Archive | Control RSS feed for this section

Failing Forward

24 Aug

As we go through our lives we’ll face countless challenges, trials and problems. No matter how hard we plan the road ahead, there is no way to predict what will happen or what may get in the way. We never know what lies around the next curve and despite our efforts to succeed, we will undoubtedly at some point face failure of some kind. Failure is a complex event sometimes filled with feelings of inadequacy and doubt, but when things go wrong and our plans blow up, we find out what doesn’t work. It doesn’t mean we’re dumb, or cannot succeed, but only that what we tried wasn’t successful. If we use all we learn from what went awry we will gain more information and skills to take with us moving forward. Failure doesn’t mean the end of the journey, and can, in the end, move us forward toward success. Nobody knows everything and we learn by doing. It’s impossible to get every road paved from beginning to end, and there will always be unexpected and unforeseen complications that may arise. By keeping our eyes open, and learning everything we can with each new development, we will be able to find the way ahead and reach the goal. We are intelligent and capable and when we are determined, nothing can keep us from any destination we desire. By trusting ourselves and continuing on, no matter what happens, we will succeed.

Sometimes things go wrong and we may experience a time when it seems that no matter what we do we simply cannot move forward. The goal eludes us and we feel stuck. Timing is important and current circumstances may be working against us. If we can’t move now, we can set the goal aside until our situation changes, and then try again. We have unlimited chances to reach success, and there isn’t anything too complex or difficult for us to manage.  Every destination is possible and with wisdom and patience, we can reach them all.

Everyone has their own ideas about how things should go, and if we’ve failed to reach the goal more than once, someone may tell us to give up and let it go. Nobody knows what we want better than we do. Our lives belong to us, and we don’t need agreement to go anywhere or do anything. We can look at everything objectively, weigh all our options, and make the best plan for moving forward. Every single dream is possible, and with persistence and clarity, we can make them ours.

Today if your plans have failed and you feel like you can’t win, remember all the times you’ve been successful in the past. Just because something is difficult, doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Think about how you want to proceed, and start again. You are wiser and more powerful than you think you are, and nothing is out of reach. Trust yourself and step forward. Success is just ahead, and you will reach it.

Tags: , ,

Front Seat

14 Jul

Lots of things are happening all around us every single day of our lives. We only have control over our own decisions, and sometimes things develop in ways we never expect. We may end up somewhere we never intended to go and all we can do is endure the situation until it changes. When things out of our control affect us negatively, we may begin to feel beset and helpless. Other people may make decisions that block our way forward, and we may feel we have no control over anything. Everything may go upside down and we might feel caught up and unable to move, but we will always have control over ourselves. By focusing on what we can control we will feel more empowered and able to cope until things right themselves again. We are in the front seat of our lives. We know what we want and if the road ahead gets blocked and we can’t move, we can stand strong until the door opens again and we can proceed. Life is full of uncertainty and there is no way to know what will happen next, but we can trust ourselves and be confident that eventually we’ll find the way forward. We are more powerful than we imagine and nothing is out of reach. By being patient and keeping our eyes on the goal, when opportunities present themselves, we will be ready to move ahead. Success will always be there for us and with determination and focus, we will reach it.

The world is a big place and what happens in one location may have far reaching consequences in another many miles away. There is no way to know what everyone is doing and we may find that something that was decided far away from us is impacting are ability to accomplish our goals. Inflation, gas prices, unrest, wars in foreign lands, and other uncontrollable events may impact how we move forward and what we’re able to do. It’s very frustrating to feel restrained because of forces beyond our reach, but we know who we are and can find our way through. We can decide what we’ll do and how we’ll proceed, and although we may be delayed, nothing can keep us from success.

Nobody can see the end of the road from the beginning. Unforeseen complications and problems may arise, there may be twists and turns we didn’t expect, and we may have to stand still and wait for something to change before we can continue forward. Life is complicated but we are intelligent and capable.  There isn’t anything we can’t overcome, and no problem we can’t solve. Every answer we need is already there for us and with clarity and wisdom, we will be able to unravel anything that comes and move toward the goal.

Today if the road ahead is difficult and complex, focus on the things you can control. You are in the front seat and driving the train. You know what you want and have everything you need to prevail. Trust yourself and stand strong. Every blessing is still there for you and nothing can hold you in place forever.  Be confident and step forward. You are amazing and every success is there for you.

Tags: , ,

Horses and Water

13 Jul

There are endless things we can do, unlimited places to go, and no end to experiences we may have. Life is full of surprises and unexpected developments, and even when we try to plan carefully and follow every rule, sometimes everything goes awry. We never know what will happen, and the road we’re on may suddenly, and without warning, simply disappear. There is no destination that has only one possible route to reach it. There will always be another road, another turn, and another way around anything that gets in the way. We have endless opportunities to do whatever we desire, but the lives we want the most won’t magically appear just because we want them, or we’re good people, or our intentions are noble. It’s up to us to start the journey and stay focused until we reach the goal. Nothing is beyond our grasp, but we must do what is needed to make it ours. The old saying, “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink,” is a message about life. There will be continual chances to do anything we like, but we must take the opportunities when they arise and do the work to reach the goal. The door may stand open, but we have to walk through it and push forward until we succeed. Every dream is possible if we’re willing to do what is necessary to make it ours. We are amazing and more powerful than we realize, and by clearly defining what we want and then moving toward the goal undaunted, we can have the lives we desire most.

We all have things we want to accomplish, and we may spend lots of time thinking about all the blessings we’ll gain when we win. It’s nice to dream about the things we desire, but until we actually start moving toward the goal, nothing will change. It may be difficult to achieve, but we are strong and capable. It may take a long time, but we can move forward at our own pace. Every destination is possible and by trusting ourselves and courageously stepping forward we will succeed.

