2014 Thought of the Day Archive

9/18/14
People think I’m disciplined. It is not discipline. It is devotion. There is a great difference.
      -Luciano Pavarotti

Being successful requires more than discipline.  It requires complete dedication toward what you are striving.  Put in the effort, respect yourself, and believe that you deserve victory.  Let your devotion drive every day.

9/12/14
The best way out is always through.  
     - Robert Frost

Making a commitment to improve something in your life is admirable because the path is not always easy.  A new lifestyle or behavior may be challenging at times.  It is new and unknown and so it is natural to resist at times.  However, the best way to manage the resistance is to stay with it and go through it.  Do not try to work your way around the truth or reality.  Rather, acknowledge the feeling of resistance that is surfacing and work through it.  Feel the feeling and consciously, let it go.  The resistance will lessen over time.

Today, stay focused on your goal, acknowledge your feelings, and work through any resistance.   

9/5/14
To find what you seek in the road of life, the best proverb of all is that which says: "Leave no stone unturned."
     - Edward Bulwer Lytton

The road of life is certainly an adventure.  Some of life’s greatest gifts exist where we least expect them…and some of life’s greatest challenges arise without warning.  Keep an open mind and a positive outlook as you travel the road of life.  Do not judge or feel discouraged prematurely.  Rather, seek to understand and look for opportunities.  Make your road of life an incredible and memorable journey.

Today, “leave no stone unturned”. 

8/29/14
I am more and more convinced that our happiness or unhappiness depends far more on the way we meet the events of life, than on the nature of those events themselves.
     - Baron Alexander von Humboldt

We are reminded that our perspective on life’s events can significantly impact our health and wellbeing.  It can be hard to move forward in life if we meet life’s events with fear, anxiety, or discouragement.  We can feel stuck in a negative space and unhappy.  However, if we meet life’s events with an open mind, faith, happiness, and strength, then we almost instantly move forward.  We look for opportunities that exist within the event and make the most of the situation.

Today, choose happiness.     

8/22/14
Great changes may not happen right away, but with effort even the difficult may become easy.
     - Bill Blackman

Tackling a new endeavor is exciting!  It is also a process and getting to where you want to be will not happen right away.  You must persevere and stay focused and eventually even difficult situations will become easier and more comfortable.  Stay with it!

Today, believe that great changes are possible with effort and perseverance.  In what way can your persevere today?

8/15/14
The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything. 
    - Theodore Roosevelt

Accomplishing a goal successfully is a process.  It is not a perfect journey and it is ok to have some mistakes along the way.  The key is not to give-up after you make a mistake.  Pick yourself up, learn from your mistakes, and try again.  Think positively knowing you will be better prepared the next time you encounter a similar situation.

Today, let go of the fear and guilt that often surrounds mistakes.  Think positively because you are moving closer toward success!  

8/8/14
Know thyself means this, that you get acquainted with what you know, and what you can do.
     - Menander  

As we go through life, we experience moments where we evaluate who we are, what we have accomplished, and where we want to go next in life.  In these moments, we pause to acknowledge what we know - our strengths and what we can do - our opportunities.  There are always opportunities to learn, grow, and development areas that help us become quality individuals.  

7/25/14
You've got to get up every morning with determination that you're going to go to bed with satisfaction.  
    - George Horace Lorimer

We have the opportunity to start fresh every day.  Why not start each day with determination, positive attitude and gratitude?  Be thoughtful and prepared.  Set your intention for the day and stick to it.  When you do, you will go to bed feeling satisfied and proud of your accomplishments!

Today, don't lose the opportunity...make the effort to start your day with determination, positive attitude, and gratitude.     

7/18/14
The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.
- Arthur C. Clarke

Sometimes we may feel that a new endeavor is impossible.  Explore the impossible.  What makes it feel impossible?  What can we do to make it feel more realistic?  Nothing in life is impossible if we want it and work hard enough for it.  However, sometimes there are barriers and resistance that we have to work through first.  Do not give up on the goals that you have.

 Today, identify your limits and explore the impossible...moving impossibilities closer to possibilities!  

7/11/14
Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.
- Leon J. Suenes

To have a dream is exciting.  However, making dreams a reality is incredible rewarding and satisfying.  Be willing to work hard and be patient for your dreams.  Great things will result from your dedication and effort in making your dreams a reality.

