Success Wallpapers Served

"Simplicity"

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:00:00 CST

Hello everyone! I'm back! Back from a vacation and a pile of preparation that led up to that vacation. Actually it's wasn't the vacation that required so much work. You see, I got married this past month to my best friend and soul mate! We took a cruise afterwards and that is partly why I've not updated this site for a while. I know, my priorities are out of whack!

Regarding the wedding, it took a lot of planning and details to pull it off. We had a beautiful beach wedding in Florida a few weeks ago, but it still wasn't a simple thing to plan for. I give my Sweetie most of the credit on the planning. (I did help out quite a bit too leading up to the wedding in case you were wondering.) However, getting back to normal this past week was not easy. So many things to do and details to check up on that I always have this feeling like I'm forgetting something. I wish coming back from trips were simpler.

This is why I chose to focus on making a new design based on this: "Simplicity"! This is my fourth wall for the year and 136th overall to the site.

Simplicity in life overall is a great thing to be desired. It cuts waste, saves time, makes tasks easier to do, and helps when communicating with others. This image (which BTW was not taken from our trip, those will come later...) is simply land, air, and sea with shade from the trees and warmth of the sun which make a complete, yet simple, environment. I love it! In fact, when I write my blog entries, I focus on taking out the nonessential words just as much as I focus on adding in needed words to be as concise as I can be. Ok, sometimes I do this better than others. Leo Babauta noted that simplicity comes down to two things: identify the essential and eliminate the rest.

The older I get, I realize how true it is that living is easier, and consequently, becomes better, when things get simpler. Fewer things are made now-a-days that seem to follow this path. But when they do, it's great! And it makes life easier and more enjoyable.

Winston Churchill once said that a "vocabulary of truth and simplicity will be of service throughout your life". Speak concisely, and get to the point fast. People appreciate things simply said. Plus, when you do communicate this way, it's more efficient and easier to have your audience understand.

Ultimately, I believe that simplicity is an achievement itself. Simplicity is beautiful!

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Productivity"

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 13:00:00 CST

Hello everyone. I've been really busy these past few weeks but hope to release more wallpapers starting next month. I was, however, able to finish this new wallpaper entitled, "Productivity", making it my third new "wall" for the year and my 135th overall to the site.

Seems that life can be overwhelming at times. Currently, in both my personal life and professional life, I feel that I have too many things to do: stuff I should do, stuff I want to do, and stuff I must do. Prioritizing helps, but that doesn't solve everything. In fact, simply prioritizing still hasn't actually eliminated anything off my plate. If anything, it just pushed those of lesser importance out to finish at a later time. So it hasn't really solved anything - yet. It can help me feel more in control however.

I honestly admit, I'm the type of individual that when too many things come together at once, I get overwhelmed and really struggle with my productivity. I guess it's because I love getting things done right away, and it's so hard to know that other things are waiting on me to still get done.

This quote by Allen really has been a great reminder and even a tiny source of hope for me lately though. Sometimes, life can get too overwhelming - too much to do with not enough time or sometimes energy even. To handle it though, I can create a little bit of momentum by getting that first task done.

Progress is a product of being productive. And by being productive - even if it's a little bit each day - along the way, I know that I will get all I need to get done. Sometimes you just have to begin with one random task that must be done and just start. We can waste too much time, though, thinking about what needs to be done first, and the order of importance. Sometimes this is necessary, but most of the time, it's not. The most important step really is to just get started.

One thing I would make sure to do though is to figure out if my rate of progress is enough so that everything does get done by the required deadlines. If not, then I must get help if I know I cannot do it alone. Simply sharing our burdens with others, in a healthy way, may be what we need to cope with the negative effects of stress.

There is hope at the end of this "tunnel" I am in now, but I will have to put in the work required to get through it. And this includes getting help from others to carry the burden. We all need to produce to be productive and effective, in order to enjoy the end results we are seeking.

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Greatness"

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:00:00 CST

Happy President's Day to you all! Today in the United States, we celebrate this day in honor of all US Presidents.

In honor of today, I decided to create this new wallpaper called, "Greatness", making it my second for this year and 134th wallpaper for the site overall.

I believe men who become "great" in life already have a type of greatness within them. I'm not talking about just famous men, or wealthy men. The type of men I'm describing are men with real character and integrity. The men depicted here on Mount Rushmore, were chosen because each one contributed greatly to America, and helped this nation become better before they left their office as President.

