tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48816203225259161582024-02-21T04:04:32.328-06:00Just One Step At a TimeWhen we aspire to climb higher and reach the goals in our lives, we often must face fears,
overcome obstacles and step out of our comfort zones. We can get overwhelmed and paralyzed if we try to leap to the top in giant steps.
However, when we move up one step at a time, anything is possible. So keep your eye on the goal, and just focus on the one step you need to make today.
Step out and step up!Tami VanHoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881620322525916158.post-47559240233775155082012-05-18T17:15:00.000-05:002012-05-18T17:15:52.026-05:00A Step in the Wrong Direction<br />
You may have noticed that I like to define the steps to be taken in your business as 'forward moving'. I like to be clear when encouraging people to take a step...any step... to put their business into action because sometimes a wrong step can be made. <br />
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A step in the wrong direction. <br />
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These 'wrong' directions can be 'side stepping' or taking steps backwards. They usually aren't intentional, but to avoid them we have to be aware of the cause of them. Let's explore a few of these 'wrong' direction steps...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Side Steps:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><strong>You might be a side stepper if</strong> ...you have ever had this conversation with yourself: "I know I need to get on the phone to call my contacts, but calling people is out of my comfort zone...so I'll just send a mass email. I'm sure people will appreciate that more and if they want something, they will tell me after they get this email."</li>
<ul>
<li>Relationships are the back bone of a business. Connecting over the phone is the life blood of a relationship. </li>
<li><em><u>Turn side steps into forward movement by creating a script.</u></em> Don't start dialing with the idea that you'll figure out what to say when they answer (all the while hoping they don't answer so you can leave a voice message that says 'call me'!). Decide what you have to offer this person you are calling and respect their time by getting to the point. </li>
<ul>
<li>Did they buy something in the past? Have a 'just checking to be sure all is well with your xxx product' script ready to go. </li>
<li>Did they mention they might like to consider hosting a show for you? Have a 'let me tell you about the special and exciting benefits of hosting a show this month' script ready to go., </li>
<li>Have they been purchasing from you for a while / held one or more shows or been a great source of referrals? Have a 'I wanted to tell you how much I've been thinking about you and how you would be great doing what I do' script ready. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<li><strong>You might be a side stepper if</strong> ...you are constantly busy in your office but you have no money in your bank account to prove how busy you have been! </li>
<ul>
<li>Oh, how easy it is to side step around income producing activity when we tend to the business of organizing our offices, sorting our conference notes, and reading the next of several self help books on your list for this month. </li>
<li><em>Turn side steps into forward movement by scheduling time blocks in your well organized planner.</em> Example:</li>
<ul>
<li>Sunday: 1 hour in the office organizing any mess that has accumulated over the last week and making sure my planner has income earning activity blocked out for the rest of the week. 1 hour in the office writing thank you notes to customers, hosts and notes of encouragement to team members (mail on Monday). 1 hour reading my self help book of the month. </li>
<li>Monday: 1-2 hours to call anyone you have identified in the last week as potential hosts (they marked a card noting their interest, they said they can't afford all they want, they said...'hey, I might want to host a show!'). Have script ready *wink* and calendar open with dates to fill. 1 hour reading a self help book or listening to a tape...taking note of any steps you can add to your business activity this week to increase forward movement (and then do them *wink*)</li>
<li>Tuesday: 1-2 hours to call all of my customers from 3-4 weeks ago and follow up with a 'how is the product' service call. Have a script ready for reorders, booking opportunities or sponsoring conversations! 1 hour taking care of any accounting or book keeping work necessary in my business. </li>
<li>Wednesday: Ect..... </li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
You get the idea... block times in your calendar week to week with activity that will move you forward and be dedicated enough to do it! Block in time for those office organizing tasks, self improvement activities and such too...just make sure they aren't the only things you do! The time limits help you stay on task. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Backward Steps:</span><br />
<ul>
<li>You might be taking backward steps if... you started your business with great enthusiasm but most of the items that came in your first shipment are still in the box or sitting on a desk partially opened. </li>
<ul>
<li>Take some time to identify what pulled you back. Some common causes of this type of back stepping are:</li>
<ul>
<li><em>negative input from friends and family.</em> "you're doing what?" "you tried xyz before and nothing happened...this is just the same thing" "how much is this one going to cost us?"</li>
<ul>
<li><strong><em>remedy:</em></strong> QUICK... get on the phone and call the person that sponsored you and ask her/him to put you on the company's fast start track...or give you a goal you can reach in the next 48 hours...or call your closest, most supportive friend and ask them to be your very first party host. <em>Do this now...not later. </em>You are in <u>dire</u> need of a reminder of why you wanted to do this in the first place! </li>
</ul>
<li><em>The word NO</em>. The first person you called said no, or the last few people you called said no. Now you are starting to doubt yourself or your business and are stepping backwards into a place where you lose sight of what you love about your company or the successes you have had in the past. </li>
<ul>
<li><em><strong>remedy: </strong></em>QUICK... pull up a word document on your computer and type out the word 'NO' 100 times. At the top of that page write this: "MY GOAL IS TO GET 100 NO'S FROM PEOPLE I CALL AS FAST AS I CAN". At the bottom of that page, after the 100th NO, write this: 'NOW THAT I HAVE GOTTEN 100 'NOS' I WILL TREAT MYSELF TO (fill in the blank with something like 'a manicure', coffee with a friend, an ice cream sundae...something you can treat yourself with to say 'I did it') And one more thing to type on that page ~ this very important sentence: WHILE I WAS GETTING THOSE NOS I ALSO GOT THESE YESES and THIS MUCH BUSINESS: . Follow that sentence with places to mark the yeses you got, whether it was a sale (how much), a booking (date) or a sponsoring appointment (date). </li>
<ul>
<li>now start calling and cross off those nos until you hit #100...marking the yes info along the way. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
Sometimes focusing on the negative input in our lives will drive us to retreat into doubt or defeat. One of my favorite words of encouragment for moving forward in our walk comes from scripture:<br />
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<em style="text-align: center;"><strong>Philippians 3: 13b-14 ~ Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.</strong></em><br />
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Let's Get There One Step at a Time, <br />
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Copyright© 2012 Just One Step at a Time<br />
