Hair, Heels, and Hearts

Missing Purpose Report

2014-11-15T00:29:00.000-05:00

Are you fulfilling your purpose? Do you know what your purpose is? Some definitions of purpose include:

the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.
an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.
determination; resoluteness.

Do you need to file a missing purpose report? It is similar to a missing person report. The answers to the following questions will help you locate your purpose.

When did you last see your purpose? Think about a time when your effort increased your energy. In other words, the more time you spent on something, your focus sharpened and you wanted to continue working on it.
Where did you last see your purpose? Sometimes it is not missing, but exactly where you left it. If you don't look in the right place, you won't see it.
What was your purpose wearing? Was it clothed in frustration or anticipation? Did it have on discipline or distraction? Dress your purpose in layers of confidence, opportunity, and resilience.
Do you have a recent picture of your purpose? Find a role model or mentor that can show you what it looks like.
What is the name of your purpose? If you don't use the right name, it won't respond to you. Be specific about what your purpose is and how you plan to fulfill it.

Do you need to file missing purpose report? Leave a comment and share your answers to the questions asked in this week's post.

Matchmaking Profiles

2014-08-10T16:47:00.001-04:00

Have you tried any of the online dating sites? When you watch television, you see advertisements for eHarmony.com, Match.com, and many other sites that promise to help you find your ideal mate. Often they provide testimonials from people that have used the site and found a match. The matches are based on profiles built from answers to questions about your preferences. You can use a similar approach to other important decisions where you need to consider what is most compatible for you. When you hear the word "mate", don't just think of a person. One of the definitions of mate is "one of a matched pair". Your socks, gloves, and earrings have mates. Make sure that your chances, choices, and chases are mates for you.

Chance = Opportunity

You are presented with opportunities every day. Each encounter and conversation provide chances for you to grow. Find your match by assessing the timing, effort, and benefit associated with the opportunity. Ask yourself the following questions - when do you want to do it, how much time do you want to devote to it, and what end result do you want to achieve.

Choice = Decision

It is appropriate that the word choice rhymes with voice. Your decisions speak for you. Consider if the choice matches your needs for the past, present, or future. This is an important distinction. What was required last year may not fit with what is available right now. What is available today may not work with what you will need next month. Your decisions have an impact beyond the immediate moment.

Chase = Pursuit

Be an active participant in your story. From the Nike "just do it" campaign to the Verizon "can you hear me now" spots, advertisers are constantly nudging you to make a move toward your goal. The man in the Verizon ad was in pursuit of a good signal and he kept moving until he found it. It's wonderful to pursue excellence, but first you may need to pursue progress. You need to be clear about your purpose, priorities and passion so you can pursue them.

Leave a comment and share what match you will make this week.

Baggage Claim

2014-07-30T23:37:00.001-04:00

Do you check your bags when you fly? Due to rising airline fees, some people choose to pack lighter so that they can carry their bags on the plane with them. However, there will be times when that is not possible. Some bags will need to be checked before you board and claimed after you reach your destination. The flight attendant will usually make an announcement to tell passengers where to claim bags. Also, the airport will have a display at baggage claim carousels listing the flights that will have bags come out at that location. The point is that you will receive some direction on when and where to claim your physical bags on a flight.

Unfortunately, there usually aren't instructions regarding some of the emotional baggage that people walk around with daily. However, if you remember these three things, you may be able to handle your baggage with less stress, frustration, and anxiety.

Tags - Your physical baggage is tagged with your name. When you claim it, you know it belongs to you. Treat your figurative baggage the same way. Only pick up what belongs to you. While it is normal to be concerned about problems that family and friends experience, be careful not to take ownership of the issues.
Weight - The more your baggage weighs, the more it costs you. Only pack what is necessary. Lighten your load. You don't have to carry everything at once. Regulate the flow of pressure, worry, and disappointment that influences you. Consider it but don't be consumed by it. Leave space for relief, peace, and opportunity.
Destination - Your baggage is assigned a location based on your ticket. If you're going to New York, you don't want your bags to end up in Los Angeles. Use the same principle for your figurative baggage. Don't bring your work stress home. Don't take your relationship challenges to work .

Leave a comment and share your thoughts on this week's post.

Forgive and Remember

2014-07-07T00:23:00.001-04:00

Have you ever been told to forgive and forget? It's one of those common phrases that people use when giving advice to others. However, when someone says those words to you, they often don't have all of the details regarding what they are telling you to forgive or what you need to forget. It might be a better suggestion to tell someone to forgive and remember. You're not telling them to remember the offense that was done to them. You are asking them to remember more positive things. These are some examples of forgive and remember.

Forgive and remember the last time you apologized and the response you wanted. Show that grace and compassion to others.
Forgive and remember the times you received a second, third, or fourth chance. Pay it forward.
Forgive and remember the mistakes you made while trying to do the right thing.
Forgive and remember the healed hurts of yesterday influence the potential possibilities of today that lead to the sustained success of tomorrow.
Forgive and remember your peace is precious. Don't let anyone or anything disturb it.
Forgive and remember what makes you smile. A smile not only transforms your face. It influences your outlook.
Forgive and remember when you open your mind and heart to let out what has hurt you, you open them to let in what will heal you.
Forgive and remember your past victories, triumphs, and fresh starts.