They each had a definiteness of purpose to lead America, and helped this country to grow great itself. They each had to rise amidst many challenges and problems to either get this country started, or keep it going and not let it crumble.

I strongly believe though that they all knew that they could be great leaders first, before they went out into the world and become great to the public. They first had to grow into their "greatness" on the inside. They were great men who stood up for their beliefs and values, and knew that corruption, immorality, and injustice could not be tolerated if this country were to become great. Not that everything was perfect with America, for it was a constant work in progress. But these men kept this country growing closer to greatness itself than farther away.

In closing, I'd like to leave you with another great quote on greatness. It's by Fernando Flores who said, "Great work is done by people who are not afraid to be great." Begin to believe that greatness lies within you. You need to own that truth. Then, set out to do something that will make a difference.

We all have at least one gift or talent that can be nourished that can lead to greatness. Let your path to greatness begin today!

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Utilize"

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 15:00:00 CST

Happy New Year everyone! While I certainly know that it's been a few weeks since we ushered in 2013, this is still my first new wallpaper posting for the year. So, to start things off right for this fresh new year, I've just posted my latest "wall" entitled, "Utilize," which is also my 133rd overall design to the site.

Utilization is an important skill to add to your life. I strongly feel that people allow many great opportunities to pass them by in life simply because of waste - wasting time, wasting money, wasting resources that - if used properly - can open up new doors and enrich one's life more fully. Little amounts of waste can be difficult to spot, as they are sometimes disguised as stored or saved resources at rest. But in the course of a lifetime, the sad reality is that those little amounts do add up to massive amounts of opportunities squandered.

Taking inventory of what we have and what we're doing with what we have is a good first step. Then we need to analyze if what we are spending our time and resources on is actually paying us back a dividend. (Just like with our finances, only the currency here is a much broader scope of resources.) If after analyzing things we determine that the payback is minimal, it may be time to look at alternatives. Having a little creativity here helps to see what other options are out there.

Here's a great example. If the goal of using 1 hour of time every day, for 5 times a week, to lose weight through exercise, you need to chart out where you are, what you're going to do, where you want to go, and the rate at which you are going to lose that weight. If the weight loss rate is "not working" for you or inline with the goal you set, then alternative methods of exercise, or additional strategies must be added to fix this equation (i.e. adding a certain type of diet to the weight loss plan). Note that I didn't necessarily add more exercise time to this, because it may not be the effort or amount of time that's the problem - it's the method of exercise. Adding more exercise would actually be more waste in this case.

The goal is to be more productive, not spend even more resources (measured in time and energy here). In this case, seeking help from a personal trainer may be money that is used up in the short-term, but will actually be more effective and save you more in the long-term since you could identify a solution quicker. And that is utilizing your resources wisely!

Ultimately, we want to utilize our resources to the fullest. This old adage sums it up perfectly: "What you don't use - you loose!" Make sure you're on the winning end of utilization to take advantage of every opportunity!

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Boldness"

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 07:00:00 CST

Hello everyone! I'm excited to bring you my latest and last wallpaper for the 2012 season! It's called "Boldness" which is my sixteenth wallpaper for the year and my 132nd overall for the wallpaper gallery.

When I think of risk taking, there's one character trait that stands out: boldness. Being bold helps build up courage. It helps take the fear out of risk. I believe being bold allows one to "up" their chances for success.

Boldness - as Gothe points out - does seem to gather a power and energy that allows one to overcome challenges. Now, I'm not saying that boldness alone does this, but boldness is what needs to come after ideas and dreams are created. Without boldness, we are timid. We will not be as direct and effective as when we possess it. Boldness allows us to take that first step out there to continue on the dream we have.

May this next coming year be full of blessings to you. May 2013 find you reaching your fullest potential, and - if you haven't done so yet - a starting point for executing some of your own dreams by taking action. May you enable yourself to do that by being bold and taking a chance on yourself and on your dreams!

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Glad Tidings"

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 17:00:00 CST

It may be a little bit early, but to celebrate that today is 12-12-12, I'm releasing my new Christmas themed wallpaper entitled, "Glad Tidings". This one will be my fifteenth wallpaper for the year and my 131st overall for the site.

And in case you were wondering - no, this image was not created by using one of those Photoshop reverse filters to make the tree branches all white. A heavy snowstorm roared through our area this last weekend and left a gorgeous blanket of snow on everything in sight. This picture was taken the night of the storm.

