Personal Development Plan

I am very excited that I have become a member of Robin Sharma's Extreme Achievement Formula 2014.  I  have just started to scratch the surface of the program.

I haven't been active in my own personal development lately.  Although, I have started my binder and added pages, notes and tabs to start it out, there is lots of work to be done.  

Then I got sick, AGAIN!  So one thing I remember is to become master over self.  I have taken some time off from "learning" to take better care of my health to prevent such regular illnesses.  All that means, is I'm loading up on essential vitamins, probiotics and iron to get back to a better physical state.  Also, sleeping as much as I feel comfortable to repair my health.

Now that I am on the mend, I am ready to get back to blogging, learning, the 5 AM club, setting goals.  This process certainly is a rollercoaster.

The cool thing about all this, is the New Year is just around the corner.  I am not about resolutions but a full year to make goals and work towards them kind of feels like a clean start.

Do you ever feel like you just get started on something and then a hiccup comes along to upset things?

Impressionable Children

I took my 3 year old sliding recently and as we were leaving the hill to come home I was watching her slowly walk behind me to the car.  And a thought hit me.

NOW is the right time to make a positive change in life.  Rather than teaching our children to be positive they can watch us be positive, work hard for success and succeed.

I am thankful I am making changes now in this stage of life, as a parent to young children.

We owe it to our children to raise them right instead of telling them how to live.

I have enrolled in a personal development course put on by Sharma Leadership International.  One of the "to-do's" is to create a personal philosophy.  What kind of person do I want to be?  What kind of Mother and Wife do I want to be?   How do I want to live my days?  How do I want to be remembered?  Answering those questions provides clear insight into ourselves and our personal goals.

Just knowing about that personal philosophy and having that in the back of my mind has helped me in difficult parenting situations lately.  When things are getting a little tough, I think about what kind of Mother I want to be and my reactions and responses change.  I immediately become more patient, I find myself counting slower and more controlled to get through a few tough seconds until the world settles down.

I am not striving for perfection, I just want to improve a little bit each day.  1% each day means a 30% improvement in 1 month.  

I'm Not Going to Get All "Preachy"

I just had an epiphany.  I am usually a soapbox, preachy person.  When I get passionate about something, everyone must know about it.

That is the WRONG approach!

This blog is for people who want to join me in my journey to something greater.  If you want to read, thank you!  Your interest is what inspires me.

If this is no interest to you, then thank you for reading thus far.  I am not offended if you choose to not follow.  This journal is for me and people who are looking for realistic inspiration.

Sometimes we need support to know there are others going through what we are going through.  People we can celebrate with.  Real people who in a similar stage in life.  People to whom we are accountable.

It is sometimes hard to relate to the people who have already "succeeded" or the "teachers".  

So join me, "plain Jane", if you wish, on my way to being Iconic Stephanie!

Value versus Cost

First of all, I want to express sincere appreciation and gratitude that there are others out there that have travelled down this road I am on before me.

I am referring to Robin Sharma as just one example.  I just finished watching the second video of the Extreme Achievement Formula.  (In case you cannot tell, I am a little obsessed with his messages right now because they represents everything I am pursuing.)

One thing that resonates with me, because it applies to me, is the value of self-development.  I am one of those people, an ordinary or average person as Sharma puts it, who worries about the cost.  I want to switch my thinking.  I am worth investing in my personal and professional development.  And I have more to lose.

Yesterday, I was up at 5AM and had planned my day and I am proud to say I accomplished my 5 goals.  Each morning I am working through the whole 5 step process for having a great year.  I don't want to rush it because I want to make sure I am attracting into my life constructive, meaningful to me, experiences and circumstances.  

Now it is time to start changing my thinking more.  Incrementally, each day.  This whole process is causing me to find the things I need to progress FORWARD.

So the thought crossed my mind to search for motivational, positive books to read.  Here is the list that I have come up with.  As I read each one, I will blog a mini book review and how it pertains to changing my life.

