Perfection Is Highly Overrated

As I sit here on the metro, on my way to my full time job, one thought keeps popping into my mind – “perfection is highly overrated!” No, I didn’t just suddenly come up with this out of the blue. After all, this whole blog is about adventures in personal development.

After listening to the daily conference call for my business and reading a bit of John Assaraf’s “Having It All,” I realized that part of my struggle with success in my business, and some of my other endeavors is that I hold on to perfection. Part of the reason my business hasn’t truly expanded is that I worry about saying the wrong things, sending the wrong info, using the wrong marketing technique, steering people in the wrong direction and a whole host of other thoughts that pop into my mind. There are times where I sit and over think things and don’t take any action for fear that it won’t be perfect. Of course I know that its in those moments when action is taken that I learn the most and really build up character. But sometimes I just allow fear to stop me. It isn’t worth it!

How important is perfection really?? On a scale of 1-10, I’d give it a 2 or 3. None of us were made to be perfect people. I like to think of people as “perfectly imperfect.” We all have our quarks and nuances that make us who we are. The reason I give perfection a 2 or 3 is because I believe we can’t throw all sensibility out the window. But, in the grand scheme of things, perfection really isn’t all that important. Striving for perfection will only hold you back and prevent you from jumping in and playing the game of life.

Today, I challenge you to let go of perfection and allow yourself to experience the ups and downs life has to offer. Get in the game. Learn from your mistakes. You’ll be amazed with how much your grow as a person.

Are you allowing perfection to hold you back? What would you be doing differently if you weren’t striving for perfection?

-Jas Living Healthy -

Just Get Started – The First Few Steps Are The Hardest

What are you waiting on??? Just get started already!!

When it comes to reaching goals, pursuing passions, and living out dreams, conventional wisdom often says, “Just get started!!”  As many people embark on the journey to pursue their goals or begin to think about their approach to pursuing goals, they become paralyzed in fear, and those goals end up becoming simply dreams.

As humans, we seem to have a tendency to talk ourselves out of our greatness.  When we see other successful people, we tell ourselves the story of how they had x, x, and x working in their favor, and that is why they are successful.  We take ourselves out of the game of life before we even get started.  We seem to forget that we are all born with the skills, abilities, talents, and strengths that we need to succeed.  We just have to access those things.  Sometimes we don’t realize how truly successful we can become, or all the great things we can achieve, if we just get started.

I was reminded of this important life lesson as I ventured out into the snowy wonderland that was  DC over the weekend.

*Now, let me start with the disclaimer that in no way do I endorse going out and driving in treacherous conditions or on snow-covered roads. *

Back to our regularly scheduled program.  So, a day after the snow had stopped snowing, I decided to venture out into the world in order to do a favor for a very dear friend.  Before going out, I was very hesitant, making sure to watch the news and check the various maps and websites for road conditions.  Rightfully so, given the situation outside, BUT I almost took myself out before getting started.  After careful research, I found that the roads I would be traveling on were actually ok for driving.  For whatever reason, I kept telling myself I wouldn’t make it.

Knowing that I had given my word, I decided to head out.  With sister in tow, we went out to tackle the task of digging out the car, which by the way was completely covered in snow.  As soon as I saw how much work needed to be done to get the car out, I was ready to call it quits right then.  Much to my surprise, a neighbor came out and offered his assistance with shoveling!!  He definitely helped us dig the car out much faster than we imagined.  Another obstacle down!  Now when it came time to drive, getting out the neighborhood seemed a bit difficult as many of the streets weren’t completely plowed.  I honestly started to turn around and go right back to my parking space right then.  But I remembered the friend.  Had to keep moving.