The theme of today's wallpaper comes from my excitement for this upcoming Christmas season. I have many reasons to be thankful and excited for this year. And every year is also another opportunity for new great memories to be created.

One of my favorite Christmas memories and traditions every year is to watch the original Charlie Brown Christmas special. My favorite scene of that show was Linus's "What Christmas is All About" speech. The whole episode is great, but I love the fact that the true meaning of this holiday is presented so clearly in that show.

Also, another thing about me, every time I read Luke chapter 2 around this time of year, the sound of Linus's voice still pops into my mind when I get to verses 10-11. Being that these verses are some of my favorite Christmas verses as well, why not put them together with this heart warming image?

So, this year, I wanted to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas, with this wallpaper. "Glad Tidings" to all mankind as God gave His Son to the world so we may find peace and salvation through Jesus! I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas with glad tidings to all this holiday season!

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Togetherness"

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:00:00 CST

Today I'm happy to release another new wallpaper to you. It's entitled, "Togetherness", which is my fourteenth wallpaper for 2012, and my 130th overall to my gallery here.

This image to me symbolizes a precious truth - that we all can fly higher in life and go further in our success than when we go it alone. My belief in this statement is so strong that I decided to use (a variation of) it for the quote on this design. "No man is an island," wrote John Donne. We are not meant to be alone.

The geese shown in the image are natural examples that when the work is spread out among many, the unit as a whole is stronger (to get through tough weather), each individual is taxed less (physically) and therefore stronger, and everyone shares the benefits (getting to their ultimate destination).

We too can be like the geese here. If we all share in each other's burdens (when times are tough), we can get through difficult times. But it takes each person to be willing to come together first. But as more and more come forward to help out - even just a little - that can quickly build up and make it easier and easier for everyone.

I love this principle. We could even call it a "law" of success. The synergy that comes from togetherness is amazing. Joys are multiplied when happy and precious moments are shared with one another.

I also love that the effects of challenging circumstances are lessened with friendly and loving support, while good times are multiplied with friends and family. I hope the upcoming Christmas season will find you with friends and family that will ease some burdens and multiply your joys!

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Confrontation"

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 17:00:00 CST

Hello again everyone! With the anticipated upcoming "gun" deer season that will be opening up here in NE Wisconsin this weekend, I've decided to create a new wallpaper that would be based off of the deer themes so prevalent all around me.

So, this week, I give you "Confrontation", which is my thirteenth for 2012, and my 129th wallpaper overall to this site.

While it's been years since I've hunted myself, I still get excited too when this time of the year rolls around. I guess I've got "buck fever", mixed with a sense of nostalgia! Couple this with a topic that's been on my mind for these past few weeks, and this wallpaper is the result.

Confrontation is not a topic many people like to think about, much less perform. It's usually an uncomfortable situation when confrontation is required. Yet, it can do so much good when done right.

Some people's personalities are built for this, while many others are not. But if you want to be a leader, confrontation will eventually be needed from time to time, as nothing in this world is ever going to be perfect.

John Maxwell, one of my favorite authors, once said that when confronting people, two things are usually needed to make it work - honesty and sincerity.

Confrontation just does not work if it's not realistic or dishonest. People would be led down the wrong path or headed in the wrong direction without it. So it's essential to be honest.

And then be sincere with your audience. People may not like hearing the words that is being "aimed" at them, but if they see the reasoning behind it (like your sincere desire to fix the issue and even help them), they will ultimately come to appreciate your necessary action.

Don't be afraid of that which must be ultimately done. In the end, everyone will win!

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Adventure"

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 08:00:00 CST

Tonight I'm happy to release a new wallpaper to you again. This one is called, "Adventure", which is my twelfth new wallpaper for the year, and my 128th wallpaper overall for the site.

Mark Twain once said that "...years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do." I most heartily agree with this. I have had the privilege of doing a variety of things in my short life so far. But I have many more things that I still "must" do (or desire to do and accomplish) before I leave this world.

I really believe that everyone needs to do something adventurous every once in a while to have a fulfilled life. If not to have at least an interesting one, and keep boredom from developing. There is just too much out there we could be doing or seeing in this world that we should never complain that we are ever bored!

