7 Ways to Have a Good Day

Even the best, most happiest people have a down day sometimes. From waking up on the wrong side of the bed, to having a bad hair day, right down to stubbing your toe, the smallest thing can set one in the wrong direction. These days may come from time to time, but with the right mindset, and by simply changing your reaction, you can turn your day around for the better.

7 ways on how to have a good day: Here you go!

1. Be Grateful – Find something that you’re grateful for. You never know how much worse your day can be, until you’re in another person’s shoes, who is worse off. Take some time out to count your blessings. Instead of finding things to complain about, look for the things in which you are thankful for.

2. Look at what’s right with the picture – Too often we’re looking at what’s wrong with the picture. We’re looking at what’s not going our way. Either someone did something or didn’t do something. Or maybe something happened that rained on your parade. If you’re not careful, you’ll let the doom and gloom of the picture sour your day, and get you in a depressed state. Make it a point today, to look at what’s right with the picture. What did someone do to you that was right? What happened today that was in your favor? You’ll find that when you practice this, in time, your down day will turn into a glad day.

3. Build someone else up – When you’re having a down day, you have to ask yourself, what would I want someone to do for me? How would I like to be treated? When you’re having a not so good day, one of the best things you can do, is to go outside of yourself. Do something for others. Even if it’s a simple “good morning, have a nice day,” decide that you’re going to leave someone else better off than they were before. Practice a random act of kindness. In doing this, you’ll find out that the blessing wasn’t just for the other person, the blessing was for yourself.

4. Choose happiness – Many people will say this is easier said than done. But the truth is, if you don’t choose happiness, you’re going to end up living a miserable life. Happiness isn’t something that’s going to come when life suddenly all comes together. It isn’t something that’s going to come when you find that perfect mate, or you land that perfect job, or the finances come in order- because even when these things come into play, there will always be something else you need. But happiness comes when you decide you’re going to be happy.

I truly believe in the Abraham Lincoln saying, “most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” And just remember, the happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything, they choose to make the best of everything, the good and the bad. Decide today, that no matter what, you’re going to be happy. And let nothing take your joy away from you!

5. Smile – Studies show that when smile, you convince yourself that everything is going to be alright. There have been arguments about the following statement, but I’m of the opinion that sometimes, you have to fake it to make it. If you go around looking for a reason to smile, you may never find one. Let your smile- your inner joy, let it be the determining factor of whether or not you’re going to have a good day. The good news is, your smile will not only impact you, but it will impact others for the better.

6. Exercise – When you exercise, your body releases what I like to call a happy chemical called endorphins. When you make the choice to go out and exercise, you’re doing not only your physical body some good, but you’re doing your inner health and your well-being some good. And what’s even better is, you get in shape and you start to look better. Even if it’s just a few minutes a day, take out sometime for yourself. Take a run around the block. Or do some type of indoor cardio. You’ll feel better and before long, you’ll notice your daily mood start to make a change for the better!

7. Don’t sweat the small things – This ties back with choosing happiness. The other day I witnessed a couple at the elevators, arguing over who should’ve pushed the button.

“You saw I had my hands full.”

“Yea, well you were closer to the door. You could’ve bumped the button with your elbow.”

On and on they went. I was an innocent bystander.

Too many people are letting the small things steal their joy. If you let the little petty things of the day come to steal your joy and peace, you’ll never truly find happiness. There has to come a point, when you choose to rise above it all. Some people get into a gripe over the smallest, insignificant things. What’s interesting is, once it’s all said and done, and we look back in hindsight, we will laugh over how upset we got. It may even be embarrassing.

They always say, “you can tell the size of a man by the size of the thing that makes him mad.” Or maybe you’re a woman; I’d hope you got the point. Here’s the key, choose to be the bigger person!

Will you rise above it all? Will you be one of the ones to keep your joy and peace even when the petty things are tugging at you? Make a good choice today. Keep your sanity. Keep your peace. And keep your sweat. Don’t let the small things get the best of you!

I want to hear from you! Let me know what makes you happy. What helps you get over a bad day? Leave a comment down below!

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How to Give a Genuine Compliment

The difference between a compliment that makes someone truly feel good, and one that makes one wonder, “What do you want from me,” is the sincerity behind the compliment. I always talk about the importance of building others up, and leaving them better than before. And one of the best ways to leave someone better than before, is by giving a sincere compliment, or a word of encouragement.

