Happy New Year! Your Best is Yet to Come!

 

Written Goals in Six Easy Steps

 

 

            Research has revealed that people have more difficulty setting goals than they do accomplishing them once they are set. The hardest part is sitting down and actually thinking about what you want to do with your life. The fact is, many of us have difficulty with finding time just for thinking and planning our lives. A start is to assess where you are, assess your abilities and talents, where you want to go and why you want to go there. To get where you want to go you need a map, a plan! I cannot imagine anyone planning a trip to a distant location, where they have never traveled; without a map! The same holds true for achieving life goals, you need a written plan to navigate you to your desired destinations. 

            Goals are not just for professional people, but for everyone who dares to dream of a better life. At the start of new year, I want to encourage those of you who do not set goals, make this your year to do so, and write them down.  A written plan is crucial to achieving your Big dreams of starting or expanding a business, starting or finishing school, becoming financial free, losing unwanted pounds, becoming healthier and fit or but not least, to become a better person.

Here are 6 easy steps to achieving your goals:

1. Visualize the end from the beginning. In other words, plan the end before you start. Stephen Covey states:” Begin with the end in mind”.A successful weight loss tip I have personally used to lose pounds and recommend to my clients, is to purchase the smaller size dress or pants they desire to wear (the smaller size may be in your closet), place them where they can be seen each morning. This technique works in conjunction with following a fitness routine and healthy eating plans.
2. Goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. An example of a SMART goal: I will lose 20 pounds of body fat, not muscles, by July 1, 2019. This will be accomplished by incorporating exercise and following a healthy eating plan. 
3. Plan and write goals in 6 areas of life: Spiritual, Relationships, Financial and Career, Physical and Health, Social and Cultural, Mental and Educational. Setting goals in each area will ensure a more balanced life. 
4.  Write your goals in the positive instead of the negative. The more positive the goal the more positive the results. Example: (Negative) I will not continue to drink 4 sodas per day. (Positive) I will reduce my soda intake to 1 per day starting January 7^th.
5. Write down your goals, this is the most important step. Written goals create the roadmap to your success. Don’t just write them down and tuck them away. Your goals should be reviewed frequently. The more focused you are on your written goals, the more likely you are to accomplish them. 
6. Your goals can be short term or long term. A short-term goal is a goal you can achieve in 12 months or less. A long-term goal is something you will target to complete in more than 12 months. Remember, to Dream Big! Shoot for the Stars!

 

A favorite Bible verse of mine is, “Man plans his ways, but God does the execution”.  Note: Man must plan! Your plans should be well thought out and the next step is to write them down. 

 

Your Best is Yet to Come!

 

 

To Your Health and Happiness in the New Year! 

 

 

Dot may be reached at:  

oneononewdot@yahoo.com

https://www.successunlimitedwdot.com  

https://www.facebook.com/success2050

You Are an Overcomer!

 

 

Let’s take a moment to reflect on this beautiful journey called life. We all can attest to the fact that life can be enjoyable and painful based circumstances and events that comes our way. No one ever told us or promised that we could journey through life without problems, hurts and disappointments. Personally, I cannot count the number of times I have been down and disappointed due to unfortunate and or tragic situations that occurred to me or to a love one. But due to my trust in the Lord, I overcame, I did not go under. I am an overcomer!

 

If you are reading this article you will agree that life has it’s up and down, “stuff” will happen! But, here is the good news!  You can overcome the “stuff”. It would be an illusion to think that we can journey through life without the lows, without the valleys. It’s in the valleys where the soil is very fertile, we can become stronger in the valley. The valleys of life help us appreciate the “mountain top” experiences. We are divinely created and equipped to withstand the storms of life. To quote Dr. Tony Evans,“As an overcomer, always keep this truth in mind: You are not fighting for victory, you are fighting from a position of victory”.

 

When in the valley, our goal is to stay focus on the “hills”. A favorite biblical quote of mine: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth”.  Another, awesome biblical reference, “Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning”. I am blessed to hear my amazing 86 years old father, who lives in Georgia respond when I ask, “Dad how are you doing?” His response, “I have some good days and I have some bad days” but I am thankful to the “Old Master”, (the Lord).

