Are you set up for success in 2015?

You made it! 2014 is coming to a close in just 28 days! Some months went quickly and others, well they couldn't have ended fast enough. As I reflect I want to share with you how we can make 2015 ROCK! Setting clear goals for the next 90 days is great way to start.

Let’s plan to push hard in the final days of 2014 because it isn't over yet and having a remarkable 2015 starts right now.

Set Clear Goals….

Often we declare a desire to get fit, get out of debt, get more organized or finally start that business. Have you ever come up against real challenges in the process of bringing your desires into reality? Are there desires that you have which have remained an elusive dream? It's time to elevate every dream into a goal. What's the difference? The difference between a goal and a dream is a set lifeline. (Example: I will finish my business plan by Feb. 1, 2014.) It's clear, either you did or you didn't. As you set goals to help you reach your dreams, every action is bringing you closer to the reality you truly desire. Therefore, you are breathing life into creating your brilliant reality. In order to achieve your dreams you must set goals that breathe life into your very existence, which all connects back to your unique purpose in the world. So instead of a deadline set Lifelines as you move toward your dreams.

Have you ever said, “There isn’t enough time in the day”?  In reality we have the same about of time as billionaires, world class athletes or your favorite 5 year old. Life isn’t about time-management. Can you really manage time? Rather, focus on managing what you do in the time that you have. Instead of setting large vague goals by the end of the year, start with goals you can accomplish within each quarter. There are 4 quarters in a year, comprised of 3 months each, which is roughly 90 days a quarter. Setting goals per quarter is not as intimidating as a whole year and allows you to push yourself. What's up for you in your next 90 days?

For every goal you set, make sure you’ve noted milestones along the path. A milestone reminds you that you’re on task to reaching the big goal. Sometimes we think we’re not hitting the mark because it doesn’t look the way we think it should. However, you won’t know unless you’ve created markers or milestones along the way. Think of it this way, this is not a sprint rather it’s more of a marathon. In every marathon, there are markers along the path. Those signs are a reminder that you may not have reached the finish line yet but you’re one more mile toward accomplishing your dream. At each mile, there is a crowd to cheer you on and each mile feels like a win. Too often we come closer and closer to our dream yet we don’t even know it because we haven’t taken the time to celebrate our small wins along the way. Celebrate your wins!

Start now!!! I’ve said this a few times already but it’s worth repeating. We all have dreams, yet you may have some negative chatter in your head saying you can’t do it. Or it’s too big and we sometimes give into that voice and say we’ll do it later. “I’ll start in January” is a favorite stall tactic. WHY?

Start now. You’ll never be less busy. There is no guarantee you’ll have enough money later. The only guarantee we have is NOW. Give yourself the gift of your dreams and start in the present. It may not be easy but you are worth it. Remember, success and failure are both products of your thoughts.  What are you thinking? What are you focused on? Remember set clear lifelines for your goals. Identify milestones in the beginning of the process and most importantly start now.

About the Author:

Sister Mothyna James-Brightful is a self proclaimed “Self Love Revolutionary”. She has spent the last decade empowering women and girls to live authentic lives. Sister Mothyna is the Visionary Director and Co-founder of Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation. Sister Mothyna is co-author of Because I am a Queen...100 Affirmations for Daily Living. Stay connected www.hwhn.org: Twitter @mothyna

Why New Year's Resolutions are Dangerous to your Money

Many people look at new year's resolutions as a good thing. They make vows to get healthy, save more money, spend less money, give up vices or bad habits and more. Do these all sound great to you? Most people would say yes. However, all of the above are bad resolutions. Why do you ask? Because they are all too vague! What exactly is meant by get healthy? Are you resolved to eat healthier? How? What exactly is meant by save more money? How are you going to do it? How much is more? You have to create a specific plan if you want to achieve these goals. Making vague resolutions is setting yourself up for failure. Do these three steps to make concrete financial resolutions or goals.

1) Write a plan.
Write out what your resolution is. That's the what. Then get very specific as to how you are going to achieve it. What the steps necessary to achieve this goal. For example, say your resolution is to start saving for retirement. Look up what that entails. What is the first step? You need to know about different types of retirement accounts such as 401(k), 403(b) traditional IRA vs Roth IRA, SEP IRA for those who are self-employed. Learn the advantages and disadvantages, money going into the account pre-tax vs contributing after paying taxes on your income. I would go into the differences but that's is an entire blog article itself. Then write out how to start the steps to start these accounts. How much you're allowed to put in etc. You see where I'm going get very specific, write out a detailed plan.