Is there something that you need to forgive and remember? Leave a comment and share your thoughts on this week's post.

Weak End

2014-07-02T00:50:00.000-04:00

Do you look forward to the weekend? Usually the term refers to Saturday and Sunday. Those two days often provide a break from the regular work week and people may use the time for fun or relaxation.

However, the term can mean something different if you modify the spelling. While a weekend can be a good thing, a weak end also can have a positive effect. The word "weak" is the opposite of strong. If you think about weakness ending, then it follows that strength begins, or appears. Are there things that you're dealing with that need a weak end? What do you want to strengthen or improve? Common things associated with the word "weak" include economy, link, and drink.

A weak economy indicates financial instability. Are there weaknesses in your personal economy? Do you need to earn more or save more? Do you need to spend less or pay off debt? Maybe you need to do all of these things. However, you probably can't do them all at the same time. Focus on one weak end to help your economy right now. Once that weak end is succeeds, move on to the next one. There are numerous books and web sites to assist you. As simple as it sounds, a budget will help you track your spending and highlight areas for improvement.

A weak link can lead to a broken connection. There was a game show years ago called The Weakest Link. The host was a petite, stern looking British lady. When someone would get eliminated from the game, her standard line was "you are the weakest link, goodbye". It was an abrupt dismissal that left no room for a response. You don't need to use her exact words, but the principle can be used to strengthen your relationships. Some people and some things just need to be dismissed.

A weak drink is considered one that does not have a lot of alcohol in it. The term can be a metaphor for something unexpected. You prepare to receive one thing, but you get something else. Don't underestimate the significance of a person, challenge, or situation because the impact doesn't hit you right away. Subtlety can often be the first layer before substance and opportunity.

Leave a comment and share a weakness that you want to end.

Green Grass

2014-06-23T00:31:00.000-04:00

Are you familiar with the saying "the grass is always greener on the other side"? It refers to observing a different environment or someone else's situation and thinking it is better than yours. The key thing to remember is that the grass on the other side may have started out just like your grass. Work had to be done to get it to the beautiful color that you see now. Don't think that others had an easy path to any success that you may admire. There were sacrifices made and steps followed over a period of time. There is no such thing as an overnight success. Just because you didn't see the work doesn't mean it didn't happen. Green grass requires planting, watering, fertilization, weeding, and mowing. While these are lawn care terms, they can be applied to other areas.

Plant - Your ideas and opinions are seeds. What you sow will grow. Seeds of doubt produce weeds of worry. Seeds of confidence produce blades of belief. Seeds of can't produce weeds of won't. Seeds of attention produce lawns without limits.
Water - A sprinkler system distributes water throughout the grass. The water provides moisture so that the grass won't dry out and die. Similarly, your creativity needs to be watered on a regular basis. Use it or lose it. What you create may not be useful, make sense, or look good. That's okay, sometimes the process is more important than the product. Practice is not only necessary for medicine, law, athletics, and many other skills. It is the only way to strengthen your creative abilities.
Fertilize - Your experience, environment, and curiosity serve as fertilizers for your progress. Failure is a powerful fertilizer. When you are knocked down, you get up with an understanding of how to avoid that fall in the future. Where you are impacts your development path . When you interact with others that are focused and expect to grow, you benefit from the association. Always ask questions. It's the best way to get answers. Never assume that you know everything about anything.
Weed - Distractions are all around you. It is key to recognize them so that they don't hinder your progress. Just as weeds may be green like grass, your distractions may appear to be beneficial to you at first glance. It is helpful to periodically review what you are doing and the reasons for it. This will help you identify the weeds and eliminate them.
Mow - Trim your list of "musts" to a reasonable number. It's called prioritization. Everything is not critical. Some things don't have to be done right now. Learn how to divide your "haves". There is a difference between a must have and a nice to have. Continuous mowing (evaluation, prioritization, flexibility) is necessary so that you don't have an overgrown lawn, or overwhelmed you.

Leave a comment and share your thoughts on this week's post.

DNA Test

2014-06-08T20:39:00.000-04:00

DNA is the term used to describe your genetic foundation. It is often used to verify family relationships or as evidence in trials. Think about how the same concept can be used as the basis for your success. Success means different things to different people. Only you can define what your finish line looks like. However, there are some common traits (DNA) that can help you create a plan to reach it. Take a DNA test to determine if you have the right combination to be the best you. These are 3 tests to consider.

Decision, Networking, Accountability - Make decisions with consideration, confidence, and commitment. Know that there will be consequences, good and bad. Build an effective network of support to help you recognize the risks and benefits of your decisions. Rarely will you be the first person to ever encounter a situation. Someone has usually been there before you. Your network should function like a library. They are a resource for you. They will also hold you accountable for your action and reactions, your means and ends, and your outlook and outcome. While the beginning and end are important to your network, they are also interested in the middle. Decisions facilitate networking. Networking establishes accountability. Accountability influences decisions.