I get out the neighborhood and onto the main roads, and low and behold, the streets are driveable.  To make an already long story short, we got to the destination and back with no problems!  In fact, the trip seemed to become easier as we went.  In the end it was well worth it, and I’m glad, I did not take us out the game before we got started.  We escaped the cabin fever, and we had a great time!  I tell this story to illustrate how important it is to Just Get Started.  Sometimes the task can seem daunting, and the first few steps can seem like big road blocks, but its all worth it.  When you see yourself moving closer and closer to your goals, your passions, the life of your dreams, you will realize those first few steps really weren’t that big of an obstacle.  You’ll reap the rewards of your hard work, and I can almost guarantee with 100% certainty that you’ll be glad you had the courage to get started.

Where are you in your life now?  Are you where you want to be?  If not, what are your goals, what are your dreams, where would you like to be in life?  Once you figure these things out, go ahead and get started!!  You’ll be glad you did!

- Jas Living Healthy -

Wealth Money System

As promised, here is the Money System I was talking about in one of my previous posts about the financial fast. My goal is to manage my money in this way (see below). I was introduced to this system by a lovely woman by the name of Barbilee Hemmings.   Barbilee has spent many years working with and training under some of the most influential people of our time, Jack Canfield, Dr John Gray, T Harv Eker, Dr Reverand Michael Beckwith, Bob Proctor and others. While working with these highly successful people, she learned a lot about success and creating wealth. I think she may know what she’s talking about…

Money System (heyyougetreal.com)

• 10% Future Fun – Never to be touched. Put in savings account or investment. Also investments into your future-invest back into business.

• 10% Let’s Give – 10% of income to offering or giving to charity

• 10% Let’s Play – spending. This account is meant to be spent – manis & pedis, trips, clubs, dates, etc. Spend on whatever you want.

• 10% Education – invest in your biggest asset – your brain or self – take classes, get books. etc. School supplies, etc.

• 10% Big Dreams – What are those things you always wanted?? – New car, new home, etc. Those big purchases you want to have.

• 50% Necessities – food, clothing, shelter. Only those clothes that you need.

Tips

• Track money and systemize it.
• Keep a log of how money is spent.
• Spend 15 minutes per day and record transactions that have happened during the day.
• Not having a recording of where money went can cripple a business from getting financing.
• Have some discussion around what you want to do with your dream money.
• Have balance around money – have enough space to be able to enjoy money.

**Challenge – get 6 jars and split every dollar earned into the 6 categories mentioned above. **

http://bit.ly/6MdWlb (money system here)

This is the direction I am planning to go with my wealth .  What are your best financial management tips??

- Jas Living Healty-

Financial Fast Coming to A Close

My financial fast officially ends tomorrow. As happy as I am that I participated in it, I am just as happy that it is ending. I have learned a lot about myself and my spending habits over the last 21 days. Such as the fact, that I kill my ability to save/pay down debt in purchasing little knick knack things like fast food, small clothes purchases, and inexpensive outings, all the while thinking I am saving money by not making big purchases . I can’t do anything but laugh at myself on that one. 20 days in, and I realize there is no way I can be saving money if I’m spending money, no matter how small the purchase(s). Duh!! Sounds obvious huh, but not so much.

My bank account is thankful, well I’m thankful really. I have had a peace of mind during the fast that I haven’t had in a while. My financial situation didn’t change, but it was great to not have to worry about coming up short on everything because I spent funds on something that wasn’t needed. My budget is still a work in progress. When the month ends, I will re-review my spending for this month compared with past month. Hopefully, I will be able to come to a happy medium.

I do plan to do the financial fast again, maybe in a few months. The next time, hopefully, I will had read the book. That’s my plan anyway. I just read in Michelle Singletary’s column in the Washington Post that there are assignments for each of the 21 days. That will probably make the fast more meaningful and impactful. In the meantime, I believe the fast will have a lasting impact on my spending. I will make it a point to really think about the purchases I make and whether they are a need or a strong want. They say it takes 21 days to learn something new, and 30 days to create a habit. I think I have done well at learning something new!!

The Optimist Creed

I received this in an email, and thought it was great.  It’s something I’m going to incorporate into my life.