Some people continually complain about their lives. They may say they didn’t get the opportunities they wanted, or someone didn’t like them and held them back, or they were born in the wrong place or a million other excuses for why they are so unhappy. Our lives belong to us and nobody is going to pave the road ahead or open all the hard doors that let us progress. If we aren’t happy where we are, we can move.  If we don’t like what we’re doing, we can change. Our destiny is ours to define, and when we’re ready there isn’t anything we can’t do.

Today if there’s something you want to do but haven’t yet started, think about how you want to proceed and take the first step. There is greatness in you and nothing is out of reach. Trust yourself and move forward with confidence. Every destination awaits, every success is possible, and you will make them yours.

Tags: , ,

Blowing Leaves

26 May

Lots of people will come in and out of our lives and as the years pass, we’ll have countless experiences. What we do in each situation and the decisions we make define who we are. We communicate our thoughts and ideas through our actions and the way we communicate. We may be reserved and keep quiet much of the time, or we may be talkative and expressive with those around us. Speech is our most common form of communication and once we say something, it can never be taken back. Like leaves blowing in the wind, there is no way to go back and collect all the words we’ve said. They may be passed from one person to another, and spread far and wide. We all face times when we’ve expressed something we’ve regretted. If we’ve spoken harshly and hurt someone else, there is no way to reverse engines and make it go away. It will remain indefinitely. Of course, we can apologize if we feel remorse, but the past is unchangeable and permanent. Instead of trying to constantly repair what’s been done, we can stop and think before we speak. In the heat of the moment, our vision may be clouded by anger or despair, and we may lash out without considering the consequences of our words. When we feel the intensity rise, before we do anything, we can step back for a moment and look at everything objectively. There will always be a way out of every situation that won’t compromise us. We are smart and strong, and with focus and clarity, can find our way through any situation or issue. By trusting ourselves and taking the time we need to consider every option before proceeding, we can pave the way forward and prevent problems. We have everything we need to succeed at anything we like, and can make the best decisions moving forward.

Some people have volatile temperaments. They may fly off the handle and lash out without first thinking or even getting the whole story. Others will learn quickly not to trust them and they are very difficult to deal with. If they get in our way they may destroy our plans without giving it a moment’s thought. After the damage is done, we may be left to clean up their mess and regroup. We are only responsible of our own actions and decisions, but that doesn’t mean someone else’s won’t impact us. No matter what happens or who enters the picture, we can be clear about what we want and how we’re going to proceed. The road ahead will always be there for us and with patience and determination, we will prevail.

If something is bothering us, we don’t have to go overboard to make our point. You don’t need a grenade to kill a fly, but if we’re furious, we may grab one anyway. If we find something simply intolerable, we may let go of every restraint and blast our way through. We can do anything we like, but destroying others to make a point will never move us ahead. By remaining calm, and clearly stating our position, we can maintain control over the situation and get the results we desire. Nothing is too difficult for us to manage, and every success is possible.

Today if you’ve said too much or gone a little too far, step back and see the situation clearly and objectively. You are intelligent and wise, and will find all the answers you need. There isn’t anything you can’t manage, and with patience and focus, you will find your way through. Every road you desire is waiting, and nothing can keep you from success. Be confident and step forward toward the goal. There is great success just ahead, and you will claim it.

Tags: , ,

Prove It

18 May

There are billions of people on Earth, and we’re all different. There are endless types of lifestyles, customs, languages, traditions and other facets that define who and where we are. People who live far apart from each other may have completely different ideas about life and how things should go. There isn’t only one way to live well, and the many expressions possible make up the human race. We are all valuable and worthwhile. We all have something to offer no matter our circumstance or situation. Some people have very defined ideas about the way things should be done and how things should work. If we must interact with them, they may require us to prove we are worthy by doing what they say and following their rules. We can define anything we like for our own personal lives, and can create rules of order for business or other projects, but we don’t have the right to tell anyone else how to live. We are all individuals and do not need to conform to anyone else’s ideas. We never have to prove our worth in order to fit in. We know who we are and what we want, and with confidence and clarity can go anywhere and do anything. Our lives are ours to design, and we all bring great depth and blessing to the world. We are unique and have specific gifts to offer nobody else can give. By honoring all the differences and contributions possible, our lives will be enriched and embellished, and we will find great satisfaction and personal reward.

It’s always easy to move forward when everyone is on the same page and going in the same direction. When the goal is defined and everyone is in agreement about how to reach it, the road ahead may be clear and unobstructed. But we’re all different and have our own ideas about how to proceed. By taking the time to listen to every suggestion and look at all the options possible, we can include everyone’s ideas and still find the best road ahead. We all have much to offer, and valuing every point of view will help bring agreement and success.

There is an old saying that “Rank has its privileges.” Oftentimes that’s true. The president of the company will likely have more influence than a newly hired clerk. But that doesn’t mean he or she has all the answers. Our perspectives are colored by our own personal experiences, and someone else may have a different view that opens up a completely new way of proceeding that will bring great accomplishment and success. We can be open to new ideas, no matter how foreign they may seem, and find the best answers for moving ahead.

Today if you’re being pressured to follow along when you disagree, speak up and share your ideas with those around you. You are amazing and highly capable and can figure out even the most complex issues. Stand strong and be open to every idea. All the answers are there for you and nothing can keep you from success. Trust yourself, and step forward. Every dream is possible. Be confident, and you will prevail.

Tags: , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →