Make Today Matter » decisions http://brooknoel.com Start Living the Life You Want, Today! Sat, 31 Mar 2012 03:38:57 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Good Morning! Listen To Your Heart http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/your-emotions/good-morning-listen-to-your-heart-2/ http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/your-emotions/good-morning-listen-to-your-heart-2/#comments Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:29:02 +0000 Brook http://brooknoel.com/?p=3477 Continue reading →]]> HotmailYahoo MailGoogle GmailTwitterAOL MailFacebookBlogger PostLinkedInDiggShare/Bookmark

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~David Russell
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Good morning!

While we all know that sometimes it is important to push ourselves forward and sometimes it is important to let go, knowing when to do each isn’t always easy. It is at these times we need to learn to recognize and hear that little voice inside of us that intuitively knows where we need to go and will not lead us astray. However, when we go years “out of practice” at listening to that voice–she can become very hard to hear. Like all skills, we must practice listening and respecting to that inner voice. We must heed it and honor it and she will return to being a guiding force in our lives. When we listen to her, and we connect regularly with God, we have a light post in our lives to help guide our way.

Your turn: As you face decisions today, even small ones, practice listening to that little inner voice. Quiet your mind and let your heart speak. Continue to practice this listening skill to help you lead a healthy life of wise choices.

Your affirmation: I take the time to quiet my mind and listen to my heart.
(c) 2011 Brook Noel and Make Today Matter, LLC. For more information visit www.brooknoel.com

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]]> http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/your-emotions/good-morning-listen-to-your-heart-2/feed/ 0 Good Morning! Start Making Things Happen http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/attitude/good-morning-start-making-things-happen/ http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/attitude/good-morning-start-making-things-happen/#comments Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:43:11 +0000 Brook http://brooknoel.com/?p=2871 Continue reading →]]> HotmailYahoo MailGoogle GmailTwitterAOL MailFacebookBlogger PostLinkedInDiggShare/Bookmark

Around the Corner: “There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder what happened. We all have a choice. You can decide which type of person you want to be. I have always chosen to be in the first group.”
~Mary Kay Ash
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 Good morning!  

I have always loved the wisdom of entrepreneur and visionary Mary Kay Ash. Today I thought I would give you a little quiz in conjunction with her quote. Mary Kay lists 3 types of people.

  • Those who make things happen
  • Those who watch things happen
  • Those who wonder what happened

Which of these three groups do you think is the happiest? Which do you think is the most unhappy, often feeling they are a “victim” of life? Which group do you think goes through life without experiencing much joy or sadness?   Now, try this one. Which of these groups do you think is the most successful? Which do you think is most resentful? Which do you think never realizes their potential because they never explore it?    While I am sure you guessed right, here are the answers:

  • Those who make things happen – happiest and most successful
  • Those who watch things happen – most unhappy and resentful
  • Those who wonder what happened – doesn’t experience much joy or sadness or realize potential
  • Those who watch things happen or wonder what happened haven’t taken the wheel to steer their life. Instead, their days are left to be blown around by external winds. There is a quote about how if you don’t take the wheel of life, don’t complain about where you end up!

  Those in group one, like Mary Kay Ash, are subject to the same external winds, but they make things happen in spite of them. Those in group one have a vision bigger than any obstacle and that vision will always get them through the storm.   Your Turn:
Which group do you fall into? Think about your last month and what category the majority of your actions (or non-actions) fell into. If you aren’t in the first group, why not join? Great things are happening there!   Your Affirmation:
I make things happen.

