by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | Jul 11, 2016 | Self Improvement
Have you ever asked God to expand your territory? I know that I have.
Sometimes when we ask God to enlarge our territories and expand our borders, we are not prepared for that growth. There are times when, in order to expand and grow, we might have to give up a few things. Yes, even some of the things that we enjoy. The truth is that we have to make more room for what God wants to give us.
This means letting go of the things that waste our time. This means letting go of people and habits that currently are not contributing to our expansion. Are you willing to say goodbye to your self-sabotaging habits? Some habits that must be released include: having unrealistic expectations, being easily distracted, being unfocused and of course procrastinating. Set boundaries in your relationships and limit the access people have to you and your time if they are not building you up and supporting your growth. Purge the useless things taking up space. Get rid of the strongholds that keep you bound in unhealthy cycles and living beneath your potential. Prune the unhealthy stuff from your life so that you can flourish. That is how you will become the best version of yourself.
May you receive an unexpected blessing this week!
Dr. Jessica Houston, LMSW
expectingvictory.com
by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | Jun 22, 2016 | Business, Self Improvement
Are you willing to stay true to your vision, even when it looks like the odds are stacked against you? There are times when life will throw you a curve ball that makes you feel as though you are just plain unlucky. You might be saying to yourself, I’m a nice person, I don’t steal, I am always willing to lend others a helping had, so why aren’t things working in my favor? Well, I have certainly been there. In fact, I have had some days when I didn’t think that I had another tear left to cry. I literally wanted to run away from my life. I was tired of getting my hopes up, just to be let down again. It actually seemed more reasonable to quit than to keep going.
However, I see now, that replaying those negative thoughts over and over in my mind were more harmful than helpful. The truth is that we often think ourselves into a state of anxiety. Did you know that anxiety, fear and worry are tactics used to take your eyes off of your vision? Think about it, any time spent focusing on the negative is time wasted. It is time wasted, because you are not spending that time building the vision that God has given you. I know that life can get rough at times. However, I also know that God has an amazing plan for your life.
Today I want you to think about what you are grateful for. Our minds are wired to focus on the negative, but imagine what would happen if you intentionally reframed the way that you talk to yourself. If a negative thought enters your mind, ask yourself if that particular thought will take you down a path of confidence and hope or down a path of self-doubt and fear. Now, you can choose to remain bitter about everything that has not gone exactly the way that you had planned. Just know that you cannot be happy and bitter at the same time. You have to make a choice. My hope is that you will immediately dismantle the negative chatter that WE ALL battle. You have a destiny to fulfill, so get focused and stay true to the vision that God has given you. Until next time……
Dr. Jessica Houston, LMSW
expectingvictory.com
by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | May 30, 2016 | Self Improvement
We typically do not think about or discuss habits often, but they actually play a major role in our daily lives. While some habits should be maintained, there are others that must be corrected. The truth is that our habits often determine whether or not we excel in our personal and professional endeavors. Can you think of any repetitive thoughts or behaviors that are not aligned with what you say you want? Habits are easy to develop, but correction requires persistence and determination.
Habit #1: Negative Thinking- This is the culprit that causes us to think ourselves into a state of anxiety and/or depression. Have you not done this before? You are literally thinking about how you are going to make an absolute fool of yourself or you are ready to go after something that you want, but you talk yourself out of it. In fact, just as you are preparing to take action, you think, they will never give me _____, who wants to hear from me? I would love to _____, but I don’t have the skill, education, confidence, discipline, etc. Hopefully, you get my point. Negative thinking causes you to doubt yourself and has possibly caused you to miss out on huge opportunities.
Habit #2: Impatience- This habit is responsible for a great deal of poor decision- making. So things are not going as you had expected. You have not met your life partner, landed the job/client you have been praying for. Perhaps you have done everything you know to do, but you have only made very little progress. When in this position, the most convenient thing to do is assume that this is a sign that you need to quit or tone down your goal (settle). We far too often see what others have accomplished, but we have no idea how long it took them to get there. Please do not allow the habit of impatience to interfere with your journey towards getting what you deserve. Patiently waiting is not easy, but it sure is worth it. Especially, when you hang in there and ultimately achieve your goal.
Today, I am challenging you to become more aware of your habits and how they impact you on a daily basis. I am here for you, if you desire support in this area. My private coaching clients are yielding greater results in their businesses as well as their personal lives, because they are very intentional about weeding out the habits that have been impeding their growth and development. You can visit https://live.vcita.com/site/f1dfa0c2c49a295f/ to schedule a complimentary strategy session. Feel free to share this article with family, friends and/or colleagues. Until next time…..
Dr. Jessica Houston, LMSW
Expectingvictory.com
by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | Apr 28, 2016 | Self Improvement
Have you ever felt a sudden desire to make a life changing decision? This decision might require that you leave an unhealthy relationship, return to school, change careers or even start a business. You think about your desire for a moment and become filled with excitement. Your mind is just about made up, but then you begin to wonder if you should act on it. At this point, you think it might be a good idea to get a second opinion. You share your idea with a friend or relative, and to your surprise, you walk away feeling discouraged. Perhaps you are told that you should set a more realistic goal. You might even be told a dozen reasons why this is not the right time or the right decision. Many people decide to give up at this point. However, this is an excellent opportunity for you to conquer your opposition!
Sometimes the people you expect to be in your corner will turn their backs on you. Many times the people that you hoped would support you are secretly your opposition. Your opposition seeks to plant doubt in your mind and destroy your vision. This is why you must be careful about who you share your dreams with. Never accept advice from someone who has never done what you are attempting to do. You might not have all of the money you need to reach your goals, but press forward anyway. You might not have all of the support you need to reach your goals, but press forward anyway. Finally, you probably have a ton of questions, and very few answers. At this point, you know what to do next….press forward anyway. Keep pressing towards the mark, those who do not give up will reap their reward. When you have a passion and a burning desire to enhance your lifestyle, you will always have opposition. Ignore the critics. If a desire is placed in you, it can be fulfilled! Are you ready to conquer your opposition? Until next time…..
Dr. Jessica Houston, LMSW
Success Coach and Empowerment Speaker
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
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