2) Set a date.
For each step in your plan, write a deadline. When are you going to accomplish each task? Writing it out without saying when it should be done is a good way to ensure that it never gets done. Giving each step a deadline will also allow you to avoid getting overwhelmed by the steps and tasks. You'll be able to complete them in an orderly fashion with less stress. Staying with the example from above, if your first step is to learn the differences between retirement accounts, by what date are going to have that accomplished? Put the deadlines on your calendar as a visual reminder so you ensure they get done. Remember each task accomplished takes you closer to your financial goal.

3) Set a dollar amount.
Every financial resolution should have a specific amount attached to it. You have to have a number that you're working towards. At what number can you claim success. If you're resolved to save more money. How much money do you need to save per month, per year? Make it specific. For example, I will save $1,000 this year. Now you have a number. Now you have a concrete endpoint for when you have accomplished the goal. If we stay with the retirement example, a goal with a dollar amount would be: I will contribute 20% of my income. You know how much you make and how much should then be contributed. 

About Your Author: Maria James has a compassion for people that makes her involvement in Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation a sure fit. She is a biomedical scientist who is public health conscience and has always worked for the betterment of others. While an undergraduate student at Johns Hopkins University she co-founded an organization called STOP, which taught basic self-defense to women and children. Her has a passion for diverse communities led her to live in Costa Rica for three weeks to learn more about the culture and community. Maria also continues to pursue her other interests which include, Spanish and finance. Maria also founded the business Pocket of Money, LLC which provides tools and tips to help you take control of your money and live your best life. Meet Dr. James at our 2014 Unlimited You Conference April 11- 13, 2014 www.hwhn.org.

8 Steps to Achieving Your Goals

A new year is here and if you've set goals or resolutions we'd love to see you accomplish them and much more.  Read on for eight steps to achieving your goals. And I look forward to seeing you hit it soon.

Take small steps and be patient. Think about the speedometer on a car. Unless you're racing the Indy, you don't want to go from 0 to 120. Instead you might want to move a needlepoint at a time. Small steps are alright... just keep moving.

Once you start, you're already finishing. Understand that it's hard to start new things, but it's easier to keep things rolling once they're started. Just don't stop until you're finished, and if you do it's OK to reset.

Not now doesn't mean not ever. Be sure to prioritize. You don't have to do it all at the same time. Choose the tasks with the most immediate timeline or the greatest payoff to start.

Get up early! There is a truth to the early bird gets the worm. Use your time wisely and get your day started early. This also applies to the task, don't wait until the absolute last minute, get started early when you can.

Do things that excite you! This means enjoy the work! Yes, it may be a task you don't love but if it needs to be done...find something to enjoy about the process. It maybe that you enjoy knowing that it's something important or just getting it finished. 

Multitask. Also, don't multitask. This may seem funny but it's true. In some areas you may be able to multitask well, in others it's overrated so check in with yourself. Are you getting more done or less? Running a load of laundry while, vacuuming... GREAT! Reading text messages while driving...BAD.

Get UNBOXED! Often, there has to be no box. Experiment with crazy stuff to see if it works for you! Talk to yourself (just make sure you record it so you can listen to your brilliant ideas later). Buy a personal dry erase board. Write on your walls! Just get crazy!  

Begin with the End in Mind. What will it look like and feel like when you accomplish your goal? Get clear about what you're really after! Then begin to work your plan.

Author: Monokia Nance, Executive Director of HWHN, Inc. learn more on About Us page www.hwhn.org.

Happy New Year!

Hey there!

We are thrilled to say Happy New Year! We want to start off the new year in true gratitude, so thank you for being a part of our family. Last year was good to us. It wasn't easy but it was good. It had it's challenges but also its triumphs. With your help 2013 was powerful yet, we know that greatness is still available. We're clear that 2014 will be unrecognizable, because while we have big plans there bigger plans in store.

We encourage you to join us in knowing that you are Unlimited! That your future, your dreams, your goals are bigger than you can see right now. The impact that you're going to make in 2014 will surpass the limits that you see. We would love to be with you during the journey.

So let's go! Let's make 2014 the year that made a difference in our limitless life. 

In Sisterhood,
Maria, Monokia, Adia and Mothyna

It Does Work!

20. That’s the number of days left in 2013. Whew! Soon, 2014 is going to roll in and we’ll be ready to make resolutions. Well, I remembered this oldie but goodie and we think now is a perfect time to share It Does Work!***

I recently reflected on my goals for the year and there is quite a bit left to be accomplished! How about you? Are you where you thought you’d be when you “organized” your goals in January? Too many of us wait for a change in the calendar to make changes in our lives. The reality is when we wait, well often the only thing that changes are the dates on the calendar.  We set goals, resolutions and “make” plans, but we often fall back into old habits. We get involved in caring for everyone and everything while we allow our dreams to become a murky something that then disappears behind an armoire of regret (literally and figuratively).  Now, at next year’s spring cleaning (literally and figuratively) we may reminiscence and say something akin to “oh that’s where you went.” Then, we’ll chalk it up and add it to a list of things that don’t work. You know that list… vision boarding, meal planning, the gym, the whole goal setting thing. None of it works! Right? Check again. It DOES WORK! Post. Prioritize. Plan. Persist.

