2017 What I learned, and What I will do in 2018.

Fireworks isolated on black background
Fireworks isolated on black background

Well, we are almost at the end of 2017, and this chapter in our lives will end.   I was talking to a friend of mine today, and we were talking about possibilities, opportunities, and lessons learned.   We each made a list of what we learned from this year.   We determined that respect, determination, and hard work were the keys for our survival.  Overall, it was a good year.

As you see this year come to a close, focus on what you learned and be thankful you are here to provide your own evaluation.   As you celebrate the coming new year, think about the opportunities and possibilities for 2018.   What do you want to accomplish? What are your dreams?  Take a moment and reply.  Let me know what some of your goals are for 2018.   Some of my goals are to release two new books, grow my coaching business, and take piano lessons (they say you are never too old to learn).

Reply in the comment section, and let me know what some of your goals are, and let’s make this a great year for us all.

New Year, New Opportunities, New Possibilities, New YOU!!!!!!!!

Dr. Regina Banks-Hall

 

 

 

2017 Year-In-Review. What Did You Learn?

Goals Key Representing Aspirations And Targets

Well 2017 is almost gone, and I am sure you have identified the good and the bad experiences for the year.   As I was conducting my own evaluation, I realize that this was not the ending but actually the beginning.   On January 1, 2018, we get to start a new chapter in the book that chronologizes our lives.   Therefore, I want to encourage you to celebrate the good experiences from 2017 and learn from the bad ones.   Do not allow the bad experiences to keep you from moving forward towards your future.

Thus, as we move close towards the end of the year, identify your goals for 2018, and apply the smart principle so it allows you to measure your success.   Take the lessons learned in 2017, and utilize them to help you achieve success in 2018.  The smart principle  is acronym that describes the following as it relates to your goals:

S = Specific  M = Measurable  A = Attainable  R = Realistic  T =  Timely.

By utilizing this principle, you can measure your success as we move throughout the year, and achieve what you desire.  The time is right to invest in yourself.

Dr. Regina Banks-Hall

 

 

Maintain Your Momentum

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As we continue down the path of success, we have to identify and celebrate causes that propel us, because they allow us to continue towards the life we desire. Here are some tips to continue your success

1. Set powerful goals.
Setting goals for ourselves are very important because it allows us the opportunity to measure progress. Goal setting shapes our dreams and gives us the ability to identify clear actions for achieving what we desire in life. Finally, goals are great because they allow us to stretch and develop in ways we never dreamed before. As we grow and stretch, what we do and the person we become, on our way to the top define our character.
2. Stay motivated
Make a decision to go all the way to the top. Make a decision to be the best at what you do, and get serious about achieving your mission. Maybe you have only thought about achieving your goal, but now it is time for you to go and get your success.
3. Stay inspired
We all know inspiration when we feel it. We can’t sleep, we forget to eat. Sometimes we write our ideas on paper, and whatever we can find. Eleanor Roosevelt stated, “We gain strength, courage , and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face..we must do that which we think we cannot do”. Inspiration is like a gentle push, that moves us forward.
4. Learn good habits.
Success individuals chose good habits over stagnation. As I was completing my doctorate degree, it did not seem like I was moving forward, but as I completed each class and looked back over my progress, I was moving forward. I was creating a process that was leading to success.
We can buckle down to achieve our goals, and make life a little easier or we can take the easy road, making it harder for ourselves. Remember our good habits will vary, therefore as individuals, we must see the ones that strengthen our confidence, and lead to a satisfying journey on the ladder of success.
5. Find some time for yourself.
As you continue down your journey of success, find 15 – 20 minutes for yourself. This helps to lead to a healthy life. Take a yoga class, read some new books, spend time with your children at the museum or a park. The key is to find time to let go of the stress, which supports you mental, physical and emotional well-being. You want to be around to achieve your goals.

Traits of High Achievers

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Have you often looked at other successful people, and wonder how they have achieved so much success?  Surprisingly, the keys to success are often the same strategies for most people. Listed below are several characteristics of successful individuals.  Look at this list, and you will find that you too, can achieve the same level of success.

1. The first trait of high achievers is that they are ambitious. They believe they have the capacity to excel. They are risk takers and believe in the vision they have outlined for their future.

2. They remain committed to their goals. To reach success, we must remain committed to our goals and dreams. Therefore, you must believe in the product you sell, the company you own, or the vision you see for yourself. That commitment can be used as motivation for success.

3. Successful achievers are also consistent learners. When you are a consistent learner, you are always feeding your mind, new information. Successful achievers will also ask questions when seeking new information. By always feeding your mind new information, you are always ready to take advantage of new opportunities, and feel confident about your future.

4. Finally, success achievers, are willing to take charge of their lives. Whether you work for someone else or self-employed, you are in charge of your destiny. Therefore, it is important to map out a strategy for your life, stay committed to your goals and dreams.

When you begin to think like high achievers, your attitude, work ethic, and your goal setting strategies will change.  You soon discover, you are achieving the same level of success.

Dr. Regina Banks-Hall

What is Your Personal Development Strategy

Untitled design (5)Personal development focuses on activities that improve awareness, develop talents, potential, and enhance the quality of life helping individuals realize their dreams and aspirations. Personal development takes place over the course of a person’s life. Therefore, sometimes our plans can change and we must reevaluate our goals. If I am speaking to you, I want you to know; there is still time to make your dreams for improvement a reality.

