The Life You Lead

We usually are in a state of shock and disarray at the loss of a loved one. Or someone we admire. Nothing could be farther from the truth than the week of celebrities passing on. From Ed McMahon to Farrah Fawcett to Michael Jackson. Individually, they have greatly contributed to the world of entertainment and to our lives.

What kind of life are you leading? If you died tomorrow, could you honestly say that you've fulfilled your destiny? Could you say that you were truly a blessing to someone else? Have you lived?

I think Reverend Run put it best: "Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today. You only live once but if you do it right, that's all you need!"

The hand you're dealt isn't your choice, but the life you lead is up to you. Live it.

Patience in fast times

Growing up my mom used to tell me 'nothing before it's time.' It took a bit of time before I understood that and it took even longer for me to accept it.

Things sometimes need time to develop. And we need to allow that time to pass. That does not mean that you should not do anything and wait. What you should be doing is prepping yourself for change. Ready yourself as best you can for whatever is coming while you wait for things to develop. No one wants to be told they're not ready after a steady bout with impatience.

We all want it now. It's hard to wait. But the wait will be well worth it knowing you are well prepared for what's on the other side.

Take care of what you have control of -- yourself.

Due diligence

In my continuous journey of self-motivation, I do come across moments of sluggishness and reassessment. Sometimes the reason you started something just isn't valid anymore six months down the road. And sometimes you find renewed spirit in what you started. While I have touched on this before, it bears repeating. Follow through! Finish!

Most of us never finish what we start because we never truly needed it to begin with. When you need something - I mean really need something, you will shift the Earth to get it. Assess what you think you want. Are you willing to go the distance for it? You may get over the hill only to see two more hills, each steeper than the one before it. Still want it? Still need it?

And don't worry about the naysayers. Naysayers are usually the ones who don't have the courage to follow through on things themselves. Even when it seems pointless, see it through. Feeling unaccomplished is one of the worst feelings in the world.

We all have different motivational factors in our lives - money, family, friends, material things, significant others. But all of those things are just what helps to get you started, not what makes you finish. You makes you finish! What are you waiting for?