His comments resonate in my soul a truth that life is a precious gift from the Lord and we are to be thankful and grateful for His “gift”, not just on the “good” days. 

 

 Mandisa, a popular contemporary Christian artist, recent song, “You are an Overcomer, puts it this way. “You're an overcomer, stay in the fight ‘til the final round. You're not going under because God is holding you right now you might be down for a moment feeling like it's hopeless; that's when He reminds you that you're an overcomer. 

 

In summary, enjoy your life every moment of everyday! In the movie Forrest Gump, the lead character, Tom Hanks stated it this way “My momma always said, “Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” As one who loves eating a moderate amount of chocolate, I can relate! Life is like a box of chocolates, so enjoy every bite.

 

Dot High-Steed is a Life Coach and Public Speaker who has over 20 years of experience in health/wellness, business and education. 

Dot may be reached at:  

oneononewdot@yahoo.com

https://www.successunlimitedwdot.com  

https://www.facebook.com/success2050

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Success Unlimited International Presents:

 

TWO GREAT TRAININGS SESSIONS: Customers for Life and Public Speaking 101 

 

 

Date:    June 26, 2018                                                                                                                       

Times:   Session #1  Customers for Life      8:30 AM - 11:30 AM   

              Session #2   Public Speaking 101   1:00 PM - 4:30 PM       

Cost:  $50 per session or $85.00 for both sessions ( CHOOSE ONE OR ATTEND BOTH!)

Location: Del Rio Chamber of Chamber of Commerce   1915 Veteran Blvd           

 Space is Limited: Call 830-719-5090 to make reservations today!                       

Session # 1 Customers for Life

Improve Your Customer Service.  

Improve your Profits $$$ 

Learn How to Build a Loyal Customer base 

Session # 2 Public Speaking 101 

Conquer your fear of public speaking!

Become a confident speaker

Speak effectively on any platform 

 

 Presenter: Dot High Steed CEO of Success Unlimited International. A Life Coach and Business Consultant 

 

This Workshop is for anyone who is interested in improving your Personal and Professional Development .                      

 

Call  830-719-5090 or email: oneononewdot@yahoo.com   Sign-Up Today!  Space is Limited !

The Love of a Mother

 

If I had to contrast the love of a Mother to any other earthly love, there is no greater love. As a mother, I have experienced the beauty of carrying my children in my womb, then in arms, on my hip, now and forever; I carry them in my heart. As we approach Mother’s Day this Sunday, let’s remember and honor motherhood. I am so blessed to have my mother still here on this side of heaven. My mother has been and is my ROCK, she helped shaped me to be the strong godly woman I am today, for this I am forever grateful! Thank you, Mom! Love you dearly! 

 

The sacrifice and love of a mother is limitless, mothers go without to provide for their children, we give up our own dreams and careers to provide the care our young children need. Our focus is to become the catalyst to help our children dreams comes true. As mothers, we counsel and advise as our children as they grow older. I remember the many talks and advise my mother has given me. There’s an old rhythm and blues song that reminisce in my mind that says, “Mama said there will be days like this, there will be days like this, my mama said.”

 

It is a wonderful privilege to be a mother today. I have the joy of being a new grandmother and love watching the mothers of my grandchildren experience the beauty of being new mothers. A miraculous transformation happens when a young woman becomes a mother, she is no longer concerned about herself but the welfare of her children. The mother child bonding starts in the womb and does not end! Yes, as a mother our ultimate goal is to love, nurture and train our children to grow into thriving, healthy independent adults, who will continue our legacies. 

 

A favorite Proverb mine: She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all”.

 

Your mother’s voice is the first voice you ever hear – even before you are born. Even as a newborn baby, you know your mother and prefer her above anyone else. Cherish your mother and be sure she knows you appreciate everything she does for you. The days are short, love your mother before time is gone. If your mother has already gone on before you, take some time to recall memories of her. Share these memories with your family so that she will live on in your hearts.
 

Have a Happy and Blessed Mother Day!

 

                                                                               Fly Like an Eagle!

