Turning Complaining into Appreciation Leads to Success

Recently I was complaining about being asked to do something that I didn't want to do. I mentioned it to a friend of mine and she said "Why don't you just appreciate the opportunity and discuss your concerns later." I decided to follow her advice. I told myself all types of positive reasons why I was being asked to do something I didn't think was my responsibility. I thought, obviously the person thought I was capable and really depended on me and my expertise. I began to appreciate the opportunity to do this particular task instead of complaining. I learned a valuable lesson about appreciation. When you show appreciation, not only do you feel better, your energy shifts to a higher level and you begin to attract good things.

Appreciate the health you have and that you are even able to read this article. Appreciate all of the accomplishments you have made in your life and that you have the ability to brighten someone's day or ask for help and support when you need it. With so much going on in the world and in our own lives, we must not forget to stop and simply have appreciation for where we are. Even with this awareness, I myself, have questioned, "How in the world can I be appreciative when my teenager is giving me attitude!" Because I realize the benefit in showing appreciation, I address my son's attitude by saying "You know son, I really appreciated how you spoke to me the other day. It really showed me how much you've grown." He changed his attitude instantly. This not only works with children, it works in any environment. If you find yourself complaining about something or someone, immediately look for something to appreciate about the person or the situation.

When you are striving for success there will be many obstacles and challenges to complain about. Change the complaining to appreciating! No matter what is going on right now in your part of the world, please appreciate where you are. Know that where you are is where you need to be in order to learn, grow and succeed!

“Sometimes we complain without thinking much of it, but the frightening thing about complaining is that every time we do, a cloud descends over our heart, and our hope, appreciation and joy gradually wane.” – Daisaku Ikeda

“If we give out thoughts of grouchiness and complaining, etc., we’ll find more to complain about. If we send out love and affirm ‘life loves me’, then we are drawing experiences to ourselves that prove it’s true.” – Louise Hay

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JoAnn Youngblood King, CTA Certified Success Coach, Author, Speaker and Owner of Live Your Potential is a member of Coach Training Alliance, and The International Association of Coaches. She specializes in working with mom entrepreneurs to find the time needed to start their business or
take their existing business to the next level. To reach your immediate goals get strategic steps by subscribing to her newsletter to the right. For ways of achieving goals with your faith, JoAnn's book, Live Your Potential and Let Your Faith Lead You to Success available on Amazon.

Don't Lose Sight of Your Personal Dreams and Goals

I’ve worked for someone else for over 30 years of my life in a full-time capacity. That’s a long time to invest in something other than the dreams and goals I have for myself. However, working for a company or someone else's business is not an uncommon thing. Being able to provide for yourself and your family is absolutely necessary and its great when you can do that while working in a nice, comfortable and drama free environment. If you are happy and satisfied with what you are doing to earn a living, that’s wonderful!

In my experience, most people are not satisfied with their day jobs and we become comfortable with helping someone else achieve their career goals, while we allow them to give us just enough money and benefits to keep helping them to succeed. Therefore, we can get so preoccupied with working a day job that it distracts us from pursuing our personal dreams and goals.

One thing you must realize and stay constantly aware of is that you have the potential within to be successful and live the life of your dreams.

Here are 3 tips to help you get started with accomplishing your dreams and goals while working a day job.

1. Purchase a Journal. Writing down your dreams and goals is a great first step to make toward achievement. It helps you to see what it is you intend to accomplish. When you review your dreams and goals daily it provides a certain level of focus and motivation for you to keep moving forward.


2. Utilize Social Media. This is another wonderful action step to take towards your dreams and goals. Being on Social Media, gives you an opportunity to learn everything you need to in your desired interest. You are also able to connect with like-minded individuals to learn from or to acquire potential clients. Conducting your business online can be done in the comfort of your own home or anywhere you can connect.


3. Hire a Success Coach. Being a coach myself, I can say that this is the most important tip to getting your dreams and goals accomplished. I, personally, accomplish so much more when I am working together with my coach. I love the support, new ideas and strategies that I did not know that help me expand my thinking. It helps me through obstacles that may block my accomplishment at the time.

We all have different responsibilities and circumstances and some are more challenging than others. If you have a deep desire and belief that there is something more you must do in life, know that it is possible. There is truth to the old saying, "Where there is a will, there is a way."

If a motivational reminder will be helpful to you, consider joining my text message program. Click this link to signup and you will receive my free motivational text messages to your phone every Monday, Wednesday and Friday Live Your Potential's Motivational Messages.


JoAnn Youngblood King, CTA Certified Success Coach, Author, Speaker and Owner of Live Your Potential is a member of Coach Training Alliance, and The International Association of Coaches. She specializes in working with mom entrepreneurs to find the time needed to start their business or take their existing business to the next level. To reach your immediate goals get strategic steps by subscribing to her newsletter to the right. For ways of achieving goals with your faith, JoAnn's new book is released, Live Your Potential and Let Your Faith Lead You to Success available on Amazon.