1.  Stephen Covey - 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
2.  Napolean Hill - Think and Grow Rich
3.  Anthony Robbins - Awaken the Giant Within
4.  Norman Vincent Peale - The Power of Positive Thinking
5.  Robin Sharma - The Leader Who Had No Title

The last one, as you may know from previous posts, I have already started.  I have not finished.  I borrowed it from my local library and because I am a slow reader (I really like to re-read to absorb and understand what I am reading), my time came too short and I had to return it.  I am now waiting to receive these books from Amazon.  I don't usually buy books but now is not the time to be cheap.  Buying these books are an investment into self-development and I know that if I put the time and money into self-improvement now, it will come back to me many times over.

I have heard so much about some of these books that I am excited to get started and the big question will be, WHAT BOOK DO I READ FIRST?!?!

Missing Steps - Goal Setting

After my Humble Realizations post a few days back, I felt kind of empty and like I was really missing something about this whole process.

This morning I was up at 5AM.  Coincidentally, so was my 1 year old so after she was back to sleep, I vigourously walked the stairs to my basement until my legs burned and my heart raced.  That only took about 5 minutes, if that.  Getting fit is a goal but it is also a process.

Then I started searching for a goal setting process - something I can really sink my teeth into.  I found Robin Sharma's Weekly Design System, printed it and went about a few household chores to satisfy a need for accomplishment so early in the morning.

Then I went back to researching some tangible things I can do to get my wheels turning.  I found Robin Sharma on How To Make This New Year Your Best Year Yet video.  I paused it and ran downstairs to get a notebook.  I really wanted to put ink to paper.  I had read an article that has surfaced from a Google search called Goal Setting - The Why and the How and very clearly that states that "3% of Harvard MBAs Make Ten Times as Much as the Other 97% Combined" because "3% had clear, written goals and plans to accomplish them".

And I am not so concerned about them being Harvard students or Masters students.  What is important to me is the statistic that carries over to anybody and everybody.

So I have my notebook in front of me and my YouTube video playing, with a finger close to the space bar to pause the video when I need to catch up with the note taking.

So I started taking notes on everything Robin Sharma says, even though it's in the article about goal setting that I read, I wanted to write it down for myself.  That is how I absorb it better.  Writing is more effective for me than reading.

1.  Celebrate - I started making note of all the questions I am to ask myself.  Then I started thinking about the answers to those questions.  I paused the video and flipped a page in my notebook and within 2 minutes had written 12 things that came so fast.  Robin Sharma says ACT when you have a thought, so I did that because it came so naturally.

Back to the video and making more notes.  Once the video was finished, I hoped over to this blog post and started writing.  I am inspired.  I feel like now I can plan.

As I am nearing the time my children get up in the morning, I have on my Weekly Design System to get back to this goal setting process tomorrow morning as part of my planning and learning for the day.

I am excited!  I hope this boost of energy will help you get traction!

Humble Realizations

I feel like all my days and therefore posts are just about self-exploration before the actions.  I don't feel like I am moving forward in my journey yet although I am doing some of the actions but I do feel as thought I am discovering stuff about myself and what I want to change.

I need to write lists, goals and things to do to achieve my goals.  I went on a bit of a slump, not listening to my sleep hypnosis at night, which gives me great energy the next morning and day, not surrounding myself with positive things.  I felt a little defeated with some early judgements because of the changes I want to make in my life.  

I have re-energized myself.  Last night I listened to a sleep hypnosis on self-confidence.  I am really beginning to believe I deserve greatness, BIW (Best In World) and everything the Universe has to offer me.  I mean, Why Not?  I am a person capable of greatness just as everybody else.  A lot of great people have come from similar or harder backgrounds than myself.  Not everyone who is or was great was born into greatness.  So we are all capable of getting there, being great.  

I had never thought of this before until I watched "The Game Changer's Protocol" by Robin Sharma but everyone we know who was great or is great, got there through a process.  We see them when they are great but we never usually see them in their journey to greatness.  Which means what you and I are doing right now can lead us to greatness in the future.



