The Purpose in Your Storm

When I graduated High School, I was so excited to begin my college experience at Grand Canyon University. During the first 2 years, I double majored in Music with an emphasis in voice and Psychology. I was pursuing a career in Music Therapy. After 2 years, I dropped my music courses because I was struggling with my music theory and music history courses and failed more than twice! I lost one of my scholarships and decided to drop my major because, I couldn’t afford to keep retaking courses.

Music had always been my passion but I guess I was meant to go in a different direction. The goal was to graduate in 4 years, but after dropping my music courses, I still struggled immensely with Algebra 1 – 2 and Algebra 3 – 4. That’s 2 semesters that turned into 4 because I kept failing the classes! By then, I’d lost all the scholarships I walked in with, my GPA dropped of course and I took out an additional student loan. I did not want to quit or pause. I was determined to finish what I started. After 5.5 years, I finally graduated with my Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology.

After graduation, I began an internship in Adoption and Foster Care. I had an interest in Social Work but, I knew I couldn’t afford to go back to school and get my Masters. I considered being a Case Manager at an adoption agency, but instead I began my career in the Behavior Health Field. My first stable job was working as a Behavior Health Paraprofessional, working with adult clients diagnosed with Serious Mental Illness. One thing I enjoyed most was facilitating 1:1 and group sessions on various topics, helping my clients to better understand and cope with their diagnosis. After 2 years, I was hired at therapeutic school + home that provides treatment programs, emergency shelter and so much more to girls ages 10 to 18. As a Behavior Health Technician, I learned so much about intervention, trauma informed care and more. However, during all of this, I was fighting my own battles with depression, anxiety, and I one point, suicidal ideation.

In my last blog post, I gave you sneak peak of my childhood. I was super shy, struggled to make friends, struggled with low self -esteem and as a young adult, I had a few heartbreaks along the way. I’d been ghosted, cheated on and had relationships end unexpectedly. I’d had a few childhood friends from my church growing up, that as we got older, we grew apart. So, aside from dating – I was otherwise often alone. I Somewhere in the middle of all of that I discovered my purpose and found my confidence. That is, until I lost it again. More on that later.

During my last year working with adults with SMI, I had a few panic attacks. Often times, I felt under a lot of stress and under pressure from my personal life – dealing with my own toxic thoughts and emotions to work related stress that comes with working in a high-intensity, sometimes chaotic and triggering environment. Stress doesn’t just affect you psychologically but it can take it’s tole on you physically. This is something I’ve struggled with for YEARS and have had to learn how to live a preventive lifestyle doing practical things everyday to reduce the effects of stress.

I typically have panic attacks after I begin to feel the stress physically – like, chest pain and tightness/pressure, muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, as well as nerve sensitivity and pain. When I’d experience these, I’d instantly become anxious, because my mind would jump to the worst conclusions like fear of having a heart attack. Too often, I made the mistake of looking up the symptoms I was experiencing on Doctor Google. You know, WebMD. Big mistake. Listen, my panicking just made the symptoms I was experiencing worse. For me, this led to multiple urgent care and ER trips, EKG’s and x-rays ran that ultimately came back normal. Oh, and of course the medical bills from all of those urgent care trips followed.

Some days, I would interact with clients and would become anxious. I remember having to walk outside trying not to hyperventilate in front of clients and coworkers, and trying to practice deep breathing and grounding exercises to calm down. There were days when I left work early because I was in so much physical pain. One thing each of the clients had was a folder that held their personal treatment plan, details of their triggers and coping skills, etc. You know what I did? I created my own version of a treatment plan for myself. I was educating and supporting clients during the day and going home to my own inner battle.

I stayed for 2 years before starting my job as a BHT working with the girls 10 to 18. That was a change of pace for sure, but exposed me to levels of trauma and treatment that I was eager to learn about. I was also eager to work the nightshift, because I had a special project I was working on. If I wasn’t on an overnight trip at the hospital with a client, then in between walking up and down the halls every 30 minutes doing routine bed-checks, I could be found writing my 3rd book, Empower You! Mindset Transformation: A Daily Devotional for the Mind. Now, if I could summarize this book in 1 word it would be: Empowerment. Today, as I think about it, I am amazed out how I was able to create content as such, when the state of mind throughout the years was opposite of that.

I have always found a way to write about my pain and heartbreak and end it with a word of motivation and empowerment. Writing and poetry has been my preferred outlet for years and since the beginning, I have never been able to simply right about my pain without encouraging someone else too. I found purpose in my pain. I found purpose in my struggle. I was going through my own mess, while working a 9 to 5 that required me to support adults and children going through their valleys. It has never been about me going through just so I can say that I survived. It’s always been about going through so that I can help someone else.

I share this part of my story, because I need you to understand that there is ALWAYS purpose in your pain.

You might have gone through some things and some of you may be going through right now and you may be wondering why you had to go through that situation. You may be searching for the purpose. This might catch you by surprise, but I want to encourage you to stop searching for the reason. If you’ve been searching and wondering and haven’t found it.. Consider this: It could be that the purpose is so that YOU can HELP someone else. Simple as that. There is purpose in YOUR storm – you never have to look too far to find it. We are destined to go THROUGH the storm so that we can effectively HELP someone else get through their storm.

