Tag: goals

What Inspires You? 38 Things Writers Share…

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The Only Limit To Our Realization Of Tomorrow Will Be Our Doubts Of Today. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

Music, passion, travel, the rain some shared. Once a staff member fell seriously ill. Apparently she hid it from most but as it progressed, it became more evident. Word finally reached me in my role as HR. That was when I called to tell her of the concerns raised by her co-workers. It was then that she shared her situation. It was grave… with a crescendo of physical issues, she wouldn’t survive. I immediately jumped into action-mode to assist in the best way that I could.

In reflecting on the question “What Inspires you?” I realized that what inspires me is the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. Helping others inspires gratification. Here I share a brief synopsis from the perspective response of what inspires others.

  1. The random people I meet and the random conversations that take place. It’s incredible what inspiration you can find from genuinely listening to people’s stories.
  2. Lemon drops or just candy in general. Also pieces of jewelry but mostly necklaces. I have this sea glass necklace that’s inspired 2 stories already. If anyone needs inspiration I would suggest going downtown and just walk around and look at stuff.
  3. Music lyrics inspire me. Sometimes a  certain sentence just sticks. Travel and nature and of course experiences .
  4. Daily things around me.
  5. Life
  6. Mythical creatures, music, horror stories/movies, different people I meet and talk with.
  7. Sparking a love of reading in kids and young adults.
  8. Lines of Shakespeare and Emerson. Walking in nature. Autumn and Winter inspire with the scenery and feelings they give me…old things, antique shops, bookstores, leather-bound journals, maps, Fall evenings.
  9. My friends, music, books, scented candles, and history
  10. The inner and outer universe.
  11. I find what if questions to be really useful.
  12. Love and how it compels people like Rose looking for Jack at the bottom of the ship while its sinking. That’s love.
  13. My weird perceptions of human nature and civilization
  14. Pictures, people, and most of all moments in time.
  15. Rain, grey skies, other art and gardens. Sometimes cats, animations or music
  16. Everything. There is beauty and inspiration in all different things in life
  17. Sound. the way you pour water into a glass, sons, the sound of the wind, the rain
  18. Music, love, sadness
  19. Struggle. Finding light in darkness
  20. Stephen King
  21. Current events
  22. Humans and their flaws
  23. Reading. Going to the bookstore.
  24. Button poetry
  25. Audience
  26. Sweet misery
  27. Ice cream and rainy days
  28. I think nature. Happiness inspire me and says do something different for others.
  29. Philosophy and knowledge
  30. Fear of failure
  31. Drawings
  32. Dreams
  33. Logic
  34. Passion
  35. Travelling
  36. Anything creative
  37. Strange occurrences
  38. Challenge

What about you? What inspires you? Do share…we would love to hear!

Cheers!

New Mayor’s Historical Appointment. Success And The Challenges He Had To Overcome…

I was flying out of the Fort Lauderdale International airport to Washington DC for a conference when I heard the familiar voice of Broward County’s newly appointed Mayor VC Holness announcing welcome to visitors. Mayor Holness made history recently when he was unanimously voted to become the first Black Mayor to lead the county. Indeed an achievement.

Success Strategies Research

Personally I extend my own congratulations because years ago when I conducted my research on Success Strategies of Caribbean American Leaders in the United States with Nova Southeastern University, Mayor Holness quite willingly agreed to participate in the phenomenalogical study. At the time he was Commissioner. In the research he shared the strategies he used to become successful as well as the challenges encountered along the way.

Regardless of how we feel about politics, his appointment signifies a goal he went after and achieved.

Mayor Holness continues to strive. To work hard to show those who wish to achieve that it can be done through hard work and dedication.

More of his story as well as those of other industry leaders in healthcare, aviation, education, media and more can be read in the book Success Strategies of Immigrant Leaders In The United States.

Thanks again Mayor VC Holness for your willingness to go beyond the call of duty to share your experience to benefit rising millennial leaders.

Cheers!

24 Inspiring Success Tips For New Entrepreneurs From Reggae Music Matriarch Patricia Chin …

As life evolves, keep up. ~Patricia Chin

I had the pleasure of sitting in on an intimate conversation with Reggae Music’s Matriarch Patricia Chin in an interview with G. Cole, as she celebrated 40 years of founding VP Records. She has promoted and released music for renowned artists the likes of Shaggy, Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Beres Hammond, Taurus Riley, Romain Virgo, Etana, Elephant Man, Morgan Heritage, Lady Saw, Freddie McGregor, Dennis Brown and many more. Taking Reggae music from unknown to where it is today, she shared tips on how entrepreneurs and goal-seekers can achieve Success in today’s fast changing world. Here I share 24 of my personal faves:

