Creating the Life You Want: Tips for a Better You in 2014

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This guest post comes courtesy of journalist Chanda Temple (pictured above). She worked for two decades as a reporter, covering the people who were shaping and driving the news. Like many of us, she loves strategy, coaching, and spirituality, so she wrote a post (below) that touches on those topics, and, gives the reader a blueprint for what's possible in 2014 and beyond. This is her first guest post on my blog, and I am honored with her presence. Enjoy!

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"Creating the Life You Want: Tips for a Better You in 2014" by Chanda Temple

 

In a recent teleseries, Atlanta visual brand strategist and image coach Brandi Mitchell offered tips on creating one’s reality. Her information was bold and helpful, especially for setting goals for 2014. 

 

She left you feeling as though whatever is holding you back is no longer a factor. You've got this; all you've got to do is go for it. That goes for what you want to accomplish now and what you want to tackle in 2014. That old roomie "Can't'' no longer lives here. Kick her out to make room for your new roomie "Can.'' 

 

So whether your resolutions for 2014 are to lose weight, be more successful in business, or something else, to get there will take preparation and determination. Like Brandi says, “Don’t wait to be given the green light. Go create your own reality. She who brands it, believes it, builds it and becomes it, wins.’’ 

 

So shake out that welcome mat and get ready for 2014. That new roomie is sure to be a game changer. Here are some of Brandi’s tips for making a better you: 

 

1. Determine what you want. 

Sometimes when we get older, we lose that whole zeal of dreaming. Where did it go? Think about what you want in this particular season of your life. Be honest with yourself and go after it. Sometimes determining what you want is determining what you don’t want.

 

2. Check your attitude at the door 

No matter if it’s good or bad, your attitude is your calling card and will determine how things go in your life. If something bad is going on in your life and you don’t shift that, the day will continue to go bad for you. Cheer up and try to make the best out of a bad situation. People like being around positive people.

 

3. Learn to see in the dark 

Learn how to visualize and see what you want. Some of our best inspirations come to us when things are going wrong. 

 

4. Have unshakeable faith 

Believe in God. Believe in yourself. We have a problem believing in ourselves. But we have to shake off that doubt and believe that God made us creators and He wants to partner with us. Match your beliefs to your actions. 

 

5. Look the part 

Image is everything. When you enter a room, do you look defeated or do you look like you’ve already won? When you leave home, no matter the day or the destination, look like a contender. Smile. Walk with confidence. Look the part to get the role. If you embrace this in everything you do, you will be lightyears ahead of others.

 

6. Embrace education

Lifelong learners have zeal and are always growing. Find out about new techniques in your field. Be willing to be coached or learn a new skill. Education only makes you better.

 

7. Do you 

Are you truly living the life that God created you to live? You have the ability to change it all. You just have to start. Rome was not built in a day. You can do it as slow or as fast as you’d like. But you can do it.

 

For more info on Chanda Temple, follow her on Twitter.

Is Gratitude One of Your Social Media Best Practices?

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Throughout my time in the social space, I have sat in on many speeches and workshops where strategists offered differing opinions on everything: the kinds of apps one should use, the number of hashtags to include in a post, how many social networks we should be on, and, whether programmed tweets and the so-called "humble brag" turn off your followers.

Ask one hundred thousand people and you will likely get one hundred thousand, slightly different versions of what's acceptable. I certainly have my views. But, one thing should never, ever be in doubt: that showing gratitude is a necessary and effective, social media best practice. In fact, I would also say its the most important.
 
Whenever I'm consulting or simply giving advice to digital newbies, I always recommend a healthy dose of gratitude. For example, I can't possibly thank everyone who retweets me, so I make a point of thanking a number of people every day, and retweet and favorite others. (I vividly remember Cory Booker thanking me twice over the years – in twitter direct message – for sharing his quotes). On Facebook and Google Plus, I often like or +1 something on the page of everyone who likes or +1s a particular post of mine. It may seem time consuming, but its a great way to give back to your supporters, and show your appreciation. 
 
A life of gratitude is a great foundation for personal enrichment, and a social media strategy anchored by gratitude is a recipe for digital success. So I never forget how speaking appearances, invites to events, or opportunities to blog for major platforms have come my way. A simple expression of thanks can definitely connect you with the right people. The ripple effect is undeniable. Yes, from personal experience, I can tell you that gratitude can also be a powerful networking tool.
 
Emily Thomas' classic tweet sums it up best:
 
No matter how you do it, publicly or privately, its important to come up with a way to tip your hat to those who contribute to your social media success. Besides, the world can always be a little more connected.