Successful people have always had clear, focused goals that guide them to greatness.
It took Thomas Edison thousands of attempts and thousands of failures over many years to invent the electric light bulb, but he knew exactly what he wanted, and his goal kept him going until he achieved it. The rest, as they say, is history.
Michelle Kwan had a goal to be the best skater in the world. Oprah Winfrey was an abused child who determined to make a better life for herself.
Successful people always have clear goals. Great musicians, great athletes, successful salespeople and inspiring leaders know what they want in life, and they go after it. Great parents work at it. No one becomes an astronaut by accident!
And yet the great bulk of people continue to drift through life with no goals at all, or with only vague dreams, hopes and wishes. No wonder we achieve so much less than we could!
For those who have not yet experienced the joy of setting and achieving magnificent goals, here is a powerful set of principles that have worked for thousands of my clients. They will work for you, too. I call them The 4 Steps to Successful Goal-Setting:
1. Decide what you want. Decide if you would rather have money in the bank, or that new car. Choose the life you prefer! You can’t have everything in life; but you can have anything you choose, if you will focus, pay the price, and pursue it with all your heart.
2. Clarify your values. Too often, people choose goals that are inconsistent with their priorities and daily behaviors. Do you value health, or comfort? Is financial independence a priority, or merely a wish? In a clash between your values and your wishes, your values will win every time. Be certain your goals are consistent with your most important values.
3. Write them down! Have the courage to put your intentions on paper, in your own words. Be specific and describe your goals in detail. When will you achieve them? What will success look like? Write down the details and read your goals every day, even take a moment to summarize them every morning. Stay focused.
4. Take ACTION! To run a marathon, you must jog every day. Building a business requires that you make sales, every day. A loving marriage or happy kids require your time, your attention and your love, every day. Your daily actions need not be profound or heroic, but they must be consistent and persistent. Every day!
Success does not “just happen”. It is built like a work of art. First, it is imagined, then the skills, tools and materials are gathered, and the artist sets about creating a thing of beauty. It takes time. It requires skill, determination, persistence and faith.
Just as an artist will make preliminary sketches and work out the details in her mind, so your success requires written goals, careful choices, clear commitments and daily persistence. You can do this. Make something magnificent of your life!
About Me
- Carol Cruzen
- Orlando, FL, United States
- HI WELCOME TO MY BLOG! I am happily married to BOB. We have three great kids, Kirsten, Jim and Jonathan. Kirsten is married to Eric and they have a beautiful daughter Tess. So yes I'm a Grandma and it's GRAND. My kids say, "MOM'S CRUZEN NOW" because I partner with an AMAZING Wellness Company and coach others on how to successfully work from home. Want to join me? Visit my web: www.BeMomFirst.com. I look forward to getting to know YOU!!!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
The love of books starts early!
Me reading to our daughter Kirsten years ago.
Kirsten reading to friend. Loving reading so young.
"Books are the legacies that a great genius leaves to
mankind, which are delivered down from generation to
generation as presents to the posterity of those who are yet unborn."
~ Joseph Addison ~
Kirsten now a mother, reading to her daughter Tess.
Tess continues the legacy of learning to love books early in life.
Monday, August 16, 2010
IS LAUGHTER GOOD MEDICINE?
Knock Knock! Who’s there?
If you’ve got kids or grandkids - you know they love to tell jokes,
play jokes and make you laugh. What you may or may not know
is that laughter is actually good for your health. How do you
know this? It’s good for your heart. “The University of Maryland
Medical Center in Baltimore studied 300 people, half who had
heart disease and half who did not. They found that those with
heart disease were 40 % less likely to laugh in a variety of
situations. These people were also less likely to recognize
humor or to use it to get out of uncomfortable situations.” Even
with these studies they are not yet sure how laughter may help
the heart. However I think you and I would agree that it certainly
seems true that Laughter Is Good Medicine. So grab your kids,
grandkids, family, neighbors, whomever you like and have
some fun! Tell a joke, play a joke . . . LAUGH OUT LOUD. It’s
good for your HEALTH and good for your HEART.