Development, Negotiation, Attitude - Develop your skills to meet your vision. You are equipped to handle where you are right now. You will need new tools to be effective at your next level. Continuous learning leads to continuous progress. Be an active participant in what happens to you. You get what you request. Negotiate the terms, circumstances, and expectations that are most beneficial for you. Others will be more willing to compromise with you when you approach them respectfully and honestly. Your attitude speaks louder than any words that you say. When people hear your name, you want them to anticipate collaboration not dread combativeness.

Drive, Navigation, Awareness - Your inner drive is the trigger for your intensity, focus, and consistency. If you don't have the ambition to pursue what you want despite obstacles and challenges, then it won't happen. What you have on the inside determines what happens on the outside. You always have options when things go differently than planned. How you navigate your way through trouble and disappointment will make an impression on others. Be aware of the message that you are sending. Know that there are connections and relationships that are not obvious to you. Read, listen, and comprehend between the lines.

Leave a comment and share which DNA test you will take this week.

The Voice

2014-05-30T20:50:00.000-04:00

Do you watch the television show, The Voice? It is a talent show to find the next great singer. While there are similar shows on the air, this one has a different selection method than the others. The judges have their backs to the contestants and evaluate them only by what they hear. They don't see their clothes, body language, hair color, height, weight, etc. What they hear determines what they do next. It takes incredible focus to block out distractions and listen for what matters most to you. Do you know the key voices in your life? If not, how can you identify them? Who are they and when do they speak?

The Voice of Reason - When you feel angry, frightened, or insecure, ask yourself what happened to make you feel that way. Listen to the voice of reason for the answer. Your feelings may be justified. Something or someone may have wronged, threatened, or offended you. However, your response needs to come from a place of reason rather than emotion. Calmness diffuses chaos. Think before you act, while you are acting, and after you act.

The Voice of Wisdom - It is common to seek advice from others that have succeeded at what you are trying to do. While this is a smart tactic, don't discount the wisdom that can be gained from those that failed. Knowing what went wrong is just as valuable as knowing what went right. Wisdom wears many faces. Don't miss it because it looks different than what you expected.

The Voice of Belief - There will always be doubters around you. Some of them may even be in your inner circle. Make sure their input is balanced by those who believe in you. Belief is a powerful motivator and confidence booster. When you hear that you can complete what you started, it helps you keep going when you are tempted to stop. The faith of others feeds your will and determination to reach your goals.

The Voice of Change - It may be hard to change your environment, approach, or team. There is a comfort level associated with routine and familiarity that can be beneficial for you. But you must be careful that you don't become so attached to what you know that you are unable or unwilling to explore what you don't know. Change is essential for you to thrive mentally and physically.

Your Inner Voice - While external voices can serve as a guiding force for you, they are no substitute for your inner voice. You are the ultimate voice of reason, wisdom, belief, and change for you. When there is no one around to speak to you about a situation, you must be able to speak to yourself. Develop your inner voice to support your needs by recognizing the consequences of your actions. Trust yourself to make the right decisions. You won't always be right, but you will gain experience to help you and your inner voice for the next time.

Leave a comment and share what voice has helped you recently.

From Here to There

2014-05-25T23:58:00.002-04:00

Have you ever been asked a question about where you want to be in 3 years? Or 5 years? Or even 10 years? Do you have an answer? Do you have professional goals? Are there personal objectives that you want to achieve? How do you plan to get from here to there? The letter "t" is the one difference between here and there. These 8 "t" steps will help you make progress on your way from here to there.

Time - Some things cannot be rushed. Allow a reasonable amount of time to meet any requirements for your end result. Don't try to lose 20 pounds in 10 days. Conversely, procrastination hinders purpose. Don't continually delay the beginning of your next chapter. You must turn the pages to reach the end of the book.
Training - Stop relying on your charm, personality, and natural ability. All of those things are very important to your success. However, make sure you're qualified for what you are pursuing. Sometimes your qualifications will be the key to open the first door. Then you use other things to remain in the room and get access to other doors.
Tenacity - You may fail and have setbacks along the way. Don't give up and don't quit. When someone tells you no, they are refusing that particular request or approach. That doesn't mean you are being rejected. Find a different way to get what you need.
Trail - Take advantage of the path that others have established. You may need to take detours along the way to accommodate your individuality. But don't ignore the lessons learned from others. They can save you valuable time.
Target - Be clear about what you are trying to do and where you are trying to go. It's hard to hit a moving target. It's okay to change your mind about how you will get what you want or even why you want it. However, you should be consistent regarding what you want.
Thanks - Appreciate the small steps on your journey just as much as you appreciate the big steps. Don't overlook the people, opportunities, and lessons that assisted you along the way. Gratitude builds relationships. Relationships are the foundation of success.
Turns - Rarely will there be a straight path from where you are to where you want to be. There will be twists and turns along the way. Each turn provides an opportunity to re-evaluate priorities and meet new people to help you.
Tolls - There is always a cost associated with growth, movement, or development. Be prepared to spend time, energy, and money to reach your destination. There is a familiar saying that there is no free ride. Don't be discouraged by pauses and delays. Pay the price and resume the progress toward the finish line.