There is purpose in your storm. That means, if you keep going, you’re going to survive your storm. Eventually, you will come out on the other side.

Thank you for reading! Share this post with someone who needs it.

Remember Who You Are

His name was Christopher. And, every day he was sure to greet me by pinching my skin and stealing my pencils and various school supplies from inside my desk. I would squint my eyes and glare back at him, but I never said a word.

Kindergarten – 2nd grade

Some days it was more than Christopher pinching me and stealing my belongings. Sometimes other classmates joined in on the fun at my expense. I understood that they were just trying to react by talking at best. But, for some reason I never said a word. Not even in self-defense.

Most kids looked forward to recess after lunch, but I never did. That was because Christopher would chase me around the playground, until he’d catch me and pinch me. The few times he caught me, it it was because I’d trip and fall. Every now and then a teacher on lunch duty would finally notice and reprimand him. But, that never put a definite stop to it. And, per usual, I didn’t say word so I had the next day to look forward to the same torture. Many days I went home with scraped knees and bruised elbows. The most I would do to stand up for myself was to run away, attempt to take back my belongings from the inside of Christopher’s desk when he wasn’t watching and to shove him off of me when he got too close. Oh! And to glare with all my might, of course.

To this day, I cannot tell you why I never said a word. It was one thing to be shy, but another to not even open my mouth and alert my teachers of what was going on. Instead of standing up for myself, I kept my mouth shut. And, at one point, my teachers held discussions with my mom about special education classes as an option for me. Although I did not talk on school grounds for years, I was not mute. And, I actually excelled in my studies so, I was never put in Special Ed classes.

I got a fresh start when I reached 3rd grade. My family and I moved to central Phoenix and there I started 3rd grade at a new school. And, guess what! I finally started to talk. Very little. But, at least I bothered to respond when spoken to.

When I got to middle school, I dreaded lunch breaks because I was always alone. I didn’t make any friends. Not until junior high school. In 6th grade I finally made a friend. Her name was Elizabeth. And like me, she was quiet and didn’t hang out with anyone before school or at lunch. We had a few classes together and by default we were often paired together for projects when the teachers let us choose our partners. Neither of us had anyone else soo.. a friendship began to blossom. Outside of answering questions when called upon and reading aloud when it was my turn.. She was the only person I would talk to while at school.

I also didn’t like my voice. I did not like hearing recordings of myself, because I thought I sounded like a boy.

During 7th and 8th grade, I still didn’t have many friends, but things were much better for me. Those days, choir and band became a huge part of my life and I finally began to feel less like an outcast and more like I’d found somewhere I belonged.

I didn’t begin to come out of my shell until high school. I was a loyal member of choir and band all throughout high school and even college. I found a place where I could blend in and be myself.

But it was my junior year of high school that really changed my life. That was a great year for us during marching band season. For the first time we went to competition and ranked. But, that wasn’t the gamechanger for me. It was the day I wrote a poem for a class assignment and won a spot to perform on stage. In preparation for the event, myself and other students from around the valley gathered and.. The details of what happened that day is a blurr this moment.. The moment I was introduced to the art of spoken word poetry. That was the day I found an art form that would allow me to express myself in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Sevan (Apollo Poetry) performed two of his poems, Alphabet Poem and Heart. I was instantly mesmerized by the rhymes, rhythm and flow. I fell in love with spoken word poetry; the definition of painting pictures with words.

I began to write and perform spoken word poetry. I found my voice. I found courage to express myself; to say all of the things I’d once been too afraid to say. For all the days, as I child, that I’d refused to open my mouth and speak..

For years, I wondered why I was the way that I was. It was like there was an invisible muzzle, disabling me from speaking and being myself. And, even when I began to come out of my shell and make a few friends, even then, I never really fit in. Sure I blended in, when we had things in common, but I’ve always been a misfit.

To this day, even knowing and being confident in who God has created me to be, I still identify as a misfit. I’ve always felt like the odd one out.

Often, I think about all the times I’ve felt invisible and forgotten. Always on the outside looking in. There have been a couple times in my life where I contemplated suicide. I felt as if no one would notice that I was gone, so why not just disappear? I figured if anyone really cared, they would have noticed or reached out. I didn’t go to anyone for help, because I did not want to be a burden. The most recent time I battled with suicidal ideation was when I was dating my ex-boyfriend. Even he didn’t notice how depressed I’d been. That reality, sent me spiraling. I couldn’t wrap my mind around how someone so close to me couldn’t see how much mental and emotional turmoil I was in. But I thank God, I’m still here!

I’m still here to share my story. I’m still here to use the voice that God gave me.

I had no idea that the way I was and everything that I was experiencing was for a purpose. On the surface, it doesn’t make sense. But over the years, God has revealed piece by piece, the puzzle of who he has created me to be and what he has created me for. He has shown me my purpose. Even the reason why I was so shy and why I always felt like the odd one out.

So, if you have been wondering why you’ve had to face certain challenges in life and if you’ve ever wondered what your purpose in life is.. If you’ve been wondering how and why you’ve survived the bullying, the abuse, the betrayals, the disappointments, the health scares.. I’m here to tell you that it was all for a purpose. And, when it doesn’t make sense, that’s because it’s bigger than you.

