Living on Purpose

I guess you may have been wondering where I have been and what I have been doing.

I have been living on purpose! Since returning from vacation purpose has been in full throttle and I am enjoying every minute of it. So with this new level in life I have to balance publishing projects, Purposed by Design seminars, the launch of Victorious Living for Women along with being a wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. Obviously, with all of this going on "life balance" would be a good topic to discuss on the blog. We will do that real soon.

Beginning on Monday we are going to start our series "What's Blocking Your Purpose". We will identify and discuss several things which could potentially be the reason you feel that your life is not one of purpose. We will discuss beliefs, relationships, procrastination and a couple of others.
So we will be back on track and look forward to seeing you on the blog!

Be victorious,
Cheryl

Sharing with Joyce Meyer

Since I am still on vacation but couldn't resist posting something to the blog, here is a video of Joyce Meyer sharing some biblical principles. The blog postings will resume on Wednesday, September 9, 2009. In the meantime...enjoy!!

The Essentials of Core Values

"How different our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us,
and, keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to be and
to know what really matters most." -Stephen Covey

Every now and then I like to munch on some chicken nuggets and whenever I get a taste for them I make a trip to Chick-fil-a. To me, their chicken nuggets are awesome! I am sure you are wondering what does Chick-fil-a have to do with purpose. It is my belief that there are many things in the natural we can use to explain spiritual truths and principles.

S. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-a said, "Our decision to close on Sunday was our way of honoring God and directing our attention to things more important than our business." It is this fundamental belief which is the premise for how Chick-fil-a has been doing business since the opening of its first restaurant in 1967. How profound for a business man to publicly state that there are more important things in life than their business. This principle is embedded in the organization's core values.

Core Values are operating philosophies or principles that guide your internal conduct (how you deal with yourself) as well as your relationships with others. Core values uniquely define how you operate, function and live, as an individual. For example, integrity, faith, determination and excellence are considered core values or operating principles.

Here are some essentials to assist with defining your core values:

• Take a fresh look at who you are and what you believe
• Assess how your core values align with your purpose
• Core values assist in your ability to make life choices and business decisions
• Connect your core values with your purpose to become a peak performer

To your destiny...defined!

Cheryl

Getting Ready for Vacation and a New Blog Series

In three days my husband and I are about to embark on our first driving vacation since we have been married. I am really excited, not only about going to Disney World, but about the journey. Sometimes I think we are so consumed with getting to the destination that we miss the lessons of the journey. This is certainly a principle you can apply to your life while in pursuit of purpose.

I have promised my husband (and myself) that I would not do any "real" work while we are on vacation, however, I will be preparing myself to return with a new blog series. But before we leave for vacation I will be posting a blog on Friday discussing "The Core Values of Purpose". If you really want to know the foundation for your purpose, be sure to visit the blog on this Friday to get your dose of purpose! Until then...

To your destiny, defined!

Cheryl

Your Destiny, Defined

Over the past few weeks I have been very engaged with a number of projects. I took a moment to assess each one to determine if they ALL were actually aligned with my destiny. Of course it was a reality check to find out that EVERY project I have on my plate is not destiny aligned.

As the summer begins to wind down and some of the free time you had available during the summer months begins to take a seasonal leave of absence, this is a good time to assess all of the projects you have lined up for the remainder of the year. Determine whether or not ALL of those projects are truly destiny aligned. Now please don't get me wrong, there are surely somethings on your "to-do" list that require your attention and you need "to-do" them! But what I am really talking about is using your time purposely, wisely and with your destiny in mind.

Use this time to really define your destiny. You say you are destined to help women, but what does that really mean? I used to work with an actuarial vendor who uses the term "drilling down". What it means is that instead of looking at things from a high level perspective you go beneath the surface. So if you "drill down" helping women you have to decide if it is married women, single women, battered women, career women, etc. Defining your destiny helps to create your goals which are vital to the development and progression of your purpose and destiny.

Plan the activities that will build your goals to support your purpose which define your destiny!

Quest for Wellness with Guest Blogger: Doreen Whitelock

Every now and then I come across information that I think is very usefull and look forward to sharing with the Purposed by Design blog followers. Please enjoy Doreen Whitelock of My Choice Life as she shares wellness tips.

Your Quest for Wellness…

How are you feeling today? Are you exuberant and filled with life? If so, Congratulations, you are obviously doing something right! Keep it up!

You know we all want be well and feel great. But what are you actually doing to get there? There are so many possibilities but where do you start?