Leave a comment and share what "t" will help you get from here to there.

Blank Check

2014-05-09T00:19:00.000-04:00

How much are you willing to spend to achieve your dreams? What is the budget for your goals? What is the payment for your potential? Do you know the value of your voice? It is hard to put a price tag on your success if you measure it in dollars and cents. You need to write yourself a blank check to pursue what will fulfill and motivate you to be and do your best. The term "blank check" usually means unlimited funds. However, think of it as a plan to overcome obstacles, maintain focus, and build your brand. These 3 blank checks may help you.

Check In

Visit the places that represent where you want to be. Make connections that will recognize that you belong on and add value to the team. Get off the sidelines and join the game.
Use your name with care. It establishes your credibility. Attach to it to people and things that represent stability, productivity, and excellence. Fads fade and trends end, but legacy lasts.

Check Out

Do your homework, research, due diligence, etc. Observation is a key tool that provides context to actions. What you see contributes to your boundaries. When you are able to watch something happening, it confirms that it can be done. It is possible. What you hear influences your confidence. Words carry weight. The right encouragement lightens your load and relieves stress. The wrong criticism can cause you to anticipate failure.
Leave stagnant situations, unproductive environments, and endless excuses behind. Doubt defeats development. Gratitude guides growth. Hesitancy hinders harvest. Panic postpones progress.

Check Up

Your vital signs will help you determine the best approach, or strategy, to get what you want. Know your temperature. If you are cool, confront the challenges of the day with resolution and confidence. When you are hot (frustrated), proceed with caution. Anger and annoyance are natural emotions. Use them as a mirror to examine what you can change to minimize their impact on you. What is your pressure threshold? Pressure magnifies everything. Do you thrive in high pressure situations? If so, use that to your advantage. If not, that's okay. Make sure you are connected to someone that excels in that area and can help you develop that talent.
You can't do everything yourself. Delegate, but validate. As others agree to help you reach your objectives, don't assume that you are their top priority. Ask questions and confirm that your expectations are being met.

Leave a comment and share the blank check you will write this week.

10 Commitments

2013-09-22T18:54:00.000-04:00

Most people are aware of the 10 Commandments from the Bible. At a high level, the 10 Commandments provide guidelines for moral living. A lot of the focus is on what you should not do. Regardless of your religious beliefs, the 10 Commandments can help with sound life principles.

However, this week's post will deal with a different set of 10 directives. What are the 10 Commitments that you are willing to make to in order to have what you want? The following suggestions might help you get started on your list.

Commit to pursuing opportunity. Don't wait for opportunity to knock. Place yourself in the path of opportunity so that it can't miss you.
Commit to start. Often, the emphasis is on finishing what you start. However, there are many times where you never even start on things due to fear, time, money, etc. You will never know how long it will take you to finish if you don't start.
Commit to accountability. When there are issues, look first for your role in causing the problem before assigning blame to others.
Commit to awareness. Pay attention to what is said, shown, and done. Also note what or who may be missing. Being aware of your environment and what influences it allows you to make informed decisions.
Commit to consistency. Practice may not make you perfect; but it does make you prepared. Routines are important to help you sharpen your strengths and develop your weaknesses.
Commit to balance. Don't let any one area of your life take all of your time. Family, friends, work, school, volunteerism, and relaxation are all important.
Commit to authenticity. Be who you are, not who you think you should be or who others want you to be. You are valuable, worthy, and blessed.
Commit to your vision. As you encounter setbacks and experience disappointment, remember the big picture.
Commit to consideration. Before you react or respond, consider the source, location, motive, and significance of the report. Don't be impulsive. Pause and consider if you even need to spend time on it.
Commit to respect. Give it to others and command it for yourself. Respect time, points of view, intentions, differences, efforts, and accomplishments.

Leave a comment and share what you will commit to this week.

Training Wheels

2013-09-02T19:26:00.000-04:00

Do you remember your first bicycle? Did it have training wheels on it? Training wheels help a rider to maintain balance as they learn how to use a new mode of transportation. They are temporary and should be removed at some point as skill level and confidence grows. They enable you to increase your comfort level before you take full control of the bike. Don't use them as an excuse as to why you are moving slowly or falling behind.

While you may no longer ride a bicycle, there are probably other figurative training wheels that can help you in life. They may include: relationships, health, finances, failure, and vision.

