Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Laws Of Power

I dealt with much internal turmoil in the first half of 2016. How did I get there? I'm a reasonable person. A forgiving person. A generous person. Maybe that's how. I allowed someone who had hurt me repeatedly back in to my life. Not without hesitation but I feel like we all make mistakes and we all grow from our missteps. I mean, if someone has the courage to come to me, admit how they were wrong, and apologize, who am I to continue to shut them out?

Fast forward to September 2015, I found myself in a position where I had been betrayed by the person. Betrayed and hurt again. But this time, I wasn't surprised by these antics. After all, I invited them in. EYE put myself in the position. I trusted again when I shouldn't have. I learned a tough lesson that cost me. Not only time but money as well.

I know that I can't expect everyone to treat me the way I'd like to be treated. I know everyone wasn't raised the same, but to be slapped in the face with that reality by someone who has been in your house, breaking bread with your family is tough. I had literally been defeated because I wasn't dealing with honest and reasonable person but, deep down, I knew I wouldn't have felt any resolve even if I had won. I typically have no problem cutting people and situations off with the swiftness but this situation really bothered me. I couldn't figure out what the REAL issue. So, I did what I always do. In true scientist fashion, I went to gather data from everyone who knew the details.

I started by immediately re-listening to "The 48 Laws of Power". I would say reading but I've read it already so I listen to it on YouTube while in my office. Multi-tasking. LOL! After listening, I realized what I did wrong and how the situation could've been handled differently for a more positive outcome. When I say positive, I mean, how I could've gotten what I wanted. *shrugs* No shame. The lessons taught in "The 48 Laws Of Power" teach that while you have to be strategic in your actions, sometimes you also have to humble yourself and lose a battle or two in order to win the war. So, I checked myself. It didn't have to end that way but I was more focused on what I thought was right instead of by any means necessary in order to win. BOOM!

Then I talked about it in therapy because knowing how I could've handled the situation differently still didn't fix that nagging feeling. Like, why did this bother me so badly if I saw it coming eventually? Well, my therapist was able to get me to see how I was tying this situation into some other unsettling relationships in my life. It was my "lightbulb" moment. Once I figured that out, I was able to drop that nagging feeling like a hot potato. The biggest weight was lifted from me. It was literally like storm clouds cleared the sky and the sun came shining through, complete with a rainbow and angels singing.

This situation taught me some valuable lessons about myself and human nature. Sometimes people just don't like you. Don't try to figure it out. Their poor taste doesn't diminish your value. It doesn't make you a bad person, a bad friend, a bad sister, a bad mother, a bad daughter, a bad wife.....none of that stuff. Sometimes you don't get closure and you have to be okay with that. Leave it alone. Going back will only result in more hurt. Sometimes you just have to take the gut punches in order to get what you want. Man up. Take it.

That's it. That's all.

That "Ah Ha!" Moment

My life has become so jam packed that I no longer have time to sit down and read. So I consolidate activities. I listen to books while I'm doing activities that I'd normally require music. Exercising, folding laundry, whipping shea, etc. Right now, I'm listening to Russell Simmon's book, Super Rich. He talks about meditation and becoming a business yogi and it has me doing some serious self evaluation. Yes, I am "Fancy". How'd I get that name anyway? To me, I'm just a hippie who is very particular about some things and does not care about most other things. LOL! Where am I going with my business ventures? What direction am I taking my professional life? I do what I do because I'm good at it, not necessarily because I have a burning passion for it.

At 21 years old, I decided that I'd be a blood bank boss. I did the training, got the certifications and BOOM! By 29 years old, I had accomplished that goal. I perfected blood bank bossing by the age of 32 and was ready to move on to another challenge.What's next?

Direct sales. Direct sales is AWESOME SAUCE!!! But only if you're up for a challenge. It requires a hell of a lot of personal growth. Only the strong make it to the other side. The other side being residual income. You also have to inspire that in other people who may not be ready in order to maintain and grow your team, which also maintains and grows your income. What I got out of it? I learned that I am an entrepreneur at heart. I am a creative. As an employee, I need flexibility in order to flourish. I learned that I will see exponential growth and feel success beyond my wildest imagination if I put the same passion and consistency that I put into managing a blood bank behind my own product. My imagination does not have any limitations. EYE have the power to make what I visualize in my head into a reality. The personal development required to be successful in direct sales helps you see that if you can believe it, it can be yours. I visualized my successes in my career. Direct sales got me visualizing what success as "Fancy Free" looks like and it looks like a lot of time in the pool or a beach. Nothing too fancy but definitely free.

