Motivational Monday: Starting your journey

2012 is officially in! Have you started your journey or are you still waiting for someone to pick you up? I would have to say that my journey in 2012 began in 2011 with all the seeds I planted. As I sat at my desk reviewing the previous year, I was reminded how much I accomplished and how much I prepared for last year! 365 days goes by so fast and we fail to realize that we are always on a journey with multiple destinations.

Whatever your destination(s) are this year, don't wait for the opportunity to come to you and DO NOT wait for someone to pick you up! Your journey began when you first thought of your destination so NOW is the time to put rubber to pavement and get moving!

"Standing still is the fastest way of moving backwards in a rapidly changing world."
       -Lauren Bacall

Thoughtful Tuesday: Taking Risks

As the new year ushers in, what risks are you thinking about taking to be a better you? Are you going to try a new fitness regiment? Or maybe meet some new people? Possibly go to some new places...travel even? When we think about our New Year's Resolutions and where we hope to be this time next year, we must think about the risks that are involved in ensuring that our goals are met. Now I know when you think about risks, you think mostly of the negative. The what if? We are so caught up in our fears that we forget about the risks that are involved if we DON'T accomplish our goals.

But instead of asking ourselves, "what if this doesn't happen? or what if I am unable to accomplish it?" think of "what you would do if you knew you couldn't fail?"

"What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?"

What would you do? It is the confidence we give ourselves in THAT question that allows us to meet our goals with minimal fears. It is through asking ourselves that question that we can not only realize our dreams, but also make our dreams bigger.

As you go into the new year, thinking about your resolutions and goals, don't spend time contemplating the negative risks, think about the positives risks as well. Think about your sense of accomplishment. Ask yourself "What would you do, if you couldn't fail?"

9 of 18 tricks to make new habits stick via Lifehack

If you read yesterday's Motivational Monday Post, then you know that it takes approximately 21 days to form a new habit. You also know, that I think instead of waiting until the new year comes in to start your resolutions, you should start your resolutions now so that they become habits before New Years'. I'm sure you're wondering to yourself, "Okay, I know what (good) habit I want to start, but I need some help on getting started or staying motivated."

I read this really good article from Lifehack that provides some really good tips on sticking to your new habits. Some of those tips included:

• Start simple. Don't try to completely change your life in one day...
• Get a buddy. They'll keep you accountable and motivated. PLUS, you can swap tidbits and advice with them.
• Be Imperfect. Try your best, but expect a few bumps along the way.
• Use "but" to turn negative thoughts into positive and motivating ones. Example: I just can't give up this [insert bad habit here], but I know in the end I will be the better for it.
• Remove temptation. No explanation necessary.
• Write it down. Writing makes your ideas more clear and causes you to focus on the end result.
• Stay Consistent. Consistency saves...Complacency kills.
• Spend time with role models. Spend more time with the people whose habits you want to mirror.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY: Do it for yourself.

And if you still need a good kick in the bottom, here is the complete list of 18 tricks to make new habits stick (via Lifehack)

Exciting new changes!!!!!

With the new year, comes a realization for new beginnings and to start a new. When I created the Unemployed [but Empowered] Entrepreneur, I did so originally with the intention of creating an online portfolio.

It quickly evolved as a way to inspire others to go for their dream job, start that new business, and to be the best version of themselves in general. And yes I have been told that I have been doing a pretty good job of that. But again, the blog is evolving. As my business grows and I grow, I am realizing a need for you the readers as well as potential clients, investors, affiliates, interns etc.

I'm realizing that for the sake of my business, I need to let you know more about it. I need to let you know more about what we do and why you should hire us. I need to let you know that I'm not in this business and SOA (pronounced So-uh) Event Concepts is not in this business for s**ts and giggles. We are in this business to inspire you and your events through our unexpected levels of creativity, resourcefulness, and knowledge. I know you enjoy getting the inspiration and trust that that will continue, but I am now going to separate the business from the CEO.

You will continue to get insight into business and industry related information as well as the inspiration and insight that you've come to know and love on The Unemployed [but Empowered] Entrepreneur, but now you will get everything SOA and event related on the new blog, http://soaeventblog.tumblr.com created and managed by our new interns as well as myself.

So I implore you, as the new year comes in to add a new blog to your roll with the SOA Event Blog and sit back and prepare to take an imaginative ride with us.

Remember, "your event is only as limited as your imagination." and so is what inspires you.

The Unemployed [and constantly evolving] Entrepreneur