It’s hard to talk about failure. We live in a failure-averse society where failure is a sign of weakness, a sign that something went wrong. Failure signals defeat. But failure is so much more than that. Here’s how to harness failure and be fabulous at it.
The Plot
I planned a vision board party. The preparations were extensive; I had invitations for twenty people, gift bags for everyone, and an array of delicious food. The crafts were ready to inspire creativity, and the venue was generously donated by a pastor who believed in my cause. A couple who are members of the church even cooked. Sidenote: They have a fabulous ministry by the way!
The day arrived, and only two people participated - one of them being the vendor. The room was prepared for a crowd, but it was almost empty. Nevertheless, I didn't let the small turnout discourage me. I went forward with my presentation as planned, recording it and presenting as if I had a full room.
I won't deny that I felt a pang of disappointment. There was a moment when I wanted to feel angry, sad, and discouraged. On the other side of that fleeting moment of despair, I realized I needed to own this failure.
Own the failure
Failure happens outside of our comfort zone. It's a sign that we're pushing boundaries and trying new things, venturing into uncharted territories. So, I owned this failure. I found this failure to be a fabulous opportunity to learn, grow, and improve. On the drive home, my mind was already buzzing with thoughts and ideas. I was analyzing my strategies, and thinking about how I could more effectively target my audience, considering different approaches that might resonate more closely with them.
Don’t Compare
Don't compare your failure to others' successes. We've all seen people become overnight sensations, going viral on the internet and rocketing to fame. It's easy to fall into the trap of feeling left behind. Let me remind you, BeautifulSouls, that success isn't about gargantuan leaps; it's about incremental steps that continually stretch our limits, propelling us further each time.
Celebrate Success
Finally, I woke early this morning to write this blog because, hey, I did it! I accomplished the goal. I successfully hosted a complete vision board party, an achievement that filled me with immense pride and joy. Every detail, from securing the perfect venue to meticulously decorating it to match the theme, was handled by me. I took on the role of a presenter, sharing my insights and experiences with everyone, all the while ensuring that every moment was captured on camera. Despite the absence of a large crowd, the event was a success in my eyes. So here's my final piece of advice for you - always take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how insignificant they might seem. They are a testament to your courage and your willingness to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
Here’s a question for you: what if all you wanted was to be better? This idea of "better" can look different for each of us. For me, becoming better is about being able to think clearly and handle all my daily responsibilities smoothly. It's about overcoming challenges with a positive attitude and ease. My responsibilities include the relationships I have with people in my life, whether it's my family, my students, or the people I serve in my work. My main goal in these relationships is to create a safe and comfortable space for them. However, what "safe" looks like can vary depending on the situation, and it's my job to figure out how to adapt.
So, the big question I ask myself is this: how can I improve myself to serve these relationships better? This is the journey I am on, a journey to become the best version of myself. This journey is always ongoing, filled with both challenges and victories. It's a journey about accepting who we are now while also striving to become who we can be in the future. This journey is uniquely individual and deeply rewarding.
One thing that all of us share is time and opportunity. We all have the same 24 hours in a day; how we choose to spend that time varies greatly. Taking advantage of an opportunity means we're making good use of the time and resources available to us. An opportunity is like a door that's open for us to walk through. Have you ever considered what activities in your life are just a waste of time? These are activities that don't prepare you to walk through your doors of opportunity. How can you tell if something is worth your time? Well, a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself: will this benefit me in the future? If the answer is no, then it might be a waste of time.
You get to decide what doors of opportunity to pursue by filling your time with activities that add value to your life now and in the future. You can make every second, every minute, every hour, and every day better than the last. That's what I mean when I say, "love yourself a little more than you did yesterday". Try doing something a little better for just one minute than you did the day before. See how that one minute can transform your life. Take a moment to pause and feel the sense of accomplishment that comes from making progress. Sometimes, that's all it takes, just one moment.
In pursuit of self-improvement, remember that the work you do for yourself lasts. The work you do for self-improvement impacts your life. Your life, in turn, impacts your lifestyle, and your lifestyle impacts your relationships.
