Making It With a Vision: Eyes to The Sky

 

 

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

~ Harriet Tubman, Conductor of the Underground Railroad

 

            Imagine freedom. Done.

            Vision: A plain message to prevent personal perish.

            From Kunta Kinte to Harriet to Martin to you, we harbor plenty of iconic images of what it has taken and takes today to achieve the right to be. Shackles to shacks and now suburbs, this new life shape is unfolding. From you to me, can we model their grit and, yes, sacrifice? Whatever it looks like in time, energy, money, effort, or even loss, make the picture of your envisioned reality as plain as it needs to be. Imagine your career, your family, and your everything else.

            The dream triggers this new thing that you want. Measureable and to the point is how to capture this goal. Ask yourself: How badly do I want this? What am I willing to go through to get it?  Only you have the answer!

            As Earth, Wind, and Fire sing, “Keep your head to the sky.”

            Dream, imagine, and take a risk!

 

 

Excerpted from my book,For People of Strength, Soul, and Spirit:

Seven Guidelines for Life & Career Success  http://www.amazon.com/For-People-Strength-Soul-Spirit/dp/1479237019
 

 

 

 

Be Victorious! Find Your Village to Celebrate

 

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

Frederick Douglass, Abolitionist

Celebrating victory at my first book signing in July 2011

 

            The paths we’ve trod tell our stories of triumph and we should tell them one by one, stride by stride. Whatever these stories are— no matter how big or small, they are ours.

             When I wrote my autobiography Navigating Life's Roadways, the anecdotes from my childhood and adult experiences reveal a plethora of  my struggles and successes. For instance, because I was raised in a house with no indoor bathroom or running water, it was certainly a glorious moment when I had a toilet inside the same place I lived. Now I even have a few. The flush is a win! My first job as a dishwasher at the cafe in my hometown of Waverly Virginia paid fifty cents an hour and now I make a little more than that! (Although between my schedule and the hours I keep being self-employed, there is no doubt there may be times when I still make fifty cents an hour!)

            At our family gatherings we laugh and reflect on the extremely difficult challenges of our past and revel in the at times not-as-difficult skirmishes of today. As the expression goes, “It’s all relative.” 

            Most of us can glance back and be in awe of the conquests made within our community of family and friends. Kids graduated. Promotions came. Cancer went into remission. Grandchildren finally arrived. Wrongly accused were exonerated. Churches were joined. Houses bought. Loans came through. Good jobs came along. Car started—again. Checks are in the mail. Opportunities are open. Laws passed. Times changed.

            I stop and rejoice in the overcoming—reaffirming the progress in our gathered and appointed places.

 

            We have earned the right to stand back and admire our fortitude. After all, finding the way forward requires much effort.

 

Excerpted from my motivational autobiography, Navigating Life’s Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey in print and Kindle eBook http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008FQDPYE

 

Success: Define and Claim the Destination

Let’s look at the definition of success itself. For each of us it can be different, based on who and where we are and how we dream of the future. From employment in a job or career that provides fulfillment, to the ability to take care of a family, to economic stability, to being a good neighbor, to being respected in the community and place of worship, to being in good physical health or having solid, loving relationships—the range of how success is defined is personal.

            Prosperity on these important fronts brings its own richness to life; degreed or not, color of the collar in your work situation, address of your residence, cash flow stuck or surging, bounty or barely holding on. Recognize your personal obligations that prevent or propel. You call your life as you see it. Are you in a sweet enriching spot or rotting hole? Prosperity can be rooted in the emotional—peace of mind or strong faith. No locked in worries. Passionate about other your interests or hobbies? Satisfied or wanting a change? Your choice and your challenge. Figure and define.

            Our ambitions along with our own measure of strength, soul, and spirit add to the meaning of success. To claim this status, let’s start by discovering and working on eliminating any barriers to our personal progress.

            Are you stationed and ready?

Make It Your Vision

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

Harriet Tubman

Conductor, The Underground Railroad

            Whatever success looks like in time, energy, money, effort or even loss, make the picture of your envisioned reality as plain as it needs to be. Imagine your career … Imagine your family …

            The dream triggers this new thing that you want. Measureable and to the point is how to capture this goal. Questions to ask yourself are: How badly do you want … ? What am I willing to go through to get it?

            Only you have the answer.

            As Earth, Wind and Fire sing, “Keep your head to the sky.”

            Dream. Imagine. Take a risk.

