Gossip

Gossiping is one of American’s favorite past times. We are all guilty of it in some way shape or form. How many times have you been caught up in the latest gossip, whether about Britney, 50 Cent, Paris or Brangelina; perhaps too many times to admit?

A few weekends ago, I learned a lesson first-hand from the hands of gossip. I called a friend to find out how things were going for her weekend; she proceeded to inform me of a few issues at home, it was great, all was well. Once the conversation ended I was ready to begin my work for the weekend.

Unfortunately, an hour later, another friend called and began to recount ALL the latest news and gossip of a close friend then the conversation moved to a family member, who was getting married and another who may be getting a divorce. Finally, that call ended then fifteen minutes later the phone rang, this time it was a family member regarding the details of her birthday party, though the conversation was supposed to be brief; it spiraled into a two-hour gossip fest.

While the conversations were very entertaining; I failed to realize that close to four hours passed and I did not get any work done. I was so busy minding their business that I was neglecting my own business. Feeling frustrated that four hours had gone by and I had absolutely nothing to show. Now, as I recount this story I chuckle a bit because I realize that it’s something that can happen.

Nonetheless, I learned a simple yet valuable lesson that I would like to share with you. Quite simply, mind your own business; there will always be time for gossip and drama. Put your business first and everyone else’s after, for if you are not minding your business - nobody else will.

To your Success!

Kameka

Try

I tried… I am trying...

In the world of success and Akima Speaks, the word try is very so/so. Try does not provide a sense of power or control over your life. While working towards a goal/s the word try becomes a crutch. Try provides the illusion of making progress, when at times you are spinning your wheels, trying and going nowhere.

Repeat the following:

I am trying to lose 20 lbs.
I am doing (Action) my best to lose 20 lbs.

Which statement sounded so/so?
Which statement sounded empowering?
Which statement felt more empowering?

While, taking the necessary steps towards your goals, look at things as black and white. Either you do (action) or you don’t (inaction).

I know you might be thinking gee... this is harsh; at times this brutal honesty is what's necessary to propel us forward. Considering things in this manner will keep you accountable and on track to creating the success you envision.

For the next week, whenever you are discussing your goals, I challenge you to replace the word try with a word of action or inaction. At the conclusion of the week, examine the results, make adjustments and continue moving forward.

While you continue to move towards your goals, kick tries to the side: Either you do (action) or you don’t (inaction) in the land of success there is NO in between.

To your Success!

Kameka

© Copyright by Akima Speaks 2007-2008

Tomorrow

By: Edgar Guest

---

He was going to be all that a mortal should be
Tomorrow.
No one should be kinder or braver than he
Tomorrow.
A friend who was troubled and weary he knew,
Who'd be glad of a lift and who needed it, too;
On him he would call and see what he could do
Tomorrow.

Each morning he stacked up the letters he'd write
Tomorrow.
And thought of the folks he would fill with delight
Tomorrow.
It was too bad, indeed, he was busy today,
And hadn't a minute to stop on his way;
More time he would have to give others, he'd say
Tomorrow.

The greatest of workers this man would have been
Tomorrow.
The world would have known him, had he ever seen
Tomorrow.
But the fact is he died and he faded from view,
And all that he left here when living was through
Was a mountain of things he intended to do
Tomorrow.

"Collected Works of Edgar Guest"
Cutchogue, NY: Buccaneer Books, p. 72

What dream are you leaving until tomorrow?

Take that first step, make a decision today and begin working on the details to make it happen.

To your success!

Kameka

A story of two Zen Monks

Tanzan and Ekido, were walking along a country road that had become very muddy after heavy rains. As the approached a village, they met a young woman who was trying to cross the road, but the mud was so deep that it would have ruined the silk kimono she was wearing. Tanzan at once picked her up and carried her to the other side.

The monks walked on in silence. Five hours passed, as they were approaching the temple, Ekido couldn’t restrain himself any longer. “Why did you carry that girl across the road” he asked. “We monks are not supposed to do things like that.” Tanzan replied “I put the girls down hours ago.” Are you still carrying her?

