Perseverance is Key! by Sharele Hatfield

Perseverance is Key

We hear a lot about perseverance when someone has set a goal. But how does someone persevere? It's not just something magical that happens. You need a plan, accountability and a reward for yourself when you reach your goal. Let's take a look at how to plan to persevere.

Set a Goal

In order to reach a goal, you first have to set a goal. Setting a goal is actually a science. You want your goal to be SMART. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. Instead of saying something like “I want to lose weight”, you would state “I want to lose 20 pounds by losing 2 poundss per week for 10 weeks, beginning on April 1st, 2020, and ending on June 10th, 2020.  I will achieve this by using a food tracker to keep track of my food intake, drinking eight glasses of water per day, and exercising for 30 minutes per day, four days per week.”

This goal is specific because it gives a set amount of weight that you want to lose, and the steps that you will take to lose it. It is measurable because weight loss is able to be measured on a scale. It is achievable because a 2 pound per week weight loss is what doctors recommend for someone following a diet. It is realistic, because you are not wanting to lose 20 lb in 2 weeks. You are giving yourself enough time and enough realistic tools in order to accomplish it. Finally, it is time bound because there are specific dates within your goal. 

Have Accountability 

Now that you have set your goal, your next step to persevering is to have an accountability partner. Your accountability partner is someone to help you persevere to meet your goal. This can work anyway that you and your accountability partner want it to, but the most common way is to have your partner check in with you once or twice a day to make sure that you are following the steps to meet your goal. Most people cannot persevere all on their own. It takes having a partner or friend encouraging them in order for them to stay on track.

Work It

 Now that you have your steps to persevere, and your accountability partner, you need to put in the work to reach your goal. One thing that can help you persevere is to break your goal down into smaller, baby steps. This will keep your motivation up because it will not seem so overwhelming. Plan out what you intend to do to meet your goal each day, persevere through those tasks, and check in with your accountability partner.

Celebrate Your Achievement 

 Meeting your goal is quite an accomplishment, and if you decide on a reward for yourself at each stage of your goal setting, it can help you to persevere through hard times. Let's take the weight loss goal above. A reward or celebration for losing 5lbs could be going to get your nails done. A reward or celebration for losing 15 pounds could be a new pair of shoes. Decide on small rewards to give yourself along the way to keep your perseverance up!

 Perseverance is key to meeting our goals, but we all need a little help along the way. Having a clear plan, choosing an accountability partner, breaking our goal down into smaller steps, and rewarding ourselves along the way will help us maintain a persevering spirit!

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Growing in the Time of Crisis by Sharele Hatfield

Growing in the Time of Crisis

When we think of a crisis situation, we do not often think of it as an opportunity for growth. We are generally focused on getting through the crisis, comforting those around us, and finding our new normal. However, growth is possible during a time of crisis. Let's take a look at some opportunities for growth when you are faced with a crisis situation. 

Challenge Your Mindset

Challenging your mindset is one of the most difficult things that we as humans can do. You probably have spent your entire life thinking a certain way about different topics and situations. Most of us have the mindset that a crisis is a negative thing. Try to challenge your mindset, and see the good that can come out of a crisis situation. Our world is currently experiencing a crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most people would think that this is an entirely bad situation. However, if you watch the news or look at social media, you see stories about the good in humanity coming out during this terrible situation. As Mr. Rogers said “look for the helpers.” Look for the people who are doing good at this time of crisis, and let their actions inspire you to change your mindset.

Learn Something New 

 A time of crisis can be an opportunity to learn something new. This new skill or talent that you learn could someday help someone else. We see stories about people taking this time to sew masks for medical personnel. People have learned to sew in order to help doctors and nurses who do not have enough protective equipment. Something else that you could learn that could potentially save a life is CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver. There are online classes that you can take to learn these skills that may one day help someone else. A time of crisis is a great time to reassess your skills and your knowledge, and to consider learning something new that could do some good for others down the road.

Refine Your Relationships 

 During a crisis, people often evaluate their relationships with others. This could be because they see how important their relationships are, and realize that life is short. Take this time to work on the relationships in your life. Spend some quality time, either in person or over the phone, with someone who you love. Take the time to nurture those relationships. On the flip side, evaluate if there are people in your life who are leading you down a negative path. Consider if you still want them in your life, and if not, take steps to distance yourself. This is the perfect time for doing so.

 During this time of crisis, evaluate your mindset, learn a new skill that could help humanity either now or at a later date, take the time to work on the good relationships in your life, and consider what to do about the negative relationships in your life. We can use this time as a time of growth, and learn things about ourselves that we did not previously know. 

