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, 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.

Random Thoughts, Uncategorized

Choosing Your Role: Family Dynamics

Being biologically related to or a close friend to a new baby born into the family does not guarantee a close relationship with that baby. It’s up to the individual to choose how involved they want to be in that child’s life and to cultivate a relationship with them. Some people may choose to play a more active role in the child’s life, while others may not have as close of a relationship.

I’ve always known this, but after having a baby of my own, I have really realized that. I’m still surprised by those who have already come to meet our baby and have shown support, as well as those who call or FaceTime me now way more than usual, just to see the baby and have a relationship with her. Since I don’t live near many family or friends, it takes more effort to build those relationships with the baby. It really makes you appreciate those who choose to make an effort. It also makes me take a look at myself and make sure I am making an effort to show my love and support to other’s children as well as make it a point to build a relationship with them.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what type of relationship you’d like to have with a child. Just make sure you’re happy with whatever relationship you do choose to have.

Motivation, Random Thoughts

Frustration to Positive Change

It’s good to be bothered at times. Being bothered can be the catalyst for change, whether it’s from our own actions, or the actions of others. When we are bothered, it can motivate us to make positive changes in our lives. It can also motivate us to address issues with others and work towards a change.

Embrace being bothered, then make the changes in life that will lead to you being unbothered and to positivity.

Motivation, Random Thoughts

Prioritizing your energy

We all have a limited amount of energy, whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional, and it’s important to use it wisely on the things that matter most to us.

I’ve really realized this lately because I have a newborn baby. Naturally, I haven’t been getting the same amount of sleep as I used to, and I have to give a lot of my energy to my baby. Same goes to my wife, who is breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can take a lot of energy from a mother’s body. This has been eye opening, and it really made me reflect on how I’ve always used my energy.

I now have to really make an effort to prioritize my energy. I try to prioritize my time and energy towards my goals, values, and relationships that are most valuable to me, and avoiding time-wasting activities or negative situations that drain my energy. That is something that we all must do.

By using our energy wisely, we can achieve more and feel more fulfilled. This can lead to a more balanced and meaningful life.

Motivation, Random Thoughts

Productivity with Naysayers

While it’s important to surround ourselves with positive and supportive people, having a few haters or naysayers or skeptics around can also be beneficial. They can help us see our blind spots, challenge our assumptions, and offer different perspectives that we may not have considered before.

They may not be right at times, but they will still keep you on your toes. You can also use them as motivation to prove them wrong. You just have to make sure it’s a balance between constructive criticism and negativity. Too much negativity and criticism can be be harmful and demotivating. So if you feel like that is the case with some people around you, maybe you shouldn’t be around them at all.

Having naysayers is just part of the process. They’ll show you if you really believe in yourself or not. One or two bad comments can’t detract you from your goals and self worth. You can learn from negativity just as much as you can learn from positivity, so it’s key to keep an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow from anyone. Even your haters.

Motivation, Random Thoughts

The Freedom in Pursuing Your Passions

Your life plans and goals are unique to you and don’t always necessarily have to make sense to others. They may not see your vision, or know you well enough to know what you want and need in life. You may be doing something in life right now that doesn’t make sense on the outside looking in, but that’s ok as long as it’s leading you to your purpose and happiness.

Sometimes people will not see the vision until it’s all said and done. It’s important to set personal goals that align with your values and aspirations, regardless of what others may think. It is your life, after all.

Faith, Motivation, Random Thoughts

Embrace the Unknown

A lot of times we have ideas or new things that we would like to do in life, but the uncertainty of the outcome makes us hesitant to pursue it. The only way to know what will come from a situation is to “just do it” (no Nike).

No matter the situation, I think that if you take that chance and try and do whatever it is that you have in mind, only good can come from it. It can lead to more opportunities that you didn’t know were there, new relationships, or even you learning more about yourself.

I hate that “what if?” feeling. I gotta see everything through. To me, not doing something that you really want to do, and having that “what if?” thought is worse than trying something new and it not turning out like you expected. At least you tried.

You have more control of your destiny when you are a doer. By not trying, we can miss out on something that is great. So if you feel unsure about trying something new, it’s worth taking the chance and seeing what happens. You never know what blessings it could lead to.

Motivation, Random Thoughts

The Power of Authenticity

It’s good to always stay true to you. We have to be sincere, honest, and authentic in our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It’s easy to try to become what we think will be appealing to others, or do what is trendy or popular at the moment. That will never work in the long run because I think people naturally can tell when someone is being genuine or not.

When people sense that someone is not being genuine, it can create a sense of distrust and reluctance to support that person. This is because people want to feel that they can trust and rely on those they support, and when there is a lack of authenticity or sincerity, it can create doubt and hesitation in their minds.

It’s important to strive for genuineness in whatever we do and in our interactions with others, especially when seeking their support or assistance. Just be shamelessly you, and you will attract people who like and support you for who you are. If you do anything other than that, you won’t be fooling anyone but yourself.

Motivation, Random Thoughts

Effort, Progress, Success

The effort and activity level we put into achieving our goals are often key factors in determining how quickly we reach success. Sometimes you can be on the right track towards success, but you haven’t evolved the method that you are using to achieve success.

Even if we are working hard towards our goals, we may not be making progress as quickly as we would like if we are not adapting and evolving our methods. The world and our circumstances around us are constantly changing, and the things that worked in the past might not be as effective in the present or future. You gotta be open-minded and willing to try new approaches, learn new skills, and adapt to changing circumstances in order to continue making progress towards success. Stagnation and complacency can hinder our progress and hold us back from achieving our full potential.

Ultimately, the pace at which you reach success is largely up to you. By setting clear goals, staying active, identifying areas for improvement, trying new methods, and staying motivated, you can increase your chances of achieving success at a pace that works for you.