We Succeed at Everything We ‘Do’

What have you succeeded at doing lately?

We all have different ways of how we define success for ourselves. The dictionary says success is the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors. Many years ago I learned that we all have the potential inside to be as successful as we want to be. That message has become my mantra. I have made it my mission to help others realize this point as well.

Most people are not aware of the wonderful potential they have within to be successful. Recently, I was speaking to a friend of mine about success and she said

"actually, we succeed at everything we do."

I thought that was an interesting idea about success. She was right! I have a goal that I've talked about accomplishing for a whole year. In my mind, I simply have not accomplished it yet.

The more I thought about it, I realized that I had succeeded at talking about and making people aware of my goal. I didn't take any specific action directly related with doing exactly what I intended to do.

The only action I took was talking about it! Wow!

I'm grateful that I am in the company of people who I can have uplifting conversations and positive talks about success with. You can be so easily taken off track while in pursuit of your dreams and goals. Thinking about and talking about your dreams and goals are definitely a first step.

However, to actually achieve them, you must take action. Taking action is the key to your success.

Many years ago, Jazz musician, Herbie Hancock mentioned on a television program,

"...as soon as people latch on to something where people will say hey that's really good, then they want to stay there because that's security, that's acceptance and they feel comfortable...they don't want to move outside of their comfort zone, but the hip stuff is outside of the comfort zone."

The life of your dreams, the "hip stuff" is waiting right outside of your comfort zone.

You can become very comfortable with thinking and talking about your goals. It's time to jump out of your comfort zone and take action to achieve your dreams and goals now!


JoAnn Youngblood King, CTA Certified Success Coach, Author, Speaker and Owner of Live Your Potential is a member of Coach Training Alliance, and The International Association of Coaches. She specializes in working with mom entrepreneurs to find the time needed to start their business or take their existing business to the next level. To reach your immediate goals get strategic steps by subscribing to her newsletter to the right. For ways of achieving goals with your faith, JoAnn's new book is released, Live Your Potential and Let Your Faith Lead You to Success available on Amazon.

Stay Positive

Have you ever felt that it is taking too long to accomplish your goal? Have you said to yourself, "Why didn't I accomplish that goal? If so, It's possible that you may have  sabotaged yourself without knowing it.

My friend and I were talking recently about the benefit of speaking positively. We are both expecting positive outcomes regarding proposals we recently submitted. While we were talking we noticed that for both of us, for some reason, there is a small tug from within to talk about the possible reasons why the outcome would not be in our favor. Why do we feel the need to speak about what we do not want? Or, why does it seem easier to speak that way.

We've all done it. You go on an interview and before a decision is made you think or talk about why you may not get selected;  You speak to an investor about your new product and after you've made your pitch, and before you receive a decision,  you think about what you should or shouldn't have said. Why do we most often entertain what we don't want?

Have you noticed when someone asks "How are you?", the positive responses are usually short and sweet. For example,  "Great!, "I'm well," "Wonderful!," or "I'm fine." However, if the response is not so great, there is usually a reason or a story behind it. Very interesting, isn't it?

My friend and I realized that in order to have the positive outcome we wanted, we needed to constantly think and speak positively and take positive action towards our desired outcome. That's it. Anything else would be moving away from our desired result.

If you feel that your dreams and goals are taking to long or just not happening, please pay close attention to your thoughts,  words and actions and make sure they are positive.

"An attitude of positive expectation is the mark of the superior personality." - Brian Tracy

If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought." - Peace Pilgrim

"Affirm the positive, visualize the positive and expect the positive, and your life will change accordingly." - Remez Sasson

JoAnn Youngblood King, CTA Certified Success Coach, Author, Speaker and Owner of Live Your Potential is a member of Coach Training Alliance, and The International Association of Coaches. She specializes in working with mom entrepreneurs to find the time needed to start their business or take their existing business to the next level. To reach your immediate goals get strategic steps by subscribing to her newsletter to the right. For ways of achieving goals with your faith, JoAnn's new book is released, Live Your Potential and Let Your Faith Lead You to Success available on Amazon

Your Potential to Create

Are you getting closer to your goals? Are you talking about what it is you want? Are you thinking about what your life will be like once your goal is accomplished? Are you taking consistent action towards what it is you want?

You are a creative person; creative in every way. When a person is referred to as creative, it's usually because we see something they have done. However, the creative process is not just about what a person does. It includes what they think and talk about as well. We all create with our thoughts, words and actions!

Think about it, the very chair you're sitting on or computer you're using, were first created in the mind. After that, I'm sure there was some discussion about it. Then it was built. This is the creative process at work.

