You know if this is you. Break the cycle. I don’t think a mug can hold more than six years of procrastination–well at least not with the same sized font 😂
Category Archives: goals
The Road to Success…
These words here…
I found this quote on Jeff Yalden’s Twitter feed. I hope that it brings comfort, while motivating and inspiring you to keep pressing forward!
5 Ways to Get Your Kids to Read 40 or More Books This Summer
By Natasha Foreman Bryant
I don’t have any children yet, but after reading this article by Ronnie Tyler, I couldn’t help but to smile and giggle as I reminisced about my childhood reading experience, and what I intend to implement with my own children.
All 5 ways listed by Ronnie were the same ways that my parents engaged me into the wonderful world of books. All 5 experiences connected me with my dad (who loved reading) as we challenged each other every week, both during the school year and throughout summer break.
Even when I became an adult I can recall my dad reading two or more books in a week. I still possess the majority of my dad’s book collection, and I even have the books that he was reading the week he passed away—all of which are intriguing, and all of which I have said repeatedly that I should read, but still haven’t.
I don’t read as often as I used to or as often as I would like. There are tons of books that I want to jump into beyond my spiritual and occasional business readings. Shame on me, because as Ronnie highlighted and my parents implemented as a rule—turn off the tv and remove yourself from distractions for two hours—it’s time to read.
Check out Ronnie Tyler’s article and then share your experiences and feedback about engaging your children (or being engaged when you were a child) into the many journeys that come from reading a book. Share how often you read now and the types of books that you like to explore.
Then let’s ALL get reading!!!
~Natasha
Copyright 2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. Some Rights Reserved.
Natasha’s Thought of the Day: Dream Big!
Children are huge dreamers before adults destroy their imaginative spirits and tell them to start thinking smaller, to start being “realistic”. The huge dreams of a child is exactly where God wants us to be. There is no fear connected with dreaming big and setting goals to attain what we desire. There is fear in thinking small. The most successful people in the world open their minds to what most people would consider the impossible, the inconceivable, and the insane.
Think of President Barack Obama, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Mark Zuckerberg, Mary Kay Ash, Bob Johnson and others who had big dreams and didn’t stop thinking, pushing, and working even after those dreams materialized. Even after they passed away, King, Jobs, and Ash’s legacies continue to live on through the work they started…their passion serves as the fuel for their mission. Their brand continues to grow.
We must realize that our actions and lack thereof impact us and others for generations. The native Americans have a saying that every decision we make today impacts seven generations of the future. So consider the decisions you make each day. Make sound decisions but don’t limit yourself in fear. Allow yourself to dream big and have the intense imagination that you did as a child. Free yourself!
Picture by SoggyPigeon at deviantart.com
Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.
Excerpts of this thought were first drafted for Breaking Bread with Natasha on WordPress and Blogspot.
Artwork source: soggypigeon.deviantart.com
Sean’s 2012 Thought
Sean’s 2012 Thought:
New Year’s resolutions are fool’s gold. Do not promise to lose a bunch of weight or be a better spouse, parent or friend. Don’t say you are going to call people or stop cursing. None of these things last.
Instead, be honest with yourself. Listen to those who take time to talk to you. Surround yourself with those who will help you grow not those who will keep you where you are. Find balance in your life and try new things.
In short, make today better than yesterday for everyday this year. Grow internally as a person, as a husband/wife, as a parent, as a boss/worker, and as a friend. Be more than you thought you could be but not more than you should be!
Copyright 2012. All RIghts Reserved.
7 Habits of Highly Frugal People
I ran across this article not too long ago that caught my attention. Simply titled the “7 Habits of Highly Frugal People”, it does an impressive job breaking down seven habits that everyone can do (if serious and committed) to become frugal in their spending and living. Living frugally means spending sparingly, scrimping, and skipping on purchasing simply because you have the money– choosing rather to save towards a purchase or investing in something with greater returns.
If you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, barely making ends meet, having more month than money (with only high-end clothes or gadgets to show for), or realize that your financial legacy may not be much of one in 50-70 years (or worse, 5-10 years), then this article is for you. I took each habit, highlighted key characteristics and then provided additional details and resources at the end. I of course also included a link to the article so you can read it for yourself. Let’s get started shall we?
