Motivational Moment (13_028)

Quote of the day:

“If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” – Vincent van Gogh

Consider:

You may not be a painter but this quote can be applied to anything that your inner negative voice may be saying you can’t do. So if you hear a voice within you say “you cannot (fill in the blank),” then by all means go right ahead and do what that voice is telling you that you can’t do, and that voice will be silenced. Let’s continue our battle against limiting beliefs. Let’s slash the word “can’t” from our vocabulary. When that negative inner chatter says you can’t do something, let the words of the poem from Edgar Guest ring in your ears saying, “I can.”

            Can't is the worst word that's written or spoken;

            Doing more harm here than slander and lies;

            On it is many a strong spirit broken,

            And with it many a good purpose dies.

            It springs from the lips of the thoughtless each morning

            And robs us of courage we need through the day:

            It rings in our ears like a timely-sent warning

            And laughs when we falter and fall by the way.

            Can't is the father of feeble endeavour,

            The parent of terror and half-hearted work;

            It weakens the efforts of artisans clever,

            And makes of the toiler an indolent shirk.

            It poisons the soul of the man with a vision,

            It stifles in infancy many a plan;

            It greets honest toiling with open derision

            And mocks at the hopes and the dreams of a man.

            Can't is a word none should speak without blushing;

            To utter it should be a symbol of shame;

            Ambition and courage it daily is crushing;

            It blights a man's purpose and shortens his aim.

            Despise it with all of your hatred of error;

            Refuse it with the lodgment it seeks in your brain;

            Arm against it as soon as a creature of terror,

            And all that you dream of you someday shall gain.

            Can't is the word that is foe to ambition,

            An enemy ambushed to shatter your will;

            Its prey is forever the man with a mission

            And bows but to courage and patience and skill.

            Hate it, with hatred that's deep and undying,

            For once it is welcomed 'twill break any man;

            Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying

            And answer this demon by saying, "I can."

—    Edgar Guest

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana

(Compliments of http://www.actionvisioncoaching.com/)

If you would like the Motivational Minutes to come to your inbox click here

Motivational Minute (13_027)

Quote of the day:

“Morning is an important time of day, because how you spend your morning can often tell you what kind of day you are going to have.” — Daniel Handler

Consider:

I couldn’t agree with this quote more. It is important that you set your mind and spirit on the right track before you face the day. If you start your day rushed, hurried, angry, irritated, or in any other negative mindset, then most likely your whole day will be the same, but the contrary is just as true.  If you start your day with gratitude, positiveness and inspiration, then most likely that is how your day will go.

Here are some suggestions for starting your day on the right foot:

·       Vocalize four to five things you are thankful for.

·       Read some positive, uplifting material.

·       Journal.

·       Take  time to reflect or meditate.

These things will give you power and strength for the day.

I know it seems easier to simply jump right into the day rather than to take this “quiet time” in the morning in order to receive inner strength. Yet hitting the ground running at the start of the day makes our lives harder in the long run.

Do yourself a favor, take a little time each morning to quiet yourself, and see if you don't gain strength for the day. Make it part of your morning routine and as you stick to it, it will become easier, and you will come out better for it in the end.  

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana

(Compliments of http://www.actionvisioncoaching.com/)

If you would like the Motivational Minutes to come to your inbox click here

Motivational Minute (13_026)

Quote of the day:

"If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person's point of view.” — Henry Ford

Consider:

Perspective is a funny thing and really depends on how you or someone else is looking at a situation or a problem. Try to understand the other person’s view point before insisting on having things your way.

Here’s a good story to illustrate this principle and quote.

Two travelers were approaching the statue of a knight in shining armor from different directions.

"What a lovely gold shield," commented one, while the other said, "You mean a silver shield."

As they argued with growing anger, a local inhabitant pointed out, "You are both right and both wrong. Half of the shield is gold and the other half silver, and it depends which side you see it from."

There are two, or more, sides to every argument, situation or problem, and we should always make sure we take a close look at the other side’s as well as our own.

What situations are you facing that you need to look at from a different view point?

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana

(Compliments of http://www.actionvisioncoaching.com/)

If you would like the Motivational Minutes to come to your inbox click here

 

Motivational Minute (13_025)

Quote of the day:

“I am looking for a lot of men who have an infinite capacity to not know what can’t be done.” — Henry Ford

Consider:

This quote reminds me of the bumblebee. According to the principles of aeronautical science the bumblebee can’t fly because of the size and shape of its body in relation to its total wing area. However,  the bumblebee pays no attention to the seeming impossibility, it simply goes ahead and flies, regardless.

When faced with something your mind is telling you “can’t be done” think about  the bumble bee and do it anyway.

The Bumble Bee

            I hear the humble bumblebee

            is not equipped to fly.

            But yet it manages each day

            this problem to defy.

            It seems its wing-weight ratio

            is absolutely wrong.

            In spite of this the bumble-bee

            goes buzzing right along.

            When someone says, "It can't be done,"

            think of the bumble bee.

            He overcomes his handicap

            and flies just fancy free.

            So when you hear discouragement

            just set your sights on high,

            Make up your mind and spread your wings

            and get out there and fly!

                                    — Stuart Richardson

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana

(Compliments of http://www.actionvisioncoaching.com/)

If you would like the Motivational Minutes to come to your inbox click here

Motivational Minute (13_024)

Quote of the day:

“The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time.” -- Abraham Lincoln

Consider:

So often we worry about the future and all our possible problems and obstacles. It would be far better and more efficient if we would only focus on the ones right in front of us. 