It may seem like a simple topic. Most people know how to give a compliment. But not all compliments come across as genuine and authentic. A genuine compliment, is a compliment that’s usually deeper. It goes into more detail. There’s usually a reason behind the compliment.

For instance, one day last week, I was walking down the hallway and I complimented someone. Me being the encouraging person I am, the person who wants to brighten someone’s day, I looked for something that I liked. So I told them, “I like your shirt.”

She was appreciative, and said thank you. But as I made my way down the hall in passing, something didn’t settle right within. Although it was a genuine compliment, I felt like I could’ve poured more from the heart.

I’m not saying it’s bad to tell someone you like their shirt. Rest assured, any uplifting words will do. In fact, it’s always better to spread love and light, than it is to spread negativity. But there has to be a settling on the inside. If there’s anything to take away from these words, let this be your take away- to let your heart be felt. Go deeper.

So today, I found myself looking for opportunities to give a genuine compliment. I told one person that I admire their hard work. I’ve been paying attention to their efforts, and I went into details about why their hard work is an inspiration for me. I told another person that they are always so patient and kind. I told them “every time I have a question or need some assistance, you are always ready and willing to help. That hasn’t gone unnoticed, and I just want to tell you thank you.”

The difference between the compliments I gave today, and the other compliment about liking the person’s shirt, was the response. I could really tell that the genuine, more heartfelt compliments I gave today, left the people better than before.

As I left their presence, you could literally see a glazed over look in their eyes. It was like I caught them off guard, they weren’t expecting it.

I’m asking you today- when was the last time you received a heartfelt compliment? When was the last time someone said something to you that turned your day around? Well you can be that person. You can be a person of praise; a person of grace. Leave someone better than before.

The good thing about practicing this is, it forces you to really pay attention to people. It’s easy to say, “I like your shirt.” Or it’s easy to say, “you have a great smile.” And again, these are great surface level compliments and conversational openers, but you’ll make more of an impact, when you go deeper. It takes a lot more paying attention to people to notice things like, hard work and patience. It forces you to open your eyes and see the good in people.

Too often we’re on the defensive. It’s so easy to see what’s wrong with others, but sometimes we should start looking for what’s right with people. And don’t stop there, tell people what you like about them. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, is the gift of giving to others. (Say that five times fast.) And what better way to give to others, than to give a genuine, heartfelt compliment.

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14 Lies We Tell Ourselves

Much of what’s holding us back in life, are the lies we believe. It’s the limiting beliefs we’ve taken on over the years. What’s even more unfortunate is, we’ve grown such a belief for these negative views that they’ve become our own personal truths.

Here are 14 lies we tell ourselves that have been holding us back in life:

1. I’m not good enough/I don’t measure up – One of the number one lies we believe, is thinking were not good enough. And it’s such a hard thing to overcome. Human nature would have us to look at what others have going for themselves. But you have to believe that you are good enough. See your own potential. Take on a new belief today. You are more than enough.

2. I’m a failure – You are bigger than the failures of your past. The failures are only there to teach you the lessons that will catapult you to the next level. Use the failures as a stepping stone to step into the greatness you were meant to be!

3. I’m worthless – This is perhaps the next biggest lie. Many have believed this lie for so long, for them, it’s become a truth. Realize today, you are a person of great worth and value. When you hear that negative voice of defeat starting to convince you otherwise, stop it dead in it’s tracks. Start telling yourself a different truth today.

4. I have no purpose – One of the reasons most people feel unfulfilled, is because they believe they have no purpose. Don’t let this lie keep you from being all you can be. Start today by looking at what you have going for yourself. What are you passionate about? What do you like to do in your spare time?

Start by doing the thing you love most. It’s the gift that will make room for you. I always say, as long as you have breath in your body, somebody needs what you have.

5. I can’t succeed – The only reason you haven’t succeeded is because you keep telling yourself this lie. You can’t do the very thing that you’re speaking against. So start speaking success into your future. Be bold. If you’ve failed in the past, dare to try again. If you keep at it without fail, you will come into the success that’s meant for you.

6. I can’t own a business – Maybe you’ve had an idea to develop a product, or market your brand or service. Don’t let the lie that has held 97% of the population back keep you from going into business for yourself. As an entrepreneur, I encourage you to go after it. Develop your product. Do some research on how to market your service. You will be surprised at the passion that takes off as a result of it.