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Did you recognize yourself as a side stepper or a back stepper? Have you overcome wrong steps in the past? Do you have other causes for wrong steps in your business that you'd like encouragement or help with? Please share, ask or encourage below by clicking the comment link and leaving us your thoughts. We'd be so encouraged!!Tami VanHoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881620322525916158.post-64561146200075922512012-05-08T10:00:00.000-05:002012-05-08T10:00:10.283-05:00Putting Boundaries Around Our Steps...Forward Focused Steps!<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We've been discussing the warning signs that might indicate a need for boundaries....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">RECAP:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The<a href="http://stepuponeatatime.blogspot.com/2012/04/putting-boundaries-around-our-steps.html" target="_blank"> first post in this series</a> addressed the need to know when our yes to one good thing is really a no to the better thing. Proper boundaries give us the direction we need to say yes to what God has planned for us instead of being distracted by the shiny objects that can distract us from that plan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <a href="http://stepuponeatatime.blogspot.com/2012/04/putting-boundaries-around-our-steps_29.html" target="_blank">second in our series </a>discussed the need to use expectations to form boundaries that keep us from jumping onto the paths of others, helping them achieve success but abandoning our personal path to success. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The<a href="http://stepuponeatatime.blogspot.com/2012/05/putting-boundaries-around-our-steps.html" target="_blank"> third boundary discussed</a> was how to ask questions and guide those in our lives towards ownership of their problems and away from dependency on us to 'fix' the problems for them. </span><br />
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<b>Let's wrap up this series with a deeper understanding of why boundaries are a good thing! </b></div>
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<i>An initial response to the idea of putting boundaries in place is typically 'limitation'!</i></div>
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<i>'Boundaries limit what I can do or where I can go. </i></div>
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<i>And anyone with goals and dreams will naturally have a negative reaction to 'limitations'!</i></div>
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Alright then, lets explore that thought. By definition, limitation means a restriction of range or scope, and one could easily argue that this is exactly what a boundary does, restricts me; and success is all about dreaming without limitations. Fair enough. It's the image of running free in a field, blue skies, green grass and a horizon that goes on forever. <u>It's my life and the sky is the limit!</u><br />
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I can see myself there now, running with the wind in my hair, arms unbound and raised with excitement. I run toward all of the flowers growing wild in the field, finding joy in each one I stop to smell. Day after day, running free, enjoying all that this life has to offer. Year after year, running towards whatever attracts my attention without restrictions. Ultimately, running and jumping myself into....exhaustion. <br />
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On the other hand...what if I approached this 'skies the limit' perspective with a few boundaries. Instead of running free to this side of the field and the next, running to smell every flower, following every butterfly that catches my eye, what if I identify the side of the field I desire to see the most and focus on only the flowers and butterflies that lead me in that direction. I may change the side of the field I want to reach at any point, or reach my original destination and set course for a new one, but I keep focused on the one direction until I am ready to make that change. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>If that image doesn't work for you, how about this visual of why boundaries are good. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Bowling. </span> </div>
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I've only bowled a few times in my life, but even so I know that the goal is to get the highest score possible by rolling a ball in one direction and knocking down as many pins in that one roll as possible. I do NOT get points if my ball goes into another lane and knocks down one or all of the pins. If I roll a strike in another person's lane, that person gets the points...not me! <br />
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Thank goodness for the gutters! YES....I said thank goodness for the gutters. They clearly define what lane I'm supposed to be playing in and they keep my ball going forward in my lane and out of everyone else's lanes! If I roll a gutter ball, I get another chance to try again.<br />
<br />
That said, if I want to help someone else get a strike, it's my choice. When my children were younger we would sometimes play in adjoining lanes...kids playing with kids and us adults playing with adults. Occasionally one of my youngest children would ask me to help them get a strike, usually when they were being slaughtered by the older children on the score board. It was fine for me to hop over to their lane to help them, teaching them some technique at the same time, but eventually I needed to give them back the ball so they could enjoy the thrill of success on their own.<br />
<br />
And how about bumper bowling! Oh Ya...that was always my favorite. Not being very good at bowling, I found great joy in having those bumpers in place to keep my ball in my lane so I was sure to knock down a pin or two with every toss. Those bumpers (boundaries!) were there for a reason, encouraging success and a desire to keep playing the game when I might otherwise be inclined to give up. <br />
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Just in case my metaphor isn't 'striking' a chord, let me try it this way:<br />
<br />
<b>Boundaries~</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Like gutters, they keep our efforts in our lane of business and out of the lanes of other people's business. </li>
<li>Like gutters, they define the lanes clearly and we can choose to change lanes for a moment to help others get better at the game, but not lose sight of our own lane in the meantime. It's o.k. to help and encourage and teach, but eventually (sooner rather than later) we need to quickly give the ball back so others can roll their own balls with success in their own lane. </li>
<li>Like bumper pads, they protect us from wasted efforts. All work and action has a result that increases success. Sometimes the result is learning what does not work, sometimes the result is identifying what we need to learn to do better and sometimes the result is a strike!</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>So is a boundary a limiting factor? </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>You know what...I think it might be. </i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Boundaries limit the chaotic activity in my life</span> </i></div>
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<i>that will result in exhaustion and unmet goals or expectations. </i></div>
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<b><i>Sometimes limitation is a good thing. </i></b></div>
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Let's Get There One Step at a Time<br />
<div style="padding-left: 10px;" width="400">
<span style="font-size: smaller;"></span></div>
<div>
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Copyright© 2012 Just One Step at a Time<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">What do you think about boundaries? Do you have some firmly established or are you more inclined to fun free? </b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><br /></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"> We'd love to be encouraged, so leave a comment, with or without your name! </b></div>