 Today, what are your dreams?  Are you putting in the effort to make your dreams a reality?

7/3/14
Do not think of your faults, still less of other's faults; look for what is good and strong and try to imitate it. Your faults will drop off, like dead leaves, when their time comes. 
- John Ruskin 

We each possess strengths and weaknesses. Focus on the qualities that are positive, strong, and good in you and others. Do not waste your energy focusing on qualities that are negative or less desirable. Aim to be positive, strong, and good in every moment. Everything else will fall behind. 

Today, are you focusing on your strengths or weaknesses? 
 
6/20/14 
Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments. 
- Rose Kennedy 

Milestones are certainly significant events in life. We often celebrate milestones with family and friends and make a point to capture them in a special way. However, the moments that lie between milestones are also important and can be just as meaningful. Being aware of these moments and celebrating their significance can bring satisfaction and fulfillment in life. 

Today, be aware of the moments that fill your life and celebrate them!

6/13/14 
Change is not merely necessary to life, it is life. 
- Alvin Toffler 

Life is dynamic and therefore intriguing. Do not dread change. Instead, see the beauty of change and become aware of the subtle opportunities that lie in its wake. 

Today, notice and embrace change.  

6/6/14 
Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. 
- Maria Robinson 

The beginning of our journey has long since started. Accept where you are today, in this moment. We cannot go back and change decisions made in the past. Therefore, let go of “should haves” and regrets. We can only live for today and move forward from here. If there are things we want to change about ourselves, then make decisions today that will bring you closer to where you want to be. Every day presents new opportunities that can transform your existing journey. 

Today, let go of the past and be mindful of new opportunities in this moment.

5/30/14 
When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. 
- Harriet Beecher Stowe 

Life unfolds unexpectedly and sometimes it reveals challenging situations. Do your best to stay present in these moments, understanding that they will pass. If the challenge feels so hard that you feel you cannot turn it around or get ahead of the pressure, be sure to stay present, be strong, and hold steady. The challenge and resistance will fade and you will overcome it. 

Today, no matter what life reveals, hold steady. You have the strength you need to overcome any challenge that life presents.

5/23/14 
Never neglect an opportunity for improvement. 
- Sir William Jones 

Be mindful not to overlook opportunities that help to improve your life and yourself. We all have areas in our lives that can be improved upon. Therefore, take advantage of any opportunity that arises – it is a gift! 

Today, be mindful and notice opportunities for improvement that arise.

5/16/14 
Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakes. 
- Carl Jung 

It is reasonable to look outside and dream. However, there is much more to life. Look inside as well, in order to discover your strengths and weaknesses. Become awakened and free by looking inward and graciously accepting, without judgment, everything that you see. There is nothing to fear. 

Today, turn your attention inward and be awakened and free. 

5/8/14 
The happiest life is that which constantly exercises and educates what is best in us. 
- Hamerton 

Be present and take time to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Giving yourself the time you need to nurture these areas of your life will accentuate the best in you. Making the commitment to live in this way, honoring and respecting yourself fully, will surely result in contentment and satisfaction. 

Today, take the time you need to nurture your mind, body, and spirit in some way.

5/2/14 
Many do with opportunities as children do at the seashore; they fill their little hands with sand, and then let the grains fall through, one by one. 
- Thomas Jones 

Each day is filled with new opportunities. We must become keenly aware of new opportunities and consider the potential growth they have to offer. Do not let opportunities fall through your hands. Sometimes these opportunities come once in a lifetime. 

Today, be aware and appreciative of new opportunities. Consider each opportunity and make the most of them for today!  

4/25/14 
Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still. 
- Chinese Proverb

Our culture has a tendency to demand immediate results. This can put incredible pressure on us to perform and reach outcomes quickly. Living in this type of culture, requires us to normalize and feel comfortable with a slower pace. Sometimes we need to grow slowly in order to achieve quality outcomes. 

Today, do not be afraid of moving slowly if you need to. Remember, you are still moving forward.

4/18/14 
Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow. 
- Doug Firebaugh 

We begin each day with a blank canvas. Setting intentions every morning is a wonderful practice. However, in order to achieve our intention, we must act and do things throughout the day that help us get to where we want to be. Sometimes, we allow ourselves to be distracted. A thought, person, work, event, etc. may derail our intention. Some distractions are necessary but many are unnecessary and destructive to tomorrow or our overall goal. Keep your intention alive throughout the day and be mindful of distractions that arise. Make the decision to stay on course and do something that will inch you closer to your goal and contribute to a better tomorrow. 

Today, what is your intention for the day? Take steps that will help you achieve your goal and bring you closer to a better tomorrow.

4/11/14 
It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere. 
- Agnes Repplier 

External gratification does not result in true contentment. In order to experience true contentment in life, we must be willing to look at ourselves and be happy with what we find. This is not always easy. We all have qualities we would like to change or improve. However, we must find a way to make peace with ourselves in order to experience contentment and move forward. 

Today, become aware of the feelings you have toward yourself and begin to accept and find peace with what you find.

3/27/14 
Nothing can stop the man/woman with the right mental attitude from achieving his/her goal; nothing on earth can help the man/woman with the wrong mental attitude. 
- Thomas Jefferson 

Think about a goal you have recently set for yourself. How would you describe your mental attitude toward your goal and progress? Do you have a positive, confident, and determined attitude or is your attitude clouded by doubt, fear, and uncertainty of what lies ahead? Our mental attitude can fluctuate easily. Therefore, I think it is worthwhile to check-in regularly to make sure you are feeling confident and positive about the goal you have set and the progress you have made. Keep your mental attitude at a place that promotes growth and success. 

Today, be mindful of your mental attitude throughout the day. Adjust your attitude as needed to keep you on a path toward success.

3/20/14 
Life is easy for me because I am happy in life. 
- Anya Kelley 

Life is not necessarily easier because of external or materials things. Sometimes, it is our outlook on life that determines whether we ease or struggle through life. If something in life feels stressful or overwhelming, it may help to change our outlook on life. 

Today, be mindful about your outlook on life. How does your outlook impact your day?

3/14/14 
The virtue lies in the struggle, not in the prize. 
- Richard Monckton Milnes 

Challenges and struggles that occur in life are not necessarily negative. In fact, great things can result from moments that are challenging and difficult to navigate through. We may need to put in extra effort to overcome these struggles and work hard to stay productive and positive. However, the added effort, focus, and discipline will lend itself to hope, promise, and new opportunities, which is the virtue we seek! 

Today, do not think negatively toward moments of struggle. Recognize the promise and new opportunity that these moments have to offer. Find the virtue that lies in the struggle! 

3/6/14 
Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in. 
- Andrew Jackson 

In times of transition think about the pros and cons of the upcoming change in your life. Also think about the steps you need to take to make the transition as smooth as possible. 

Change can feel unsettling at first but if we take time to deliberate and prepare ourselves then change is tolerable. Once it is time for action, move forward with your plan, do not hesitate. Feel confident in your plan, stop thinking, have faith and move forward knowing that everything will work out. 

Today, if you need to deliberate, then allow yourself the time to do so. However, if it is time for action, do not fear. Stop thinking and move forward with your plan, with confidence.

2/27/14
Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstance.
—Bruce Barton

Believe in yourself. The splendor of achieving any behavior change begins with believing that you have what it takes to succeed. Acknowledge fear, doubt, past challenges and consciously put them aside – these feelings and past experiences only leave you stagnant.

You do not have to settle for how things are today. If you desire to change something in your life, dare to believe that there is something inside you that is exceptional and you can achieve what you desire. Dare to believe that today is a new day, with new opportunities for success in whatever you strive for in life.

Today, believe in yourself. This is where it begins.

2/21/14 
Achievement is largely the product of steadily raising one’s levels of aspiration and expectation. 
—Jack Nicklaus 

Achieving a new behavior and healthier lifestyle begins with a simple thought to aspire to something greater. We must listen and have the courage to expect more from ourselves. In the beginning you may set small expectations. However, as you achieve each level of expectation, you progress and aspire to new heights. Little by little, you are the person you were aspiring to become. 

What are your aspirations today?

2/14/14 
The more a diamond is cut, the more it sparkles. 
—Anonymous 

As we move through the process of learning a new behavior, we experience days that are positive and satisfying, but also days that are challenging and frustrating. We are learning to live life in a new way - it is only natural that we make mistakes or face challenges. Yes, these times are painful to face and we may wish that we handled them differently. However, “it is what it is” and we have a choice. 