There is purpose attached to your life. The challenges we face in life are meant to prepare and position us to fulfill that purpose. We may lose some friends along the way. We may miss out on some opportunities along the way. That’s because everyone can’t go where you are destined to go. Every open door is not meant for you to walk through.

There is magic on the inside of you. And when I say magic, I mean something there is something unique! Something that can be imitated, but cannot be duplicated. Something that makes you different. Something that makes you stand out from everyone else. Embrace the magic that is on the inside of you. Embrace your story and share it with the world. Someone is need of what you have to offer. Someone’s breakthrough is dependent on your ability to use the gift God has given you.

The poetry I write. The words I speak. It’s meant to do these things: uplift and empower. I understand that everything I’ve gone through was for a purpose. There was even a purpose and blessing in my shyness and loneliness. And honestly, because I am still here, I refuse to let what I have been through and overcome be in vain.

“You have something special. You have greatness within you. You have something no one else has.” He even goes on to say, “You have the ability to do more than you can ever begin to imagine.”

– Les Brown

Remember who you are and embrace it.

A Letter to Those Who Feel Like Giving Up

I know you have been working hard.

And, it seems like nothing is paying off.

I know you feel discouraged.

After so much time, money and energy invested, you’re wondering what’s the point in continuing on. But listen, I need you to remember your WHY. Remember why you started.

This is not the time to stop. This is not the time to slow down. This is the moment to gain momentum and push!

Push through the doubt.

Push past the fear and uncertainty.

Understand that everything isn’t always as it seems. It may look like nothing is happening to the naked eye but, the reality is that regardless of what it looks like, you are making progress with every step you take.

If you needed a sign that you are on that right path, this is it.

You have come too far to give up now.

You have also come too far to forget who you are and who you are created to be.

You have something that no one else has.

You have something that makes you unique, distinguished, set apart.

When you show up as your authentic self and walk in your divine purpose, people then have the luxury to experience your magic! Your magic, your “something special” is the very thing that makes you stand out from every one else. You are Top Tier! You can be imitated but never duplicated.

Today, I come to remind you, that you have a God given purpose attached to your life. And, nothing and no one can ever take that away from you.

Unless you give them the power to.

I know you may be feeling discouraged, you feel like giving up on your goals and dreams. You’re thinking about giving up on that thing that you desire, the one that is burning like a fire within your soul. That thing.. You know it’s your purpose. You know it’s what you’ve been put on this earth to do. But, lately it seems like your every effort is a flop.

You’ve been working hard and putting yourself in position so that you’re prepared for when the door of opportunity opens to you. But, you’ve been chasing the dream for so long now, that you begin to wonder if it’s ever going to happen. You’ve looked around and seen everyone else winning. You wonder, when will it be your turn. I feel you. In fact, in this moment, I’m right there with you. And, as I write this letter to you, I’m also speaking to myself. Reminding myself, that our goals and dreams are worth it. Our God given purpose is worth it.

It’s worth the wait, it’s worth the late nights and early mornings, it’s worth the very moments we feel alone, unmotivated an unsupported. It comes with the responsibility of carrying a purpose that extends beyond our human understanding. Because, the purpose that has been attached to our lives has been given by our creator. And, when we fulfill our purpose, when we walk in our God given purpose.. we make magic. We change lives.

I know it is your goal. I know it’s your dream. And, yes, it’s YOUR purpose. But, the truth is that it’s never been about you. It’s always been about the lives you will touch, the lives you will bless, the souls you will impact and lives you will change WHEN you step out on faith and fulfill your purpose.

The moments I feel like giving up, I remind myself 1) Who I am and who I am created to be (Ref: Psalm 139:14, Proverbs 16:4 and 2) That I am on assignment. (Ref: Ephesians 2:10, Jerimiah 29:11). I must fulfill my purpose. And, when I do that. I will be blessed to bless others. We are blessed to be a blessings. And, our gift will make room for us. So, don’t give up. No matter who is not in your corner cheering you on. No matter who is not liking or sharing your content. No matter who is not investing in your business or leaving you a positive review. You have the ability to speak life over your goals and dreams by positive affirmations and therein lies your power. Never take that forgranted.

I love you. And, I believe in you!

Here’s What to Do When You Feel Unmotivated to Pursue Your Goals

It is a beautiful Sunday morning

And, I awoke this morning with a heart of gratitude

As I laid in bed, I listened to the gentle sounds of the waterfall streaming into the pool as the morning sunlight peaked through my window.

I pulled out my phone, hopped on YouTube and selected my favorite morning gratitude meditation and closed my eyes..

I was guided into a meditation of gratitude and I began to thank God for life, health, strength, my family, my home, opportunities and everything I could think of in that moment.

I became overwhelmed with gratitude.. My heart felt soo full. As I got further into the 10 minute meditation session, I began to feel as if a fire had been reignited within me of passion and enthusiasm to not just get up and start my day, but of boldness to walk in my purpose! The reason this is soo significant for me, the reason I even bother to share this with you is because, I have not been feeling like my authentic self for awhile now.

I have experienced periods of not feeling like myself on and off pretty much since the start of Covid-19. But stick with me, I’m going somewhere with this..