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<br /></div>Tami VanHoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881620322525916158.post-82281723089461553872012-05-05T13:53:00.001-05:002012-05-05T17:50:48.269-05:00Putting Boundaries Around Our Steps (part 3)...the Fixer<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As we discuss the third warning sign that we may need to put some boundaries in place, let's remember that boundaries are not put in place to limit our success but to direct it and make it forward moving / purposeful! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">RECAP:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The<a href="http://stepuponeatatime.blogspot.com/2012/04/putting-boundaries-around-our-steps.html" target="_blank"> first post in this series</a> addressed the need to know when our yes to one good thing is really a no to the better thing. Proper boundaries give us the direction we need to say yes to what God has planned for us instead of being distracted by the shiny objects that can distract us from that plan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <a href="http://stepuponeatatime.blogspot.com/2012/04/putting-boundaries-around-our-steps_29.html" target="_blank">second in our series </a>discussed the need to use expectations to form boundaries that keep us from jumping onto the paths of others, helping them achieve success but abandoning our personal path to success. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Warning sign #3 ~</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">You might need a boundary if...</span></i><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">you believe you are responsible for the problems / issues of people in your life or that it is your responsibility to resolve the outcomes for their bad choices. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ah, the boundary-less life of a fixer! You might be a 'fixer' if:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>When others come to you with their problems, you immediately begin giving advice on how to fix them, even if they didn't ask. </li>
<li>You seem to be the 'go to' person for everyone in your life when they have a problem and want it fixed. </li>
<li>You are burned out by all of the issues of running a business and are ready to throw in the towel because it's just to hard and you're not getting ahead. (for those with families, the words 'running a business' could also be replace with 'being a mother / wife')</li>
</ul>
<div>
Being a 'fixer' isn't limited to our business lives. As a fixer, we typically see our tendencies to take on the problems of others in every aspect of our lives, including family and friends. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>This inclination comes from a place of good intention. </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>We desire to help others. </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>We are very capable people and want to make life easier for others </i></b></div>
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<b><i>with a goal to see them be successful. </i></b></div>
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Eventually, a fixer comes to a place of total burn out. </div>
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As a 'fixer' myself, I'll share with you some boundaries that I learned to put in place that helped me. And yes...I found these boundaries only after I crashed and burned after years of living without boundaries!</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stop</b>.</span> If you are a fixer, chances are that you have trained those in your life that they can come to you to for 'fixing' so they don't have to do all of the hard work themselves. The first boundary needed is learning how to stop yourself from doing what comes naturally. As people come to you, before you offer advice, help or solutions, ask yourself this question: "Did I cause this problem or is this issue a result of this other person's lack of action or a consequence of a bad choice they made in the past?" The only answer that warrants you taking action on their behalf is 'yes...I caused this problem.'. </li>
<ul>
<li>If your answer is anything other than 'my fault'....continue with the following boundary building! </li>
</ul>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ask.</span></b> Develop a series of questions you can begin asking the person that has come to you that will help guide them to taking ownership of fixing their problem. Here are some suggestions to get you started:</li>
<ul>
<li><b><i>What do you think is the cause of this problem?</i></b> ~Keep asking this question until they own the problem. As long as a person sees themselves as a victim in their problem, they will not be able to stop expecting others to fix it for them. Even a problem that is a result of someone else doing them wrong,. ownership can be achieved by identifying boundaries that are needed to keep this from being repeated in their lives /businesses and then taking personal steps towards starting fresh. </li>
<ul>
<li>some typical causes you might guide them identify: </li>
<ul>
<li>a lack of effort </li>
<li>a fear of trying new things</li>
<li>an unwillingness to step outside of a comfort zone</li>
<li>a need for training</li>
<li>a need for action based on training already received</li>
<li>a need for a focused goal </li>
<li>a need for boundaries!</li>
<li>time management issues</li>
<li>and so many others that we can explore another time!</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<li><b><i>Where do you think you might find some answers or ideas to fix this problem? </i></b>~ We live in the age of answers. There is hardly an answer or solution needed that isn't a 'click' away from our computer key board. If you are building a business that is connected to an established brand (vs a personal start up business), you will most likely find lots of solutions / ideas on their business supporting website. And don't forget training events, conferences, seminars, self help books...the list is extensive. It's o.k. for you to nudge them towards the right answer, suggesting some starting places if they seem challenged to know where to start. It is NOT o.k. to give them a synopsis of what they will find if they were to read it themselves. A fixer reads it for them and feeds them like a mother bird feeds her chicks.</li>
<ul>
<li>One exception is when you offer a training event. However, even this requires action on the part of the one needing a 'fix'. If you plan to do a training event, expect (set the boundary) those that need help to come and get the help and not ask you to bring it to them. </li>
</ul>
<li><b><i>When are you available for to us to reconnect after you check out some of these ideas for solutions so we can brainstorm an action plan together?</i></b> ~ Practice this one over and over. As a fixer, we want to make that list for them! Our goal is to learn how to encourage them to make their own action plan so they can take ownership of putting it into action. By setting a time to reconnect, you give them a sense of urgency to take action and set a boundary in place for you to not jump paths and start making an action plan for them. That said...when you reconnect, you will find great satisfaction in brainstorming ideas with them instead of spoon feeding them the ideas. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
With an action plan in place, set times to follow up, evaluate progress and repeat the steps above as needed. And most of all...celebrate / reward accomplishments as they occur! Being a cheerleader and celebrator is much more energizing than being a fixer! </div>
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As you begin to put this boundary in place and into action, you will find your roll as a leader or business builder has new energy and those you are letting 'fix themselves' will become stronger and more prepared for personal success. It's like exercise. No one gets stronger and healthier watching others run the treadmill for them. </div>
