How to Get Up and Get Your Act Together: Ways to Nip Procrastination in the Bud!

This article was first published on Elite Daily. Read it here:

http://elitedaily.com/life/motivation/get-get-act-together-ways-nip-procrastination-feelings-self-doubt-bud/598743/

We all have these feelings from time to time — you know, the ones that seem to fuel your fears and gnaw away at your consciousness; the ones that make you feel like giving up, doing the mundane and conforming to the status quo.

We look around and see that the world is full of amazing people who all strive for greatness. Stop and really consider the truth. We don’t want to merely exist and live boring lives. In fact, we want to live unfettered, utilize our full potential and make a difference.

It’s easy to get lost in the crowd in such a diverse world, but the reality is that we are all created uniquely, with definitive purposes and voices.

What we do during our years on this planet dictates the extent to which we can really fulfill that purpose. Our ability to succeed is strongly rooted in our mental fortitude since the mind is a powerful tool. When we condition our minds to achieve our desired outcomes, we tap into that creative powerhouse stored within us and the sky becomes the limit to our destinations in life.

It is human nature to think that we have an infinite amount of time to be all we want to be in life. However, the wise tell us to never to put off for tomorrow what you can do today because “tomorrow is promised to no one.”

When procrastination gets the better of us, tomorrow will turn into next week and suddenly, 10 years have passed us by and we find ourselves still stuck in the same spot. Self-doubt and fear takes over and we sit on our goals, listening to what others tell us. It’s important that we always take a step back and listen to what our hearts tell us.

Set your goals high so as to never settle for second best. Listen to that voice within that tells you it is okay to dream even if you fail. Soon, you won’t even think about failing because it is suddenly not an option. If we are consistent in our efforts, in time, we will be exactly where we want to be amongst the truly successful and courageous.

All of your goals are worthy, no matter how small. I always list my goals at the beginning of each year. I review the list monthly to ensure that I am staying true to myself and working my way from Point A to Point B.

Sometimes, it is difficult to keep up with the rigors of your life’s routine, but it’s important to keep the adrenaline going and to never lose heart. Find creative ways to build the momentum and picture the outcome in your mind. Reward yourself for your hard work and persistence.

When you’re on the fence about something, do yourself a favor and don’t get too many people involved in the decision-making process. If you want something badly enough, go for it!

Once it doesn’t pose a great challenge for you, by all means, act on it. The longer you take to think things over in your head, the greater the chances are that you will change your mind. Some of the best decisions I’ve made in life were based on gut feelings upon which I promptly acted. Your heart will never lead you astray and the rewards are endless.

If I can offer one last piece of advice, it is to surround yourself with like-minded people who inspire you and support your dreams. The journey to greatness is always best traveled in the company of people who are truly brave, free-spirited and proactive lovers of life. Don’t be afraid to chase big dreams.

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

The first week of June is already done and over our shoulder...Wherever is the time going!?!

I learnt in Econ class eons ago that "necessity is the mother of invention" so I've learnt to do many things and improvise as I go along. Life is an evolution and if we don't reinvent ourselves and the ways in which we do things, then there will be no change or growth. Moral: You only know the extent of your capabilities unless you push yourself and try. You may even surprise yourself as you surpass your expectations. So try! You live and you learn each and every day.

I'm happy to announce that my book proposal was mailed to the publisher this week...this after staying up till 5 am last Saturday. I'm hoping and praying for the best. Wish me luck. 

I've realized two things about myself this past week...(1) I'm a workaholic...no matter how hard I try to go to bed at a reasonable time, I'm incapable of doing so...even if I'm tired and have been out all day....once I get behind my computer there's no stopping me. Happiness is doing what you love and having people appreciate it.

I rarely watch television and I'm an internet/computer junkie. Always writing, reading articles, researching new ways to do things and creating. Last year while residing in the sister-isle of Tobago, I lived in a remote (yet beautiful) area and had to rely on a rechargeable internet hot spot-- which was a bother to be honest, so I only logged on once or twice a week for a couple hours at a time and used my phone for most other things. That year was also the year that I resumed television watching...at least during the week and became an avid movie-goer. Now that I have high speed internet in large doses, it's back to my regular scheduled programme. I'm in overdrive...making up for lost time:)

(2) I always knew this one, but I am not a morning person. Hard to admit on a public arena but now I'm an entrepreneur, I feel little restraint to rise at 5 or 6 in the a.m. as I was forced to do for many, many years in an effort to beat rush hour traffic. (Oh how I don't miss that one bit!) However I still try my best to wake at a reasonable time to answer and attend to any business calls and early morning meetings. 

