Expect to Win and B.O.L.T.

Usain Bolt is described as the fastest man alive! I was recently watching the documentary on his extraordinary Olympic wins and track career. In the film, Bolt describes what happens on the track and how he wins his race. As he described it, I was hit by how much it really describes life and business for those of us entrepreneurs. Here are the 8 phases of the B.O.L.T.! 

 

The Start- Bolt describes himself as a poor starter...WHAT!!! The fastest man in the world a poor starter. Get out of here! We all know we need a good start to win, right? How you start isn't the final outcome.  If you keep moving and get yourself in a good position with the right steps, you can still win. How? It's what happens along the way. It's what you do after the start and that's the drive.  

No matter how you start, once you begin you have to keep your head down (focused), body forward and drive, drive, drive. How often do we have a bad start to our day and run up against obstacles? The way out of it is to DRIVE, feed your mind and actions with positive energy and keep moving forward. During your drive phase is not the time to stop and worry about what anyone else is doing, if you're comparing your start to others, then you're out of focus. Your check-in comes later.  

Now, GET TALL! Coming out of your drive phase is when you get tall. It's time to own your power. You can begin to pick up your pace, increase your speed. Your eyes are on the ultimate goal but you know you have a ways to go. This is where you are following your plan. Believe that you can accomplish the goal.... Yes, your product stands head and shoulders above the rest. Yes, you deserve the healthiest body. Yes, your unique gift is needed in the marketplace.  Can you pick up momentum?   

Well, believe it or not, you're half way there!!! Now, it's time to CHECK your position. Where are you in the race? Where are your colleagues (not just competitors)? This is where you find you might need encouragement, because you haven't met your goal yet but you need the cheers of your supporters to keep you fueled and in the race. Allow family... friends... clients... HWHN... to be your cheering squad and know we want you to succeed.  

Up next is your BEAST phase! Dominate your race, know that you've come a long way and you are winning. Others have started and stopped. Many never entered the race. Not only are you here, this is the strongest and most difficult part of your journey. Know that you are in it to win it and we're almost to the finish line.

As you get within arms reach of the finish line, CHECK... again. Many of us look around and say "Can I stop running?" You might be able too, except there is someone or something coming around the bend trying to catch up with you. Don't stop because the next phase is the glory.

You did it! Break the ribbon, draw that breath and do your VICTORY DANCE. You've won! Enjoy the moment and celebrate your win. Yet, here is the thing....there is always another race. Another audacious goal, a new challenge which will be met by a new victory. The last phase is to REPEAT. Bolt, raced again and beat the world record in each division! You have some records to shatter in your own life.   

So let's recap.... 

Eight phases of B.O.L.T...

Start

Drive

Check

Beast

Check, again

Victory Dance 

Repeat  

Each race, each goal begins with the start. Remember this isn't just about competing against others, your best opponent is yourself. Strive to be better than you were yesterday. What have you begun, but not finished? Do you have your cheering squad? Are you expecting to win? My challenge to you is to expect your greatness. B.O.L.T.! Believe in Opportunities to Leverage your Talent!

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 and is currently working on her forth coming book Engage.Inspire. Prevent. Educating Teens on Sexual Violence. Stay connected www.hwhn.org: Twitter @mothyna

What Will You Gain When You Lose

I adore the principle of the Kellogg’s Gains Project. You’ve seen the commercials that ask the question “What Will You Gain When You Lose?” The campaign is all about women deserving to feel more beautiful and sharing positive inspiration. While, the campaign takes this personalized approach to weight loss, it makes me think of the weights that hold us back from living freely in mind, spirit and body. What will you gain when lose?  We’re often afraid that to release means that we’ll lose some key part of ourselves. But what would happen if you lose fear? Doubt? Insecurity? Thoughts of Lack? What could we gain by releasing these limits?

I recently had a conversation with a friend who lives on the West Coast. I shared how sometimes it seems like while we work hard, I doubt whether we make the impact that we desire to see in the lives of women. I’m not sure if women “get IT”, that feeling of support, accomplishment and growth. Well, in her unique no nonsense way, she sho’ put me in my place. She helped me to lose so that I could gain.

“Says who?” was her response.  She spoke from her truth, sharing that she’s attended our annual conferences and seminars since 2008. “And not cause I like ya’ miss ma’am.” Well the nerve of her, of course she likes me. Lol! I literally tried to laugh off the conversation. How many times have had awkward moments where we feel vulnerable and want to rush through the experience?

Not with my sister friend, she made me face the scale with her own level of vulnerability. She shared that our events have helped her gain renewed purpose and clarity. Her journal writing and poetry went from a dark place to light and fresh. She is healthier and feels freer to be herself, which affected her family in much the same way. But that’s not all; she’s started a successful businesses based on her passion, has made an awesome connection with a national organization for her emerging business and moved across the country (a long time dream). Her words, “I know it’s a reflection of HWHN.”

Needless to say, I was humbled. Then I felt that emotion rise from my belly and bubble out of my skin…gratitude.  Imagine if I allowed that weight to lay on my mind and heart. Often we don’t move because we’re afraid of being exposed, yet when we do, we can find freedom in that movement and greater joy where fear once lived. What we gain, when we lose is filled with amazing freedoms. The principle of gratitude, no matter! The joy of learning something new! The ability to teach what we’ve learned! The chance to change a life!

What will you gain when you lose this week? You never know the difference you’ll make in the life of another. 

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

Liberate Your Inner Awesome

You have such an awe-inspiring power.

Many remarkable things have happened in the last month. Some families have suffered the loss of loved ones and role models. Others have celebrated the blending of families through marriage and the addition of new births. Our careers have shifted. Our faith has deepened and our bonds have been tested. As is our birthright and responsibility as women, we continue to endure and rejoice.
As you move through each day, I encourage you to keep an open mind and heart while you gather information that will arm you as a woman focused on being “Part of the Cure”. What are we working to cure? We are working to cure each other, our nation and ourselves. Yet, the first step is to remember, reclaim and nurture your GREATNESS.

It’s simple really. Being “Part of the Cure” is you being your natural, beautiful self. It’s your desire to continue to learn and grow into the confident, healthy, fun-loving and informed woman that lives inside each of us. The cure has no age limit or barriers other than those we create for ourselves. Often times we struggle with many personal attributes. These things may include our weight, skin complexion, relationships, educational level, financial status and if many of us are honest, our self-esteem. In reality, as women we are expected to, “Take a licking and keep on ticking”. Well sister, it is ok to be tired, but it is not okay to give up. It is not easy but it is necessary and you are NOT alone.

As women, we have the power to invoke change, promote healthy relationships, and demand a standard of excellence from each other and all who cross our paths. It is our right. However, we must first heal ourselves. I believe we all need constant reminders of this fact. What’s you reminder to continue on this journey of self-empowerment and the creation of a healthy nation?
In the words of Dee Marshall, Do You! Be You! Love You!

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

Don't Wait for the New Year

Can you believe it’s already November which means 2014 is right around the corner! This is often the time of year we begin to think about doing things “anew”. Many are preparing for the launch of the New Year. We're thinking about the resolutions that we might make, let alone keep. Whenever, I think about the start of a new season, I reflect on the meaning that season will have in my life. Who should I meet? What new endeavors should I take on or let go of….

Recently, I was having a conversation with a good friend who selected a name for her soon to be born baby girl. She selected a name that she loves! The name honors both maternal and paternal grandmothers (much to their delight) but is also has an amazing meaning. In essence the name means “With grace and highly favored by God.” WOW! Powerful and truly a beautiful name. Of course, it made me reflect on the meaning of names. With a name like “Mothyna”, I’m constantly asked…what does that mean? Well, while I have never seen it anywhere else, which means I’ve never found a meaning for my name, I tell folks all the time that I’d like to think it means something akin to “the one whom God has blessed to bless others.” J I’m striving. Ok, so yes the point is that I don’t know… it could mean that or something not so flattering. However, going through this experience with my sister-friend made me think, what is the true meaning of a name? How do we go forward to realize that meaning or can we?

How many times have we met some beautiful lady with a name like Grace yet she is an overly judgmental person or a man named Malik and he is certainly anything but king like? I’m a huge fan of names with GREAT meaning. I believe when selecting a name for a child or person, a name should inspire that person to stretch their potential, but isn’t that only the starting point? The true meaning of a name will be known when that person establishes a legacy through the way that they live. No one looks up the “meaning” of Jada Pickett Smith’s name or Albert Einstein’s and then says this is who they are? Rather we look to their actions, their contributions to the society and the world in general. Quite frankly, it appears those who will tell the “meaning” of your name are those you have touched. Here at HWHN we continually share the meaning of Mrs. Vivian Ryan. To us her name means far more than “lively”. It means the realization of a dream, faith in the potential of the young, quiet elegance and strength. Why? Because if it were not for Mrs. Vivian Ryan and the faith she had in a young 22 year old, HWHN as you know it, would not be here today. For women like Mrs. Ryan, who have nurtured the true meaning within women like us we are forever grateful.

Our actions are as much our definition as the words we may strive to live up to. Thus, the true meaning of ones name lives in the amazing potential for greatness that exists within them. Whether you “hate” your name or love it, its true value grows from within- that essential part of you. So what does your name mean? Are you just living up to your potential or blowing that concept out of the water knowing that your potential is boundless? Are you getting rid of the people, places and things that are limiting your growth? Don’t wait until the New Year, to begin anew, rather each day, brings a new season. Each day is an opportunity to define the meaning of your name. Today is anew…

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