Carol
If you’ve got kids or grandkids - you know they love to tell jokes,
play jokes and make you laugh. What you may or may not know
is that laughter is actually good for your health. How do you
know this? It’s good for your heart. “The University of Maryland
Medical Center in Baltimore studied 300 people, half who had
heart disease and half who did not. They found that those with
heart disease were 40 % less likely to laugh in a variety of
situations. These people were also less likely to recognize
humor or to use it to get out of uncomfortable situations.” Even
with these studies they are not yet sure how laughter may help
the heart. However I think you and I would agree that it certainly
seems true that Laughter Is Good Medicine. So grab your kids,
grandkids, family, neighbors, whomever you like and have
some fun! Tell a joke, play a joke . . . LAUGH OUT LOUD. It’s
good for your HEALTH and good for your HEART.
Carol
Monday, August 9, 2010
The Benefits of Walking
A year ago my husband and I started walking regularly in the mornings before we started our work day. Now it’s a normal part of our routine. The benefits are well documented below. ENJOY.
The benefits of walking have been documented for decades. It can contribute to weight loss, improve mental health, and lengthen life. You don’t need a gym membership or expensive equipment, just two legs and a place to start. And the benefits of walking may surprise you. When correctly done, this low-impact exercise does a lot to help you stay fit without being hard on your joints.
Here are a few documented benefits of active walkers:
•30%–40% reduction in the risk of heart disease1
•50% reduction in the risk of premature death2
•20% reduction in the risk of stroke2
•Reduces your risk of breast cancer and type 2 diabetes1
•Elevates overall mood and sense of well-being3
GETTING STARTED
Walking is a great form of exercise because you can do it anywhere. Take family, friends, or the dog and get some fresh air and exercise at the same time. Go to a designated trail, the beach, a park, or just through your neighborhood. Just make sure it’s a place you enjoy and is easy to get to.
It is a good idea to measure distances before you start, because this will allow you to focus on your form and still be able to meet a distance goal. And as with all forms of exercise, it is crucial to warm up first. Walk at your normal pace for about five minutes and then do some light stretching. After your walk, you’ll want to do the same thing—cool down for 5 to 10 minutes and stretch some more.
PROPER WALKING FORM
You may feel like you know all there is to know about putting one foot in front of the other, but there are actually a few things you may not be aware of that can help you get the most out of your walks and keep them as comfortable as possible.
Pay close attention to your posture as you walk. Good posture will help you walk more comfortably and easily, breathe easier, and avoid back pain. Stand up straight and keep your chin up, looking about 20 feet ahead of you. Support your stomach muscles by keeping your tummy tucked in. Walk in a fluid, rolling motion, striking the ground with your heel first and then rolling through to the toe. Also try and tuck in your behind and rotate your hips slightly forward. This will keep you from arching your back, which can bring discomfort during and after your walk.
Swinging your arms in the correct manner can give your walking more power and even burn more calories. Try to bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle. Keep them close to your body and don’t swing them diagonally. Swing back the arm opposite of the foot going back. Refrain from clenching your hands as well, it’s better to hold them loose in a partially closed curl. Avoid using hand or ankle weights, which put unnecessary pressure on your joints.
LENGTH AND TIME
Regarding how fast and long you should walk, the most important thing to do is listen to your body. A 20-year long Nurse’s Health Study found the majority of health benefits are obtained when walking 3 to 3.9 miles per hour, which is about 15 to 20 minutes per mile.1 Most studies also agree that walking for at least half an hour on most days of the week will help you attain desirable health benefits.2 If that’s too fast or too long for you to begin with, start out smaller and make a goal to work your way up to that point.
KEEP A TRACK RECORD
Keeping a record is one of the best ways to stay consistent with a walking routine. Record the dates and times you walk, as well as thoughts on the progress you’re making and how you feel afterwards. This way, you can track your progress and set goals for the future. If you do decide to go faster or longer, don’t increase your time or intensity by more than 10% per week.
Stepping outside and walking for better health is a safe, and social solution for improved health. With a good pair of sneakers, and some walking buddies, you’ll soon be enriching your life one step at a time.
*This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be prescriptive. If you have any health concerns, please consult your physician. Always consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
1 The Nurses’ Health Study (http://www.harvard.channing.com/nhs)
2 Utah Walks (http://www.utahwalks.org/whywalk.php)
3 AARP (http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/walking)
======
The Benefits of Walking
The benefits of walking have been documented for decades. It can contribute to weight loss, improve mental health, and lengthen life. You don’t need a gym membership or expensive equipment, just two legs and a place to start. And the benefits of walking may surprise you. When correctly done, this low-impact exercise does a lot to help you stay fit without being hard on your joints.