And it doesn't require going to far away lands for it to be an adventure. Life itself is indeed an adventure - or at least it can be, wherever you may reside. Starting a business that you've always wanted to start, asking that special person out for the 1st time, or doing one thing on your bucket list can all fit this description.

Years from now, someday when you look back at your life, wouldn't you want be able to know that you lived a fulfilled and adventurous life, rather than a safe, but dull one? I hope that you would be able to do the former. I certainly hope to do that myself. Life is what we make it, so make it the best, most adventurous one it can be!

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Responsibility"

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:00:00 CST

After holding on to this idea for quite a while, I've decided to release this design tonight. It's entitled, "Responsibility", making it my eleventh new wallpaper for the year, and my 127th overall to the wallpaper gallery.

Responsibility is a word that - depending on where you may be in life - could conjure up emotions of stress and anxiety, or those of authority and power. It could even make one feel all of these thoughts collectively at once.

All my life, I've heard the phrase, "With privilege, comes responsibility." (The word "privilege" is substituted frequently with the word "power" as well.) So, these words seem tied together for me usually.

The main thought here, though, is that when someone has possession of something (i.e. job, relationship, authority, or material possessions), there is usually some form of accountability that is tied to it. The greatest example of this, would have to be parenting.

Now I am not a parent yet, so I cannot begin to realize fully how awesome, and - at the same time - how frightening being a parent can be. That is why I am not going to delve deep into this topic today - because that is not what this topic is solely about.

The focus here is understanding that we need to make sure that the most important matters of our lives are attended to and taken care of first, before we spend time on the non-essentials. This is especially true when something or someone depends on us when there is no one else around or is able to help.

Make sure you take care of the most important things first, then spend time on the rest.

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Adversity"

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 17:00:00 CST

I just released another new wallpaper tonight called, "Adversity", which is my tenth new wallpaper for the year, and my 126th overall for the site.

Adversity comes to everyone's lives. It comes in all forms. And it comes whether one is ready for it or not. Adversity can make one a stronger, more beautiful person, or it can cause one to stumble, even to the point of depression. We've heard stories of people like Abraham Lincoln, Helen Keller, and Thomas Edison, who all have had many forms of adversity in their lives. They are great examples of overcoming trials and becoming beautiful people in the process.

How we handle tough times can show us who we really are. If you are strong enough to rise above the difficulty, and not react in a negative way, you will become a greater person. Tough times can allow us to learn a lot about ourselves.

If life were easy, we would probably take many things for granted, and never develop ourselves to become the best we can be. Relationships, health, careers, education, etc., all require time, commitment, and effort to develop. Along life's path, some roadblocks will always pop up to challenge us in acquiring such things. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy. If something ever looked easy, I would look at it again and think, "Ok, where's the catch?" or "Is it really that great?"

Usually, most adversity is unexpected. We know hardships can come at any time, but we can never really anticipate the precise time of its arrival. The fact that adversity comes to us is not the most important thing to realize, though. It is how we respond that is the crucial factor here.

Different types of adversity requires different forms of responses. A death of a loved one will require a different form of response than, say, the loss of a job. I know I'm stating some obvious cases here. Sometimes all we can do is grieve for our loss and allow God (and time) to do the healing and be patient with it. In these cases, our faith can be made stronger. But other circumstances, like the loss of some possession or job, we need to handle it with more tenacity and focus. We can allow it to make us both wiser and use it to possibly find something even better than what we lost.

Losing makes the winning all the more enjoyable. Bad times makes the good times even more precious.

This topic is not comfortable to think about, much less talk about. But in tough times like these, knowing there is some reason for it all can help us rise above our adversity. Then, the opportunity to become stronger, wiser, or better will reveal itself.

Adversity will eventually come to everyone. How will you handle it?

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Today"

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 18:00:00 CST

I'm pleased to announce that I've just posted another new wallpaper tonight. This one is called, "Today", and it is my ninth new wallpaper for the year, as well as the 125th overall design for my gallery.

You've likely heard the phrase, "Well, that's [30 seconds] of my life I'll never have back." (Fill in whatever time frame you want here.) It's meant to be funny, witty, and sarcastic; but this phrase subtly has some real truth behind it when you think about it. Time is something that we can never have back.

I know for me, it's frustrating when - at the end of a day - I look back and ask myself, "What have I accomplished today?" and my answer to that question is sub-par in relation to my own expectations. If I haven't "accomplished" anything, I dig a little deeper and ask, "What did I even do today?" If an honest answer is lacking in substance, then I know I wasted a precious gift known as "Today".

Now I understand that there will come days when we may be sick, or need some recovery rest from a prior event in which we did do something very taxing on ourselves. There's also days where life really pulls us down, so we require a significant investment of time in prayer and meditation. Those are valid reasons for "rest" and recovery. In fact, it's necessary - and wise.

I even think it may be more important every day to at least review where we are in life, take some time to consider our mind set in relation to our position in all areas of life. Here is where self-examination is important. There are so many people out there that fall into bad thought habits which lead to wasted time and wasted opportunities. They look at what has happened lately, and believe that the same results will continue today. Or worse, they wait for the "perfect" timing or situation to come along without their own involvement. The perfect timing to do something is today!

This could be the day you meet that special someone, find that certain job, begin a new exercise program, or find a solution to a problem that has been challenging you! Today is the only day you can do something about your life. If you have the attitude that tomorrow will be the day that you will take action on something that requires your time and attention today, maybe because you are too tired or not motivated, it will become harder and harder and you may never do it. Tomorrow is a future tense. It really never arrives. It is an illusion because it keeps jumping away from us. Today is the best day to take action because it is also the ONLY day we can take action. We are never guaranteed another day.

Today is also the day to enjoy life as well. When we fully understand how fleeting this life is, we will begin to savor life and appreciate each day we have. We will also appreciate each other more as well. This kind of awareness colors our thinking in such a way that every day is indeed so valuable, we won't want to waste a single day sitting around. And this attitude leads to a more fulfilled life.

What we did yesterday is important. But yesterday is gone now. The only day we have right now is today. What are you going to do with it?

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Embark"

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:00:00 CST

I've just posted a new motivational wallpaper entitled, "Embark", making it my eighth new wallpaper for this year, and my 124th overall for the site.

"Embark" is a verb that means to start or begin. This piece is not only meant to give a call to action, but also to maintain that call to action. Start something, then, keep going as well. This is where the image here fits in. Notice that this wallpaper is not showing a starting point nor a "finish line", but rather a point of view from someone who may be in the middle of their journey.

Sometimes, starting out can be the hardest thing for anyone to do. That first step is hampered from things like fear, fatigue, doubt, laziness, depression, procrastination, lack of motivation, etc.

For others, starting out seems real easy, until an obstacle appears in the way. These people lack the necessary focus and determination needed to stay the course.

Then I wonder, "What's the point of starting something worthwhile if you're not going to finish or continue on until that goal is accomplished?" Now I'm not saying that you shouldn't start something if you think that you're not going to finish it. There is some value in testing something out to see if something works or doesn't work for you. But too many "test" the waters to see if it feels comfortable, while still expecting to see results.

Results typically come after consistent effort is put in. "Effort" usually does not feel comfortable and "consistent" implies that sufficient time is also put in. This is where most plans fail to continue.

The 2 main ideas here is that we need to start out, then keep going on that journey. You alone are responsible for your own life. You alone are also the only one to keep it going.

Embark on the journey, endure the hardships along the way, stay focused, learn some lessons, keep that momentum, and never give up! Then you'll reap the rewards!

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Synergy"

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 10:00:00 CST

Just a short and sweet update to let everyone here know that I've finished up on another new design this week. It's entitled, "Synergy", making this one my seventh new wall for the year, and my 123rd overall to the site.

I've been wanting to make a wallpaper on this topic for a long time, but I never could find a great image to do it. I found this one at Flickr (see source credit here), with a little modification done by yours truly.

Synergy is a unique law of life. It's awesome to think that by working with more than 1 thing, person, or idea, that more can be accomplished than alone individually. This simple quote by Helen Keller nails this lesson home so clearly: "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Yet another great reason that two heads are better than one.

Teamwork produces synergy. Synergy produces great results and advances in life that weren't achievable in a certain span of time, if even at all.

If you are stuck on something in your life that you can't yet seem to get completed, produced, or even started, try seeking out others to help you get past it. They could help bring a new idea or solution for what's getting in your way.

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Release"

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 17:00:00 CST

I wanted to get this up on the site sooner, but editing this image and finding the right quote took some extra time.

This success wallpaper is entitled, "Release", and it is my sixth new wallpaper for this year, and my 122nd design overall for the site.