As I started my day with Sunday Morning worship and a delicious, hot cup of coffee, I had in mind that I would write a blog about How to Manage Stress While Pursuing Your Goals, since that’s been my topic of the past week. However, when I sat down to write, I felt inspired to write about something this…

How you start your day is soo important. And, I am trying to develop a consistency when it comes to starting my day off right. I am striving to be intentional about my morning routine. Because, for too long, have I neglected to start my day off with gratitude, with prayer + meditation, with setting my intentions for the day.. Instead, I’d jump up five minuets before starting my 9 to 5, WFH and I’d never gain any real momentum or enthusiasm in my day. By the end of my workday, I’d feel soo sluggish, lethargic and unmotivated to do anything but eat, maybe do a workout before showering and hopping in the bed to binge watch a few shows before sleeping. The only enthusiasm I’d feel was not clock-out and end the day. Literally, living for the weekend. Y’all, I’d been in a funk off and on for so long. And, yesterday, it finally hit me as to WHY…

For starters, I was not starting my day off right. I was waking up with a negative mindset, with dread – because I knew I was 5 minutes away from logging into my 9 to 5, where I’d spend 8 hours doing something that I am not passionate about. I knew that by the time I clocked out, I wouldn’t feel motivated or have any inspiration to work on MY Passion and MY purpose – my business and my goals.

Secondly, I’d fallen away. When I get in a funk, I become inconsistent. The things I normally do, like meditating, eating healthy, etc.. I stop doing for awhile because I feel unmotivated and just really tired all the time. Like physically, mentally and emotionally I just felt drained ALL of the time and I wasn’t really doing anything to get out of it. Now, I believe it is totally normal to experience periods like this and that it’s okay to give yourself a day or 2 off to just sulk and experience that valley. But after that day or 2 is over.. It’s up to you to SNAP out of it. It becomes our responsibility to get up, brush ourselves off…

I can no longer blame COVID for me not getting up and pursuing my dreams. While COVID was very much an unexpected setback that put a dent in my plans – I had planned to participate in many in-person events throughout 2020 to network, promote my book and coaching business.. But when COVID happened, many people had to transition to doing things online. Now, I LOVE in-person engagements. I don’t enjoy being behind a camera, at all. I just feel soo self-conscious and insecure when I’m behind a screen. I don’t feel the confidence that I DO feel when I’m physically in person with people or on a stage in front of a crowd of people. I don’t know why I am that way but… I let that hold me back and the longer I held back, the less I felt like myself. Because instead of adjusting to the times, I did nothing. I took a “break” and never really came back for a long time.

When you KNOW what your passion and purpose is in life and you are not or you stop walking IN that purpose – you will NOT feel like yourself. I promise you, it will feel like there is a void, as if something is missing, you just won’t feel quite right.. And, that is literally how I felt for most of 2020 and 2021. Sometimes I felt depressed, other times I just felt lost. But listen, I have not, will not and am not staying there! I’ve got work to do and so do you.

Speaking as someone who has both studied and experienced the benefits of meditating every morning and night, I am an advocate for meditation! No, it is not for everybody. But, if it’s not something you’ve tried – I highly encourage you to try it for 1 week at minimum. You can start off with 5 minutes and work your way up to 10 or 15 minutes once or twice a day. It really is a gamechanger when it comes to your MINDSET… Oop! There’s that word again. Mindset. Literally, EVERYTHING has to do with mindset. The key to getting out of my funk has been being intentional about shifting my mindset. How I’ve been able to do that is through MEDITATION – Specifically, gratitude meditation.

It reminds me of who I am, what I have and what I have been created to do. It allows me to feel refreshed, revived in my body and in my mind. It helps me regulate my emotions and to ground myself when I feel overwhelmed and anxious. It allows me to speak to the chaos in my heart and mind – peace be still.

Meditation. Gratitude. Affirmations… It can help you shift your mindset and get into a healthy mental and emotional space where you finally FEEL motivated and empowered to actively pursue your passion and purpose.

I honestly feel more confident in myself and in my ability to successfully pursue my purpose when I meditate consistently. Prayer has been essential for me as well – because I am connecting with my creator. I get to commune with him, and open my heart and mind, enabling me to hear from him.

If you are in a funk and feel stuck when it comes to feeling motivated and empowered to pursue your goals and manifest your dreams… I come to let you know that you WILL get unstuck and you WILL fulfill your LIFE purpose. Don’t be discouraged. You don’t have to stay in the valley. You don’t have to stay in a negative space. If you look around and don’t see a way out – start with meditation. Start with gratitude. Use positive affirmations and begin to speak life over yourself, over your goals and dreams and pray. Eventually, you will come out and will emerge feeling free and empowered to be your best self!

Thanks for reading Set Goals & Slay Family. Share this post with someone who needs an encouraging word today!

Until next time, much love to you. Let’s make it a great week!

#walkinconfidence #empoweryourself #findyourpurpose #meditate #gratitude

Steps to Building Your Confidence and Pursuing Your Dreams with Boldness

Have you ever shared your dreams and plans with someone, only to find yourself defending yourself because you dared to dream big?

There are many reasons why someone may not support the pursuit of your dreams. But, what it really comes down to is.. Mindset. In today’s blog, we’ll be talking about HOW to build and remain confident in the pursuit of your dreams REGARDLESS of who doesn’t support, understand or believe that it IS possible.

Do you believe it is possible to achieve your goals? Or, are you easily swayed and discouraged by the disbelief of others?

