Month: September 2024

One of the biggest obstacles to achieving success and winning is getting past our fear, shame, and guilt. We are often held back because we cannot get over these things. From the book, From Good to Great, peak performance in love, health, and wealth, it states this; “Fear, shame, and guilt are powerful enemies of your soul,….They will often lead you to make decisions and choices that stop you from pursuing your purpose.

If you want to live a great life it takes overcoming these big three obstacles in your psyche. Your soul desires safety, so it will take some work to overcome these emotions and feelings. Your flight or fight reactions kick in based on your belief system. We all have different reasons for reacting to something. One person fears spiders or roaches and another person will step on them. One person fears heights. Another fears speaking in front of audiences.

The “fight or flight” reaction is a physiological response to perceived threats or danger.  This response is triggered when the brain senses danger, whether real or perceived. which then activates the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

This causes several physical changes, including:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Rapid breathing to deliver more oxygen to muscles
• Dilated pupils for improved vision
• Diversion of blood to muscles and away from non-essential functions like digestion
• Heightened alertness and focus

But they are all initiated by some belief that we created because of an event in our life. It caused our soul to become fearful or ashamed in a certain situation. Something our parents said to us could have been the cause. An incident at school when we were growing up. A traumatic event. All these are reasons why fear, shame, or guilt holds us back from enjoying life or pursing a goal or stepping out of our comfort zone.

Here are a few tips:

1. Show up; people are afraid to sign up or show up for an event or class because of their fear. Just showing up is the first step to overcoming your fear.
2. Calm yourself by taking a deep breath or several to overcome the fight or flight syndrome.
3. Think positive thoughts; most people think of all the reasons why something is not going to work out rather on the reasons why it will work out. Seeking God’s wisdom also helps to alleviate the fear.
4. Work on your soul; watch some of our videos. You will find that working on your soul is going to be the best thing you can do to have a great life and success in love, health, and wealth.

Get back on your journey to a great life. Release your fear, shame, and guilt that holds you back from pursuing your goals and greatest life. It takes working on your soul. Check out our videos to learn more.

For years now, we’ve been taught that the ultimate goal of working hard is to retire comfortably. However, is this truly the pinnacle of a successful life?

The traditional view of retirement for most people is to save or invest money and until a certain age and then you can retire and do the things you really want to do. Go on vacations, spend time with family, pursue your passion, a hobby, become an entrepreneur.

Does that really make sense? Why not live your life now and pursue those dreams, purpose, and relationships? Have you heard stories of people who were set financially, retired and soon after passed on? Or of people who couldn’t enjoy vacations because of health and strength issues. The word retirement means to cease work and leave employment. It sounds like you are no longer existing, being productive, or living with purpose.

REDEFINE RETIREMENT
If retirement is the time where you are financially independent, you have more free time, and can pursue your dreams. Why not do that now?

Pursue Financial Independence where you don’t have to wait until you retire to have the resources and means to support yourself. This often includes having savings, investments, insurance, and other income sources sufficient to cover your living expenses.

Enjoy the freedom to spend time as you wish, not being bound by work schedules and having the flexibility to pursue hobbies, travel, volunteer, or spend time with family and friends.

Pursue Personal Interests the opportunity to focus on activities and interests you are passionate about anything from gardening and painting to starting a new business or learning new skills.

The ability and time to relax and enjoy your pace of life. This can involve leisure activities like reading, walking, or simply enjoying more downtime.

You can prioritize your own health and well-being, taking care of both physical and mental health through exercise, healthy eating, and stress reduction.

Maintaining and building social connections is an essential part of life. Engaging in community activities, joining clubs or groups, and spending time with loved ones are important aspects of a great life.

Personal Fulfillment achieving personal goals and living purposefully is what a dream life should be.

By pursuing your purpose in life now you will be more satisfied and fulfilled with yourself. The benefits of living a purposeful life now are many.