Promise Yourself

Promise yourself to be so strong
That nothing can disturb your peace of mind,
To talk health, happiness and prosperity
To every person you meet,
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything
And make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best,
To work only for the best, and
To expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
As you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past
And press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
And give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
That you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry,
Too noble for anger, too strong for fear
And too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

… Christian D. Larson… Optimist International Optimist Creed

16 Days Into the Financial Fast!!

Hello All!!! So my posting has been a little slow, so I definitely apologize.  Blogging is something I will definitely have to get used to, and incorporate into my schedule.  I am now 16 days into the Financial Fast, and I have to say I am very happy that I decided to embark on it.  I can’t say that it has all been easy, but it has definitely all been worth it.  I have tempted to buy some things that are not necessities, and have had to question myself on some almost-purchases.  But, all in all, the fast has gone well.

Outside of the night, I went to WaWa and got a Cappuccino and Honey Bun during my road trip, I haven’t had any major slip ups!! I must say, I am very proud of myself because it.  The one thing I did purchase outside of the necessity list was a snack box from KFC.  Yes, a slip up is a slip up, BUT, I have to say that I am proud that the snack box only costed $2.11.   Not bad to me!! Any other time I would have spent at least $7 per meal, and stopped for fast food several times during the week.  So, for me, this is a small victory.  The only reason I got the snack box was because I thought I had to go to a meeting and was hungry.  Of course, I didn’t end up having to go to the meeting.  But, oh well, whats done is done.

Enough about the snack box.  I just want to encourage you and others, that a financial fast is definitely worth the effort and time.  It has definitely caused me to think and in a positive way.  During the course of the fast, I have been moved to think about the things I already have at home and not turn to going to the store to get new things as my first option.   For example, over the weekend, I got very hungry during the day on Saturday.  I would normally run to a Chick-fil-a or some other establishment of choice and get myself a meal, but instead I decided to look in the fridge and create a meal for myself. The reason this is big is because the meal I put together was not one I would normally put together.  I’m the type of person that likes to have a meat, a starch, and a vegetable when I make a meal.  Well we didn’t have all that in the fridge over the weekend, so I had to actually think outside of the box for myself.  But I appreciated it.

I realized that looking at what I already have is the best first option.  This also ties into other aspects of life.  As Americans, we have to the tendency to always look at whats wrong or what’s not going right, and lose hope. Its important, to look at our strengths, the things we do well, and whats going well in our lives first to see how much we really have.  I think if we can adopt this type of thinking into our lifestyles, we will begin to be more hopeful and see how blessed we really are.  It will also serves as a source of encouragement for all the great things that we can do.

The fast has been great.  It has also given me better piece of mind, as I haven’t spent money frivolously and had to worry about pulling money out of thin air to take care of necessities.  I can’t say it enough, I’m glad I’m participating in it.  As far as the budget and envelope system, it’s still a work in progress.  I have made it a habit to track what I spend every month, which is great.  But through the fast, I am really starting to learn a lot about my spending, so I working on a “working” budget.  I have a budgeting plan I would love to follow (will post that soon), but at the moment, I am not financially able to follow that plan.  So I have to create something that will work for my present financial state and will allow me to prepare for my future financial state.  (Don’t forget I am in the process of becoming a millionaire )

This is all for now.  Please, let me know how your financial fasting is going!  Until next time…

- Jas Living Healthy -

Start The Day Off In Gratitude

As I woke up this morning and start thinking, my mind couldn’t help but wander into all the things that I have to do during the day, and all of the things that aren’t quite right, including all the things that may hinder me from doing what I need to do.   On one hand, its great to think the tasks one must complete throughout the day in order to mentally prepare.  On the other, I think its of more importance to gain a little piece of mind first thing in the morning.  To be thankful for even waking up that day.

Something I heard throughout my life is that the way you start things is the way you will continue to do them, and eventually end them.  So if I  start my day off with negative thoughts and energy, I can’t help but imagine that I’m going to have a pretty negative day.  I have actually experienced this first hand.  My negative thoughts became reality.  I don’t know abut you, but I really don’t care to live in negativity.  It’s draining!

