The sweetness of reflecting on a dream

The things that are hard to bear, are sweet to remember.

- Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Setting goals is easy. The tough part is putting time and hard work into realizing those dreams. The energy you are willing to put forth to reach your dreams is directly related to the probability of achieving them. Above all, be patient with the situation and with yourself. Don’t lose your way by being blinded by disappointment, frustrations, and failures. Ponder the goals in your life and the obstacles you might face. Make appropriate plans to overcome those roadblocks even before they occur. Think of the reward of reflecting on a goal you have reached, rather than one you failed to see through. Most big dreams involve big effort!

Letting your optimism out

A pocket is no place for a smile.

- Blues Traveler

We all have natural talents and abilities that we bring to any given situation. Likewise our motivations are usually different as well. Some are motivated by money and success, others by a need for recognition, and still others by the simple satisfaction of doing a good job. But what determines HOW you behave is your attitude. Positive people are often respected, and others naturally gravitate towards them. Conversely, no one likes being around a chronic downer or someone who complains all the time. Next time someone says “Good morning,” really embrace the idea! No one can take away the good feelings you have inside, so let them shine!

Setting a plan in motion

It takes twenty years to become an overnight success.

- Eddie Cantor

Short of winning the lottery, the idea of coming into wealth or power overnight is nearly impossible. Not that it is impossible to be successful, but it involves a lot of hard work, time, overcoming of obstacles, and dedication to achieve. You can’t expect success to just fall into your lap. Often, you have to pour time and tears into reaching it. Set your goals, formulate a plan for getting from point A to point B (and C, D, E and F), and go for it! Let your perseverance and drive be the foundation for achievement.

What are you investing your time in?

The first sign of a nervous breakdown is when you start thinking your work is terribly important.

- Milo Bloom

Work is certainly important. Only those who are incredibly wealthy would tell you that money is of no importance. Without question, we need to work to provide for our families and ourselves. Most people don’t stop to really embody the idea that work is not the most important thing, however. What is of more importance is family, friends, and investing your time in those relationships. Next time you find yourself toiling over your notes for an upcoming meeting, contemplate the message you are sending. Think about what is truly a necessity in your life and actively invest your time in those things.

How your body influences your emotions

The groundwork for all happiness is good health.

- Leigh Hunt

There is an undeniable link between feeling healthy and feeling happy. When was the last time you had the flu, a migraine, or heartburn and felt joyful at the same time? While many of us would agree that there is a relationship between our internal workings and our feelings of happiness, many of us don’t take active steps toward living a healthy, positive life. How can we meet our goals when our body isn’t feeling up to par? Tiredness, aches and pains, and feeling under the weather can all be big hindrances to our goals. It is very important that we nourish our bodies with adequate amounts of the right foods, condition ourselves to maintain and build strong bones and muscles, rest properly at night, and generally adhere to a healthy regimen if we expect to feel positive emotions.

Confidently seeking what you want most

Fortune favors the bold.

- Juvenal

Do you constantly feel overlooked for promotions or think that good fortune never seems to come your way? They say good things happen to good people, but have you considered that maybe good things happen to those who actively work for them? Life is not a series of random coincidences. Your lot in life is determined directly by the amount of effort you are willing to put towards the goals you want to achieve. If you want that raise, work hard and then approach your boss confidently. Many times a healthy level of assertiveness can go a long way in showing people what you’re made of. Don’t be afraid to let your inner hero outshine your more logical and reserved self. The return could be huge!