I wanted to share something written by Dr. David Winter, my Lead Educator at Dalbey Education. He always has great insight and encouragement for my staff, but I thought this message was particularly powerful.

Here’s what David has to say…

By now most of us are charging forward into 2009. I hope you’re excited about the year and the new possibilities!

Before we say “goodbye” to 2008 and dismiss it as history, let’s do one more thing. I encourage you to look back at the past year and do some reflection.

Take a look at the past year. What was great about it? What was not so great? What experiences do you cherish? Can these experiences be carried forward and duplicated in 2009? Or was it a one-time experience? What experiences do you not want to duplicate in your future?

Look back to 2008 and reflect on your relationships… your work… your financial status… your health. Are there adjustments you want to make in 2009? Look at the goals you set last year and your New Year’s resolutions from last year. What was fulfilled and crossed off the list? What needs to be discarded or modified? What goals need to be carried forward into 2009?

As we move forward into 2009, it is important to take with us the lessons learned from 2008. Then we can fine-tune our goals as needed. Remember the old saying:

“If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’re going to
keep getting what you’ve always got!”

Reflect on 2008 and make modifications for 2009. Then charge forward into the New Year!

That’s fantastic advice David! Thanks so much for sharing your inspiration with all of us.

Warmly,
Russ

I’ve been thinking that maybe we’ve been looking at them all wrong.

Most people think of a brick wall as a barrier to our dreams… a solid obstruction that is intimidating and fearsome.

But here’s what I’ve decided: if we look at brick walls in a different way, maybe they can be assets, not obstacles.

Maybe brick walls are difficult to overcome simply to make us work harder for what we want and to help us appreciate our triumphs.

Maybe they are there to keep out those that really don’t want to climb them in the first place.

Or how about this: brick walls – as strong and permanent as they are – are really there to keep us from EVER going back to where we were before. And that the taller and steeper these walls are, the more inspiring the view from the top is.

Maybe once you’re PAST a brick wall, it’s actually there to support you… to prevent you from “backsliding.” And the taller that wall behind you is, the easier you’ll be able to look over your shoulder and still see it, and draw strength from that sight, even when you’re way beyond it.

Just food for thought… a little shift in perspective that could give you support and encouragement in everything you do.

What do you think?

Warmly,
Russ

It was late. I’d had a long work day, I was exhausted, and I didn’t even eat dinner anyway. I just wanted to go to bed. I actually stared at myself in the mirror for a while, fighting myself on this.

Then I thought, “wow, maybe I can use this for my blog tomorrow!”

Let me explain.

I often hear people say that they would or could have done something but they just “didn’t feel like it.”  I know it can be difficult to stay motivated, especially when you’re tired, busy or stressed, but here’s the thing: staying motivated is the key to success in all areas of your life.

Ask any person who is successful what motivates them, and very likely the answer will be “goals.” Goal setting is extremely important to maintaining motivation and ensuring success.

So how can you develop the internal motivation that really counts?

First, ask yourself: What motivates me?  What gets me excited, alert, or even angry? Why do I get up every day? Or, if you’re setting goals for something specific – like making sure you always brush your teeth daily – ask yourself why you’re chasing this objective. Remember, be honest! If you can’t show yourself that what you’re working towards is worthwhile, odds are you won’t ever get there.

Now that you’ve made it clear to yourself what you’re trying to accomplish, and justified to yourself why it’s worth the effort, move on to setting goals. Have you set big (but realistic) goals for yourself? Good!

Next, to really set things in motion, you’ve got to write your goals down. That sets the bar, makes the target real and holds you accountable (to yourself!). So – how do you make your goals a reality?

In order to make your goals set into your brain, your psyche, to really take hold of your life – you have to restate them to yourself every day – at least twice a day. I recommend you do this once in the morning, before you get out of bed; and once in the evening, before you go to sleep.

You’ll need to state your goals to yourself – loud enough for you to hear it. Why? Because by hearing your goals aloud, you’ll be stimulating the aural centers of your mind to get them to really “take root.” Tense your body and clench your fists while you say your goals, and look up and focus your eyes on an imaginary spot above you – as if you were trying to look at the inside of your forehead. This helps activate the subconscious mind. Say your goals at least 10 times (that’s right, 10 times!) while you create physical tension in your body and focus your vision inward.  (For more tips on goal setting, refer to my previous blog entry, “One Minute Guide To Achieving Anything.”)

Motivation that comes from within really makes the difference, so give it a try. I know that if you do, you’ll feel better and more in control of your life. Since what drives you is uniquely yours, I can’t do it for you. It’s up to you to take the initiative and make it happen. I know you can do it!

Warmly,
Russ

P.S. Don’t worry mom – I did brush my teeth.