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<i>A visual I have used in the past is of two treadmills. </i></div>
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<i>Me on one and the one needing something fixed on the other. </i></div>
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<i>The one in need looks over and says 'I have this problem'</i></div>
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<i>...and then hits the start button on my treadmill and watches me work up a sweat. </i></div>
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<i>When the problem is solved, they thank me enthusiastically and walk away, </i></div>
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<i>leaving me an exhausted mess but still in the same place I was when I started. </i></div>
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<i>Lots of activity but no forward movement! </i></div>
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And speaking as a wife and mother of 4, my tendencies to 'fix' things haven't been limited to my business life. As I learned to put this boundary concept into play in my family life, I began to enjoy my rolls of wife and mother much more. I found great joy in watching my children become stronger and less dependent, and my relationship with my husband become more joyful and less combative. The questions are different, but the concept is the same. <b> Stop</b> jumping in to fix it and <b>Ask </b>them what they think needs to be done. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Next time we'll conclude our series on boundaries with a closer look at WHY boundaries are NOT a limitation to success but a catalyst. </span></div>
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Let’s Get There One Step at a Time,
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<span style="font-size: smaller;"></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85765/tvanhoy/4b2f6a1919b0cae9772188c2cc749c73.png" style="border: 0 !important; left: -7px; position: relative; top: -3px;" /></a></div>
Copyright© 2012 Just One Step at a Time<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>I'd love to hear what you think! Are you a fixer like me? Or...are you one that is drawn to fixers? What thoughts do you have about boundaries in life as well as business? </b></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">We'd love to be encouraged, so leave a comment, with or without your name! </span></b></span></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>Tami VanHoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881620322525916158.post-7581837371079843702012-05-04T09:00:00.001-05:002012-05-04T09:00:40.933-05:00Do It Scared...Sharing Some Inspiring CourageI was going to continue with my series on boundaries today, but this morning, as I was doing a little morning reading (I don't get the paper here in East Texas back country roads...so blogs are my morning read!), I read something I just had to share. <br />
<br />
EVERYONE needs to read this! It applies to life dreams as well as business goals. The words are powerful and inspiring. Hey...I'm all fired up now and it wasn't the coffee! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://michaelhyatt.com/live-your-dream.html" target="_blank">THIS LINK</a> is to Michael Hyatt's International Leadership Blog, where Jeff Goins guest posted today. But be sure to hop over to <a href="http://goinswriter.com/" target="_blank">Jeff's blog</a> after reading the article and check out other things from Jeff...he's one of my favorite writers!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>While he primarily writes to encourage writers, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I think you will find many of his posts speak to all of us </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>as we seek to become all we were created to be! </i></div>
<br />
Let's Get There One Step at a Time,<br />
Tami<br />
<br />
<br />Tami VanHoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881620322525916158.post-40668472286009892642012-04-29T22:55:00.000-05:002012-05-05T17:51:41.662-05:00Putting Boundaries Around Our Steps (part 2)...People PleasersLet's continue addressing the issue of knowing when boundaries are needed to guard our steps, keeping them focused, forward moving and purposeful. <br />
<br />
The<a href="http://stepuponeatatime.blogspot.com/2012/04/putting-boundaries-around-our-steps.html" target="_blank"> first post in this series</a> addressed the need to know when our yes to one good thing is really a no to the better thing. Proper boundaries give us the direction we need to say yes to what God has planned for us instead of being distracted by the shiny objects that can distract us from that plan. <br />
<br />
Warning sign #2 ~<br />
<i>You might need a boundary if...</i><br />
<b> you feel driven to please people out of fear of rejection. </b><br />
<br />
We all find ourselves here at some point. We don't intentionally take steps down this path, but it starts with a small side step, followed by another and before we know it, we are taking all of our steps down the paths of others and the path towards our goals and dreams is abandoned. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Maybe it starts with a new team member calling you several times a day to ask a variety of questions about getting started, and then a month later, the calls have increased when they should have decreased. </li>
<li>Maybe you have become the yellow pages for your team members as they all call you to get so n so's phone number. </li>
<li>Maybe you are taking on the lion share of work required to pull off a large project or show you have agreed to do with a peer. </li>
<li>Maybe your team members have stopped going to any training meetings but call you constantly to be spoon fed the training they missed. </li>
<li>Maybe you are driven to answer your cell phone every single time it rings, even during family dinners or outings with the children. </li>
</ul>
<br />
Some may feel that they are jumping from the path of one to the path of another, and another and back to the first one, then jumping to that other one....you get the picture. And then one day you fall down, exhausted, throwing your hands in the air, ready to give up because this business just doesn't work. <br />
<br />
So what does the boundary for this look like?<br />
<br />
I like to call it <b>the boundary of expectations.</b> The challenge is getting over the fear that setting expectations makes you an uncaring, 'mean' person. <br />
<br />
If this is your challenge, let me offer a different perspective to help you feel better about setting and living by expectations. <br />
<br />
If we never expect others to step up, they never really get strong enough to walk on their own two feet. When we keep stepping in with 'people pleasing' behavior, we are carrying them up their stairs of success.<br />
<br />
By setting expectations we can guide them up the steps and are freed up to cheer them on as they conquer each new rung on the ladder of success, and at the same time we are reaching new heights in our own business as well. <br />
<br />
<b>Boundary of Expectations:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Office hours communicated to your team, so they know when you are available to help them without taking away the hours you have allotted to focus on your personal business. </li>
<li>When sharing the load of a project or show, start with an agreed upon plan of action...in writing. Include an 'out' clause...stipulating a change of plans or partners if the original agreement is not honored along the way. </li>
<li>A practiced response to questions that they could have easily found online or in a manual in their possession. Instead of taking lots of time spoon feeding them personalized training, take a couple of minutes to remind them where the training is located and then set an appointment during office hours to follow up with them and see what they learned and what you can clarify for them.