Here’s a few steps to help you BUILD your confidence so that you can pursue your dreams with boldness:

1) Check your mindset!

Who are you listening to? Who are you allowing to pour into your life? Whose opinions and beliefs are you allowing to influence you and dictate your actions?

Your ability to achieve your goals has everything to do with your MINDSET. If your mindset is trash, then.. You’ll lose before you’ve even begun.

Success is 80% Mindset and 20% Strategy

Which leads me to step #2..

2) Set a SMART (Specific + Measurable + Achievable, Realistic +Trackable) goal, create a flexible action plan and get to work!

You don’t have to have it altogether and you don’t need to wait for a perfect time to get started.

The best set-up for success is when YOU have defined what success looks like to YOU and then you put in the work. You don’t need to wait for a perfect time. Honestly, there is no perfect time. And, if you’re waiting to perfect yourself.. Remember that the world doesn’t need perfect, it needs YOU to show up as your authentic self!

If you don’t know where to start, start here: Start by setting a goal and breaking it down into action steps. Create a flexible action plan; understanding that if you try to accomplish a step and it doesn’t work out, you can try a different way.

3) Detox your circle and surround yourself with like-minded people.

It is essential that you get with people who are already where you are striving to be and/or who are striving to get from where they are to where they desire to be. Furthermore, you don’t need to remain  in an environment, around people who repeatedly speak death over your dreams or try to discourage you from dreaming big and pursuing them simply because they lack the mindset to comprehend your purpose and the possibility of your dreams becoming your reality.

There are people who are super ambitious and have really big dreams. Likewise, there are people who do not and are satisfied with what they have, where they are in life, now. And there is nothing  wrong with either of the two. Regardless of what anyone says, you should not feel ashamed for seeing more for yourself and wanting more out of life. And, I must say, if you are content and not striving to have or be more, you should not feel ashamed for that as well.

4) Know your WHY.

Maybe it’s to create a better life for yourself and your family. Maybe, it’s to honor God by fulfilling your God given life purpose. Maybe it’s to change lives and impact generations to come.

Whatever your WHY is, that is what you must focus on and remind your self of consistently. Everything else is secondary. No one else will or should hold your WHY with more value than you do. When you understand this, then it becomes easier to recognize the doubters and naysayers. You must filter out the noise.

There are people who are and will be satisfied with what they have and where they are now. And that is okay. There should be mutual respect on both ends.

I share this because I know how it feels to be called boujiee and extra simply because you dared to dream big. And, because you want more than what you have right now. You see yourself going further than where you’ve been so far.

FAITH + action is the key to manifesting your dreams.

Another thought to consider..

Your network really is your net-worth. And, often times when we hear this, we think of money. But, this doesn’t only relate to money.

See, not only is your money valuable but so is your time. Your energy and your peace of mind is valuable too.

Is there anyone in your life who is causing more damage than good? If so, you can’t continue to surround yourself with individuals who are speaking death over your goals and dreams, simply because they don’t see or understand YOUR vision. You must be intentional about surrounding yourself with like-minded people. People who have a positive, success – growth mindset.

Maybe THEY don’t understand the what, YOUR why or the how. But, you can’t let that discourage you from taking action. It is YOUR dream, your gift, your calling, your purpose to fulfil in the earth. God gave it to YOU. He allowed you to see the vision.

You may not understand it all or fully know the HOW. But, that’s okay.  If only you can BELIEVE in the possibility of your dreams.. Because that, my friend, is the pre-requisite of your success. Knowing what success looks like to you and, believing that it is possible!

5) Refrain from sharing your plans and makes sure to celebrate the small wins.

Stay prayerful. Be mindful. Meditate. Journal. Continue to study and learn, grow in knowledge within your area of expertise. Remain humble. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and accept constructive criticism. Learn from your mistakes. Repeat.

The more you do these things, the more confident you will become in yourself and in the possibility of your dreams becoming your reality!

Thank you for reading Set Goals and Family! Like, Comment and Share with someone who needs this message. Until next time.. Much love to you all – Kizzy 💕

7 Steps to Break the Habit of Inconsistency

For the month of March, I committed to 31 days of working out at home. Absolutely no days off.

I enjoy working out – it helps me stay energized, confident, balanced, strong, improves my mental health and all of the obvious benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

When the pandemic hit, my gym closed it’s doors temporarily and I began working out from home. My problem was that I did not enjoy working out at home at all. I’ve always felt more enthusiastic and motivated completing my workout in an environment in which I am surrounded by likeminded people and simply put.. I’m not much of a homebody. But, because of social distancing, this was another challenge for me. I did not feel motivated at all, and therefore I was really inconsistent. I would set a goal to work out 4 – 5 days a week. Which is great if you’re disciplined and stick to it. That was not your girl. Nah, I would start off strong, but quickly found myself working out mostly when I felt like it.

The number one thing that has helped me break my habit of inconsistency in various areas of my life has been.. going all in and taking do days off.

Why? Because it helped me build self-discipline first.

It takes discipline to be consistent.

For the month of March, I committed to 31 days of working out at home with absolutely no days off. I started off slow.. doing 5 minuets.. 10 minuets.. 25 and then 30 minuets. Before I knew it, I found myself easily completing and thoroughly enjoying a 45 minute workout from home!

