by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | Feb 19, 2016 | Self Improvement
Will you take a moment to think about some of the commitments that you have made to yourself? Have you stayed true to them? What happens when your initial excitement begins to fade? I’m willing to bet that this is when recurring thoughts of quitting begin to creep in. This is the point where most people decide to give up. So, if you push through these feelings, you are well on your way to accomplishing your goal. I believe that being committed ultimately means choosing to keep going when everything in you says, “just let it go, this is probably not for me.” The truth is that risk and uncertainty are integral components of success. In essence, if you are not willing to take a risk, you cannot expect to accomplish anything extraordinary. Now, I’m not saying that you should do something outrageous or not well thought out. However, I am saying that you have to be willing to experience discomfort.
Anything worth having is going to cost you something! Your next level will require that you pursue a goal that makes you extremely nervous. This is the only way that you will discover how far you can truly go. You must equate your commitment to running a marathon and not a sprint. Far too often, we start out full of energy, it dwindles and then we conclude that we must have made the wrong decision. When in actuality, we just needed to slow down and pace ourselves. Are you in this for the long haul? Today, I challenge you to embrace fear and uncertainty. Don’t run away from your challenges instead be willing to take them on. When you say, “YES” to something that scares you, you will not know EXACTLY how things will work out. However, do not waste time and energy focusing on the fact that you do not have all of the answers. Worry does not solve problems. What I challenge you to do is simply commit to being committed. Your ability to stay committed will ultimately be the difference between living an average life and living an extraordinary life. Will you commit to being committed? Until next time….
Dr. Jessica Houston, LMSW
http://expectingvictory.com/
by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | Jan 26, 2016 | 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 accomplishments and discourage you from pursuing greater heights. Those who are not happy about the fact that you are making positive changes in your life 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. I encourage you 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, the opportunities that lie ahead and how grateful you are for the blessings that are upon you at this very moment! There is no need to keep reading the same dull chapter over and over. It is time to turn the page. Are you ready to take advantage of all that 2016 has in store for you? I am deliberately appreciating the lessons learned from my past, yet remaining focused on my future. Will you join me? Can I count on you to take it easy on yourself and choose to move forward? Letting go of the past allows you to focus your time and energy in the right place. You do not have the power to change your past, but you do have the power to create an amazing future. You deserve peace, happiness and prosperity. I am declaring that 2016 is YOUR YEAR of breakthrough!!! Until next time…..
Dr. Jessica Houston
Success Coach and Empowerment Speaker
Expectingvictory.com
by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | Dec 15, 2015 | Self Improvement
As we bring 2015 to a close, it is important that we decide what is going with us into 2016 and what needs to be left behind. In essence, evaluate what worked for you this year and what didn’t. Of course, we all want 2016 to be an amazing year. However, the only way to make your dream become a reality is to be honest about some of the people and habits that are not good for you. Let’s be honest, many of the people whom we associate with are not good for us. Likewise, some of the habits that we enjoy are hindering our progress. When will you decide that enough is enough? No more wishing, planning, worrying and overanalyzing everything. It is time to be courageous and make the tough decisions. I have a question for you. Are you willing to do what others won’t do in order to have what others don’t have? Are you willing to admit that a pruning process must take place BEFORE 2015 is over?
As you may already know, I lost my father in November and this helped me truly grasp the idea that life is short. Far too often we think we have more time than we actually do. Are you ready to upgrade your lifestyle? How about your network? You should not be the smartest and/or wealthiest person in your circle. Make a decision to get connected with people who are where you desire to be. Go to conferences and networking events where you can connect with likeminded people. It is time to view life from a different perspective. Don’t view your goals as items that you will start on once you get certain things taken care of. Well, let me tell you, that won’t happen. If you are waiting for everything to line up, you will be waiting forever. Life is always throwing curveballs. Yet, that is no reason for you to stand on the sidelines.
