ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT…ASK FOR YOUR VISION!

For years I’ve envisioned myself as an international talk-show host; speaking to individuals all around the world on the issues of life and current trends. Recently, I’ve given much thought to this vision that has lain dormant in my inner being for years, and concluded that I do possess the ability to not only own such title, but to also operate in that profession in the spirit of excellence. Upon reaching this conclusion, I decided that there is no better time than now to pursue this life-long dream of mine. I have taken a leap of FAITH, stepped out-of-the-box, and initiated contact with the producers a nationally syndicated talk show, to request that I be given an opportunity for a reoccurring or occasional appearance on the show as a host. I am not a nationally known celebrity, but I am definitely a celebrity within my own realm. I’ve actually hosted radio talk shows on a regular occasion. I’ve also inspired and empowered others to pursue their passions and dreams. 

I know that this may sound far-fetched to many reading this article, but I hold fast to my position that “we have not because we ask not” and “the sky is literally the limit”. Who determines our destiny, other than the almighty God? We often limit ourselves when we operate in fear, and let fear hinder our pursuit of limitless possibilities. Many of us, now and in times past, have let fear of the unknown cage us in and ultimately give up on our dreams. Sometimes we can miss our window of opportunity by incubating a vision or dream for too long; trying to decide when is the right time to pursue it. I believe the answer is simple - the right time is NOW. This is the season for me and any other desiring to pursue a vision, to step out and pursue that dream, vision, or purpose that has been lying dormant in our inner subconscious; waiting for the opportune time to come forth, and shine bright like a star. We are all celebrities and stars in God’s eyes, and we only have one life opportunity to make our contribution to the world.

Every second counts, and I challenge each individual who reads this article to join me in pursing vision. Let’s not delay another day. We must chart our path and make it happen. There is so much potential in each of us, and we must maximize that potential. If ever – The Time Is NOW…… 

My vision ---You can look for me in the headlines – Dr. Sandra Moaney-Wright (Talk-show host). When I appear, you will recall this conversation we had. See you at the top!!!!!

 

Remember to F.O.C.U.S. because Success is your Destiny!

 

SOBBING AND IN DISTRESS

One of my linked in friends recently wrote that he felt like a failure even though he just recently obtained a Masters Degree. He wrote that he was cleaning bathrooms and wiping up #@$% that people put out. I thought about his words for a second or...morejust recently obtained a Masters Degree.  He wrote that he was cleaning bathrooms and wiping up #@$% that people put out.  I thought about his words for a second or two and I commented on those words:
1.  Stop the pity party, sob if you may, put your faith into actions
2. You have a skill (cleaning)--while you sobbing get a business license and CLEAN for yourself  in your own business venture while waiting on the great job.
3.  Use LINKED IN, not just as a social site, but get to know some of your LINKED IN partners.  Send them inmails,  So many people get on LINKED IN and do nothing with it.
4. After you get that great job or your business takes off, Write that BOOK and give your testimony
5. Have a great day and a prosperous forever

Remember to F.O.C.U.S and Success is Your Destiny

Going in the Wrong Direction

Someone gave me an analogy of “split ends” on a person’s hair.  In order to have healthy looking hair you have to cut off the split ends.  And, then I remember a sermon that was recently given my pastor about Going in the Wrong Direction.  One of the things that he mentioned was that we need to stop resuscitating what God has killed in our lives because it will evidentially take us in the WRONG DIRECTION.  Well, how would one tie these things together?  A woman has to “kill the ends of her hair” to make it healthier and more vibrant looking….God kills or stops things in your life that will not make you grow and prosper and become vibrant.  Do you still have “split ends” in your life?  Are you trying to resuscitate things that you should have funeralized?  If so, you are GOING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.  You have to be careful who you follow and allow into your space (as find your direction and purpose).  The enemy wants you to go into the wrong direction and question your identity.   Ask yourself, is there anything about ME that will stifle ME from getting to the next level or allow me to go in the WRONG DIRECTION.  Cut it off…kill it!  Find out who you are and do it on purpose.  F.O.C.U.S. and remember Success is Your Destiny!

Keeping your Promises to Your Customers

Recently, a telephone customer service representative told me that he would call me back with information that I requested  He asked for a 24-hour window to get the information back to me.  Additionally, he stated that he would respond either by email or call me.  At the time of the conversation, I was about to drop my telephone service--I had had enough!  Poor customer service, I thought.  How realized I had been transferred to so many people that didn't know anything!  This was the last straw!  However, within a four hour time frame, this person had not only gotten back with me (via telephone and email) but also offered tips to make things run smoother for me if the incident occurred again.  WOW!  What a relief!  My faith was restored!  This simple gesture astounded me--why?  Because customer service seems to be a thing of the past!  This helped this company save another customer by just being timely and polite! And to think, I will tell others about this experience.