As I was sitting in the bed reflecting, I decided right then that I would begin to start my days off in gratitude.  That way I’ll have a good foundation to go throughout the day.  I have been toying with the idea of doing a gratitude journal at night, just before bed, but just hadn’t gotten around to it.  I tried it before during the summer of 2008, but it just didn’t have the impact I was looking for, so I stopped.  Maybe I stopped before my breakthrough, I’m not sure.  At any rate, I do see a big benefit in STARTING the day off in gratitude.  There are so many things to be thankful for! There is no reason the day should begin in the negativity.

I’m going to work on this for the next 30 days and see how my life improves.  To all who love me and support me, thank you! It really means a lot to me.

- Jas Living Healthy - 

It’s Restaurant Week – What is One to Do?

It’s amazing, as soon as you starting trying to save money, get out of debt, lose weight, or make some kind of change in your life, reasons not to follow through always seem to pop up.  This week is Restaurant Week in DC and I’m kind of feeling a way about it.  I would REALLY like to participate in restaurant week because it would give me a chance to experience some restaurants I wouldn’t otherwise visit in a way I wouldn’t otherwise experience, BUT that would go against the fast .  Yes, yes, yes, my pockets will thank me.  But I can’t help, but be a little sad.  I won’t go breaking my fast to participate in restaurant week. I must remember the bigger picture.  My pockets and bank account will thank me.

Reader Tia gave me a great idea – to keep track of the money I would have spent so I can see how much I actually save.  I’m going to start that tomorrow.  The rest of the weekend was pretty easy.  I didn’t go out on Saturday, which gave me a chance to read, spend time with my hubby, and catch up on some rest and relax.  Sunday was church, of course I gave for the offering there, which is still in line with the fast.  Afterwards, I hung out with family and just had a great time!  No money spent.  So far, so good!  Looking forward to the rest of what this financial fast brings.

Oh yeah, today I took another major step toward cutting down on some unneccessary expenses.  I reduced my cell phone bill! I had one of those unlimited EVERYTHING plans, but I really don’t use that many minutes every month, so it was a bit of a waste.  It actually felt like a light weight was lifted off my shoulders when I did it.  This is great! I like that the financial fast is making me really think of places I can trim down the spending.  Next step is to set up a new budget so that I can live a leaner financial lifestyle.  Hopefully this all helps me get closer to my goal of financial freedom !!

- Jas Living Healthy -

Days 2-4: Dodged Two Bullets, But Got Hit With A Monkey Wrench!

Hi Blog World!!  I apologize, I have been off track for the past few days, plus had technical difficulties with the net!! :-/.  Fun! Fun! Fun!

So, on to the day 2 through 4 updates!  Day 2 was a little more difficult than day one.  I realize a lot of people like to have meetings over meals, or just love opportunities to get together with friends to eat.  In my full-time job, I work with youth between the ages of 16-24.  On Thursday, we took them on a field trip to a great technical training school in the area.  The trip was great and informative, I think the young people got a lot out of it, but of course it ended around…you guessed it, LUNCH TIME!  Afterwards, the Director wanted to take our participants out to lunch.  Long story short, we did not go and I’m glad.  Otherwise, I would have spent my money on fast food as it is difficult for me to sit in a restaurant and just watch people eat. – Bullet Dodged!

