It’s been 17 months since I’ve published a blog post. One-Seven. I’ve missed you. It’s time to re-engage.
Some of you - I saw yesterday. Others, a few weeks ago. I haven’t seen a few of you in months or even years. And the rest? We haven’t even met yet.
I’ve been blogging since June 2019. A lot’s happened since then and even more has changed. There’s been ups, downs, and just about anything you can imagine in-between. The same can be said for you. What have you learned this year? Where have you grown? What do you need to continue to improve on? Take a minute and reflect on these questions.
I’ll share a few of mine!
1) Gratitude Is The Key
I’ve always said “Thank You” - it’s how I was raised. I’ve always felt grateful but never understood gratitude - until I began to learn more about it and practice it. That’s exactly what it is too - a practice. If you incorporate gratitude into your everyday life you build a foundation to lean on. It can cultivate new meanings, strengthen relationships, and give you the perspective and courage you need to make changes in your life. It’s not just celebrating the good times or the wins - it’s celebrating life.
2) Self-Confidence Is Built, Not Obtained
One of my favorite quotes is from one of my favorite follows - Ed Mylett. He’s ultra-successful, has done all the things, and attained money, fame, and status along the way. Yet when you hear Ed speak - none of these things come to mind. It’s his self-confidence, gratitude, care for others, and the size of his heart that stick out. In an interview on Impact Theory - which I’ve watched roughly 15 times since I found it a few years ago - Ed shares something that has stuck with me since.
“Self-Confidence is built by keeping the promises we make to ourselves.”
We all say a lot of things. Are we following through? For me I’ve been focused on keeping my word, following-through on my plans, and simply moving the needle forward through daily action. The confidence isn’t being obtained, it’s being built.
3) Get Out & EXPERIENCE Life!
Life isn’t to be endured, it’s meant to be lived. Don’t get caught up in the what-ifs! If you’re contemplating doing something - just do it. Don’t live with regret.
This year’s been a blast personally! I’ve been able to visit Nashville twice, saw Luke Combs in concert, listened to Damon West speak, attended 14 weddings, partnered with 2 boutiques for my book, celebrated my Dad’s birthday with a family-filled lake cabin weekend, traveled to Texas to visit Becca’s nephew, watched John Daly golf, harvested crops, celebrated my sister & Ben’s vows, and spent numerous hours with family, friends, and loved ones. Woof! There’s more to come too - and I can’t wait.
4) Surround Yourself With Inspiration
You’ve heard me say it before; people either give you energy or take it away. They say you are more or the less the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. Is that true for you? Do you leave interactions with your friends or co-workers feeling inspired & light? Do your cheeks hurt from laughing? Or are you deflated, anxious, and irritated?
Choose to be around people who inspire you! My family, friends, fellow coaches, and girlfriend consistently push, and support, me in bettering myself every day. This also goes for who & what you are consuming! Negative friend trying to drag you down with them? Do you follow gossip and negativity every day on social media? What you take in every day is fueling your mental state. Make sure it’s the right stuff!
If you want to make a change in 2024 - do it. Don’t sit in worry, doubt, and indecision.
Take some time to reflect on what it is you truly want. How do you want to feel at the end of 2024? Who do you want to be? What do you want to be known for? Having a specific vision is vital to your success. If you need some direction shoot me a quick note - I can help get you started!
My word of the year in 2023 was Believe. After reflecting this month and looking forward to what’s in store for 2024 - my word of the year is Intention.
I’m so excited for the people, projects, and community that’s brewing. I’m doing my best to live purposefully and am directing all my energy towards it in the coming year. If you’ve thought about your purpose, are still trying to find it, or need to know where to start - take some time to figure out what you want! I’ll leave you with a quote.
“If you have no major purpose, you are only drifting toward certain failure.
There is one quality which one must possess, and that is a definite purpose,
the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it.”
Napoleon Hill
Find out what you want, create a plan, and execute it in 2024.
You got this.
theitsjustjakeblog@gmail.com