Habit One: Be Proactive
**Taking the first step and claiming responsibility; telling others this is your goal and intended lifestyle; listen to yourself and your excuses for buying things**
Habit Two: Begin with the End in Mind
**Visualizing effective frugality**
Habit Three: Put First Things First
**Recognize the effects of your finances and understand it’s okay to say no**
Habit Four: Think Win-Win
**Creating frugal win-win scenarios**
Habit Five: Communication
**How listening can help you to become effectively frugal**
Habit Six: Synergize
**Learning ways to be more frugal, and surrounding yourself with other frugal people**
Habit Seven: Sharpen the Saw
**Learning to frugally renew yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually**
To read the article in its entirety visit: http://moneyning.com/frugality/7-habits-of-highly-frugal-people/? There are also some other great things and resources to consider that were mentioned in the article:
1. There are six action steps to take when you are feeling financially vulnerable: http://moneyning.com/better-yourself/6-action-steps-to-take-when-you-feel-financially-vulnerable/
2. When building wealth, remember to think of the big picture too http://moneyning.com/investing/seeing-the-big-picture-in-creating-wealth/
3. Learn to embrace the positive influence of saving money http://moneyning.com/money-beliefs/positive-influence-of-saving-money/
4. Frugality doesn’t mean having to give up all of your luxuries and things that make you happy http://moneyning.com/frugality/are-you-tired-of-being-frugal/
5. Practicing frugal principles http://moneyning.com/frugal-living/
6. Making SMART goals http://moneyning.com/better-yourself/add-an-s-to-smart-goals-this-year/
7. Consider these 25 ways to pay off your debt more easily. http://moneyning.com/debt/25-debt-reduction-tips-for-your-immediate-action-plan/
Copyright 2011.
Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman
Natasha’s “Discipline and Focus” Quote of the Day 12.15.11
“I learn the lesson and move forward, not dwelling on what once was because I’m too focused on what I’m doing now and how it can impact my future. I’m not concerned with those I once encountered who I walked away from because if they were meant to be in my life today God would have kept them by my side…I am not concerned with what once was or if something could have been differently; the woulda, coulda, shoulda is for people who will always be less than where they need to be in life. I am also in no hurry to get to my future for I am still amazed by what is taking place today, the present, and the gifts that I receive daily by just being receptive and accountable. I strive to lead, live and make decisions in and through excellence not fear, doubt, or insecurity. Those who don’t see things that way usually don’t last walking next to me on this path. I lovingly allow them to stay behind or sprint ahead, because I’m on a long-distance mission of greatness that can’t be rushed or held behind.”
– Natasha L. Foreman, MBA
(a portion of this quote is an excerpt from her 12.15.11 “Breaking Bread With Natasha” posts. Check them out here: WordPress and Blogger)
Copyright 2011. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.
A Focus on Dignity and Non-Violence at Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy
By Natasha L. Foreman, MBA
On April 15th I was honored to lead a Dignity Day session as a HOPE Corp Volunteer through Operation HOPE (HOPE) at the Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy (CSKYWLA) in Atlanta.
What is amazing is how the majority of this class of ninth graders were initially completely turned off to the idea of having to listen to yet another speaker that day as they were just returning to their classroom from an assembly that focused on the theme of 100 days of Non-Violence…so they were shifty and closed off. But about 15 minutes into our conversation some of the girls who had crossed arms were soon raising their hands and answering questions.
I started off by talking about the concept of legacy and that that day we were laying the foundation and road map for them to create and eventually leave behind a strong, dignified legacy. I had them define the term legacy in their own words and then share some of their dreams, goals and aspirations. Then as our conversation deepened I shared with them the history of how HOPE was founded, the services and programs that HOPE offers, and I started to weave a story where life included them and their legacy.
I think helping them share the names of empowered and dignified women they see in their family, community, and elsewhere who had similar or worse lives growing up helped them to see that they too could be those same type of women- that they are these women but in-training and with the potential to do more and help more in the long run because they are being equipped with the tools at a young age; and our adversity isn’t an excuse to let life pass us by or a crutch to coast through life doing and expecting the bare minimum, but a reason and motivation to excel and succeed.
These young ladies were shocked to hear that the civil rights movement as it pertained to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and Ambassador Andrew Young was sparked, motivated, and pushed along due to their wives Coretta Scott King and Jean Childs Young- two women who endured and overcame adversity and strife. Hearing this information made many of these girls sit up straight in their chairs and listen intently.
When I spoke about not holding grudges, and that forgiving people is not to benefit the person they were forgiving but to help themselves heal, grow, and overcome- some girls shifted in their seats their seats, a few others rolled their eyes in disbelief; but then when I mentioned Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Iyanla Vandzant and their ability to forgive their abusers and using strife as a launching pad towards success- some of the girls started naming other people like Fantasia and Tyler Perry who was sexually and physically abused and how he also overcame and pushed himself to success.
We discussed the concept of family and that it isn’t just our immediate family we need to be concerned about but our neighborhoods, cities, state, our country, and our global family. Because I know that girls can be equally as cutthroat as boys, I made sure that we had a heart-to-heart chat about trash-talking and “clowning” people and how although initially it can be lighthearted and funny, it can also be crippling and tear apart our “extended” family.
We discussed being relevant not only in this country but globally, and that true wealth (spiritual, financial, etc) can only be maintained long term by leading a dignified life, not by living up to the negative stereotypes that are projected globally about Black females. We discussed self-empowerment and not waiting on the government or specific programs to help us, that we have to help ourselves. That we shouldn’t be waiting for someone else to pick up trash on our sidewalks- we should pick it up ourselves.
We shouldn’t be waiting for someone else to cover the graffiti on our walls and buildings- we should paint over it ourselves; we shouldn’t wait for someone else to beautify our streets and parks with trees and flowers- we should plant them ourselves. I explained that they should be volunteering in their community through church or some other organization taking pride in restoring, building, maintaining, and beautifying their neighborhoods.
We had a pretty good time. We laughed and talked about boys and expectations of being respected by males and all people when you carry yourself with respect and dignity. We discussed the language of money and being financially literate, and how this literacy will empower them. It was refreshing to see that many of them have savings accounts and that two of the students had traveled abroad- one to London and the other to the Bahamas. Two young passport carriers living in an underserved and underrepresented area of Atlanta- doesn’t that give you hope? It gives me hope and encourages me to continue my work in the community, and my work through Operation HOPE.
I hope more men and women find it in their hearts to invest one hour of their time at least once per month to volunteer in a church, in a class room, or in a youth center through Operation HOPE. One person can make a difference!
Copyright 2011. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.
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>The Answer When Going Through Life’s Changes
>My mentor for over twenty years, Judy Sampson shared some awesome words with me last week when I was having a hard day, week, month, quarter…my spirits were low and I was doubting myself. I was struggling with myself, I was missing deadlines and noticing my fears mounting; and I asked her to pray for me. Here’s what she said:
“When you’re going through hell…keep going”
That was it! I needed to keep walking through my personal hell and believe that I would make it through. I needed to continue facing my fears and open my mind to the possibility of achieving my goals by my final deadline. A few days later it re-sparked my creative juices and I began to structure the ideas that I had been visualizing for quite some time into functional, workable concepts.
This week has been exceptionally awesome as my ideas have been flowing effortlessly from my mind…ready to move forward. It is amazing how seven simple words can tap the recesses of your mind and trigger your internal light bulb! Another reason why mentoring is important in both your professional and personal life.
Copyright 2010. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.
>Setting Goals the Right Way!
>You dream….
In order to make the dream a reality you need a goal with a date signifying when you plan on reaching that goal. Clear objectives must be outlined showing benchmark dates and tasks where you “check in” to see how you are progressing towards reaching the goal. You can’t just say, “I want to buy a house” and not give yourself a deadline with measurable benchmarks. You have to say, “I want to buy a house by Spring 2011” and then give yourself three, four, or six month incremental benchmark dates to check your progress.
Here are a few examples of various types of goals (broken down by category):
Financial: Increase my earnings to $9,250 per month beginning August 2011 (benchmark dates are every three months); eliminate my bad debt of $75,000 by Thanksgiving 2013 (every month I will pay off $2,083 in debt); pay off my $2,000 credit card debt before July 4, 2010 (I will pay $400 per month).
Relationship: I want to take my sweetie to Europe for 14 days by September 1, 2010 (benchmark of every two months); get married by July 1, 2011 (I will propose to her January 1, 2011); I want to have a baby by December 2010 (we will go off birth control next week; monthly benchmarks); take a couple’s cruise to reignite our “flame” by July 2010 (monthly payment plan and benchmark); start having weekly “date night’s” beginning March 1, 2010.
Spiritual: Read the entire Bible by the end May 2010 (March 20, 2010 benchmark to confirm half-way point).
Household: Re-paint the house by September 2010; new flooring by Christmas 2010.
Health/Fitness (weekly/monthly benchmarks): lose 10 pounds by April 1, 2010; run the 5K in May 2010; lower my cholesterol by 10 points by June 2010; run a mile in 5 minutes by April 29, 2010.
Once you have set your goals and objectives, you then share this information with one to two people who truly support you and want to see you succeed; so they can not only be your cheerleader, but also hold you accountable.
Then hit the pavement running!
Copyright © 2010 by Natasha L. Foreman. All rights reserved.
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