Where is your vision? Is it POSTed at eye level where you can see it every day?  You may not have completed an actual vision board, but you're vision should be POSTed where you can see it in your mind and heart. I suggest creating an actual vision board. IT DOES WORK!

PRIORITIZE... your aspirations (goals/dreams) from short term (3- 6months) to long term (9 months to a year). Write it down. Choose an accountability partner for each goal. IT DOES WORK!

PLAN...share with your "partner" your aspirations and ask for their help in achieving your goal. Allow them to be your "mirror" or reminder. Choose this person with care but choose someone. Act now. IT DOES WORK!

PERSIST... it may be difficult...not just at first but along the way. However, you can do it. Your partner is there to help you. Your vision is your reminder. Continue to work prayerfully; being persistent and you will continue moving forward toward your goal. IT DOES WORK!

So, let’s work together… dust off your dreams. Now is a perfect time to create a new vision board and set goals you can accomplish by the close of the year. Commit to being worthy of your goals. “Post” your dreams. Prioritize your goals. Plan and persist.  As my own vision board reminds me, “change begins with you.” You're worthy. 

About the Author: Sister Mothyna James-Brightful is a self proclaimed “Self Love Revolutionary”. She has spent the last decade empowering women and girls to live authentic lives. Sister Mothyna is the Visionary Director and Co-founder of Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation. Sister Mothyna is co-author of Because I am a Queen...100 Affirmations for Daily Living. Stay connected www.hwhn.org: Twitter @mothyna

The Art of Self-love: 3 Tips for a Self-love Revolution

There are few women I know who don’t go out of their way on a regular basis to show others love by sharing a kind word, lending a sympathetic ear, kissing a booboo, or lowering their rate to allow someone in need to purchase their business services. Wouldn’t you freely give your time, money, or sympathy to a friend in need? It’s the right thing to do, isn’t it? We can probably all agree that women need very little prompting when it comes to helping, caring for, and offering love to others. Why then, is it so difficult to offer love to ourselves?

In a word, GUILT.

I’m not exactly sure why so many women feel guilty about meeting their own needs; but, if you feel guilty when you contemplate scheduling a massage, buying a new handbag, or wrapping yourself in luxury at the end of the day, you are not alone.

Recently, a teary-eyed woman shared a story with me about scheduling a massage but not being able to relax and enjoy it because she felt guilty. Guilty for spending money on the massage, guilty for being away from her family, guilty for not spending the time working on growing her business. You see, she wanted to move her family so they could enjoy a more outdoorsy lifestyle, but she didn’t feel she could do that until she had earned a certain amount of money. Until the money came in, she felt stuck.

I wonder what the world would be like if every hard working woman like her were able to enjoy a nice massage to work the kinks out after a long week (or a similar personal indulgence), without guilt? What if instead of beating herself up for an hour she had been able to relax and return to her responsibilities refreshed, renewed, and ready to dive back into work?

When this woman released her guilt and decided to indulge herself with a few things her spirit was hankering after, an opportunity to move to the place of her dreams opened up and she is now happier than ever. No extra money required.

Another woman shared the story of her handbag and wallet with me. The wallet had been given to her by a family member and she felt obligated to use it. Even though she had never really liked the wallet, and the zipper on the coin purse had been broken for years, she still carried it around because she felt that getting rid of it would make her appear ungrateful.

She had convinced herself that even with the broken coin purse, the wallet “still worked well enough”. Never mind that she could never find change when she needed it because it was all over the bottom of her purse; a bag that didn’t suit her needs, was ugly to look at, and made her feel disorganized and overwhelmed each time she needed to retrieve something from it.

What if this wallet and handbag are simply small examples of all the ways this woman has allowed guilt to sabotage her success in business? What if I told you they represent how she deprives herself and puts up with broken things in all areas of her life because she is afraid to appear ungrateful? What if I told you that changing her wallet changed everything? It did. And she was very very grateful.

So, what's your story? If you have read this far, I bet some part of you can see yourself in these women's tales of denying themselves things that seem like indulgences, frivolities, or whims. If their stories resonated with you, you’re not practicing self-love and it’s costing you.

It’s costing you in ways and on levels you cannot imagine because you are so used to putting everyone else’s needs and wants first, you may not be able to imagine life any other way. Have you ever heard the expression, “don’t ask a fish to tell you about water?” The same principle applies here. Self-denial is insidious, and when you are in it, you can’t see it.