</li>
<li>Use voice mail! Let quality time with family or even time you have set aside for yourself remain uninterrupted. As soon as that time is over, check the voice mail and respond in a timely manner. </li>
</ul>
<div>
These are just a few ideas to start you thinking about boundaries you might need to establish if your driving force is pleasing people so they will like you, without consideration for success ~ either yours OR theirs. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
And the best part about setting expectations? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
VICTORIES AND CELEBRATIONS! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When you use these boundaries to guide team members up the ladder of their personal vision of success, allowing them to gain strength and confidence one step at a time, you are now freed up to cheer and praise them for each level of success. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you are spoon feeding or doing it for them, you are too tired or frustrated to celebrate and in reality, they know they didn't really do it themselves either and don't feel valid in celebrating. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next time we'll discuss the need for boundaries if you are a 'fixer'.<br />
</div>
Let’s Get There One Step at a Time,
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 10px;" width="400">
<span style="font-size: smaller;"></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85765/tvanhoy/4b2f6a1919b0cae9772188c2cc749c73.png" style="border: 0 !important; left: -7px; position: relative; top: -3px;" /></a></div>
Copyright© 2012 Just One Step at a Time
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<o:p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b>Are you driven by a need to please others to be liked? Is there another scenario that wasn't addressed here but you could use some help with? Leave a comment and let's chat about it. If I don't have a suggestion, I'm sure there are others that do! Feeling shy? Leave the comment anonymously...it's that easy! </b></span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b>Or, have you succeeded in putting establishing boundaries of expectaions? We'd love to be encouraged, so leave a comment, with or without your name! </b></span></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>Tami VanHoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881620322525916158.post-24365096046939661352012-04-16T10:10:00.001-05:002012-05-05T17:47:21.798-05:00Guest Blogging Today...Top 5 List for Starting a Home Based BusinessI'm not here today...I'm over at <a href="http://proverbs31mama2010.blogspot.com/2012/04/5-tips-to-starting-business-from-home.html" target="_blank">Proverbs 31 Mama</a> as a guest blogger, sharing my Top 5 thoughts about starting a home based business. I'd love for you to <a href="http://proverbs31mama2010.blogspot.com/2012/04/5-tips-to-starting-business-from-home.html" target="_blank">click here </a>and tell them hello! <br />
<br />Tami VanHoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881620322525916158.post-12222841773512961262012-04-15T16:59:00.000-05:002012-05-05T17:52:41.285-05:00Putting Boundaries Around Our Steps (part 1)...Saying No<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">SOMETIMES
WE NEED TO BE SURE WE HAVE </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">THE PROPER BOUNDARIES IN PLACE BEFORE WE TAKE A
STEP. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whether you
own your own business, have a home based business or work for a boss, we all need to learn how to establish
boundaries. This is hard for women in
particular because we have a strong need to nurture. This is great for building relationships that
are necessary to be successful, but without boundaries we eventually find we
are either in over our heads or being walked all over. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In either
case, our steps to success come to a screeching halt if we don’t take some time
to evaluate what boundaries are needed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This week I
thought I'd offer some warning signs that boundaries are needed and how you
might go about drawing some necessary lines.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today we’ll
discuss the ‘no’ boundary! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>You might
need some boundaries if….</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Saying “no” makes you feel
guilty. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whether it’s
saying no to a business colleague, team member, family member or friend, if you
dread having to tell people ‘no’, you probably need a boundary put in
place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So often we
equate saying no to ‘I don’t care about you’.
Do any of these words sound familiar?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I really need to generate some income this week
from my business to help with the bills, but the school/ church / scouts /team
has asked me to volunteer for the
(field trip, party, project, etc…) and I feel bad telling them no. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">SOLUTION: First…be
ready at any time with this rehearsed response: “Thanks so much for
thinking of me. Let me look at my
work calendar for the week and get back with you. I’ll let you know by (fill in blank
with a time).” Now, look at your calendar and establish
your work schedule for the week.
