(TEST) All Things Inspired

What feels like the end is often the beginning of something new and exciting!

Last week we started the topic of new beginnings by celebrating endings. Regardless of what is ending in your life, it can seem scary and devastating, however, what feels like the end is often the beginning of something new and exciting. You've heard the phrase, "You must try to have the attitude that when one door closes, another opens." And what is behind the new open door could possibly exceed our wildest expectations.

What we must understand about endings is that life has a way of correcting our course. Whether we are willing to accept it or not, accepting that change is needed will help you adapt to the correction. For many, this is a time for a fresh start. A chance to begin anew. For others, it can be an opportunity to continue to build on the successes of the previous year. New beginnings are a chance for you to be better. Sometimes, a new beginning is the very thing you need to find a purpose. A metamorphosis can happen if you allow it to. It's not just for caterpillars, it's for you and me. Here's how you can choose to make your new beginning, to make yourself better...

Set goals that are specific and meaningful to you.
Turn your goals into a working plan. What steps do you need to take to have a fresh start?
Try something new - Experience is a good teacher. However, if we don't open ourselves to trying new ways to improve our lives, we'll never grow. Constantly learn and keep motivating yourself.
Don't be afraid to fail - Failure leads to success. Those who have a growth-mindset think failure is a roadmap for what not to do next time. Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.
Be willing to change - To stay relevant as you move forward in life and career, you must be willing to embrace change.
Don't get hung up on perfect - Excelling sounds like a good thing, but if you use this mindset in everything you do, you're spending a huge amount of energy on things that aren't important.
Don't worry about the big picture. Celebrate the small wins first. The road ahead can feel long and overwhelming. To alleviate the stress, focus on small wins. Win on top of win will lead you to the big picture.
Take the first step - Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
Keep moving up - It's been said the every person who is at the top of the mountain did not fall there from the sky. And please reject the saying, "Good things come to those who wait." You must get out of the mud and work for good things to come your way. You gain confidence and grow stronger by every experience in which you truly push yourself to do something you didn't think you could do.
Let go of the past - When you are starting a new beginning, it's so difficult to bring the past with you. New beginnings require moving forward and letting go of those roadblocks. Remember that beautiful things grow out of dirt, so let the past go and look ahead.
Write a personal mission statement - Businesses have mission statements, and people should have one too. It sums up who you are and what you stand for; it brings focus and purpose to your life.

I have a set of personal core values and my "Career Commandments" that I try to follow and review regularly. These are on my office wall for all to see and I will share them with you now...

My Core values:

Always do the right thing
Always be honest
Always speak with conviction
Always do what you say you are going to do

My Career Commandments:

Put your career in God's hands. Trust and have no fear!
My family deserves a better life.
Own your schedule - set a schedule and be disciplined in your work.
Have meaningful conversations.
Have compassion for people.
Don't be complacent, you have much to achieve. So, DO NOT FEAR SUCCESS!
Listen and observe. You have 2 ears and 1 mouth, use them proportionately!
Be a student of your trade. Continue to learn and stay motivated.
Be accountable in all you do.
Never jeopardize your integrity.
Always stay positive and avoid negative people.
Take time to enjoy life!

It's inevitable that you will have endings in your life. But if you embrace these principles for new beginnings, make peace with the uncomfortable past and learn from the experience, the opportunities ahead of you will be worth the trials and struggles that you will endure. You can celebrate both the endings and the new beginnings!

Be inspired! Inspire others!