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Monday, October 28, 2013

Finish What You Start

There is a lot to be said about a person who can finish what they start. Many of people can prepare and even get started but when it comes to crossing the finish line, that's a completely different story. In fact, the ability to follow through and persevere is what separates the "live from the jive." 

Giving up is such an easy thing to do especially with the millions of excuses that we've all used at one time or another--your schedule is too busy, you're "too broke", you have to to take care of your family, or even plain ol' bad luck. Whatever the reason is, don't allow giving up to be an option. 

Completing a project of any kind brings you one step closer to the legacy you will leave behind. Because just like all the great finished projects out there, one day ours live will be finished, so make sure you see your masterpiece to the end, whatever that may be. As for me, my projects are still a work in progress, but I know I will finish them the same way that I'm going to finish this post. 

Monday, October 21, 2013

The Perks of Dream Chasing

Pursuing a major goal in life can be one of the most important and rewarding things you ever do. And I don't just mean a simple goal. I mean a life changing goal, something bigger than yourself. Additionally, doing this can help you in other areas as well. For instance: 

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1. It gives you direction -- When you know where you're headed, chances are you're going to get there. Even if you get lost or hit an occasional "bump" in the road, just keep moving along your designated path and before you know it, you will have arrived. 

2. It improves your focus - It's easy to get sidetracked by all the distractions in life, but having a goal helps keep the more important things right in front of you. 

3. It provides a purpose-- Sometimes we all feel like giving up at one time or another. But pursuing your goal can give you a reason to press on. Knowing that loved ones are supportive of your dreams and that they are counting on you will help you endure as well.

In addition to these benefits, there are countless others you can add to this list, which is why you should start chasing your dreams today. Remember, it's not the destination, it's the journey.   

Monday, October 14, 2013

Suspend your beliefs (forget logic and CREATE!)

This is a great way to help get your momentum going anytime you're in a creative mood. What this means is while in the creative/brainstorming process, allow your thoughts to explore and the freedom to run free. 

The Impossible Art of Li Wei
The Impossible Art of Li Wei
During these moments, forget about what's "logical". Disregard, or "suspend your belief" of what goes on in the so-called "real world". It should actually be rather easy to do, as this method is what we use while watching cartoons or movies, for example. For most of us, we're able to distinguish reality from fiction, and understand that they are strictly for entertainment purposes. Nevertheless, we allow ourselves to go on a temporary journey that seemingly goes against everything that happens in reality. 

Whether your ideas are ones that you'll bring to life or keep stowed away, the important thing is that you exercise your mind. Give it permission to think outside the box by tapping into that same person you are while watching a fictitious movie. 

So the next time you sit down to write your next song, screen play or create your next invention, don't be afraid to suspend your beliefs, and give the power to your imagination. 

Monday, October 7, 2013

Portion Control (Keep a small plate & stay focused)

Most people, I would assume, associate this concept with dieting. Apparently it can be rather effective. For those that may be new to this concept, it goes like this: keep a small plate to help maintain your weight. The smaller the portion, the less you eat. The less you eat, the less weight you take on.

I've been slim my whole life and if you ask my older brother, I could use a few extra pounds. And although I don't heavily focus on the size of my plate or how much food I consume, ironically, I have noticed that this idea of "portion control" has suited me well in other areas of my life. But it hasn't always been this way.

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I'll admit that I am a natural-born multi-tasker, but I still can't determine whether that's a good thing or a not-so-good thing. Focusing on one thing at a time is a constant struggle for me. To tell you the truth, I don't know if it's because I feel more accomplished when I multitask, or if I'm afraid of missing out on something. Maybe subconsciously I feel less than productive if I'm not doing four things at once. Whichever it is, I'm a "multi-tasker" in a major way. 

But it wasn't until recently I realized that giving my attention to one thing at a time not only resulted in the same amount of productivity as before, but more importantly, created a more sound mindset that multitasking hadn't given me. I felt more confident in what I was doing, I was thinking more clearly, and I was overall more pleased with my results.

My question to you is, what does the size of your "plate" look like? Could it use a little portion control, too? Are there areas of your life that could use more of your focus and attention? 

If so, maybe using this strategy will help. Or, perhaps you'll need to take a different approach to be more effective. 

Either way, I say it's worth a try. Test it out on a few tasks and see what happens to your productivity. Of course, there are exceptions to the rules as always. If your a parent, I'm sure multitasking is the only way things get done, and trying to find time to do one thing at a time is virtually impossible. But for those who are willing and able to take on a new challenge, here's your chance. So keep calm and portion on...