Batter Up! Are You Playing in the Big Leagues?

Our minds are so powerful. Many of us think we have grand ideas until we surround ourselves with those who think bigger than we do. I do not see myself shrinking in awe but rather standing taller and leaning forward to listen and learn and play in the big leagues. I am planning to play way bigger than I currently am. Have you ever noticed that people see your greater potential often before you do? Why is that? Put your hand in front of your face....can't see much right. You are so close to it, it makes it difficult to see your full hand or beyond it.
You probably come up with awesome ideas all the time. Some ideas you may write down and some float off into thin air. There may even be some you execute. And yes, there are some ideas that get your juices flowing that you talk yourself out of. Why? The chatter in your head is telling that you can't and you mentally wrestle with a quiet voice, almost a whisper saying yes you can.
The "can't" voice might be saying:

• "It needs to be perfect."

• "Who would buy that?"

• Do you really think people will pay that much?

• "Who do you think you are?"

• "I can't make more money than.."

• "What will people say if..."

Challenge the stronger voice - the voice that says “No, you can't.” The voice that believes in you.

Play in the big leagues:

• Hit a homerun! Imagine yourself sliding into home plate and the crowd is cheering as you have achieved your ultimate goal.

• Quit looking for perfection - be innovative. You are unique in your style and who you are is what people want. If you wait too long, you might miss the opportunity.

• Look inside yourself for the wisdom that others are searching for and share it.

• Believe you deserve it and you are worth it. You are no accident.

• There is enough for everyone.

• Be open to learning from those who have been where you want to go. They want you to grow, and so do I!

• Share your dream with others so others may serve you and be open to receiving all the possibilities.

You can play in the big leagues too. When you shift your mindset from playing in the little leagues to the big leagues, you begin to challenge yourself to new levels. Every time you move up a level, you will meet more teachers to guide and challenge you to step up to your greatness at the plate. Batter UP!

What is your voice telling you? Are you playing as you could be? If not, why?

What Opportunities Have You Missed?

I am visiting my sister and her family in Thunder Bay, Ontario. They love to hike. It has been a while since I have really hiked. The last place I hiked was the Grand Canyon to Havasu Falls. I saw it on a postcard and thought I need to see this. I did not know where it was or how I was going to get there but I knew I had to see it and I did. It was breathtaking and the blue-green water was so pure!

I love adventures because you never know what you will learn about yourself in the process. We began to hike Mount McKay and part way up I started to hear, "Mom, I can't do this." from my 7 year old son. I stated, "You can't or you choose not to. Here's some water." Distractions are great. When you put your focus on how you CAN do something versus how you CAN'T, you can get a little farther each time. Again, just meters from the top, he said, "Mom, I really can't." "Here is some more water." - I responded. There was sweat on my brow, I call it – glistening. Quenching his thirst, we took our final strides to the top overlooking Lake Superior and the "Sleeping Giant". We made it to the top. What a great accomplishment (I was so proud of the kids for trying something new)!

Going down was a bit more challenging than going up. The path going up seemed so steep and narrow and we forgot about the short areas where it was flat (although very few). I think many of us feel that when we attempt things we are not use to doing, new or uncomfortable; we see the path as steep and narrow. There are many challenges that test our minds to see how persistent we really are. Just think if my son would have quit before we reached the top, we would have missed the opportunity to see the fantastic view. Many people quit just before they reach their breakthroughs. They feel they have given all they got when they are just minutes or days away from reaching their destination. Those who hold out - reap the rewards.

What mountain are you trying to climb? How can you distract yourself to focus on your peak (destination)?

Quitting Is Not An Option Honey!

Achieving your goals and realizing your ultimate potential are the greatest gifts of personal fulfillment. When challenges arise, many people quit their pursuits because they appear too difficult. Challenges are meant to define us. You may have heard the saying that some people quit, not realizing that they are only minutes away from achieving success. If you knew the exact moment that your success would arrive, would you work as hard to achieve it? Would you put forth the same effort, determination, and commitment or would it become an expectation?  Some people may work with anticipation and others may kick back waiting for success to come to them. The ones who work diligently with persistent effort will prevail. There may be times of frustration when you may question yourself, "At what point, do I quit pursuing what I want?" The answer is easy. Quitting is never an option.

What does quitting achieve? Quitting is a self-defeating act unless you are quitting something that is unhealthy like smoking, gambling, or another form of addiction. Making changes achieves more. Quitting is to stop whereas change creates momentum. Do not see changing your journey as quitting but as a decision to do something different that helps you maximize your potential and live your life with passion and zest.

How will you know when it is time to change? When you are clear on what it is you to want to achieve, you will have a burning desire to continue until you achieve what you set out to get. When you have lost your passion and desire to go after your dream or goal, it is time to reflect and decide if what you are doing is serving you or even helping you live to your full potential.

Changing your direction with clarity and conviction will change the course of your life. You will start to see a path lit for you. When obstacles occur, they do so to challenge your desires. Quitting does not serve you or others but changing your direction to one of passion and fulfillment will. People will want to share in your passion and help you achieve your goals. Quitting is not an option nor is it a solution.

"Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit."

 - Conrad Hilton

Courage Come Out to Play

Life can hand us unexpected challenges. Sometimes, we can rise up to the challenge and sometimes it feels like the darkest hour has hit. If you know someone who has overcome their challenge, you know it takes courage to move forward. Courage despite what others think is best for you. The courage to do what you think is best for you and trust that you already know what you need to do. You already have it in you.

Listen to my friend Justin Hines as he encourages - Courage!



Share how you find courage!

Steeping Moments

After a great lunch, I headed out for an afternoon tea with Catherine Armstrong, http://www.armstrongtraining.ca/, she helps people work with people through training and development. It always amazes me that we have so many accomplished individuals that we can learn from and share with yet we do not take the time to get to know them. Who can you share your ideas with? Who can give you the "nudge" to get going?

My challenge to you is to meet up with someone who inspires you or challenges you to new heights. Discover what you can do for each other and share your challenges. Keep it simple - breakfast, lunch, or just a coffee/tea. Let me know how it goes!

To Your Success,
Debra