Motivation, Random Thoughts

If It’s Going to Be, It’s Up to Me

Anything that I want in life (and beyond for that matter) is up to me. I can be blessed with all the gifts, presented with all the opportunities, have the right mentors and supports in my life, but at the end of the day it’s all up to me.

You can look at that as discouraging or encouraging. I look at it as encouraging. I like having the personal choice to achieve anything I want in life. I also understand that anything I don’t achieve is a result of me not doing what was needed.

No matter where you are in life right now, you chose to be there. You can choose to stay there if you life it, or you can choose to be somewhere else in life. God blessed us with free will. Use it to your advantage. It’s all up to you.

Motivation, Random Thoughts

The Importance of Every Relationship

Every person we encounter and every relationship we have in our lives shapes us in some way, whether it’s a positive or negative experience. These experiences contribute to our growth and development as individuals, and ultimately shape our character.

Each relationship, no matter how long or short, serves a purpose in our journey towards becoming the person we are meant to be.

We may not be friends, associates, lovers, teammates, or enemies anymore, but I appreciate the times when we were. You helped me become who I am, rather good, or bad.

Embrace and appreciate every interaction you have with someone. Embrace both good and bad experiences. Use them all to become the best version of yourself.

Motivation, Random Thoughts

Not Every Kernel Pops

Every kernel in the popcorn bag has potential to pop. Majority of the time, not every single one pops. It takes the right amount of water inside of that kernel as well as the right amount of heat evenly distributed in order for that kernel to pop.

We are all kernels. We all have potential to “pop” or reach our goals, but not everyone will be successful. It’s important to keep trying and striving towards our goals, even if we experience setbacks or failures along the way.

Make sure you have the right ingredients inside of you to pop. Know that it takes a little heat & pressure to pop also. Not every kernel pops, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. Unlike the kernel in the popcorn bag, the choice is yours.

Motivation, Random Thoughts

Not Knowledge, Action

“Knowledge isn’t power until it is applied.” – Dale Carnegie

Taking action is more important than just having knowledge or information. In other words, it is better to do something than to simply know about it. Don’t waste all the knowledge that you have. Make sure to apply it also. It’s possible.

Motivation, Random Thoughts

Don’t Wait to Change

Don’t wait to change for the better. You don’t know how long you have to change. It’s important to prioritize our personal growth and make positive changes to our lives, not just for ourselves but for the people around us who could benefit from our progress (they are most likely the ones that are hurting from our lack of progression also).

We never know how much time we have, so it is important to act with urgency and make the most of the time we do have. Let others see the change. Let them see that it’s possible. Let yourself see that it’s possible also. The time is now.

Motivation, Random Thoughts

The Power of Following Instructions

I used to never follow the cooking instructions that are listed on the back of packaged food. I felt that I knew what I was doing, or I didn’t like my food cooked the way that’s on the package. As a result, my food never came out consistent. It might taste good one time, then bad the next. Overcooked one time, then undercooked the next.

Over time I have realized that following the cooking instructions has increased my cooking skills tremendously. Not only do I follow the instructions, I make sure I have all the utensils and ingredients that are needed. I can now follow any recipe and cook just about anything (my baking skills still need a little work LOL).

In cooking and real life, we must follow the instructions. There are laws (instructions) to success. Things such as schooling, mentors, religion, etc. Instructions are designed to guide us towards success by minimizing errors and maximizing efficiency. Whether it’s cooking or achieving success in any other field, following the instructions can greatly increase our chances of success.

Motivation

Embrace the Pain

There was a time when whenever I had any aches or pains in my body, I would go take some ibuprofen. I’m hesitant to do that now because I know that’s not the only solution, and it’s not good for your body to take a lot of ibuprofen. One time I dislocated my thumb during a football game in college and the doctor gave me an injection to make it numb. I was back in the game like nothing happened. My thumb was wrapped up, but it was still in a precarious position, so once that numbing wore off, I was in even more pain. I caused even more damaged by continuing to play as if nothing was wrong with my thumb. I would have played differently and protected my thumb differently if I could’ve felt the pain.

Sometimes it’s good to embrace the pain. Pain can often be a signal that something is not right, and it can help us to identify and address the underlying issue. In medicine, pain can be an important indicator of a patient’s condition, and it can help doctors to diagnose and treat the problem. In real life, pain can also help us to learn from our mistakes, make adjustments, and develop resilience. While pain can be difficult to endure, it can ultimately lead to personal growth and a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

We can’t always resort to drugs to get over the pain. Whether it’s over-the-counter drugs, prescription, or street drugs. Maybe you don’t use drugs to get over the pain and have some other type of vice, like food, sex, alcohol, anything. Those things may feel helpful in the moment, but when that numbness wears off, you might have done even more damage, and be in even more pain, like how my thumb was.

Embrace the pain. Feel it. Learn from it. Adjust, and grow.

Motivation

Breaking Free from Limitations

Sometimes we just gotta think bigger. There’s a lot more things that we can achieve in life if we simply believe we can actually achieve them. You can’t have those negative thoughts about yourself, such as: “ I’m not smart enough,” “I’m not good enough,” “ I’ll never be able to do that”. Self-limiting beliefs can prevent us from reaching our full potential and achieving our goals. It’s important to recognize and challenge these beliefs in order to grow and succeed.

Always give yourself the benefit of the doubt that you can do it. You can reach that big goal, you can move to a new city, you can lose weight, you can be consistent, you can get your degree, etc. Whatever it is, believe you can do it. Don’t limit yourself. Think bigger.

Motivation, Random Thoughts

Ageless Ambition

The question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is often asked of children, but the idea of growing and evolving throughout our lives applies to adults as well. It’s never too late to pursue our passions or try something new.

We often ask kids that question with confidence and belief that one day they will indeed become whatever they want when they grow up. I think it’s ok to have that same confidence and belief in adults. It seem as if somewhere in life we stop caring what others want to be when they grow up. I think it’s good to still ask those that you care about what they want to be when they grow up.

Sometimes our dreams and aspirations may be limited to lack of growth and maturity. So as an adult, you still may have to “grow up” before you can be who you desire to be.

Continue to grow in life, and also continue to dream big, no matter your age. Continue to ask adults what they want to be when they grow up, and encourage them and inspire them, the say way you would if you asked a kid the same question.

Faith, Motivation

Consistency for 100 Days

Today marks the 100th consecutive day that I have written and posted a blog. It seems like day one was just yesterday. Time flies when you’re having fun.

Posting consistently for 100 days has taught me a lot of things about myself. It has shown me that I can be consistent whenever I choose to be. It shows that I am disciplined and can stick to a routine or habit for a long period of time. It shows that I am goal-oriented. I set a goal to post every day, and that’s exactly what I am doing. It shows that I am responsible. I am responsible for my actions, and I hold myself accountable. It shows that I am determined. No matter how my day goes, I know I have enough perseverance to write a blog post.

This 100-day streak shows me a lot of positive qualities about myself. I will use these qualities in other areas of my life as well to help me achieve success. I encourage you to commit to do something every day. You’ll learn about your character and habits, and ultimately become a better person. 100 days down. Many more to go.