My son is getting ready to complete his undergraduate studies in May 2013. As I was cleaning his room at home (not much cleaning since he lives away), I came across some of his trophies and awards he won for his acting, singing, etc. Remembering how I felt when I was about to graduate from my undergraduate program, I knew that he must be a bit nervous about what is to come in his life after his graduation. I took a picture of two of his trophies and sent it to him with a message of encouragement. I wanted him to remember what he has already accomplished and that he has it in him to do even more.
Sometimes, as we go through life and face new challenges or enter an area outside our comfort zone, we become nervous and oftentimes start doubting our abilities to achieve the goal(s) before us. If you feel that way, stop and recall all that you have achieved and use it to propel you towards undertaking and accomplishing more. You did it before and you can do it again!
Do-It-Anyway-Thursday, especially when you don’t feel like doing it…
1) Want to work out but don’t feel like it, get up, get dressed, get going
anyway
2) Want to write that book but the words don’t come, start typing anyway
3) Want to give that speech but feeling fearful, give it anyway
4) Need to make more sales call but fear rejection, pick up the phone, smile
and dial, call anyway
5) Want to start that non-profit foundation, but not sure how the start,
research, reach out and start it anyway
6) Going on that audition and not sure if the role is for you, give it your best
anyway
The sky is not the limit, when you do it anyway. Keep pushing and see you on the side of Living the Diamond Life! Living a Life of Purpose!
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!
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!
