ASK YOURSELF "WHAT IF"

Asking the right question can elicit focused conversation and bring about results.  It can also be so useful in discussions with team and with customers when discussing ways to solve their problems.  Asking "What if" questions opens the doors of possibilities. For the last 23 years of my entrepreneurial journey it is when I have asked questions starting with "What If" that have opened doors to the most amazing of opportunities.

Feeling stuck in some area of your life? What if you started to dream about what you want? What if you allowed people in your network to volley ideas with you and what if you made a decision to take a risk an act?

Never underestimate the power of a good question.

MAKE YOUR MARK

We all have an opportunity given to us every single day.  It is the opportunity to shine.

It doesn't have to be anything big but it should be something.  Making a difference starts in the heart.  It starts with the desire and determination that the spirit of who you are is enough. That God has gifted you with a unique life only to you and that you should use it to it's utmost potential.

There is no time for couldn't, shouldn't or doubting who you are.  Just start with a smile to someone in need or calling a friend when you think of them. Learning how to make your mark is simplistic in its approach. Just go and do and be the best version of you.  Compassionate, caring, humble, loving, empathetic, giving ... and the list goes on. We all have many character traits that are most positive than negative. Foster the positive ones and you will, without a doubt, make your mark!

LOOK CLOSER TO SEE THE FULL BEAUTY

Being purposeful and present in life can really open your eyes to so many things that maybe you haven't seen before. Can you imagine what opportunities await you if only you would look a little closer and listen more?

Taking stock of what you have all around you is the best place to start. Feel in a slump?  Take a moment to notice even the water drops on a flower or the texture in a flower.  There is much to be amazed about life. Much more than being disappointed and bored with life.

Be interested. It makes all the difference.

SHARE THE REST

Have you ever considered that we live in excess?  

That in some sense of human need we have this need to accumulate and hold onto things. To stuff that make us feel important and worthy of status or whatever that need is.

What if matters of the heart became more important?

What if opening your eyes to the needs of your community and seeing the potential to make a difference far outweighs the stuff that you are attached to.

The difference that you could make in someone's life and your own could be limitless.

THE BEST WAY

Stress can be a serious problem.

Not dealt with, it can result in serious ramifications including negative impacts on work, relationships, finances and especially health.  There is great value in learning to relax. Taking time to just breathe and be peaceful not only rejuvenates your adrenals but also allows a reset for your brain and your ability to create as well.

Make time every day even for a few minutes for yourself. Turn off technology and anything else distracting and give yourself even 10 minutes.

With practice this will be a regime you will be sure to take advantage of more and more.

EVEN IN OUR IMPERFECTIONS

It is so easy to be negative about ourselves. Picking apart all of the things that are perceived less than perfect. Too bad it is usually that sabotaging part of our brain that won't allow us to celebrate and embrace those imperfections as perfectly unique about each one of us.

I once heard a speech giving by a man who said that the richest place in the world was the graveyard as that is where millions of ideas not realized, gifts not shared and talents not explored live.  Now is your chance to not live with regret but to accept those imperfections but do it anyway.  Don't wait for the perfect timing, perfect business plan, perfect bank account... If you wait for perfection it will never arrive as you will most likely find another reason.

Be useful NOW!  Because if you "USE" your gifts as you have them, you will surely have a "FULL" life that will result of it.   (yes, a play on words is always fun once in a while!)

THE RIGHT TRACK

Isn't it wonderful when life feels good?  

When everything you do just seems to put a skip in your step and a smile on your face?   

Getting yourself on the right track takes work. 

It's a process of identifying and discovering what it truly is that you want to do. Defining what gifts you have that you should be sharing with the world and defining where you want to go.  When you start to get an idea about this and then start to take action toward it, you will be postured to see opportunities and reminders that support your vision over and over again.

Just like any route, you can always course correct and choose a new path. 

That is if you are driving. Thoughts for another day...

NEVER STOP BELIEVING

Having a healthy and positive self worth is so important. Many of us tend to step away from believing in our potential for many reasons. It could be fear, uncertainty or just plain apathy.   Whatever it is, maybe it is time to change that.