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It's Now or Never by Sharele Hatfield

It’s Now or Never 

As we navigate these uncertain times, it seems like the world has come to a standstill. Across the country, schools are shut down, travel is restricted, and businesses are closed indefinitely. One of the keys to surviving all of this is to take a look at the opportunities that lie in our daily routines being so disrupted. I encourage you to take this time to think about what you really want out of life. Is it another job? Is it a change in a relationship? Is it wanting to prioritize a part of your life that has been lacking? Whatever it is, this is the perfect time to make that change. 

Identify What You Want Most

During these unusual circumstances, this can be the perfect time to focus on what you really want out of life. Perhaps you just want life to go back to normal. But I'd be willing to bet, for most of us, there is some aspect of your life that you want to change. Take this time to identify what you want that change to be. Then, make a plan. Write it down, and talk it over with someone you trust. What do you want to change? What are the concrete steps that are needed in order for that change to happen? Do you need someone to help you make this change? If so, reach out to them. Take this time to strategize about how your new normal is going to look.

Take Action

In order to change, we have to be willing to work for it. What steps does your change require? Do you need to take a class? Do you need to work on your resume and cover letters? Do you need to spend more time with someone? Look around for opportunities to complete the steps in your plan. Right now, a lot of online class platforms are offering free trials. Sign up for one, and learn something new. In this time of social distancing, download something like FaceTime or Zoom onto your phone and reconnect with someone who you have been missing. Use your time wisely, work hard, and follow the steps in your plan in order to make a change in your life.

Be Accountable

You may have heard the expression that a dream without a plan is just a wish. I would take it a step further, and say a plan without accountability is just a wish. Have someone who you are accountable to. Tell them about the change that you want to make in your life right now. Tell them about your plan. Then, have them commit to checking in with you every so often to make sure that you are hitting all your steps and working hard. If you are not accountable to anyone, you may never accomplish your goals.

Stop waiting for the perfect time to make a change in your life. That time is now. Take this time to figure out what you want, and make the steps to make that happen. Be accountable to someone. As we see all the tragedy in the world today, we know that life is precious. Adopt the mindset of “it's now or never”, and get going on reaching your goals! 

Supporting Others During Difficult Times by Sharele Hatfield

Supporting Others 

During this unprecedented time, it is so important to support others. We can use our gifts and talents to help people in their time of need. By doing so, we can also help ourselves feel better by contributing and helping those less fortunate. Read on to find some practical ways that we can help to support others, especially when so many need our support.

The Power of Prayer

One of the first ways that you can help to support other people is to pray for them. Make a list of those for whom you would like to pray, and if there is something specific each of those people need, write that down too. Take some time in the morning or at night do you remember those who need our support in prayer. Ask God to help them overcome their trials, and to give them strength.

Practical Partnerships

Another vital part of supporting other people is to make sure that their physical needs are being met. Take the time to check on your neighbors, your school, and your community. Are there people in need of money, time, or talent? Some practical ways to support members of your community during a crisis include going grocery shopping for them, bringing them a meal, helping them with yard work or other household chores, or offering to babysit any children that they may have. Helping out in these practical ways can take some of the burden off of someone doing through a hard time. 

Being Present 

Supporting other people through a hard time also means showing up for them. Many times, people just want someone to be a listening ear. Show up, be a shoulder to cry on and a hand to hold, and then figure out a way to make them laugh. Being present goes a long way in helping someone go through a tough time. 

I hope that you can use these tips in order to help someone in need. During this difficult time, we all need some support. Perhaps you have heard the adage “to make a friend, be a friend”. That is especially important to remember now that we all need some support. Go be a friend to someone today, and watch how it raises your spirits, too! 

Dealing With Isolation by Sharele Hatfield

Dealing With Isolation

COVID-19 is the topic of every conversation as is the resulting quarantine. Schools have been closed, churches have closed there buildings and important events have been cancelled. Our daughter's very first dance competition was cancelled. She is devastated as I'm sure so many are also with the cancellation of events that you have been looking forward to attending . Important family events, such as baptisms, weddings, and graduations have been postponed indefinitely for many families. Sporting events, plays, concerts, and other events being cancelled have left millions of school kids disappointed. Finally, the closure of many community centers, libraries, restaurants, and museums have left people with nowhere to go and no way to connect. So how do we deal with isolation during this time? Read on to find ways to keep connected and keep sane, even when we can’t see people in person. 

