by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | Dec 28, 2013 | Self Improvement
Sometimes life hits us hard and we feel like we have been pushed into a corner. When challenges arise, it might feel as though you do not have choices. You might also feel as though you do not have any control over certain areas of your life. This way of thinking impedes progress. Even in the midst of a challenge, you always have a choice. You can step back and devise a game plan or you can talk yourself into believing that you are truly doing the best that you can do at that moment. Our minds are very powerful, so we must always strategize ways to control our thoughts. It is important to understand that you always have choices and options. Although the options that you have might not be your most preferable options, they are there. You might wonder why you have to work so hard to be successful, when everyone else seems to have it so much easier. The truth is that anything earned without effort is often taken for granted. So, even if you have to sacrifice for success, it will be worth it in the end. Many will decide to take the easy route, by settling, feeling stuck, or just feeling as though their situation will never improve. However, few are willing to take the more difficult route. This route requires hard work, but if you apply persistent effort, you will make it to the next level. Which route will you choose? You can be happy, fulfilled, disciplined, grateful, and excited about your future. However, you must be willing to take the route that requires hard work. Some people are naturally happy, but most of us have to make a decision to be happy. Until next week……
Dr. Jessica Houston
by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | Dec 20, 2013 | Uncategorized
I know that there are many of you who are just like I was. You will always find a way to convince yourself that you cannot do any better. The next time you have that thought, try dreaming bigger. When you dream bigger you grow bigger. Settling is easy, but growth requires hard work and determination. I received inspiration for this topic earlier this week. I was very shocked when I caught my 22 month old daughter pulling leftovers out of the trash. The moment I saw her reaching into the trash to pull out leftovers, I screamed “Hey what are you doing, you don’t have to eat out of the trash.” I said it with so much authority, because I knew that she deserved better than food that had been thrown into the trash. However, she was okay with it, because she did not know that her parents work hard every day to provide her with a better quality of life. She did not even know that she was settling for trash. At that very moment, I broke down in tears. I thought about how I had settled for trash for so many years. I thought about how God must have been observing me from heaven and wanting me to understand that I was settling for trash. For years, I settled for unhappiness, poor treatment, and low self-confidence. Are you settling for something in your life? Whatever you do, please do not settle for trash. You deserve better. You have what it takes to live a satisfying and fulfilled life. I challenge you to evaluate whether or not you are settling for less than you deserve. If you are settling, take action today. Until next week……
Dr. Jessica Houston
http://expectingvictory.com
by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | Dec 15, 2013 | Self Improvement
Have you ever had someone ruin a great conversation by reminding you of the person that you used to be? This is often a strategy used by those who are attempting to devalue your present and future accomplishments. Those who are not happy about the fact that you have a bright future ahead of you will try their best to keep you stuck in the past. People who intentionally bring up behaviors that you no longer identify with are hoping to make you feel as though you are not worthy of where you are headed. It is your duty to recognize that you are not defined by your past mistakes. When you focus on past behaviors, mistakes, or disappointments you literally agree to relinquish your happiness. Focusing on things that you do not have any control over is a waste of energy. Instead, focus on your strengths and how grateful you are for the blessings that are upon you at this very moment! I do not know about you, but I desire to be happy every single day of my life. In essence, I have decided that I will remain focused on my future. When I do look back at my past mistakes, I am actually very proud of the significant progress that I have made. Will you choose to let go of the past and move forward? Letting go of the past allows you to focus your time and energy in the right place. We do not have the power to change our past, but we do have the power to create an amazing future. As we near the end of 2013 and set our goals for 2014, remember that the best is yet to come!
Dr. Jessica Houston
http://expectingvictory.com/
by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | Dec 7, 2013 | Self Improvement
If I asked you would you like a supernatural breakthrough in the area of your life that challenges you the most, your response is likely to be an astounding “YES.” You might even go to the extent of responding with “who wouldn’t want a breakthrough.” If you have been pursuing a particular goal for months or even years, a breakthrough probably seems well overdue. As much as we all love breakthroughs, the reality is that you must be in a position to receive a breakthrough. We are now in an era where everyone is extremely busy. Our lives are filled with so many tasks that we rarely have time to seek clarity about the tasks that are truly aligned with our purpose. Likewise, we rarely slow down long enough to evaluate whether or not we are spending our time wisely.
When we have too much clutter in our lives, it becomes difficult to focus on what matters most. Consequently, we become distracted by people and tasks that are not aligned with our goals. For example, if you have a strong desire to have a fulfilling career, you cannot surround yourself with individuals who only want to have fun and do not have a desire to grow. When you have a vision, you must surround yourself with likeminded people. If you truly want a breakthrough, you must make room for it. This means that you cannot continue to hold on to people and habits that are holding you back. I know that it is easier said than done, but go ahead and clear out all of your distractions, even the ones that you enjoy! Once you have the courage to remove negative energy and people who pretend to want the best for you, doors will begin to open. When you finally de-clutter, you will have the clarity needed to receive the breakthrough that you have been waiting for. Until next time…..Have an awesome week!
Dr. Jessica Houston
http://expectingvictory.com
by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | Dec 1, 2013 | Self Improvement
I have always considered myself to be a nice and easygoing person. However, there have been times when a stranger, a family member, and even my spouse, pushed a button that immediately catapulted me into a different person. Sometimes, it is the result of something big, but most times it is the result of something minor. I believe that core issues are the true source of most of our anger and frustration. When you are already experiencing a significant amount of stress, it does not take much to get you worked up. Are you truly aware of the moments when you are in a bad mood? Are you truly aware of the moments when you are abrupt with friends, family members, or co-workers? Perhaps someone asked you a simple question and you decided that it was time to let them have it.
When this type of situation occurs, you are likely compounding the stress that you are already experiencing. One way to address this is to be honest enough to acknowledge the underlying issue. Is it that your finances are stressing you out? Did you have a disagreement with your boss, your significant other, or your best friend? Are you feeling tired or overwhelmed? Once you are able to acknowledge the underlying issue, you are able to pinpoint when you are responding to a current situation, based on an underlying stressor.
Instead of taking your frustration out on someone else, try confronting the real issue. Perhaps you are overwhelmed and need a helping hand. Maybe you can search for a better paying job, return to school, or talk things over with the person you had the disagreement with. Holding on to anger and frustration is unfair to you as well as those around you. From today forward, I challenge you to be conscious of when you are easily upset or easily offended. Contrary to what many people believe, we have total control over our thoughts and our behaviors. Being aware of your feelings, allows you to take action in a positive way. Making a conscious effort to identify and address underlying stressors will make you a better, friend, wife, coworker, and so forth. Give it a try and you will soon begin to see an improvement in your relationships and your overall level of happiness.
Dr. Jessica Houston
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