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!!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, July 27, 2009
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
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
Friday, July 24, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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
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
Monday, July 20, 2009
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!
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!
Friday, July 17, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
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
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, July 13, 2009
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!
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!
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