Relationships include family, friends, love, work, neighbors, etc. Your relationships should help you grow. However, sometimes they can hinder you. Know the difference between the people that are holding you back and the ones that are pushing you forward.
Health (physical and mental) impacts everything that you want to do. Everyone has health setbacks periodically. Take the necessary steps to deal with and manage your health challenges. Once things are under control, continue to pursue your goals. Don't use your health as an excuse for not doing things.
Finances are often an obstacle to achieving your dreams. Have you ever said "I don't have the money" or "I can't afford it" about something that will help you reach your goals? While it is smart to budget wisely and live within your means, don't use money as an excuse for not doing things that will help you develop. Instead of focusing on the finances you don't have, look at what you spend and what is truly a necessity and what is optional.
Failure often exposes your weaknesses and identifies things you can do better. It can also introduce fear and cause you to not try again. Use it to help you improve your approach, skills, and strategy. Failure is the blueprint for success. What went wrong is the foundation for what will go right.
Vision can limit you if you're only concerned with what you can see right now. Be forward thinking. Use virtual binoculars to see what's ahead of you, but out of sight. You can be better prepared for what's coming if you get a sneak peek. Get connected with the right people that can provide accurate forecasts concerning where you want to go.

Leave a comment and share what training wheels you will remove this week.

Think Like A ....

2013-08-21T23:30:00.000-04:00

Did you read the best selling book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man? Maybe you saw the hit movie based on the book, simply entitled Think Like a Man. Both the book and movie dealt with relationships. While that is a popular topic, all of your thoughts cannot be focused on that aspect of life. Instead of thinking like a specific gender, use roles or products to model your thoughts after and to influence your actions. Try to think like some of the following for your growth and development: winner, lawyer, candle, helper, and tailor.

Think like a winner, not a whiner. Winners think of ways to make it happen. They take risks and accept responsibility. Whiners complain about having to do the work.
Think like a lawyer, not a liar. Lawyers know the rules and use them to their advantage. They are able to negotiate, influence, and compromise. Those are three key qualities for reaching your objectives. Liars know the truth, but seek to gain power by withholding it from others.
Think like a candle, not a canyon. Candles provide portable light to help you take inventory of your environment. Find ways to enlighten others and assist them with their vision. Canyons lead you down to the bottom and represent a large void that can overwhelm you.
Think like a helper, not a hater. Helpers are part of the solution. They are on your side and want you to meet your goals. Haters cause problems. They look for and find fault.
Think like a tailor, not a tyrant. Tailors are able to adjust the size and fit of things for people. They provide a service that adds value to others. Tyrants are not flexible. They are concerned with their comfort and what works for them.

Leave a comment and share what you will think like this week.

Energy Drinks

2013-08-15T01:44:00.001-04:00

How do you approach each day? Do you wake up excited to go to work, school, or any other place on your schedule? Or do you dread the tasks that make up your normal routine?  Is the sky your limit or have you reached your ceiling? The answers to all of these questions often depends upon how you feel. If you are physically or mentally tired, you might be easily distracted. Energy drinks are an option to help people remain alert and engaged. Red Bull and 5 Hour Energy are two popular ones. However, sometimes there are other figurative things that you can drink to help you.
To re-energize yourself, try a drink made from decisions, requests, indicators, notes, and kudos.

Decisions - Uncertainty can cause you to delay committing to a plan of action. When you continually change your mind about something, it may feel like you are going in circles. That can be tiring. Make a decision.  You won't know if it is the right one until you commit to it. Challenge is a natural energizer.

Requests - Ask for help, information, or a break when you need it. Don't confuse independence with initiative. Your drive, contribution, and credibility are not diminished when you involve others. Assistance can strengthen your efforts. Rest will improve your focus.

Indicators - Know the signs that point to a low energy level for you. There are obvious things like irritability or slow movements. However, you might have other indications that are specific to you. Are you more forgetful? Do you lose your appetite? Recognize your indicators early so that you can pause and recharge.

Notes - Don't try to remember everything. It takes too much effort. Write down key points. Calendars are important tools to help you manage your energy.  Energy = time, intent, and opportunities.

Kudos - Let others know when they do something well. Excellence can be contagious. Acknowledging achievement may encourage you to succeed.

Leave a comment and share what parts of the drink help you to stay energized.

Waiting Room

2013-07-20T00:12:00.000-04:00

When was the last time you were in a waiting room? Was it the doctor's office, auto service, DMV, or some other place? The thing that all waiting rooms have in common is that at some point you are called to leave them. Waiting is a temporary state. It implies that there is something else coming. Waiting doesn't have to necessarily be a bad thing. There are times when the word "wait" precedes positive instructions for you. The dictionary defines wait as:

/weɪt/ Show Spelled

to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens

to be available or in readiness

to remain neglected for a time

to postpone or delay something or to be postponed or delayed

to look forward to eagerly

You can't wait for something indefinitely. Continuous waiting can turn into procrastination. Wait with purpose, not frustration. There is a methodology to successful waiting. Try these waiting concepts:

Wait on the connection between your intent and your impact. When your actions begin to produce desired results, stop waiting and start moving.
Wait for experience to replace mistakes. That doesn't mean you won't do anything wrong. It means that when you stop focusing on what went wrong and pay attention to what was learned, you can move forward.
Wait with wisdom, not with worry. Know that good things are in store for you after the waiting. Use what you do know to balance the concern over the unknown.
Wait inside of your intentions, not on the outside of opportunities. If you want to do something, get in position for it. Approach it in segments, or phases. Don't wait for the perfect time or for everything to be ready.
Wait before dismissing negative feedback. Everyone that disagrees with you is not a hater. Constructive criticism helps you to improve and succeed. Take time to honestly assess if what was said can help you.