Improved Mental Health
Improved mental health begins with waking up each day with a clear sense of direction. Purpose acts as an inner compass, grounding you and providing the resilience needed to navigate life’s toughest challenges. It not only helps reduce stress and anxiety by offering a sense of certainty and direction, but it also strengthens your ability to cope with setbacks, ensuring that you don’t just survive but thrive in the face of adversity.

Enhanced Physical Health

It not only boosts your mental health but supercharges your physical well-being! Research shows that people who have a strong sense of purpose are less likely to develop chronic diseases like heart disease or suffer a stroke. Why? Because purpose fuels better choices—you start moving more, eating healthier, and embracing habits that align with your goals. When you live with intention, your body thrives right along with your mind, making you feel unstoppable and ready to take on the world!

Greater Life Satisfaction

Living  isn’t just about going through the motions—it’s about feeling truly alive and energized! It brings a sense of happiness and fulfillment that comes from knowing your life has real meaning. You’re not just drifting—you’re living for something bigger, something that matters. This sense of purpose not only boosts your own joy but also enriches your relationships, making connections more meaningful, full of love, and filled with mutual understanding. When you live with purpose, life feels more vibrant and satisfying in every way!

Increased Longevity

Here’s the amazing part: living with purpose can actually add years to your life! People with a strong sense of purpose tend to live longer and healthier lives. Purpose acts like a personal superpower, shielding you from the stress and burnout that often come with aimless living. It inspires better health habits, lowers stress, and keeps you thriving—so you not only live longer but enjoy every moment with more energy and vitality!

Improved Productivity and Performance

Your drive and focus go into overdrive! You’re more motivated, more productive, and laser-focused on what truly matters. Instead of just staying busy, you’re making real progress. Purpose clears away distractions and helps you zero in on what’s important, giving you the clarity to set and crush your goals. Every step you take feels aligned with a bigger vision, fueling both personal and professional success like never before!

Personal Growth and Development

Your life is ignited, an unstoppable drive for personal growth! It fuels your desire to keep learning, evolving, and reaching new heights. You’re no longer content with standing still—you actively seek self-discovery, uncovering your true strengths, values, and passions. This intentional way of living pushes you beyond your comfort zone, encouraging you to explore new possibilities and continuously become the best version of yourself. Growth becomes a natural, exciting part of your journey!

Positive Impact on Others

You have a powerful ripple effect on those around you. Your passion and drive become a source of inspiration, sparking motivation in others to pursue their own paths. You become a beacon of possibility, showing what’s achievable when you live with meaning. By actively contributing to your community, whether through mentoring, volunteering, or simply uplifting others, you create a lasting legacy that leaves a positive mark on society. Your life becomes a force for good, influencing and inspiring everyone in your orbit.

Don’t wait until retirement to live. Start living your dream life today. If this resonates with you, join me at the From Good to Great Academy, where we teach you how to live a purposeful, fulfilling life every day.

Have you ever regretted missing out on a great opportunity?
I can still remember a time when I almost bought Apple stock at $15 per share. But just as I was about to invest, the price jumped to $30. I thought to myself, “It’ll come back down, and I’ll buy it then.” But it never did. It just kept rising. I had been ready to purchase a few hundred shares, and to this day, I regret letting that opportunity slip away.

Life presents us with these once-in-a-lifetime moments—some of them priceless. Maybe you passed up on someone who truly loved you because you didn’t recognize it at the time. Or perhaps you turned down an adventure of a lifetime to stay home, only to hear the incredible stories from everyone who went. Sometimes, we choose a higher-paying job instead of the one that might have led us to our dream career, and now we feel trapped by the responsibilities and lifestyle we can’t step away from.

When we reflect on our lives—our relationships, finances, and wealth—we often forget to account for those priceless opportunities we missed. It’s easy to calculate a debt like a mortgage or business loss, but what about the things we let pass us by? Some of those lost opportunities were truly invaluable.

