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How often have I told myself, " I'll start tomorrow"?  Whether it's a new project, a fitness routine, or making a difficult phone call, the hardest part is often just taking that first step. Starting something new brings uncertainty.  I hesitate because I fear failure, feel overwhelmed, or convince myself I'm not ready. My mind builds up the task into something so big that it seems insurmountable. The act of beginning is what creates the momentum needed to keep going. Think about learning to swim. The scariest moment is standing at the pool's edge, wondering if I'll sink or float. But the second I jump in, I realize it's not as bad as I imagined. I adjust and move around, and before long, I'm swimming. The same applies to any goal. I don't have to be perfect at the start; I just must begin. Procrastination often disguises itself as preparation. I spend hours researching, planning, and organizing instead of simply acting. While preparation is valuable, too much of it can become an excuse to delay. The key is to start before I feel ready. Clarity comes from action, not thought. I use this trick to overcome hesitation. It’s the five-second rule. I count down from five and then physically move into action. If I need to write, as I usually do, I open my laptop and type one sentence. If I need to exercise, I put on my shoes and step outside. These small, immediate actions break through resistance and propel me forward. Once I begin, momentum takes over. Small wins build confidence; before I know it, I'm making real progress. The task that once seemed overwhelming becomes manageable. I can't afford to wait for motivation to show up; acting is what creates motivation. I start small and messy, but I start because the hardest part of completing anything is simply beginning. How about you? Is starting sometimes tricky? Watch for the blind spots.   Are your blind spots holding you back? 👀 Don’t wait to uncover what you don’t know you don’t know! 💡 Get Blind Spots in Relationships  today! 📚Get your copy today,  http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

Lately, I've been paying close attention to the choices I make throughout the day and how they shape my future. Some decisions are obvious, while others are so subtle they almost go unnoticed. Yet, each one nudges me in a direction, either moving me closer to my potential or pulling me further away. Over time, these small choices compound, creating a reality far beyond what I initially imagined.   Take my weight, for example. If I'm ordering from a menu, it's easy to justify indulging in comfort food. After all, one meal won't make a difference on the scale tomorrow. In the short term, that choice feels harmless, but repeated small indulgences add up, and before I know it, the scale creeps into "oh no territory. Then comes the panic, drastic dieting, skipping meals, and trying to undo weeks or months of small choices with an extreme fix. I step on the scale a few days later, only to find little to no change, or worse, an extra pound. Frustrating, right?   The same applies to fitness. If I decide to get in shape and commit to two-hour gym sessions every day, I'll likely burn out quickly. But I'm more likely to succeed if I start with just 20 minutes, four times a week. The goal is to show up and build consistency.   Tracking progress makes a big difference, too. Results often take time to appear, which can be discouraging. But I see progress faster if I track small wins daily, whether drinking more water, taking more steps, or choosing healthier meals. That momentum keeps me going.   What once felt impossible becomes inevitable because of small, consistent choices.   The lesson? My life is shaped by what I repeatedly do. I don't need drastic, overnight changes; I need small, intentional decisions that, over time, lead to rewarding results. When I focus on what I can do today, no matter how small, I lay the foundation for a future I once thought was out of reach.   Every choice I make builds the life I want or keeps me from it. Which direction are you choosing?   Watch for the blind spots.     Great leaders understand their blind spots—do you? Blind Spots in Relationships  is your guide to unlocking self-awareness and building stronger connections. 💡 Get a copy today. 📚 http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

Have you ever recited something so many times that it became automatic, losing its meaning?  This is the effect of rote memorization—repeating words until they are ingrained but not necessarily understood.   Consider the Lord's Prayer:   "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name..."   Millions of us have repeated these words in churches and homes for centuries. Yet, many don't stop to consider what "hallowed"  means (it means "sacred" or "holy")  or how asking for "daily bread"  is not just about food but about relying on God for all needs.   Take the Pledge of Allegiance:   "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America..."   Many of us learn these words in school and repeat them daily. But how often do people pause to reflect on what "allegiance"  means? Do they consider the weight of " liberty and justice for all"?  When recited mindlessly, the pledge becomes background noise rather than a meaningful statement of values.   I often find myself reciting the pledge and the Lord's Prayer  so rapidly in a group that I may as well not be saying them. This frustrates me because the depth of both gets lost in the rapid quotation.   Other well-known phrases suffer the same fate:   "How are you?"  – Often asked out of habit, with little interest in the answer.   "I'm sorry for your loss."  is a standard condolence that, unless said with sincerity, may come across as empty.   "Have a nice day!"  – A polite phrase that, when spoken mechanically, feels impersonal.   Rote recitation isn't inherently bad. It helps me memorize important concepts, prayers, and national commitments. But when words become automatic, I risk losing their depth.   When saying these quietly alone, I slow down and think about what I want my words to reflect on during these familiar phrases. Instead of just saying the Pledge of Allegiance,  I consider what freedom and unity mean. When praying, I focus on each line's meaning.   When I use words with intention, they carry power.  They can inspire, heal, and connect.   Using rote recitation is a waste of my time.   Watch for the blind spots.     Are your blind spots holding you back? 👀 Don’t wait to uncover what you don’t know you don’t know! 💡 Get Blind Spots in Relationships  today! 📚Get your copy today,  http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

I remember the story a woman told me about her son's murder. He was just a young man murdered by another young man who didn't even know him. It was due to an argument in a parking lot. The murderer pulled a gun and shot her son 3 times in the chest.   He was immediately arrested and taken to jail. It took almost a year before his trial. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison.   About six months passed, and the mother went to prison to see her son's murderer. She boldly told him that she had forgiven him completely. She spoke with true conviction. She said she would not carry the weight of unforgiveness, which was his burden for the rest of his life. She left him weeping on the floor.   Now, I get it; this is an unusual story. At its core, forgiveness is an act of self-liberation. It doesn't erase the past but loosens its grip, allowing one to move forward with clarity and strength.   Forgiveness is less about excusing someone's actions and more about being released from resentment. It's essential to fully acknowledge and process the hurt without minimizing or magnifying it. While this doesn't excuse what happened, it allows me to detach and regain a sense of emotional freedom.   Forgiveness is ultimately a conscious choice. It isn't a feeling that suddenly appears; it's a decision to let go of resentment, even if I don't feel ready. Forgiveness frees me , not necessarily the other person.   Practicing compassion can also ease the process. It is easy for me to act from my wounds, fears, or ignorance, and recognizing this can soften the hold of bitterness. However, forgiveness does not mean continuing a harmful relationship. Setting boundaries is essential, as you can release resentment while maintaining the necessary distance for your well-being. At its core, forgiveness is an act of self-liberation. It doesn't erase the past but loosens its grip, allowing me to move forward with clarity and strength.   This story is true, but not all can forgive the way this mom forgave.   How about you, is there someone you need to forgive? It could be yourself.   Watch for the blind spots. Are your blind spots holding you back? 👀 Don’t wait to uncover what you don’t know you don’t know! 💡 Get Blind Spots in Relationships  today! 📚Get your copy today,  http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

I have learned so much by talking to others. A friend of mine had a heart too open for this world. From childhood, she felt the emotions of others as if they were her own. When her mother was sad, she carried her sorrow. When a friend was anxious, she lay awake at night, restless with their worries. She wasn’t just listening; she was feeling .   At first, her deep empathy seemed like a gift. People gravitated toward her, seeking comfort. But over time, it became a heavy burden. Crowded places overwhelmed her. The news left her emotionally drained. Even joy felt foreign because she had spent so much time carrying pain. Her relationships suffered, and she lost herself in trying to help everyone.   “You can care without carrying ,” her girlfriend once told her. But she didn’t know how to turn it off until an older man at a café offered her a simple truth: A candle that burns at both ends disappears.   That moment changed everything. She realized that empathy wasn’t about drowning in others’ emotions but about witnessing  them with care while keeping her heart intact.   Empathy is what makes us human. It strengthens relationships, improves communication, and inspires acts of kindness. However, unchecked it can lead to emotional exhaustion, blurred boundaries, and even manipulation by those who take advantage of compassionate hearts. Too much emotional empathy can lead to burnout, while cognitive empathy, understanding others without absorbing their emotions, can be a healthier balance. The key is learning to honor emotions without being consumed by them.   Finding balance means learning to care without carrying the weight of the world. It requires setting boundaries and recognizing that compassion does not mean sacrificing oneself. Self-compassion is as vital as compassion for others. By shifting from feeling to action, empathy becomes a force for healing rather than a burden of suffering.   Like my friend, I must learn that empathy is not about losing myself in the suffering of others; it’s about being present, offering support, and keeping my light strong so I can truly make a difference.   I choose to care, not to carry.   Watch for the blind spots.     "Think you’ve got it all figured out? 🤔 Your blind spots might have other plans. Dive into Blind Spots in Relationships  and find out what you don’t know you don’t know. 💡 Get a copy today. 📚 http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