Leave a comment and share which waiting tip you will use this week.

Free Checking

2013-06-24T00:06:00.000-04:00

The term "free checking" may make you think of a benefit offered by your bank. It might mean there is no fee to maintain your account. In some cases, you may actually be able to order checks at no charge. It is a service that is provided to you by the financial institution. However, there is another type of free checking that you can do for yourself. It does not involve your money, but instead focuses on your mind. Make a conscious effort to check the following things on a regular basis: priorities, assumptions, momentum, obstacles, and communication.

Priorities may change over time. They need to be checked to confirm they fit your current environment and circumstance. What was important 3 months ago may not hold the same significance today.
Assumptions can be helpful for planning purposes. However, they should be checked regularly to see if they still hold true. Don't base the core of your strategy on unproven assumptions.
Momentum can provide a temporary advantage. Check to make sure you have it before making pivotal decisions. If it has shifted to someone else, your options may be impacted.
Obstacles are a normal part of life as you pursue your goals. As you make adjustments to deal with them, check to see if they still pose a problem. Don't waste time worrying about issues that are no longer in your way.
Communication is a key tool to help you facilitate your success. Check with others to validate that the format, frequency, and tone are delivering the desired message that you want to convey. If what you say is not easy to understand, you might not be effective in what you are trying to do.

Leave a comment and share what you will check this week.

Believe In Yourself

2013-05-02T00:29:00.000-04:00

Do you believe in yourself? Did you automatically answer yes? Did you take time to consider what the question means? The key word is "believe". Consider the people or things that you may believe in - love, family, friends, faith, political candidates, coaches, teammates, or the American dream. Is it possible to really believe in anything else if you don't first believe in yourself? The dictionary defines believe as:

a: to have a firm religious faith

b: to accept something as true, genuine, or real

: to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something

: to hold an opinion : think

The word can also be defined by looking at what each letter can represent.

B - Break bad habits and Build productive relationships
E - Embrace change and Expect benefits
L - List your goals and Launch a strategy to reach them
I - Invest time to develop yourself and Improve your confidence
E - Establish permanent focus and Endure temporary distractions
V - View the big picture and Value the experience gained from setbacks
E - Emerge from failure and Evolve to meet the next opportunity

Leave a comment and share which letter you will use this week to believe in yourself.

Your Move

2013-03-18T00:22:00.000-04:00

When you play board games, you may hear someone say "your move". It is a common phrase in checkers, chess, and other games where you take turns. It means it is your chance to react to what has just been done by another person. That may be okay for a fun game of Scrabble or Monopoly. However, when you are talking about reaching your goals, it is better to be proactive instead of reactive. You want to determine your next move based on where you want to go, not on where someone else wants you to be.

Move obstacles with your mentality, not your might. Your attitude and approach to a situation will often influence people to cooperate with you.
Move forward with intent, not indifference. Define your objectives and how you will measure them. Don't pursue things without a plan. When you don't know where you are going, you may take a wrong turn.
Move with the connection, not with the crowd. Focus on your finish line and what it will take to reach it. Don't become distracted by background noise.
Move into place, not possibility. Be specific about where you want to go. Possibility is a shared destination. Your place belongs to you.
Move out of doubt and into declaration. You don't know everything, so it is normal to be uncertain about new things. However, don't become preoccupied with the unknown. Confirm and affirm what you do know.
Move away from options and toward opportunities. Life may be a multiple choice exam, but at some point you have to select A, B, C, or D. Make a decision, own it, and take the necessary steps to make it a good one.
Move beyond mistakes to mobility. Don't dwell on what went wrong. Learn from it and move on to your next task.
Move through change to reach chance. Life is full of unexpected changes. Rather than complain about a shift in direction, use it to establish a new path for success.
Move past pressure to get to progress. Pressure builds when there is no release for it. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Delegation can be a sign of wisdom.
Move the test, not the target. There may be time challenges involved with your goals. It is okay to adjust your schedule, but remain committed to the end result.

Leave a comment and share what move you will make this week.

New Number

2013-02-19T23:25:00.000-05:00

Numbers are often used to describe things. How much, how many, and how long are just some of the questions that can be answered with numbers, When someone says that they have a new number, it usually means they have changed their phone number. However, there are other numbers that also change. Some number changes, like your age, are out of your control. You are going to get older each year. Other numbers, like your weight and salary, can be modified through your efforts. What is the impact of a new number for age, weight, and salary? It depends on your mindset and thought process.