Can we go back and change the past? Many wonder about this, and even science fiction toys with the idea of time travel. The animated show The Simpsons humorously explored the consequences of altering the past and how it might completely reshape the future.

But let’s set aside the notion of going back in time. All we have is this moment, right now, and the future in front of us. Your future can look different if you choose to work on it. You can change the person you see in the mirror, and by doing so, the world around you will begin to change. The possibility of getting back on your path is still there. It will take focus, effort, and faith—but it’s absolutely possible.

God has planted dreams within us from the moment we were conceived. However, many of us have neglected to nurture those dreams, instead focusing on the weeds in our lives—things that can never bear good fruit. These distractions are the weeds of life, destined to wither and be worthless by the end. While God gives us seeds, the devil sows weeds. He scatters them into our gardens to disrupt our lives. The older we get, the more weeds we have to clear. Over time, some of these weeds have grown into massive trees. A simple weed whacker won’t suffice—you’ll need a bulldozer to clear them out.

In order to get back your journey in life and take back some of the missed opportunities will take some effort. You can’t be complacent anymore if you want to pursue the life you were meant to live.

Start today

1. Reflect on Your Current Situation
Before jumping into action, take time to reflect on where you are in life. What’s currently holding you back? Understanding the gap between where you are and where you want to be helps set a clear path forward.
2. Embrace Lifelong Learning
Age doesn’t limit learning. Whether it’s taking a course, reading, or developing new skills, staying curious and adaptable allows you to pivot toward your dreams with confidence.
3. Leverage Your Experience
People in their 40’s have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience. Reframe this as an advantage rather than a limitation. Highlight how transferable skills can be applied to new dreams and ambitions. If you are younger think about how what you are doing now will impact your future.
4. Start Small but Stay Committed
Taking on a massive project all at once can feel overwhelming. Break it down into manageable steps. Consistency, not speed, is the key to progress—especially when getting back into dream-chasing.
5. Surround Yourself with Support
Build a circle of people who believe in your vision. It could be peers, mentors, or a community of like-minded individuals. Having a supportive network gives you motivation and accountability.
6. Overcome Limiting Beliefs
Often, people in their 40’s, 50’s, or 60’s, feel it’s “too late” to make a significant change. Challenge this mindset by showcasing success stories of those who reinvented themselves later in life. This will encourage readers to push past self-imposed limits.
7. Take Care of Your Health
Pursuing dreams requires energy, focus, and mental clarity. Prioritize physical and emotional well-being to ensure you have the stamina to chase your goals.
8. Reframe Risk
While risk-taking may seem scarier later in life, remember you have  a strong foundation. Reassess risks from a practical, measured perspective—calculate what’s truly at stake versus what you can gain. If you are younger be clear as to your long term objectives and the consequences of your decisions you make today, remember you can’t go back in time.
9. Find Meaning and Purpose
Pursuing dreams in your when you are older may be about aligning with deeper values. Focus on goals that bring purpose and fulfillment rather than chasing external validation or material success.
10. Celebrate Milestones
Acknowledge and celebrate progress, no matter how small. Milestones keep motivation high and remind you that you’re moving closer to your goals.

“I didn’t get that Apple stock…and today it would probably be worth millions. I didn’t take action when I had the chance. But that missed opportunity taught me a bigger lesson: It’s not about what you lost in the past. It’s about what you’re going to do with the future God has given you.”

Join the From Good to Great Academy family. Join us on this journey for a great life, filled with love, good health, and wealth.

Many people lose sight of the dreams they once held when they first set out to achieve their life goals. For some, the challenges of daily life simply took over. Others were derailed by an emotional crisis or waited for the right opportunity that never came. Financial distress—whether from divorce, job loss, economic downturns, or health issues—can also hold people back.