I also have been surrounding myself with positivity. I started this morning with some sit-ups which not only are good for me, they'll help me achieve my goals and doing that exercise made me feel so good, like I accomplished something that most people put off - exercise.

Then I watched a few uplifting videos by Robin Sharma and some affirmations, thanks to YouTube.  YouTube is my go-to source for positivity.  You can find everything there.  And it's iPad friendly (for when I go to bed at night, I use that as my meditation tool until I can really do it on my own) and iPhone friendly.  

Your day is so influenced by what you put into your brain before bedtime and first thing in the morning.  So fill it with good things to "eat" - positive messages, positive people and happy ideas and thoughts.

First Steps

I watched my daughter standing, holding onto her toy the other day and very cautiously reached over to another toy.  As she fussed and whined, she let go of the first toy and grabbed onto the new toy.  I didn't think anything of it at the time except watched her excitedly and joyously in her triumph.

Later that evening, I was driving in the dark by myself, with lots of time to think.  With the hindsight, I reflected on that moment earlier in the day.  My daughter, although very uncomfortable and unsure, took a big step ahead in her development.  That step was the first of many.  Without that step, she will not be able to let go and walk on her own, she will not run, she will not climb, skate, ski, bike, drive or dance.

I drew the parallel in this journey toward self-development.  We are scared to take a step forward sometimes because we are unsure.  We whine and cry and feel uncomfortable but we have to take a step forward.

We may not want to wake up early but that step is the first of many more to come and without it, we cannot move forward into performance.  We need that first step to realize our potential, build confidence and plan for the next steps.

Another first step we must take in order to be excellent achievers is to look inward and be 100% truthful and honest with ourselves.  Where are we negative about life?  Where are we playing victim?  If we are to be completely honest with ourselves we will admit that NOBODY and NOTHING is keeping us from achieving our goals except ourselves.

Regardless of what you may say, we are where we are because of what we do, the decisions we make.  Our past of how we are raised is no excuse.  Many people who are rich and successful did not come from a rich and successful past.  The manufacturers of sugary drinks are not preventing you from losing weight.  Tobacco companies are not keeping you hooked and addicted to smoking.

Wake up with a HUNGER in your belly for change.  Make a list of goals and work towards them, slowing and gradually.  Make a life choice to be excellent, different and LIVE life to it's fullest.

My Favorite Quote by Robin Sharma because it makes me think

Alignment with the Universe to Assist in Achieving Goals

As I said in a previous post, one of my goals is to establish a solid, healthy relationship with my husband.  This is not to say our relationship is bad but I want to strengthen and without a shadow of a doubt, ensure it's resiliency, longevity and stability.

In my last post, I stated that information comes to you once you set your mind on a goal.  The Universe gives you bits of information or puts in the path of people that can help you see your goals comes true.

One of the Moms I am following on Twitter, tweeted about an article she read on Business insiders.  The link is posted below for you to read the entire article.  For married people, I would recommend it.

I am being completely vulnerable by admitting this but this article was so profound to me and almost like it was speaking directly to me.  I feel like the one thing missing in my life with my husband is my generosity and kindness toward him when he is seeking that connection.  I am happy I read this article now as we approach our 5th wedding anniversary instead of years down the road when it is too late.

I am happy that I have a supportive husband.  He also read the article and we both admit it was a good find for us.

Thank you, God, Universe or Higher Power for putting this in my path.

When you want to go a certain direction in life, state it, and life will bring articles, people, songs, circumstances to help you go in that direction.  Be watching and waiting so you don't miss the opportunity.

http://www.businessinsider.com/lasting-relationships-rely-on-2-traits-2014-11

Perfect Example of 5AM Club and Performance Enhancement

I believe once you set your mind in a path, the Universe lines up events and information to support that path.