Age is measured in years. Each year is an opportunity to grow from experiences in the previous years and pursue new goals. Some people think of birthdays as getting older. While that is true, you also get wiser. You are more aware of what and who to avoid. It is also a good time to get excited about the next phase of your journey. Each day is the birth of new ideas, possibilities, and victories.
Weight is measured in pounds. You own the number. It does not own you. Decide if you want to keep it or get a new one. If you want a new number, it should have a purpose for you. Athletes might gain weight to be more competitive in their fields. Others may be advised to lose weight by doctors for health reasons. Maintenance is important. When you successfully change the number, make the necessary adjustments to keep it where you want it.
Salary is measured in dollars. It can be earned, spent and saved. Your salary is an important number, but it shouldn't define your self worth. If you don't like it, find out what you need to do to change it. Do you need to go to school or get additional training? Will switching jobs or careers help you? Do you need a new salary or do you need to manage your current one better?

Leave a comment and share what number you want to change this year.

Taste Test

2013-02-06T21:17:00.000-05:00

You may go to work or school because it is required of you. Most people have a daily routine that consists of normal tasks that are common. There may not be a lot of individuality or preference involved for those things. However, you probably do make some choices based on your personal tastes. You might prefer a certain type of music, movie, or food. What you like and dislike says a lot about you. Do you want to change your image or strengthen your current brand? Try some new things. Do a taste test to see what fits you. A taste test is not a pass or fail situation. There is no right or wrong answer.

It might surprise you to learn that there are often similarities between two things that appear to be very different. For example, if you like blues music, you may also enjoy country and western music. Both genres tend to tell stories of love, loss, and resilience. The beats and tempos may differ, but the message is often the same. Successful entertainers have recognized the power and value of collaboration. It increases your exposure and multiplies your opportunities.

Do a self-assessment to evaluate your tastes in certain categories. What is your taste in clothes, friends, significant others, books, and other interests? Are your answers due to a comparison with alternative tastes or do you simply like what is familiar to you? Consider that as you grow intellectually, professionally, and in life experience, your tastes may also change. Again, there is no wrong or right answer.

Leave a comment and share your tastes for these common items - Coke or Pepsi, Dunkin' Donuts or Krispy Kreme, iPhone or Android.

Field Trip

2013-01-23T22:07:00.000-05:00

When you were in school, did you like to go on field trips? Did it help you to get a different perspective on what you were learning by getting out of the classroom? Visits to the museum, zoo, or historical locations allowed you to see and experience things that you read about in books. As adults, you can also benefit from taking field trips. There are places that you can go to inform, inspire, and influence your decisions regarding your next steps toward success. The following suggestions may help you to plan an effective field trip.

Identify your field. What do you want to do? You are the only person that can answer that question. You know what fits your interests, skills, and personality.
Make connections with people or organizations in your chosen field. You can call them mentors, role models, or advisors. The label is not as important as the relationship.
Do your homework. Know what to expect in the field and be prepared with relevant questions. Don't expect others to know what you need.
Realize that the field may look different from your expectations. You may be at the mall, grocery store, or gas station and see something or someone that might be relevant to your field. Be observant at all times.
You probably can't cover the whole field all at once. Break it into segments and plan your trips accordingly. Take notes and write a report when you return from the field. The data will help you on future trips.

Leave a comment and share your thoughts on this week's post.

Monthly Motto

2013-01-14T00:31:00.000-05:00

It is common at the beginning of a year to make resolutions about changes that you want to make. You may have focus and determination at the beginning, but a year is a long time. Sometimes you can become discouraged when distractions and circumstances prevent you from working on your resolutions. Instead of planning what you want to do for the year, consider what you can accomplish in a month. Decide on a motto for each month. A definition of a motto is a short expression of a guiding principle. It doesn't have to be something big. It can be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. You might give time or money to charity. If you cannot think of a monthly motto, you may want to adopt one or more from the following list.

Better Time Management

Don't hit the snooze button on the alarm clock. Take advantage of every waking moment.
Make priority lists, not "to do" lists. You can't do everything at once. Decide what is most important.
Know the difference between accountability and responsibility. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks.

Reduce Clutter

Clean out your closets. Use your space effectively and efficiently.
Shred documentation that is no longer needed. Protect your identity.
Leave room on your calendar for you. Don't schedule every minute to benefit someone else.

Preventive Maintenance

Body - Schedule regular medical and dental appointments.
Auto - Get oil changes, tune-ups, tire rotations, alignments, and other services as recommended for your vehicle.
Home - Take care of your roof, water heater, HVAC system, and other core components of your home.

Favorable Impressions

Greetings - Greet people in a way that makes them glad that they saw you. It could be a warm smile, a firm hand shake, or a sincere expression of pleasure to see them.
Attention - Pay attention when others are speaking. Ask follow up questions that reference something that was said.
Consideration - Be considerate of others. Saying "please" and "thank you" is always appropriate.

Learning and Development

Reading - Make a reading appointment with an article or book on a topic that will help you.
Practicing - In order to perfect something, you need to do it repeatedly. Athletes, performers, doctors, and lawyers practice continuously. Success requires repetition.
Listening - There are lessons to be learned from those that succeeded, those still trying to make it, and those that failed. Listen to what did and did not work for them.

