A better destination

Thursday September 3, 2009 #152

“You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight.”

 ~Jim Rohn

It is time to make a change from a bad habit or from moving in a direction that is clearly not producing the result you need.  You haven’t made the change yet because the habit is hard to break and/or you’ve invested so much in the direction you’ve been heading that you can’t imagine how you can move to a different path now.  But today you will realize that the only thing you have to change is your direction.  That can be done instantly.  Now.  You’re now on the way to a new and better destination.

Your Second Wind

Thursday July 9, 2009 #136

“Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second.”

~William James

You’ve been working so hard to achieve that goal.  A goal that is worthwhile, with great meaning for you and those important to you.  But you’re exhausted.  Things are looking bleak.  You can’t see how you can possibly continue.  You’re ready to give up.  DON’T.  You’re almost there – keep pressing on and you will find your second wind.

Listening to the Voices

Tuesday July 7, 2009 #135

“If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint”, then by all means paint & that voice will be silenced”

~Vincent van Gogh

What is that ‘impossible’ dream you have for yourself?  Running a marathon?  Playing an instrument well?  Getting a professional degree?  Learning to scuba dive, snowboard, hang glide, pilot a plane?  It is likely you are not living your dream because of that voice in your head that says you can’t do it – for whatever reason.  The only way to shut off that voice, and live your dream is to go do it.  You have the power to act.  Do it!

Believing in the Dream

Thursday July 2, 2009 #134

“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.”

 ~Anatole France

Taking action each day, no matter how small, toward our goals is critical to achievement.  Inspiration for action comes from believing in a dream or a vision of something that excites or energizes us.  What is your dream?  Believe in it, and act.

Explore. Dream. Discover.

Tuesday May 19, 2009 #121

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.  So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sail.  Explore.  Dream.  Discover.”

~Mark Twain

I know you’ve read similar advice before.  You “get it” intellectually.  You know you should break out of your routines, try new foods, meet new people, take risks, have an “adventure”.  But you haven’t been able to connect your intention to action.  Enough!  Think of one small thing you can do that will be evidence to yourself that you can, indeed, explore, dream, and discover.  Do it.  Now.  It’s the start of a new day, and a new you.

Tips for Taking Action

Tuesday March 17, 2009 #104

“How am I going to live today in order to create the tomorrow I’m committed to?”

~Anthony Robbins

JAMmer LK shares these simple but effective tips for how to get started on taking action:

Making a meeting time with oneself to address the things that ’should’ get done but do not seem to even get started is a helpful way to take action. Another tip is to divide each task into bite size segments help to accomplish step by step instead of putting the whole thing off.  …now on to a few of the next things on my list. . . .

Give these tips a try and get moving on the path to your best tomorrow!

What is your dream?

Tuesday March 10, 2009 #102

“A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.”

~John Lennon

You have a dream.  It may be small; a way to make a small improvement at work, a better way to approach a project.  It may be big; climbing a mountain, meeting your hero.  Or something in between.

Whatever it is, stop dreaming alone.  Share your dream with others. The simple act of articulating your dream starts you on the path to reality.

What is your dream?

Serving with Love

Thursday February 5, 2009 #93

“I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint – and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.” 

~Oprah Winfrey

Zig Zigler also reminds us that it will do us no good to climb the ladder of success, only to find the ladder was leaning against the wrong wall!  The messages from Oprah and Zig are the same:  Ensure what you are striving for is connected to what you love.  Take time to discover what you truly love so that your goals and subsequent actions tie to your passions.  Without love and passion, our victories are empty no matter how impressive the effort.  When our actions are in alignment with what we love, and combined with service, the universe tends to help us along our path.

Keep Moving. Take Action!

Tuesday February 3, 2009 #92

“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes but they don’t quit.”

~Conrad Hilton

Regular JAMmers know that “taking action” is a recurring theme for my messages.  Why?  Truly, of all the potential success factors, almost nothing else matters.  Education, intention, skills, leadership, courage, … they all make a difference.  But without action, nothing happens.

Today’s action plan:  Think of the most challenging goal or project in front of you.  List as many small actions you could take today to move you forward on that goal or project.  Pick one and DO IT!

Success advice from Jewel

Thursday January 15, 2009 #88

“No longer lend your strength to that which you wish to be free from.” 

 ~ Jewel. From the song: “Life Uncommon”

Frequent contributor MD shares today’s quote from singer, songwriter and sometimes poet, Jewel.  The quote speaks well to us as we seek to improve ourselves by giving up certain habits and behaviors that do not contribute to our success path.  The habits that are the most difficult to end are those we are emotionally attached to – negatively attached, but attached nonetheless.  We spend too much time thinking about the habit we want to stop, rather than focusing on a replacement behavior.  

Today’s action plan:  Pick a replacement behavior for that habit you want to break.  Focus on that new behavior.  Imagine yourself experiencing fully the benefits of that new behavior.  Then, do it!  Again and again.  Only be repeatedly acting in the new way, will it become your new habit.