Believe it or not, it all starts with you… It all begins with a choice. A great choice! Your choice! Your choice or to do something, big or small, today, so you can start getting well. Here is a list of simple changes that have helped thousand of others including me.

You can choose to:
1. Get quality sleep
2. Drink more Water (amazing how much this helps)
3. Meditate (On God’s word and other beautiful things)
4. Enjoy a new Cuisine (I became a vegetarian)
5. Exercise regularly without overtaxing
6. Continually build a life of Peace and Harmony
7. Discover and create places of beauty in the middle of hectic suburbia
8. Explore new nutritional opportunities for my unique situation
9. Daily find ways to be happy and thankful

These are simple but powerful changes that can make a huge difference in your life too. Create for yourself and enjoy a healthier and happier lifestyle! It’s all up to you.

I hope these Simple changes help in your quest of being well! You can do it! You just have to go for it!

Do great things and Be Well,
Doreen Whitelock
http://www.mychoicelife.com/

Walt Disney: The Ultimate Dreamer

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Walt Disney

Walt Disney, one of the greatest dreamers and visionaries of all time had an innate ability to understand that you have the power to bring your dreams to life, not only for yourself but for others as well.

While preparing for our upcoming family vacation to Disney World, I began thinking about the vision of Mr. Disney himself. He said that his vision was "of a place where children and parents could come have fun together". That was his starting point and from there millions of families around the world enjoy the manifestation of his dream at five Disney theme parks around the globe. However, Disney himself never saw the realization of his dream. He died a few years before the first park was completed.

Walt Disney was a high school drop out at the age of 16, rejected by the Army because he was underage and joined the Red Cross as an ambulance driver! But in spite of his modest beginnings Walt Disney believed enough in his vision that people helped to bring it to pass even after his death.

What’s my point? My point is that we all have dreams, however some of us pursue them and some of us don’t. People will participate in your vision only to the point where YOU believe in your vision. If you have dreams and a vision that seems impossible think about Walt Disney who in the 1960’s was able to bring his dream to life. You can bring your dreams to life if you have the courage to pursue them.

Purposeful Reading

I love to read! Over the many years I have acquired and read a great many books. Some for enjoyment, some for spiritual development and some for the purpose of developing myself as an individual of substance, intellect and purpose. I thought it would be a great idea to share some recommended reading to help you in the area of personal development. Of course you don't have to read these back to back, but they are great resources to add to your book collection and read whenever you reach the season in your life that may require that particular topic.

There are a number of authors noted for their successful living and peak performance books and since the summer is winding down you may want to get started with one or two books for the fall. According to success coach, Jack Canfield, you should committ to reading one book per week. That would require you to read one hour per day. Shut that TV off and transform your life!

Here are 10 books to get you started:

1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

2. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

3. It's Not Over Until You Win by Les Brown

4. The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden

5. The Power of Focus by Jack Canfield

6. The Success Principles by Jack Canfield

7. Release Your Brilliance by Simon T. Bailey

8. 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life by Joyce Meyers

9. In Pursuit of Purpose by Dr. Myles Munroe

10. Make Today Count: The Secret of Your Success Is Determined by Your Daily Agenda by John Maxwell

Happy Reading!!

S-M-A-R-T Goals for Your Purpose - Timely

As we come to the last component of our S-M-A-R-T goals, I hope this blog series has been helpful to you as you begin to discover your purpose. Purposed by Design uses the S-M-A-R-T goal model in the Design Phase of the finding your purpose process.

Timely

Goals require set time frames and parameters in which to help channel the goal into a timley and successful outcome. Determine a target date and work towards it. A target date should allow for some flexibility, however you want to determine a date which is realistic to the goal.

Setting S-M-A-R-T goals provides a measure of accountability to assisting you in helping to define your purpose. The purpose of using S-M-A-R-T goals helps to set you up for success.

Join the Purposed by Design Group on facebook!

S-M-A-R-T Goals for Your Purpose - Realistic

Realistic

Realistic goals are relative. What may appear to be unrealistic to some is realistic to others. Whether or not a goal is "realistic" is purely based on the perspective and faith of the individual. Big dreams require big goals. The power of goal setting is that you can take your purpose, break it down into goals and have activities to support your goals which will ultimately help you to hopefully have a successful outcome and reach your purpose.

This week we will end our series on The Power of Goal Setting.
Our last component in the S-M-A-R-T model will be: Timely

S-M-A-R-T Goals for Your Purpose - Attainable

Attainable

Before setting goals, it is important to figure out what it will really take to reach each goal. Be realistic about any limitations, deficiencies or personal habits which could potentially sabotage your overall goal. These habits could include procrastination, not being focused, etc. Your goals can be large and still attainable. Break them down into small steps by using the Map Your Purpose™ worksheet (email us at purposedbydesigncs@gmail.com for this worksheet).

