We Already Know It – Willpower

Posted on January 9, 2013 by MarleneMB

I have a confession to make: I don’t often do what I know is right for my body! At least, that was at the beginning of 2012. It took my doctor yelling at me, literally, to get me to get serious about doing the right thing. After he told me that my test results show that I need to drop a few pounds. He reminded me that I have a history of diabetes in my family. He did not tell me how to correct the issue; he simply told me that I must do so.

Feeling surprised by his frankness and dejected about my lack of attention to my physical well being, I thought about what to do. Then, I admitted to myself that there is no magic to getting back into shape. I have to eat less and exercise more. What I was lacking was the willpower to push myself to do it. I always, put other people, such as my family, and my work before my health. Isn’t this the same for most of our situations?

We know darn well what it is we need to be successful in most areas of our lives, whether it is: saving more and spending less to have a healthy financial status; studying more to achieve a higher grade; or eating less to maintain or lose weight. We know the keys and methods to our success. We simply need to apply willpower, self-discipline, whatever you want to call it, to get us there. It isn’t an easy thing to do. If it is, many of us will not be where we are today. Sometimes, we need a little help to get us there.

After my doctor’s admonishment about my lack of respect for my body, I hired a personal trainer. Yes, I did! By making myself accountable to someone and committing to meet him at an appointed time and date, I feel obligated to be there and get the job done. Raymond Butler has been a great trainer for me. He has helped me build up my willpower to get up on the days that we are not training together to continue my healthy training and living. Ray discusses different ways for me to exercise as well as gives me tips on food that are great for me.

I am now more toned and have more energy. I lost weight in the process and feel more positive about myself. My doctor was so pleased with my last test result, he told me to continue with whatever I’m doing! I even got an awesome report from my dentist and my hair stylist! It seems what I am doing for my body is helping my overall health.

We already know the key to our success is applying our willpower to whatever task or challenge we face. Join me in exercising your willpower muscles today!

Live a Diamond Life! Live a Life of Purpose!

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Surround Yourself with Greatness

Posted on January 8, 2013 by MarleneMB

When I workout, I like to listen to music and motivational/inspirational speakers. One of these speakers, I have reciting his words of wisdom in my ears, is Tony Robbins. On this particular recorded chat, Tony retells his conversation with a U.S. General about people maintain a certain standard in their lives. The general asked why did some people allow their standards to drop. Tony told him “most people’s lives are a direct reflection of the expectation of their peer group.”

Isn’t that the truth! Most of us are influenced by the people that surround us. There a quite a few researches that have shown the link between the impact the folks, you have around, and your daily behavior/habit. You can read the article written by Louise Wasylkiwand Molly E. Williamson about the way young women view their bodies depends on the views of their friends. No big surprise to most of us. Yet, some of us don’t apply this knowledge to our lives. We allow people with negative habits or attitudes into our lives and the result is not always good for us.

There is a popular saying that is spoken in most sales office: “If you want to fly like an eagle, you don’t fly with pigeons.” A young man asked me how he could get a job in a particular industry. I asked him to name the folks and groups he hung out with outside his family and his work. None of them included folks in the industry in which he wants to work. I instructed him to ensure he has the skills required for the particular job he wants, and to attend networking events as well as find a mentor in that industry. I told him to surround himself with the folks who are doing what he wants to do.

It’s a New Year. It’s a new day. My friends, start surrounding yourselves with greatness, the greatness that you admire and want to be. Surround yourself with people that will make you a better Diamond.

Live a Diamond Life! Live a Life of Purpose!

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Every Day is A Gem

Posted on January 7, 2013 by MarleneMB

During her presentation to the Toastmasters Officers in Broward County, Conni Gordon said that we should open each day like it is a gem. What a great advice and reminder to us all. This morning I remember this and instantly felt happier and more determined to make it the best day possible. It was a little later than I normally head outside for my morning walk/run and cloudy.

Conni’s words propelled me forward in my resolve to still go out for my exercise. I quickly go in my outfit and rushed out the door. I was greeted by a cool breeze and overcast skies. As I got along the bay I saw a seagull dive into the water and up again to alit onto a peering. It was so magnificent to see. That gull is certainly making the best of the day, I thought. I encountered a woman walking her two dogs and we exchanged the usual morning pleasantries. She stated that the rain seems to be only over us and nowhere else. I told her listening to Neil Diamond on my iPod made it a better day. She agreed.

I headed off down the road and came across some lovely bushes of Bougainvillea. I stopped and picked a few. I hope you enjoy the picture of them inserted for you viewing pleasure. As I continued on my path, so many ideas for new blog articles came to mind. I also reviewed my upcoming day’s conference calls, business follow up meetings, etc. that I had planned.

By the time I rounded the halfway point of my journey, the rain became heavier, my alarm went off on my phone reminding me of my morning-prayer call with my girlfriend. We pray each weekday morning for the success of our businesses and encourage each other. I got on the call, my girlfriend prayed as I got back to my complex. By then, I felt exhilarated.

Wow! What a great way to start a “gem” of a day. In my case, it will be a Diamond Day!

Live a Diamond Life! Live a Life of Purpose!

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A Night with John C. Maxwell – Part 2 of A Successful You

Posted on August 28, 2012 by MarleneMB

The amazing thing about being in the audience when John C. Maxwell speaks is the feeling you get that he is speaking directly to you! His second point hits home with me. According to Mr. Maxwell, “The secret of your success is what you do everyday.” He emphasized that the second point to success is growing to our maximum potential. We must spend time building upon our strength by growing in that area, daily.

This reminds me of my time as a Weight Watchers member (to be honest I think I will be a lifetime participant of this program even though I don’t actively attend a meeting)! Weight Watchers teaches you to record everything you eat. It is amazing when you track what you put in your mouth, how many calories you can toss down your gut without realizing it!

The same concept applies to Mr. Maxwell’s insistence that you must pay attention to what you do everyday to ensure your success. As I reflected on my day-to-day activities, I can honestly say there are times when I waste the opportunity to work on my success. John C. Maxwell’s statement encouraged me to reassess what I will do going forward to maximize my potential by doing the things that will be a benefit to my success.

Mr. Maxwell also said in order maximize our potential, we must be able to get along with people. We cannot become successful alone; and we cannot reach our full potential if we don’t like people. Successful people are people persons. They exhibit charm and charisma and people are drawn to them.

The final part of maximizing our potential involves managing our decisions. Maxwell told us that decision-making is overrated. Many people make decisions, but they delay in acting on them or they never implement them. This makes the decisions become bad decisions or no decision. We must manage our decisions by acting on them. Mr. Maxwell gave us a call to action: “Stop talking and start doing!” “Today matters!” Now instead of watching another episode of NCIS or Criminal Minds, I update my business plan, I write another article, I call another client, I book another appointment or I call someone to encourage them.

Carpe Diem, my friends! Here’s to our success!!!!

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