• Heart Reflections: Oops I Did It Again!

    Is it just me or do you seem to repeat the same mistakes too?  Sometimes I feel like take two steps forward and one step back in the process (possibly at times is it more like 2 steps forward and 3 steps back). 

    It is hard to be find joy and contentment in every moment of every day, especially when it seems like no matter what there’s always little ripples that happen throughout the days, weeks, months, and years.  How do we find joy in the moments when we want to just go back to bed or go somewhere quiet or escape the stress of life?

    • Find joy in the little things.  Everything may not be going well, but there is always something to be thankful for in your life.  It could be your health, family, friends, a job, home, food on the table, a vehicle to drive, sunshine, or a whole bunch of other things we tend to take for granted.  Taking a few moments to count your blessings can really change your outlook on life.  A thankful heart is a positive heart.
    • Point your focus upward. When we look to Christ for our guidance we tend to see a bigger picture and we realize that it really isn’t that bad after all.  Yes, we make choices that can make life easier or more challenging for us, but we can also put our lives into the hands of the one who created the universe and trust that He really knows what is the best for us.  Just knowing that He holds my life in his hand can take some of the pressure off my tendency to micro-manage all aspects of my life.
    • Spend time helping others. We are by nature selfish people. When we take a few moments to focus our energy on someone else it can also lift our spirit too.  Take time to do something nice for someone else today and don’t expect any reward (or favor returned).  Not only will you help another person in the process your heart isn’t stuck on yourself and your issues.

    If you find yourself repeating the same mistakes over and over again.  Ask God for help, he can help you overcome even the little things that pop up in your life.  Find people that you trust to be an accountability partners for you.  You want people in your life that are not afraid to confront you if they see something in your life that isn’t wholesome for you and your family.  Take time to pray and spend time with people who will encourage you to live a life that reflects goodness instead of  repeating the same mistakes.

    Look for the blessings in your life throughout each day.  Turn your focus upward and outward.  Every one of us has the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives around us.

     

  • Accountability Partners

    PartnersAs we come to the close of the 2009 year take some time to reflect back on all the good times, the challenges, and fun memories that have been made over the past few months.  Great business projects have been completed.  Kids are a year older and have learned many new skills.   We are a little wiser after the year we have gone through.

    We all have wonderful people that are active in our families and lives.  It is essential both personally and professionally to have accountability partners to help encourage us to continue to succeed.  You probably have some of these people in your life already.  One of your personal accountability partners could be another Wife and Mom who is the same season of life as you or someone who has already gone through it and more experienced.  Maybe you need an accountability partner that encourages you to eat right, exercise, and get your rest.    Your business accountability partner can be someone who is starting or a seasoned business owner.  Pick people that are positive and encouraging to be around.  Here is a list of a few attributes to have in your accountability partners:

    • Trust – you will be sharing both your successes and struggles so  you  need someone who you can trust.  Having an established relationship or common bond is beneficial.  An accountability partner that has been successful in the area that they are encouraging you in builds the trust as well.  (For example – if you are a Mom another Mom as a parental accountability partner would be better than having a teenager.  OR  Someone that has a successful business would be more beneficial to you if you are starting or have a business than someone who has never done it nor has the desire to own a business).
    • Honest – it is important to have accountability partners that will be honest with you even if it is hard to hear what they have to say.  Having someone listen and give feedback is essential.  No one has the perfect solution for every problem but together you can come up with some amazing ideas that will help you get to the next stage in life and business.
    • Creative – having someone who can offer creative solutions that will help you make the current situation or projects you are working on even better is crucial.  When two or more people brainstorm together ideas will come alive.  Life can throw some difficult situations your way so having the ability to creatively come up with ways to successfully move forward is vital.
    • Available – you will need to meet on a regular basis with each of your accountability partners.  Whether it is once a week, month, or quarter make it part of the schedule.  You do not have to meet for hours each time but at least allow enough time to catch up and work through some specific details that are going on in your life.

    It is good idea to have more than one personal and professional accountability partner.  Whether these people are family, friends, paid  professionals or coaches it is important that they reflect on the positive and have a good level of success in their personal and professional lives.  You will receive a great mix of wisdom from these people in your life.  You may be unofficially doing this with family and friends already, make it official and part of your routine.  Take time to sincerely thank the people who are your accountability partners because they have invested their time and energy in your life.

    Be an accountability partner for others as well.  You will be blessed by helping family, friends, and business professionals.  It is a positively rewarding experience having the opportunity to listen, encourage and be a part of other peoples lives.   If you know someone you want to encourage then step up and volunteer to help them.  It is profoundly beneficial for all parties actively involved in an accountability partnership.

    Think about the people you want to be your accountability partners and ask them to be a part of your life.   Get started by covering the important areas in your life (personally, physically, spiritually, and professionally).  You will quickly notice the blessing of having these people in your life.  Who are your  partners and what are their best attributes?

  • “Amazing People”

    Amazing PeopleAll of us have people in our lives that are fascinating and motivating to be around.   It has been a privilege to have these people in my life both personally and professionally.  What makes a person “Amazing”?

    As I reflect on the people in my life I began to notice some common attributes:

    • Respectful – they are polite and show consideration for others.   Whether your a parent teaching your children manners or a professional working in the business community respect for others goes a long way in building positive relationships.
    • Exciting – they know how to motivate others to action with a high level of energy that is contagious.  A lot of passion is put into their activities and projects which makes others want to be a part of it.
    • Integrity – they uphold a code of ethical principles and sound character.  They are consistent and do what they say they will do both personally and in business.
    • Trustworthy – they are a confidant and person you trust to be honest to the people in their lives.  They know how to speak the truth because it is their desire to improve the lives of their family, friends, and business partners.

    First, think about what it takes to be an amazing person and strive to be one yourself.   Each day enrich the lives of those around you through respectfulness, excitement, integrity, and trust.  Surround yourself with amazing people both personally and professionally.  Together as a business community or as a group of family and friends you can make a positive impact in the lives of others.   Do you have “Amazing People” in your life and if so what are some of their attributes?