Today, while I was reading an article unrelated to Law of Attraction, the Universe, 5AM club or anything to do with this journey of mine, a pop up news article "Recommended for You" piqued my interest.  The headline was "Tom Brady Explains Why He Goes To Sleep At 8:30" and right away I knew what the article was going to be about.  Now I am not a NFL football fan nor do I know very much about Tom Brady but I know his name because I know he is a big time player.  And he is a big time player partly because of this principle.

Tom never specifically says he wakes up at 5AM but he does say he wakes up early and his decisions are centered around "performance enhancement".  



Robin Sharma says to have what 1% of the world has you have to do what 1% of the world does.  And Tom Brady gets that.  He says, "I have to do things differently than the way guys have always done it."

If there was ever any doubt about wanting to be great and what is required of you to do that, let Tom Brady be an inspiration.


Here is the link if you wish to read the article yourself.
http://www.businessinsider.com/tom-brady-sleep-2014-11

Early Morning Musings

I did it!  Day 1 of the 5AM club.  And this is how it came about.  

This recount of what happened in our house last night may seem unsupportive and insensitive but it is not, as a matter of fact, my husband and I know each other so well, we know what to say to challenge the other.  Here is what I mean.

Last evening, my husband mentioned that he is struggling to lose weight.  I quickly asked him if I could give my opinion.  After a quick nod of approval, I told him it's because he isn't doing anything to lose weight.  Managing his eating is not enough and he has to get physical.  Then I said, "If you wanted it bad enough, you would do it".  

Fast forward to after my children were in bed and my husband and I were sitting in the livingroom, watching a bit of TV and I mentioned something about getting up at 5AM (like I do every night).  Throwing my own words back at me, he said, "If you really wanted it bad enough, you would do it".  

Sometimes we like to give advice but we need to really hear our own advice in context to our goals and aspirations.  This is what his words were to me.  He was right.  And I was challenged from that moment.  I had blogged about wanting this change and transformation really bad but yet I hadn't done anything to bring about the change, except read part of one book.

So this morning, I hopped out of bed as soon as my alarm went off.  I don't feel tired or groggy.   I feel exhilarated, energized and excited.  Accomplishing a goal does that to a person.

Sitting in my livingroom, post Pilates workout reading with the light on and darkness all around, inside and outside, I felt like I was the only one awake.

I write this to you because I want to challenge you.  If you really want to make a positive change in your life, or something isn't working for you, WANT the change really bad and work towards doing it.  

Write a micro-list of things you can do to make the change.  When I say micro-list, I mean break everything down to a detail because as Robin Sharma says in "Leader Who Had No Title", if you can accomplish 5 mini-goals a day, that is 150 goals per month and over 2,000 goals per year.  That is astonishing and can only bring about positive change.

Albert Einstein said it best, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

"The Leader Who Had No Title"

I am currently reading "The Leader Who Had No Title".  Tonight at dinner I was thinking about how I found my way to Robin Sharma's book.  I was tired of procrastinating so I searched for YouTube videos for guided self-hypnosis about procrastination.  Although it wasn't hypnosis, Robin Sharma's How I Beat Procrastination came up and I watched it a few times.

That led to a chain of events that just kept spiralling.  That is the thing with making changes in your life and what "The Leader Who Had No Title" talks about.  Put a thought into action and it takes off and things move faster than you can imagine.

I searched for more Robin Sharma videos.  I came across Robin Sharma's How to Wake Up Early.  That led to more thinking and searching.  

Then I looked up his books.  I searched my local library and found "The Leader Who Had No Title".  I am still reading through the first philosophy but I am hungry to find more time to read.  I am convinced to buy the book because I want to share it with my husband who reads much slower than myself (if that could be at all possible).

But while thinking about my short journey so far, I am astounded that the things finding their way into my life is just what I have been seeking and wanting to learn and read about.  This book is EXACTLY what I needed and wanted.  So if you are not sure about what EXTRAORDINARY means to me, read "The Leader Who Had No Title" by Robin Sharma.

And it lines up with a core value of mine.


I believe in being a life-learner.  One of my loves in life is learning.  I am always searching for answers on the internet, truths about life, questioning everything I hear, and part of that is the desire for self-improvement.  We are never perfect so there is always room for learning and self-improvement.