Do you think that those who are living their dream do not have any problems? The truth is no one is going to get through life problem free. The difference is simple, successful people keep moving forward. If you are still here, there is a reason. My brother, My sister, I do not want you to postpone your dream another day. I want you to begin living your best life now. There is no joy in simply existing. I don’t want you going to a job that you hate or staying in a situation that you despise. Decide right now, that settling is not an option. Do what it takes to get your life heading in the direction that you want it to go in. You can do this. Out with the old and in with the NEW! Until next time….
Dr. Jessica Houston
Expectingvictory.com
by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | Nov 18, 2015 | Self Improvement
Does the title “Are You Too Strong” startle you? After all, being strong is a good thing, right? Well, yes being strong is good. Being strong is good, because it takes strength to get through a hectic day, problem solve and not have a total meltdown when things do not go as planned. However, the issue is being too strong. When you are too strong, you deprive yourself of the support that you deserve. It is dangerous when we attempt to see ourselves as invincible and all knowing. When this happens, there is no room to make a mistake, feel disappointed, not know what to do, etc. With so much pressure on you, there is no way that you can release your pain, disappointment and/or grief. There is also a good chance that you will miss out on an opportunity for someone else to help you get to where you desire to be easier and quicker.
I am going to be extremely transparent with you right now. I am laying my dad to rest this week and I deserve the support of family and friends. As a helper and a giver, I have to be very intentional about taking a break when I need it and asking for help, even though I can grind harder and get it done by myself. My question for you today is, who are you leaning on? It is okay if you find joy in pouring into others. However, you have to be willing to slow down and take care of yourself. Be clear about who the key players are in your support system. Do you have someone that you can lean on when you feel as though you are running on empty? Do you have someone who is always in your corner, cheering you on? Nothing compares to having a coach or mentor who can see in you what you don’t see? If you do not already have a coach or mentor, I want you to know that you deserve to have at least one in your life. I personally have several coaches and mentors.
If you want to be a better leader, parent, friend, spouse, etc., you must be courageous enough to seek support. Being superwoman or superman is not the answer. The only way to move forward is to confront the elephant in the room. This might mean crying, praying, meditating or just feeling the emotions that accompany what you are experiencing. Welcoming support is one of the best gifts that you can give yourself. You do want to be strong, but you don’t want to be so strong that you don’t give yourself permission to be human. Today, I challenge you to assess how often you ask for help and/or support. Please take some time to take care of you! Until next time….
To read more about how you can begin living the life that you deserve, visit http://www.amazon.com/Dr.-Jessica-Houston/e/B00ITU9ZEA and pick up a copy of Women’s Secrets: It’s Time to Stop Suffering in Silence.
God Bless,
Dr. Jessica Houston, LMSW
Expectingvictory.com
by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | Oct 19, 2015 | Self Improvement
I hope that your week is off to a great start! I just wanted to take a moment to let you know that this is your season to stop wishing and start doing! One of the primary ingredients to success is ACTION. Action shows that you are committed to what you say you REALLY want. For years, I would say that I wanted to accomplish something, yet my actions would show differently. Have you taken the time to clearly map out what you would like your life to look like 1 year from now? You can’t simply keep your goals and ideas in your head. When you write them down, you are acknowledging that you take your goals seriously.
I challenge myself to press beyond my fears on a daily basis. Subsequently, my dreams are no longer held hostage by my fears. Are you willing to get comfortable being uncomfortable? Now that I have become comfortable with fear, it does not have the same type of control over me that it had a few years ago. I have reached a level where I can stare fear in the face and still take the risk. I have made a bold decision to no longer run away from my fears, because my growth depends upon my ability to be God lead and not fear led. Facing your fears will allow you to take the limits off of what you can accomplish. As a success coach and empowerment speaker, I am dedicated to helping others create the life that they never thought was accessible. Know that I am here for you and I want you to exceed your goals. Thank you so much for inspiring me to continue to do what I do.
God Bless,
Dr. Jessica Houston
http://expectingvictory.com/
Recent Comments