Be honest with yourself and determine how much time you need to be
on the phone making sales, booking or coaching calls, how much time you need to be
conducting business outside the home and when the best time is for each
of these things to occur (don’t schedule your call time when you know
people won’t be there to answer the phone…that’s not scheduling, that’s
passive aggressive avoidance ~ a topic for another day!). Once you have done that, look and see
what time you DO have available and make that promised return call with
what you CAN do. Maybe you can’t
do the entire thing that was asked, but you can contribute in a less time
consuming way. Sometimes the ‘no’
boundary is a compromise instead of a slammed door. However, if you really don't have time to say yes at this very moment, that's a perfectly acceptable answer! Try saying something like "I've looked at all that I am already committed to at this time and have to say no right now, but please let me know what I can help with in the future". </span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If I tell my business colleague or team member I
can’t help her (______fill in
blank) today I’ll be letting her
down. I don’t want to disappoint
her but this just isn’t a good time.
<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">SOLUTION:
instead of saying ‘no, I can’t do that today’, say "today is not a
good time for me but I have the following times available this week (list
times). Which one works for
you?" </span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The family
/ husband / kids want me to be available for them at a moment’s notice and
I feel so guilty telling them I have to work. The whole reason I took a work at home
job was to be more available for my family and saying no means I’m not a
good wife/mom. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">SOLUTION: Once again, scheduling is key (I
promise I’ll be writing about this very important topic soon!) Just
like a job away from the home, there are hours you must work and hours
you are off. Make sure you have
off hours scheduled and <u>keep them</u>.
Now, instead of saying ‘no’, you can say , “I can’t go to or do (fill in
blank here) right this minute, but I’m off work at xxx time and we will go
to / do (fill in blank here) then.”
Enjoy the fact that you don’t
have to ask a boss to take that time off but don’t let your life be all ‘off
time’ and no ‘income earning time’.
<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Here's the
thing about saying ‘no’. </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Even when we
say ‘yes’ to something, we are still saying ‘no’ to something else. </b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unless you're sitting around with hours and hours of spare time every single day, when we
say ‘yes’ to one person, project or activity, we’ve said ‘no’ to whatever else
might have also wanted or needed that same time slot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If we don’t
have boundaries in place, we say ‘yes’ to whatever is begging for our attention
at the moment. Unfortunately, the
things in our face at the moment may not actually be the thing that is most
important to us. It might be a ‘good’
thing, but a ‘<u>very</u> good' thing was just told no by our yes to something else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can tell
you that this was a big lesson for me to learn in the early days of building my
first company. Can you guess what was
the loudest, most obnoxious and needy thing in my life at that time? Yep, the growing business. A business that was started to help pay bills
and bring some financial security to our family…a good thing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At the same
time, can you guess what ‘very good thing’ I was constantly saying no to as I said yes to the demanding needs of
the business? Family.
If you asked me during that time what was most important to me, I would
have said ‘family’ without hesitation.
And if you asked my family if they understood why I was so busy all the
time, they would have said yes. However,
if you asked my family if they ever felt neglected or not as important to me as
the business, they also would have said yes.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Did they
complain? No. Never.
They understood and just surrendered to what seemed to be an unavoidable
consequence of starting a company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Eventually
I began to see I was silently telling my family ‘no’ more times than I should and
quickly learned how to be mindful of what was behind me so I could be more
purposeful with my yeses and nos. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>So what's the
boundary needed when we feel guilty saying no to ‘good things’? <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A rear view
mirror </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">that makes us look around in all directions </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">before taking a step
forward! </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Next time
we’ll talk about necessary boundaries when we are driven by a need to please
others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
Let’s Get There One Step at a Time,
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 10px;" width="400">
<span style="font-size: smaller;"></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85765/tvanhoy/4b2f6a1919b0cae9772188c2cc749c73.png" style="border: 0 !important; left: -7px; position: relative; top: -3px;" /></a></div>
Copyright© 2012 Just One Step at a Time
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<br />
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<o:p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b>Do you struggle with guilt from saying no? Is there another 'no' scenario that wasn't addressed here but you could use some help with? Leave a comment and let's chat about it. If I don't have a suggestion, I'm sure there are others that do! Feeling shy? Leave the comment anonymously...it's that easy! </b></span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b>Or, have you succeeded in putting a boundary around your 'no' issue? We'd love to be encouraged, so leave a comment, with or without your name! </b></span></o:p></div>
</div>Tami VanHoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881620322525916158.post-19561161152841574402012-04-10T23:31:00.001-05:002012-05-05T17:54:01.177-05:00A Step Toward Guaranteed Success<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase;"><b>What
would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?</b><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fear of failure is a top reason for lack of forward movement in any business. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is
failure? Let’s look at what Webster
says:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To stop functioning<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To fall short<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To be unsuccessful<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To fade or die away<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hmmmm….</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I attempt
nothing…I essentially stop functioning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I attempt
nothing…I am guaranteed to fall short of my dreams and be unsuccessful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I attempt
nothing…it is certain that my dreams will die and fade away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>It appears that the only way to be sure we don't fail is to do something; </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>to take a step forward everyday. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Doing nothing is guaranteed failure. </i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">IF I attempt
to do something …I continue to function. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">IF I attempt
to do something …I am guaranteed to be one step closer my dreams and one step closer to being successful in overcoming my
fears and thoughts of self doubt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">IF I attempt
to do something …my dreams will continue
to be a part of who I am…remaining alive in me as long as I keep trying. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So today's word of encouragement is this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Take a step forward today. </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>You are guaranteed not to fail </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>because failure is a result of doing nothing! </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
</div>
Let’s Get There One Step at a Time,
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 10px;" width="400">
<span style="font-size: smaller;"></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85765/tvanhoy/4b2f6a1919b0cae9772188c2cc749c73.png" style="border: 0 !important; left: -7px; position: relative; top: -3px;" /></a></div>
Copyright© 2012 Just One Step at a TimeTami VanHoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881620322525916158.post-37244016722458989532012-04-10T23:19:00.000-05:002012-05-05T17:54:37.752-05:00Tomorrow Starts with Steps Taken Today<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase;"><b>Have
you begun today what you wish to be tomorrow?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>If you can answer this with a yes...</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...then every single day and you are taking steps to move yourself closer and closer to your dreams. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>If your answer is no...</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...you have to decide today if you're going to