In order to accomplish your goals and dreams, it's imperative to pay close attention to your thoughts, words and actions. If you have an idea to do something, realize that you will be able to do it if you consistently think about it, talk about it and take the necessary actions to make it become a reality.

While on your success path, make sure you are positive in your creative process. If you want to start a certain type of business and think and talk more about the obstacles in doing so, you will most likely talk yourself out of it.

Always keep in mind that you are a creative person and you have the potential to create the life of your dreams.

“Thoughts do more. Words do much. Actions do much more.” ― Israelmor Ayivor

"The creative process is not controlled by a switch you can simply turn on or off; it's with you all the time." - Alvin Ailey

"Everybody has a creative potential and from the moment you can express this creative potential, can start changing the world. "  - Paulo Coelho

JoAnn Youngblood King, CTA Certified Success Coach, Author, Speaker and Owner of Live Your Potential is a member of Coach Training Alliance, and The International Association of Coaches. She specializes in working with mom entrepreneurs to find the time needed to start their business or take their existing business to the next level. To reach your immediate goals get strategic steps by subscribing to her newsletter to the right. For ways of achieving goals with your faith, JoAnn's new book is released, Live Your Potential and Let Your Faith Lead You to Success available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Now is the time to Dream Big!

How big are the dreams for your life?  You might think that you can only dream for things that you can see yourself attaining.  Well, I've learned that we should dream big no matter what! I recently heard director and screenwriter, Tyler Perry mention that what he learned 10 years ago, from the entertainment legends, was that he needed to dream bigger and dream more.  Well, it would seem that he went on to take action based on what he learned seeing that he is now one of the wealthiest men in Hollywood.

How often do you dream about your future?  Do you dream about being a successful speaker, world renowned chef or wealthy real estate agent?  I know you have big dreams inside of you. I also know that you have the potential inside to make those dreams become a reality.

When you talk about the dreams you have for your future, make sure you state it in a positive manner. For example, be mindful not to say "If I can get through the loads of paperwork, maybe I can get my art store open.” Instead say "My art store will be open soon and it will be a success!"  Once you start talking about your dreams in a positive way, make sure your dreams are big. Visualize having more. Instead of having one art store, see yourself owning several. See yourself going to each of your stores to pick up the weekly revenue to take to the bank. Make sure to do dream visualization exercises every day.

Once you are dreaming big and dreaming more, you must get busy making it happen. In his poem, "A Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes, he questions what happened to a dream that is put off or not acted on.  Are you taking action towards your dreams or have your dreams been deferred?

An important activity you should engage in daily is feeding your mind with positivity while working towards your dreams. You can definitely achieve your dreams! You will achieve what you think and believe you can achieve, so dream big and dream more.
 

“You have the courage and power to live your dreams.” – Les Brown

“Go confidently in the direction of your Dreams. Live the life you've imagined!” – Henry David Thoreau

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

You Are Here to do Something Special

You are here to do something special. Yes, there will always be challenges in life. This is a fact! There are things we can't escape.  We all will get sick at some point, even if it just the common cold.  We all will get older and we all will come to the end of our life.  With that said, you were born for a reason.

You were born with the potential within to create a successful life for yourself and help others to do the same....just as you are.  Have you noticed that there are some public figures that you might be interested in while others are not? We all tend to gravitate toward different teachers, mentors, leaders, philosophies and religions, for different reasons. Similarly, there are people who are seeking value that only you can offer them.

There is a person or a group of people whose lives will be transformed for the better because of you.  You can change someone's life in a powerful way! You are a light for people who are in the dark! You are a shining successful example for those who are lost. You may be a diamond in the rough however, you are still a diamond. Take responsibility for your uniqueness and what you have to offer. No one else can fulfill your unique life calling. 

You have the potential inside for great success! Please don't let your wonderful potential go to waste.  It’s time to realize your potential, make the choice to believe it, be grateful for it, take action by getting the help and support you need to unleash it! 

“Life has given everyone something unique, be smart enough to figure it out and use it properly.” – Charith Podi Keven 

“Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.” – Les Brown

“Never underestimate your ability to make someone else’s life better – even if you never know it.” – Greg Louganis

What’s Stopping You from Your Goal?

How is it going with achieving your goals? If you haven't been able to complete at least one of your goals, what's stopping you?  Why haven't you made that big sale or started to write that book? What is it that's standing in the way of you keeping the commitment you made to yourself?

I believe we all want to be happy and successful. We certainly all have the potential to be.  One thing that stops most of us from living the life of our dreams is the simple notion that we can't. We seem to have many reasons why we can't do something instead of entertaining thoughts that we can. Often times we let obstacles stop us for our goals, even if they are small. There is a quote by Noman Vincent Peale that says “Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven't half the strength you think they have.”