Whether you are an Eagles’ fan or not, you have to admire their tenacity and determination to will win Super Bowl LLII. Within a few hours on last Sunday, the Eagles went from the “underdogs” to “Super Eagles Champions, surprising and upsetting Patriots fans. Here is my take on how the Eagles were able to overcome a negative team image and to prove themselves deserving Champions:

1. The team spoke of themselves as a team destined to win the Super Bowl, their quote: “We are a team of destiny”. Until last Sunday night the team had not won a Super Bowl in the history of their franchise! But they had seen themselves as Super Bowl winners several years to prior to last Sunday night. The Eagles demonstrated a success key of visualizing and verbalizing themselves as champions before they were! I believe this was paramount to their Super Bowl victory.

2. The team re-branded themselves to become a strong team of faith and unity. The Philadelphia Eagles had a reputation of being rowdy and uncouth; a bunch of street “thugs” from the city of “Brotherly Love”. Personally, I had not followed too much football during the season since my darling Cowboys did not make the playoffs. On the other hand, my husband, sons and daughters are dire heart Eagles fans; they “bleed green”. My husband is originally from the Philadelphia area and has remained a faithful fan, even in Cowboy territory! I was inspired through the media to witness the strong bond and positive attitude the Eagles had developed through their faith in Christ and their faith /belief in each other.

3. The team went into the playoff without their regular quarterback, he was injured in an earlier game, but this did not deter them from staying focused on their win. The coaches and team members had confidence in the back-up quarter back, that he could lead them to victory. You see the success of any organization or institution cannot be dependent of one or a few people. There is power and strength in numbers! The Eagles team demonstrated the power of synergy. The dictionary defines synergy as collaboration, cooperation, combined effect and concerted effort. “Team work makes the dream work”.

In summary, the Eagles had lost three games leading up to the Super Bowl, a life lesson we can learn or be reminded is that it’s not how we start, it’s how we finish! Keep your eyes on your dreams and goals. There will be obstacles and opportunities to be discouraged or give up! We can all have an “eagle mentality” to fly higher than we can ever image. “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint”. Isaiah 40:31.      Never, Never Ever Give Up!

To Your Success and Happiness!

Dot 

Happy New Year! Your Best is Yet to Come! Written Goals in Six Easy Steps Research has revealed that people have more difficulty setting goals than they do accomplishing them once they are set. The hardest part is sitting down and actually thinking about what you want to do with your life. The fact is, many of us have difficulty with finding time just for thinking and planning our lives. A start is to assess where you are, assess your abilities and talents, where you want to go and why you want to go there. To get where you want to go you need a map, a plan! I cannot imagine anyone planning a trip to a distant location, where they have never traveled without a map! The same holds true for achieving life goals, you need a written plan to navigate you to your desired destinations. Goals are not just for professional people, but for everyone who dares to dream of a better life. With the dawn of the new year, I want to encourage those of you who do not set goals and write them down; make this year your year to do so. A written plan is crucial to achieving your Big dreams of starting or expanding a business, starting or finishing school, becoming financial free, losing unwanted pounds, becoming healthier and fit or but not least, to become a better person. Here are 6 easy steps to achieving your goals: (1) Visualize the end from the beginning. In other words, plan the end before you start. Stephen Covey states:" Begin with the end in mind". A successful weight loss tip I have personally used to lose pounds and recommend to my clients, is to purchase the smaller size dress or pants they desire to wear (the smaller size may be in your closet), place them where they can see them each morning. This technique works in conjunction with following a healthy fitness routine and eating plans. (2) Goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. An example of a SMART goal: Lose 30 pounds of body fat, not muscles, by July 1, 2018. This will be accomplished by incorporating exercise and following a healthy eating plan. (3) Plan and write goals in 6 areas of life: Spiritual, Relationships, Financial and Career, Physical and Health, Social and Cultural, Mental and Educational. Setting goals in each area will ensure a more balanced life. (4) Plan and write your goals in the positive instead of the negative. The more positive the goal the more positive the results. (5) Make sure your goals are high enough. Dream Big! Shoot for the stars! (6) Write down your goals, this is the most important step. Written goals create the roadmap to your success. Don't just write them down and tuck them away. Your goals should be reviewed frequently. The more focused you are on your goals, the more likely you are to accomplish them. A favorite Bible verse of mine is, "Man plans his ways, but God does the execution". But note, man must plan! Your plans should be well thought out and the next step is to write them down. Your best is yet to come! To Your Health and Happiness in the New Year!