Developing a strong mindset will take you far in life. It starts with believing in your own potential.  

The happiest people I know are those that are confident in who they are and embrace life fully.

There is nothing wrong with being confident and standing tall as we all have unique gifts and talents to share with this world.  In sharing those gifts we inspire and lead others, many times without even realizing it.

THE ROCK WILL ALWAYS HOLD

Life can certainly be difficult at times and I know there are days when it feels as though you are drowning and the waters are just too rough. 

Answer these two questions and you may be find some relief.

Do you know what you believe in? Do you know what you stand for?  

One of my favourite passages of scripture is the following from Psalm 31:1-3

"In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed; In Your righteousness deliver me. Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly; Be to me a rock of strength, A stronghold to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name's sake You will lead me and guide me."

Having faith in what you can't see is a discipline to be practiced.  The beauty of this discipline is that it becomes a beacon of hope, and although tested against often, you condition yourself to believe in a brighter tomorrow.  

Similarly, when you hold fast and true to those core values that define you (honestly, integrity, compassion etc...) those will also help to anchor you and give you a solid foundation that will help to weather any storm.

Photo Credit: Victoria Craig - Lake Erie, Ontario

CHOOSE TO BE AMAZED

Let me put it quite simply. You can't shoot for the moon unless you have the right attitude and commitment. The journey albeit beautiful in many respects is often challenging, lonely and a lot of hard work.

What often sees so far away will once in a while give you a much closer glimpse of what seems so intangible.  It's kind of like our dreams. You know, those big hairy audacious goals? The pie in the sky, "What if nothing could hold me back?", kind of dreams.

The big picture seems impossible at the best of times, however, one day something happens or someone says something to you that gives you hope that it really is not as far off in the stars as you once thought.

The power of choice is an absolute gift.

It can be uplifting and strengthen your resolve or the lack of choosing for yourself, can be debilitated and confidence crushing. In the end it's your life, your choice.  Choose to be amazed and keep seeking opportunities.

THE BEAUTY IN FRONT OF YOU

It is so easy to start the day without having a plan or purpose.  

The power of choosing to be in the right mindset for the day dramatically increases your ability to be successful, positive and achieve the results you are looking for...if only you were ready to.

The old adage states that "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder", however it is the beholder that needs to choose to see, find or search out that beautiful.  Intention set in the right direction can produce the most brilliant of results.  Get yourself ready, open your eyes and take in the day with all of your senses.

Have a great day!

LIVE HAPPY

It is amazing what we don't see, isn't it?  

So quickly, we can get into a pattern of responding negatively to what life looks like in the immediate present before we catch ourselves to stop, think, reflect and be thankful for the reminders of goodness that are around us.

In the most random of places you can find reminders.  Just like this sign, found under a bridge. In the midst of dirt, darkness and damp surroundings, I am reminded of someone that is pressing through and finding the good in the situation.

What good do you need to find today?

Choose to live happy!  If you are living and breathing, you might as well inhale and exhale with hopefulness and happiness.   It's that simple.  Changing our behaviour and the way we react...well that is the hard part.

A NEW CHAPTER

Life gives us many wonderful gifts.  One of which is called change.

The one thing I have learned from living my life thus far is that learning is constantly happening and the ability to change is up to me and how I choose to live.  It doesn't matter what age you are or what you have or haven't accomplished in your life so far.

What does matter is that you understand that you have the opportunity to include a new chapter in your journey.  You just have to make the decision and lead from there.

Leadership is not just for business. Leadership is about YOU and the confidence to make decisions and look for to possbilities to thrive!

This could be your best chapter yet!

ALWAYS BE A FOUNTAIN OF GOODNESS

When people think of you, what would they say?

Would you rather be known as someone who was kind, compassionate and did for others as you would want others to do for you?  Or, will they say that you are self serving and treat others poorly and with disrespect?

The most effective way to lead is with clarity of purpose. One of the things that is essential to understand, is that when you shower people with your goodness, meaning heart, skills, talents, attitude etc.., you make a difference! The choice is up to you but the last effect can be long felt after you are gone.

