Personalgrowth – Success Strategies

Going Solo. Here’s The Thing About Contactlessness

Contactless – Not involving contact. Not requiring touching or interaction between people

Hungry? Order a meal. It’s not a problem, Uber delivers. Need a last minute birthday gift? An outfit to go on the town with your boo? These sure ain’t no problem these days. Amazon delivers, and if you have prime.., that’s even better. You get it in a day!

Smartphone, e-maps, e-mail on the go. Hit the pause button during a movie are things that our little ones can’t fathom living without.

Don’t call me. Text. WhatsApp. Not to mention the gazillion channels on our big screen TVs, yet we still can’t find the right one to watch. Netflix anyone?

Religious? Going to church? Overrated. That’s a thing of the past. Thanks to the pandemic, We meet online. Those old folk shut-ins ain’t got nothing on us.

These days it seems if you drink you can still drive. All you need to do is program your smart car to take you home – driverless… or so you think. I fathom you’re on your own if the cops catch you. And we could go on and on.

Our High Tech World

What has our society come to? Even the Bible has been translated into so many versions that I can hardly recognize John 3:16 anymore. Some versions have totally missed the meaning. But then again who reads the Bible anymore? After all, we are able to listen to all those famous preachers on demand. Who needs to read when we can listen to what they want to share with us. Let them preachers read it and tell us.

Sigh…

We have it all wrong. Our lives need the stillness and quietness that only comes from reading the word and listen to the still small voice. Only then we will be able to hear what’s said to those hurting and in pain. Only then will we be able to perceive what and how the good lord wants us to lead others to him for the peace that only he provides. Only then will we be able to comfort those who mourn. Only then will we be able to rejoice with those who shout with joy unspeakable when their blessings come through.

Going Solo

Our contactless society invites opportunities for :

Solo Sadness
Solo Mourning
Solo Fears

Going solo means no one has to know. But as often said, what’s done in quiet comes to light when those who are sad find themselves overwhelmed. The effects are the sad fruit of suicidal thoughts which become evident. And… before we jump to say that couldn’t happen to me… reflect on the signs of the rich and famous. Those who suffer in silence unable to face it anymore. Travel enthusiast Anthony Bourdain; Comedian Robin Williams; Miss USA Cheslie Kryst are just a few. We join with their loved ones as they still mourn.

Tis sad indeed. Our contactless society feeds aloneness, even in a crowd.

Let’s together do what we can in our small corner to connect with those behind closed doors. And if they won’t answer… that’s when you counter with direct help. Mental illness is a big thing that we can no longer sweep under the carpet and play hush-hush. Contact those trained to help.

Things To Do

Things we can do are:

Shut up and listen.
Pay attention. There is always a sign(s)
Check in on friends who go quiet or missing
Invade their privacy … but do it wisely, quietly and with caution
Be real. A genuine spirit can be felt just like the hypocritical ones
Don’t be afraid to ask “Are you okay?” It sounds simple but it’s the thing to do
Pray. It works. Ask for wisdom, guidance and that spirit of discernment

Here’s hoping this reflection motivates and inspires you to reach out to a friend or loved one today.

How are you coping in our contactless world? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Is It Enough To Be First?

Sometimes we need a little clarification about what’s important these days. I pounced upon Denzel’s caution given to a reporter. It intrigued many so I thought I’d share. Read or listen. It’s her to choose.

If you don’t read the paper you are uninformed. If you do read the paper, you are misinformed. So what do you do? What is the long term effect of too much information? One of the effects is the need to be first, not even to be true anymore. So what responsibility do you have? To tell the truth. Not just to be first. We live in a society now where its just first. Who cares? Get it out there. We don’t care who it hurts. We don’t care who we destroy. Just say it. Sell it. Anything you practice, you’ll get good at…including b.s. ~Denzel Washington

Womens History Month Book Event…

Women’s History Month Celebration at the island Space Museum. Guest Speaker Dr. Solanges Vivens CAribbean American Heritage Award (CARAH) Winner for Outstanding Entrepreneurship will be featured.

As fellow Author and CARAH Partner, It’s my delight to moderate the event. Dr Viven’s book Girls Can Move Mountain, will be featured.

In the area? Plan to attend.

The Writing Process…

Success Strategies

Writing is usually done in a private space… as in a cave all by ourselves. We tell no one unless we choose to share with those close. Oft it can even be top secret or shouted from the mountain top as happens when some celebrities write. It’s entirely up to you.

It’s Your Prerogative

Writers commit a month, a year, 2, 3 or more to their Writing process. It’s your prerogative. It all depends on you. No need to attend a retreat, until or unless you’re ready and you can always remain silent in the background listening to others speak. At a writers Retreat, some talk. Some don’t.

Spend time doing what you want to do before, during and after the retreat.

Why Bother?

People approach me to share my knowledge and (writing) experience with them. That’s the whole point of doing a Retreat. Facilitators or Hosts often incur…

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Pre-Planning Your Mistakes? 13 Ways To Get Out Of Your Head…

Success Strategies

13 Ways To Get Out Of Your Head

You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take. ~Wayne Gretzky
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I heard a TV host who was showing a young lady how to use a piece of equipment which she was actively trying to learn. She went into a what if scenario to which he retorted with the question… “are you pre-planning your mistakes?” She laughed.

It reminded me of how we often act. We think of everything that could go wrong instead of thinking of the things that could go right. What if I go after the entrepreneurship venture and fail? What if I apply to the job and they turn me down? What if I invest in the relationship and it doesn’t work out? What if scenarios play over and over in our head. It gets us nowhere. Get out of your head and take…

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What Advice Would You Give To Someone Who Sees The Work They Do As Part Of Who They Are?