In writing my first book, one of the strategies I implemented was learning from my mistakes, encouraging myself to move forward. I realized that if the dream was worth achieving, it was worth fighting for, and I pressed on towards my dream. I also only shared the dream, with a few people, I knew would support our dreams. I defined a strategy, set a target date for completion, and used positive reinforcements to stay encouraged.

Therefore, I encourage you to take some time, think about what you still want to accomplish this year, and put a plan in place to reach your goals. Sometimes, achieving things in life is all about creating a strategy, defining a plan, and execution. As we reach the end of this month, determine your strategy and execution strategy for achieving success.

Dr. Regina Banks-Hall

The Power of Your Mind

mwental makeoverUnderstanding the power of your mind is important. Your thoughts are powerful and they frame how you view your successes and failures. Through my own journey, I have learned how to carefully guard and discern the thoughts that I accept about myself. Over time I learned the key to success is developing a winning mentality.
Here are a few of my secrets for success.
1. Be care about the thoughts you accept. What you accept becomes the formula for your life. The Bible tells us, as a man thinketh in his heart so his he. Therefore, plant thoughts that allow you to develop and grow into the person you want to be.
2. Get rid of negative thoughts. Negativity can shape your outlook on life, how you interact with people, and handle situations. When you find yourself in the midst of trials, focus on how you will come out on top, and the lessons you will share with others after you succeed.
3. Plant positive thoughts daily. To change your mindset, you must see yourself as the person you want to be. Positive thoughts about your future and your goals, support inspiration, and can be the beginning of something great happening in your life.
4. Renew your mind daily. Every day, I focus on the value I want to bring others. I think about my goals, what I want to achieve and I continue to move forward. Therefore, fill your mind with thoughts that add momentum and create a cause of action. When you begin to see yourself in a different light, your thoughts about yourself and your possibilities will change.
Please watch this video of a lady following her dreams. Changing her thoughts and using the power of her mind, was one of the clear keys to her success.  80 year old bodybuilder
Enjoy
Dr. Banks-Hall

Transformational Leadership and you

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Today, we need strong leaders who empower others to reach heights they never dreamed possible. Thus, a strong transformational leader can expand their capacity and move them beyond their day to day operations, and encourage them to focus on long-term strategies that garner success.
Leaders need to focus on developing a transformational leadership strategy that creates positive growth and engagement among everyone who crosses their path. Listed below are the 5 transformational leadership qualities that can have a huge impact on you, your organization, and business.
1. Define a clear vision:
Transformational leaders define a vision of what they want to achieve, and they have the ability to communicate this vision to everyone within their organization, or circle of influence.
2. Find the courage to embrace your gifts:
An effective leader needs the courage and willingness to embrace their uniqueness, make tough decisions, and step out on the ledge for something they believe in.
3. Self-motivation:
Transformational leaders are passionate and motivated, and attract others who feed off their passion.
4. Inspiration:
Transformational leaders, have the ability to inspire others and get them to buy into their vision
5. Set benchmarks:
Transformational leaders model a company standard that they expect everyone to follow. They clearly communicate their vision, expectations, and how this standard is to be carried out throughout the organization. Simply put, they don’t just “Talk the Talk,” they “Walk the Walk.”

 

Change Your Definition of the Word Failure

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The word failure has been used to define the lack of success. The lack of success, is often associated to a person’s definition of success. For instance, Thomas Edison experienced many failures, before he finally experienced his break through, which led to the creation of the light bulb.  Had he not pressed through his adversities, he would have missed his moment, and his place in history.  Thus, failure, was a major contributor to his success. When you read about many famous individuals, you will find their stories have one common theme.  This theme involves starting over many times before finally achieving success.

In order to move forward in your journey, you must examine your setbacks and look for possibilities.  The setbacks you may have experienced, are only  opportunities to start over and achieve something great.  Failure is not fatal nor final, it provides a doorway to an opportunity that was previously, unseen.  Are you ready to start over and use your failures to create your success?

Give yourself a mental makeover.

public-domain-images-free-stock-photos-high-quality-resolution-downloads-public-domain-archive-8                                                                                                                                                                                             This week, I experienced something incredible. A friend of my defended her dissertation. After presenting her study to the committee, her chair walked out the room, and congratulated her.  As I sat through the process, I begin to think about the mental makeover; she experienced in order to complete the process. As individuals, we often focus on our flaws, by allows the flaws to keep us from moving forward into our purpose. We use phrases such as: I cannot, I am not qualified, and I lack education. This type of negative thinking limits our potential.
We must train our minds and use positive words. Instead of saying I cannot, we must tell ourselves I can. Instead of I will not, we must say I will. Our mental outlook affects our attitudes, regarding our success.  Therefore, I challenge everyone to give yourself a mental makeover by removing negativity and replacing it with positive reinforcements. We are essentially, what we eat. Therefore, push back the negative plate and eat something positive.
Regina

You are destined to win, go out and make it happen

Vision Road Sign with dramatic blue sky and clouds.
Vision Road Sign with dramatic blue sky and clouds.

Do you believe that time has passed you by, or your best days are behind you? Are you spending a lot of time talking about the good old days, allowing this excuse to keep you from moving forward? Well the truth of the matter is you still have time to achieve your goals. However, it all starts with how you view yourself.

First, stop focusing on the past and begin to focus on the future. Second, visualize yourself achieving your goals. Third, create a plan for winning and fourth expect to win.  When we change our attitude about life, our purpose and our abilities, we can expect to win.  Therefore, it is a perfect time, to start over and achieve your goals.  Set some new goals, create a new plan, and go out and make it happen.  Remember, you can achieve anything you want after believing in yourself.  Let go of the past and go out and win!!!