INITIATIVE

INITIATIVE


Initiative: Function - noun
1: an introductory step
2: energy or aptitude displayed in initiation of action:
on one’s own initiative: at one’s own discretion: independently
of outside influence or control.

Yes, it’s time. Time to take out that notebook and start setting those goals. It’s time to take charge of yourself and your life. Whether your goals are educational or business, take matters into your own hands.

This is the part where most wonder where and how. Once you’ve figured out what it is you want to BE, start at the beginning.

I always wanted my own business. I use to make clothes for family, friends and church robes. This was okay but it wasn’t me. I this type of work took away my freedom, even though I was making money, the creative side of me wasn’t shining through. Afterwards, I rented space from an older lady in a tailoring shop; I wasn’t treated as an independent but more like an employee. I had my own sketches, not a clue as tohow to make the styles come to past and she sure wasn't the one to learn from. I was told it couldn't be done, later to find out she was envious of my work.

It took a while for me to get my head on straight, at the time I was doing the above I had two children and fourteen years later, I began having children again and all the time being told what I could and could not do because I had kids. Kids aren’t the reason to stop trying for your dreams, they don’t hold you back. If you look at it, they’re the reason you try harder. It shows them that nothing is impossible if you only try or take the INITIATIVE.

I come from a line of entrepreneurs, the only person alive I could talk to was my grandmother and her advice was to do something I loved and was good at. Never stop learning. She was a beautician, so she told me about the different shows and classes she took as times changed and styles also.

My aunt, believed that if there was something you wanted to learn or know, there’s a book on it. Find it, read it and learn from it. She wasn’t one to sit you down and teach or tell you. She passed a few years ago and upon cleaning out her things, my youngest sister set aside all her books for me. I learned one thing about aunt Cookie, she believed in learning to do things herself, real hands on person.

Be proactive; take the necessary steps to achieve whatever it is you want. I took a class last year, Starting Your Own Business. It really helped. Whatever it is that you don’t know don’t be afraid to ask someone, get a book read it and reread it. I go to the library but I really enjoy owning books, so I can always refer to them just in case. I have more books than house.
Achieve your dreams through your own INITIATIVE and being PROACTIVE. Share your dreams with others but don’t wait on a go ahead from them. Set a starting date and do everything in your power to meet it. The power lies in you. And never ever let anyone tell you your heart’s desires.

I welcome all questions and comments. Communicate.

Sherryl

DECISIONS

This past weekend we all know was Father's Day. I had planned on taking the Mr. out to eat and to a movie, no hot kitchen. Well, as we have experienced a lot of times thing don't quite work out as we plan. I got the hot kitchen.

The day before he invited his 87 yr. old father over for dinner while we were visiting and of course I didn't say a word. Yes, I did, I asked the old man what he wanted for dinner. It was a special day for him and he spent the whole day with us.

My stepdaughter called and wanted to be picked up, okay another guess but more help in the kitchen. My step has been having some life crisis' so her Dad decides she needs to talk to me.

Her problem, the same as most making decisions and a plan and sticking to them, not secon guessing herself. Who knows better than you what is good or bad for you. No one. What's so hard about sticking to a plan, nothing much if you write it down ..... a lot if you don't.When there is nothing to see, you don't have anything to gauge.

I asked her what it was she wanted out of life and what it is she wants to do. I asked if she had a plan. Of course not. First things first, let's start by thinking what it is we want, then how are we going to get there. She looked at me somewhat confused, I think she expected me to give her the answers. The problem with this is, I don't know what she wants, only she can answer those questions.

I suggested getting a notebook, regular cheap spiral, I keep boxes of them here at home, I have children. "Now, you need a pencil or pen," prefer pencils with erasers, good for mistakes, don't you sometimes wish you could erase some of the mistakes you've made in life. Of course you do but you can't. Don't look at them as mistakes, look at them as learning experiences, for that is what they are.

Now to wait and see what she comes up with. It's okay to bounce your thoughts off of other's, seek your own strengths for yourself and ask for input, make it clear it is only input, don't give up your control. You might be surprised to find that there are others that can see more in you sometimes than you can see in yourself.

Decide what it is you want and then set about making a plan to acheive it. Look at it as a road map for life. When you go somewhere for the first time, you get directions, you write them down and you're off. See the beginning and the end. The in between is your guide on what it is you need to do to get to where you want to BE.

You have to be able to make hard but good decisions to accomplish your goals. Knowing when to say 'Yes' or 'No' are going to be two most important words you will learn and use. Remember this is about you and your future. Don't allow poor judgement to choke your dreams. Make a decision and stick to it, don't question it. Try it, it might or might not work but you'll never know until you try. Do a little each day, don't over whelm yourself, that can be a quick ruin. Take it slow but steady and as I said before, for each baby step you make it puts you closer to where you want to be. With each step do something if no more than the happy dance, like dancing in the end - zone after a touchdown, it's fun or call someone who cares and share your steps with them.

Whatever it takes to keep you pressing forward. Remember we learn from our mistakes so don't be hard on yourself if it doesn't fall right into place easily, nothing in life is easy. It is easier to give up than to try again and spend the rest of your life wondering what if.

As always feel free to leave your thoughts or comments. Communicate.
I love hearing from you,
Sherryl