I recently spoke with a man who had lived in Houston for 18 years. He shared that he felt lost at work, in his family, and within himself. Nothing seemed to matter much anymore. He had been drifting for years, and now, looking around, he realized his life was going nowhere. As he put it, he was "asleep at the wheel."   As we talked, he deeply desired to revitalize his life at home, work, and relationships. He described the distance between himself and his oldest son and how their once-strong bond had weakened over time. At work, he had taken a back seat, no longer as creative or engaged as he once was, and he feared his lack of energy was becoming apparent to his boss. On a personal level, he felt a growing sense of melancholy and a loss of purpose.   A slow drift into apathy had left him isolated. All that once mattered had slipped through his fingers. But as we continued our conversations over the following weeks, something within him began to stir. A quiet voice whispered a single word: "Restore."   As we explored what restore could mean for him, he realized it wasn't about turning back time or erasing mistakes. It was about rebuilding, step by step, from where he stood. For years, he had numbed himself with distractions, blamed circumstances, and convinced himself it was too late.   We discussed ways he could begin reconnecting with his 17-year-old son. He decided to reach out to his old mentor, who had once believed in him when he had stopped believing in himself. Most importantly, he committed to facing himself— choosing integrity over avoidance, effort over excuses, and hope over despair.   As he embraced these new choices, something inside him shifted. Restoration had already begun.   His journey was a powerful reminder that I, too, may need restoration. It's so easy to let circumstances take control, to drift without realizing it. But the word restore holds so much possibility. Restoration doesn't happen overnight, but it starts with a single step. No matter how far I've drifted, the power to rebuild is always within me.   Watch for the blind spots.     " Think you’ve got it all figured out? 🤔 Your blind spots might have other plans. Dive into Blind Spots in Relationships  and find out what you don’t know you don’t know. 💡 Get copy today. 📚 http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

I like the sure bet. I have tended to play it safe in life. Looking back, my fear of failure fueled it. Sometimes, I didn't try out for things I could have easily done, but fear of failure or rejection kept me playing it safe. Dang! What kind of thinking was that?  Too often, I have compared myself to others who have done better or have more, and I have fallen short.   Fear of failure is one of the biggest obstacles between me and success. It keeps me stuck, paralyzed by doubt, and afraid to take risks. While it's natural to fear failure, allowing it to control my decisions comes at a high price. How many times have I missed opportunities due to fear?   Fear can dictate my results if I avoid challenges that could lead to growth. Whether starting a business, pursuing a dream job, or speaking up in a meeting, fear makes me play it safe at the expense of incredible possibilities. It also limits my personal growth. Failure is one of life's greatest teachers, offering valuable lessons that help me improve. By avoiding failure, I miss the chance to learn, adapt, and evolve into a better version of myself.   Beyond lost opportunities, fear of failure can lead to regret. Imagine looking back on life and realizing that fear stopped me from chasing what I wanted. The regret of never trying is often worse than failing itself, making us hesitant to take risks even when the stakes are low.   Instead of seeing failure as an endpoint, I should reframe it as a learning experience. Taking small risks can build resilience and focusing on progress rather than perfection helps me move forward. Most importantly, I must remember that failure is temporary, but regret lasts forever. The fear of failure might be strong, but the cost of letting it control my life is even greater. Would I rather fail or live with the regret of never trying? Perhaps I don't want to know the price I have paid because I am looking for a sure bet.   My truth is that failure isn't the end. Never trying is.   Watch for the blind spots. Are your blind spots holding you back? 👀 Don’t wait to uncover what you don’t know you don’t know! 💡 Get Blind Spots in Relationships  today! 📚 http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