After about 3 weeks, I noticed that I would look forward to completing my workout the next day. I was beginning to develop a genuine joy for it. And, most importantly, it was becoming easier to deny how I was feeling in the moments when I didn’t “feel” like working out, which was everyday for one reason or another. Some days I feel mentally and physically exhausted and just want to hop in the bed, but during this challenge, that was not an option. Skipping a day was not an option. I made a conscious decision to commit to my goal, this challenge. It was a non-negotiable.

As I continued being consistent, putting in work, every day, everyday..

No days off

Then, I began to see results and those results motivated me to keep going!

What prompted me to do the no days off challenge?

I was super inconsistent. I lacked motivation and the discipline necessary to slay my fitness goals.

I decided to challenge myself each month with something new, to build my discipline and challenge my inconsistency.

In April I plan to continue, but will allow myself 1 day of rest each week. Gradually I will move to 2 days of rest each week.  

This strategy works well for those of us who struggle with being inconsistent when they don’t enjoy what they’re doing.

So let’s break it down step by step, here’s what you can do to break the habit of inconsistency in your life.

#NoDaysOffChallenge

1) Identity your goal and action steps.

2) Identify which steps/area(s) where you are inconsistent.

3) Identify why you are inconsistent.

4) Identify your why factor.

5) Identify your motivating factors.

6) Create a plan of action – Take your big goal, break it down into small action steps/tasks, make each task/step that you are struggling to be consistent in doing and make that your goal.

7) For each goal, set a date, attach your why, motivating factors and commit to taking strategic action every day. That means no days off. Make it non-negotiable.

Once you build the discipline to be consistent, pull back and insert day(s) of rest into your routine when appropriate.

This strategy is great for individuals with fitness goals and struggle with being consistent.

If you want to slay your goals, you must be disciplined. You cannot take action only when you feel like it and expect to be successful. Why? Because ,you won’t feel motivated all the time. You won’t be in the mood all the time. You won’t have the support of other people all of the time.

You have to be your biggest fan. You have to clap for yourself.

You have to encourage yourself.

The most effective empowerment comes from within!

Read that one again.

When manifesting your dreams, you have to do more than just believing that it is possible. You have to take action. And some of the action steps you must take to get where you wanna go aren’t always enjoyable. That is why it’s necessary to implement certain strategies that will help you get going and to keep going!

Don’t give up on your dream.

Don’t give up on yourself.

Please note: This strategy is not only for fitness goals. I encourage you to make this challenge your own; manipulate it to fit the goals you have set for other areas of your life.

I wish you an abundance of peace, love & happiness!

The Power of Your Beliefs ┃Manifesting Your Dreams

Who are you?

This is one of the greatest things that you can ever discover about yourself, because WHO you are has everything to do with WHAT you care capable of accomplishing in this life.

What is more powerful, than knowing who you are and what you can do in this life?

You may not be a social media influencer or have the grandest platform, but the magnitude to which you can still be influential and impactful in this world is soo great.

To really live your life operating in your God given purpose and to manifest the life you were destined to live, you must first know who you are.

You are purpose. You are a gift to this world.

You were created in the image of God, the creator of the universe.

The creator of you.

Therefore, you are are creator too.

With your ability to create, you have powers that supersede what you can comprehend on a conscious level.

So much of our creating is done by our subconsious mind.

You give instructions to your subcsious mind via the thoughts that you think.

Like a painter and his paintbrush, you create the masterpiece of your life with the words you speak and the thoughts you think.

What you think about, you bring about.

As a man thinketh, so is he!

Whether you think you can or think you cannot, you are right.

You have soo much power. There are so many possibilities..

Your ability to manifest the life of your dreams and to live your life operating in your God given purpose; fulfilling the purpose and plan God has for your life, lies in your DECSION to or not to believe in yourself and in your dreams.

You may not be where you want to be in life today, but you can some day IF only you believe.

Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Reference Hebrews 11:6). So if God is the ultimate creator, and we were created in his image, then FAITH is required for us to manifest!

God created heaven and earth by speaking things into existence. He said, “Let there be light” and there was light.”(Reference Genesis Chapter 1). We can speak life into our dreams and ideas with our words and manifest with our belief and hard work to bring it into existence.

Discover who you are and what you are capable of. Because, when you understand who you are and what you can do, that is when you can be most effective, influential and impactful in our world. That is when you can have BIG FAITH that is required to make your dreams your reality. But, it all begins with you knowing who you are and what you are capable of. It starts with you daring to dream. It starts with YOU deciding to believe and make faith moves.

Check out my latest YouTube Video below to learn what you can do NOW to transform your mindset and begin creating a life you love!

Wishing you Peace, Love & Blessings Set Goals & Slay Family,

How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs That Are Preventing You From Pursuing Your Goals and Manifesting Your Dream

“The only limits you have are the limits you believe.” – Wayne Dyer

The number one thing that holds most people back from pursuing and achieving their goals are limitations and limiting beliefs. A limitation is anyTHING (person, place or circumstance) that prevents you from pursuing your goals. Limiting beliefs are recurring, negative thoughts or false beliefs that prevent you from pursuing your goals.