As a person of faith, always remember to mix your faith with these goal setting principles and you are sure to yield the maximum result.

Next component: Realistic

S-M-A-R-T Goals for Your Purpose - Measurable

Measurable - Determine the benchmarks and milestones to measure your progress toward the successful achievement of each goal set. Measured progress helps to keep you on target, reach your deadlines, and best of all gain the momentum and confidence necessary to reach your goals.
Keep in mind that with every goal set and measured you cannot calculate or predetermine “life situations”. Life is bound is happen but stay focused and don’t become overly distracted. With each “life” situation learn to reset yourself and keep moving toward the goal.

To create measurable goals, assess what you need and define the resources necessary:

How much?
What do I need in terms of time, finance and knowledge to reach my goal?

Who?
Who has the resources needed to help accomplish the goal? (Friends, Associates, etc)

When? – Based on the look and feel of the goal, when will I know the goal has been accomplished?




Our next component: Attainable

S-M-A-R-T Goals for Your Purpose - Specific

My next few blog entries will cover the components of setting S-M-A-R-T Goals as they relate to your purpose. As we begin this series there is one thing I would like for you to remember, goals are not activities. Activities are used to help support the specific goal which is an outcome.

The first in our goal setting series is: Specific

Specific – Having a specific goal creates a clearer path to your goal becoming a reality.

Goal setting is helpful if you can answer the following questions:
Who: Who (or what) that is needed to implement the goal successfully?
What: What do I want as the end result?
When: When is the target completion for this goal? (set a date, day and time)
Why: Why is this goal beneficial to the overall completion? (Give specific reasons or benefits)

Our next component will be: Measureable

Be sure to share this blog with your friends to help them find their purpose by igniting the passion within, maximizing their full potential which will help them to live their best life!

Follow Your Passion, Find Your Purpose!

Have you truly taken the time to figure out and determine why you are here on earth? Have you dared to dream? Dared to create a vision for your life? Dared to tap into the creativity embedded within you to reach your destined place of purpose? Have you taken the first steps to finding your purpose? Just think that very thing you are passionate about could be the catalyst for finding your purpose.

Over the past few months I have been hearing a number of individuals say they don’t know their purpose. They don’t know why they are on this earth at this appointed time and place. Some have stated that they have no desire to invest their time, resources and energy to finding their purpose, maximizing their potential and igniting the passion within them! I am hoping that you are not at this place in your life; however, if you are then you are reading this at the right time. Now is the time for you to invest in you. You may have spent a number of years, an enormous amount of resources and endless hours working toward something that is not germane to your purpose and destiny. But take the time to think about that thing in your life which makes you sing. That thing you begin to talk about it people can see the twinkle in your eye and the glow in your countenance.

Follow your passion. My husband says that when I talk about my dreams and purpose he sees a glow and a passion from me that he gets such enjoyment from. Whenever I talk about publishing live magazine, current book projects and Purposed by Design, I find myself not only talking about these initiatives but sharing my purpose. Mentoring, inspiring and modeling life purpose is my purpose.

But let’s take the focus off me and put it on you. Do you know your purpose? Are you working toward your life purpose? Have you taken time to assess where you are in your road to destiny? Here are a few simple steps to help you on your quest for purpose.

1) Discovery: Take time to pray and seek God regarding your purpose. He knows for what purpose you were created and why. During this discovery phase as you receive direction you will begin to identify your area of purpose. Throughout this process make sure that you deal with yourself. The discovery phase is not just about finding your purpose, but it will also help in becoming a better you in the process.

2) Design: Once you have determined your purpose do research and preparation. Your life purpose may have nothing to do with your formal education. It may be in an area where you are not appropriately equipped which would require training, certification, etc. Work to become the expert in your purpose. There are people waiting to hear what you have to say and can only receive if from you.

3) Destiny: This is the application part of purpose. There are many people in the world who need you to provide effective solutions for their problems. Make yourself available. God has not taken the time to create you with purpose and prepare you for purpose for you to keep everything for yourself. Your purpose is designed to impact lives for the better.

Purposeful Living Seminar Event

PURPOSEFUL LIVING SEMINAR

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

10:00 AM - 12:00 NOON

Howard County Public Library Central Branch

10375 Little Patuxent Parkway

Columbia, MD

Birthing Your Dreams

On January 20, 2009 Barack Obama was bestowed with the title of Mr. President. As millions of people watched this historical event there was something taking place unseen to the natural eye – the shift. With a few words recited by President Obama his entire life changed. Of course his life had already taken a shift in some areas; however, this day symbolized a shift in power!