Icons don't make excuses. Legends don't sleep in.

Two mornings in a row I was up at 5AM (not on purpose) and I went back to bed.  I am not going to lie, Mind over Mattress is not easy.  I don't know how many of you struggled to do this the first time you said you were going to, but I wonder if you struggled too.

I find myself using my children as an excuse.  Part of me wants to be validated and part of me knows other successful people have had children and made it work.  

On Twitter this morning I saw a quote tweeted by Robin Sharma.  It said At the heart of mastery is consistency.  This may be where I am going wrong.  I haven't been very consistent with my bedtime, eliminating distraction before sleeping and using meditation (or hypnosis).

This is a vicious cycle.  If I was up at 5AM, I could plan all of that into my day and find time for it.  But because I don't get up, I don't plan a consistent day.

I really thought this was going to be easy. Sigh!!!

But alas, Icons don't make excuses. Legends don't sleep in.

Another Tweet by Robin Sharma

Inspiration and Day 1

I've been struggling to articulate exactly what I am trying to achieve.  And then today, while searching for books written by Robin Sharma on his website, I came across the summary of his book, "Who Will Cry When You Die"

Taken from Robinsharma.com

and it is that summary that I strive for in addition to what I have already.   And here it is...

Ready to live with greater meaning-while you experience greater achievement?

Do you seek more significance as you realize more success?

Do words like “legacy”, “impact” and “contribution” speak deeply to you? [...] 

Discover how to live your dreams, get the most from your days, awaken your power, have more fun, lead the field and make a difference in your life so that when you get to the end, you will feel you've lived greatly.

Taken from Robinsharma.com

That is it!  That is it!   So I'm getting that book to read along with other sources of inspiration I am gleaning from whatever sources I am led to.

I feel this journey is coming from a higher power.  I purposed in my mind and heart to make a change and it is all of this hypnosis and findings that are coming my way.  

So here is my update for Day 1:

I would like to start off each day with an Attitude of Gratitude and today I am thankful for the family I have created.  My loving, engaged husband who is an awesome life partner, my 2 healthy children and my own health and well being to be the best Mom I know how to be.

I am not happy to report that I did not wake up at 5AM today.  I told you I would be honest and tell the good, the bad and the ugly.

I went to sleep at 9:30 PM last night so I felt I was off to a good start.  There were no distractions before bed - no technology or TV.

This is not meant to be an excuse.  Part of me thought in the beginning this might be challenging with having two young children.  My children are almost 1 and almost 3.  Last night I was up 3 times between the two of them from 2 AM and 4:45 AM.  So I was thinking at 4:45 when I was nursing the one baby back to sleep that I could just stay awake at that point but my body screamed, NOOOOOOOO.  I just didn't have that rested feeling I had been having all last week when I was getting up at 6AM.

However, all is not lost.  I have reviewed my goals and today I:

• start my Pilates class
• I am going to do something I have resisted for about 6 months (calling the dentist to make an appointment)
• and I am going to do something generous today (I don't want to do this part for any recognition so I am not going to go into a lot of details about this one).

Off to start another beautiful day!

My Goals and Immediate Changes!

I have received some feedback already about my first post.  I want to emphasize I am not ungrateful for my wonderful life.  I have a great husband, two very healthy and happy girls and I am a happy, content and healthy woman who is dedicating these years of my life raising my incredible family, something I've wanted to do since I remember remembering.  The goals I am striving to achieve are in addition to what I already have, not a replacement and I will not sacrifice any time raising my children for these goals.  

And so...

 What sort of extraordinary am I looking for?

I want to be more in control of my life.  I want to think things into fruition, I want to feel more vibrant, make a difference in others lives around me.

Here are my goals not necessarily ordered by importance (to be honest, I hadn't thought to write out my goals on my blog so I am happy the thought hit me because now I am accountable):

1.  Become more physically fit.  I am a thin person and always have been but I have never, in my life, been fit.  Yes, I have exercised and been parts of teams but on minimal levels.  My posture is lacking and my core is weak which leads to back pain - common problems that I am committed to changing.