Back On Track? The Way Forward

            First, fortify for the opposing forces and be sure you know the truth about yourselves, and your purpose. Read positive, recent, and industry targeted information. Don't rely solely on the local newspaper or the broadcasts for accurate accounts of your life or situation in America. Proceed with caution with some of the online sites. Be ready and resilient in pursuing what’s for you.  Rightly know your personal constitution. Use your IPS (internal positioning system) to guide you.

            We now become the Griots of our struggles and story. Having our own main track of information is a great place to start! Shoulder these pillars as your guidelines and go. Find your beacon. Help yourself and others continuously along the way. Pace yourself. Be gentle. Realize that sometimes along the way we all need a little PUSH.

Purpose, Understanding, Support, Healing.

 

4 Ways To Tap Into the Wealth of Your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 Who are you at the core? 

            Each of us has an eternal spring that keeps us pressing on through adversities; do you know how to draw from that well? It is a reserve of perseverance and endurance, the nature of your past applied to your current environment, the source to nurture your family circumstances and attend to the challenges and opportunities of the present day. What does this well of abundance look like for you?

            Your journey to your current place in time is unique here and you are accompanied and your story is enriched by the baggage you hoist.

            Now it is totally and measurably about you.

            What makes you stand out?

            Do you also recognize your less desirable personality quirks that could sabotage your success? Can you identify how to stay out of your own way?

            Self-awareness and knowledge are critical in this shifting landscape. Knowing the aspects of our personality that are “good, bad, and ugly” allows us with the realism we need to fuel the drive down our individual paths. This information about ourselves is a valuable tool for negotiating new territory and exploring unrealized opportunities, both professionally and personally.

            I believe we are each bestowed with abilities of wonder, making us this unique blend. From arts, culinary, mechanical, scientific or plain common sense, the range of what we bring to the world is vast. Some gifts we are born with, others come as the results of how parents, caregivers, and teachers have instructed us. Eventually our own choices and pursuits add to this list of areas where we can excel.

            Our goal is to find these talents, at the right time, with the right count. Do not delay. Do not let others keep us from this treasure. These attributes shelter us in the turmoil of today, becoming our "fall back" in challenging economic and career times.

 

So here are four ways to best tap into this personal reservoir.

1.   Recognize That Assessment Is Continuous (Of Self, Skills And Situation). 

            Why? Because things change. We grow as we have new experiences and acquire fresh knowledge. Making decisions prompts new insights. Otherwise we stagnate when the status quo is just too comfortable. Sometimes a situation changes and causes us to reassess our options. Life’s interruptions can sway us and we’re forced to shift in another direction. Family additions or losses challenge or comfort us. Societal issues impact our lives such as global conflict, budget cuts or innovations in our industries. Windfalls in personal finances or new technology cause us to rethink our plans. Our strengths are zapped or recharged in these moments.

 

2. Don't Underestimate Or Downplay Yourself.  

            Learning to package ourselves with all of our talents, skills and abilities is Task One. What has brought you to where you are? Stand proudly there. Too many times, I hear people say, "I'm just a ... " when asked about what they do. Think about all you have to offer and be able to put it out in the universe with power. All career fields and jobs have value in this world. Single or married, college education or GED, suburban, rural town or inner city—‘it’s all good”, solidify your place to be and give.

3. Capitalize On Strengths.  

            Who’s the best person to …? The “old folks”, like we do now, asked this question to identify resources, for everyday survival. Mostly the sources were individual enterprises, built on strengths. From raising children, doing or cutting hair, to project management or cooking to playing basketball, we each bring our unique talents to our professional and personal lives. Figure out what you do well and market that to the max. “Do you” naturally. Claim your abilities and use them smartly. Use those gifts that allow us to circumvent and morph through daily and sustaining challenges. Bring them with enthusiasm!

4.   Acknowledge Weaknesses (Or Development Areas), Liabilities And Limitations

            None of us are perfect people. And yes we all have stuff and issues. Knowing our weaknesses helps us determine which ones we can correct and provides a degree of direction for improvement. With awareness of our liabilities in tow, this data helps us to avoid wrong careers or environments. Then there are some tasks or skills we just cannot do, they are our limitations. Various aspects of our personalities help or hinder us. Patience, attention to detail, outgoing or shy—some of us are, some of us aren’t. Own up!

