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

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

Goal Setting Activities, Part 3

Are you aware of and grateful for all the gifts you were given? As human beings, we all have the gift of using our imagination. Being able to explore our imagination is another very simple, action step you can take toward accomplishing your goals and dreams.   

 
There are many things in history that were only imagined and have now become a reality. You can simply talk on the phone while walking down the street or have a face to face meeting with someone in another part of the world, right from the comfort of your home.  Many years ago people would often say in response to someone stating a goal or a dream, "You have as much chance to do that as people have to walk on the moon." At that time, it was unheard of that someone would actually be able to walk on the moon. Who knows what kind of amazing ideas were stopped after hearing a comment like that.

When I was younger, I just thought of my imagination as something that was not here now, and that's it. I remember hearing comments like: "Oh, that's only in your imagination" or "that's some imagination you have there!" To me, my imagination was a silly, unrealistic thought. I definitely didn't get the message that what I imagined should be pursued or better yet, could be achieved. I’m so grateful that I now know different.

Please take time to explore your imagination!  Take some time to write about the type of life you imagine for yourself.  Just give some thought to how you can start making some of what you wrote down a reality.  Imagine the type of day or week you could have; how much money you will make or how your dream home will look.  Remember, what you imagine is possible!  So, with that said, imagine a successful life and go for it!
 
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination." - Albert Einstein

Goal Setting Activities, Part 2

Do you get the support you need?  Most entrepreneurs and success-oriented people have a tendency to do everything themselves.  As a result, we don't know how to ask for support when we need or want it.  In order to be successful, you must be willing to ask for help and support.

You’ll never really know what a person is willing or capable of doing until you ask.  Nothing is too big or too small to ask for if you need it.  Once you have started speaking positively about being able to accomplish your goals, the next action step to take is to get the positive support you need! The more you communicate what your goals and plans are, the more likely you'll achieve them.

Are you around people who really understand what it is you're trying to do with your life? Please realize that it's absolutely necessary to be in the company of people who will support you with your dreams and goals. I'm sure there are times when you may want to share your dreams, goals and ideas with your friends and family. However, they may not have a clear idea of everything you're trying to accomplish and how important it is to you.  At those times, you can benefit from a success coach.  A success coach can help you to close the gap between where you are and where you want to be regarding your life goals.

I've learn that the people in our lives have a tendency to reflect back to us what is already in our thoughts. If you are determined and passionate about having the life you desire, you will attract positive people who are supportive and interested in seeing you succeed.  Similarly, If you have a little doubt or fear about something you may want to pursue, you will find someone to confirm those feelings as well. 

Make sure to get the positive support you need!  Think about someone who you identify as having a positive influence in your life whether you know them personally or not. If you know them already, take some time to speak with them to discuss your goals. If you don't know them personally, get all the information you can to find out how you can arrange a meeting with them.  Remember, you have the potential to attract the positive help and support you need to succeed!