start taking steps to be where you want to be tomorrow….or not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We all know what it means to be prepared for tomorrow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're a mother, you know that if you want to get the family out the door smoothly tomorrow, you have to do some preparation steps today for that to happen. The kids just don't get up without an alarm set the day before. The family doesn't get out the door in time if clothes were prepared the day before. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're a business person, you know that tomorrow's meeting means preparation work today. Your presentation doesn't just fall into place without steps taken today to get the script right and the power point finished. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have your own business, what you do today shapes what your business looks like tomorrow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>I think one of the hardest things about being your own boss is </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>BEING YOUR OWN BOSS! </i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Need money in the bank tomorrow? You have to tell yourself to go to work today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In this fast paced world, we can easily fall into the trap of procrastination. So many things grasping for our attention can be a major distraction for a business owner, and especially for a home based business owner. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes stalled growth is simply a result of scattered focus and the distractions of an over committed life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's why the question at the top of today's post is a great one to start with each day to avoid that dream killing trap of 'putting it off until tomorrow'. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are not seeing the forward motion you need to see in your business, try these steps every day for a month and see if it makes a difference. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take the opening question above and write it at the top of your daily planner. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Answer the 'tomorrow' part first. Write down what you need to have happen tomorrow. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<ul><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you need to pay a bill? Write down what you need to sell or make for that to happen. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is your party plan business out of business because your calendar is empty? Write down the number of dates you need to have filled by tomorrow so you are 'back in business' again. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is there a prize you're shooting for? What's the next thing you need to accomplish to be one step closer? Write down the portion that needs to be one by tomorrow. </span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now you're ready to answer the 'today' part of the question. Write down the steps you need to take to accomplish your wish for tomorrow. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<ul><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To make that goal amount tomorrow, how many sales calls will you need to make or deliveries will you need to accomplish today. Make it a priority item. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If a full calendar is your goal for tomorrow, write down who you are going to call and don't stop until you have connected with everyone on the list. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Going for the prize? Define the tasks you must do today to achieve tomorrows goal.</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Print the question from the top of our post on bright strips of paper and place them around the house in locations that tend to be time traps or 'shiny objects' that distract you from staying committed to your business goals. When you see them throughout the day you will be prompted to go back to your list of priority tasks.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It seems simple, but with diligent commitment to this 30 day challenge, you are sure to see the results you desire! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And there is no time like TODAY to start taking steps to get where you wish to be TOMORROW! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Let’s Get There One Step at a Time,
<br />
<div style="padding-left: 10px;" width="400">
<span style="font-size: smaller;"></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85765/tvanhoy/4b2f6a1919b0cae9772188c2cc749c73.png" style="border: 0 !important; left: -7px; position: relative; top: -3px;" /></a></div>
Copyright© 2012 Just One Step at a TimeTami VanHoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881620322525916158.post-43590694051662513782012-04-10T22:24:00.001-05:002012-05-05T17:55:28.648-05:00First Steps Never Get Old<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WHEN
WAS THE LAST TIME YOU DID SOMETHING FOR THE 1<sup>ST</sup> TIME? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First steps! We all take them throughout our lives. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Without 'first steps', we'd never move forward. They can be scary at times; stepping into a new career, a new school, a new social group...but once we push past the fear and take the step, the emotions change to excitement and joy! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The opposite of 'first steps' is walking in circles. Too many times we lose sight of the excitement and joy new steps bring and let fear keep us from getting anywhere. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've all heard the saying ~ ‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and
over expecting a different result’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you're not doing something for the first time…then you're doing the same thing over
and over. And if
you're doing the same
thing over and over…you can't expect anything to change. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you at
the finish line? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you done? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://stepuponeatatime.blogspot.com/2012/04/erasing-lines.html" target="_blank">Have you come to that line you have drawn </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://stepuponeatatime.blogspot.com/2012/04/erasing-lines.html" target="_blank">between possible and impossible? </a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you're not
ready for things to stay just as they are…</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">...if you have a dream of <u>more</u>, then</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">you
must continue to do things for the first time. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s not a
matter of how far that dream or vision you have is from being a reality…it's a matter of
constantly moving forward....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just. One. Step. At. A. Time. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your line defining what was <a href="http://stepuponeatatime.blogspot.com/2012/04/erasing-lines.html" target="_blank">possible and impossible</a> moves FORWARD each time you do something for
the first time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I see
people who have decided that they have reached the line of impossibility, I see
people who have stopped doing something for the first time. I see people who have let fear and self doubt
decide for them that they have come to the end of what's possible. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’ll prove it: <span style="color: #3366ff; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Possible looks like this...</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your business and all its possibilities <u>started</u> with the first time
you decided to give it a try. The first time you stopped listening to the excuses and fears and took a step you had never made before. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Impossible looks like this….</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A business and all its possibilities <u>ended</u> when a person decided to <u>not step out and give it a try</u> for the first time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Possible...</span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are in a party plan business, your bookings and all the possibilities of continued bookings <u>started </u>the <u>first time</u> you decided to ask a friend to hold your first show. From this first step you found more opportunities to fill your calendar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Impossible...</b>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A home party business and all the possibilities of continued bookings <u>ended </u> when someone decided <u>not to take that first step</u> of asking a friend to hold a show.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Possible...</b>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those that have developed a leadership business, your journey
to leadership and all its possibilities <u>started</u> with the <u>first time</u> you
decided to share with someone your business opportunity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Impossible...</b>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A journey to leadership and all its possibilities <u>ended</u> when someone decided <u>not to take that step</u> of sharing the opportunity.