Here are a few documented benefits of active walkers:
•30%–40% reduction in the risk of heart disease1
•50% reduction in the risk of premature death2
•20% reduction in the risk of stroke2
•Reduces your risk of breast cancer and type 2 diabetes1
•Elevates overall mood and sense of well-being3
GETTING STARTED
Walking is a great form of exercise because you can do it anywhere. Take family, friends, or the dog and get some fresh air and exercise at the same time. Go to a designated trail, the beach, a park, or just through your neighborhood. Just make sure it’s a place you enjoy and is easy to get to.
It is a good idea to measure distances before you start, because this will allow you to focus on your form and still be able to meet a distance goal. And as with all forms of exercise, it is crucial to warm up first. Walk at your normal pace for about five minutes and then do some light stretching. After your walk, you’ll want to do the same thing—cool down for 5 to 10 minutes and stretch some more.
PROPER WALKING FORM
You may feel like you know all there is to know about putting one foot in front of the other, but there are actually a few things you may not be aware of that can help you get the most out of your walks and keep them as comfortable as possible.
Pay close attention to your posture as you walk. Good posture will help you walk more comfortably and easily, breathe easier, and avoid back pain. Stand up straight and keep your chin up, looking about 20 feet ahead of you. Support your stomach muscles by keeping your tummy tucked in. Walk in a fluid, rolling motion, striking the ground with your heel first and then rolling through to the toe. Also try and tuck in your behind and rotate your hips slightly forward. This will keep you from arching your back, which can bring discomfort during and after your walk.
Swinging your arms in the correct manner can give your walking more power and even burn more calories. Try to bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle. Keep them close to your body and don’t swing them diagonally. Swing back the arm opposite of the foot going back. Refrain from clenching your hands as well, it’s better to hold them loose in a partially closed curl. Avoid using hand or ankle weights, which put unnecessary pressure on your joints.
LENGTH AND TIME
Regarding how fast and long you should walk, the most important thing to do is listen to your body. A 20-year long Nurse’s Health Study found the majority of health benefits are obtained when walking 3 to 3.9 miles per hour, which is about 15 to 20 minutes per mile.1 Most studies also agree that walking for at least half an hour on most days of the week will help you attain desirable health benefits.2 If that’s too fast or too long for you to begin with, start out smaller and make a goal to work your way up to that point.
KEEP A TRACK RECORD
Keeping a record is one of the best ways to stay consistent with a walking routine. Record the dates and times you walk, as well as thoughts on the progress you’re making and how you feel afterwards. This way, you can track your progress and set goals for the future. If you do decide to go faster or longer, don’t increase your time or intensity by more than 10% per week.
Stepping outside and walking for better health is a safe, and social solution for improved health. With a good pair of sneakers, and some walking buddies, you’ll soon be enriching your life one step at a time.
*This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be prescriptive. If you have any health concerns, please consult your physician. Always consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
1 The Nurses’ Health Study (http://www.harvard.channing.com/nhs)
2 Utah Walks (http://www.utahwalks.org/whywalk.php)
3 AARP (http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/walking)
======
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Work at HOME Mom and Time Management
There are two extreme misconceptions about work at home moms. One is that when you are a work at home mom you have it easy. The extreme opposite is that it’s impossible. In reality if anyone was to spend just one day shadowing a work at home mom they’d quickly see that it’s not “easy”. But it’s also not impossible.
So what’s the secret? The successful MOMS with home businesses have well planned days generally beginning early and ending late. They are women with excellent Time Management Skills and they always have a DAY PLANNER.
Time management skills make it possible to juggle the many varied responsibilities that come with raising a family, keeping a home running and also building a business, therefore a detailed planner is mandatory. Most of the women I’ve talked to first plan the family time and then their work time. This way when “work time” is on the planner women can stay focused and get what needs to be done for that day and not leave “work” until “later” or “when there’s time”. If you don’t put it on the planner and “do it” it won’t get done. Truth is there never is a time “when there’s time” unless it’s planned.