2.  Become more generous and giving.  I am very blessed.  I want to share the beauty and awesomeness of life with others.

3.  Become established as an icon (if I could call it that) of some sort.  I can't think beyond that and I have no idea how it may happen, but I want to make a difference in others life by written or spoken word, to pass on positive messages to change just one person's life.

4.  Create a deeper relationship with my husband.  We are true soulmates and best friends and I want to nurture all the pieces that make life long relationships work.

5.  Create more financial discretionary income.  This point goes along with point # 2.  I am grateful for everything I have and part of this goal would be to travel the world with my children, spend more time with my husband and kids together, give generously to my family and those people and organizations in need.

6.  Wake up at 5AM and apply the 20/20/20 Formula for performance.  

• I will exercise at home because I still have children that may wake up at that time.  Some ideas I have are use my TheraBand while watching YouTube videos, walk up and down my stairs for 20 minutes, jump rope, stretching (guided by YouTube videos), sit ups and push ups (guided by an app on my smart phone), practising my balancing using items around the house; all easy things to do at home, that don't make a lot of noise and yet accomplish the goal.
• Plan my day; activities I have to do that day, people to call and appointments to make, meal planning, review my goals and itemize what I can do each day to help achieve them.
• Learn.  This is the part I am most looking forward to.  I love to learn and right now there doesn't seem to be enough time in a day to do it.  So TED talks, books from my local library, Google, YouTube, apps are all going to be my best friend.  I have a list of things I already want to learn about.  I have already started but am looking forward to a structured time each day to learn.

I look forward to looking back in a few months, a year or even 5 years to see what I have done!

Changes

Just with the mentality change and desire I have put into words and intention, I have noticed a change in my energy already!  Here are a few other things I have seen an improvement on.

I am jumping out of bed at 6 or 7AM gladly (that is the key word) and feeling well rested.  This is even during my 2 weeks of sickness.  YEY!   Before I would go back to bed and fall back to sleep only to wake up feeling groggy and cranky.  So that is already a victory for me and on the road to my 5AM early starts.

I've signed up for a Pilates class, something that has been on my list for a long time.  This is part of of my fitness goals.  I am working on getting energy through exercise but also to make my body healthier.  Improving my posture is big on my list of goals.  

I am making healthier choices like putting sweets down after dinner, eating smaller portions (and still feeling satisfied), walking when I could be driving, running a few blocks instead of walking, only drinking 2 cups of coffee in the morning and then dumping the remainder out so it doesn't tempt me; little wins on the way to a healthier lifestyle. 

I started this blog.  One of my life goals is to become a writer of sorts.  I have so many ideas for blogs and documenting this journey is one of them.

I started a small project and finished it within 5 days - start to finish.  That has not happened in FOREVER.  My mother asked me if I had a growth chart for my kids last Friday and with inspiration from a friend who did her own, I started it last Saturday and put it up on the wall on Thursday.  

I want to stress that all of things I have started to do in terms of exercise and making different, healthier choices, has not been a huge sacrifice.  I want to make a lifestyle change that I can sustain so if it's gradual that is fine!  

You can do all of these things too.  You don't need expensive exercise equipment, a gym membership or fancy clothes to get a little more active.  It starts with a little bit and grows as you get better.  Get off the couch the first time - that is the hardest part - because it's a vicious cycle whichever way you choose.  If you exercise, you get energy which helps you exercise more.  And the same goes if you sit around.  You are too tired because you haven't exercised but you can't exercise because you are tired.  Vicious Cycle!  Only you can break it!

I am so excited to start the 20/20/20 5AM Club on Monday morning.  I have committed to doing it 5 days a week to start.  I am healthy and feeling so much better so no delay, I'm starting Monday!

The Journey Starts with a Desire!