</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Possible...</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your success to this point <u>started</u> with the <u>first time</u> you
decided to invest in personal development.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Impossible...</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Personal growth and success <u>ended</u>
when someone decided <u>not to take that first step</u> of investing in personal development. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Taking a first step is how it starts. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not taking a first step is how it ends. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be willing to
dream and then do something…one thing…even the smallest thing…<b>for the first
time</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is different than doing the same thing over and over. Try something you haven't tried before. Learn something new and then do it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't make it complicated, just step out there and find a new idea from another successful person and then try it yourself for the first time. Doing something for the first time just means it's the first time YOU have done it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you do, you'll find the excitement and joy of 'first steps' will energize you and your business in ways that are sure to move it forward to the next level of success. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Let’s Get There One Step at a Time,
<br/><div style="padding-left:10px" width="400"><span style="font-size:smaller;"></span></div><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85765/tvanhoy/4b2f6a1919b0cae9772188c2cc749c73.png" style="border: 0 !important; position: relative; left: -7px; top: -3px;" border="0" /></a></div>
Copyright© 2012 Just One Step at a TimeTami VanHoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4881620322525916158.post-37312045485382275952012-04-03T22:47:00.000-05:002012-05-05T17:55:02.068-05:00Erasing Lines<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>WHERE
DO YOU DRAW THE LINE BETWEEN POSSIBLE AND IMPOSSIBLE?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes the one step we need to take is the one we've told ourselves we can't take, aren't able to take or have drawn a line that says 'don't step past this place'. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Think back to 3,
5, or 10 years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What are you
doing <u>now</u> that you thought was impossible back then? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you started a business or reached a career level you never dreamed possible? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you live in a home that is more than you imagined having when you first left home? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe you are able to give back through philanthropic endeavors in ways that exceed your expectations?</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>[Take a moment to write your achievements down before continuing....]</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Still
thinking back, what were the things that made you limit the possibilities in
your mind? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Said another way, what made you consider what
is now a reality to be</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <u>impossible</u> back then?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fears?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Insecurities?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Self doubt?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Limited resources?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lack of opportunity?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No vision?</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">[Take a moment to write the limiting factors that existed back then before continuing....]</i>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now walk with me down the path that brought you from those years long ago to the present. What happened along the way that turned what
you considered to be impossible into <u>the possible</u>?
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did you overcome a fear(s)? How?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did you conquer an insecurity by learning what you needed to know to move forward?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did time and experience give you the confidence you lacked?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe you were surrounded by encouraging people who cheered you on when you wanted to give up. If so, who? What did they tell you? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If resources were limited, how did you keep that from getting in your way?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Were you presented with opportunities that you never imagined existed?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did you catch a glimpse of a vision? What was it? </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">[Take a moment to think about these life changing events and write them down before continuing....]</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking at your list of achievements and the answers to the questions above, you will see that at one point in your life you drew a line that said 'this is possible but that is not'. <b> </b>AND THEN YOU PROVED YOURSELF WRONG! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>So where DO you draw the line </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>between possible and impossible? </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe a better question is this...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>SHOULD </u>I draw a line </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">between possible and impossible?</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we aspire to reach new goals, accomplish new things, and seek a new vision for our lives, it's important that we not put boundaries in places they don't need to be. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before you draw that line defining what is and is not possible, look back at what you have achieved and remember this...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Impossible is just a challenge </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>you have yet to overcome!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So let's make one more list. </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you want to achieve next? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What goal have you put off because you had drawn a line?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What have you told yourself you "can't" do, but wish you could? </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">[Take a moment to think about this and write down your thoughts before continuing....]</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, use what you learned from seeing how past impossibilities became current realities and attack this last list with answers and solutions. </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't know how to do it? Find out where to learn and make it happen. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not sure you can do it? Try and find out!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feeling discouraged? Seek out others who have done it already and ask them to be your mentor and source of encouragement. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><u>The line drawn between possible and impossible </u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><u>can only be drawn by YOU. </u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Where</u> will YOU
draw the line? Or better yet…</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>WILL</u> YOU DRAW THE
LINE AT ALL? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we take time to look back and see how we have overcome limitations and crossed over boundaries to reach our current level of success, we learn that we are.... </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">stronger than we think</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">smarter than we think </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">more capable than we think.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Use this knowledge to set a plan of action for your future POSSIBILITIES and get on course to making them your new REALITIES! </span></div>
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Let’s Get There One Step at a Time,
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