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/
by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | Sep 18, 2015 | Self Improvement
Have you ever been tempted to set a small goal, simply because you perceived it as being easily attainable? I believe that most of us have been guilty of this more often than we would care to admit. Perhaps you didn’t pursue what you really wanted, because you were afraid that you would not be able to obtain it. Now, just take a moment and imagine what you could accomplish if you decided to challenge yourself more. What if you decided that you would much rather try and miss the mark, than not try at all? Are you willing to stretch yourself beyond what feels comfortable? We are naturally wired to avoid discomfort. For this very reason, you must be intentional about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Begin by thinking about what it is that you would like to accomplish before the end of 2015. Next, ask yourself “How can I stretch this goal?”
Your potential is unlimited. Therefore, you have the capacity to overcome any challenge that you encounter. Remember, your mind sincerely believes whatever you ask it to believe. Today, I challenge you to upgrade your belief about what you are capable of achieving. You deserve to have a vision that stretches you. Don’t worry about seeming unrealistic. If you want to be extraordinary, you must first have an extraordinary vision. When you upgrade your vision, you are ultimately choosing to challenge your self-doubt and silence your inner critic. Until next time….
Dr. Jessica Houston, LMSW
Expectingvictory.com
by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | Jul 30, 2015 | Self Improvement
I know that everyone has an idea of what they would like their life to look like. However, have you ever taken the time to think about what you REALLY want in every aspect of your life? In essence, what goals do you have related to your relationships, career, finances, health and spirituality? If you haven’t taken the time to write down AND visualize your ideal future, I challenge you to do it sooner rather than later. Many times when we think about what it is that we really want, we realize that we are not heading in the right direction. Instead of beating yourself up about not being where you desire to be, begin taking the actions that are necessary to get you closer to your desired destination. What one action can you take today? Are there any thoughts or habits that you need to release? Is it time for you to begin investing in your dream? Whatever it is that you need to do, I want you to commit to it. Be persistent until your goal is met. It is time for you to begin living the life that you say you want. However, the only way for you to get there is for you to take action! Until next time…..
Dr. Jessica Houston
Expectingvictory.com
by drjessicahouston@gmail.com drjessicahouston@gmail.com | Jul 15, 2015 | Self Improvement
When you commit to your dream, God will little by little push you out of your comfort zone. I often surprise myself at how I have transitioned from being an extreme introvert with low self-confidence, into being a bold and confident leader. One thing I know for sure is that when you are TRULY ready to grow, God will then take you so far out of your comfort zone that you will have to depend upon him to be your life vest. So, in essence, you will either have to totally depend upon him or you will sink.
Many people say that they are hungry for success, but only a few are willing to do what it takes to get there. How committed are you to your goals? How committed are you to your dreams? Actions speak louder than words. My challenge for you this week is to do more and analyze less. I can guarantee you that you have no idea how brilliant you are. You have no idea how much you can accomplish, because you are afraid to go out into the deep. You are wondering if you have what it takes. The answer is an astounding YES! Don’t worry about sinking, God will be your floating device IF you give him the opportunity. Until next time….
Dr. Jessica Houston
Expectingvictory.com
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