Get Outside

As long as we leave some distance between people, there is no reason why we can’t get outside and get some exercise! Go for a hike, walk your dog, go for a bike ride, or go geocaching. Getting outside is a proven way to boost your mood, and everyone can benefit from a little extra Vitamin D! 

Hang Out Online

Even if you can’t see your friends or family in person, you can utilize Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, or another type of video service to see and talk to your loved ones. Take your book club online, reconnect with an old friend on Facebook, or Facetime with a relative. Technology can help us stay connected even while we are social distancing. 

Virtually Visit 

Many museums and zoos have virtually opened their doors, even when they are closed to the public. Take a virtual tour of a great museum that you might not get to visit otherwise, or watch animals on camera. Many zoos have cameras on their cutest animals, such as the pandas or penguins. Several aquariums also have video set up, and there are dozens of eagle cams set up around the country. Watch a baby eaglet hatch or check out some great paintings online! 

Learn Something New 

Your local library often has free courses that you can take on a wide variety of topics, such as languages, business, crafts, cooking, and more. Additionally, many online learning providers are waiving fees during this time, so you can get on and try a new skill that you’ve always wanted to learn. This may be the perfect time to learn to knit, speak another language, decorate a cake, or start your own business. 

Look For Ways to Support Someone Else

If you are reading this, I imagine you are in a better position than so many others. Take time to send a card to a nursing home or send an encouraging message to a new mother. Two minutes of your time encouraging and supporting someone else can make dealing with this isolation more bearable for someone else and in turn help you feel better about yourself.

This time in our world can be scary and isolating, but if you look at it as an opportunity to try something new, get outside, reconnect with loved ones, support someone else, it will change your mindset and help you deal with the isolation we are experiencing! 

Redefining Your Life By Deborah Brassell

Redefining Your Life

Gathering pieces of shattered glass is a doting task, but it is necessary in order to prevent further harm to one’s self or those that may cross its path.

Such is life after a crisis; whether from an illness, the death of a loved one or adivorce. We are left torn into pieces without direction.

But in spite of your circumstances, let me be very clear “You can recover from anything”

Victim to Victor

The victim mentality becomes a strategy to deal with the tragedies of life. This mindset only intensifies your pain and cripples your efforts to possessing the power to change your own story. Give yourself time to process, but don’t get stuck in the why.

Helping Others

Use your situation to help others who have experience similar trouble. In doing so, you are instilling purpose and adding value to your life. Helping others bring great fulfillment for both parties involved and creates great emotional bonds.

Be kind to yourself

Choose to walk in the path of forgiveness and treat yourself to life’s most desirable treasures. Be observant and count each blessing day by day. Remember you are still fragile so don’t be afraid to set limits and boundaries.

As each piece of your life is meticulously being put back together it is vital that you frame it with good and healthy relationships. Your circle will determine your success.

Crisis does not have to be a death sentence. Rather, it is an opportunity to Redefine yourself and begin a new chapter.

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Meet the author

Deborah Brassell is a Motivational Speaker and Certified Life Coach. She has devoted 23 years of her life in working in various aspects of ministry and community outreach. She is the founder of Redefined & Co which is a natural skin/aromatherapy business that targets the professional busy mom and challenges women to redefine their life. 

She has a tremendous passion for the youth and currently volunteers as a mentor for “Hope for Johnstown” which works with young teen girls in underserved communities. She is the founder of “Girls Only” which provides mentorship and training for adolescents and young teens. Deborah has worked beside her husband in Marriage and Family workshops as well as their bible study entitled “The New You”.

Through her prophetic teaching and gift of deliverance she shares the many trials she has faced in marriage, parenting and ministry. She has patterned her life off the belief that you can recover from anything. Her many sermons has blessed many people both young and old and she is known for such messages as “Dream Again” and “Making it on Broken Pieces”. Her ministry focus is helping people identify toxic relationships, controlling environments and spiritual abuse.

Face Your Fears by Krystle Johnson

“Face your fears”

I’ve noticed that we are normally our own biggest critic, at least in my case I am! Always second guessing myself or worried about what people will say about my ideas, or who will support me! And blah blah blah! Since I was a child I was always afraid to start new things in spite of failing. I never want to let people down especially my grandma! She use to always tell me how I perfect and proud of me she is so I think I always wanted to keep that impression. To keep that I never starting anything new which  allowed me to never fail anything!!  Being a mother was just another “excuse” I used. I don’t have the time, how can I balance life a kid and starting a business or anything else? 

