“To heal a wound, we must stop scratching it. “

~ Paulo Coelho

Our past experiences are important. To a degree they shape us, teach invaluable lessons, and provide considerable insight. It can be therapeutic practice; a means to reflect, to learn, to grow.

But we have to be careful not to stay there.

While our past is a reflective tool, it does not define us. It does not determine our future. And it certainly doesn’t have the power to keep us from moving forward.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV

We must be willing to let go of the past, allow its wounds to heal, in order to realize the potential in our future.

It’s ok to look back, contemplate, and reflect; but don’t allow yourself to stay there.

“A negative mind will never give you a positive life. “

~ Shiori Obata

What we think about matters.

Your thoughts are powerful.

Your thoughts define your world view.

Your thoughts shape your character.

Your thoughts reflect your values.

Your thoughts impact your faith.

Your thoughts become your words.

Your words influence your actions.

Your actions impact others.

What we think about matters.

Think for a change in your life.

Think for a change in the lives of others.

“Attitude is everything. “

~ Charles R. Swindoll

We can’t control everything that happens in life, but we can control how we respond to it. Having a negative attitude will not necessarily change your circumstances. Instead, it drains your energy and impacts your ability to see your way through adversity.

Having a positive outlook, on the contrary, strengthens your resolve to push through and overcome adversity.

The power to choose the appropriate response lies in your ability to remain positive no matter the circumstances.

Choose wisely.

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value. “

~ Albert Einstein

Every thought, word, and action should bring value to your life and the lives of others.

We should all desire success. But being a person of influence, integrity, and character should be our highest goal.

Imagine a world where our priorities shifted from personal success to an overarching desire to make an impact in the lives of others; to leave a legacy for the generations to come.

Take some time today to evaluate your life.

What will you do today to leave a legacy that will impact the world’s tomorrow?

It’s never too late to start.

“The key to success is to focus on goals, not obstacles. “

~ Unknown

What we give attention to matters. When we choose to focus only on challenges and potentially negative outcomes, we allow those fears to extinguish the life from our goals. But when we choose to focus on positive results, we fuel the desire, drive, and passion to pursue our goals.

Having a positive outlook doesn’t mean we are oblivious to the challenges in life. It is an unyielding mindset that refuses to allow obstacles to become larger than your vision and desire for your future.

Make a commitment today to allow “good things” to dominate your thoughts and your world view.

It’s all about perspective.

“Don’t wait for opportunity. Create it. “

~ Unknown

The right “time” may never come. The right “circumstances “ may never align.

Stop waiting, stop hoping, and stop praying for the “right time” to step out and move in the direction of your goals.

The “right time” is NOW.

Be intentional. Be purposeful. Be mindful. Don’t wait for opportunity. Begin taking the steps necessary to create it.

Do and be the best you can each day and plan to be even greater tomorrow.

You have what it takes to become the best version of yourself.

“Set a goal so big that you can’t achieve it until you grow into the person who can. “

~ Unknown

Growth should always be a priority in your life. When going about your day to day routines, ask of every action, “Is this activity value-added? Will this task moving me closer to my goals? Will I grow from this experience?”

When we approach our day with a growth mindset, we will begin to remove the “trivial” tasks and focus on what really matters.