Overcoming Obstacles

"Obstacles are those frightful things we see when we fail to focus on our goals"

- Successories

Everyone encounters obstacles in life whether they are financial issues, health issues, family issues or anything that stands in our way of living a healthy, less stressful and rewarding life. We all need to feel a sense of accomplishment, to feel proud of who we are and who we have yet to become. You are capable of overcoming every obstacle that life throws at you by planning for them before they arrive. How? Create your own mental artillery.

The best way I know to overcome the obstacles that life throws at you, is by combating them head on. Pretending that obstacles do not exist, or letting them control your life, is a recipe for disaster and one that usually ends in feeling of failure and a loss of self confidence. This is a complete waste of time, not to mention mentally challenging, so I suggest you destroy the obstacles before they destroy you.

In overcoming obstacles, the written word becomes your ammunition against these obtrusive and negative thoughts. Many obstacles will either gain strength or fizzle out by your perception of the situation. You may view the obstacle as a blessing in disguise, to motivate you beyond your wildest dreams. Or, you may view the obstacle as a defeat in your mission and leave it at that which is a dangerous choice. It all depends on your perception, but more importantly, it is how you choose to act, once the challenge presents itself, that determines the outcome.

My secret weapon that I turn to nearly every time a challenge presents itself in my life is my "motivation journal". This a a journal that I have created to be my personal attack against all negativity and self doubt that comes my way. It is my "little black book" of information that pertains only to me, created by me and viewed only by me. Yes, it's all about me!! lol Your journal will be all about you, your interests, your issues and your resolutions to your personal obstacles in life.

In my journal I have many different sections which are ready to help when a situation arises. These sections are titled; Inspiration, Goals, Ideas, Quotes, Spiritual and Motivation. Every time I come across a positive quote, something that motivates me, a great business idea or anything that inspires me, I write it down in the notebook. Over the years I've collected quite a few positive and motivating thoughts which have become my personal sanctuary when I need them the most. They remind me to stay strong, focused, inspired and motivated. They also remind me that all things, including obstacles, work together for the greater good if that is what I believe. I am inviting you to create your own motivational journal, arm yourself against obstacles before they come your way and you'll succeed beyond your wildest dreams. Dream big!

"People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents." - Andrew Carnegie

To your success!
Shelly

A New Perception

Fall has arrived, and although Michigan is purely gorgeous this time of year, I can't help but feel the dread that winter is too close for my comfort. Winter, to a summer girl like me, is pure torture! I normally feel the chill in my body from now until I thaw out, which won't be until June! Seriously, winter is the enemy!

This is my perception.

The enemy has a cold heart, a gloomy disposition and holds my summer sun hostage. These are personality traits that I simply can not tolerate! If that wasn't bad enough, winter has the audacity to force me to say goodbye to my summer BFF.....my pool. This my friend is pure torture, sadness will soon set in.

This is my perception of winter.

In a recent lunch date with a friend, the conversation turned to the weather, as it so often does in Michigan. She was so excited that the fall season was here and couldn't wait until winter. Say what? Are you kidding me? Those words could not have just come out of my dear friends mouth. So, in being a good friend, I took the liberty to explain how misguided she was about the subject and may have even thrown in a few "have you lost your mind" comments. Winter is the enemy!

Laughing, she informed me that winter was not the enemy, "working out is the enemy" she said. She went on to explain that exercise is torture and she just can't bring herself to do it. Her sadness comes from feeling like she'll never feel healthy or strong again.

Hummm....working out the enemy? You can not be serious!

However, this is her perception.

My perception of exercise is that every time I do it, I give myself the gift of power to combat the #1 true enemy, which is disease. I enjoy pushing my body to the limits because I know it will reward me with incredible energy, increased immunity, strong healthy bones and muscles. Furthermore, the major benefit that I see to exercise is that it increases your metabolism to combat mortal enemy #2, body fat!

Throughout lunch we exchanged our perceptions regarding the fall season and exercise and after much debate, I left with a new perception as did she. She left with a new outlook on exercise and decided to try and enjoy the journey to improving her health without focusing on the "torture" factor. I promised to change my view of the fall season and enjoy all the beauty it would bring without focusing on the winter.

What is your perception of living a healthy lifestyle? I'm encouraging you to focus on the good things that exercise and healthy foods will do for your body, and ignore the "torture" factor that you may perceive to be linked with exercise. My grandmother always said if you ignore something long enough it will go away, as is true in this case.

However, I've decided that the winter is another story, no matter how much I ignore it it's not going away soon enough. Enter plan B.

After much consideration, I decided that I needed to find something positive that would distract me from the gloominess and freezing temperatures that are quickly approaching. I need a new project, a new challenge, something that I could immerse myself into "indoors" that would brighten my days during my hibernation months......I've got it.....I'll start blogging!!!

I look forward to bringing you healthy tips that will encourage you to exercise your body and mind to bring health and wellness into your life. Your life will always go in the direction of your most prominent thoughts. You have the power to commit to a balanced life by eating better, moving your body & reducing stress. Take control, you have the power!

"I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be." - Groucho Marx