Gestures such as these should teach companies that:  1. the competition is stiff, and you should alway maintain and edge over them; 2. instanteous technological communication is just a click away..use it; 3. customers that have been frayed, worn and torn will take their $$$ elsewhere in a heartbeat so make sure that you offer assistance, keep your promises, or offer a viable solution. 


Remember to F.O.C.U.S, and that SUCCESS IS YOUR DESTINY!

Follow me on twitter: @dr.collinswright

This Majestic Sky...

Earlier this evening, while standing out on my front deck, my husband asked me a simple question.  The question was what or who really impresses you.  He talked about all of the people who had really impressed him.  Many of them were rich, powerful famous people, and some of his special family members.  However, as I pondered this question that he asked, something so very profound came upon.  It entered so vividly in my thoughts!  I looked up into the beautiful sky that sat so majestic and hovered over a world so far below.  That’s what impresses me I told him.  As I looked at the cloud that hovered way above the sky so the sunlight could shine in…that is what impresses me.  The thought of a tree being so high, and yet having started from small beginnings, the beginnings was a small seed.  This seed has been mixed with dirt deep below and rain from the sky to develop into a wonderful, gorgeous sight.  This is what impresses me; the thought of God just making it happen.  The thought that God could take his paintbrush palette and draw this earth—Wow!  This is what impresses me.  The sunset mixed with hues of red.  The sunrise—loving it as it scampers in.  This is what impresses me.  Yes, there are people that are great, but nothing can “touch” feeling of this blue, awesome majestic sky. 

 Remember to F.O.C.U.S. and that “success is your destiny”

Who's on Your Bus?

I remember thinking who would I have to really tell me the truth when things get tough?  Who do I have in my life that would go out of their way to make sure I have all the things that I need to succeed?  Who do I have in my life that I can tell my deepest thoughts to concerning my purpose in life…and not feel they would step on those thoughts?  Then, I thought about having my own bus.  I certainly would be the driver…who would be my alternative driver?

 I remember hearing someone say what about a relationship coordinator being on the bus with you, someone that you really love and think the world of?  But, is this person the right person to coordinate this event…after all this person has been in and out of relationship, and married four times?  However, you think the world of this person, but maybe this person needs to take another role in your life, and sit in another seat on the bus.  Well, what about the person that champions my thoughts about what I want to do in my life.  My cheerleader!  Well, why not Rita..ummmm!  Rita is sweet, but her voice is so low, and she is indeed afraid to make steps toward her own success.  She’s a great writer, but has never done or talk to someone about putting that book to print!  Well, ummm…we have got to move her to another position on the bus.  Maybe, Rita can proofread your poetry and give you feedback.  Yes, that’s a good job for Rita.  Next on the bus is the Change Agent.  Yup, the Change Agent!  Let me think for a moment, this person (the person that you have as your CHANGE AGENT) doesn’t even want the SEASONS to change, let alone know anything about being a change agent.  However, this person talks really loud, and can network his BUTT off.  Yup, I think, I can make this person into CHAMPIONING my dreams, my cheerleader!   Finally, my pastor recently said you have to have a PRAYER on your side, but not a PREYER.  This praying preyer might just take your dreams and make them into their reality.  Keep them close, but not praying for you.

As you can see, rearrangement is necessary on your BUS to success!  Sometimes, you might have to put someone off the bus, and allow them to rent their own bus!  But remember, it is up to you to design, develop, add some more creative touches on your bus---inside and out!  Take care,  F.O.C.U.S and remember SUCCESS IS YOUR DESTINY!

Stop Trying to Discover new Land with Old Maps

After listening attentively this morning in church this morning, I thought about the topic above.  Many times on the road to success, we have old maps, old directions, and old advice.  While this may be beneficial at times, and some of the information might assist…what happens when the new land has been built in the opposite direction?  Change happens…and it happens for a reason.  Sometimes change is positive, sometimes not so positive.  However, either way we much accept it, direct it and move on.  We must find or discover that new map!  As my pastor says, what got you here, will not keep you here. 

Sometimes, during change we keep our “pint size mentalities” because we do not want to face our tigers.  If we do not face our tigers in this new land…we will be eaten.    We limit ourselves out of fear, and that fear travels with us, and we pass it onto others…blocking their path to new creative change as well!

Design or develop your new map…you do not necessarily have to look for one along the way.  Perhaps the one that you find may belong to someone else.  Update, reimagine, think outside of the box, or create a box just for you (if you must have one) reinvent yourself, BUT do something.  This is the only way that you change will come.  F. O.C. U.S. and Remember, Success is Your Destiny!

TAPPING INTO YOUR UNTAPPED POTENTIAL FOR SUCCESS

Believe it or not, everyone has untapped potential.  Statistics have shown that we only use a certain percentage of our brain power, therefore, in most instances; individuals are completely unaware of the awesome powers that lie within.  How then, can you tap into your untapped potential?  Here’s how:

FREE YOURSELF FROM THE PAST – Don’t weigh yourself down with what happened yesterday.  Change sometimes happen in a flash!  Be ready!

UNLEASE THE CHILDLIKE NAIVETY – Children are imaginative.  They have no qualms about trying new things, ideas.  They have no fear about going out on a limb, why should you?

BE TRUE TO YOURSELF

DETERMINE WHAT YOUR GREMLINS ARE,  then “Tame your Gremlins” (or get out of your own way) – Gremlins are personal conflicts and distresses that surround you and drain you of your inner peace.  Gremlins can be fear, anger, or other emotions that simple devastate you!

POSITIVE SELF TALK – when was the last time you told yourself that you were “simply magnificent”, smart, and brilliant (and the list goes on)!

FOCUS – turn your attention onto what you “really want” and then F.O.C.U.S.

DEVELOP A PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL VISION AND MISSION – What does success look like for you; how are you going to make it happen.

HAVE AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE – What can you give thanks for at this time?

PRACTICE KAIZEN – Kaizen starts with small gradual changes for the better.  Make a list of areas you want to improve in your life.  Tackle the “low hanging fruit” first—items that are easiest to handle.

SELF-AWARNESS - Observe your thoughts and actions. Ask for constructive feedback about YOU from persons that you trust or from persons that have your best interests. Becoming self-aware is one of the first steps to be becoming personally and interpersonally effective.

FIND OUT WHO YOU ARE, THEN DO IT ON PURPOSE!™

I once saw this quote -- this quote propelled me to unleash my potential from within:

“I cheated on my fears, broke up with my doubts, got engaged to my faith and now I'm marrying my dreams”.

Finally, always remember to F.O.C.U.S, because Success is Your Destiny

Citation:
Carson, R., 2003, Taming Your Gremlins, Harper Collins, New York, NY

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS FOR A HIGH PERFORMING TEAM

After reading several books on success, teambuilding and leadership, I wondered what my recipe for success would be for a HIGH PERFORMING TEAM.  I have been a team leader, facilitator, campus president, director, and have held many other positions in leadership.  Here is what I would want my ingredients for a HIGH PERFORMING TEAM to look like:

INGREDIENTS

1.  First, add one (1) cup of CLARITY.  Make sure your team goals are clearly defined.  A team works best when everyone understands the purpose.

2. Add another HEAP of great communication (sorry, I am from the South).  Good communication includes active listening (listening for understanding), the use of “I” statements instead of “You” statements, and patience. 

3.  Two cups of balanced participation

4.  A dash of Established Ground Rules

Mix well one (1) cup of clarity and the other Heap of good communication skills, let simmer.  Add dash of established ground rules; then stir.  Finally, put your two (2) cups of balanced participation in the mix.  Set temperature, let cook for the entirety of the TEAM.

WHAT ARE YOUR INGREDIENTS???

F.O.C.U.S. and remember Success is your Destiny!

Multi-tasking vs. Managing Multi-Priorities

Here I am trying to multi-task again.  Multi-tasking has now become the “norm”, but how do we really multi-task?  Has multi-tasking gotten the best of you?  Do you feel as if you want to pull every hair on your head out?  Do you want to burn those hundreds of documents on your desk?  This is the “down” side of multi-tasking.

 Multi-tasking is great, if your priorities are in place.  In essence, how are you managing your multi-priorities?  Here are several strategies for success in managing multi-priorities:

 

—  AIM for new heights

—  Believe that you can make a difference

—  Challenge yourself every day –one step at a time

—  Destiny is not a matter of chance, it's a matter of choice

—  Each day we are given the gift of 24 hours – use them wisely

—  Focus on the task and supporting your goals

—  Give more than you think is possible

—  Handle it once

—  Identify your strengths

—  Just do it

—  Keep your scheduling and task list up to date

—  Learning is a treasure that will follow you everywhere

—  Make conscious decisions

—  Never become someone else's 'time waster'

—  Organize your thoughts and then organize your actions

—  Prior planning prevents poor performance

—  Quitters never win and winners never quit

—  Read, study and learn about everything

—  Stop procrastinating

—  Think about it

—  Understand yourself in order to better understand others

—  Visualize it --SUCCESS

—  Work your plan and plan your work

—  Xcellerate your efforts

—  Your destiny is in your hands

—  Zero in on your target and go for it

 

F.O.C.U.S. and remember, Success is your Destiny!

 

 

NO?!! REALLY?

As we prepare for our daily dose of success, we get so excited because feel everything that we ask for will be a “YES”!  Believe me that is the right attitude.  But what happens when a “NO” comes flying or racing through the door that we have opened for success.  A “NO” when it was something that you felt was critically important to the next step in your journey.  “NO” doesn’t mean that we should necessarily stop…sometimes “NO” just mean that we have to pause and rethink our strategy.

 When you decided to take that path to success, were your strategies aligned with that step?  When “YES” arrives frequently, we look baffled and confused when “NO” surfaces.  Many individuals can’t handle “NO”.  The self-blame game starts to take up space or rent in our heads.  Then the party starts; the pity party that is!  Rather than walking in self pity and bitterness, “get up, get the tissue or the drink (ummm…well maybe not the drink) you bought to the party and toss it out!  Get up and be grateful. 

 If you had no strategies, write some right now!  If you indeed had some, rethink them for clarity.  But most of all, be thankful for all of the “YES”(s) in the past!

 There is an unlimited supply of resources out there for you to grasp.  The “NO” in your life may be a way of turning your focus on those unlimited supplies you never thought about or noticed before.  Here are some steps to focus on:

 Have an attitude of gratitude

1. Don’t be held hostage by materialism and negative elements
2. Be still
3. Network your way into new opportunities
4. Take your “eye” off the “NO”(s) and remember step one

F.O.C.U.S. and remember, Success Is Your Destiny!

Gased Up?

I just recently got back from putting gas in my car.  Looking back I noted that many people were putting Ultra premium in their cars, and with today’s rising cost of gas, I thought, they must be crazy.  However, it was not only the luxury car owners that were putting Ultra premium in their cars, but also the Toyota, Chevrolet, Ford, as well as other car owners.  My spouse ALWAYS puts Ultra premium in his 99’ Toyota, as well as his old 76 Ford truck (please let’s not talk about his baby).  I stopped to ask him why.  I might add that my husband is somewhat of a philosopher.  He stated that, “I want the best for my cars.  This way, they will always hold up for me. They will not let me down.  I do not have to do as much to fix them up as they get older.  If I take care of my cars they will take care of me—financially and emotionally. I knew what he meant by financially, but was a little confused on the emotional part.  So, I asked what he meant by emotionally.  He stated, I will not be stressed out how I am going to find money to fix them up.  Well, “silly rabbit” you got your answer (ummmmmm)!

 As I think back at this conversation, I say what kind of Gas are you putting into your life; personally and professionally!  Have you “GASED UP” with Ultra premium or just Regular? Who is in your inner circle?  As you get older, do you want Ultra Premium or just Regular folks in your inner circle?  As you look at your career path, do you want Ultra Premium or just Regular folks on your side?  What are you doing to develop that Ultra Premium touch?  Well, think about it and F.O.C.U.S., and remember, Success is Your Destiny!

WHO IS IN YOUR INNER CIRCLE?

YOUR INNER CIRCLE TO SUCCESS

 

In preparing for an upcoming project, I have had to do some research.  The research led me to personalities of birds.  After finishing this research, I thought about each bird that I researched, and through the research there were four main birds that had more outstanding characteristics than the others…people-like characteristics. I thought I would certainly like these types of birds in my inner circle on the road to success.

 

The first bird is the Eagle.  The Eagle stands high above and looks down low at any impending danger or attacks.  The Eagle is highly analytical and decisive.  I thought, sometimes I am slow in making decision, with this person helps, I am sure to get around the curve of indecisiveness, at least. 

 

The next bird is the Peacock.  With all the madness that sometimes goes into becoming successful, surely the Peacock would be one of my partners.  The Peacock is funny, can make anything sparkle and is the life of the party.  Many times, I need humor in my life to make it to the next avenue of success.  I have to stop and see that sometimes life is not all that serious. 

 

My next inner circle partner would be the Owl! Yes, Who, Who, Who! The Owl is a problem solver, logical and a great thinker.  The Owl can help me and the Eagle slow down before we crash on the wrong street and think things through before making that ultimate decision.

 

And, yes, finally, the partner that I will always cherish, the Dove.  The Dove is a team player, always asking, what can I do next for you.  The Dove is supportive, patient, and very peaceful.  One of the greatest traits of the Dove is that they are loyal! So no matter, what street, avenue, curve that I turn down, the Dove will always be there for me. 

 

What about you?  Who is in your Inner Circle?  You had better think about this on your journey to success so that you can F.O.C.U.S. And, remember Success is your Destiny!

SUCCESS IS YOUR DESTINY: I Can Do It Because I Believe I can Do It!

SUCCESS IS YOUR DESTINY: I Can Do It Because I Believe I can Do It!: Most of us do not know what we cannot do until someone tells us we cannot do it.  We are willing to try almost anything, go anywhere, stretc...

I Can Do It Because I Believe I can Do It!

Most of us do not know what we cannot do until someone tells us we cannot do it.  We are willing to try almost anything, go anywhere, stretch ourselves to the limits in pursuit of our dreams.  And, then we talk to other people.  We are reminded of how dangerous it may be, how ridiculous it sounds, what a chance we are taking.  People have no problem informing us of all the downsides and pitfalls; they cannot see how we will ever reach our goal.  They put us in touch with our faults, limitations and habits.  They remind us of all the others who didn't make it, and in vivid detail--they tell us why.  They give us warnings, cautions, and helpful hints about alternative things we can do.  When they are finished, we have been effectively talked right out of our dreams. 

Bumblebees do not talk and neither should we!

If we have a dream, we want to come true, the only way to it is through it.  We must take a chance, a risk and then LEAP!  If we believe in ourselves and our ability, we will be taught how to fly.  Always F.O.C.U.S, and remember that Success is your Destiny!

Giants Fall

Happy Sunday Morning,
It is a cold morning, but beautiful. Sitting here viewing church services online--Giants have to fall. Wow, Giants, I think.  What are my Giants?  What are your Giants?  Remembering some of my past Giants:  lack of self-confidence in speaking in public (now I am a public speaker).  Fear of writing (now I am a blogger).  So many Giants, so little time (ummmm!)  I also remember my mother saying, Face your Tigers, are you will be eaten.  I guess this statement "tag teams" with Giants have to fall--you can only make YOUR GIANTS fall, however.  Stay in your lane this year, and only get out of your lane if you are expressly asked to get into someone else's lane to assist with "giants falling",(and do not be their main Giant slayer) otherwise you will muddle their path. F.O.C.U.S. in 2014.  Remember, Success is your Destiny!

SUCCESS IS YOUR DESTINY: Hey Everyone:Today is Friday, January 6, 2014. ...

SUCCESS IS YOUR DESTINY: Hey Everyone:

Today is Friday, January 6, 2014.  ...: Hey Everyone: Today is Friday, January 6, 2014.  That's right 2014!  I just finished listening to two of my favorite singers:  Mary J....

Hey Everyone:

Today is Friday, January 6, 2014.  That's right 2014!  I just finished listening to two of my favorite singers:  Mary J. Blige and Barbara Streisand.  The music is actually on Mary J's Christmas Album--When you wish upon a Star.  Yes, I can still listen to Christmas Music--this song can be for ANYTIME of the year. 

Mary J. sounds fantastic with her raspy and deliciously gospel effect sounding voice, along with Barbara with her silky, feathery style...just fits in fine.  However, after listening to the song, I downloaded the lyrics.  "When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are, anything your heart desires will come to you".  Today, I am wishing upon a star, and that Star just happens to be me, there are so many desires that I have in my heart, and yes this year they will come true because this is this year that I will F.O.C.U.S.!  The lyrics further go on with, "If your heart is in your dream, no request is to extreme", Wow, plenty of food for thought this year.  "Like a bolt out of the blue, Fates steps in and sees you through, when you wish upon a star, your dreams will come true".  I see the BOLT already.  Remember, Success is Your Destiny!

Oh! BTW, if anyone is viewing this blog and know Mary J. and Barbara personally, tell them both that I have written some new music (just for them).  I would love to see them TEAM UP again!

Today is the Beginning of the Rest of Your Life

Today is the second day of the 2014 New Year!  However, today is the beginning of the rest of your life.  Leave behind the sorrows and regrets of yesterday, and seize the opportunity to make a grand entrance into tommorrow.  Hold you head of high and F.O.C.U.S.!  Follow On Course Until Successful.

As we begin to embark on a New Year, I suddenly remember all of the weight that I allowed to rest on me...in my soul and in my life.  Yet, I am ready for the task of uplifting and encouraging myself first, so that I can encourage others.  If I am not prepared to travel the road, I cannot and will not assist anyone else.  This is  given!  Many people might say this is a negative statement, but if I am to give my best to someone else, I have to give my best to myself first...I need the energy along the way.  Remember always that, "Success is Your Destiny".