Your Purpose Will Stretch You!!
Walking in your purpose causes a disruption in your normal “life pattern” and attracts opposition. So, if you have encountered opposition lately, you are on the right path. What I need you to understand is that the right path is rarely the easy path. Your new path might require that you leave an unhealthy relationship, return to school, change careers or even start a business. When you get clarity on your purpose and your vision, you will be filled with excitement and ambition. However, there will come a point where you will have to experience discomfort. There will be obstacles, rejection and disappointment. However, instead of complaining about your discomfort, I am challenging you to embrace it. Growth and discomfort are team members. They work closely together. Your discomfort indicates that you are growing and experiencing something that you have not experienced before. When your challenge seems too tough for you, it is just right for God.
As you begin to walk in your purpose, you will see your circle become smaller than it has ever been. At this juncture, you begin to wonder if your vision is worth it. Let me answer that question for you- It Is Totally Worth It! Do not water the seeds of doubt that have been planted in your mind in an attempt to get you to abort your vision. Listen Closely-Never accept criticism or 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 that you would like to have, but press forward anyway. Finally, you probably have a ton of questions, and not enough answers. At this point, you know what to do next….press forward anyway. Keep pressing towards the mark, those who achieve their goals all have one thing in common- they refuse to give up. When you have passion and a burning desire to enhance your lifestyle, you will always encounter opposition. If a desire is placed in you, it can be fulfilled! Don’t get discouraged when you are stretched, you are being equipped for something greater!!! Until next time…..
Dr. Jessica Houston, LMSW
Author/Speaker/Trainer
3 Signs That You Are Next Level Ready
My desire to constantly expand my knowledge base and my passion for helping others are qualities that have contributed to both my personal and professional development. However, there were other qualities, such as self-doubt, low self-confidence, and poor decision making that prevented me from living the life that I was designed to live. I believe that everyone has what it takes to be successful. However, everyone is not ready for the sacrifices that accompany next level success. If you have a desire to get to the next level, you must be ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Moreover, you must not succumb to the small voice that constantly tells you that you are inadequate. Are you ready for the next level? Below are 3 signs that confirm that you are next level ready:
1. You are willing to move out of your comfort zone (being nervous is normal)
2. You are willing to invest the time, money, and commitment required for next level success
3. You are willing to let go of the people and habits that do not add value to your life
If you are not ready right now, it is not too late to become next level ready! Until next time…
Dr. Jessica Houston
Winning on Wednesdays: The Complete Circle
Have you ever felt as though something was missing? Like if you find or achieve one more thing or two, you would feel complete? Author, Diane Mariechild, suggests that a woman already has all she needs.
What if you do not know how to tap into that power? Tiny Buddha offers 6 Questions That Will Make You Feel Peaceful and Complete:
1. What if there was nothing I needed to fix in me? What if there was nothing I needed to change? What if I was perfect just the way I am now?
2. What if I didn’t have to punish myself to get the lesson?
3. What if I didn’t have to apologize?
4. What if what I need is already here?
5. What if I didn’t have to figure it all out?
6. What if exactly what I need is happening already?
Wow! Great perspective, right? It really makes us put what is important first … ourselves. We have the power to create, nurture and transform all within ourselves. We are already complete. #expectvictory
Winning on Wednesdays: Three Ways to Put Self Before Fear
Hello! I’m back again with another Winning on Wednesday post. We are pretty busy at expectingvictory.com and because of that we are little behind schedule. Our apologies, but there are great goodies to come from it and I’m here to get you all caught up.
I’m sure you all are #expectingvictory just as much as I am. In the mist of expectation we are typically anticipating. While anticipation may run high, it is important to not allow fear to control our thoughts and our actions.
As Dr. Houston wrote last week, “The Power of Pushing Through Your Fears” is important because if we remain comfortable we do not grow. We do not want to be stagnant or stifled. We want to strive for success and reach heights that we never thought could be made possible.
Here’s a few tips on how self can win in the battle against fear:
1) Assess what makes you feel comfortable and what doesn’t.
Beginning with the identification of what we are uncomfortable with allows us to see which route we need to take to break out of our comfort zone in order to grow. What do you want to achieve? What steps need to be taken?
2) Practice positive self affirmation.
Fear often causes us to doubt ourselves and lower our own expectations of what we are truly capable of doing. Learn to celebrate each thing that you have done successfully. Celebrate each step that you have taken outside of your comfort zone. There’s no need to overlook these things. Each action is considered progress for the better. Treat it as such. Note to yourself that you have done a good job, you’re becoming better, stronger and more confident. The more you speak it, you’ll believe it and realize how true it is. This is a major part of overcoming fear because you actually have begun the process of changing your mindset. Once your mind has conquered doubt and fear, there’s nothing stopping you.
3) Reflect on your growth.
Take a moment to realize how far you come whether it is by the day, by the week, by the month and even the year. Take note of the things you have done in order to achieve your goals over time. You will begin to notice how things have to changed simply because you are no longer comfortable.
Once we follow the three steps in this post, we will begin to see how we perceive ourselves and how we can improve that perception to overcome our battles.
BONUS: Write all of these things in a journal. Writing all your changes, big and small, will allow you to keep an actual tangible record of how you have become strong, better and more confident.
In “Women’s Secrets”, Dr. Houston talks about how self can beat fear. Chapter 1 is titled, How I Came to See Myself. She talks about how self-perceptions significantly impacts the many areas of our lives. To learn how Dr. Houston learned to see herself to become better read “Women’s Secrets”.
Be sure to check back for additional ways to Win on Wednesday!
Conquering Your Opposition
Have you ever felt a sudden desire to make a life changing decision? The decision might require that you leave an unhealthy relationship, return to school, change careers or even start a business. You think about it for a moment and become filled with excitement. Your mind is just about made up, but 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 there is not any way that you can make your dream a reality. 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 opportunity to conquer your opposition!
Always pursue your desire, even in the midst of opposition. Sometimes the people you expect to be in your corner are secretly your opposition. Your opposition seeks to plant doubt in your mind and destroy your vision. Whatever you do, do not give up. 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 make a positive change, you will always have opposition. Ignore the critics. If a desire is placed in you, it can be fulfilled! Until next week…..
Dr. Jessica Houston
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