10 days of Inspirational Quotes & Thoughts: Day 6

Today's quote is something that I think every person realizes at some point as they develop into a responsible adult. I am not a supporter of Donald Trump's values and practices, but I've breezed through a couple of his books and he does have good quotes and general advice. This is one quote that I particularly like and one that is worth putting some thought behind.

"Continuous effort is the key to unlocking our potential" - Donald Trump

Initial Thoughts: We've all been told at some point in our lives that it's important to always do your best at whatever it is you are doing and to always put forth your best effort. It sounds great - but it can be tough. Who wants to give their energy and best effort to something they do not like doing?

Digging Deeper: Giving "continuous effort" is a bit of a twist on simply giving your best effort. Continuous effort is about proactivity and involves constant experimentation - more of a trial and error approach. Putting in continuous effort allows you set a foundation, grow and ultimately build something that is worthwhile. A simple analogy is sports, the best athletes in the world constantly work, train, and study every aspect of their sport to reach their potential. Lebron James and Peyton Manning are two of today's most successful and revered athletes - who are the best at what they do. It's not just their talent that makes them the best - it's the continuous effort they commit to giving throughout all phases of the year.

What to Walk Away With: If you can continuously give your best effort - well then you are on your way to unlocking your potential. Giving continuous effort in one facet of your live will lend to others - such as your relationship, your family, friends, profession, etc. Just keep in mind, if you want to be the best you can be and reach your potential - don't ever give up and give continuous effort. Not everything works out in life, so don't get derailed by obstacles that might put a dent in your armor.

10 days of Inspirational Quotes & Thoughts: Day 5

In continuing the discussion on pulling inspiration and motivation from great quotes, I've chosen one that hits the negative thinkers of the world.

"The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us."

Initial Thoughts: Bad things happen every day and they happen to people that may not be deserving of misfortune. When one lets an occurrence run their lives for an extended period of time, the stronger and more impactful that misfortune becomes. It's initial impact only cuts deeper and gains strength if it isn't concsiously addressed. If you are in a situation where it's tough not to dwell on something, take the word "can't" out of your thought process - and know that you have the will and the power to change - even turning your misfortune into a personal motivator or driver.

Digging Deeper: There are different matters of misfortune in our lives. Losing a loved one is much different than say losing your job. Both are very misfortunate happenings, however, it's much more difficult to overcome the emotional impact of losing a loved one. That is where your network of family and friends can be of great value. The quote still holds true, as dwelling on the fact that one has passed will only keep your spirits pinned down. I plan to touch on this subject more in a later post.

Let's use the second misfortune mentioned - losing your job or simply being broke. Yes, you may not have deserved it, but it happened didn't it? This is where you have the power to turn things around. Thinking positively and churning the negative thinking that comes with dwelling out of your psyche is a must. You CAN get a new job and WILL. If you are broke, maybe you've made some regrettable financial decisions. Well guess what, YOU can stop digging that hole and climb your way out by making smarter decisions - laying a foundation for the future and never turning back. Educate yourself if you have to on becoming financially literate.

What to Walk Away With: Again, bad things happen to everybody. Maybe you've been dealt a bad hand. It's in your power to change your cards. Develop methods to change your mindset to overcome challenging times - be the master of your own behavior - dwelling on a situation will literally keep you standing in place, and probably send you backwards.

10 days of Inspirational Quotes & Thoughts: Day 4

I've decided to finish out working through some awesome quotes before I get into my journey that took me through Guatemala and Honduras for the last ten days or so. It was an adventure and experience that I will definitely never forget - and one that I look forward to sharing. So today's quote is definitely one of my personal favorites and one that many people who feel like they have been "unlucky" throughout their life should take a second to reflect on and think about.

"The harder I work, the luckier I get" - Samuel Goldwyn

Initial Thoughts: Working hard and committing yourself to something you stand behind is the first step towards catching breaks or getting "lucky". Yes, some people truly do get lucky and win millions in the lottery, or are simply born into a very privileged family. Some may consider those folks as being lucky. But even considering those lottery winners or flat out lucky people is really taking this quote out of context.

Digging Deeper: Many people feel as though they just can't catch a break and are destined to fail because they simply have "bad luck". Well, that is crap and just isn't true. Now, if that is your mindset and you've given up on overcoming these challenges that coincide with bad luck - then you most likely will continue to experience such unfortunate times. It goes back to a previous quote I have covered, "I think, therefore I am." If you think you are just an unlucky person, chances are your fortunes will not be desirable.

Getting to the essence of the quote, it's about putting yourself in a position to achieve results that are to your liking, that meet your goals, and that get you closer to the ideal life that you would like to live. Working hard does not go unnoticed, whether you are on a competitive team in a large corporation - or trying to establish your own business in your local community. It's really amazing what you can do with some intense focus and hard work. People will notice.