There is always a natural example to explain or demonstrate a spiritual truth and this scenario demonstrates that the power of life is in the tongue. Once President Obama finished reciting the oath of office people across this nation erupted in cheers, cried tears of joy and pride. The dream of one translated into the dream of many. The reality of what the world witnessed were words spoken over forty-five years ago by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on August 28, 1963 in Washington, DC – another dreamer! If these dreamers can speak their dreams and they become reality, why can’t we as believers speak into existence our very own dreams? Why can’t we speak life to our dreams in order to make them a reality? Here are some steps to help birth your dream:

1) Be sure that your dream is God’s will for your life. Your dream should be embedded in God’s purpose for your life. This is a conversation between you and God. Spend time with God so that He can reveal to you the plans He has for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11)

2) Speak the Word of life to your dreams so that they may live.

3) Write the vision for your dream and prepare yourself in the area of your dream (school, business classes, networking, etc).

4) Surround yourself with “dream cheerleaders”. These are the people who support and encourage you along the way.

5) Guard your dream. Do not allow anyone to speak against your dream. Protect it at all cost. It is your dream!

6) Don’t expect everyone to embrace your dream. Some people will think you are talking crazy when you share the dream you have been given. You are the nurturer of your dream.

7) Have a couple of mentors. People you can go to for guidance, counsel and wisdom. These are people who have charted the territory before you and can help you to avoid rough waters along the journey. But remember to not only have them in your life, but listen to them. If you chose them that should mean you also trust them.

8) Build covenant relationships. The covenant connections you make are potentially the covenant relationships you build. These relationships are most often the ones who help you move from one place to the next during your journey. Covenant relationships are the people who connect you through your transition points.

9) Stay faithful. Things don’t happen overnight. It may take you years to see the realization of your dream, but stay the course.

10) When your dream becomes a reality ALWAYS remember to thank the people who supported you through this journey. Never ever forget them!

Kingdom Attitude Series: DREAMS

I was never really a huge Michael Jackson fan; however, he did have a few songs which really caught my attention. Most times it was because of the beats…not the words. But the song Remember the Time really caught my attention because it talks about remembrance. While you read this article that is exactly what I want you to do…Remember the Time.

Do you know that God designed you with a specific purpose and customized your dreams just for you? The dreams, thoughts and ideas you had while growing up and the ones you continue to have were programmed within you long before now. God embedded you with those dreams to impact the world! Remember when you wanted to drive the best car, live in the best house and wear the best clothing? Remember when you wanted to help women overcome self-esteem issues, but then your self-esteem took a plummet and you felt you could no longer help others. Remember when you wanted to write a book but someone along your path told you that you didn’t have the resources to have your book become successful? Remember when you wanted to become a singer, dancer or a world renowned musician? Remember when you wanted to start a class for young girls to teach them charm, etiquette and social graces? Where did all of those dreams go to die? At what point in your life did you allow the enemy to rob you of your dreams? When did you start listening to the enemy tell you that you could not accomplish your dreams? Just know that those dreams are not dead. They continue to reside within you. I am sure that from time to time you re-visit those dreams in your mind and spirit.

Too many of us have allowed our dreams to be stolen in the middle of the night or snatched away in the light of day. When life becomes too great we found it easy to abandon our dreams. Many times dreams are the first casualty during someone’s life journey. My husband has a question that he used to quote when we first met. His question was “where do dreams go to die?” But the real issue here is when and why do we abandon our dreams? We allow our lives to get so out of control that our dreams are no longer within our reach.

While learning to hold onto my dreams I came up with a statement to help me keep all of my dreams in the forefront of my mind. DREAMS are daily reminders of everything we can achieve with motivation and have success!! Our dreams should be the catalyst which motivates us to live our best life.

Dream Challenge:
Write down all of your dreams on a piece of paper. Cross off each dream which has already manifested in your life. From this list make a new list with the remaining dreams and put in them in order of priority. Keep this list handy and review it daily. Include it in your daily confessions and prayer time. The key to this list is to make certain that every dream on your list is what God has planned and ordained for your life. If they are, commit to doing the work to make each dream a reality in your life. When you find yourself becoming discouraged go back in your mind and spirit and “remember the time” when God promised you that He would bring your dreams to pass.

Meditation Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

Note: This was actually created two months before the passing of Michael Jackson!