Consider how many things a person like Ekido is carrying around. The burden of the past and the worry of the future; at times one of the biggest things that stops a person from achieving a dream is something they need to let go. Often with goals and dreams we really want to make them happen. Unfortunately, often we hold on to a negative story or experience which drains our energy and hinders or stops progress.

The next time you set a goal consider the one of following questions:

What do I need to let go of to take my life, body, finances to another level?

Or

What are the past or future thoughts (worry), feelings or story around this goal that I might be carrying around?

The following article was inspired by the book A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle.

To your success!

Kameka

My Comfort Zone Poem

My Comfort Zone

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn't fail. The same four walls and busywork were really more like jail. I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before, But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much. I said I didn't care for things like commission checks and such. I claimed to be so busy with the things inside the zone, But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by just watching others win. I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin. I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before, I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

If you're in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out, Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt. A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true. Reach for your future with a smile; success is there for you!

By Author Unknown

Keeping your BUT

“But’ is an argument for our limitations. And when we argue for our limitations, we get to keep them. “But” is a crutch; it is an excuse for procrastinators and those of us who lack the courage to live our dreams. It allows us to validate our inaction. When hard times hit, we need to look for reasons to move forward, not for reasons to idle through life”
Authors - John-Roger and Peter McWilliams

Every success started with a dream. A dream, to which many would say, absolutely NOT, it CAN’T happen or a favorite that's IMPOSSIBLE.

Despite the negative thoughts, departed from drive by critics; successful entrepreneurs, business executives and athletes persisted to achieve their dreams and more.

Why is this? They kicked “BUT” goodbye. As the quote stated, if one argues for the “BUT” then they get to keep it. Which do you prefer, all your “BUTS” or to achieve your dreams? The choice is yours. Don’t allow another day to go by where “BUT” steals your dreams. Create a game plan and take action to make your dreams a reality.

To your success!

Kameka

© Akima Speaks 2008

Keeping your New Year’s Resolutions

Happy New Year Everyone!

In many cultures the New Year signifies a time of rebirth, self-improvement and rejuvenation. Along with the New Year are the resolutions. Studies show that every year almost 100 million people begin the New Year with at least one resolution. Unfortunately within the first three months of the year the resolution is gone and forgotten. The reasons often vary from person to person. Nonetheless resolutions will continue to be a part of the New Year. The following are 5 tips for keeping your resolution beyond the month of January.

1. Who is this resolution for?
When making a resolution ask yourself who is this for? If the answer is my spouse, my friends or my family, then choose another resolution. Making a resolution because another person feels it is a good idea is never a good idea. For when the going gets tough it will be easy to toss the resolution aside.

2. Write it down and be specific.
One of the biggest factors for following through with a resolution is to write it down and be specific. For example: Instead of I am going to exercise more this year, try the following, I will exercise for one hour per day three days a week. In addition to writing down the resolution, think about adding a due date. A due date will keep you on target and for some serve as that extra ounce of motivation. For example: As opposed to I want to lose weight. Consider the following; I want to lose 30 lbs. by or before June 10, 2008

3. Keep your expectations realistic.
If your resolution is to lose 20 lbs in two weeks then you are definitely not being realistic about keeping the resolution. Give yourself the time and room to get going and to deal with the obstacles that will come along the way. Be realistic.

4. Correct and continue.
With resolutions obstacles often show up and things happen. You may miss one day of exercise because of working late or ate too many slices of pizza for lunch. This happens, don’t throw in the towel pick yourself up and get back on track. The following day get down to the gym and for your next meal eat something healthy.

5. Source of Accountability.
A source of accountability keeps you on target and must be involved in the process. The accountability source can be a coach, a before picture to remind you of the resolution or a workout buddy to keep you on track with your exercise routine.

Use the following tips to keep you on target and remember if the going gets tough keep going.

To your success!

Kameka Green

© Akima Speaks 2008