Recently, certain events in my life have caused me to reflect on how I perceive things. After much inward evaluation, I made up my mind to alter the way how I've been "carrying" certain feelings and beliefs.

Everyone faces challenges at different points in life. Everyone also encounters people who wrong us, or situations that just don't seem fair. Despite all this, we also compound how this affects us by hanging onto the negative emotions that those disappointments create, causing even more damage. What we need to do is let those things go and move on.

Inwardly, we need to forgive those in our lives who have offended us. Not really for them, but for ourselves. When we let go of past pain, we enable ourselves to be free. Holding onto bitterness and anger only brings us down, and allows others to get the best of us. One can use bitterness and anger as fuel, but you can only go so far. That type of fuel burns out fast and burns you out at the same time.

The second type of negativity we tend to hold on to is that we can't forgive ourselves for past mistakes and failures. Holding onto these self-judgements really hold us down because not only is it a negative thought, but it also eats up any motivation for moving forward. Yes, we do need to learn from our mistakes, but even more importantly, we need to keep going forward in a positive direction.

You can't fly high in life when you've got those "weights" holding you down. When we release them, we release ourselves.

Yesterday's gone. You can't change the past, you can only change yourself. So let go and release. You can have a better tomorrow, and that starts today!

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Momentum"

Thu, 31 May 2012 19:00:00 CST

I'm so happy to be able to release another new wallpaper before this month is over. This month seemed to have flown by so fast.

I call this one, "Momentum", and it is my fifth new wallpaper for the year, and my 121st overall design for the site.

This year, I set a goal to lose a certain amount of weight. I'm very pleased to say that through proper dieting and exercising (with consistency), I finally feel I'm at the point where my efforts are no longer really efforts, but rather simply a new routine that I enjoy doing. I call it my weight loss momentum.

I'm still a ways off from meeting my ultimate goal, but it sure feels good knowing that there's less mental effort needed to keep this going. Am I going to slow down? Absolutely not! Why would I? There's a lot less effort now than when I started. Plus, I am continually moving forward.

The most important thing was making that first push - then another, then another. The "pushing" started with making attainable goals. Then, as those goals were met, I created the next goal. This is the best way to create momentum.

I knew that eventually, the effort I was exerting would create some results. Things do get easier if you stay consistent long enough. That's when momentum starts to carry you forward toward your goal - if you allow it to.

The amount of effort required in the beginning won't compare with the results that you'll ultimately get in the end.

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Habits"

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 19:00:00 CST

Well, it's been a while since I've posted something new on this site. But tonight I have something new to share with you finally!

This wallpaper is called, "Habits", and is my fourth new wallpaper for this year, as well as my 120th wallpaper to the gallery.

For some, the word "habit" is a word that conjures up positive thoughts; while for others, it's a word they would rather leave out of their vocabulary.

It seems that it's easier to form a bad habit than a good habit. Bad habits seem harder to break while good habits take longer to create. I don't think it has to be that way. Bad habits are formed out of laziness and/or ignorance.

It's been said that good habits take about 21 days before they become second nature. I know I've found out this to be true for myself. I don't care if they do take that long, I think they're well worth the effort.

One thing is for certain though, you can't get rid of a habit, without creating another one to take it's place. The universe hates a vacuum. Something always takes the place to fill a void. If you don't fill that void with something based on your own choice, something (or someone) will come along and fill that emptiness fast - be it good or bad.

So when it comes to habits, look for an area and identify where a habit may be steering you. If it's not helping you become better, than it's likely doing the opposite, and dragging you down.

Make a list, then write it down. This can remind you of what you want and need to do to make a new positive habit. Then tell someone who can help hold you accountable to the change you want to make. This does wonders for helping you create that new habit. Habits are really the bridge to the other side where goals reside. Many people have goals, but don't support themselves with the proper habits to reach them.

I would like to challenge you today to identify at least one area in your life in which you could use a better habit in. Find someone then to help you stick to the change so then that habit will solidify in your life. Pretty soon that goal of yours will be on it's way toward completion!

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Truth"

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 19:00:00 CST

I've finally finished up on another new success wallpaper tonight. One that I've been going back and forth on for over a week now on just how I was to present the topic.

This new wallpaper is entitled, "Truth", and is my third new wallpaper for this year, as well as my 119th wallpaper overall to the site.

There are many reasons why I decided to focus on this topic, both personal and non-personal. I won't get into those here, but I do want to add my own thoughts on "truth".