The words of "Super Rich" made me realize that I already have it all. I already have it all. I am enjoying the process of becoming. In becoming a business yogi. In becoming a mother. In becoming a wife. Just becoming better all around. I have material success and titles but I know that titles do not define me. As a matter of fact, whenever I'm engaged in a conversation that starts with "So, what do you do?", I usually say I'm a stripper or wet nurse. In my mind, if the first thing you're asking me when we meet is about my line of work and we're not in a work environment, I don't necessarily want to talk to you anyway. In my mind, we ain't got nothing in common. LOL! Now I'm ready to take this life to another level by being even more focused and operating on an even higher level of consciousness.

With that being said, I did a self check. I looked at my proverbial stove. All of the burners are going. I'm turning the heat down on 3 of the 4 burners and turning it up on just one. Everything else will have to blend in with that thing. If it doesn't mesh with my vision, I ain't doing it. I'm sooooo excited about this new clarity. I wasn't sure what was holding me back from going all in. Now I realize it was because I was unsure about something. Now that I'm sure, I'm going for it. Full steam ahead.

It's so amazing what reflection and self correction can do for your life. The day that I had this moment, I had an opportunity waiting  for me in my inbox. If this is not affirmation, I don't know what is. When you chase something, it will run away. When embrace your purpose and your passion, you will attract your heart's desires.

The Fancy Life just keeps getting better.

Monday, August 1, 2016

Twelve Weeks A......Mom

I often find myself stopping in the middle of whatever I'm doing just to stare at my son. If he's awake, I'll talk to him, read to him, sing to him. If he's sleeping, I'll stare at him, rub his cheeks, kiss on him, rub his head. To me, he's perfect. A perfect combination of his father and I. A perfect culmination of what my life has become.

Adjusting to life with my perfect little prince has been interesting. I'm learning a lot about myself. I don't care about the same things I used to care about. All I want to do now is make sure he gets every opportunity I had and more. But I'm also struggling to find balance. Taking care of a newborn is VERY time consuming and I'm also working toward building a financial portfolio. I want to leave him with a legacy not bills.

Me trying to "find balance" is me saying I need to manage my time better. When I say "I don't have time." now, it means something completely different than when I used to say it a year ago. A year ago, it meant more so "I can't be bothered". LOL! You know, being shady. But now, I really just don't have time. I have stuff to do. I'm constantly moving. Straightening the house. Doing laundry. Running errands. Making shea. Shipping shea. Talking to people about Thrive. Looking for properties to invest in. And allllll of those things come AFTER I perform wife and mother duties. Because, to me, those things are most important.

You see, I am blessed with a very supportive husband who has enough faith in my abilities to agree for me to give up my full time salary so that I can spend more time working on my entrepreneurial ventures and raise our son. The last thing I want to do is make him feel like I don't have time for him. And my son. He's such a joy. I really just want to play with him all day but I have to "adult" also.

In short, I've been a mother for 12 weeks and my whole world has been turned upside down. I couldn't be happier with the way my life is set up. I find myself close to Beyonce "I'm so blessed" tears. But I'm a thug so I don't cry. LOL! I'm focused on conquering time management and balance while I try to fit everything I need to do in between snuggling and loving on my son and husband. 

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

How To Get The Biggest Tax Refund

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During tax season, millions of Americans anxiously wait for W2's, 1099's, 1098's and other
documents needed to file income taxes. Some get excited about the lump sum refund owed to them but most professionals cringe at the thought of filing taxes. Usually praying to just break even and not owe the government any money.

The government does not give the middle class many tax breaks. Most tax credits have income limits. So climbing the corporate ladder and shooting for that six figure salary means paying more taxes. That is just the way American tax system works. However, there is a way to create credits regardless of income. Start a business. Having a small business that you run out of your home sets you up to write off expenses that normally would not qualify. Who gets the biggest tax breaks in America? Big business. Become a business.

Most cannot write off any of job related expenses paid for after taxes. For example, a $50,000 salary becomes $42,500 after taxes. That means all living expenses come from $42,500, not $50,000. Dry cleaning, meals, gas, car maintenance, utility bills, etc. Owning a business allows you to pay taxes on what's left after paying expenses. What is deductible? Dry cleaning, meals, networking events, cell phones use for business, vehicle interest, car maintenance, mileage on your car used for business, business travel, the list could go on. Deducting all of those expenses before paying taxes and lowers the tax rate.

No Business
  • Earn a $50,000 salary
  • Bring Home $42,500 after taxes
  • Live off of $42,500
  • Owe more/break even after filing income taxes
How does owning a business help with income taxes? If you earned $5,000 from your business while working to earn a $50,000 salary, part of day-to-day expenses, now business expenses, are deductible. The cost to run your business is also deductible. For example, deduct $7000 in business expenses from total income of $50,000 plus $5,000. The taxable income is now $48,000 instead of $50,000. Since $50,000 is taxable income over the course of the year, a refund is in order when it reduces to $48,000.

With a Business
  • Earn a $50,000 salary
  • Earn $5,000 from your home based business
  • $7,000 in living expenses are now business expenses
  • Taxable income is now $48,000 instead of $50,000
Individual income tax and small business refunds will vary. This is just an example of how owning a small business can benefit you. Turn a marketable talent into a business. Start a direct sales business for an immediate solution. Filing income taxes does not have end with another bill.

Fancy Free LLC. is a home based consulting company that helps people reach their financial and personal goals. Contact us at (410) 929-0302 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
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Wednesday, June 1, 2016

How to Start a Business - The First Steps in Starting a Business

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The internet has made starting a business from the comfort of your own home more possible than ever before. Although there is nothing easy about the life of an entrepreneur, the reward of a successful venture is immeasurable. The most difficult part of starting a business is actually getting started. Some people have business ideas that never leave their notebook. Others just want to own a business but don't know where to start. Here are some questions to ask yourself when you're early in the planning stages.
1. What are you good at? Not referring to what you would like to do but what are you good at now. Do people like your pumpkin pie? Are you a really great accountant? Do you have team building skills that are out of this world? Sometimes we take our own talents for granted because we use them everyday. However, talents can turn into marketable resources that people will pay for.
2. How do you intend to fund your business?
Nothing in the world is free. It takes money to make money. Starting a business will need investing. Don't let having a small amount of capital or not having any capital at all stop you from moving forward. You will invest lots of time when there is not that much money. Having large amount of money to invest still requires time in due diligence to make sure you are hiring the right team to get the job done.
3. Dead set on becoming an entrepreneur but don't think you're good enough at anything?
Everyone has a skill set, you just haven't identified yours yet. Think about things that you like and consider start a home based business that offers a product that you like. Home based businesses, also known as direct sales or network marketing, link personal growth directly with success. Meaning, the only way to be successful in a direct sales company is to actually grow as a person and help others do the same. The same is required of all entrepreneurs. With a small investment, usually less than $500, you can have a ready-made business and become profitable in days. The hugely successful in direct sales usually venture off and start other businesses after discovering their hidden talents, learned how to run a business, and now have earned enough money to invest in themselves. Direct sales is a great place to start.
Becoming an entrepreneur is not a journey for the faint of heart. It all starts with an idea, just like anything else. Figure out what your skill set is and focus on turning something that talent into a business. Decide how you can invest. Be it time or money, you will have to invest something. If you do not think you have any business ideas, start with a network marketing company to jump-start your business juices.
I specialize in wealth building techniques with personal development coaching through direct sales. Call me at (410) 929-0302 or complete the form below to schedule your complimentary consultation.

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Sunday, May 8, 2016

The Gift Of Life

Mother's Day 2016 with 16 day old Prez & Qilla Quenton, the cat
So, it's Mother's Day. My first Mother's Day as a real mother. When I say real mother, I mean, as a woman whom has risked her life to bring another life into this world. You see, I have a rack of god kids and I consider myself to be a sister mama cuz I helped raise my younger sisters but this year is special. I gave birth to a man child of my own. It's even more special because I nearly lost my life doing it.

That's right. I came very close to the very thing I was so anxious about with childbirth, dying. So instead of basking in the joys of watching my son sleep peacefully while my husband naps, I am getting my will together cuz life is short, it happens fast and I don't want my family to be like Prince's family if I were to pass away suddenly. Not that I have $300 million to fight over but I got a little something something that I worked hard for and I want it to be distributed properly. It doesn't hurt that our financial adviser has been hounding us for it ever since we told him we were having a baby.

But back to how I almost died giving birth to my son.....

My due date was April 26, but I had a dream that my son would be born on April 23. I was certain it was Jesus telling me to prepare so I decided that my last day of work would be April 21. That way I'd have 2 days to relax and do some stuff around the house. I know, I know. A planner to the end but if you fail to plan.....
39 weeks pregnant in my office
On my last day of work, I went in having contractions that were about 5-10 minutes apart. They started at about 2 am, so I figured I'd get my morning meetings out of the way and see what was going to happen. I packed my hospital bag and went into work around 6:30 am to try to get as much done as possible before I HAD to leave. Well, it was a false alarm. The contractions subsided and I completed my last day of work as a full day. Even straightened up my offices a little bit. Then at 8:30 pm, the contractions started again and they didn't stop. We made our way to the hospital and my cervix was 5 cm dilated. I was already 1-2 cm at my last doctors appointment, so I was thinking "3 cms in 2 hours. I think I can do this natural thing." And by "natural thing", I meant, no epidural. My son had a different idea.

3 day old Prez in Daddy's hand

Everyone who see's or holds my son says that he is so calm and peaceful, but that caused a problem when I was trying to get him here. Supposedly, natural labor is not as long as labor with an epidural because you can move around and the baby descends faster than when you are confined to a bed. But they wouldn't let me move or walk around because his heart rate wasn't increasing when I had contractions. He was just chilling. Heart rate was steady. Straight across the board. Like another day at the office. So I had to stay in bed with a monitor attached to me, like I had an epidural. This made natural labor miserable. And even though my husband was a great coach, I began to think "Why am I torturing myself? Just get the epidural." So, I did. I made it to 8 cm without one but my son wasn't descending or responding to the contractions. I felt defeated but I was exhausted with no sleep the night before. So, my husband and I took a nap. LOL!

But we didn't nap for long because something was happening. I had one looooooonnnngggg contraction and my son didn't like it so his heart rate started to drop. They broke my water to relieve pressure, gave me something to stop my contractions and stabilize his heart rate. He came back around. But my contractions were losing steam AND I had regressed from 9 cm dilated back to 8 cm *deep sigh*. Meanwhile, my son STILL was not responding to contractions or moving down. What did the doctor do about that? Gave me pitocin to make my contractions stronger and faster. Then they put me in this weird "pretzel" position to try to get him to come down. 

After being in the pretzel for a little while, I started having back labor. This is was worse pain than regular labor. It was HORRIBLE. I broke down. I cried like a baby. And I do NOT cry. I might shed one thug tear but there is no crying in the "Fancy Life". They showed me how to work the epidural bolus but that wasn't relieving any pain. Finally my doctor came in asking me the big question "What you wanna do?" She explained that I could start pushing to see if I'd dilate some more OR they could do a C-section. My response..."Just get the baby out." I was defeated, in pain, exhausted and I just wanted to meet my kid. So they began the emergency C-section prep. The anesthesiologist comes in to put in the spinal nerve block and asks if I want something a little stronger for the back pain. YYYEEESSSSS!!!! It went down hill from there.

3 day old Prez
While in the pretzel position, my epidural line had moved from my empty spinal space to my vascular space. Meaning, it got inserted into a vein. The anesthesiologist saw how much pain I was in and immediately gave a dose of lidocaine into my epidural line, not knowing that it was in a vein. That lidocaine went STRAIGHT to my brain and I was out. I passed out. I threw up. I started seizing. I had no detectable pulse for about 3 minutes. I coded. They were trying everything to resuscitate me. The whole time, my son's heart rate was steady. Unbothered. I came back like I never left. Like I never skipped a beat. That little episode scared my husband. He said it was the longest 3 minutes of his life. He never gets scared, so I knew it was serious. He said he just kept praying and focused on our son's steady heartbeat until they found my pulse. 

The anesthesiologist fixed the problem with my epidural line and inserted the spinal nerve block. I had no problems with my C-section. My son came out with a nice healthy cry. He got quiet after they cleaned him up and spent that time with us in the operating room just looking around and observing with his calm and peaceful spirit.

During my recovery, the anesthesiologist came to check on me and explained how he should have tested the line but saw how much pain I was in and just wanted to give me something. I understood that. That episode reinforces why we can't skip steps in medical care. He also explained that had it been another medication, other than lidocaine, I could have went into cardiac arrest and passed away. That is scary. The thought of my husband raising our son alone brings me to tears. I had "epidural" guilt. I was thinking that I was selfish to not want to endure the pain of childbirth and it could've cost me my life. But it didn't. I'm healthy. No side effects of the lidocaine, so we think - my husband says he's keeping an eye on me. My son is healthy. No worries. 

It's funny, but not funny, how a near death experience that you don't even remember can put life into perspective. Life is too short not to enjoy the little things. Stop to smell the roses. Be in the moment, where ever you are. Be patient with people and situations. It's never really that serious. Life comes at you fast, so make sure you're happy with it. Quit the job you hate. Jehovah will take care of you. Leave that relationship that makes you miserable. You can do bad by yourself. Focus on the good and good in your life will multiply.

As I receive well wishes on my first mother's day, I have a greater appreciation for the day and being able to give life. 
Mi Familia




Monday, February 29, 2016

Easy Ways To Lose Weight - Losing Weight Made Simple

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Becoming fit and healthy for a lot of Americans starts with losing weight. Losing weight is not just about looking good but it is also about feeling good. Heart disease is a big problem in the United States, causing 25% of all deaths in the US. The CDC predicts that one-third of the adult population in the US will develop Type 2 Diabetes. Both of these diseases are totally preventable. In fact, both are directly correlated with being over weight. Meaning, if you are overweight, you are more likely to suffer from heart disease and type 2 diabetes than someone who is not. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The problem is, losing weight is not easy for most people who are at risk. In fact, it may seem down right impossible.

The fact is, there is no easy way to lose weight. Losing weight requires simple changes in lifestyle that are not easy because they need a shift in mindset. To lose weight, adjusting eating habits and increasing activity is necessary. Diet and exercise. Simple. The difficulty with that is, our eating habits form during childhood, passed down from generation to generation. As children, we do not have control over what we eat and where we go. We may or may not learn poor eating habits that we pass on to our kids. Eating healthy does not just mean fewer calories and more salad. It means eating whole foods, foods that have not been processed. Simple concept. Not always easy to execute.

The same thing goes for exercise. If exercise and physical activity were not a part of your upbringing, the odds are high that exercising is not even on your radar. Which probably means you'll have to change your entire schedule to include exercise into your daily routine as an adult. Simple concept. Difficult to execute.

Here are some tips that may make it easier to make simple changes to your diet and exercise to meet weight and health goals:
  • Figure out your relationship with food. Are you eating to survive? Do you eat when you're bored? Do you eat to celebrate? Do you eat when you're sad? You can recognize what triggers you to eat when don't need to. 
  • Start phasing processed foods out of your diet. Anything packaged in a box or bag and stored at room temperature probably has ingredients your body can't process. This also includes fast food. Eating them will not help you lose weight. Simple concept. Not easy to execute. 
  • Don't wait to get to the gym to exercise. Find ways to merge exercise into your daily routine. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park in a far parking space. Hand deliver notes and documents. Exercise BEFORE you start your day. Getting a brisk walk or run in early in the day jump starts your metabolism and gets those endorphins flowing. Working out in the evening may seem better in theory but sometimes after a long day, you just do not feel like it. Other times, things come up. Life happens and you may find yourself missing your work outs. 
Losing weight might prove difficult. There is no easy way to do it. Simple lifestyle changes help are not easy but make a huge difference in weight loss progress. Simple is effective but hardly ever easy.

Fancy Free, LLC. offers nutritional supplements that assist with weight loss and overall health improvement. Contact us at (410)929-0302 for your complimentary consultation and three day trial.