So I lied...there's a third thing...but I digress. I can't stress enough that we all need to be present in the moment and not live in the past. If we are fully present to enjoy all those moments in time as they happen, there will be no need to regress and rehash what's gone. Can you relate? If so, please post a comment. There's so much more to expound on this, but I will save this for another blog post. 

Life is a wondrous gift, so hang on, savour the memories, tell the ones you love you care and leave your mark because as the great Dr. Maya Angelou once said: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." You taught us well, may your beautiful soul rest in peace. (see earlier tribute here >> http://inspirationescape.blogspot.com/2014/05/your-light-continues-to-shine-bright.html)

OK...I'm sorry...fourth thing......song and words (and wine/sangria lol) truly heals and illuminates the soul! Right now I'm listening to Gloria Estefan and Jon Secada...golden hits....unforgettable sounds...earlier this week one of my sisters shared her experience of seeing Miami Sound Machine in concert in the 80s at the National Stadium...it was wonderful hearing her speak of that happy memory...wish I was old enough! Who are some of your favourite artistes?

Here's to the weekend. Hope you had a productive week and may His annointing fall upon you and may wonderful things abound in the week ahead  ~

Peace & Love

Friday escape

Fruits of our Labour

Another special share just for you from Thinking out Loud: Chapter 2 - Career & Passion

The euphoria of realizing our innermost aspirations is priceless and matches no other feeling in the world. Ever since I can remember myself, I was always curious as to people’s passion in life. 

I knew what mine was, but to almost everyone I met, I would always ask the question: if money was not an issue and we lived in a utopia where we did not have to work for a living, what would you do? 

The answer must resonate deep within your soul, because no one else in this world possesses the exact talent and abilities as you do, hence the reason for each of us being created.

Some people may think: Me? What do I have to offer? But it should not be too hard to determine if we really look deep within ourselves. Something that makes you happy and suddenly time is not an issue. An eternity would go by and it would seem like mere moments have passed (I feel this way about writing—I guess that’s why I’m still working at 3 am!). Something that feels like second nature and can be performed with effortless ease. Something that gives you inspiration to continue, and empowers you to fulfil your true potential. It may be as simple as cooking, talking/counselling, painting or landscaping. The sky is the limit to our creative aspirations.

When we think of a career most of us think of a particular amount of time spent at a certain location that at the end of the day puts food on the table and pays our bills. It may or may not be something we necessarily have a passion for, but it conforms to society’s expectations or it serves a purpose within our social stratosphere. It may be that we are doing this to satisfy a tradition in our family, or maybe allowing a parent to live vicariously through us by fulfilling one of their needs or former aspirations. It may be satisfying a social or economic need. If this is the case, it then becomes a job, not a career.

            Personally, I think a career is a vocation, a calling for which we have an innate ability or flair for a passion; a yearning to fulfil a greater purpose in life, something we were destined for from the day we were born, not just something we studied at university or were taught, but a lifelong commitment to a dream that can be manifested in several different shapes and forms. 

It may be a particular mathematical or reasoning ability that can be translated into a customized service tailored to meet the needs of a niche market. Or a skill or knack for gardening for which we enjoy growing organic produce (free from chemicals or insecticides) or flowers of a particular variety. Whatever it is that we do, we must possess a love for it, for us to really excel and be happy. And everyone will know this as a result, for it will be evident to all whom we come into contact with. 

Our efforts will be less arduous because it is coming from a place of peace and contentment. We would look less at our neighbour and concentrate more on the Fruits of our own Labour.  I believe a career should in some way positively influence the quality of life or add some value to society. Whether it is a product that you have created or helped to create, the provision of a service or a feeling that you have invigorated; people must benefit from your life’s work.

            Many may assume, that to be successful one must have letters behind one’s name, a fancy title, or a corner office with a view, but some of the most affluent people in this world may be the nuts vendor selling on the street or the artist who paints from inspiration, that works from home and sells her paintings at the seaside to tourists. Whatever our skill, we can transform that into something tangible and even marketable. 

Once something is done from the heart and done for the right reasons, the possibilities for achievement are endless, as it transcends all physical or mental boundaries. To see what we have created, makes us yearn to create even more, as it fulfils an inner desire and gives us satisfaction to know that it has brought joy or comfort to someone else, or better yet, has brought about a change in that person’s modus operandi. 