Do you have a goal that you’ve been wanting to accomplish or dream you desire to manifest, but you haven’t quite gotten around to taking any action steps because of fear, doubt, insecurity? Or, maybe you’ve been procrastinating because you lack the necessary funding, time, education or resources needed to pursue the goal. Anything you can identify as an excuse, a reason for procrastinating, not taking a leap of faith and chasing your dream is a limitation or a limiting belief.

Moment of transparency. One of my goals for 2020 and 2021 has been to build an online audience organically. One thing that is a MUST if you want to be successful in building an online audience is consistency. So, whether it’s going live one month or once a week, you’ve gotta be consistent if you want to generate legitimate, sustainable results. Although I’ve been hanging out in these internet streets for a minute and some change now, I have not been consistent in both showing up and providing value. Sometimes I would show up consistently for a period of time, but I would post just to post without providing any real value. I can give you a list of reasons, or dare I say, excuses, as to why I was not consistent. But, I’ll just share one of them with you.

One reason I was not consistent is because I felt discouraged. I felt discouraged because I did not see overnight results. I would post and post and felt as if I was not being seen or heard. It quickly became about the number of likes and comments, rather than the overall purpose of posting empowering content. I was also trying to copy what I saw other people doing, rather than discovering my own lane and walking in that. Can you relate to this? Have you ever felt discouraged because you felt unnoticed, or as if your hard work or effort wasn’t good enough? Or, maybe that your time, effort, money or energy well spent wasn’t yielding results fast enough, if at all.. There are so many things that can cause us to shy away from taking the next step towards our goals or from ever getting started. But, here’s what I want you to know: Delayed does not mean denied. A slow start does not mean that you won’t finish. And, nothing is wrong with a small beginning. Read that again.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff. The reason you’re really here is to learn what you can do to overcome your limitations and limiting beliefs, so that you can start pursuing your goals and manifesting your dreams! Here we go..

Step 1

Write out and visualize your goals as if you have already achieved them.

Step 2

Identify your WHY Factor. Your Why Factor is your overall reason for pursuing the goal. Think about what will happen once you’ve achieve the goal. Think about who it will impact and how. Also, think about what happens if you never face your fear, step outside of your comfort zone and pursue the goal. As you proceed though, it’s best to focus more on your WHY and all of the amazing things that WILL come as a result of you finding the courage to pursue your goal and manifest your dream rather than what won’t happen.

If your WHY does not motivate you to pursue your goal and to keep going when things get tough, then your WHY is not significant enough.

Step 3

For each goal, make a list of every limitation and limiting belief that you can think of.

Step 4

For each limitation identify and write out an alternate route for reaching your goal OR of baby steps that you can take to work through that limitation.

Step 5

For each limiting belief, come up with a positive affirmation. Whether you have one affirmation, 20 affirmations or something in-between, consider doing any of the following:

  • Get a notebook and dedicate it solely to writing out your affirmations daily. Each day as you write out your affirmations, speak them aloud with authority and conviction.
  • Print or write out your affirmations on sticky notes and post them on your bathroom mirror, front door or in a place that you frequent the most throughout your day.
  • Keep a list of your affirmations in your pocket or purse and whenever the negative thoughts/beliefs begin to bombard your mind, pull out your list and begin to read and quote your affirmations aloud if you can.
  • Memorize your positive affirmations, and recite them multiple throughout your day, daily.
  • Each morning and night, stand in front of a mirror, look yourself in the eyes and recite your positive affirmations. This is a solid way to boost your self-esteem and build your confidence. I’m speaking from experience too!

As you take these steps and incorporate positive affirmations into your daily routine, remember that it is okay if you don’t FEEL or BELIEVE what you are writing and speaking right away.

The purpose of incorporating affirmations into your daily routine is because it is an effective way of transforming your mindset and therefore, getting rid of those false beliefs. What we are really doing is working to transform your overall self belief system. Because, how you perceive yourself and how you perceive your ability to achieve your goals maters. I believe in you, and I believe that you have what it takes to slay your goal. But, that doesn’t matter if YOU don’t believe in you.

Please note that the affirmation tips above are not just for limiting beliefs that are about you specifically, for example, your physical appearance or your skills. The tips can be used for recurring negative thoughts or beliefs that relate to having a poverty mindset, lack of resources, etc.

Even though I have felt discouraged about reaching one of my goals, I have not given up. I have continued to think positive, speak positive and to take action steps towards my goal. I decided to keep going AFTER I took time to rest, refocus and restart. In fact, I took to find my lane and am forging ahead on a new path, knowing that even thought it might not look like much now, someday, it will manifest into something great!

Remember: It is okay to reset, restart, and refocus as many times as you need to. You have the passion and purpose for a reason, don’t give up on it before you’ve even started. And, if you have started, keep going!

I wish you nothing but Peace, Love, Blessings Wealth & Good Health, Set Goals & Slay Family

6 Tools You Need to Set, Stay Focused on and Achieve Your 2021 Goals

“Your goals are the road maps that guide you and show you what is possible for your life.”

 — Les Brown

Hey there, Set Goals & Slay Family!

In my last blog post, I shared with you my end of year and quarterly routine for setting my goals and creating my goal slaying strategy.

This week, I am giving you the INSIDE scoop, ALL the details on WHAT tools I use to set and stay focused on my goals all year long!

You ready? Let’s jump in.