Excerpted from the book, For People of Strength, Soul, and Spirit: 7 Guidelines for Life & Career Success  https://www.createspace.com/3983828 or Amazon

 

Be a Pioneer: Use Your Power to Move Onward

Our duty, as men and women,

is to proceed as if limits to our ability did not exist”

Unknown

Somewhere around the junior high school years, our U.S. history classes cover the compelling stories of trailblazing people venturing west—crossing the plains ISO (In Search Of) new country and treasures. As I remember studying those narratives, I marveled at how these explorers relied on their smarts, determined to know more and go beyond the boundaries.
These settlers faced the fury of the weather and exposure to harsh natural cycles. In addition, there were Indians, bandits or animals to tackle. Nonetheless, a wonderful pioneer spirit kept these groups trekking on to fresh space in their covered wagons.
My fascination with these epic narratives continued. On a business trip to St Louis in late summer of 2010, I visited the famed Gateway Arch. It stands on the Mississippi River as a monument to those who were part of the westward expansion of this great country. Beneath the grounds of the arch is a museum with an interactive exhibit chronicling the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The bronzed printed passages expertly portrayed the “guts and glory” of their pursuit to the Pacific. The end result of their voyage: 50 States claimed and inhabited because of the daring determination of those who chose to move through what was barren to create bounty.
What can we learn from these historic feats?

• Stake your claim!
• Move fearlessly onward.
• Gather your strength.
• Be curious and open to new frontiers.
• Test the limits.
• Have a pioneer mindset.

We can’t wait for someone else to tell us what or where we should be. Forking through current unchartered territories in our life or career, the mission is to inventory and gather what’s needed for our own new ‘deed’ on life. We each have a covered brand of know-how. Whether it’s starting a business or creating new ways to handle a current enterprise, press onward.
Go with your force of belief in all that might be possible. That’s your ultimate power!

You the Champion: 7 Ways To Maximize Your Olympic Gifts

http://leadchangegroup.com/you-the-champion-7-ways-to-maximize-your-olympic-gifts/

Press On! 3 Ways to Sync Your IPS (Internal Positioning System) to Destination Success

How do we find the “true north” to achieving our goals?

The reality is that in moving on down the roads of our journeys, we gain and lose ground. All is aligned with great momentum one moment. Then in the next we get misdirected and wonder how we’ll find our way. And most times we eventually do get there, somehow. Leading us to ponder, is there a life GPS to keep us on course?

I’ve surmised that we all have an IPS (Internal Positioning System) to steer us. If we engage it. Just like an automobile’s navigation system— with its GPS, dashboard and features— we too can punch in coordinates for where we want to go in life. We have attributes, strengths and limitations that direct us. Our motivations, habits or wits contribute to how we handle the inevitable bumpy roads. Destinations for our career, family, health, quality of life or relationship goals – we can arrive at these places, based on how we deploy the elements of our IPS’s dashboard.

Yet, I’ve found that this IPS, like GPS technology, has worked for me sometimes and malfunctioned others. In my car, when the quirky voice of the dashboard is silent, I check to see if the GPS is on. Particularly if I’m in unfamiliar territory.  In my life, if I’m not adhering to right messages, I sense a system failure; the signal for me then is that maybe my IPS is not on.  I feel lost, literally, on my life quest. Is this a place I need to explore more, I question. 

OR

Maybe I need to Press!

So what are three parts of the on button for syncing that IPS?

The road I grew up on

1.      Discover Your Unique Routing. Understanding how our life works in terms of its unique cycles and circumstances provides a map for focus. Why so? Knowing the design of our route helps us navigate and heed the messages in the hills and potholes of life.  I have come to realize that an off road collision in a low place is part of my special path before I slowly make my way out to higher ground and another level that God has waiting for me. Also moving through the roadways of our journey we hold different emotions and experiences that bring out our strengths as well as our frailties. At times, I get sidetracked here, but this history accumulates, becoming my cargo as I launch in another direction. Whether it’s good or bad we all carry this load. And it can keep us on a realistic route, as we define success.

 

2. What’s the Force That’s With You? This IPS is part of our drive, an engine that fuels us every day. It takes us through storms and other bad conditions. Our IPS is composed of  ‘gifts and wits’, perspectives, willingness to admit and learn from mistakes, humor, gratitude, wisdom, faith and the list…goes on.  These are the blocks of our being, in varying quantities. A good deal of this force comes from our early life values and grounding. Raised poor, Baptist, in a rural town, but instilled with hope for better times, and family who encourage me to “git my lessin”, equipped me to set out on my sojourns of twists and turns. With accomplishments and failures. There's power in both of these for us, ignited from this combustible combination.

3.      Recognize Your Hardwiring. What’s inbred in our natural circuits? There’s a DNA that makes and shapes us to be. I often share that at my core, I’m the oldest child product of a determined single parent teen mother. With no excuses, she burrowed her way through many adversities on her journey. After she passed in 2010, I reflected on what she’d left me, spiritually.  I share in my motivational memoir, Navigating Life’s Roadways, that she provided an example of sheer will and a strong work ethic for me. And I think of this when I get stuck or waylaid in my life. She taught me to drive, pass some of life’s tests and now has turned the steering wheel over to me— to keep going. The operating hardware and software of her IPS (Internal Positioning System) spiritually resides on my dashboard, with God —my ever present Pilot, the main engaging button.   I've found that there's an automatic syncing coming out of this type of recognition, which will stand the hard inspections of  our many journeys.