Keep moving forward! Your (inner)Self is depending on You! #OneDegreetoVictory #ShawneeForward
Join us for an uplifting Vision Board Party, where the theme is "Reflect, Reclaim, Rejoice" - dedicated to everyone eager to become the best version of themselves. This is your chance to articulate your dreams visually, learn how to get WIRED into your vision, and set a path toward actualizing your goals. With every cut-out magazine picture and every word of affirmation you pin to your board, you're not just crafting a vision; you're laying down the blueprint for your future. Don't miss this empowering experience to reflect on where you've been, reclaim your innate power, and rejoice in the journey ahead.
⬅️Click here for more information
Dive Deeper with Our Guide: "7 Days and 21 Ways Guide to Win Your Day, Mind, Body, and Soul".
In this bustling world, hundreds of voices consistently vie for our attention. From social media influencers to our family and friends, people who think they know us and understand us best, fill our minds with their views and ideas. They can make us doubt ourselves or cause our imaginations to soar. They can plant seeds of hope or deliver despair. They can support our endeavors or lead us astray. If you want to try something new, learn a new skill, or become a better version of yourself, don't let others limit you. You have the power to set your boundaries and determine your life's path.
I founded OneDegreetoVictory to serve as a beacon of Encouragement, Empowerment, and Truth. In a whirlwind of confusion, I wasn't simply trying to understand what had happened but actively seeking a lifeline. I yearned for a voice to confidently offer a hand, a promise to stand by my side. Imagine being adrift in tumultuous waters while others from the safety of their boat shout, "swim!" Yet, you have no idea how to navigate this stormy sea. The darkness is overwhelming; the rain is relentless. But then, out of the darkness, a voice declares, "I've got you." Suddenly, even though it's still dark, you find yourself buoyant, anchored in the storm. But that's not what this post is about.
It’s about after the storm. It’s about when you find yourself on dry land, able to move forward with your newfound strength. It’s about developing and declaring new life and how sometimes the voices of those we care about the most, often times restrict our voice, restrain our growth, and resist our change. Listen, Beautiful soul, ignore what others expect from you, and listen to your own voice.
The Importance of Silence and Authentic Support
Silence offers us a blank canvas, free from the smudges of discouragement and the shadows of doubt others cast upon us. In this quiet, we find the strength to stand firm, even when those closest to us—the ones we assumed would cheer us on—fall strangely silent or, worse, vocalize their skepticism. Silence, then, becomes not just a respite but a sanctuary, a place where we can reconnect with our deepest selves and the vision we hold for our lives.
Staying Wired into Your Vision
In the journey toward self-improvement and realizing our dreams, remaining wired to our vision is critical. It's about constantly nurturing the image of who we are becoming, allowing it to evolve and adapt but never letting it fade into the background noise of everyday life.
The Journey of Self-Accomplishment
The path to personal victory and transformation is often a solitary one. It’s also paved with opportunities for growth, resilience, and the joy of achieving what others deemed impossible. Encountering obstacles and overcoming them adds to the fabric of our stories, making the tapestry richer and more vibrant.
Your path is yours alone. Others may influence it, but at the end of the day, only you can walk it. Allow yourself the space to dream, the silence to plan, and the courage to act. Join us at OneDegreeToVictory, and together, let's turn those dreams into reality.
We invite you to listen to our podcast and explore our website to become a part of the OneDegreeToVictory community. Here, you'll gain access to our monthly newsletter and receive the free guide, "7 Days and 21 Ways to Win," designed to empower your mind, body, and soul. This tool is yours to use and reuse, leading you towards victory again and again.
For those in the Shawnee, OK area, don't miss our upcoming Vision Board Party. Your entry ticket comes with more than just admission—it's a ticket to a journey of self-discovery. Your gift bag includes tea, a journal, artisan edibles, and hand-crafted candles, all curated to inspire and rejuvenate.
Click here to learn more OneDegreetoVictory
Disclaimer: This post is not for those facing serious health challenges.
Lately, I've caught myself repeating the phrase "I don't have the energy for that” more often than I'd like to admit. It's not just a matter of feeling tired; I find myself completely drained, devoid of the energy needed to chase my dreams or even to get through the day. It's a concerning state that most of us find ourselves in, but thankfully, it's not an insurmountable one. It's time we take a stand against this tide of exhaustion and reclaim our energy and enthusiasm for life. Here's how.