Leave a comment and share your motto for this month.

5 Ways To Maintain Esteem

2013-01-07T01:05:00.000-05:00

There was a post last month that dealt with building esteem, Build Esteem. Five steps were given to help you establish a healthy and strong self-esteem. Once you have built the esteem, work must be done to maintain it. The maintenance work can summarized with the word "value". If you value your esteem, you will take the necessary steps to keep it at a high level. Think of demonstrating value with these five words: visibility, association, language, use, and expectation.

Visibility - When your esteem is on display, you are aware of it. You are held accountable to it. If you have confidence in your knowledge, raise your hand when a question is asked. When you believe that you are good at something, do it willingly and with enthusiasm.

Association - Your esteem will be strengthened when you interact with others that feel good about themselves. Optimism can be contagious. You want to associate with people that have a positive outlook about life, themselves, and you. Pessimism can also spread through contact. If you are constantly trying to pull someone up out of sadness, eventually they are going to pull you down to their level and way of thinking.

Language - It sounds simple but the words that you use do make a difference. When you are speaking or writing about what you want to do, make sure the following terms are used often: "can", "will", "progress", "possible", and "opportunity". The right language helps you keep things in perspective and have a positive outlook.

Use - Your self-esteem is like a muscle. It needs to be used in order to stay in good shape. You can use it by doing things that make you feel good about yourself. For some people, that might be a spa day or other pampering event. Others may do volunteer work to help people in order to keep their esteem at a high level. Do what works for you.

Expectation - Have realistic expectations about what is and is not in your control. Don't beat yourself up when things go wrong. Have an honest conversation with yourself and others that can give you objective feedback. Make the necessary changes and continue to grow. Expect to be able to pursue opportunities; don't expect opportunities to pursue you. Expect friends and family to be human; don't expect them to be perfect. Expect your outcomes to be evaluated; don't expect your intentions to represent you.

Leave a comment and share how you will value and maintain your esteem this year.

Movers and Shakers

2012-12-15T20:50:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year when the annual lists of news makers and other noteworthy individuals are published. It could be Time Magazine's person of the year or CNN's Heroes. Barbara Walters will reveal who she thinks are the 10 most fascinating people of the year. Sports Illustrated has already named Lebron James as their Sportsman of the Year. The thing that all the members of these lists have in common is that they are considered to be movers and shakers in their industry or community. They make an impact with their contributions. You don't have to be famous to move and shake the people and things around you. Consider some of the following things that will get you labeled as a mover and a shaker.

Move toward your goals and dreams with focus and awareness. Look for opportunities and be prepared to act on them when you find them.
Shake off the frustration of failure. Replace it with the response of resilience.
Move from inside your vision to outside of your mission. Build your brand based on outcomes not intent.
Shake hands to connect. Consultation and collaboration expand your reach.
Move into position to see success ahead and leave disappointment behind. Don't become limited by circumstances.
Shake up indecision with a clear sense of purpose. When you know what your purpose is, you will make choices to align with it.
Move through chaos and confusion with the perspective that they are temporary states. Expect stability and clarity to show up when you look for them.
Shake free of unproductive habits. If you do something on a regular basis that does not support, strengthen, or serve your growth, then stop doing it.

Leave a comment and share what you will move or shake to begin the new year.

Inner Circle

2012-12-02T00:27:00.001-05:00

Some of your relationships are environmental. You interact with certain people because you see them at the same place on a regular basis (work, school, gym, etc.). Other people may be in your life because you are related to or have history with them. Regardless of how you met them, some of these people will make their way into your inner circle. This is often a small group of trusted friends and/or family members that you rely on for advice, support, and the truth. They have no agenda and want the best for you. Often, the folks in your inner circle fill specific roles in your life. There may be a beginner, dinner, thinner, spinner, and winner.

Beginner - Don't think of a beginner as someone that is new to something. In your circle, the beginner is the person that helps you start things. They are your sounding board for new ideas and plan changes. You brainstorm with them and they can usually provide a few tips to launch what you want to do.

Dinner - This may be thought of as the main meal of your day. However, in your circle, the dinner person is the one that feeds your creativity, resilience, and preparation. In artistic terms, this individual might be referred to as your muse. They provide "food for thought" to inspire you to dream big, bounce back, and always be ready to show what you can do.

Thinner - This is not the person that helps you lose weight. Think of paint thinner. This role will serve a similar purpose. When you add them to your sticky situations, they make things easier for you. They are able to be objective and help you see past the immediate moment.

Spinner - This is your public relations person. You want them to introduce and recommend you to others. They always speak favorably of you and what you do. You need a glass half full type of person in your corner.

Winner - This one is self-explanatory. You want to be around people that know how to win. They have won or are winning at something now. They have a proven pattern, or formula, that can help you to succeed.

Leave a comment and share who some of the people are in your life that fill your inner circle roles.