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]]> http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/attitude/good-morning-start-making-things-happen/feed/ 0 Good Morning! Make A Real Decision Today And Commit To It http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/purpose-priorities/good-morning-make-a-real-decision-today-and-commit-to-it/ http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/purpose-priorities/good-morning-make-a-real-decision-today-and-commit-to-it/#comments Sun, 30 Jan 2011 09:08:16 +0000 Brook http://brooknoel.com/?p=2750 Continue reading →]]> HotmailYahoo MailGoogle GmailTwitterAOL MailFacebookBlogger PostLinkedInDiggShare/Bookmark

 
 
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 One of the most helpful images to have of yourself in your family is that of a trim tab – the small rudder that moves the big rudder and eventually changes the entire direction of the plan.
~Stephen R. Covey

Good morning!   It seems society if filled with people who love to ponder. We think about doing one thing or another, weigh the pros and cons, and then continue to think some more. Examine for a moment, the common notion of getting in shape by following a workout schedule. First, we think about joining a gym. Then we think about the pros and cons – cost versus benefits of commitment. Then we think maybe we’re better off just getting an exercise machine. Then we turn on Oprah and she is praising the benefits of walking and we think, “Oh maybe we’ll just do that.” Then we think about if we will have the “sticktuitiveness” to do it alone, or if we should get an exercise partner…the beat goes on.   What does all this thinking allow us to avoid? It allows us to avoid taking action. It allows us to continue to live in the comfort of the familiar and avoid change.   Simply making the decision to invest  in our goal is one of the best forward steps we can take. Webster’s dictionary defines “decide” as follows: “1 a: to arrive at a solution that ends uncertainty or dispute about  b: to select as a course of action – 2: to bring to a definite end synonym DETERMINE, SETTLE, RULE, RESOLVE.”   This definition eliminates the pondering and moves us toward our end goal. Take action and decide. Instead of resting in the comforts of non-commitment, take hold of today and resolve to reach your goal!   Your Turn
Today – make a real decision to bring a new result into your life.   Your Affirmation
I move forward in the right direction without hesitation. I commit.  
(c) 2011 Brook Noel and Make Today Matter, LLC. For more information visit www.brooknoel.com

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]]> http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/purpose-priorities/good-morning-make-a-real-decision-today-and-commit-to-it/feed/ 0 Good Morning: Focus on What You Can Do for You http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/purpose-priorities/good-morning-focus-on-what-you-can-do-for-you/ http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/purpose-priorities/good-morning-focus-on-what-you-can-do-for-you/#comments Wed, 19 Jan 2011 07:14:24 +0000 Brook http://brooknoel.com/?p=2632 Continue reading →]]> HotmailYahoo MailGoogle GmailTwitterAOL MailFacebookBlogger PostLinkedInDiggShare/Bookmark

“Let him that would move the world first move himself.”~Socrates

 

 


Good morning

When Nancy sent in this quote, she included the note: “I like this quote because it shows that nothing has really changed in thousands of years– even Socrates saw our
human tendency to think about what others can do better… rather than do it ourselves.”
 
Nancy and Socrates have both touched on one of the biggest challenges we face in moving forward toward our heart’s desires – the human tendency to wait for someone else to make the changes we desire. While we might talk a good game, do our actions match our voice?
 
Studies have shown that the most successful business owners have worked in each area of their business. In other words, they haven’t asked anyone to do something they are not willing (or have not done) themselves. We can learn a lot from their success and apply that same principle of success in our own lives. Before we ask others to do something for us, before we go out and change the world, let us first ask the best from ourselves and transform ourselves into the best person we can be.
 
Your Turn:
Pay attention to how much energy you spend thinking about solutions for others or the way things “could” or “should be.” Realize that this time takes away from the time you have to create positive results in your own life. Redirect your energy inward versus
outward.
 
Your Affirmation:
Each day I am improving my life.
 

Your Two Cents: Your feedback is what motivates me to create the Good Morning. Share your thoughts and browse my archives by clicking here.

 

And as always, don’t forget to start your day with a heartfelt: “Something great is going to happen today… I can’t wait to see what it is!”

And when ending your day ask yourself: “What is one more thing I can do to make today matter?

