make some changes. 

3. Is that acceptable?

Personal growth is not always the easiest to work on, but remember that the worst days experienced by those who give attention to their relationship input, and utilize self-discipline are better than the best of days of those who don't give any thought to it. Recognize when it is time to part ways with someone who is not having a positive effect on your life. It is not worth investing into a relationship or association that is inhibiting your growth.

Remember this, it is better to spend a little time with the right people, than to spend a lot of time with the wrong people. Surround yourself with winners and positive people of character! You and your future are so worth it!

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How To Handle Criticism

At one point or another, we're going to face some criticism. When this happens, we have two choices: to react and take things personally, or to look at it objectively and grow from it. How do you most often respond? Experiencing conflict and criticism is a normal part of life, as we are all different people with various opinions/backgrounds/life experiences; however, the way in which we handle it will determine if it has a positive or negative effect on us. Here's a few ways to handle criticism in a healthy, beneficial way.

1. Understand the difference between constructive and destructive criticism. 
(Criticism is destructive, but suggestions are constructive.) See criticism as a positive stepping stone on the pathway to your growth.

2. Don't take yourself too seriously. 
Learn to laugh at yourself, and enjoy a big dose of grace. You are not the first, nor the last, to experience correction and critical words. Smile, dance, shake it off...you're going to make it.

3. Look past the criticism and see the critic. 
What are they dealing with in their own life that they are filtering the criticism through? Is there anything in their criticism that can actually be beneficial to you? If so, grow! If not, drop it.

4. Realize that good people get criticized. 
As someone once said, "You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there's still going to be someone who doesn't like peaches." Seriously, even the nicest, most wonderful people are going to discover someone who doesn't like what they're doing. Even Jesus faced frequent criticism.

5. Keep up your strength.
Stay strong in your faith and in the physical sense. Feelings of depression and discouragement tend to take root in fatigued bodies and spirits. Build up strength by engaging in spirit-building habits (suggestions here), and stay strong physically by doing some sort of exercise on a frequent basis!

6. Focus on what counts. 
It's easy to get stuck on what someone said or did that bothered you, but instead, shift your focus to the many people that are focused on helping you! In reality, there's many more interested in your success than the few that want to take you down. Invest your time with the ones who build you up!

7. Concentrate on your mission, then address the mistakes. 
What is your end goal? What's the reason why you do what you do? That goal or mission will never be accomplished if all you continue to dwell on are the mistakes. Learn from the experience or the criticism and move forward! There's greater things to come!

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What's Your Why?

We all want to be successful in life. An important component of success is knowing what you stand for. One can look at any major company and easily come across their vision/mission statement, detailing exactly what the organization holds as important or as truth. What about you? So many of us drift through life, simply reacting to situations, yet never really defining what it is that we hold as valuable or consider to be truth in our life. A journey taken with no direction never accomplished anything of significant value.

Do you have a personal mission statement?
What is it that you believe you do that makes a difference to others and to mankind as a whole?
Or, in other words, why do you do what you do? What is the reason behind your actions?

The objective behind defining a mission is not the creation of goals, but rather life purpose. It is designed to direct and express your values and beliefs. It provides guidance and direction, not goals, although those will certainly compliment your mission statement. I think of it as a life map of sort. Your mission statement will and should grow and change over time. You will enter and exit various seasons of life, and discover new strengths and challenges within. In fact, you may take on several missions that coincide with the various areas of your life, so be open and ready for that.

"To live a mission requires that you realize you can make a difference in this world, and requires that you practice the strengths to fulfill your mission." (Marcus Buckingham, Soar With Your Strengths)

Challenge yourself to sit down for a few moments and write out a personal mission statement. What is it that you truly believe in? Why do you do those things that bring you greatest fulfillment? What do you hold to be truth or to have value in life? This activity provides the framework for increased success, clearer direction, and continued personal growth.

What's your why?

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The Key To Success

"It's time that we set aside the thought process that says unless we fit into the mold that society and culture have esteemed as worthy, than we're doing something meaningless. You have been created for a purpose, and your inner dreams, desires, and talents are individually and specifically wired in such a way so that you're perfectly set up to do incredible things on this earth that only you can do. Whether you're in an office building, art studio, foreign country, or at home with six kids, when you're doing what you've been designed to do, that's success."

excerpt taken from,  From Me To You, p. 28

Read more...

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5 Questions To Ask Yourself Right Now

It's good to do a self-check every once in awhile so you can congratulate, re-calibrate, or set a date..for a new goal (sorry, just had to rhyme the last one!). We come to many intersections in life, and it is good to know how to make decisions that will positively impact our direction. We can add things to our lives, subtract from them, or swap something we do have for something we don't. It is critical to know when to do which of the above options. I'm currently doing some self-checking, goal setting, and habit creating, so I thought I'd share a few questions that have helped me in this process....

1. Are you giving attention to your soul?

2. Are you doing challenging or uncomfortable things? 

3. What are you doing to develop the habit of character growth?

4. Do you consistently serve others and put them first?

5. Where have you placed the majority of your focus up to this point in your life? Does it need to stay there, be adjusted, or change altogether? 