Seeing our efforts realized fuels our energies and makes us want to consolidate our focus into something for a good cause, which is within the reach of the masses.

“Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your line of talent. Be what nature intended you for, and you will succeed.”  

-Sydney Smith (1771-1845)

Want to read more? Buy it here and check out my new author's profile>>

http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Out-Loud-Carolyn-Correia/dp/1105184382

If you're in Trinidad, you can grab a copy at all locations of RIK Bookstore or Metropolitan Book Suppliers (Capital Plaza, Port-of-Spain) ohh and don't forget to post a review on Amazon!

Thank you :-)

Charting Your Destiny Video Promo!

Those of you that have been following my blog, may know that 2014 is the year that I decided to follow my dream. 

2013 was filled with many revelations, life lessons, fun memories and epiphanies that reawakened a deep desire and hunger within me to contribute so much more to the world in a more meaningful and profound way. 

One of the many things I will be doing is workshops based on the principles in my first book - Thinking out Loud. I've learnt so much and only thought it right to give back to others my inspiration and knowledge garnered along the way. 

This workshop assists you to:

• Find your true passion and purpose, 

• Let go of negativity which may be inhibiting the path to your dreams, 

• Learn to appreciate the simple pleasures and 

• Discover what are the most important things in life

Based on the feedback so far, it has allowed once dormant memories to be awakened, participants experienced a catharsis of once bothersome situations or feelings, felt a greater appreciation for life and all of their blessings...some even made new friends! This is just a tip of the iceberg...there's soo much more!

If you want to be a part of this experience, wherever you are located please send an email to inspirationescape@gmail.com

For now, you can check out this fun video!

It brings a smile to my face each time!

The wait is over...I am pleased to unveil my motivational workshop video - 

"Charting Your Destiny"

Happy June!

photo credit - amarisngjw.blogspot.com

Make it Count!

As Sure As the Sun Will Shine

Another day...another month ends...

As the hours count down to the month of June, let us recount the highs and lows of May, release our fears and anxieties and learn the lessons that came with it. 

photo credit - quotes-pictures.vidzshare.ne

Doors may have closed, friendships and relationships may have changed or ended...people come in and out of our lives, but know that the "will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot protect you." 

A friend sent the above whatsapp message to me randomly at a time when I needed it the most and I knew instantly that God sends His angels in human form at all the right times. As much as you think the last experience was the pinnacle of your success and happiness, as sure as the sun will shine again, new doors will open and new friendships and relationships forged. 

Many wonderful things are happening in our lives if only we take the time to be fully present for all the magical moments and opportunities that present themselves. It may be simply being guided to open and click on an email you regarded as junk or non-essential. I am subscribed to all sorts of mailing lists for video blogs, webinars and newsletters that flood my inboxes every day, but sometimes I get an urgency to open one over the other on a particular day and my impulse is usually right each and every time. That email could be just what I needed to read to pull me out of a rut or provide an idea or lead I need in order to get me to the next level or step in my journey. You never know. Remain open to all that the world has to offer...you will be thankful for listening to that inner voice in the end.

In the same vein, I have been so guided and I am now elected to serve on the Executive Board of a non-profit association of which I am a member. I followed an impulse to apply and in less than two weeks I got a call from the Vice President and subsequently attended the AGM. The rest as they say is history. It was a memorable occasion and it all happened so fast...I am still taking it all in. I am very happy to embrace this new opportunity with my new colleagues who are quite warm, erudite and welcoming. There are a lot of activities and events planned of which I am a part and I look forward to serving the membership with keen interest and engagement.

Call me overly nostalgic and emotional, but sometimes I don't realize the intensity of my emotions in the present moment and experience a delayed response. It is such a great pleasure to reconnect with people who you haven't spoken to in a long time and to know that the connection is still there. Voice contact is so much different from email and social media, we sometimes take it for granted. Tonight I was speaking to one of my former bosses and it was refreshing to laugh, talk, share and reminisce about old times in real time. She even gave me some good business advice! 

So a chapter in your life may end, but can be re-invented and endure beyond that season. I also remembered how happy I felt when many of my old colleagues gave up their entire Saturday to show support at my workshop (and book launch years before)...some things are priceless and you will never forget. I speak about this in depth in my second book. Speaking of which, I have finally completed my book proposal at 5 a.m. this morning, so off it goes to the publisher on Monday! This is step one...hoping that I am lucky the first time around and I have to hunt no further. My blog have been generating many hits for the past few days and I am so grateful for the new and returning visitors...please enjoy your stay, come back often and tell a family member, friend or two or three! 