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]]> http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/purpose-priorities/good-morning-focus-on-what-you-can-do-for-you/feed/ 0 Good Morning: Approach Everything with Confidence http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/attitude/good-morning-approach-everything-with-confidence/ http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/attitude/good-morning-approach-everything-with-confidence/#comments Wed, 08 Dec 2010 07:33:17 +0000 Brook http://brooknoel.com/?p=1826 Continue reading →]]> HotmailYahoo MailGoogle GmailTwitterAOL MailFacebookBlogger PostLinkedInDiggShare/Bookmark

“Life is not easy for any of us.  But what of that?  We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves.  We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing…must be attained.”

~Marie Curie
 
Good morning!  
What a wonderful quote Karen found in her Franklin Planner by Curie. So often we become sidetracked by looking at what is unfair or not “just” in our lives. We can count our bruises and wonder “why isn’t this easier?” But this quote holds the
realization that “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that?”
 
It is important to accept that fact and quit looking for the “easy way” — because there isn’t one. Instead, we need to develop the traits that Curie suggests –  perseverance, confidence and our special gifts.” Life itself will never be easy, but we can develop the strengths and skills to make our life easier.
 
When we approach life with a centered and confident purpose, obstacles become stepping stones and fears become smaller. Life itself hasn’t changed, but we have. We have learned to look past our immediate ego to the bigger purpose of contributing and living fully.
 
Your Turn:
On a scale of 1 to 10, how well do you know your purpose? Likewise, on a scale of 1 to 10, how strong is your confidence? What is one step you can take today to build in either of these areas?
 
Your affirmation:
I approach life from a centered and confident self.
 
 
 
Your Two Cents: Your thoughts and feedback are what motivate me to create the Good Morning messages. Share your thoughts on today’s message, browse past messages, or read what others are thinking by clicking here.
 

And as always, don’t forget to start your day with a heartfelt: “Something great is going to happen today… I can’t wait to see what it is!”

And when ending your day ask yourself: “What is one more thing I can do to make today matter?”

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]]> http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/attitude/good-morning-approach-everything-with-confidence/feed/ 2 Good Morning: Start Turning Goals into Accomplishments http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/attitude/good-morning-start-turning-goals-into-accomplishments/ http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/attitude/good-morning-start-turning-goals-into-accomplishments/#comments Sun, 05 Dec 2010 07:04:50 +0000 Brook http://brooknoel.com/?p=1814 Continue reading →]]> HotmailYahoo MailGoogle GmailTwitterAOL MailFacebookBlogger PostLinkedInDiggShare/Bookmark

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.”
~Jim Rohn
 
Good morning!  
This quote speaks to a problem that many of us face-while we desire a specific result, a foreboding gap may stand between our goal and our accomplishment.
 
Over the years, I have met many women who will chalk this up to “lack of willpower” or “lack of self-discipline.” I prefer to take a more positive approach-it is called “growth.” Imagine for a moment a child in kindergarten. That child decides he wants to be President of the United States. That probably happens hundreds of times around the country each day-a child proclaiming their intent to run the country. Yet this child is different: he
wants to accomplish that goal next month..
 
Well…a month comes, and a month goes. You might have already guessed how this story ends: he doesn’t become president in those thirty days. Why do you think that is? Would it be chalked up to lack of self-discipline or willpower? Of course not. However, it could be attributed to growth and process. Every goal and desire is a growth and a process-a journey.
 
We live in an instant-gratification society. We have figured out how to have food now versus cooking it (drive-thru), we can have information now (via the internet) instead of researching or going to a library. We can book trips around the world now rather than going to a travel agency. We can communicate in written form now (through email, versus hand-written letters).
Somehow, many of us feel we should thus be able to accomplish our goals and change right now.
 
Until we find a way to order our favorite goal, pre-done and delivered at the local drive-thru, let us remember that it is a process of many steps. It is not a matter of self-discipline or willpower, but a matter of focus, daily action, and time.
 
Your Turn: Where have you been belittling yourself for not “getting more done,” or not having “self discipline” or the “required willpower” to achieve your goals? Consider that goals and desires are a journey, and the place you are now is one required step on that path.
 
Today’s Affirmation: I cherish the journey.
 
