Keys to Success

I recently read somewhere that success is a personal thing. I totally agree with that statement. Success, afterall, is how you define the word for yourself. Success for one person might mean earning a huge income. Success for someone else might be finding a path in life that they are passionate about. Nonetheless, successful people seem to share common traits.

I firmly believe whether you are a working women, a full-time mother or a blend of the two...being successful in life requires these traits:

The 12 traits/steps to Success:

1. Believe in yourself
2. Own your words...if you say it, mean it.
3. Maintain a positive attitude.
4. Have a dream.
5. Do one thing towards your dream consistently.
6. See problems as opportunities.
7. Never give up
8. Thoughts drive our actions which lead to our results.
9. Be prepared; mentally, physically, spiritually
10. Do unto others as you want done unto you
11. Take risks, learn to fail, get up
12. Give more than you take.

Motherhood

I am at awe of people who can put thoughts and feelings into words, poetry, or song so eloquently. A friend sent me this link to a utube video. Without telling you what the video is about, I'll just say that it puts into words exactly how I feel about being a Mom...and having kids growing up and out of the "nest."

Please take the time to click the link and watch it. It speaks to the journey of motherhood...it's a powerful reminder of how important our work as Mothers is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olSyCLJU3O0

Small Changes...BIG RESULTS

It is so easy to get caught up in the daily demands of a busy household. Laundry, meals, driving to and from activities, meal planning and preparation...you get the idea, the list can go on and on. As a step-mother and mother of five, I felt lost in motherhood. I felt like I had lost my first name. I was always referred to as someone's mother, wife or daughter. Taking time to do something positive for myself felt selfish. I was always pushing my needs off to give to my family.

I learned the hard way, but I learned. I learned that taking time for myself, fulfilling my needs and doing things I enjoyed made me a better person and mother. One important lesson I have learned is that there is no Someday in the week. There is only Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, etc. If there is something important to me, I no longer put it off. Like the name of my business and my philosophy...Now's the time. Because there is no better time than now.

I say all this to encourage you to take care of yourself, to take time to do things you love. If you aren't sure what you would do...take the time to discover your passions. Taking time doesn't mean you have to "abandon ship". It can mean making small changes. Small changes like putting the things on your "someday list" on your "Today" list. This is one small change that can lead to BIG results.