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Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Did You Ever Think That You Would Be This Rich?


Haha! Well, from our point of view, we aren't rich....YET! BUT we have come a loooooooonnnngggg way.
Last week, we finally purchased dining room chairs for our formal dining room table. A small purchase but the significance of that is we went almost 3 years with no chairs. Like, we had this fancy a$$ table and would pull out folding chairs for dinner and company. And guess what? I ain't care. LOL! We did that because I am a firm believer in waiting on the perfect thing instead of rushing into buying something just to say you have it. AND...remember that budget thing I've been talking about? Well, based on our budget, dining chairs just weren't an immediate priority.

Sunday morning, I made myself breakfast and sat at the head of my dining room table and started singing R. Kelly's "Did You Ever Think?" to myself. Which essentially asks someone who's finally "made it", did you ever think that you'd ever accomplish all that you've been working for all these years? Now, we are no hip hop stars or don't claim to be rich or well off or anything like that but we are just now getting to a space where we are starting to see some of the fruits of our labor. It's a great feeling.


To put things into perspective, we purchased our home from a prominent defense attorney in our city. Now HE has made TONS of money in his career. We aren't there yet but life has a funny way of coming full circle. The previous owner is also one of my really close friends' mentor. In 2005, when my friend graduated from law school, his mentor, the previous owner of now OUR home, hosted a white party, which my husband and I attended as boyfriend and girlfriend. Me, maybe a year into my career and my boyfriend had just finished his second year of medical school. We were still thinking in college student budget numbers and hadn't started any businesses so we were, for lack of better terms, thinking small time. We always tell the story of us sitting in the corner of that very same dining room at that party back in 2005, looking across the house thinking "Wow! Do you think we'll ever be able to afford something like this?" and laughing at ourselves for asking such a ridiculous question. OF COURSE NOT!!! But look at God, 5 years later, we purchased that VERY SAME house that we thought we'd never be able to afford.

Buying the house was not the epitome of our accomplishments, it was a symbol of all the hard work we put in within those 5 years to be in a position to do that. We were proud of ourselves. Our parents were excited. Our family felt blessed as well. Yes. The house was empty for a good 2 years after we moved in. In fact, we had a church fellowship hall folding table that was left there for us as our dining room table for 3 years before we actually bought a real one. Hahhahahahahahhaa!!! So to sit in a real dining room chair at my formal dining room table that is decorated with Marshalls, Home Goods, thrifting and traveling finds felt really good.

It made me think about Beyonce's HBO documentary, "Life Is But A Dream", she said something about
taking it all in that really resonated with me. Imagine being Beyonce, a legend, a business woman, a true talent, and a wife with strong family values. It's sooooo easy to get caught up in the next opportunity or figuring out what your next move is going to be because you want to make sure your family is taken care of. So much so that you don't even enjoy what you're doing in the moment or even what you've accomplished up until that point.

I'm a woman on the move. Like Beyonce, I'm always thinking of the next step but I'm learning to just take it all in every now and then. It's ok to pause and pat yourself on the back. I had a busy day on Sunday but I took my time to eat breakfast and sent my husband, who was at work, an affirmation text. I thanked him for his role in my life and being a blessing to me and my family as well as our unborn son. It felt good to just take it all in and just be thankful.

While we never settle and are always looking to improve and grow, your blessings only increase when you are grateful for what you have. We have seen much increase in our 13 years together. We are grateful. We share our blessings. We are thankful. We are just getting started!

Monday, January 25, 2016

Staying Focused - 4 Steps To Help You Stay Focused On Your Goals

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One of the first big steps you take when starting your journey towards making your dreams come true is
writing down your goals. Visualizing really helps. Making a list, post it notes on your mirror, vision boards. All of those things help keep your goals right in front of your face. However, goals without action are simply wishes.

Do you find yourself making the same goals every year? Month? Week? That means you are making great goals but not so great at accomplishing them. What's stopping you?