24 Inspiring Tips For New Entrepreneurs

  1. As life evolves, keep up. There’s opportunity for everyone.
  2. Think outside the box – do what others aren’t doing
  3. Always think of new ideas
  4. Get into the full circle of business 
  5. Listen to the customer
  6. Collaborate.Create partnerships. Help others
  7. Think of market needs and how can you help meet those needs
  8. Teach as you go along
  9. Sometimes it’s not the right time. Be patient. Wait.
  10. Continuous learning. Unlearn. Relearn. Just learn. Grow
  11. The journey is hard but if you stick with it and have a passion you can make it
  12. Competition is good.
  13. Keep striving and try to do the best you can and you will make it
  14. Do what you must. Learn. If you can’t speak the language find another way to communicate
  15. There’s enough for everyone if we do it right
  16. Let no one stop you. Go after what you want.
  17. Have passion and a goal
  18. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
  19. Surround yourself with positive people

In her line of business Pat Chin summarized that her greatest achievement was watching her artists evolve to stardom and notoriety. In her words “Music never dies. The sweetness is there still”.

From the list above, what works for you? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

A Lesson Will Keep Repeating Itself Until It Is Learned…

A lesson will keep repeating itself until it is learned. Life first will send the lesson to you in the size of a pebble; if you ignore the pebble, then life will send you a brick; if you ignore the brick, life will send you a brick wall; if you ignore the brick wall, life will send you a demolition truck.”- Oprah

The Greatest Mistake You Can Make…

The greatest mistake you can make is to believe that you have to do everything on your own power. Do not assume that asking for help or guidance is to admit defeat. In fact, it is just the opposite. To ask for help or to accept help to accomplish a goal is to also ingrain into your own spirit that you will help others over obstacles or hurdles as well. ~Catherine Pulsifer

11 Epic Christmas Movies…

Just love the holidays! Absolutely love the holidays! The air is different. The spirit of Christmas is evident. Family, laughter, fun, and cheer fills the atmosphere. Lights everywhere brightens the sky ushering the spirit of the season. Not to mention the gifts; the fun; the parties and so much more.

Movies

Though I write and it brings me joy, there’s nothing like a good movie. I’m not talking the hallmark type where we can predict the end. It’s always the ideal ending. I’m talking real entertainment. Fun times with the family. Here I share 11 epic holiday movies.

  1. A Christmas Story
  2. How The Grinch Stole Christmas
  3. Home Alone
  4. The Holiday
  5. Scrooged
  6. A Christmas Carol
  7. This Christmas
  8. Jingle All The Way
  9. Christmas With The Kranks
  10. The Family Stone
  11. Miracle on 34th Street
  12. Die Hard
  13. Elf

Curl up with popcorn, your favorite blanket, dog or your love and enjoy the delight of these unforgettable holiday movies.

From the list, how many have you seen? Any missing? Add your fav.

Cheers!

Get your copy of book GreenLight and start planning for your holiday gift list.

5 Things To Quit Right Now…

Don’t mope. Don’t Give up. Just quit a few things.

We know our bad habits. We all have them. Lifehack shared a few that if we act on, will go a long way to improving our lives and mental capacity.

  1. Trying to please everyone
  2. Fear Change
  3. Live in the past
  4. Putting yourself down
  5. Overthink. Overthink. Overthink. Stop it.

We Reach Our Goals When We Focus

So follow these tips and start your journey to revive, refresh, and renew as you step forward into the new year. Only you… can do it.

Cheers!

What Can Be Awesome About Goals? Finishing! That’s What…

What can be awesome about finishing last? Finishing! ~ODB

The race is not for the swift. Too often we watch others. What are they going to say? How will they feel? They will hate. Discourage…say bad things.

Finish

The story was told by Our Daily Bread about a mom who went to the finish line to check on her daughter who finished the race last. Her goal? To encourage her. She was the one encouraged when the young girl exclaimed… I finished! She was running against her personal best.

This adage reminds us to focus on ourselves, our goals, our own prowess. If we continue to let the notion of “what will they say” impact us, then we will always lag behind. Even remain stuck.

Take a Stand

Today go out and do your best. What have you been holding back on? What do you need to go after? No matter how simple, Go out and do it. Rid the fear. Start now. Start today. With one step at a time, you’re sure to surprise yourself when you focus on you.

Need help? Let’s connect.

Cheers!

If You Haven’t Found It Yet Keep Looking…

If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. ~Steve Jobs

Thought provoking Motivational Quote shared on a Social media platform. A curious patron followed up with the Question:

But isn’t it true that you should know when to go with the wave and when to let it go?

While responding briefly, I decided to reply in more depth here.

It’s True

Yep it’s true. In short, if it’s a goal that you really want, there are many avenues to get there. Sometimes a u-turn is necessary. Sometimes it’s a detour. Other times it’s a revamp. Same goal but different route. Get my drift?

But delving a bit deeper, let’s examine each point.