7. I don’t deserve it – Many people have given up on the things they desire. They let their mistakes keep them from thinking they can’t have it. They’ve reasoned, “it’s useless. I haven’t been my best in the past. I’ve had a few bad breaks, some wrong turns.” But take up a different reasoning today. Start believing you deserve it!

8. I can’t have what I want in life – This is perhaps the biggest reason many aren’t getting what they want. It’s because they’re believing they can’t have it. If you start singing a different tune, you’ll start to get a few different results in life. Start speaking it into existence. You may not see how it can happen, but let there be a knowing deep down inside that you can have what you’ve always wanted.

9. It won’t work for me – Too many people are looking at what others have going for them, and shortchanging their own potential. Yes others have a lot going for them, but you have to believe you have something going for yourself too. Start believing that it can happen for you.

10. I can’t come up higher in life – Sometimes it’s easy to look at your past, where you’ve failed and the mess you’ve been through. And sometimes we’re our own work critic. But realize today, you are bigger than the labels you’ve put on yourself and what others have put on you. Start by believing your future is bright!

11. It’s worthless to dream big – The only reason most people don’t dream, is because of the limiting beliefs we’ve accepted as children. We were told, “it’s pointless to dream. Don’t get your head in the clouds.” Or, “Come back down to earth.” I’m telling you today, if you want to rise to that next level, dare to get a vision for the great things that are in store for you. Believe in your future. Start dreaming again!

12. I can’t accomplish my goals – This rings true for many failed New Year’s Resolutions. Don’t believe this lie. And don’t give up on your goals just because you’ve fallen short. The moment you quit is the moment you’re three feet from gold!

13. I’m not talented – I grew up as a drummer, and when I would play in church or different venues, people would always compliment me on my playing. They’d then proceed to say things like, “I’m not that talented. I would learn an instrument or take up a craft, but I’ve never had the coordination.”

The truth is, most talented people began uncoordinated. They only became talented after hours and hours of practice. The same rings true for you. If you want to become talented and skilled, rise above the old mentality. Go out on a limb and do the thing you’ve always wanted to do.

14. I’m don’t have the discipline – By now you’re probably seeing a pattern here. Most of the things we lack, are only shortfalls because of what we tell ourselves. If you want to develop the discipline, start by speaking it into action. Then, begin to implement it. Discipline is like a muscle. You’ll be surprised how much strength you have, once you dare do the thing you’ve been putting off for so long.

If these tips have resonated with you, share it with someone who you think may benefit from it. Also leave a comment below. I’d love to hear what lies you’ve been believing, and how you’d like to overcome it!

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Go Get Your Bananas (What’s Holding You Back in Life)

I heard about a group of researchers who put four monkeys in a room. In the middle of the room, was a large pole that extended all the way to the top. At the top of the pole was a batch of bananas.

The first monkey began to climb the pole. He navigated all the way to the top. And just as he was about to reach the bananas, the researchers would pour a bucket of ice cold water on the monkey. He had all he could take, so he made his way back down to the bottom of the pole.

Two or three minutes passed, and the next monkey began to climb the pole. He made his way up the pole. And just as he was about to reach the bananas, again a large bucket of ice cold water was pour on the second one. He wanted the bananas but not that badly, he wanted to get down to comfort and safety.

The same thing happened with the next monkey. Days passed and they tried and failed. They couldn’t seem to reach the bananas at the top.

Then researchers took one monkey out, and replaced it with a new monkey. The newer monkey knew nothing of what happened before. Without hesitation, he began to climb the pole. The moment he began to climb, the other three tugged at his tail, preventing him from making the climb.

This happened again and again. Researchers would remove one old monkey, and replace it with a new one. Every new one that entered, the others would tug at it, preventing him from making the climb.

Days and days had passed and dozens of monkeys filled the room. What’s interesting is, none of the four original monkeys were in the room, they were all new monkeys. None of them knew why they couldn’t climb the pole, but somehow they all accepted the programming that they couldn’t get to the top of the pole and retrieve what they all wanted.

Personal Development 101

And for many people this is the way life has become. We’ve all accepted negative programming and limiting beliefs on why we can’t come up higher. Many parents instill negative beliefs into children, preventing them from dreaming and becoming all they can be. Friends are tugging at your tail, preventing you from “climbing the pole” so to speak.