Just as a mom breaks down her family and home activities and then schedules them (i.e. take kids to school, shop, put gas in the car, return library books…) so must your business activities be listed and grouped by task. By scheduling in things like email, training (for yourself and your team), calls and record keeping these tasks can be scheduled into time slots for each day. When these activities are scheduled they are no longer constantly on your mind and you can rest knowing they’ll get done at the scheduled time. This frees your mind and can actually bring a peace and joy to each day. It is also necessary to schedule in a “break” don’t forget this MOMS or you’ll “break”.
The wisest moms that work at home quickly learn how to teach their family to help them. This help may be in household chores to free up mom’s time for work or even keeping quiet while mom’s on the phone. These families experience the joy of working together and seeing success as a “team” with the added benefits of their children learning good work ethics and time management skills simply by watching MOM.
Carol
If you'd like to find out more about how I work from home go to: http://www.bemomfirst.com/ JOIN ME!
So what’s the secret? The successful MOMS with home businesses have well planned days generally beginning early and ending late. They are women with excellent Time Management Skills and they always have a DAY PLANNER.
Time management skills make it possible to juggle the many varied responsibilities that come with raising a family, keeping a home running and also building a business, therefore a detailed planner is mandatory. Most of the women I’ve talked to first plan the family time and then their work time. This way when “work time” is on the planner women can stay focused and get what needs to be done for that day and not leave “work” until “later” or “when there’s time”. If you don’t put it on the planner and “do it” it won’t get done. Truth is there never is a time “when there’s time” unless it’s planned.
Just as a mom breaks down her family and home activities and then schedules them (i.e. take kids to school, shop, put gas in the car, return library books…) so must your business activities be listed and grouped by task. By scheduling in things like email, training (for yourself and your team), calls and record keeping these tasks can be scheduled into time slots for each day. When these activities are scheduled they are no longer constantly on your mind and you can rest knowing they’ll get done at the scheduled time. This frees your mind and can actually bring a peace and joy to each day. It is also necessary to schedule in a “break” don’t forget this MOMS or you’ll “break”.
The wisest moms that work at home quickly learn how to teach their family to help them. This help may be in household chores to free up mom’s time for work or even keeping quiet while mom’s on the phone. These families experience the joy of working together and seeing success as a “team” with the added benefits of their children learning good work ethics and time management skills simply by watching MOM.
Carol
If you'd like to find out more about how I work from home go to: http://www.bemomfirst.com/ JOIN ME!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Does the FDA protect us from TOXINS in our every day products? LOOK HERE!
Does the FDA Protect our families? Are there chemicals in your personal care products causing cancer and other health issues? Take a look at this IMPORTANT VIDEO.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfq000AF1i8&feature=player_embedded
My Short Story
So a year ago I was using an inhaler and seeing the Dr. about possibly having to start breathing treatments because my "allergies" were getting worse and worse. Then my daughter suggested I seriously look into the personal care products and household cleaners I was using and REALLY LOOK at my exposure to chemicals. I did and I was shocked. So was I just needing "breathing treatments" and "inhalers"? Or was I needing to shop differently????
COMMON SENSE ALTERNATIVES: I switched stores and I've not used an inhaler for a YEAR. Now I keep learning and I'm shocked what we don't know. Learn with me send your comments and tell me what you're learning in this area of TOXINS in our everyday products.
Want to know where I'm shopping now so I don't have to worry about these cancer causing products? Go to http://www.switchingstores.com/carolc I look forward to hearing from you!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfq000AF1i8&feature=player_embedded
My Short Story
So a year ago I was using an inhaler and seeing the Dr. about possibly having to start breathing treatments because my "allergies" were getting worse and worse. Then my daughter suggested I seriously look into the personal care products and household cleaners I was using and REALLY LOOK at my exposure to chemicals. I did and I was shocked. So was I just needing "breathing treatments" and "inhalers"? Or was I needing to shop differently????
COMMON SENSE ALTERNATIVES: I switched stores and I've not used an inhaler for a YEAR. Now I keep learning and I'm shocked what we don't know. Learn with me send your comments and tell me what you're learning in this area of TOXINS in our everyday products.
Want to know where I'm shopping now so I don't have to worry about these cancer causing products? Go to http://www.switchingstores.com/carolc I look forward to hearing from you!!!
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