One of the many ways I can tell for sure if a woman needs a self-love revolution in her life is by looking at her bathrobe. You have an ancient ratty-tatty bathrobe in your closet, don’t you? You’d be embarrassed to have it seen in public, wouldn’t you?  Don’t be afraid to admit it. You are not alone. A hideous old robe like that is hanging up in the closets of women all across the country. If you are putting up with wrapping yourself in a robe that makes you feel old and frumpy each night, I’m willing to bet you are putting up with other things in your life that are not serving you.

What if you indulged yourself by wrapped yourself in a beautiful luxurious robe instead? How might you feel and act differently? I can tell you for sure that how you treat yourself has a ripple effect on every person you touch in life and in business. Give wrapping yourself in a little luxury a try, and watch the miracles that unfold!

Ready to get started? Try my Top 3 Tips for a Self-Love Revolution

1. Treat yourself to a regular massage or other personal indulgence as a way to recharge your batteries so you can keep working towards what matters to you in life. Rest and renewal are highly underrated!

2. Ditch the stuff other people have given you that doesn’t make you feel great. There is a vast difference between carrying around something that you love which reminds you of a special person each time you use it and hanging on to something because of guilt.

3. Treat yourself the way you desire to be treated. Your example of self-love and self-regard will have a ripple effect in your life and inspire others. If we all loved and cared for ourselves the way we deserve, the world would be a much much better place.

Treating yourself well seem too daunting or too expensive? You can send me your personal questions at Danielle@MiracleofIndulgence.com. I have lots of ideas for things you can do to treat yourself well without spending a dime!

About the author:  Danielle Watson is affectionately known as the Inspirer of Indulgence and the Diva of Desire. She is the creator of The Purse Process™ and The Miracle of Indulgence. Danielle is a master at illuminating the hidden reasons why even seemingly successful women entrepreneurs don’t enjoy the fun, freedom, love, and profits they crave. Want a clue to solving this puzzle? It’s in the bag™…your handbag, that is.  Danielle’s secrets to success are following her desires, indulging her whims, and treating herself well without apologies. Danielle blogs at aspiretodesire.blogspot.com. 

90 days Until 2014! Are you ready?

Wow! There are only 3 months left in 2013! This time of year we prepare to gather with loved ones and we realize the year is quickly coming to a close. Let's plan to push hard in the final 90 days of 2013! Setting clear goals for the next 90 days is great way to start.

Set Clear Goals....

Often we declare a desire to get fit, get out of debt, get more organized or finally start that business. Many of us come up against real challenges bringing those desires into reality. Thus too often it remains an elusive dream. We must elevate our dreams to goals. The difference between a goal and a dream is a set lifeline. (Example: I will finish my business plan by Feb. 1, 2013.) Well, did you? As we set goals to help us reach our dreams, every action is bringing us closer to the reality we truly desire. Therefore, we are breathing life into creating our future. In order to achieve our dreams we must set goals that breathe life into our very existence, which all connects back to our unique purpose in the world. So instead of a deadline let us set Lifelines when we are moving toward our dreams.

Have you ever said, "There isn't enough time in the day"?  In reality we have the same about of time as billionaires, world class athletes or your favorite 5 year old. Life isn't about time-management. Can really manage time? Rather, let us focus on managing what you do in the time that you have. Instead of setting large vague goals by the end of the year, start with goals you can accomplish within each quarter. There are 4 quarters in a year, comprised of 3 months each, which is a roughly 90 days a quarter. Set goals per quarter which is not as intimating as a whole year and allows you to push yourself. Let's go 90 days left!

For every goal set, make sure you've noted milestones along the path. A milestone reminds us that we're on task to reaching the big goal. Sometimes we think we're not hitting the mark because it doesn't look the way we think it should. However, you won't know unless you've created markers are milestones along the way. Think of it this way, this is not a sprint rather it's more of a marathon. In every marathon, there are markers along the path. Those signs are a reminder that you may not have reached the finish line yet but you're one more mile toward accomplishing your dream. At each mile, there is a crowd to cheer you on and each mile feels like a win. Too often we come closer and closer to our dream yet we don't even know it because we haven't taken the time to celebrate our small wins along the way. Celebrate your wins!

Start now!!! I've said this a few times already but it's worth repeating. We all have dreams, yet there may be negative chatter in our heads saying we can't do it. Or it's too big and we sometimes give into that voice and say we'll do it later. "I'll start in January" is a favorite stall tactic. WHY? Start now. We'll never be less busy. There is no guarantee we'll have enough money later. The only guarantee we have is NOW. Give yourself the gift of your dreams and start in the present. It may not be easy but you are worth it. Remember, success and failure are both products of our thoughts.  So remember set clear lifelines for your goals. Identify milestones in the beginning of the process and most importantly start now.