I challenge you to spend a few moments answering these questions for your own life...go ahead and even journal some of the answers on a piece of paper, and see where you are in terms of the goals you've set. Are you on the way to where you want to be? If yes, fantastic! Keep it up! If not, don't beat yourself up over it, just re-adjust your goals and priorities, and set some exciting benchmarks along the way to achieving the life you want! It's been said that the pathway to success is not an elevator...you always have to take the stairs. Remember that in the process, while it may be tough or uncomfortable, you become a person of character.

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3 Things You Should Do Everyday

Chai Tea Latte, please. Grande. We order our daily coffee, drive to and from work, complete tasks...all almost on autopilot. We're running from here to there, wondering if we have enough time to add this and that. Life gets busy, doesn't it? We keep our schedules full, and our days brimming over with things that need to be done. In the midst of all the areas of life we attend to, it's easy to forget about some simple things that make the most difference. Here's three things that, if done everyday, will benefit you in an incredible way. Want to live an amazing, fulfilling, happy life? Here's how it's done.


1. Choose a good attitude, regardless of your circumstances. 
(Each day presents a choice. Choose to be happy!)

2. Set some goals for yourself. 
(Remember, goals should be measurable, achievable, and passion-filled!)

3. Give to others.
(Time, talent, resources...a smile. You always have something to give.)


Simple, right? It's often the small things that, over time, make the biggest difference.
Try it. I think you'll be delightfully surprised.
Happy Monday, everyone!

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How to Handle Stress

I came to a point recently where everything just seemed to be pretty overwhelming, schedules full and stress abounding. Normally I thrive on the rapid shift from event to event and the busyness that fills my calendar with things to do, but this time it felt like a lot of stuff and not enough time to accomplish it all with excellence. This got me thinking about how often we go through life, and when people ask us "how are you?" we respond with "I'm busy"---when did that become an acceptable or even admired response? Are we investing our time into the right kinds of activities and plans that will lead us to accomplish greatness, or do we simply fill our calendars with things that keep us occupied? After a good conversation with some friends, I was inspired to do some planning and self-examination of how I balance my schedule and life. Here's a few of the things that have helped me in the search for finding that necessary wise investment of time.

-Create a system for everything (daily habits, school, writing, work..etc.)
-Assess where you have put the majority of your focus up to this point in your life. Is it a direction that will benefit you in the future? Determine how to shift that focus by adding time, money and attention to the activities that will benefit and grow you in those areas and develop your character.

Ask yourself 4 questions:
1. Who are you becoming?--What are you doing everyday to develop a habit of character growth?
2. What are you doing?--Are you investing time in activities that will lead you to your goals?
3. Who do you hang out with?--Do you surround yourself with positive, encouraging and inspiring people?
4. Are you growing?--Are you asking enough questions and challenging yourself to do hard things, or do you simply stay within your comfort zone?

Once I've answered those questions, I move on to creating a schedule that gives me more time to do what I want and need to be doing.
Here's a few tips I've picked up over the years to create more margin in life:

Delegate: Work smarter, not just harder. Do what you do best and drop the rest. Operate within your areas of strength.

Plan: What gets planned for, gets done. Get control of your calendar; otherwise, other people will.

Collaborate: Work with others that you like so you are energized. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Invest time with others who are ahead of you on the journey, in the areas where you want to grow, and learn from them.

Reduce: Look at your calendar, examine your daily and weekly activities, and decide which ones are keeping you from being productive...and eliminate them. This frees up your time and energy to be focused on what really matters and will make a world of difference for you! (This concept also applies to relationships with others...sometimes it's best to simply move on when friends aren't growing in the same kind of direction as you. Don't try to drag people along to a place where they aren't willing to be.)

"It honors God when we enjoy life and live it well. That means taking risks--sometimes failing, sometimes succeeding, but always learning. When you enjoy your life, the lines between work and play begin to blur. We do what we love and love what we do. Everything becomes a learning experience."--Tom Peters

Perhaps you've been in that same stressed situation like I was. It was so beneficial to invest some time in assessment of my priorities, calendar and goals. Challenge yourself to look at your life, examine your daily routine, habits, and schedule, and apply some of these ideas to create the life you really want.

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How do you handle stress? What helps you to stay focused on your goals?

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3 Keys to A Balanced, Extraordinary Life

Life is all about balance. We talk about a balanced diet, a balancing act of time and priorities, the balance between work and play..etc. As summer begins to come to a close and the new school year begins (hello, master's program!) it is of interest to me to understand how to effectively manage both my time and other areas of my life in order to achieve my greatest potential. There are many philosophies that talk about ways to categorize life and the different aspects of it. While I certainly don't claim to know everything, or to have achieved perfect balance in my life, I recently did some study and teaching on things I discovered through examining my own life, and thought it would be of interest to share with you.

We all want to live incredible lives. We're not called to be "normal", we're called to become extraordinary, and an extraordinary life is really all about whole living, being balanced and complete as a person in all areas of life.