Remember a hurdler must clear the hurdles one at a time. If he worries about the ones that are still many yards ahead, he is likely to lose his focus on the hurdle coming up.

You can learn from the hurdler. Take your problems one at a time rather than trying to leap over all of them at once.

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana

(Compliments of http://www.actionvisioncoaching.com/)

If you would like the Motivational Minutes to come to your inbox click here

Motivational Minute (13_023)

Quote of the day:

“When solving a problem or accessing a situation be sure to look at it from all points of view.” – Author Unknown

Consider:

This quote illustrates an important point: before jumping right into solving a problem, we should step back and take time to consider our perspective of it, as is so well reflected in the story of the elephant and the six blind men.

There is an Indian fable about six blind men who encountered an elephant for the first time. One man felt the elephant’s leg and said, “An elephant is like a tree.” Another grasped his tail and said, “No, an elephant is like a rope.” The third bumped into the elephant’s broad side and said, “I’m telling you, an elephant is like a wall.” The fourth man felt an ear, smiled, and said, “Ah, I am now aware that the elephant is like a leaf.” The fifth man grabbed one of the elephant’s smooth, sharp tusks and declared, “The elephant is definitely like a spear!” The sixth man caught hold of the elephant’s trunk and said with certainty, “You’re all wrong! An elephant is like a snake.”

We laugh, but so often we are like one of these blind men, not seeing the whole picture and jumping to conclusions when we only see part of the “elephant.” It’s important to look at all sides of every situation. Take time to look at each set of circumstances you are confronted with from a fresh perspective being sure to look at all sides before coming to a final conclusion on the matter.

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana

(Compliments of http://www.actionvisioncoaching.com/)

If you would like the Motivational Minutes to come to your inbox click here

Motivational Minute (13_022)

Quote of the day:

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” -- Helen Keller

Consider:

When life is just plain hard, remember you are in the crafting process.

Life is like a sculptor and you are like the marble. A block of marble may not look like much or be worth much in its rough form, but it has potential. It takes quite a bit of hammering and chiseling to create a thing of beauty from that piece of rock. The chisel is sharp, the blows are hard, and it's not an altogether pleasant process for the marble, but the finished product is worth it.

No one benefits much from easy times. Such times are enjoyable and everyone wishes they could last forever, but they don't contribute much to one's character. So when troubles come into your life, don't be discouraged or resentful. Instead, know that there is a plan and a reason that is crafting you into a thing of beauty.

It is hard to imagine this when you are a work in progress. But if you can endure the crafting process, when the sculptor's work is done, you will behold and be pleased with the result—a masterpiece, the thing of beauty that is your life.

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana

(Compliments of http://www.actionvisioncoaching.com/)

If you would like the Motivational Minutes to come to your inbox click here

Motivational Minute (13_021)

Quote of the day:

“We develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and obstacles.” -- Stephen Covey

Consider:

Life can sometimes be compared to climbing a mountain. It can sometimes be hard and tough. However, the rugged climb doesn't dissuade the determined mountain climber; he revels in the challenge. Nothing can stop him from pressing on until he reaches his goal. No adversity can cause him to turn back. When he looks at the steep cliffs ahead, he doesn't focus on the danger, but on the toeholds and narrow rock ledges that will take him to the peak. He isn't held back by the harshness of his surroundings or the toll the climb is taking on his body; he is propelled onward and upward by the thought of triumph.

There are many obstacles to surmount in life, but each one you conquer is another one behind you and has strengthened your character.

What mountain are you climbing today? Keep your eyes on the summit and you will soon be there.

Wishing you all the best,

Coach Dana

(Compliments of http://www.actionvisioncoaching.com/)

If you would like the Motivational Minutes to come to your inbox click here

Motivational Minute (13_020)

Quote of the day:

“All things are difficult before they are easy.” — Dr. Thomas Fuller

Consider:

What a true saying! I know that with the big changes in my life in the last few years, I’ve had to learn a whole new set of skills which has not been easy.

I was comforted by a story that my friend sent me about her youngest son who tries to copy his older brother as he attempts to make Lego creations. Some days he just feels like all he can do is break what’s made, or sprinkle Lego on the floor. The younger fellow so desperately wants to be able to pick up those pieces and turn them into a fun car or airplane to play with. He tries putting the pieces together, but it never seems to work the way he has envisioned.

One day, he too will be able to make things just as cleverly as his brother, but it is going to take some time and experience. But the younger child doesn’t know that. He’s in the “now” and all he knows is that he can’t do it—and possibly never will. He’s not as good as his brother at building—that’s who he is, it’s a plain fact to him, and he can’t seem to make that change. If only he could know the future, and how it will all work out in time.

This is much like what happens to us when we try new things. We tend to only see the way things are now, the way we are now, the problems we face now, the challenges we’re facing right now that seem to go on and on. It behooves us to learn a lesson from this little fellow and his Lego—just give things time and gain some experience and eventually things will be different. You’ll learn. Things can and will change and improve, and when this happens, suddenly you’ll be able to do it and you’ll look back with a smile wondering what all the fuss was about.

Whatever it is that you are trying to do, just keep at it. You can do it, and things will get easier!

Coach Dana

(Compliments of http://www.actionvisioncoaching.com/)

If you would like the Motivational Minutes to come to your inbox click here