Starting over is a reality many face at some point. After a crisis, it can take years to get back on track. Dreams often get sidelined, lost in the struggle for survival. Even success can sometimes pull us away from the path we intended to follow. A spouse who didn’t support our ambitions, the aftermath of divorce, or the demands of single parenting can all cause us to lose sight of the goals we once had.

In moments of crisis, it’s hard to understand why life or people hurt our souls. We often can’t comprehend how or why things have unfolded the way they did that causes us to veer off course in life. While some people recover, reclaiming their dreams, others may not. Some give up, while some continue to strive for their goals. Get back on the course that God intended for your life, follow the dreams he gave to you.

If you want to reclaim your dreams, start by focusing on nurturing a healthy soul. To restore balance in your life and pursue the dream life you desire, it’s essential to develop healthy habits for your soul.

1. Daily Reflection and Journaling

Journaling can help clarify thoughts, rekindle forgotten dreams, and provide a sense of direction. Check in with God and read the Bible if you have one.

2. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Keep moving forward, set small achievable goals.

3. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation

Regular mindfulness or meditation practices help reduce stress, increase focus, and clear the mind of self-doubt, allowing for a renewed sense of possibility.

4. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

Connect with people who are for you and think positively about you. If you don’t have a community right now. Join ours.

5. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity not only improves physical health but also boosts mental clarity and energy, helping individuals stay motivated and hopeful.

6. Gratitude Practice

Practice being thankful for the things you have right now. Even the smallest things. A cool breeze, a sunset, a small win. Thank God and yourself for making it through another day.

From Good to Great Academy wants you to succeed in life, love, health, and wealth. Join us on this journey.

As I watch my grandson choose a toy, I am think about what makes him choose one toy over the other. Each of my grandchildren can go the toy store and choose a toy, and each one will want something different. Why don’t they all make the same choice?

Something in our hearts affects the choices that we make. It not only includes the way we were taught but also the way God wires each one of us. As we get older our choices are affected more  by the choices we see others make and less by how God wired us.

When I hear a child say I want to be a truck driver when I grow up, or I want to make deserts, or I want to be a Mommy. What causes them to make that statement? What compels them to make those choices? Have you been stumped when making a decision about your major in college or a career choice of one company versus another?

And later in life. What causes people to fall in love with one person and not another? Why do people get married to someone and then divorced?

Then we have the moral choices in life. Being dishonest to someone for gain often happens in the business world. In marriage someone can choose to commit adultery. In school a student cheats on a test to get better grades.  Often moral choices leads to consequences for both sides. Then why would someone choose to do something morally wrong?

I believe a major part of our decision making process is made from our hearts. We often hear people say to follow your heart. But what if our hearts aren’t right? Often wrong or bad decisions come out of a heart that has been hurt or traumatized in some way. What if something corrupted our hearts at a young age or sometime during our life?  How do you know if you are making the right choice?

The answer is simple yet complex. The heart can be hurt or corrupted by bad or evil spirited people. There are many things that can lead to a heart that is wounded or corrupted. Harmful words could have damaged it. Abusive environments. Seeing a loved one die. Watching a horror movie. Listening to music with negative vibes. Any highly emotional event. Shows about violence, sex, drugs, evil spirits, fear, etc. can cause the heart to be corrupted. Then your choices will start to reflect what you have allowed into your heart.

the Bible says to guard our hearts and what comes out of our mouth comes from the heart.

Proverbs 4:23 (KJV):

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

Matthew 15:18 (KJV):

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.”

Luke 6:45 (KJV):
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”

The answer is simple, we must put good things into our hearts and focus on taking care of our hearts. The complex part is that there are so many issues in our life that come from it that has already been put there, it will take some work to clear ourselves and get back to our God consciousness. In the book From Good to Great, it says that, “Guarding your heart means you must filter what you allow into all your senses, sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch.”

Practice daily, take care of your heart and filter what goes into it. Fill it with things that will produce a good treasure. Your life will turn out to be great!