Truth is something - when it hurts those who hear it - is something that's difficult to accept at times. It's strange in that it has the capability to hurt at first, yet over time it heals. Jesus used the expression "...and the truth shall set you free" in John 8. Other phrases like "the truth of the matter is...", "be honest with me", and the famous line shouted in the movies, "You can't handle the truth!", instantly cue that whatever follows will not be easy to accept by the listener.

Why do we lie? And why are we lied to? Some feel that sometimes it's the best way to go to at the time. Some would say "It's just a little white lie." But as Austin O'Mally once said, "Those who think it is permissible to tell white lies soon grow color-blind." When you start telling one lie, you soon find yourself telling another lie to cover that first one up. Then another. Then another. Soon you realize that it would've been better just telling the truth. I won't even get into the topic of how those lies can eat away at your conscience. I feel that many of you already know that uncomfortable feeling.

Telling the truth and being honest is always the best policy. Always! Yes, some believe that ignorance is bliss. Actually, sometimes it very well is. I know that sometimes the truth hurts big time. I understand that. But sooner or later, the truth will come out. And when it does, those mistruths, fibs, distortions, and cover-ups will hurt multitudes more then if the truth would've been given from the start.

I also would like to add that the truth is not equal to "keep'n it real". The truth doesn't have to be rude or offensive. I'm talking about facts and honesty here. We are not perfect beings, but we do have brains which have the wisdom to determine the difference between knowing when to tell the truth and when to be polite to people.

I believe all lies will one day be exposed by truth, given enough time. The truth may hurt at first, but it ultimately heals. In the end, both the giver and the receiver of truth will be grateful that truth was given instead of a lie.

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Romance"

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:00:00 CST

Well, it's that time of the year again, as tomorrow is Valentine's Day. It's an exciting holiday for those who have a significant other to share this occasion with.

So, in celebration of this year's Valentine's Day, I'm releasing a new wallpaper tonight entitled, "Romance", making this the second new wallpaper for the year, as well as my 118th wallpaper overall to my gallery.

Valentine's Day is a day for love and romance. It's a day where we are encouraged to express our feelings with that special someone. When it comes to a new relationship, it's fairly easy for people to want to be romantic. The early stages of a new relationship is certainly exciting. Romance almost comes naturally.

But in order to get into a new relationship, we have to open up and become vulnerable to possible rejection. If you're emotionally closed off, whether it be to past failed relationships, nothing new has a chance to develop into something real meaningful. We also have to be more giving with our time. My experience is that the more open I am to receiving love, and the more willing I am to give in a selfless manner that love, the more likely I'll find that love.

In fact, I believe that romance itself stems from being generous and unselfish. Generosity gives seed to more generosity. And it is in this environment when the focus is on the other person than yourself - that's when romance has the best chance to allow a relationship to flourish.

So, if you have someone you could share tomorrow with, make sure that you let your significant other know this Valentine's Day how much they mean to you, and do something selfless that would trigger more romance back into your life. It's definitely worth it!

Check out this new success wallpaper now!

"Fresh Start"

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:30:00 CST

Happy New Year everyone! I took a short break on creating new wallpapers but I'm back with a new one for you today that I feel will be quite timely - given the nature of what typically happens around this time of the year.

This one is called, "Fresh Start", my first for the year and my 117th wallpaper overall to the gallery.

Each new day is a gift. This simple statement has been uttered many times before in various ways, but the truth and essence of this brings comfort to me, as I hope it does for you as well.

If you're like me (as well as a large percentage of the human population), you might have started this new year with high hopes, specific goals, and aspirations for creating a better life. At this time of the year, when we make such goals, they're commonly referred to as "New Year's Resolutions". Have you kept up with all of yours so far? Or have you already given up on a few of them?

Ok, I'll be up front and honestly admit that I've allowed myself to slip a little bit with a few of my own. However, I'm not going to allow a small setback to make me give up on continuing going forward with those goals. The great thing about a new day is that it's another fresh start to get back on track again. Each new day is a gift because it's another chance to start fresh.

Make a new resolution or decision to begin today and do something that will improve the quality of your life. Don't feel that because you messed up on a decision or even given up in the past that it's final. It doesn't have to be January 1st on the calendar for one to make a new fresh start. The best time to start again is today!

Check out this new success wallpaper now!