Walk the thought

I know, it is supposed to be walk the talk.

But, we can deceive ourselves and others by saying one thing -- something that sounds so wonderful -- yet not actually doing it.

However, when it comes to walking the thought, well that is absolutely what we do each day, whether we believe it or not, like it or not.

Whatever we believe about ourselves manifests before us. Whatever stories we tell ourselves show themselves in our lives. Whatever thoughts dominate our minds display themselves in our daily walk.

If you desire to change your walk, don't start with your talk. Instead, begin with your thoughts.

houston@figment-consulting.com

Make each day a masterpiece?

Do you know how tough it is to design a masterpiece? And, do you realize it is the people who buy your work that decide whether or not it is a masterpiece, not you?

So, why should we strive to make each day a masterpiece? It is a pain-staking process, wrought with blood, sweat, and tears. Then, we put it on display hoping others will approve, much less buy it.

I say, instead of a masterpiece, let's allow each day to be an abstract, and let's simply create something fresh. What if we strove to simply add some color to the day, some texture, some lines rather than spend our time trying to produce some masterpiece?

It's not settling. Nor is it taking the easy way out. It is simply redirecting our expectations and allowing our day to be an abstract one where we spend our time cultivating joy, not tears.

One little spark of inspiration: Make each day messy.

houston@figment-consulting.com

3 Takes on Being Successful

Take responsibility

It is a natural instinct to blame others, look for the problem outside of ourselves, and point fingers elsewhere. It is also more natural, more comfortable, for us to allow someone else take responsibility -- what if something goes wrong? what if it doesn't succeed? Then, it is someone else's fault, not mine.

However, we must be willing to raise our hands and take responsibility for our own lives if we want to succeed.

Want success? Take responsibility.

Take ownership

This is slightly different than responsibility. Responsibility is raising your hand and saying, "It's mine." Taking ownership is determining that you are going to not only raise your hand, but also be committed to the process and the outcomes.

Responsibility means it is you. Ownership means it is yours. Taken together and you are on your way to success.

Take thought

You probably thought I would say take action here didn't you? Too many times we place action a little higher on the hierarchy than we should. So, before you take action, take thought. In other words, take time to decide: what do you want, why do you want it, in what ways can you attain it, who's help do you need, how will it benefit others, what is the story you want to share, who wants to hear it, where are they who might want to hear what you have to say.

Thought must precede action in order that the action be the most efficient kind.

houston@figment-consulting.com

What others may say

There will always be those who find fault with what you do, how you do it, why you do it, and they will tell you how they would do it.

And that's the point. They aren't doing it.

If they aren't doing it, then what they say should not impact what you do.

Follow your dreams, stick with your plan, go after what you desire most, no matter what others may say.

houston@figment-consulting.com

Taking the easy road

I am not sure easy should be the determining factor in decision-making.

Instead of taking the easy road, or the easy way out, take the road you desire to take toward the destination you want.

Focus on what you want, and know the path toward it will sometimes be easy, sometimes not. No matter. Enjoy both as you keep moving forward toward your want.

houston@figment-consulting.com

Staying positive when life feels negative

It goes much deeper than simply staying positive actually. Looking for the good, keeping thoughts positive, hoping for the best, will only get you so far.

There is a mental state that guides our thinking. And, either we allow circumstances and environment to determine how we think, or we ourselves decide what we will think.

Thoughts are continual. And, we can never not think. What we can do though is take time to think about what we think about, and determine to think differently.

We can discipline ourselves to focus on the truth of who we are, and what we can accomplish. By doing this, we begin to have a ruling mental state that is focused on what we want rather than what is, and what others say about us.

The only real limitations are the ones we place on ourselves. And, those limitations begin with thoughts.

Think deeper than positive.

houston@figment-consulting.com

What do you do with an idea?

You can run to it, or run away from it.

You can improve it, or dismiss it.

You can deny it, delay it, or try to deter it.

Or, you can allow it, grow it, and try to increase it.

You can fear it, or enjoy it.

You can hide it, or share it.

You can tear it down, or build it up.

What do you do with an idea?

It's really up to you. Remember though, another one is on its way. What will you do with it?

houston@figment-consulting.com

Are you clear on what you want?

If you are not clear on what you want, how will you attain it?

If you are not clear on what you want, how will you know what to do today?

If you are not clear on what you want, what do you think you will get?

houston@figment-consulting.com

Doubt

Doubt.

Don't ignore it.

Don't fear it.

Let it serve its purpose.

Then, move forward.

Don't let it stop you.

houston@figment-consulting.com

Keep moving forward: #YourTurnChallenge

Though the Promised Land has not been reached, that does not mean we should halt our journey. 

We must learn from the past, be inspired by the potential of the future, and do what we can today, now, to take that next step. 

We must fly, run, walk, and crawl. We must keep moving forward.

#YourTurnChallenge

houston@figment-consulting.com

The most inspirational quote of all time . . .

. . . is the one we tell ourselves each morning.

You see, quotes from others can move us but they cannot overcome the story we tell ourselves.

Do you ever think about what you think about? Yes, fill your mind with quotes, stories, and material that inspires you. Pay closer attention though to what you tell yourself. It's not about the power of positive thinking but it has everything to do with thinking positively about yourself.

You will become what you think about -- thinking mediocre thoughts will lead to mediocrity no matter how many books we read on excellence.

Think for yourself. Think about your thoughts. And change your thoughts if you want to change your life. Excellence begins from within, it begins with your story you tell yourself each day.

The beauty of it all is that you have the power to write a new chapter.

houston@figment-consulting.com