personal development

Happy quitter’s day!The second Friday in January is known as National Quitter Day in regards to New Year Resolutions. Why did society choose January 1st to mark the new year, and why is it considered ideal for personal change? Winter “New Year”: Whose idea was that? 

My goal today was to finish the design work for a book. And send it in for a quote.  Sounds pretty exciting, right. Well, not really. I am not sure how to make all the pieces work together. And instead of sitting down and getting my act together, I found all kinds of other things to do. I get my computer out and start to open my folders, and my phone rings. It is a good friend that I haven't talked to in a few weeks. So of course I answered it. 

Find that courageous yes and Fight for that confident no!When I first read that statement I was screaming hell yes! But then I had to do a self check and wondered why I typically settle for the wishy washy yes. You know what I mean. The yes that you say when you really would rather say no, but for whatever reason you cave and say yes anyways. No more! Our time has come to own our decisions and roll with what we decide.

WOW, the transformation one year makes when you are at the right table. Ya know that feeling where you aren't sure if where you are is where you are suppose to be? Like ya just don't "fit" in? And no clue why you feel that way?I have been there. And if we are being honest still have my days.  

Someone tried to take credit for my hard work…I am coming out of my comfort zone…. I am the captain on my own ship and only I can take the steps needed to walk outside the lines of my own comfort.If you know me personally...Some of you know me as the girl who says what she thinks, and then wished she didn’t say that. Other’s know me as the quiet people-pleasing girl who keeps her opinions to herself, and just rolls with it. 

“Don’t settle for ordinary when extraordinary is within you.”  I love this simple quote from The OolaGuys—authors Dave Braun and Troy Amdahl—who remind us that we were designed by God for greatness. Each of us is here for a specific purpose.  If you’ve lost sight of your dreams or are going through a rough patch, remember that where you are now is not where you’re destined to stay. Tell yourself daily, This is just where I am. It’s not who I am. 

All month long, we’ve been talking about the power of focus. But did you know that staying focused on achieving your goals takes discipline? Discipline is doing what must be done—even if you don’t want to at that moment. It’s battling through the daily grind and putting in the extra hours. But it’s also doing things consistently—like eating the right foods, practicing those new skills, or saving something every month for retirement. 

Do you ever find yourself, ready for bed, feeling like you burned up the phone lines connecting with family and friends all day?  I know I do.  In unsettling times like these, it’s comforting to have that emotional support system. But have you ever wondered who you might call to help you with your most important life goals? 

Your life was designed to be unique, compelling . . .  exceptional. And by taking action to achieve your OolaLife, it can be.  It’s your time to pursue the greatness that’s within you. Of course, one bonus outcome you may not have considered before is how much just the pursuit of greatness will change you as a person. You’ll learn new skills, meet new contacts, and gain new wisdom. No one can take away who you become as a result of pursuing your goals. 

What would YOUR daily 3x5 card look like? If you find it’s filled with tasks, errands and calls that don’t really move you closer to your biggest life goals, it’s time to reassess your priorities. Only by prioritizing can you free up time and energy to be in serious action on goals that matter.