The idea just hit me a few days ago to journal my journey through this phase of my life, the phase where I am looking to better myself and my life.  Don't get me wrong, my current life is WONDERFUL!  But I feel ordinary.

I need to preface this whole blog by saying I am not trying to be egocentric.  This blog is strictly to demonstrate the power within us using myself as a tool.  It is a teaching tool for others who want to become extraordinary!  

If I can do this, ANYONE can do it!  I am going to be very real about this.  All the ups and downs will be documented.  Do I think it will be easy?  I don't know but I WANT THIS SO BAD but I know it won't be perfect.

The story begins...

Rewind about 2 weeks.  I was cleaning the desktop of my computer, deleting things on there that were no longer relevant to our family's life.  One folder I had on there was called "Gale Glassner Reprogram Your Subconscious".   I have had that folder on my computer since April 2013 - one and a half years.  Holy Procrastination!  I created a playlist in iTunes with the contents of that folder and then loaded it up on my cell phone.  In all my "spare time" I listened to most of the 62 clips.  Most of the contents were talking about Self-Hypnosis and how to reprogram your subconscious to get out of your life what you want.  I am also a big believer in The Secret but that hasn't really stuck and I think because The Secret fails to explain exactly how to go about adopting the Law of Attraction in your life - at least for me anyways.  I will explain that later.

Anyway, I was getting tired of looking at my To-Do list and an idea popped into me head to start using YouTube to find hypnosis-related videos that support what I learned in Gale's program.  First video I searched for was for procrastination.   I have procrastinated for years, well maybe all my life. That is evident that it took me so long, 18 months, to get around to listening to Gale's program.   Thinking back to my school years, I would leave studying and homework until the last minute, sometimes until I got on the bus to go to school.  It is time for a change NOW!

I have a list of things I want to change about my life, but one thing at a time, Gale says, as you don't want to overwhelm or confuse your subconscious.  I found a few videos that I listened to while going to sleep and within 2 days I started to tackle one thing that had been on my list for 1 year.  I was painting letters for my baby's bedroom before she was born.  She is now 11 months old and the letters have been in a bin this whole time, unfinished.  

Then, I stumbled upon someone I had heard about from a friend but had never paid attention or even looked into him.  When I searched on YouTube for Beat Procrastination, ROBIN SHARMA came up and his video, How I Beat Procrasination" resonated with me. Then I found another video from Robin Sharma about the 5 O'clock Club - getting up at 5:00 AM.  The video is called How To Get Up Early.  Watch it as the message is amazing.

Here is what resonates with be from those 2 videos:

• If you want to be extraordinary you have to do what extraordinary people do
• Only 5% of our lives are happening in our conscious mind.  So if I can assist the 95% of my mind - the subconscious - with positive images and statements, my life can change BIG TIME for the better.
• Dream Big - you can have all your dreams come true.  Why does it have to be someone else?  Why not me!?!?!?!  
• "Change is hard at the beginning, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end."  Robin Sharma
• Exercise is so important for many reasons.  We all know this and it's perfect that it's part of my transformation because I have been procrastinating on exercising.  So it will accomplish two things for me:  assist me in achieving my goals and it will be a goal I will accomplish.
• Many other things but I fear this blog is getting just about too long and there is still so much I have to say.  

I purposed in my mind to get up at 5:00 AM weekdays only.  I have 2 very young children so we'll see what kind of rest I'll get doing this.  Bedtime must be 10:00 PM and no later.  That is going to be pretty easy most days.

Monday morning was going to be DAY 1.  Do you sense some procrastinating excuse coming your way?

Not so!  Even extraordinary people get extra rest when they get sick.  I am currently battling a sinus infection and cold so I've put off my 5AM risings until I am better.  After 8 days of this sickness I'm happy I made the decision.  I started listening to Sleep Hypnosis videos for wellness, health and boosted immune system to get better.

My next post I will start to discuss some of my wins and accomplishments already.

I am hoping by Tuesday morning (Monday is Canadian Thanksgiving) I will be well enough to get up at 5.