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.

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.

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.

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, Sports

Power of Positive Language

In high school, I had a football coach who would often say that I wasn’t good at catching the football. I had been playing football for about 10 years at the time, and never had a problem catching the ball, so I knew he was wrong.

He would say it so often and with so much confidence that my other teammates would start to believe him. Next, I started to believe him. I didn’t want the ball thrown to me because I was afraid I would drop the ball. Sometimes I would drop the ball when it was thrown to me, and he would pretty much say “I told you so”. That season I became strictly a running back. If the ball wasn’t handed to me, I wasn’t getting it.

The following year I got a new coach who would tell me that I can catch the ball. Not only did he tell me I could catch, he told me that I had to. He would draw up plays that were meant for me to catch passes. I thought he was crazy at first. I then began to realize that he was right. I could catch the football. This gave me the confidence I needed.

That season I caught a lot of passes. I even had a highlight on the news after one game of me catching a pass with one hand. Me catching the ball that year was very crucial for the success of our team. It all started with my coach saying that I could do it.

The words and opinions of others can have a significant impact on our confidence and self-esteem. It’s important to be mindful of what we say to others and how we receive feedback from them. Negative or critical words can lead to self-doubt and a lack of confidence, while positive and supportive words can inspire and uplift us.

It’s important to surround ourselves with people who encourage and support us, and to be mindful of the impact our words can have on others. There is a way to critique others. If you do chose to give criticism, try to give that person a solution or optimism that they can improve. Don’t just put them down and leave it at that.

Speak positivity in other’s life. Your words have the power to either make or break them.

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.