I love the classic film It's a Wonderful Life . In it, we follow George Bailey through the highs and lows of his journey, leading to one profound question: What if I had never been born?  This touching story serves as a reminder of how each life creates a ripple effect.   It's fascinating to consider how each decision creates that ripple effect, influencing others in ways we may never fully see. Then their choices, in turn, affect even more people setting off an endless chain of impact. The interconnectedness of our actions is both profound and complex.   Bringing this reflection into my own life, I can ask: How have I shaped the world around me?  Maybe I’ve encouraged a sibling during a tough time, taught a grandchild a critical lesson, or been a steady presence for a loved one. Family traditions, memories, and their outlook on life might differ without my presence and choices. Perhaps I've been there for a struggling friend, offering a listening ear, a word of encouragement, or even a warm smile, small gestures that may have meant the world to them.   My influence extends beyond close relationships. I may have mentored a coworker, helped a client, or contributed to a cause, never realizing how my efforts set off a chain reaction. Even the simplest actions, holding a door open, offering a compliment, or lending a helping hand, can brighten someone's day or shift their perspective. Sometimes, a single conversation can help someone make a better decision, overcome self-doubt, or see a new possibility. I will probably never fully grasp the extent of my impact, but that doesn't make it any less impactful.   Like George Bailey, I tend to underestimate the significance of my daily interactions. Yet, when I step back, I see how seemingly ordinary moments of kindness, support, and connection create profound and lasting change.   How about you? You matter more than you know. What are some unseen ways you have impacted others?     Watch for the blind spots. What if your biggest relationship challenges are the ones you don’t see? 👀 💔  Get Blind Spots in Relationships  today! http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp #BuildaBetterYou #BlindSpots #ItsAWonderfulLife #RippleEffect #YouMatter #MakeADifference #SmallActsBigImpact #KindnessCounts #LegacyOfLove #ImpactingLives #EveryActionMatters #UnseenInfluence #LifeLessons #ThePowerOfOne

Self-awareness is one of the most excellent tools I have for growth. Yet, it’s also the most challenging. There’s a peculiar danger in believing I am doing things right when I’m not. It’s not just that I make mistakes; I don’t see the mistakes.  And when I’m blind to my errors, I risk causing harm to others and myself.   Here is an example: Jake prides himself on being the problem-solver in his marriage. Whenever his wife, Emily, came home stressed or upset, he acted. Jake would offer advice on handling her boss if she vented about work. He’d create a detailed to-do list to “fix”  her day if she mentioned feeling overwhelmed.   One evening, Emily sighed deeply as she recounted a tough conversation with her best friend. As usual, Jake launched into solutions. “You should call her tomorrow and clear the air. Maybe send a thoughtful text tonight—something like—”   Emily interrupted, her tone sharp but weary. “Jake, stop. I don’t need you to fix this. I need you to listen.”   Her words hit him like a brick. Jake froze, feeling defensive. “I’m just trying to help,”  he said.   “I know,”  Emily replied, softer now. “But sometimes, your ‘help’ makes me feel like you think I can’t handle things alone. It’s not what I need, and it’s frustrating when you don’t see that.”   Jake thought he was doing the right thing, stepping up and offering solutions. But he realized he hadn’t paused to ask what Emily needed from him. Jake was unintentionally creating distance, not connection, this is when good intentions miss the mark.   From that night on, Jake consciously tried to listen first and offer advice only if Emily asked. Over time, he noticed a change in their relationship. Emily felt more understood, and Jake learned that sometimes, being “right”  wasn’t about solving the problem but about being present.   My intentions may be good in relationships, but my actions can still miss the mark. The key is to listen, ask, and remain open to the idea that what feels right to us may not be right for someone else.   Watch for the blind spots.     Are your blind spots holding you back? 👀 📚Get your copy today,  http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

The saying, "Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but fail to notice the plank in your own?"  is a timeless biblical lesson about my tendency to focus on the flaws in others while ignoring the often more significant issues within me.   I met with a client for a life coaching session. She was frustrated with a coworker who she felt was disorganized and always unprepared for meetings. She went on about how this person's lack of preparation slowed everything down and made teamwork nearly impossible.   As I listened, I nodded in agreement, thinking about how frustrating it must be to work with someone so careless. I offered her suggestions on tactfully and professionally addressing her coworkers' issues.   Later that evening, as I prepared for a presentation, I noticed a stack of disorganized notes on my desk. The presentation was less than 24 hours away, and I hadn't finalized my outline, much less practiced. A sinking feeling crept in. I was scrambling, as I often did before big events.   Suddenly, I remembered my client's frustration earlier that day, and it hit me: wasn't I guilty about the same thing I'd encouraged her to confront? How often had I walked into meetings or events without being fully prepared, expecting others to accommodate my last-minute efforts?   The realization, though not a new one, stung. I had been so quick to spot the "splinter"  in her coworker's behavior that I hadn't noticed the "plank" in my own. My tendency to procrastinate and wing it wasn't just an isolated issue; it had ripple effects on those around me, just like her coworker's behavior.   That moment became another turning point for me. When I find myself tempted to critique someone else, I remind myself to pause and ask: Is there a reflection of me in what I see?  This practice keeps me grounded and reminds me that growth begins with self-awareness.   I am reminded to examine my heart, attitudes, and actions. Doing so allows me to see the world more clearly and bring more clarity, kindness, and growth into my life and those around me.   How about you?   Watch for the blind spots. Think you’ve got it all figured out? 🤔 Your blind spots might have other plans. Get copy today. 📚 http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

