“Stay focused, go after your dreams and keep moving toward your goals.” ~ LL Cool J

I know some don’t believe in resolutions but I do (http://www.vanbranchblog.com/help-for-your-new-years-resolutions/). I think it’s great way to plan your goals and track your progress. Whether you set resolutions in January or February, it will help you but only if you are committed. I just reviewed my 2014 resolutions and made mine for the year ahead. Some I accomplished and some I didn’t so there are a few carryovers from 2014.

I believe that there is no time like the present to make things happen. For many of us there can be many distractions that stop us from reaching our goals, standing in our truth, or maximizing every opportunity. I’ve spoken to several people and have done some self –reflecting which all lead me to believe that our distractions can be broken down in to two areas: thoughts and people.

Many of you have seen or repeated this popular quote: “Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny.” I believe this quote 100% because at times, we can be our worst enemies. When we start to doubt ourselves and speak about that doubt repeatedly, we speak things into existence. Most of our plans or dreams never happen because we poison our minds with doubt and fear instead trusting ourselves and praying about it. Get rid of negative thoughts and words (can’t, fail, won’t, tired, worthless, what if) and replace with positive ones (can, succeed, strong, faith, all things are possible). When you start to replace the positive with the negative, things will change and your spirit will feel rejuvenated and strong. Don’t give up; your brightest moments are in front of you only if you believe it!

I am sure your parents have told you, “Be careful who you hang around.” I know my mother said it to me all the time and she still says it to many of my nieces and nephews. As usual, Mother is always right! Choosing the right people to play an active role in your life is very important and can affect your trajectory. I recently read an article that is spot on about this idea: 10 Toxic People You Shouldn’t Bring With You Into The New Year (http://elitedaily.com/life/toxic-people-new-year/879975/). Taking inventory of the people you spend time with is very important to achieving your goals. Good friends will always support you and give you the extra “push’ to help you succeed. I believe that friendship is a two way street and that can’t be a selfish endeavor. If you find yourself in friendships where you are the only one sharing, encouraging, feeling stressed or hurt, I am sorry but it’s time to move on! Life is too short to hold on to excess baggage (or people as the case may be) that adds no value to your life. I do it and will continue to do it because my life is valuable and I am not wasting one minute!!

We must get the roadblocks (negative thoughts and people) out of our way so we can start living to our full potential. Time waits for no one so we must take advantage of every moment because we cannot get time back once it’s gone. We have to hold ourselves accountable and take the necessary steps to a better life. What’s holding you back?

“People hate when you show them how it feels to be treated the way they treat you.” ~ Author Unknown