You never know what you can do until you just DO IT!!

Modeling

Growing up I was always a Tomboy! A lot of people use to call me Scotty, based off my last name at the time. I don’t know if it was solely on the last name Scott or that I was such a tomboy! Probably a combination of both. It’s so funny cause one of my cousins still calls me that from time to time! I literally didn’t wear dresses or wear purses for a long time. When I moved to Atlanta i started to become girly! And that’s when my life of quiet shy tomboy Krystle became Aunje’ (that’s my middle name) I came into a world I never expect too!! The first video I did was for an Atlanta group called Edubb, now I have NEVER expected to be any type of video girl or model so it was truly unexpected. Remember I am a tomboy and shy I didn’t know how to be cute or sexy let alone in front of a bunch of people I don’t know and cameras! They say I was a natural, and they couldn’t tell I was nervous at all. Go figure! From there things took off and I can honestly say I was not expecting it at all! Through out my modeling career I’ve done over 20 music videos, 2 book covers, extras in tv shows, a local commercial and was a promotional model for Nuvo liqueur! Due to me putting myself out there to be uncomfortable opened me up to meeting so many different types of people, I was able to travel and make many connections! Most importantly it allowed me to come out of my shell! Without even knowing at the time it was preparing me for me next ventures! 

Kimaras Promise 

Once modeling started slowing down I was able to focus on something that really captured my heart! Giving back! When I was younger I volunteered with my church in Denver to build houses for Habitat for Humanity, we also use to go to Nursing homes! I can remember the feeling it gave me to just know and witness the love I was able to give back! I knew that I wanted to do more! When I gave birth to Kimara I made a promise to her that I would always do whatever it took to make sure she learned everything that I didn’t and i promised to never give up on her! Hints the name of my Non profit! Until I really knew exactly what I wanted the direction of it to go I just passed out food to the homeless. I moved back to Kansas City then had my son Kayden and in came the excuses again! I’m a single mother working and blah blah blah! I hated my job and I prayed that God please show me what I was supposed to be doing in life! That next day Kimara asked me “ Momma how come we don’t feed the homeless like we did in Atlanta” I had no excuses to give her, just told her we would start again! Then a few days later the best sign I could ask for (didn’t seem good at the time but it was) I got FIRED!! And Kimaras promise began. I wanted to give my promise to other mothers who may not have had anyone to give them a promise at life. So I put together an event to help women get back into the workforce, I wanted to provide interview tips, give business attire etc! I was putting in all my efforts (or so I thought). The day of I was so excited yet nervous. So many supporters and vendors showed up but only ONE person to receive the services! I was devastated and even cried at the event and I truly wanted to give up BUT I just couldn’t! After that I continued feeding the homeless but added toiletry packets, had team along with a pastor come out with me to do Gods work! Long story short I moved back to Atlanta and partnered with Good Will where I was able to actually put my ideas to use! Days before their job fairs I was able to help with resume writing, business attire and interview tips. Ended up working  with 3 different locations in the metro Atlanta area.

CenterLink

Another idea that was sent to me from God! When this idea came to me I was in the middle of doing homework. It literally popped in my mind “ you should put together a women’s brunch”. I was like huh where that come from. I left it alone and the next day something else popped in my head “ ask Lydia And Larese to help! Now these two ladies have never met but who am I to deny what God is telling me to do! So I set up a meeting and from there we created “Center Link” it was a way for women entrepreneurs to meet and network. Our first big awards brunch was in Kansas City where we all are from ( we lived in different cities Atlanta, Nashville and Los Angeles) there was so much planning that went into this. I was working, going to school, doing events for Kimaras Promise and had my two kids! But I felt soooo empowered that I couldn’t let that stop me!  The event was a total success even with the little hate we got (not really sure why when it was such an amazing thing for Kansas City, maybe because we didn’t live there anymore) either way we pulled that event off with a BANG! There were a lot of ups and downs not only because we were all in different states but 2 of us 3 never met until the week of the first event! I must say that we stuck together and was able to pull off yet another amazing Awards brunch in LA.

Please comment below on some fears you currently have or fears you’ve overcome!!!

About the author 

Krystle Johnson: Becoming a mother at 19has been challenging but never stopped me from me from evolving! It’s taught me how to love unconditionally, move with passion and that everything i do is being watched! Every day i strive to make myself better as a person but more importantly as a mother! I created Mom Ohh My for mothers to have a safe place to learn and share tips, release and grow with no judgement! 

https://momohhmy.blogspot.com/?m=1