Does that mean you have to be a push over and perceived as weak?  Not at all.
It does mean however, that you think first before reacting and choose to do what is right and just for all.

Photo Credit: Victoria Craig

THE SIGN OF A TENDER HEART

The truth is, there are times when, leading is difficult.   Especially for one who has a big heart, cares about people and wants to make a difference.  For those with the gift of compassion, feeling the responsibility of others can be overwhelming at times.

Don't underestimate the power of someone who is kindhearted and who also leads effectively.
The two can go hand in hand.  Just because you may have soft feelings, doesn't mean you are push over. It just means you are a servant leader and want the best for others often times before yourself.

Believe it or not, this is an endearing quality and people that know you see the authentic side of you and appreciate it.

THE MOMENTS THAT ARE PRICELESS

I am so tired of being around people constantly complaining about money. I do agree that life is frustrating some times when finances are pressed however constantly whining about it it only dilutes the beauty of everything else around you.  Don't forget the beauty in relationships, in the environment, in your children, in your dreams... and the list goes one.  Money is not the the only thing that brings happiness. In fact it is just a byproduct of your hard work and good luck.

Give thanks and be joyous for what you do have in your life.  For those are the things that are priceless.

DON'T LEAVE ROOM FOR REGRETS

Are there things in your life that you regret?

As a serial people pleaser, I have been always one to try and live my life as fully as possible and please others along the way.  There are few things that I look back on and regret other than a few poor business decisions or relationship disappointments.

Learning to become "un-busy" is the best gift you can give yourself. It leaves you breathing room to see opportunities and to take advantage of them when they present themselves. There are interesting places, things and people to be seen, heard and experienced.  One thing I know is that time goes so very quickly and if your excuse is you will do it another time, then the time will most likely never come back again.

Challenge for you:   Make the decision to not leave any room for regrets. When you do, your attitude, actions and outcomes will start to turn into a more positive way of leading your life.

THE FOOTPRINT YOU ARE PROUD OF

Building a legacy starts with being consistent in who you are and what you do.  Having clarity of vision of the mission you are trying to accomplish and knowing the outcome that you hope to make is key to your success.

Leadership is a journey. It's more than a title but rather about the impression that one makes on humankind.  This is not won in a simple action or a one day event but rather your actions, efforts, attitude and ability to connect with others is what makes last change and impact.

Every person has their own leadership style and it is what makes each one of us unique.  Enjoy the process of growing in your own leadership journey and don't forget to lead others with the knowledge that they are also growing in their own leadership capabilities.

PERSPECTIVE CHANGES EVERYTHING

The last week has left me a little numb. Death of a loved one does that to you.

Life can be going along so smoothly and then something happens that makes you look at your life a little differently than before. Life is so precious isn't it?

I think we underestimate that. I think we also underestimate how quickly time passes and that each one of us has an opportunity to make a difference. I don't know how long excuses last though.  Time has a way of turning excuses into regrets and time also has a way of make regrets deeper as the time is no longer there to do anything about them.

I am so thankful that I view my life here on Earth as a gift and even though I screw up once in a while, my heart is directed in the right way and through grace, love and respect for others I consider my life and relationships full. Does it always make it easy?  Absolutely not. But it does make it purposeful and priceless.

BEING FULFILLED

So often we can get caught up with what other people have that we may not have.   We start slipping down the rabbit hole of envy, jealousy and downright anger that what we think we deserve we don't have.

Have you ever considered that success is a state of mind first?

It is born within and is realized externally but by far the largest impact is the belief that you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

I truly believe that achieving a place of fulfillment and peace is the key to living life fully.  To do this, why not consider being grateful for what you do have. (right now at this moment!)

Look around. I guarantee that you are probably more wealthy (monetarily and materially) than the majority of the population of the world.

Learning to be thankful in everything is an amazing way to turn the tide to a more positive view of yourself and your life.  I have known many a person racing at such a fast pace of life (myself included once upon a time)  trying to chase the proverbial dream and becoming busier and busier, when all along you had the opportunity for real authentic happiness right in front of you.. or should I say inside of you.

Food for thought....

Photo credit: Victoria Craig