Press On Through Storms, Sync your Success and Drive to Your Best!

Navigating! For Success in Life, Career and Business Pursuits: Dealing With Adversity: Anchor In Sometimes!

Navigating! For Success in Life, Career and Business Pursuits: Dealing With Adversity: Anchor In Sometimes!: And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation wor keth patience; And patience, experience; and experienc...

Dealing With Adversity: Anchor In Sometimes!

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:knowing that tribulation worketh patience;And patience, experience; and experience, hope. Romans 5:3-4

I learned a lot about dealing with adversity from my mother. A single parent of four children, she never complained and continued to take on what life sent her. Because of her stance, I was able to graduate from college in spite of our family hardships. I share some of what I learned from her in this radio interview on family issues and adversity.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thestepmomstoolbox/2012/03/07/dealing-with-adversity-with-guest-deborah-parker-1#.T7I6Rm61csI.email

Moving into adulthood I further discovered that life has its hardships as well as battles, of which most of us get assigned to. Or I thought some didn’t and used to envy those people whose lives seemed to go through the right stages at the right time. Whole birth family, graduating school, getting married, securing careers, having kids — all done by age... everything seemed perfect. No ugly surprises restricted their life passages. Now what I know is that even though tribulations tug at our sanity, there are many personal ‘gets’ from seemingly unfavorable situations. Tough times can provide insight into such questions as:

• Am I still roadworthy?
• Did I gain some lessons from this struggle?
• How would I score myself in this life test?
• What does this say about my life’s navigational chart?

Sometimes we need these trying experiences.  My faith has sustained me through many tribulations. There’s an expression reminding us that “A dose of adversity is often as needful as a dose of medicine.” The wisdom and growth that comes from those undesirable moments can put us out to sail on, ‘being all we can be’. Temporarily being cast into hardship can deepen our resolve and strengthen us as go from storm to shore. Drop into it adversity. Don’t drift away.

More can be found on how I've handled adversity in my motivational memoir: Navigating Life's Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey, available on amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/Navigating-Lifes-Roadways-Stories-Inspiration/dp/1453849858/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

9 Quick Ways to Steer Towards Your Success: From the Beginning

Deborah at 4 years old.

It really did start here. Born the oldest child of a single teen parent, there was much for me to grasp early on in my life.  So I learned to navigate.  Responsibility, focus and a love of learning put me on a trail that led to beat the overwhelming odds that could've stopped me in my tracks. My earthly entry came also in the midst of the pulsing quest for civil rights as well as gender equity - the movements. Yet, through the many lessons provided by my determined mother, wise grandparents and supportive small town community, I steered through a few things.  Graduate from a prestigious college, became an army officer, entrepreneur and now author. Not that there weren't numerous mistakes and failures along the way.  And now I share the glories of those successes and setbacks in my motivational memoir, Navigating Life's Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey. I've enjoyed some scenery on my sojourns, much of it similar to what you see in the picture above. Whether it was a smooth waterway, hard hill, or imposing stone, there's been a take-a-away in it from that part of my journey!  Sharing these nine ways for your to steer on, my hope is that you too will see that there is a message in the middle of wherever we find ourselves. Use it to move forward!

1. Be determined to drive on!

•       In spite of.. headwinds,  uncertainty, and storms (Whatever they look like for you - slow economy, job market, relationship challenges)

2. Rudder at the right signs.

•       Stay anchored in your values, vision and interests (List and revisit them)

3. Open all lanes for learning.

•       Detours and potholes are there for a reason (If you fall in or go the wrong way, so what? Find a way out or around)

4. Crank your motivation motor.    

•       What’s the gas in your engine? (Passion, giving back, your expertise, challenge, taking care of your family )                            

5. Acknowledge fellow travelers.

•       We don’t journey alone. (Get support from friends, mentors and network)

6. Plot a route that’s realistic.

•       Be who you are and pace your journey to your style of moving (Do you)

7. Rejuvenate at rest stops.

•       Take a break, vacation or staycation (Have a special spot that fuels you)

8. Boldly stay on the boulevard of belief.

•       See it to the right, left, front and rear as you check your mirror views (Engage!)

9. Claim victory at critical times.

•       Segment your successes for each leg of your journey (Small wins are good)