31 Days

31. Yup. That's all we have. 31 days left to 2014. If you're anything like me perhaps you are wondering where the time went, or how we are past summer, and Thanksgiving already.

In any event, we have 31 days to work on the goals we came into 2014 with, or some we may have picked up along the way. Whether you have been successful at keeping a New Year's resolution or not, you still have before you 31 days to make something really great happen.

What can you do in the next 31 days that will put 2015 on notice that you are coming for it?

You could:

• Start walking
• Learn to cook new recipes
• Learn new computer software
• Register the name of your new business
• Work on writing a business plan
• Spend more time with your children
• Begin to meditate and/or pray 
• Learn yoga
• Journal
• Learn to crochet
• Clean out closets and storage areas
• Look for a new job
• Look for a new place to live
• Volunteer
• Begin writing your book
• Take a trip
• Do daily affirmations

There are so many things you can do in the next 31 days to help you leave 2014 on a good note.

So what will you do?

Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes

I came across this article about a woman who lost 180 pounds, but was still unhappy. As someone who has been working, and more often than not struggling, to get healthy I found this article helpful.

Whether you want to lose weight, start a business, buy a new home, graduate from college, etc. you can not base your happiness on the end  result.  What happens if you buy that new home, or get that degree, or new business and you are still not happy?

Happiness, according to this article, must come from within even while you are on the journey.
I have been guilty of thinking I will be happier once this or that happens.

I've learned, however, that I really do need to enjoy the journey. There will always be something to overcome. The change in my happiness level needs to come from within, rather than without.

What thing or event are you basing your happiness on? Check out this article and find out why being happy in the present is so important.

What If I Fail?

What if? What if I try something new and I fail miserably? What if everyone laughs at me for even trying? What if when I walk into a new classroom, job interview, volunteer center, everyone looks at me like I have four heads? What if I spend my savings to start that new business and I go broke? What if???

I'm sure that we have all had these thoughts. I know that I have had way more than those listed above. I remember Iyanla Vanzant called it "AWFULIZING." We often imagine a scenario that is way worse than what the reality of a situation will be.

I came across this article "Realizing Your Dream: Stop Dwelling on “What Ifs” " and could relate so much to the author. She too had dreams when she was younger that she let go of because of fear. Now, however, she has decided to go back to school and study biology inspite of being over 30- years- old. 

If you've been stopping yourself from going after a lifelong dream because of the "what ifs" now is the time to stop. Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway. Say yes and go for it!

Stay Motivated Links

Anyone who is trying to accomplish a large goal knows that throughout the journey
you must do many things to stay on track. You must recommit yourself to your goal, remember why you started your journey in the first place. Finding inspiration wherever you can, and reassessing your strategy are also very important. Here are some links to help you along the way:

• Once you know, you can make the necessary corrections :12 Habits Standing Between You and What You Want
• Because it is never too late to dance: Too Big For Ballet?
• What are you reading this summer? Here's a great list of books for new business owners.
• Acceptance, the key to overcoming your fears?
• You can lose weight over the summer. Top 10 Tips For Fat Flushing Your Summer.
• Too hot to workout? Think again. 6 Ways to Rock a Summer Workout.
• My favorite kind of story...52 Year Old Graduates From UCLA With Honors.