GREENLiGHT

Interview on career and our identity gave rise to questions from interested listeners. Here I share my take on this interesting topic.

A career is an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person’s life and with opportunities for progress. For example, a child who goes into the family lineage of what they do…lawyer becomes lawyer, doctor becomes doctor, business owner hands down business to the child/children.

A vocation is a divine call to the religious life. Or a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation. For example, a physician who feels led to heal.

Advice

What advice would you give to someone who see themselves as having a vocation so that the work they do is part of who they are?

Sometimes a vocation and a career can be intertwined. Diving deeper, a careerist can remain in the same career for many years but enjoy…

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And Along Came Success…

Success Strategies

I pounced upon the study of Success by accident. I did so through pondering why some people succeed while others don’t. Then I took it a step further and delved deeper selecting it for my dissertation research on Successful leaders. My aim was to share it with those who seem to be living without hope.

That said, success is no Oversight. It is a result of hard work and dedication. Below I have selected 12 Quotes that provide some Exposure and motivation for those of us who dare to take the steps to succeed.

12 Success Quotes

1.Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what? Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident, and more and more successful…

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What Happens When Your Goal And Dream Become Theirs?

The pressures of winning was discussed in a post I wrote in 2021. Most of you may know about my involvement with Ignite Caribbean, Washington DC, where I have served as Chief Judge for several years. Through the 30 Under 30 initiative, we honor the outstanding achievements of young adults making waves in our society. But to make waves, it comes with hard work, dedication and sacrifice. And the biggest question is… what if the individual isn’t doing it for themselves… but for society?

Indeed cause for reflection as written in this very telling article … A Pageant Queen Reflects on Turning 30 penned by former Miss USA, Cheslie Kryst (now deceased). In it she shared the pressures associated with achieving and surpassing goals.

You may also like When All Seems Hopeless

The eerie contents of What Happens When Your Goal And Dream Become Theirs can be gleaned as you dive in below.

Success Strategies

In your own quiet corner you lay at night. You dream about being in the nationals. You work your butt off and that dream finally becomes real. Then you start thinking is the Olympics possible? 4 Years of hard work and sacrifice and it comes through! Millions grin with joy and you cannot help but beam. Then another 4 years to go higher. Is it possible? Can you do it again? You get to work again but pretty soon you realize the dream is no longer yours. You want to back off but start thinking … what will they say? How will they react? But really you no longer want that dream (for you).

Is it worth it to deny yourself and go after their goal? One can only think of the Olympics and the predicament of the athletes who compete. Usain bolt was one. Armed with the birth name…

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When Fear Steps In…

When Fear Steps in

You get the job of your dreams. They said yes! You’re thrilled. Life’s meaningful. Hmmm but what if it’s terrible challenge? What if I can’t do it? Then fear steps in.

You engage in a new entrepreneurship venture. You’re excited. All seems well with your business idea. Plans go into place. Then you begin to wonder… can I do it? What if I fail? Then fear steps in.

By chance you met the person of your dreams. You date. Get to know each other. Then comes the decision of marriage. A lifetime together. The prospects of little Mini ME’s running around. Oh what joy! But then…what if he/she changes? The questions start mulling around in your head. Then fear steps in.

When Fear Takes Over What Do You Do?

When fear takes over what do you do? You face it head on, that’s what. Don’t let it sweat you. Do what you have to. Think positive. Gain knowledge. Build your confidence. There will always be good times and yep …bad ones too. Enjoy the good. Don’t fear the bad. It’s called life. And life has its ups and downs. But it’s your resilience that will help you get through–that will help you survive. If you are religious, pray. It will quiet your spirit. Exercise. Release those endorphins. Whatever you do face your fear head on in faith.

Cheers!

Photo by Djordje Petrovic on Pexels.com

To Fail Or Not To Fail? Entrepreneurs Speak…

Success Strategies

Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough. ~Og Madino

To fail or not to fail? That is the question. Fail Fast. How about don’t fail at all? That was the statement James Altucher posed in a public forum. Entrepreneurs jumped in sharing their beliefs, values and thoughts on the concept of failure. Names have been omitted as I share excerpts:

What It Means To Fail

A person who hasn’t failed is more likely to have never been successful
The message of “fail fast” is not to encourage failure. What it speaks to is moving action with ideas instead of analysis paralysis and never-ending planning. No amount of analysis and planning can prepare you for the reality of launching something. This is what “fail fast” means. It does not mean to emphasize failure. Build it (now). Measure it. Learn from it.
The wisdom in “failing fast”…

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The Challenge That Equipped Me…

Success Strategies

I procrastinated. Year after year I’d say …I’ll do it next year. But then in my early 20s, during a heated conversation about salary increase my boss shouted “you don’t even have a degree!” That hit me like a ton of bricks. I promised myself that I’d never ever let anyone say that to me again. I was not only gonna get a first degree but also a second.

That’s How You Do It

Today, I have two Masters and a Doctorate.

That’s how you do it. I’m one for a challenge to not only achieve but also exceed. So even though at the time I had several diplomas, certifications and had never stopped studying, I fell short of that industry’s ultimate standard. I limited myself and did not go after the best.

My parents never thought of …nor encouraged me to get a degree. They never had it themselves…

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A Time Of Gratitude…

The 5 Things I am Thankful for depicted in picture form. First, Answered prayers. Second, my inner passion to help others achieve their goals through coaching. Third, willingness to try new things like I did with a sky dive … see it here

Along Came The Sky Dive

Fourth, My interest in personal growth which I did when I published my first book on leadership and Success and haven’t stop writing. Fifth and final, my two girls and family who makes life meaningful.

Cheers to your own tales of gratitude.