Change, It’s Good

Are You There Yet?

Can you believe that summer is already upon us? Time for sunscreen, swimsuits and pool side margaritas. But wait, let’s have a quick reflection of the months gone by. Do you remember those promises that you made way back in January? Well, do you? Did you pinky swear that you would get out of debt, stop smoking, or fit into those skinny jeans? Shoulda, woulda, coulda…If you are like me, then you don’t bother with resolutions.

However, for the sake of others who shall remain nameless, now may be time for a reinvention! According to Merrian-Webster, to reinvent means to remake or make over. Such a simple definition. However, if you are struggling with change then what is holding you back from arriving at your destination? If for some reason you have not met or have fallen short of some goal… don’t worry. Decide today that you will make a radical change for the better. Here are a few steps to a better you:

•Study a course on goals. Notice I said study, not just read. The difference is when we read, we only retain about 10% or less. When we study something we retain much more because we engage our minds on a much deeper level. Setting goals will allow you to achieve more, improve performance, increase motivation, and increase self-confidence. Make sure your goals are written, dated, realistic, and measureable. For example: I will pay off my primary credit card by September, 2009. Set goals for the big 7: spiritual, financial, family, career, mental, physical, and social. One course that I highly recommend is called GOALS: How to Set Them, How to Reach Them -by Zig Ziglar. I warn you that goal setting is time consuming in the beginning but well worth it and remember…you will go where you are aimed!

•Get a mentor. Every successful person that I have ever met said they had a mentor. Don’t reinvent the wheel; find someone who has already traveled the road that you’re on and copy what they did to achieve their success. Your mentor is not your friend ! Their role is to push you beyond your comfort zone, so if you are not coachable then don’t waste your time or theirs. Where do you find a mentor? They’re all around you. You find them in books (check out any self-help section in a bookstore), the workplace (many big companies have mentor programs), attend a seminar on whatever aspect of life you are working on. Whatever you want in life, there is someone who has been there done that, so learn from them.

•Give. An amazing thing happens when we open our hearts to others without the expectation of reciprocity. We suddenly find that life is not as tragic as it sometimes seems, and desirable situations present themselves. Opportunities appear where they seemed impossible to conceive before. Whatever your spiritual belief is there is one simple truth…when you give, you will receive. Whenever you find yourself feeling sorry for yourself, get up and do something nice for someone. Do you have a talent for organizing? Surprise your single parent friend by organizing a closet, and do a great job ! It might turn into something bigger, when you do a great job, people remember and they recommend you to others. But remember, whatever you feel inspired to do, make sure it is from the heart. Make a goal (re-read #1) to be charitable and make it a priority. It may not be easy. Most things worthwhile are not but this is your life, and you can design it anyway you want. The question is how colorful can you see?

In conclusion, you owe it to yourself to be the best that you can be. With written goals, the guidance of a mentor and the consistent and earnest giving of yourself you can reach amazing heights. When you finally arrive at your destination you will find that the journey is not over. Keep paving your path and let me know how it’s going.

by Golda Smith

Golda is a single mom of two children. She is the CEO of The Smith Group, a real estate investment company that acquires properties in emerging markets. If you have questions for this mogul mom email her at [email protected]