 
Your Two Cents: Your thoughts and feedback are what motivate me to create the Good Morning messages. Share your thoughts on today’s message, browse past messages, or read what others are thinking by clicking here.
 

And as always, don’t forget to start your day with a heartfelt: “Something great is going to happen today… I can’t wait to see what it is!”

And when ending your day ask yourself:
“What is one more thing I can do to make today matter?”

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]]> http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/attitude/good-morning-start-turning-goals-into-accomplishments/feed/ 0 Good Morning: There Is No Such Thing As A “Long Day” http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/family-time/good-morning-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-long-day/ http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/family-time/good-morning-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-long-day/#comments Wed, 13 Oct 2010 09:13:15 +0000 Brook http://brooknoel.com/?p=1469 Continue reading →]]> HotmailYahoo MailGoogle GmailTwitterAOL MailFacebookBlogger PostLinkedInDiggShare/Bookmark

Me: “I’ve had a long day, Sammy.”

My 10 year old: “Actually – all of your days are the same, Mother.
It is just your perception that is changing.”

Good morning!

The other evening I came home from my office and I
was wiped out. The week prior had been hectic, and in addition to
professional challenges, I had some emotional challenges. My
daughter leapt out to greet me. She was not challenge-wrought. She
was speaking excitedly with each sentence hitting a higher octave
than the one before. Quickly, she rattled off an ambitious list of
things she wanted to do in the few hours before bed.

“I’ve had a long day, Sammy.” She replied with the simple sentence
I shared above. “Actually, all of your days are the same, Mother.
It is just your perception that is changing.”

As she skipped off toward the kitchen, I couldn’t help but laugh to
myself. My daughter seems to have inherited a similar interest in
how people think, and what people think. And in this instance, her
10-year-old mind was very much on target. My day couldn’t have been
any longer than the one before, or the one to come next. My
perception of what was within that day was overwhelming me – not
the day itself.

Somehow, realizing that is our perception of life, and not life
itself, that trouble us, makes it easier to climb to a better
emotional place.

Instead of dwelling, I quickly adapted my thinking. Instead of
being “wiped out” by the day, I decided to appreciate all I had
accomplished emotionally and professionally during the day. (And to
go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep!)

Your Turn:
On your “tough days” appreciate all you have faced and
accomplished. Reward yourself with a positive thought and a bit of
extra self-attention and care.

Affirmation:
“Nothing is either good or bad – but our thinking makes it so…” I
choose to think in ways that support and uplift me.

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]]> http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/family-time/good-morning-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-long-day/feed/ 0 Good Morning: Ask, Listen and Learn http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/attitude/good-morning-ask-listen-and-learn/ http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/attitude/good-morning-ask-listen-and-learn/#comments Tue, 12 Oct 2010 06:03:18 +0000 Brook http://brooknoel.com/?p=1468 Continue reading →]]> HotmailYahoo MailGoogle GmailTwitterAOL MailFacebookBlogger PostLinkedInDiggShare/Bookmark

“When problems arise, don’t get furious, get curious.”
~Anonymous
Good morning!  
I have always been an advocate of asking questions.
My friends will tell you that whenever I meet someone, I ask them
so many questions they would likely think I am an attorney. As you
know, I am not – but I am a knowledge-seeker. I love to learn about
people, about places, about anything. I love to see how other
people think, why things exist and how they got there.
 
Today’s quote stresses the importance of “questions” in our lives.
I think one skill we could all benefit from is that of asking more
questions. When something goes wrong, instead of getting upset, we
could ask: How did this happen? Why did this happen? Did I
contribute to it in any way? Is there something I could do
differently? What are other ways this situation could have turned
out? The questions are endless and they will be much more
productive than anger.
 
Your Turn:
Today, try to ask 100 questions to yourself or those around you. At
the end of the day, evaluate how much you have learned by having a
“questioning” attitude versus an “I already know the answer”
attitude.
 
Your affirmation:
Each day I learn something new.
 
 

And as always, don’t forget to start your day with a heartfelt: “Something great is going to happen today… I can’t wait to see what it is!”

And when ending your day ask yourself:
“What is one more thing I can do to make today matter?”

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]]> http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/attitude/good-morning-ask-listen-and-learn/feed/ 0 Good Morning: Follow Your Heart http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/attitude/good-morning-follow-your-heart/ http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/attitude/good-morning-follow-your-heart/#comments Sat, 09 Oct 2010 08:11:14 +0000 Brook http://brooknoel.com/?p=1446 Continue reading →]]> HotmailYahoo MailGoogle GmailTwitterAOL MailFacebookBlogger PostLinkedInDiggShare/Bookmark

“Everyone should carefully observe which way his heart draws him,
and then choose that way with all of his strength.”
~Hasidic Proverb

Good morning!  

 

I have said it before, but it is worth repeating. Stress, anxiety, and depression are most commonly encountered when we stray from our values and core mission. If you are feeling stress, anxiety or depression today, ask yourself: What am I straying from?

It is so easy to get lost in being reactive to life versus proactive. Our days are full and we often respond moment to moment without much time for creative thinking or self-reflection.  Today’s quote draws us back to self-reflection. Which way does your heart draw you? What dreams keep surfacing in your mind? Where do your thoughts wander?

Your Turn:
Today take 10 minutes to journal your answer to this question:
Where is my heart leading me?
 
Your affirmation:
I follow my heart.

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]]> http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/attitude/good-morning-follow-your-heart/feed/ 0 Good Morning: Life is What You Make of It http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/challenges/good-morning-life-is-what-you-make-of-it/ http://brooknoel.com/reading-room/challenges/good-morning-life-is-what-you-make-of-it/#comments Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:17:18 +0000 Brook http://brooknoel.com/?p=1413 Continue reading →]]> HotmailYahoo MailGoogle GmailTwitterAOL MailFacebookBlogger PostLinkedInDiggShare/Bookmark

“Your life is what you make it.”
~Nana Messler

Good morning! 
I had an interesting conversation with a girlfriend the other day. She was telling me about this woman who “has it all.” My friend perceives this woman as having the perfect and caring husband; beautiful, talented and respectful children; a well-kept and beautiful home; and the woman herself is beautiful with a great attitude. The description concluded with an exclamation like: “I just hate her!” (said tongue-in-cheek).

I, of course, in my ever-understanding way, started laughing. She asked me what was so funny. I posed this question: “If this woman had an awful husband, ugly children, a shack, and a bad attitude–would that make YOUR life better?”

She asked me what that had to do with anything. I proceeded to ask her why she was spending so much time analyzing this woman’s life. What possible purpose did it serve? She explained that if this woman could “have it all” then certainly she could as well. “But what if this woman didn’t have it all?” I pressed on. “Would that mean you couldn’t have it all?”

I continued by explaining that whether this woman owned a llama farm or was the President’s wife, it truly had no bearing on my friend’s life. Further, each moment she spent looking at this woman and comparing their lives was taking her focus off where it needed to be–HER OWN LIFE. Whatever this woman’s life looks like is completely irrelevant to all of us. It doesn’t change our life one iota. The only thing that can change our lives is US. As Nana’s quote states, “Your life is what you make it,” — not what others make it.

Your Turn:
Who do you compare yourself to and why? Ask what purpose those comparisons serve. My guess is they don’t build you up any. We rarely compare ourselves to those who have less to increase esteem, but women often compare themselves to those who have more and undermine their own esteem. Today, embrace the concept of looking at your own life, instead of the life of others. Don’t be distracted with the destructive thinking found in comparing yourself to another person–since you can never truly walk in his or her shoes.

 
Your Affirmation:
Today, I only compare myself to the “me” I was yesterday.

And as always, don’t forget to start your day with a heartfelt: “Something great is going to happen today… I can’t wait to see what it is!”

And when ending your day ask yourself:
“What is one more thing I can do to make today matter?”

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