I was sharing some sentiments as never before with my old boss and told her that I don't feel fulfilled if I am not making a difference in people's lives. I guess that's why at a certain point I was so unhappy in that capacity as I felt underutilized, not being able to share and exhibit all of my gifts. I told her that only when I left the organization on my last day and was clearing out my inbox and read all the old emails I kept in a special folder, did I realize that I did indeed have an impact on the staff in whatever small way...It was a very moving experience. But I am very happy now with the choices I have made since then as I was allowed to grow and develop into the person I am now...still learning every day. Now is my time to spread my wings and do what I was created for...I have a good feeling about the next few months...

As we say goodbye to fond memories let us release our intentions with faith that it will one day come to fruition. Until then, be blessed, stay blessed and bless others with your unique gifts...June here we come!

Please join me on my journey and stay tuned to this space...

Thanks for reading.

Peace, Love & Blessings!

You may also "like" me on facebook>>https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingoutLoudbyCarolynCorreia

Your Light Continues to Shine Bright Dear Dr. Maya Angelou

Thanks to my new and returning visitors from around the globe...I'm glad to have you!

As the world mourns the loss of a literary and artistic icon, I join with them to pay tribute and celebrate a life...which is that of Dr. Maya Angelou. What she gave us was a world of words, colour and creativity to find our voice and celebrate our uniqueness and strength as a people. 

We learnt from you that the greatest works of art is often borne out of struggle and adversity and yours was one for the history books. I always admired you and paid tribute over the years on social media, but tonight I lay all in one cosy room with my family watching hours of documentaries of your autobiography and many interviews as I marvelled at your strength, resilience and character. 

Some of the things that stood out to me were that you defied all odds to be the first black female cable car conductor and what this meant to you personally. The way you took your two year old son with you across the globe at the age of 17, learning several languages and imparting your knowledge through education whilst making a living...this took real courage, innovation and a free spirit. How you captivated an audience and got a standing ovation wherever you went was an admirable feat. Your work as a freedom fighter with many of the greats of our time like Dr. Martin Luther King. To read at President Clinton's inauguration in 1993 and receive the "highest civilian honour" in 2011 - the Medal of Freedom by the first African American president were two-fold honours also enshrined in history. The many honourary doctorates you received globally -- words cannot describe...

Your steadfast allegiance to your God-given gifts to the world made you one of the most sought after poets, authors, speakers, educators, actresses, film makers and pioneers of all time. You were a true renaissance woman - phenomenally so indeed. You paved the way for so many voices who aspire to even a fraction of your greatness. I did not have to meet you personally to give testimony that you left an indelible mark on the souls and psyches of many...You will be remembered throughout the generations for a very long time to come.

Thank you.

May perpetual light shine upon you and may you Rest in Peace.

Maya Angelou 1928 - 2014

photo credit - brainpickings.org

Should I Go or Should I Stay?

Tonight I had a thought to share an excerpt from my book (Thinking out Loud)...here's one article from Chapter 3 that seems to be a crowd pleaser...Hope you enjoy.

When do you know when it is time to let go? Be it friendships, acquaintances or relationships, some of us could do without the excess baggage at times - those people and situations that add no real value or substance to our lives. In this life we encounter all sorts of people and it’s ultimately up to us to realize who are the ‘keepers’ and whom we should cut loose and when.

photo credit - collegecandy.com

Sometimes we come across people that we know from day one will be lifelong friends. Others are just there to serve a purpose along our journey, as we may learn an important life lesson and then they’re gone. Yet others are a test of our strength and discernment. For there are times when we meet people who we think are genuine and whose company we enjoy, yet we gain nothing spiritually or emotionally by having them around, for all they do is take up space and time in our lives. And no matter how hard you try to force it, they are just not meant to be there. There is no place for them in your life and most times they cause more conflict than good.

Not to sound like a cold-hearted person but life is like that sometimes. It’s like a young seedling that is trying to grow and push up among the weeds. In order for that sapling to grow into a strong, healthy plant, tree or flower it needs to break free from the weeds which will eventually choke off its supply of sunlight, air and nutrients needed. The same with people: sometimes you just need to break free from unhealthy people who may not have your best interests at heart, who may be envious, self-serving, opportunistic or just plain up to no good. Why would you want to hang around weeds anyway?