Take a Day Off: It's not always feasible, but if you can, taking a day off for your mental health is invaluable. It's a bold move, yet your well-being is on the line. A day dedicated to mental health is about rejuvenation and clarity. Imagine a day with no obligations, sunlight streaming through your windows, uplifting music filling your home, and a deep clean of your surroundings. This isn't merely physical tidiness. It's a time and space dedicated to clearing out the mental clutter that holds you back, making room for creativity and peace.
Delegate Tasks: Recognizing that you can't carry the world on your shoulders is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. Delegation is a powerful strategy for managing burnout and boosting productivity. Whether it's sharing responsibilities at work or asking for help at home, delegation allows you to concentrate on what's important. It's an empowering act that acknowledges the strength of teamwork and opens the door to achieving your goals more efficiently.
Look for Alternative Ways to Get Things Done: Sometimes, the barrier to progress isn't a lack of effort but our approach. Be open to exploring new strategies, technologies, and advice. A fresh perspective can reignite stalled projects and energize your efforts.
Incorporate Short, Frequent Breaks: The Pomodoro Technique is a testament to the power of short breaks. By integrating brief pauses into your workday, you allow your mind to refresh, significantly improving mental energy and productivity. This simple change can greatly improve your energy levels and the quality of your work.
Prioritize Physical Activity: It might seem paradoxical, but expending energy through physical activity actually generates more. Doing simple exercises like walking, yoga, or a quick workout can help you build strength, improve blood circulation, and make you feel good. Adding activities to your day can push away tiredness and promote good health for your body and mind.
It's important to understand that always feeling tired isn't normal. By using these ideas, we can do more than get by - we can really enjoy life. We begin to make choices that make us feel more energetic, enable us to get more done, and make our lives better. Don't wait until you're totally worn out to make a change. Start now, and get back the energy that makes you feel alive and helps you follow your dreams. After all, the most important thing isn't time; it's energy.
Ever thought about your childhood superheroes? The awe-inspiring characters you admired? They were powerful women who saved the world from disaster, super Sheroes like Wonder Woman, Storm, and Jean Grey, among others. I still love these iconic characters, but now, I appreciate them for their wit, intellect, and the ideals they embody.
Today, there are several women in my life who, while they don't wear capes or wield golden lassos, are remarkably adept at achieving what seems impossible and getting to the heart of issues with nothing but their keen perception.
It's time to shift the spotlight closer to home. For the rest of this month, to Mother's Day (which is on May 12th, by the way! ), and beyond, we're celebrating in a BIG way! We're not just talking about the superheroes from the comics or TV shows. Nope, we're talking about the real-life superheroes, the ones in our very own homes, the ones we call... Moms! That's right! Moms are like superheroes every single day! They might not wear fancy capes or fly around in the sky, but they have superpowers that are just as amazing. They take on the world every day, like the Wonder Women they are. They show us what it means to be brave, to be strong, and to care for the people we love.
The Maven and the Marvel
Moms are marvels in their own right, constantly pivoting to tackle whatever life throws their way. They're mavens, creating solutions out of nothing and maximizing what they have. Their knack for seizing opportunities, fostering potential, and sparking joy even in chaos is nothing short of amazing. These women have a unique superpower — a strong heart, steadfast resilience, and the nurturing care they provide, which serves as the bedrock of our families and communities. Mother's Day is a time to reflect on the marvel and maven within every Mom. Whether she's a biological mother or a bonus mom in someone's life, these women have taken on the world's toughest job with grace and grit.
Call to Action: Cultivating the Mom Within
For all of us on the path to recognizing, calling out, and identifying the 'Mom' within, now is the time to act. Celebrate the essence of motherhood, not just on Mother's Day but every day. Acknowledge the hard work, the love, and the dedication it takes to be a Mom.
Join us for an inspiring journey of celebration and vision-casting at our Mother's Day Vision Board Party. It’s time to shine a light on the dreams and aspirations that make every Mom a superhero in her own right. Reserve your spot now and be part of a community that cherishes and uplifts the spirit of motherhood. See you there!