6 Tools You Need to Set, Stay Focused on and Achieve Your 2021 Goals:

🖊Affirmations Journal – Write out positive affirmations that reflect your goals. Write them in the form of “I Am..” Write & Speak your affirmations aloud daily.

🗣 Start with ” I am happy and grateful, now that I am…” And, conclude with “And it is so” OR “Asè” which mean “so be it,” “may it be so,” and “so shall it be.” (West Afrikan/Yoruba)

📓Gratitude Journal – Create an ongoing list of ALL things you are thankful for that come to mind. Set aside time daily, weekly or monthly to make your list. Whenever you are feeling down or need a reminder, read through your gratitude journal and be inspired.

🧘🏾‍♀️Mindfulness Journal – Set aside time daily to be still, tonreflect on your goals and on what brings you joy.

📜Scripting Journal – Visualization in written form! Write your vision and desires for your life as if it is happening in that moment. As you write create a movie in your mind and feel the emotion of how you would feel if it was reality.

📖 Bible – Renew your mind, read, study and apply the word daily.

📒Calendar/Planner — A planner is a great way to keep track of your goals, to structure your daily routine and to stay organized. Also, I have create the Set Goals & Slay Workbook Planner — Includes planner templates, Passion + Purpose Discovery worksheets, Goal Setting and Action Planning worksheets and more! This workbook walks you through my EXACT goalsetting and action plan strategy [Get It Here: www.SetGoalsAndSlayCoaching.com]. I will be using the Set Goals & Slay Workbook/Planner to set and strategize a few personal and business goals for 2021.

📈Habit Tracker App — Track Progress toward your goals. This is also a great way to hold yourself accountable.

These are the tools that I have used over the past 4 years and that I will be using this year as I slay my 2021 goals. I know we’ll still face challenges this year, but I feel encouraged knowing that I have tools that will help keep me organized and motivated to keep going!

If you found this content helpful, please share with your community. Thank you for reading!

How You Can Still Be Successful and Achieve Your Goals in 2021

Happy New Year Set Goals & Slay Family and Friends!

Although we are still recovering from 2020, I am excited about what God is going to do in 2021. 2020 was rough and seemingly unrelenting at times.. And 2021, has already shown a few challenges already.. But, I am optimistic that ALL things are already working together for our good.

As we kick off the New Year, I thought I would share with you my process for setting goals and creating my Success Game-plan for 2021.

I believe that it is soo important for us to set ourselves up for the success that we want to achieve in the upcoming year. In fact, it’s more important that we do, this year, than it was in the previous years, simply because we are experiencing a new normal. And, just because we entered a New Year does not mean that the challenges we faced will suddenly go away. Many people on social media appeared eager to wave goodbye 2020, but neglected to set goals and create a plan for 2021, because 2020 was so disappointing in many ways.

We will face more challenges in 2021. But we still have work to do. God still has a purpose and plan for our lives. And, our DREAMS are still possible. But, it is imperative that we set goals and create a STRATEGY so that we are in prime position to challenge what comes to challenge us and continue on our pursuit!

So, let’s jump in family. This is my how I set myself up for success each year.

At the end of each year and at the end of each quarter, I like to take time to reflect..

▪️ On my goals
▪️ My progress
▪️ Wins and Losses
▪️ Lessons learned

At the start of each New Year and new quarter, I take time to:

▪️ Pray
▪️ Meditate
▪️ Decide what to focus on most
▪️ Map out a strategy

If you have something you want to accomplish in 2021, it is more important now, than ever before that you have a STRATEGY.

I know many individuals, and even myself at one point, have been tempted to shy away from setting goals and creating any kind of game-plan because of how hard we were hit in 2020.

2020 was a challenging year in so many ways. Many of our plans were disrupted and many people were forced to make game-changing decisions that they were not prepared to make.

2020 forced us outside of our comfort zones.

2020 forced us to pivot, and think outside the box.

In order to pivot, your MINDSET must shift first.

Read that again.

Because, anybody who decided they would NOT or could not make adjustments to coexist with the changes occurring in our world, did not have a mindset shift.

Without a mindset shift, you are blinded. You are not open to possible, new opportunities or alternative routes to reaching your goals and manifesting your dreams.

So, in 2021 it is necessary to not only have the right mindset, but also the right strategy.

You need a Strategic game-plan that tells you WHERE you wanna go, HOW you’re gonna get there and WHAT you’re gonna do IF things don’t go as planned.

How many of you had plans that were thrown off track in 2020?

Pretty much everybody right?

I encourage you to create a strategy that incorporates a plan for WHAT you can do IF and WHEN something unexpected happens.

Life often happens when we least expect it. But, that doesn’t mean we should live in fear or never set any goals. Instead, we should PLAN as best as we can in advance. Identify possible limitations & limiting beliefs upfront. Then, identify possible solutions or alternatives.

Giving up is one thing. Not even trying and failing to start is another.

Grab your copy of the Set Goals & Slay Workbook if you need guidance in setting your goals and mapping out your game-plan for 2021.

www.SetGoalsAndSlayCoaching.com

I am a firm believer that we should acknowledge God in all of our ways and that He will direct our paths (Reference: Proverbs 3:6). But, I also believe it is important to have a strategic plan of action IF we want to shoot our best shot at slaying our BIG and sometimes impossible looking goals.

Have a Blessed & Productive week (Even if that means resting).

Thank you for reading!

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