I am constantly looking for ways to improve myself. Recently, I began examining my habits, especially my bad ones. Bad habits waste my time and drain my energy and success. I started researching habits, and here is some learning I want to share with you.   Habits shape my daily life and define me, but how do habits begin?  I was born without habits, yet as I grew, I naturally picked them up from my environment and family. Some habits help me thrive, while others hold me back. At their core, habits start with choices and, through repetition, become automatic. They follow a simple loop: a trigger prompts a behavior, followed by a reward that reinforces the action . For example, feeling stressed might lead to snacking or having a glass of wine with temporary relief as the reward. Over time, this loop solidifies, making habits more challenging to break and more manageable to automate when beneficial.   Habits matter because they create the foundation of my identity. What I consistently do, how I eat, work, and interact with others, ultimately defines my life. Small, consistent actions have compounding power.  Saving five dollars daily, will become $1,825 annually. Reading 10 pages a day adds up to 12 books a year. On the other hand, bad habits can act like invisible anchors, keeping me stuck. Procrastination might stall my career, while unhealthy eating can affect my health. Understanding my habits allows me to identify and replace destructive patterns with better ones.   Healthy habits also strengthen relationships and build resilience. Simple acts like expressing gratitude or practicing active listening can deepen my connections with others. Journaling can help process emotions during challenging times, while regular exercise reduces stress and boosts mental clarity.   The key to change isn’t motivation but building habits tied to my environment, triggers, and rewards. I don’t get in shape by doing 300 pushups in one day, but 20 pushups daily for 15 days will make a difference. I track success by focusing on consistency, not perfection.   By focusing on habits, I can take control of the automatic behaviors shaping my life.   How about you? What is it like to review your habits?   Watch for the blind spots.   Blind Spots in Relationships unlocks self-awareness for stronger connections. 💡 Grab your copy today! 📚 http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp #MindYourBlindSpots #BlindSpotAwareness #SpotYourHabits #UncoverYourPotential #HiddenPatterns #SeeTheUnseen #HabitsAndAwareness #ShiftYourPerspective #ChangeStartsWithYou #MindsetShift #BreakTheCycle #BuildaBetterYou #BetterDecisionsBetterLife #EyesWideOpen #SeeYourSuccess

I am often intrigued by what motivates people. Indeed, there are different strokes for different folks. I was listening to Darren Hardy’s fascinating talk about extrinsic and intrinsic rewards representing two distinct forms of motivation that drive behavior.   Extrinsic rewards are tangible incentives from external sources, such as money, trophies, grades, promotions, or public recognition. These rewards come from outside the individual and are often effective for short-term motivation or tasks requiring little personal engagement. However, over-reliance on extrinsic rewards can reduce intrinsic motivation, create dependency on external validation, and may feel controlling rather than empowering.   In contrast, intrinsic rewards are intangible and arise from within the individual, driven by personal satisfaction or enjoyment of the activity. Examples include a sense of achievement, mastery, personal growth, joy, or alignment with one’s values. Intrinsic rewards are powerful motivators for long-term engagement, particularly in creative or complex tasks. However, they can be harder to cultivate in environments focused heavily on external incentives. They may diminish if the activity becomes repetitive or loses meaning.   The primary difference between the two lies in their source and focus: extrinsic rewards depend on external factors and prioritize outcomes, while intrinsic rewards are self-sustained and centered on the process. Combining both forms of motivation, such as recognizing someone’s efforts with external rewards while emphasizing the meaningful impact of their work, can create a balanced approach that fosters sustained motivation and satisfaction.   A person’s definition of success is tied to numbers and recognition, which makes them vulnerable to feelings of inadequacy when they fall short of expectations. Finding purpose and contentment leads to finding motivation in the joy of work. The intrinsic approach shields us from the stress of constant comparison.   Pursuing extrinsic rewards can lead to visible success but can leave a sense of emptiness in deeper areas of life. In contrast, focusing on intrinsic rewards fosters lasting joy and resilience, though it may come with fewer external accolades.   Motivation varies from person to person. True fulfillment comes from finding balance and pursuing external achievements while staying rooted in the inner joy and meaning that give life purpose.    Watch for the blind spots.     Great leaders understand their blind spots—do you? Blind Spots in Relationships  is your guide to unlocking self-awareness and building stronger connections. 💡 Get a copy today. 📚 http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp