by | Life Application
photo credit: sidsavar.com
Think of something right now that you have dreamed of doing all of your life? How many years have you been thinking about it?
You want to make things happen but yesterday is gone and today is about to come to an end. Still nothing. Maybe some defeat.
Then you begin to justify why you didn’t meet that deadline, or why the book you’ve been wanting to write for the last ten years still isn’t completed. The house you wanted to build is still on paper. The degree you wanted to earn is nothing but a distant thought. You still haven’t started your own business. You haven’t asked your boss for a raise. You haven’t asked your girlfriend to marry you. The list goes on…
Why?
Because you’re still filling yourself with excuses of why things aren’t being done.
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by | Life Application
photo credit: professor bop (creative commons)
Yes, it’s a new year. It’s time to start over. Last year is gone and so we can all wave goodbye the resolutions we made last year and never stuck with. Let me give you some advice:
Stop making them!
Why?
They don’t work.
You shouldn’t have to live with the weight of trying to “lose this” or “do that.” It’s too much pressure and you’re setting yourself up for failure.
Though I am not making a resolution for 2012 I do have visions I plan to turn into goals. Let’s all make decisions this year to do something instead of just talking about it.
I had some great successes, failures, excitement, and downfalls in 2011 I wanted to share with you.
My 2011 in Review
Some things I accomplished this year:
- I revamped my blog with five posts per week, offering real life examples of everyday life. My unique monthly visitors have went through the roof. Very exciting!
- My first manuscript got turned down and I’m excited about it. Why? Because it means something bigger is out there and I haven’t found it yet.
- I shared my testimony at various events, and offered hope to others.
- I co-hosted a successful 6-month radio show.
- I started my own social media marketing company, sort of by accident.
Some fun and not so fun things happened in my personal life too:
- I survived a year of college. (Wiping the brow)
- Restored a relationship with my step-mom after 14 years.
- I was hit by some unexpected health issues that have slowed down my progress, but not my determination to keep going.
- I have met some great people online that have turned into long lasting friendships.
- I traveled to Atlanta for an inspiring, life-changing conference.
- I ran another 5K
- I used the word “no” without guilt, allowing other opportunities for better things.
- I moved out of role at church that I was passionate about in order to follow God’s prompting to grow in other areas.
In 2012 I want to be more intentional about what I do, the way I think and the people I meet.
What to Expect This Year
- I’ll be releasing my first eBook soon on losing weight the right way. I’m super stoked about it.
- I’ll be writing more eBooks throughout the year on various topics.
- Submitting my book proposal to more agents and publishers.
- Booking more speaking opportunities.
- I expect to fail on things, learn from my mistakes, pick up the pieces, and move on.
- I want to put together a new book proposal for another idea rolling around in my head.
- I will be teaching some social media seminars throughout the year. (If you have ideas on what you’d like to learn about, let me know.)
- I’m going to make it through another year of school and as soon as I’m done with this last algebra class, I will be having a book burning party. All are invited!
- I’m plan to read 25 books on various topics, including leadership, writing and prayer.
- To run again
That’s just a few of the things my 2012 will hold.
What about you? How was your 2011? What do you plan to do with your new year? Comment below..
P.S. I’m giving away a copy of EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches. I need your help answering a few simple questions on how to make my blog better in the new year. Will you take a few moments and answer some questions for me?
by | Faith Lived Out, Life Application
Last year I decided to take the #oneword2011 challenge and pick that one word that I would focus on for the next 12 months. My word was truth. It worked so well and kept me focused on my goals that I decided to try it again.
The name has changed to One Word 365, but the principle is still the same.
One word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live or what you want to achieve by the end of 2012.
This year I choose the word RADICAL.
If you’ve been following my blog this past year then you know I’ve been making some radical changes. I don’t plan to stop anytime soon.
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by | Life Application
photo credit: mafleen (creative commons)
It’s been a crazy, great, overwhelming, hard, energetic, exciting, tiresome, eventful year. I think that about covers it.
Since revamping the blog in 2011, I’ve gained more readers and shared more of my life than ever. I wouldn’t take a second of it back.
Thank you for your support.
I plan to continue with five posts per week, continuing to be as transparent as possible, and growing with you. I have lots up my sleeve for 2012.
With that said, I want to share with you the Top Five Posts of 2011:
by | Life Application
This year I embarked on a journey with my new friend and blogger Alece from Grit and Glory. The journey was to find that one word that I wanted to focus on for 2011. That one word that I would live by.
My word was truth.
I’m sure I could have done better, but I’m pretty happy with the way I lived out that one word.
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by | Life Application
photo credit: amal (creative commons)
It has been a great year at Lead. Love. Laugh. I can’t believe it’s coming to an end!
This is the first year I have committed to blogging five times per week and I’m so thrilled I did.
I started blogging in 2006 on MySpace, believe it or not, and now, here I am at Lead. Love. Laugh. With the gazillion (slight exaggeration) blogs out there, I want to do everything I need to in order to provide real-life inspiration, tips on leadership, laughter, and more for you.
I want to make sure I’m going in the right direction.
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