I have so much on my plate, however, my determination to help as many people as I can to succeed, helps me to work through any obstacles that come my way.  So, in my experience, most of the time it’s not about whether we can or cannot do something, its whether we will or will not do it. 

You are definitely capable of achieving the goals you set for yourself. You have to make the decision that you really want to achieve your goals.  If you are determined to accomplish your goals no matter what, you will!  How strong is your determination to succeed?  On the path to your desired level of success, there will be challenges.  However, the strength of your determination will allow you to keep the vision of your success in your mind and help you to keep taking necessary action in order to succeed.

“When your determination changes, everything will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success. On the other hand, if you think, "This is never going to work out," then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight. Then everything really will move in the direction of failure. ” – Daisaku Ikeda

“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford 

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you.  If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up.  Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” – Michael Jordan

“Sometimes, struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were to go through our life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Give every opportunity a chance, leave no room for regrets. ” – Unknown

What is Your Purpose?

I told my son that before he was born I didn't know whether I was having a girl or a boy. If I had a girl I would have named her Nia. The Swahili meaning of the name Nia is purpose. He said "Well, everyone has a purpose!" Out of the mouths of babes! He is so right! While the name Nia may be a nice sounding name, the meaning is not really a unique one.  We all have a purpose!

Being fully aware of your purpose is an important part of unleashing your potential for success.  In order to have the type of success you desire you must know your purpose.  Knowing your purpose helps to keep you motivated and focused on what is important in your life.  Also, when you are aligned with your purpose it’s easier to get through any problems that you may encounter.   Ask yourself, What is my purpose for being where I am?, What is my purpose for doing what I do on a daily basis?, or am I living true to my purpose?

Maybe you want to educate people, help them to succeed, to become healthy or just make people laugh.  Whatever it is, know that there is something special that you are here to do; something only you can do, in only the way that only you can do it.   What gifts are you here to share with the world?

Many of us spend most of our lives working for others to help them fulfill their dreams to be successful.  There is certainly nothing wrong with that.  However, please don't lose sight of your own purpose.  As my 10 year old son said "We all have one!" 

“If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.” – T.D. Jakes

“The secret of success is constancy to purpose.” – Benjamin Disraeli

“If you're alive, there's a purpose for your life.” – Rick Warren

Appreciate Everything!

With so much going on in the world today, there are times when we may forget to take the time to stop and simply appreciate where we are and what we have.

No matter what is going on right now in your part of the world, please appreciate where you are.  Know that where you are is where you need to be in order to learn, grow and succeed!  Appreciate that you have the ability to do whatever it is you want to do. Appreciate all of the accomplishments you have made in your life.   Appreciate that you have the ability to brighten someone's day or ask for help and support when you need it.

As you are working towards your dreams and goals, obstacles will definitely come out of nowhere. If you feel that a problem or obstacle you are facing is stronger than you, think again.  You are really capable of handling so much more than you realize! Sure, there may be some obstacles and problems that can really shake you up; however, you must not let them stop your progress towards success.

Obstacles come along for several reasons: To show you how strong you are; To help you get over your fears; to teach you something new; to test your character and to help you be an example to others. Obstacles are absolutely necessary for your success, so, appreciate your obstacles as well.

When you appreciate everything in your life, there will be more to be appreciative for. 

“Wherever you go, whoever you meet, and whatever you do, give love and appreciation, because that is your true nature. How do you know it is your true nature? You feel so good when you are giving it!” – Rhonda Byrne

“Trade your expectation for appreciation and the world changes instantly.” – Tony Robbins

How to Tap into Your Potential for Success

As you already know, potential is something we all have.  However, potential is something that is dormant.  It’s just sitting there.  You must do something in order for that potential to come alive.  It’s my personal mission to keep you constantly aware of this important and wonderful quality you possess.

You have the potential inside to have the successful life you desire.  The meaning of success is different for everyone. So, what does your successful life look like?  Owning your own dream home? Being able to work less and play more? Or creating a business or product that will help to bring more peace into the world?  If you would like for your life to be bigger and better, know that it is possible!  No matter what your reality is at this moment, please realize that you already have what it takes to turn things around.

In order to make the shift from where you are to where you want to be, all it takes is to be willing to learn something new and different.  You are the driving force to your dreams.  There will always be new information you can learn.  There are plenty of new things to learn.  Take a course or read the latest book on time management. If you find that you are not able to make ends meet financially, take a course about creating the ideal budget. If you always wanted to make your own suit, take a sewing class.  All you have to do is apply yourself.  Learning something new is one sure way of tapping into your inherent potential for success. 

"If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten." – Tony Robbins

"All of the top achievers I know are life-long learners – Looking for new skills, insights, and ideas. If they're not learning, they're not growing... not moving toward excellence." – Denis Waitley

"Untapped potential is the difference between where a person is now and where he or she can be." – Bo Bennet