Later that day, I was supposed to attend a meeting with my community association at a local restaurant, that has really good food if I may add.  On the financial fast, we are not supposed to spend money on eating out or fast food.  Once again, I must state it is very difficult for me to sit and watch people eat, and not eat myself. :-/ Luckily, everyone was tired, so the meeting was cancelled!! Bullet 2 dodged.  I felt like everything was really lining up in my favor at this point. – Bullet 2

After the cancellation of the meeting, I thought I was good and started relaxing for the evening.  WRONG!  I got a call from my father that I needed to go out of town and pick up my sister. .  Always happy to help, of course I agreed.  So my husband and I got on the road.  We got hungry on the way, but didn’t stop for food. Although, I was more than willing at that point.  It was on the way back that I have to say I broke my fast. .  Only 2 days in.  By the time we were headed back, it was after midnight and I was quite tired.  We had to stop and get gas, but I didn’t spend any of my own money there. My dad contributed to it.  However, I did decide to get a Cappuccino because I needed the caffeine to stay awake.  I also bought a snack.  Now, I still go back and forth on whether or not that cappuccino was a need.  Of course I know it was really a need, but I justified it because I needed SOMETHING to help me stay awake on the drive back other than people. I’ll have to do better on the rest of my fast. . – The Monkey Wrench

Days 3 and 4 were pretty uneventful.  I didn’t spend any unneccessary money.  In fact, the only money I spent was on transportation, which of course is a need.  I was so tired on Thursday, I didn’t have a desire to go anywhere and spend anything.  Now, I do have a question – If I spend someone else’s money or someone buys me something that isn’t a need, does that count as breaking the financial fast??  I really need to know the answer to this question going forward because I need to know if that is breaking my financial fast.  All I can say for now is I didn’t spend any money .   

So, the financial fast is still on. It hasn’t been perfect, but I am glad I am doing it.  My bank account thanks me.  So far, it has given me a little more peace of mind because I know I haven’t spent any unneccessary money outside of the pit stop I made on my road trip back home.  Today is Saturday and I haven’t gone and spent any money.  Which is very weird for me because I usually like to treat myself to SOMETHING when I get paid or after a long week.  Oh well, its really not that bad.  I’ve paid a few bills and thats about it.

Now lets see what next week brings.  Tomorrow I’ll be clipping coupons to see what kind of deals I can get on some of the neccessities.  I’ve also found a few good sites for coupons online (will post links later).  My husband has also introduced this financial envelope organizing system to me, which I need to check out.  Next week should be interesting.  To all you other financial fasters out there, keep up the good work!!

- Jas Living Healthy -

21 Day Fast – Day 1

:-/ Eeeeeeeeeeeeeekkkk!!

Ok! It really wasn’t that bad.  Actually, for the most part, Day 1 was pretty easy.  I made my breakfast at home (a healthy IsaLean Shake ).  My loving husband packed me a lunch (he’s so great!).  I ate dinner at home, so I had no problem not spending money on any uneccessary food today.  Of course the fast is about more than not spending money on food, but buying fast food is usually something I’m tempted with often.  It’s so easy and covenient, but at what cost?  It’s horrible for health.  That’s part of what makes this financial fast great!!

So the most difficult parts of the day have been surfing the net, listening to the radio, and watching television.  ADVERTISEMENTS EVERYWHERE!! Man, they are hard to get away from!  Everytime I have seen an advertisement for something I really like or would really like to have, I have thought about wanting to buy it.  But then I remember the financial fast .  And I won’t be making any of those impulse purchases until the end of 21 days.  Although, hopefully by that time, I will have developed a new habit of financial self control.  Other than the ads, I really can’t complain about Day 1.

One day down, 20 to go.  We’ll see how the next 20 days go!  Since I have started this fast, I feel like I really need to read up on all that I am supposed to do during the 21 days.  I want to buy the book, The Power to Prosper: 21 Days to Financial Freedom, by Michelle Singletary, BUT its not necessarily an essential need, its more of a want.  What do you think?  Do you think I should buy it because, technically, it would be an essential need if I want to successfully complete the fast? Or should I just stick with the information in the Washington Post article (see previous post)?  Hmmm. I wonder if the book is at the library?!?!  I just had a light bulb moment! I’ll go check it out tomorrow!

Well I’m signing off. If you’ve joined in the financial fast, share your experiences.  If you are interested in finding out more about it, check out this Washington Post article: http://bit.ly/7ewSja

- Jas Living Healthy -