            Then there are the others that are just coming along for the ride to keep you company along your journey. They are neither here nor there. One day however something may happen to test the friendship, and then you may discover if this person was indeed a genuine friend. It doesn’t matter if several years go by, the possibility exists that this person was just around for a season and served their purpose in your life. And then there are those that give you support when you need it and you give them support. Sometimes it’s fun having them around, but what is more important is that you complement each other. No one is a burden to the other. 

           Life is all about learning the lessons and helping one another along the way. If you can find that in a friend then the journey becomes a little easier. Then there comes a time for that friend to leave. Sometimes it is voluntary sometimes involuntary. Circumstances brought you together and circumstances cause you to separate. By that time or maybe years later you would have learnt the lesson that friend brought to your life. If you have indeed learnt the lesson, then that friendship had value and it served its purpose.

Sometimes we never know why individuals enter our lives, but it is important that we can tell apart the true gems from the weeds and treat the former right, for good people don’t come along everyday. The weeds we should recognize early on, so as to eliminate the grief and make way for the people that matter most. If we can’t do this, we would be forever spinning ourselves into a web with people who are out to deceive us and bring us pain. It is important that we look inside, so that the company we keep reflect our philosophies. I’m sure we all have heard the saying when we were younger: “Show me your friends and I’ll show you who you are.” It rings true not only for when you were a child but encapsulates the purpose of friendships today and beyond.

“True friendship consists not in the multitude of friends, but in their worth and value.” —Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

Want to read more? Why not purchase your own copy at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Out-Loud-Carolyn-Correia/dp/1105184382

Or locally at all locations of RIK and Metropolitian Booksellers.

Thanks for stopping by...see you next time!

You can also join me on facebook>> https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingoutLoudbyCarolynCorreia

Cheers

My Moment of Truth

I love all the things that this crazy world brings, despite the ups and downs of

photo credit - takeuponeidea.com

life...it's great to be alive. When you feel like giving up, remember there's always hope for a new day, a new dawn and a brighter tomorrow.

With that said, life is an adventure and how best we roll with the punches, dictates how we progress and stay afloat in a sea of emotions filled with subtleties, highs and lows, disappointments and rewards. 

There's no one who passes through this life without dealing with challenges, failures and disappointments...it's all a part of living. When we make a conscious effort to block out the "noise" and find the lessons in every situation, it's only then can true growth and maturity occur. We are born winners....all of us. It's up to us to realize our worth and channel our power to yield the benefits that this life has to offer.

Over the past few months and weeks I've learnt valuable lessons that cannot be taught at any institution of higher learning. I learnt about people and the ins and outs and nuances of this dance of life. I wrote about this in my first book and yet I am still learning every day. "We can't control people or the outcome of events in our life...any more than we can control the weather." Food for thought. What you can do is control how you react and how you internalize the situations in order to chart the way forward in a positive and constructive manner. It's difficult but your mind is a very powerful thing and you can condition it to bring about your desired outcome.

I've never been one to give up and not have my say, but I am learning that sometimes you have to pick your battles. No matter how strongly you disagree with someone or something, sometimes there is nothing you can say or do to change that person's mind or the outcome of events...no matter how hard you try. It's just not in the stars. 

Everyone is unique and I've learnt that their brain/mind works in unique ways that's different from anyone else on this planet...you can never really wrap your head around the reasons why a person may say or do something that you don't particularly like or understand...and believe me when I say I've tried! That's just life. We are all created differently and we have to find a way to accept each other's differences, even if it's family, spouse or friend.

Our conscience is the driving force for our freedom and peace of mind. Some of us have a bit more where that is concerned and others are able to ignore the questions within. At the end of the day, there's only one judge and time will tell what we can or cannot live with.

Many things are happening in the background...some good, some great and some are just things that require introspection in order to get to the next level in our lives...they are those unspoken things that awakens an inner desire to search our souls for the answers and for the ultimate resolution to our fears and longings in time to come.

At the end of the day, what is important is that you listen to the voice within...you hold the answers to the questions you crave....think deeply, meditate and pray to the One and only God above...you would soon realize that everything and everyone else are just temporary substitutes.

Please share, like and retweet if you can relate.

For more, you can "like" me on facebook>> https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingoutLoudbyCarolynCorreia