Ann, a historian and extreme planner, had an adventurous time touring Greece with her husband. During the trip, she shared photos of places she had learned in her undergraduate program. As they began their return trip, civil unrest occurred blocking all flights to leave Turkey, cruise and all. Quick decision, they decided to get out of the country whichever way they could. Both landed in Paris, only to be separated to get back home to the USA. Separation was a non-issue. Their goal was to return safely to their two kids waiting back home.
Times of Crises
There are times of crises as in Ann’s case. But most often we do have opportunities to plan ahead. Financiers will preach that we should plan for times of crises too.
Why is it important to set goals? Because if you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there. Where you will end up, who knows? That’s when you will just have to go with the flow.
Goalsetting is the process of identifying desired outcomes and creating a plan of action to achieve them, providing a sense of direction, motivation and focus
So why do we need to set goals? Because setting goals is the process of identifying desired outcomes and creating a plan of action to achieve them, providing a sense of direction, motivation and focus.
That’s the reason it a pleasure to facilitate the writing process with authors. The event was held at the Broward County’s West Regional Library in Plantation, Florida. This session focused on Writers Goal Setting for 2026 books through the Writers Group of South Florida.
If you are an aspiring author, or are ready to take your leadership to the next level and need a copy of the Goal-Setting guide, connect to get yours today. Leadership Assessment also available.
Not an author but ready to take your leadership to the next level through setting your 2026 goals, let’s chat. Referrals are warmly welcomed.
Life’s too short to learn from your own mistakes. Learn from others.
Every entrepreneur faces moments of doubt, exhaustion, and uncertainty. First-time founders, side hustlers, and small business owners constantly navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Whether they are launching their first startup, grinding through a side hustle, or scaling past a plateau; mindset shifts and motivation is needed to keep pushing forward.
Here are the top 5 Challenges Entrepreneurs face. As you review these characteristics, which can you identify with the most?
1.The First-Time Founder (0-2 years in business)
Characteristic: Everything is new, scary, and overwhelming. They’re discovering that entrepreneurship is 10 times harder than they imagined. Every setback feels like potential failure.
What they’re dealing with:
Imposter syndrome at peak levels
No roadmap or proven process to follow
Financial stress and uncertainty
Isolation (left their corporate network behind)
Constant self-doubt about their decisions
How to Stay Motivated:“You’re not alone in feeling this way.” Know that “It gets easier as you learn”
2.The Side Hustler (Building while Employed)
Characteristic: They’re living a double life. They are exhausted, stretched thin, and constantly questioning if they should quit their job or give up the dream.
What they’re dealing with:
Working 60-80 hour weeks between job + business
Guilt about time away from family
Progress feels painfully slow
Watching others succeed faster
Energy depletion and burnout risk
How to Stay Motivated: “Your pace is valid” + “Every hour invested compounds”
3.The Struggling Scaler (Stuck at a revenue plateau)
Characteristic: They’ve proven the concept works, but can’t break through to the next level. The excitement has worn off, replaced by grinding frustration.
What they’re dealing with:
Revenue flatlined for 6-12+ months
Doing everything themselves (can’t afford to hire)
Comparing themselves to “overnight successes”
Questioning their business model
Burnout from working IN the business vs ON it
How to Stay Motivated: “Plateaus are part of growth” + “Breakthrough is closer than you think”
4.The Solopreneur (No co-founder, no team)
Characteristic: They make every decision alone, celebrate wins alone, and face failures alone. The loneliness is crushing.
What they’re dealing with:
Decision fatigue (no one to bounce ideas off)
Wearing every hat (CEO, marketer, accountant, customer service)
No one to catch them if they fall
Feeling like giving up but having no one to hold them accountable
Craving validation that they’re on the right track
How to stay Motivated: “Your independence is strength” + “Solitude doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong”
Characteristic: They’re carrying baggage from past failures. Every challenge triggers memories of “what happened last time.” They need courage to keep going despite the scars.
What they’re dealing with:
Fear of repeating past mistakes
Judgment from people who saw them fail
Financial pressure (often starting with less capital)
Self-trust issues (“Can I actually do this?”)
Imposter syndrome amplified by previous failure
How to Stay Motivated: “Failure was data, not destiny” + “Most successful entrepreneurs failed first”
Honorable Mentions:
The Mid-Life Career Changer: Left stability for uncertainty, facing age discrimination and “what have I done?” panic
The Minority/Underrepresented Entrepreneur: Fighting systemic barriers while building, needing validation in spaces that don’t always welcome them
The Post-Pivot Founder: Had to abandon their original idea and start over, grieving the old vision while building the new one
Which did you identify with most? Deeply reflect and if you need help, let’s connect.
Otherwise, gift a copy of 101+ Empowering Quotes to the entrepreneur in your life. It’s available in eBook, paperback, and hardcover formats, all under $20. It’s the thoughtful gift that fits in a stocking and inspires all year long.
What makes this gift special? It’s genuinely useful. Unlike generic presents that collect dust, this book becomes a go-to resource on tough days. The portable size fits perfectly in stockings, bags, and on desks. And at under $20, you can afford to gift it to your entire network of entrepreneurs, coworkers, or team members.
Give the gift of daily inspiration. Give them the reminder that they’re not alone in this journey.
Start by doing what’s necessary l; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you’re doing the impossible. ~St. Francis of Assisi
Starting something new takes courage. Whether it’s launching a business, chasing a career dream, or stepping into the unknown, the journey can feel exciting—but also overwhelming. Fear, doubt, and challenges often show up uninvited, tempting us to give up before we’ve even begun.
This isn’t just another quote collection. It’s a daily dose of encouragement designed to remind you that setbacks are temporary, obstacles are stepping stones, and success is possible when you keep moving forward.
Why This Book Matters
Every entrepreneur and dreamer knows the reality: there will be days when you question yourself. This book is here for those exact moments—when you need that spark to reignite your drive.
Inside, you’ll discover: ✨ Quotes that challenge fear and fuel confidence ✨ Encouragement to push through hard days and keep showing up ✨ Wisdom from timeless voices that inspire resilience and growth
Whether you’re building a business, pursuing a new career path, or simply in need of a reminder to keep going, these words of encouragement will meet you where you are.
Here’s how you can support and spread empowerment:
Order your copy today and be among the first to receive it.
Leave a review once you’ve read it—your feedback encourages others to join the journey.
Gift a copy (or two!) to the entrepreneurs, creators, and go-getters in your life who could use a reminder that giving up is never an option.
Final Thoughts
Dreams are built one step at a time. Challenges are part of the process. And sometimes, all you need is the right word at the right time to keep moving forward.
This book is that reminder.
Don’t wait—101+ Empowering Quotes for New Entrepreneurs now. Join me in fueling a movement of empowered entrepreneurs who choose courage over fear and persistence over giving up.
I love to write! It’s a passion that began during my primary education years. I reflect on those early years. Back then, my uncle (an educator and school principal), would gift me with a book on birthdays and Christmas holidays. This was his custom instead of the usual and more preferential ‘toys’. Though disappointed then, I would dive into the books reading for hours.
As life progressed and blogging became a thing, I created my first blog A Moment With Shells in 2010. Later, on completion on my postgraduate education, I formalized this blog titled Successful Leaders to share my passion. It focused on empowering developing leaders through personal growth, leadership development, and success strategies.
That was a over a decade ago. Funny how time flies when you’re having fun!
Here’s an overview of my efforts to create articles, writings, or gleanings. The idea was to uplift, encourage subscribers and visitors under the headings listed.
Goal Setting & Achievement
The blog emphasizes the importance of setting clear, actionable goals. It encourages readers to commit to their objectives, keep them visible, and seek accountability to stay on track. Inspirational quotes from figures like Jim Rohn and Tony Robbins are used to motivate readers to design their own life plans and persist in their pursuits.
Discovering Purpose & Passion
Articles guide readers in uncovering their life purpose by reflecting on personal experiences, childhood interests, and unique talents. Techniques such as visualization, journaling, and seeking feedback from friends are recommended to help individuals find fulfillment and direction.
Stress Management & Work Life Balance
The website offers strategies for managing stress and achieving a healthy work-life balance. It highlights the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, seeking professional support, and engaging in activities that promote mental well-being.
Embracing Change & Personal Growth
Recognizing when it’s time for change is a recurring theme. Writings discuss signs that indicate the need for a new direction and encourages readers to take proactive steps toward personal development. It also emphasizes the courage required to make significant life changes.
Writing, Publishing & Legacy Building
For aspiring authors, the site provides insights into the publishing process, including self-publishing and audiobook production. It also encourages writers to reflect on their life experiences and consider the legacy they wish to leave through their work.
Overall, Successful Leaders serves as a resource for individuals seeking inspiration and practical advice on personal development, leadership, career change and achieving success in various aspects of life.
Subscribe Now! Get on Board
Subscribe to keep updated on upcoming new and exciting developments. Have you been a follower? If so, how long and how have you benefited? Do share, we would love to hear!
Goals are the links in the chain that connect activity to accomplishment. —Zig Ziglar
Another year filled with regret at not achieving the goals Sabrina had set. Throughout her career she had helped others achieve their goals, yet it was at the expense of achieving her own personal goals. Something has to give.
If you are like Sabrina, here are some practical steps to help you achieve your goals:
1.Break Down Large Goals
Divide big goals into smaller, manageable sub-goals
Create a step-by-step action plan
Make each milestone specific and measurable
Set realistic timelines for each sub-goal
2.Develop a Concrete Action Plan
Write down your goals in detail
Specify exactly what you want to achieve
Include specific deadlines
Identify potential obstacles in advance
Create strategies to overcome these obstacles
3.Prioritize and Track Progress
Use tools like:
Goal tracking apps
Physical planners
Digital spreadsheets
Regularly review and assess your progress
Adjust your plan if needed
Celebrate small victories along the way
4. Build Accountability
Share your goals with trusted friends/family
Find an accountability partner
Join support groups related to your goals
Consider working with a coach or mentor
5. Develop Consistent Habits
Create daily/weekly routines supporting your goals
Empowering Women’s Ascent. A great event for sisters, friends or colleagues to boost your self esteem, increase your knowledge, set goals, become assertive, practice self-care and more. The Writers Group of South Florida’s upcoming Women’s Empowerment event promises to be inspiring and an event not to be missed. It will be held at the West Regional Library Broward Boulevard, Plantation, Florida on Saturday, September 28.
Attendees will be inspired by thought provoking topics including:
Women in Leadership: Empowering Women to rise into leadership roles to reach their full potential
Learn the Challenges women face and the strategies to overcome
Breakthrough: Transitioning from Burnout to Balance helping driven women and busy moms transform their thinking and redefine balance in their lives
Achieving Financial Independence: Enabling women to gain control of their financial futures and becoming financially secure.
The event will be cemented by an exciting Panel Discussion with Founder, VP Records and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Patricia Chin (Miss Pat).
Other guest speakers include Dr. Susan Davis, Attorney Asiah Wolfolk Manning, The Sisters and yours truly, Dr. Shelly.
This empowerment event promises to be great. In South Florida? Plan to attend and if you’re not, we will revert with all the Deets post event.
Wisdom deepens with age, and at 50, it’s a treasure.
Here are 50 things I have learnt as I traversed a life dedicated to learning, community and personal growth of myself and others. The excess have been included as a gift for those who are more curious and may choose to adopt a nugget or two as you transition at ages 30, 40, 60 or above.
May you be inspired to achieve.
Let no one define what success means to you. Define it for yourself.
Some people are beautiful. Others are just searching. They Maybe sad or even lonely. Don’t hold it against them.
When you’re at the top, stay true to who you are. You’ll see the same people on your way down.
Be cordial. It contributes to your success.
Smile often. It attracts.
Read. It’s an action.
Pray about everything.
Give thanks in all things.
Say thank you.
Stay curious. Ask Questions.
Find a mantra – a quote that drives you to achieve.
Believe that all things are possible because they are.
Get a dog.
Don’t understand something? Ask. You may help someone in the same situation as yourself.
Show up.
Get involved in your community.
Roll up your sleeves and work.
Go to the beach. Be mesmerized by the waves, the sea and its natural beauty.
Look up. Get inspired.
Dream it. Then work it. You’ll achieve it.
Embrace love. It’s beautiful.
Fight for what you want.
Don’t give up too easily.
Be smart. Know when it’s time to let go.
Move on when the time is right.
Try something new.
Get away often. Stress dissipates.
Travel the world.
Try a staycation.
Bask in beautiful memories.
Celebrate other’s success.
Mourn with those who mourn.
Appreciate depth.
Be yourself… always.
You’re never too old to try something new.
Take care of yourself.
Listen to your body. It speaks.
Save for a rainy day.
Age teaches wisdom but it also brings sighs when you watch others making the mistakes you did because they won’t listen. But remember everyone has to grow on their own path. Don’t be sad, they will learn and make their own U-turn.
Pray with others.
Listen to that still small voice.
Don’t let life pass you by. Stop and smell the roses.
Stay engaged. Learn.
Relax. Watch a movie.
Smell the rain. Embrace the sunshine.
Plan a trip with extended family.
Be there for someone who needs you.
Dress up for no reason.
Have dinner by yourself. Experience you.
Surprise a friend.
It’s time. Don’t put it off anymore.
Go for a walk. Ease stress.
Call a parent, grandparent or someone elderly.
Volunteer to help a neighbor.
Go on a solo retreat at least once in your lifetime. You’ll find out a lot about yourself.
Keep your eye on that goal.
Get an accountability partner or a coach if you need help.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Journal your thoughts. It’s great to look back and reflect on how far you have come. Besides, it helps build mental strength.
Keep your mouth shut. Share only what needs to be said.
You can count on me. Can others count on you?
Take accountability for your actions.
Stay focused on your future but don’t become so obsessed that you miss the journey.
Life is what you make it. Make it great.
You win some. You lose some. That’s life. Move on.
We all become fearful at one point or other. So when this Question was asked in a public forum: “What is your biggest fear?” I was in intrigued and quickly scanned the conversation. Here I share excerpts gleaned as the public chimed in.
Not being enough
Unhappiness
Financial stability
Being alone
Gaining weight
Losing myself
Marriage breaking up
My writing failing
Being list at my career
The vast ocean
Can’t help family financially
Not living up to expectations
Losing my dream
Fear of disappointing everyone
Failing exams
Abandonment
Adulthood
Being left alone
Taken for granted
Choosing the wrong career path
Not knowing how to make new friends
Fear is real. Sometimes it puts a limit on us. Like I have always said, don’t let fear stop you from achieving your goals and dreams. Do it afraid if you have to. Don’t let fear stop.
What are you afraid if? Share. We would love to hear.
We’ve all been there. Work we must, yet doing so with difficult people makes it harder. Here’s an Harvard Business Review (HBR) perspective that can help to make it easier in 3 ways:
Leading When The Going Gets Tough
•Reflect on the cause of tension and how you are responding to it
•Work harder to understand the other person’s perspective
•Become a problem solver rather than a critic or competitor.
The 12 warning signs you might need a coach a stellar Rachel Turner share. A list you would be mad to miss:
You feel stuck. You feel stuck in your personal or professional life, unable to move forward.
Lack of clarity. You’re unsure about your goals or next steps in life.
Recurring negative patterns. You notice repeating negative patterns in your behavior or relationships.
Balance issues. You’re struggling to balance work, life, and personal commitments.
Decision paralysis. Making decisions feels overwhelming or impossible.
Low confidence. You often doubt yourself and your abilities.
Communication challenges. You find it difficult to communicate effectively in personal or professional settings.
Leadership struggles. You’re in a leadership role but feel out of your depth.
Chronic stress. Managing stress has become increasingly challenging.
Transitioning phases. You’re going through a significant life or career transition.
Seeking growth. You’re eager for personal or professional growth but don’t know where to start.
Lack of accountability. You find it hard to hold yourself accountable.
Here’s what a coach can do:
✨ Provide clarity in your chaos. ✨ Offer unbiased feedback. ✨ Help you identify and break negative patterns. ✨ Guide you through life’s transitions. ✨ Boost your decision-making skills. ✨ Elevate your leadership abilities.
Because sometimes, the only thing standing between you and your goals is you.
I chose me and I felt guilty. Hmm, has that ever happened to you? I chose the best option for me given the situation, yet I felt so guilty. I’m a giver. Everybody knows that. I give of my time and energy to others, most often sacrificially. I had two obligations simultaneously while making funeral plans for a close relative. Balancing all three events was hard. Funeral arrangements take you on an emotional roller coaster. Just imagine the ride.
After much thought and careful consideration, I chose the conference that would contribute to my own personal growth and development. It solidified by decision to try new things. Yet I felt guilty about the one I omitted which would have benefited others and not me.
Has that ever happened to you? The art of self-care is important. It forges balance and one that’s definitely needed especially during busy times. Here are 9 ways to help you take care of you combined with these those listed:
Stand up for yourself
Don’t respond to a call/email (that will stress you) until you’re ready
Not perfect but still doing it. Dr. Charles Stanley said it.
Pastor Steven furtick said it about being in his youth and starting a new church with his wife.
Reggae Music Miss Pat Chin said it too. She said when she started entrepreneurship she didn’t know what she was doing. Young. Niaive but she tried big things not realizing they were too big for a new entrepreneur.
Guess what? It worked! Because she didn’t know. She tried, did it and yep success!
Dr Suess’s idea was different. Novel. Untried by others so his manuscript was rejected by many publishers. Then he met a friend who had just received a promotion to of all things… a publisher! The right place. The right time. The dots connected. Today Dr Seuss is a household name worldwide.
So don’t be afraid to try new crazy things! Things untried by others …because … it just might work.