Sometimes it’s a U-turn

Let’s face it, things happen. I remember when I was writing what was supposed to be my first book which coincidentally turned out to be my fifth. My usual adage is to write about leadership, success, career and personal development. However, this one was different. For the life of me I couldn’t figure out the type of book it was supposed to be. Then one day I decided to make a U-turn. To go back to the beginning. I printed the manuscript, scattered it on the floor, then sat and examined what it was all about. That’s when it became clear that it was simply a book of inspirational short stories, exhortations, and encouraging prayers for difficult journeys. Today, the book GreenLight sits on the shelves of Barnes and Noble, Amazon and elsewhere with reviews of encouragement and blessings gleaned.

Sometimes A Detour

In pursuit of our goals, we encounter obstacles that forces us off course. We are forced into a detour. Most often we get angry, sad or depressed. This happens most often when we’re traveling.

For me it was my career. I started working in the financial industry. After 6 years I lost my grandmother… the bedrock of my family. It took me on a world wind spin. I traveled to numb the pain. After a year, I decided to head back to banking. At the time it was seen as a ‘prestigious job’ and the only thing I knew. Suffice it to say I was steered to what I considered a small organization which I thought was quite a bore. With no challenge evident, an opportunity arose within less than a week and I went back to work in the bank. Days later, I was approached about an opportunity that existed. Turned out to be the same job. I rolled my eyes…not interested. A few weeks later one of my close friends shared with me about an opportunity outside of banking. I wasn’t interested but decided to humor her and go. Guess what? It was the same job! Detour after detour routed me back to what I now know was the  ideal job I was looking for… but because it was sealed in a different package, I resisted. Also, what I perceived as a small organization was a subsidiary of the #2 International Pharmaceutical company worldwide. I led their human resource division in that region for over 14 years. Oh what a detour!

Sometimes A Revamp

I love the movie “Under The Tuscan Sun”. In it the main character lost her life of success as she knew it. Her friend gave her a ticket to getaway for a while. She eventually accepted… and on a whim, bought a house in Italy, which a year later, turned out to be a life change…a total revamp from what she was accustomed to. She became an entrepreneur stepping out into the unknown and it worked out for her. Same goal but different space.

So yes, sometimes we have the same goal, but when things happen we may be forced to make a U-turn, detour, or a total revamp. Same goal but a different route. If it hasn’t happened for you yet…keep looking, or if needed let’s connect.

What about you? In pursuit of your goals have you ever had to make a change that took you on a different path? Do share, we would love to hear.

Cheers!

 

 

To Gig Or Not To Gig….

Fabrik Brands

You spend most of your day doing exactly what you wanna do when you wanna do it.

Alana has a craving that she wants to fill real time but she can’t leave the house. She gets on her Uber Eats App, orders ice-cream. 20 Minutes later a delivery person shows up with a bag that she’s able to indulge and satisfy her craving.

Going to the airport and can’t be bothered with the parking headache? Enter Uber. You call a cab on your App and within minutes a driver shows up. You get to the airport and what’s more you do the reverse on your return.

A full-time employee messes up, they’re fired at will and an immediate skilled replacement is contracted until the employer chooses to fill the position long term. Alas often it seems workers in the Gig economy are ‘hired‘ to work on demand for a revolving period, then exchanged for a replacement for yet another short term. The perceived benefit —no payment of fixed benefits costs.

Gig Economy Defined

In a Gig economy, temporary, flexible jobs are commonplace and companies tend toward hiring independent contractors and freelancers instead of full-time employees. ~Investopedia.

We could go on and on. Convenience is the order of the day. We want it done and right away. In our microwave society everything is almost immediate.   If that need is not met, we scream in complaint, throw a fit, become enraged, cancel orders and more.

Autonomy

A young millennial smiled in response to a news-reporter’s question. She spends most of her day doing what she wants… when she wants. She commutes around town charging scooters. This is a common comment from this generation. Autonomy is the order of the day. Gone are the days when they leave school and get a life-time job. They want autonomy. They want to work when they want to work because they enjoy tremendous flexibility, independence and rid themselves of monotony.

Susan Milligan in a Society for Human Resource(SHRM) article asserts that there are two types of gig workers. Those who have no desire to work full-time and those who are in the midst of a job search for full-time opportunities but will work to get an influx of cash while they search. I dare say there are still those who work full-time but need to increase their income to save for a specific goal, as an Uber cab driver shared with me in New Orleans. Her daughter needed to travel for a school event so she was driving at nights to give her the opportunity to attend.

As this phenomenon becomes more widespread, the downsides of a lack of sustained income, benefits, responsibility for their own taxes sometimes attracts stress. But it seems the supplemental income drives the benefits for temporary or long term gain. The ideal getaway can be had by doing some gigs on the side or on a sustained basis. No need to be turned down due to scheduling issues. They go when they want and where they want.

The Change. The Times.

Signs of the times. Caution to employers or older generations who want to hold on to tradition. A career that lasts a lifetime – work for years with the same company then move on when retired or sadly these days, are replaced by the rapid changes in technology and innovation.

As I have always cautioned, to stand still is to be left behind. Embrace the changes, do what you must and survive the long haul. Thoughts? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!