What to Walk Away With: In life, it's simple, it's those that commit to working hard that wind up successful. It's those folks that are viewed by the younger generations that think to themselves "wow, that guy is lucky to be able to travel the world" - but chances are, that guy has put in years of hard work in order to achieve goals that ultimately lead to a place in life that many people will never get to and that many consider to be "lucky".

10 days of Inspirational Quotes & Thoughts: Day 3

Day 3 of discussing a quote that has the potential impact lives on a daily basis. This quote is directly in line with what my father used to tell me as I grew up - that the one thing you can control - day after day - is your attitude.

"Attitudes are contagious, is yours worth catching?"

Initial Thoughts: Heard that one before. Is it someone's attitude that is contagious or is it just that some people have the "it" quality of being influential. Attitudes are contagious and extremely important in tackling life's challenges.

Digging Deeper: Your attitude is so important and relevant to your ultimate destination in life. Attitudes, as the quote indicates, drive behavior and are very transparent to those around you. Those who understand that their attitude is something that they can control everyday, from the moment they step foot out of bed, tend to have a more positive outlook on life and of course - tend to be more successful in multiple facets of life.

I've found that it's common for negative attitudes to persist when faced with a problem, and more specifically a problem that you have little experience with handling. Or it's a deep-rooted problem, such as a high level of debt where you may struggle seeing the long-term effect of working harder now to pay off a little more each month. Such situations are ripe for a negative attitude, which lead to negative actions that bring down your ability to directly address the problem, or reach a goal of paying off that debt.

What to Walk Away With: If there are aspects of your life that you do not enjoy, that you dread, that suck, that aren't ideal in your opinion - try inspecting your attitude towards these things that bring down your ultimate level of happiness and fulfillment. Like anything in life, it takes practice and repitition. Continuous reminders will help. Reading books on the subject will keep your mind fresh and ready for new challenges - and more importantly give you new ideas and positive ways to overcome the challenges you are currently facing.

10 days of Inspirational Quotes & Thoughts: Day 2

Day 2 of discussing an impactful quote! I am trying to develop a community of readers by providing some insight into positive thinking and consious living - and the impact those to things can have your life and its overall state of happiness.

"I think, therefore I am"

Initial Thoughts: Here is a very simple quote that simply relates your conscious thoughts to forming who you are in reality - linking your thoughts to reality. We've all heard and said as a child "you are what you eat!" - well the same holds true in life relative to your thoughts - You are what you think!

Digging Deeper: This quote is famous not just because it is simple, but because it is so very true if you believe it. So much of what we do on a daily basis is dependent upon our frame of mind and the overall health of the thoughts that we are processing in our brains. It ties into the importance of brainstorming and visualizing how an important test, big presentation, or a much anticipated date will go in your head before it actually happens. If you are nervous, lack confidence, or don't believe in yourself - well let's just say the chances are slim that this event will go exactly the way that you desire. IF, you visualize the successful outcome of the event and believe in yourself, this hot date or big presentation already has a much better chance of turning out in your favor. Your behavior and overall life circumstances are a direct consequence of the thoughts that you have - because your thoughts are the basis for making decisions.

What to Walk Away With: Knowing that you are in control of your life and the decisions you make is important to understand. A basis of values and principles by which you live your life is a must, but it begins with your frame of mind. On one token - it's turning your way of thinking when something bad happens to you into something that doesn't affect your overall being and character. How do you think - When someone angers you? When someone steals from you? If you feel as though you have been wronged? If you feel like you have been dealt a bad hand? At these potentially negative points in your life, you think and you are responsible for your actions.

The other side of the token is overcoming daily challenges at home, work or elsewhere in your life. It's thinking that you can overcome and succeed - then TELLING yourself how you overcome and succeed while envisioning the end goal coming into fruition.

10 Days of Inspirational Quotes & Thoughts: Day 1

Inspirational quotes can make a difference in a life when taken to heart and thought about beyond the surface.

"Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true." By Leon J. Suenes

Initial Thoughts: At first this quote almost seems a bit harsh - relative to paying the price for your dreams to come true. Is it going to be some sort of miserable experience for me to make my dream come true? Doesn't sound so much like a dream if I gotta pay the price!

Digging Deeper: Upon digestion of the quote, paying the price implies that it's not often that your dream comes true by falling into your lap. Now that would ideal, that would be nice - but it's not reality. What dreams coming true and paying the price have in common is what I like to call hard work, persistence, and a level of determination that surpasses any obstacle in your journey to the end, to your dream.

What to Walk Away With: While many of us dread waking up in the morning to go to work, or tackle that particular day's abundance of what seem to be meaningless, purposeless tasks - many are waking up everyday to live out their dream. Dreams are coming true - literally everyday - all over the country, all over the world. And what these people have in common, is a focused passion that doesn't die off after a week of motivated initiative. It's a continued effort keeping the end goal in mind day in and day out. It's continuously assessing progress relative to short term and long term goals. It's slowing down, paying the price, investing the time, to make those dreams a reality.