And over time you’re taught that it’s useless. It’s not worth the trouble. Many have reasoned: “I would become a scientist, but who am I to hold such a legendary, prestigious career?” Or, “I would start a business, but who am I to take up such a great path? I don’t have the credentials- the know how. I’m just the little girl next door. I’m nothing special.”

Like these monkeys, many of us don’t know why we can’t become great. We don’t know why we shouldn’t climb the pole of life, we just know we can’t do it. Our parents couldn’t do it. Their parents couldn’t do it. For generations there has been a mentality that says, “it didn’t work for me, and it won’t work for you.”

I’m telling you today, go get your bananas. You can be the one to break a generational curse. You can be the first in your family to get your doctorate. You can be the first to start your own business. Dare to go out on a limb. Decide that you’re going to reach a new level of self improvement.

Now here’s the thing. When you begin to climb, like the monkeys, life may pour a huge bucket of ice cold water on you. It may feel uncomfortable, it may be difficult to get your bananas, but you have to keep climbing. Even if you slide down the pole, decide that you’re going to make the climb again. There is a treasure waiting for you.

Here’s a personal development tip for you. Don’t let others keep you from being all you were meant to be. No, be steadfast. Be relentless. There is a prize waiting for you at the top!

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5 Things Successful People Don’t Do

Success is kind of like beauty, it’s in the eye of the beholder. Different people define success differently. Some say successful people are wealthy people. Others define success as being famous. Some people say you’re successful if you can lose weight or accomplish a lot of goals in life.

One thing we can all be certain is that we all have a need and a desire in life. The thing that will determine if we successfully reach our goals, is our ability to change a few daily habits.

I write a lot about the habits of successful people. They’ve developed the habit of reading daily, exercising regularly. They listen to an empowering audio and tackle the toughest task, first thing in the morning. But we don’t always hear about the things they don’t do. Here are a five things successful people don’t do.

1) They don’t watch a lot of Television – It’s not an accident. Successful people aren’t so busy that they don’t have time for television. No they are intentional. They purposely steer clear of programs that are going to pollute their mind with the negative mindset that has been plaguing society.

If you’re going to be successful, there will come a time when you have to miss out on the latest reality show. The news is great. I’m all for knowing the weather. I’m all for hearing the latest greatest happenings; but if you’re not careful, you’ll get bogged down by the latest negative headlines.

2) Successful people don’t buy into the statistics – Anytime you do something that causes you to come up higher, their will always be a failure rate. One of the habits of successful people is, they don’t become phased by the failure rate. They don’t buy into the statistics.

If you open up a magazine, it won’t be long before you come across the statistic that reminds you that your chances of success are slim to none. That’s when you have to turn the page. Ignore the statistics, stay focused on the facts; the one that says you are extraordinary, spectacular and you have what it takes.

3) They don’t get stuck on the failures – Successful people have formed the habit of moving on. They cut their losses. Everyone fails at something. The key is not to let it hold you back for good. Successful people glean from their failures; they take the lessons they’ve learned, and use it to rise to a whole new level.

If you didn’t reach that goal this week, don’t collect excuses for why it can’t happen for you; collect data. Don’t look for the reasons why you can’t, look for the reasons why you can.

4) Successful people aren’t people pleasers – One of the habits of successful people, is they stay in their lane. They don’t take on the opinions of others. If you’re going to rise to a new level, don’t get stuck on a negative report. Critics are always going to have an opinion. They will always tell you what you should do and shouldn’t do; what you can do and can’t do.

It’s important to know your call. Know what works for you. Don’t become a people pleaser. The nay-sayers will always impress their opinion on you. But that’s when you can stand boldly, confidently and say “I’m not in the business of people pleasing, I’m in the business of God pleasing. He has the final say!”

5) They Don’t make excuses – Successful people take responsibility and own up to it. They realize when they’ve come up short, and when they’ve missed their mark. Instead of complaining and falling into defeat, they look for ways to make it better, ways to achieve that goal and how to come across the finish line.

I want to hear from you. What are some ways you’ve come into success? And what did you do (or didn’t do) that helped you to achieve your goals? Leave a comment down below!