There are three main areas to life:
1. Mind
2. Body
3. Spirit

Mind:
Philippians 4:8 says, "Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies." (MSG)

    What does this mean? The things that you think about will determine the course of your life. Here's the deal: What you watch, read and listen to will affect your life, regardless of whether or not you're conscious of it. I challenge you to be intentional and strategic about what you allow into your mind. We've all heard the phrase, "garbage in, garbage out", and while it's cliche, it's very true.
I have many friends who watch all kinds of movies--and they say all the time, "it doesn't affect me", and perhaps they are right in the sense that they may have become de-sensitized to all the violence or profanity or other content, but that information still goes into the subconscious as material for the mind to work on. One of the things that's been beneficial to me in this process is to ask myself what kind of lifestyle I wanted, and then to step back, and honestly analyze where I was and what changes needed to be made in this area in order to begin moving toward the life I want.
    We are all individuals, and each person's idea of who and where they want to be in life is very different, so choose what works for you. Personally, I didn't grow up watching TV, and to this day have continued this habit as I feel that it is a distraction and full of content that isn't consistent with where I am going. (you can read more of my thoughts on that here) Negative thoughts, people and information are easily accessible, and if that's not the kind of influences you want directing your life, then it's best to become diligent in monitoring that. Remember, thoughts become feelings which turn into emotions and those emotions, when acted upon, create results. Be aware of what you allow into your mind, and what you think about.

Body:
James 2:17 says, "Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup?--where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?"(MSG)

    We live in a culture that thrives on procrastination. It's so easy to say, 'Oh, I'll just do it later/tomorrow/when I have time..' and then somehow we push things back until they reach the bottom of the "to-do list" and perhaps never make it off. Do you know someone who wants to change something? (Maybe it's getting better grades, losing weight, getting to sleep earlier, change in career..) What would happen if all this person does is simply tell people they are going to change, yet never make the first step of action? Nothing. If we want to change, we need to start changing our habits. John Maxwell, in his latest book, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, (a great read, and HIGHLY recommended!!) talks about how the secret to success is found in our daily routines. We see action when we begin to examine the things we do all the time and make adjustments.
    Recently, I have been studying the topic of integrity, and over the course of the summer was blessed to receive more teaching and information that further confirmed what God had been revealing to me about this subject. Integrity is often thought of as the things you do when no one is looking, but really, integrity is about what you do when you are in front of others, in a place of leadership, AND when you are alone. Integrity is consistency...what you say you do, and what you really do should be the same. Instead of just talking about doing something, let's take the necessary action steps to begin doing.

Whole, balanced living also means caring for the body you've been given. We only get one physical body, and scripture calls it the 'temple of the Holy Spirit'. Care for yourself by eating right, drinking enough water, getting exercise and creating those healthy habits. You act your best when you feel your best!

Finally, the most important part of whole, balanced living is your Spirit

Spirit: 
Colossians 1:9 says, "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives." (NIV)

We all want to know God's will for our lives, and if you haven't asked that question of life purpose yet, you will. Part of being in that will is becoming like Christ and joining him in his work. How do we know where God wants us to be? Begin by growing and developing your spirit which is the heartbeat of your life. Strengthening your spirit will, in turn, affect and help to balance the other areas of your life.

-Invest time in your relationship with God. 
Like any other relationship we have with another person, it's important to talk to them, spend time together, to know their likes and dislikes..etc. A relationship with God works the same way; we need to talk to Him, get to know what He delights in and also what breaks His heart.

-Here are a few practical, Spirit-building habits:
1. Church: Do more than just show up. Listen to what God is trying to tell you for your life, and be engaged in the message.
2. Community: Do life with other people. We need others to surround us to encourage, inspire and enjoy life together. You are not an island or a hermit, and you (and I) need people.
3. Quiet Time/Devotions: The best way to get to know God is to invest time with Him. Start a prayer journal, read a verse or two in scripture and think about how it can apply to your life.
4. Prayer: Communication with God=a life that is successful.
5. Worship: It's amazing what some worship can do to totally revolutionize your perspective and attitude. Put on some music and really worship the One who created you.
6. Tithing: Give of your time, talent and resources. It's not just a financial decision, get out into the community and help through an outreach project, serve at church, take time to listen when someone needs help, and if you do have a job, tithe off your income. Here's the deal: you can't out-give God. Test Him and see if He doesn't open up a floodgate of blessing upon your life when you give the best of your life to Him.

Whole, balanced living means an extraordinary life, but that's not to say that it is easy, quick, or without challenge. It is always a challenge, and making changes is often a painful or uncomfortable process; however, the results are SO worth the temporary discomfort. I challenge you to leave "normal" behind, and follow adventure. You see, God is already at work...the question is 'will you join Him?' You don't have to have all the answers, you just have to get involved. You were born into this time for a reason, and have been called to greatness. If God had wanted someone else to do what He's called you to do, He would have chosen them to live your life instead.

God says, "I have come so that you may have life, and life abundant."
Abundant life is not normal. Abundant life is extraordinary.
Let's live it.

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