We can either mull over the situation and let our frustration, anger, and resentment fester - which ultimately halts any movement or growth forward. Or we can acknowledge our frustration, let it go by seeing the value in the situation, and understand how to handle it better next time. 

There is value and opportunity in everything, even in situations and moments that are perhaps painful, frustrating, or confusing. Look for and focus on what is valuable and positive. This will begin a healing process that will yield a better experience next time. 

Today, find the value in a challenging situation and choose to move toward a better experience next time.

2/7/14 
The only people who never fail are those who never try. 
—Ilka Chase 

Has fear of failure kept you from attempting anything in your life? This is not entirely uncommon.

Yes, it’s true - whenever we try anything, there is the possibility of failure. And if failure occurs, we must believe that growth is inevitable, and we must have the courage to see the opportunities that lie in the wake of failure. 

We cannot let fear control our decision to change or determine our final outcome of whether or not we succeed. We must face our fear – fear of relapse, fear failure, fear of the unknown…we must be willing to manage our fear and move forward. By committing to the process of change, regardless of fear, we are already conquering our fear and claiming our freedom. 

Are you willing to conquer your fear today? 

1/31/2014 
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face…You must do the thing which you think you cannot do. 
-Eleanor Roosevelt 

Thinking about changing a behavior you have had for a long time may trigger feelings of fear. We fear the experience of change in part because the outcome of living differently is unknown. We cannot define exactly what the experience will be. Learning to live differently is a unique experience for everyone and can even be different on an individual basis from day-to-day. 

How do we deal with fear? If we want to achieve our goals, we must “stop to look fear in the face.” We cannot allow ourselves to be paralyzed by fear….fear of withdrawal, fear of coping differently, fear of relapse, fear of acceptance, fear of the unknown, etc. We need to acknowledge that fear is present or that it may pop-up from time-to-time, but we must face it and move beyond it. In that moment, we must stop, take a deep breath, and think about how we will navigate to overcome the emotion. 

1/24/2014 
A terrace nine stories high begins with a pile of earth. 
-Lao-tzu 

Have you ever encountered a person who has already achieved what you are hoping to achieve and think, “Wow, I want to be there. How did they do it?” 
It is the accumulation of many small steps that contribute to tremendous accomplishments. It begins by first thinking about what you want to achieve, then setting goals and preparing how to manage certain obstacles, then actively pursuing your goals, one day at a time. Make the decision to navigate through each moment of every day with hope, optimism, and grace. 
Eventually, everyday routines become comfortable without old and negative behaviors. Even stress and crises are managed without difficulty. Days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, and months turn into years – before long, 5 years pass and you are living the life you wanted! Humbly continue to move forward, staying committed and dedicated to your initial goal established 5 years earlier. 
All great accomplishments take many little steps and triumphs. It is hard work - requires desire, dedication, and commitment on a daily basis. Many people achieve great accomplishments – and you can too. Be mindful and complete each step to the best of your ability. 

What steps will you make today toward accomplishing your goal?

1/17/14 
The hopeful man sees success where others see failure, sunshine where others see shadows and storm. 
-O. S. Marden 

While embarking on any behavior change you will inevitably face resistance and challenge along the way. Change is not easy and at times, the challenges you face may feel overwhelming. There is hope. Welcome moments of resistance and challenge – knowing they will lead you to success in reaching your goals and the desired positive behavior change. Hope will give you the strength you need to persist through resistance and challenge. 

How will you experience hope today?

1/10/14
In any project the important factor is your belief. Without belief, there can be no successful outcome. 
- William James 

As we embark on a new year, we may think about starting new projects or resolutions. Devising a realistic plan is important to success. This way you will have a clear understanding of the actions you need to execute and when they need to be executed. Also important is believing that you can accomplish your set project or resolution. Believing that you can accomplish your goal sets the stage for success. It also helps you overcome the challenges that surface along the way. 

Today, whatever goal you are pursuing, believe that you are…and will continue to be successful.

1/3/14 
One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again. 
- Abraham Maslow 

One of the biggest challenges in self-determination is overcoming fear associated with moving forward into the unknown. Moving forward sometimes requires us to move outside of our comfort zone. It can be unsettling at times but do not be afraid. Choose growth, face fear, and trust that everything will work out. There are many exciting things to discover. Do not stay idle or move backward because it feels like the safer option. Move forward...you will make it through whatever lies ahead! 

Today, choose growth, face fear, and trust that everything will work out.