Tips for Controlling Stress During the Holidays

With Christmas and New Year’s being right around the corner and Black Friday a few days past, it’s time to keep check on your stress. There has been a long-standing myth that suicide rates increase over the holiday season. According to the Mayo Clinic this is completely false. What is true is that the rates of depression and stress do increase.

Here are six tips to help you control stress during this season:

1. Plan Ahead. Write down all of the things you need to do so that you can prioritize the things that are most important. You will also be less likely to forget something if you have a list.
2. Put Yourself First. With such a huge focus during the holidays on giving, it can be easy to forget to give back to yourself. Taking care of yourself will improve your mood and make it easier for you to take care of others. Set aside some time to do things you enjoy. Find time to exercise, plan a dinner out, or just get a few minutes of fresh air. And don’t forget the importance of a regular good night’s sleep.
3. Learn to Say No. Avoid doing too much. Fatigue from taking on too much can dampen your spirit. Say yes, to spending more time with family and friends. Celebrate the season with the joy of giving time.
4. Don’t Overspend! Create a reasonable budget and stick to it. It’s not about the presents, it’s about His presence; Christ coming to Earth for the salvation of those who choose to believe.
5. Exercise and Indulge in moderation. It’s normal to eat more during the holidays, but be aware of how certain foods effect your mood. If you eat excess fats and sweets you will have less energy. Take a walk before and/or after a big holiday meal. Exercise and other types of physical activity stimulate the production of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are brain chemicals that function as a natural painkiller. They can trigger a positive feeling in the body, boosting mood and reducing feelings of anxiety and stress. 

Understandably, you might be busy and have little time for physical activity during the holidays. However, it doesn't take much time to maintain a calm mental state. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a minimum of three times each week. Find an activity that works for you and your lifestyle. You may want to consider: walking, jogging, biking, playing sports, strength training and aerobics.

6. Learn Forgiveness and Acceptance. You can choose your friends, but not your relatives!

If some of your relatives have always acted out or made you feel bad, chances are that won’t change. If you know what you are getting into, it will be easier not to let them push your buttons. If things get uncomfortable go to a movie or for a drive and adjust your attitude.

 

May this season bring you much joy and love, and may the true meaning of the season touch your heart!

To Your Health and Happiness,

 

 

 

These Are Perilous Times

The dictionary describes perilous as, “exposure to the risk of being injured, destroyed, or lost”. The recent incident in Las Vegas is a too familiar scene of senseless destruction and loss of innocent lives. The question is? What triggers seeming ordinary people to commit such an evil act of violence. The killer cannot answer this question, since he cowardly killed himself. But the question remains why? There’s plenty of speculations and opinions flowing around, such as; he was disturbed about his father’s past criminal dealings. That he may have had a mental disease that required medication (insinuating that prescription drugs could have caused him to lose control)! One television newscaster had the audacity to say that some seventy percent of American is taking some type of mind altering prescription drugs. This could possibly be classified as “Fake News”, and requires a fact check!

Here’s my take: Oblivious the man was disturbed, I choose not to use his name, this will only solidify a possible motive; his name in the media. But let’s call it what it is pure evil, which had become deep seated and rooted in this man’s heart (spirit, mind, emotions). The Bible states “The enemy comes to kill and destroy, but I have come to give life and life more abundantly.” In the absence of reverence and love of the Lord, the hearts of men wax cold and hard; breeding ground for evil. The great Apostle Paul spoke these words to his young protégé, Timothy. “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times (perilous times). For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!”

We live in a fallen world, meaning bad things will happen to good people. We can only trust in God and believe that God is good all the times! He does not cause destruction and evil things to happen. We have been given a free will to choose, life or death; choose life. We are to guard our hearts (spirit, mind and emotions) with all diligence for out of it flows the issues of life.

We can overcome evil with good! Fight the good fight of Faith! Continue to pray for the victims’ families and friends in Las Vegas.