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How to Get Motivated

We all get to that point where it’s hard to get out of the slump. What was once a natural, easy and mundane thing to do becomes a chore, or a difficult task.

And you may be wondering how to get motivated. We all find ourselves at times pondering, how to get motivated to work out? How to get motivated to lose weight?

Sometimes, motivation doesn’t just come to you, you have to go find it. In other words, put something in front of your face daily that’s going to inspire you. Let it be your daily routine. When you wake up in the morning, just like you need breakfast to eat; just like many people rely on coffee, rely on the thing that’s going to inspire you and help you become all you can be!

That’s the answer. That’s how to get motivated; by simply changing your daily routine. Well, it sounds easy, huh?

The truth is, anytime you change something it won’t be easy. It’s like breaking an old habit. Many people have formed a rather unfortunate habit of thinking negative thoughts. And it has been holding them back in life.

It’s like the old saying. Trash in, trash out. Not only are we listening to things and entertaining conversations that aren’t benefiting us, but were entertaining thoughts and ideas that aren’t helping us easier.

“I’ll never coming into that goal I set out for myself. Who am I kidding, I never thought I could accomplish that.” Or “I always wondered how to get motivated to lose weight. I started last week, I’m barely scratching the surface. I might as well quit.”

It’s this kind of stinkin’ thinking that’s not pushing us forward in life. If you want to get motivated, if you want to go to that next level, you have to quit listening to the voices of defeat. Don’t entertain the critical thoughts. You’ll have to change the tape.

If you want to know how to get motivated, you’ll have to go find something that inspires you. Listen to a faith-building audio. Read a self-help book, or look up some motivational sayings. Surround yourself with people who are going to encourage you to come up higher.

It’s just like the saying, “you are what you eat.” The same thing applies to what goes in your ears and what goes in your eyes. If you’re wondering, how to get motivated to work out, but you’re watching a tutorial on 20 ways to put a lazy boy to good use, you’ll never get motivated. You’ll stay in the same shape.

Now, you will get a second wind. You will come into a season where you’re fired up and ready to take on new challenges. But unfortunately you’ll encounter days when you fall in a slump. That’s why it’s important to be consistent. Read a good book everyday. Go find something that inspires you and reminds you of where you’re going in life. It’s the one thing that’s going cause you to come up higher and help you to be all you were meant to be!

I want to hear from you. Let me know down below what helps you to get motivated!

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How to Get More Out of Life (Personal Growth Tips)

You are at your best, when you are valuable to others. Sometimes we expect so much out of life. We have plans, goals and dreams that we all want to accomplish. But sometimes in order to get to that next level in life, in order to reach that ultimate level of personal growth, you have to give something.

A lot of people cringe when the subject of money comes up. They crumble when they hear that word give. They automatically assume it means, they have to give money, or they have to spend money on gifts and presents. But I dare you to have an open mind. There are many ways to give and be a valuable person.

One way to give would be to give of your time. It’s one of the greatest personal development strategies. In fact, your time is one of the best ways you can give. Time is one of your most valuable assets. Think about it, time is something you can’t get back.

You see, you can lose money and earn it back. You can put in extra work hours. You can sell something. Those are just a few ways to earn money back. But you can never get your time back. Time is valuable, once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Another way to give and come into personal growth would be to give of your talents. Be generous with your skills. When you give of your gifts, your gifts will make room for you. And that’s just it. That’s just another principle of how giving and being a valuable person will bring blessings, goodness and favor back into your own life.

If you’ve ever ridden public transit; or if you’ve ever walked down a busy New York Street, chances are it’s the talent who is getting a bucket full of change. It’s the singer, the entertainer who leaves the passerby eagerly pitching in to give. And that’s the way it is in life. If you have something to offer others, if you’re knowledgeable, talented, freely give of your value. It will bless you in ways you could never imagine.

When you give of your most valuable asset such as time, or give of your talents and skill, you will come into your best. Good breaks, opportunities and divine blessings will chase you down and overtake you.

Don’t let another day go by without being a valuable person. Even if you’re just good with words, a kind compliment will do. A word of encouragement, a good deed will do. Befriending someone will not only bless them, but the good deed will come back into your own life and bless you just as well!

I want to hear from you, what are some other ways that you can be valuable? Or what are some ways that you’ve provided value that have come back to bless your own life? Share your story. Leave a comment down below!

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