1. Do you have a plan?
Setting smart goals are very important. Next, establish how you are going to get them done. Losing weight is a great goal. Setting a realistic goal of losing 10-20 pounds in one year certainly doable. What's the plan though? Weekly meal prep? How many days per week is physical activity planned? What activities are you participating in on those days? Zumba on Monday? Weight training on Wednesday? Yoga on Friday? What's the plan? A plan for daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly activities helps monitor the progress toward meeting the goal. Use the alarm on your cell phone calendar. Write things down on your calendar. Whatever it takes to stick to the plan.

2. Create a sustainable schedule
Be it starting a fitness routine or working on your novel, commit to a schedule that is not overwhelming. Committing to 10 minutes of physical activity three mornings per week is more palatable than 2 hours in the gym five days per week when you're just getting started. Writing one chapter per day might be a bit much compared to committing to writing one chapter per week. Most stall and do nothing when they feel overwhelmed. Doing nothing will definitely not help you get closer to your goals.

3. Make your to-do list ahead of time
At the end of your day, assess what is complete. Make the list for the next day based on urgency and approaching deadlines. It helps to know exactly what your day is going to look like instead figuring it out as the day goes along. Helping organize the day's activities to make sure it runs smoothly and is productive.

4. Minimize distractions
In the age of technology, there are more distractions than ever before. Alerts, buzzing, text messages, phone calls, you name it. The only way to get anything done is to stay focused. Turning off all notifications while working on a project will prevent "popcorn brain". Popcorn brain is when your brain is so accustomed to constant electronic stimulation of multitasking that it is unfit for focusing on one thing at a time. Turn your cell phone off. Silence all ringers. Mute all notifications. Schedule your focus time for when family is sleeping or when everyone has left the office. Constant distractions make for minimal productivity because we have to constantly refocused. Keep distractions to a minimum and maximize productivity.

After visualizing your goal, construct plan to make it happen. Set a weekly, monthly, and quarterly schedule of activities that isn't overwhelming. Create a to-do list at the end of each day. Minimize distractions while working on tasks.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2016

What Do Your Friendships Say About You?

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Birds of a feather do indeed flock together. If you spend a lot of time with someone, eventually their
habits will rub off on you. Make sure the habits are good ones. Are you surrounded by motivated, positive people? Are you the most successful person in your circle? It is common for people to become complacent with where they are or just accept their current circumstances. It is also common for people to want more out of life but know that their circle of friends are holding her back. What does your role in friendships say about you?

The Ring Leader

You're the leader of the group. Everyone comes to you for advice. You're probably the most successful person in the group. Your whole group of friends cheer you on but they don't have much going on for themselves. Does this make you feel good about yourself? Feeding your ego is fine but having a large ego doesn't do much for personal growth. In order to reach your true potential, you should want to grow, which means you may out grow your circle. Growing pains are normal but need humility so that you can take in knowledge as you expand the network of people you interact with.

The Charity Case

You and your friends are always on a mission to find the "hook up". There is no effort to do things for yourself. A ride. A loan. A shoulder to cry on. Someone to vent to. A recommendation for a new job. Always looking for a way to get over instead of a way to triumph. There is nothing wrong with needing help but try finding your own resources before you ask to use someone elses. Surprisingly, people are more willing to help you when they see you helping yourself. You can do it. You don't need hand outs, you just need to believe in yourself.

The Bad Seed

You encourage each other to do the wrong things. Spend money on things that aren't in budget. Go out partying when you have to wake up early in the morning. Call out of work when you're not sick. Lying to get what you want. Most of the activities involve a flaw in morals. Doing the right thing does not give instant gratification but it does build character. Finding true, long-lasting success requires hard work and strong character.

The Debbie Downer

No matter what the situation, you find something negative to say about it. You hardly ever point out the silver lining during tough times. It's almost as if you don't want others happiness or success. Unfortunately, misery loves company. Perhaps invest in working on happiness. It will help you be able to see the good in situations and offer more words of encouragement. You will be a better friend.

The reality is, health relationships are symbiotic. You should not give more than you take or vice versa. If you surround yourself by four unmotivated adults, you indeed will be the fifth one. If there is even one of the following types of people in your immediate circle of influence, it will spill over on to everyone else.

Fancy Free, LLC. believes in the concept of building relationships that turn into business relationships. We can help you do the same. Contact us at (410) 929-0302 for your complimentary consultation. We would love to help you do the same. Complete the form below to join our emailing list.
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