Grace and Peace to All

Speak to the Mountain In this life you will have problems, there is not a person on the planet that will not have challenges and problems to overcome. Our goal in life is not to avoid problems. Unexpected or expected problems and challenges will happen. Our goal is to have the wisdom and knowledge on how to solve and or overcome problems. Many times people spend useless time and effort talking about the problem (s). This can be in the form of complaining, gossiping, speaking fear, anger or doubt; which only compounds the situation. The problem(s) will take on a life of its own and begin to dominate your thoughts, causing negative and destructive behaviors, such as overeating, depression, drug usage. You may say, "Dot, you do not know the BIG problem I am dealing with, it seems like there is no end or no way out!" "What can I do?" I am glad you asked that question. My answer .. SPEAK TO YOUR MOUNTAIN! Your mountain is any challenge or problem that seems insurmountable. Your words are a powerful force, they can create and they can tear down. The Bible states the power of life and death is in the tongue. The tongue is like a rudder on a ship, it can direct your life to your dreams and life goals. If you say you can, you will, if you say you can't, you will not. This may seem over simplified, but in reality what you say about your problems and what you believe, have more impact than what others say or believe concerning your situation. Say to the Mountain, "Move"! I am not saying that you should avoid seeking others to help solve or overcome your problems, but ultimately you must believe in your ability to overcome victoriously. It's important to know that you can transform a seemingly impossible task or problem by speaking to it. You may say. "I will not be destroyed by this problem, I have the ability to overcome." Being a woman of faith, I speak to my problem (s) , (Mountains), in this manner. "I Can Do All Things through Christ who strengthen me". When challenged with a health concern. I speak, "I walk in Divine health and wholeness". We are not to deny the fact that the symptoms are there, but deny its right to remain in your body. A favorite verse of mine: "Then Jesus told them, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don't doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen". I will summarize with a reminder that we are spirit, soul and body. The soul (mind, will and emotions), if not kept in checked, can cause havoc to the body and weaken our spirits. We must speak to the MOUNTAIN, words of peace, calm, faith and rid our thoughts of doubt, fear and unbelief. It's important first to rid your mind of negative thoughts, take every negative thought captive and cast it out. Thoughts are seeds, which become actions and actions create destiny. To Your Health and Happiness!

Decide to Live Longer Aging Healthy Part II of II

Not long ago it was acceptable that older people could not improve their muscle strength or their muscle mass. Now happily this myth is dispelled with much research by top rated universities and better yet with my own experiences working with older clients. No matter how old you are, you can reverse the signs of aging. Many middle aged and older Americans seems to adhere to this outmoded dictate “Take it easy”. “You’re not as young as you used to be.” This is only partially true. Yes, chronically we add years, the good news is with proper care and attention to one’s spirit, mind and body, biological a person can be 20 to 30 years younger than their chronical age. This is not the time to physically “take it easy”, but to be more deliberate about staying active and improving muscle strength. Surveys show that only 30 percent of American 45-64 exercise regularly, while 22 percent of adults 65 and older follow a regular plan of exercise. We now know that the human body repairs itself and perform more efficient with proper conditioning that is achieved through a program of regular exercise and good nutrition. As stated last week, all of the tools and technology exists today for a person to live 120 years. Healthy aging is a decision. Many of you know the benefits of a good cardiovascular program such as walking, biking, and swimming.

Let’s examine the benefits of resistance/ weight training, as an essential component of fitness especially as you get older. Resistance/weight training produces the following benefits: 1. It strengthens your muscles and bones. 2. Lowers cholesterol levels. 3. Decrease or reverse signs of osteoporosis. 4. It improves confidence and self-esteem. 5. Increase lean muscles which helps reduce body fat. 6. Reduce signs of aging. 7. Accelerate weight loss. Weight or resistance training can either be performed with free weights such as barbells and dumbbells, rubber bands, specially designed equipment which works various body parts of the body and or the weight of one’s own body. If you have not worked with weights before be sure to have a qualified trainer instruct you in their proper use. A trainer will design a program which includes the specified number of sets and repetitions to meet your goal. A solid program may start with working 8-10 major muscles, 8-12 repetitions, 2-3 times per week. It’s very import to include stretching in your program. Stretching improves flexibility and reduce injuries. Before you begin an exercise program, be prudent and prepared. Check with your physician before starting.

To Your Health and Happiness