David understood one of the essential qualities of a leader, as we see in 2 Samuel 23:3. Anyone who wants to lead well must fear the Lord. When we talk about fearing God, we are not talking about a wrong kind of fear. We are talking about the reverential fear that causes us to bow in His presence and even to prostrate ourselves before Him and say, “My God, there is none like You; Whom shall I fear? If You are for me, what can man do to me?’

The apostle Paul wrote something in Galatians 1:10, He said, “Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah).”

We know Satan firsthand uses rejection to prevent us from going forward with the call of God on our our lives. Have you ever been attacked with rejection? The devil uses this very effective tool to keep us from making progress.

How many of you have gone to the bank to get a loan for your business and were turned down? Wanted more money to expand? Wanted to hire a few more people? How many people were skeptical when you told them you were starting a business, or joining a partnership with someone, or told you all of the reasons why they failed in business and why you would too? It’s very difficult to go on when you are being rejected by someone you love and care about or others who have the power and ability to help but do not buy into your vision. I know what that feels like when you take the leap of faith and do what you believe you have been called to do. I shudder to think what I might have sacrificed had I bowed down to the pressure and the weight of rejection. Everywhere I went for help they told me no, or I didn’t qualify, but thank God I didn’t give up.

Have you ever been in a situation when the devil leveled an attack against you at the same time when God was trying to promote you into the next level of what he has for your life?

Anyone who is going to do the will of God must have more fear of God than of man. We all want acceptance and for others to support our dreams. It takes courage to live your dreams. And you have to be willing to lose everything to do it. What does that mean? The trials and storms of life will come. They must. Do you stay and fight for the dream and the desire that you believe God has placed on the inside of you, or do you turn in defeat because it’s just too hard?

Anyone who is going to do God’s will must remember what Jesus told His disciples: “A servant is not greater than his master…If they persecuted Me, they will also persecut you” (John 15:20). He was saying, “If they reject you, in effect they are rejecting Me.” I believe the Lord takes it personally when people reject you because you are trying to do the right thing. He knows how you feel about being rejected, because He felt the same thing. He is your Vindicator; your reward comes from Him, and you must reverentially fear and honor Him more than anything or anyone else.

As you have made the decision, for God I live, and for God I die, know that God is equally commited to the promise as well. Romans 8:31,32 “What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] [Ps. 118:6]

32 He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things?

God approved of you before anybody else ever got a chance to disapprove. Do not spend your time playing it safe in the illusion of a down economy (because millionaries are being made everyday, banks are still giving corporate execs million dollar bonuses) don’t buy into the hype! Safety is very comfortable, but it may keep you from God’s perfect plan for your life.  If we want to continue to succeed in this environment, our focus must be customer focus coupled with outstanding customer service. Not because it will keep your customer and repeat business, but if you never see them again, the honor and privilege is in being in a position to serve.

Trust His Word and keep your heart willing and ready to obey. Be willing to try new things, especially if it is something you have never done before. You will find throughout your life that God regularly calls us out of our comfort zones and into new places of faith and growth in Him.

On the way to your destination, enjoy the journey.

Linda Dillard

Founder/CEO & Relationship Strategist for Power In Progress, LLC & Creator of the “CEO Method”

Why does it always take a tragedy to wake us up out of our unconcious state of selfishness before we are willing to help one another? Apparently, Hurricane Katrina was not enough for us to sustain a long lasting commitment to love one another as we love ourselves.

The US has no Interest in Haiti

How unfortunate it is that it took a devastating Earthquake in Haiti before the world woke up. What amazes me is that Haiti has been an impoverished country for many years. The fact that the United States has no vested interest in Haiti in terms of what it can get from the people or country of Haiti is irrelevant. Why must God get our attention by allowing such mass destruction to occur?

Why do bad things happen to good people?

I have often wondered why bad things happen to good people? It’s sad to know that we have all contributed in some way due to our mass consciousness of caring about self only.

In 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 (amp), “And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifest istself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]. [Isa. 55:10; Hos. 10:12]

11 Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God.

12 For the service that the ministering of this fund renders does not only fully supply what is lacking to the saints (God’s people), but it also overflows in many [cries of] thanksgiving to God.”

God will provide us a seed to sow

In times like these, it’s easy to withhold seed because we are uncertain if we will have enough. But a seed can never multiply and bear fruit until it has been planted. Whenever we invest in God’s people at home or abroad, we can rest assure that God will continue to provide seed for us to sow, and those in whom we sow seed will cry out to God with thanksgiving.

I say to the many of you who were like me before I read this passage, there is so much money and aid needed for these hurting people, how will I know if my seed will be used for that which it was intended?

What’s your motive?

 Well, we can thank God that he does not judge our outward appearance but our heart and our motives. Whether our seed ever gets to where it is intended, God will still honor our heart to give and you will be blessed. For those who misuse the seed, and cause even more suffering because of their lack of integrity, God is in control of that as well. So give, so seed.

Our job and our responsibility is not to judge others for what they are or are not doing, our only responsibility is to make sure we are doing what we are suppose to do. We serve a God that never slumbers or sleep, and he is always on top of his game. Let our business be a reflection of how we are, not just who we are. Whether your are providing aid to Haiti, or giving your left over food from your resturant to a shelter, orphanage, or a parent who waits table and would welcome the extra food to feed their family, when you have a need, sow a seed.

So take heart my sister, my brother; Love thy neighbor as thyself (Mark 12:31).  In so doing, the recipient of this goodness, kindness, and charity will cry out to God in thanksgiving. 

Be Inspired,

Linda Dillard
Founder/CEO Power In Progress, LLC
Relationship Strategist

During a time when the key to restoring our nation and renewing the global economy are entrepreneurs, here is a message to encourage the heart of every believer who has had to whether a storm during a very difficult and trying year.

The Bible Wants you to Live Great

Many people think that what’s written in the Bible has mostly to do with getting people into heaven – getting right with God, saving eternal souls. And all those are a part of the Bible, however, equally important that the Bible is concerned with is living here on this earth – living well, living with enthusiastic sanity.

Wisdom is the art of living skillfully in whatever actual conditions we find ourselves in. In Proverbs 3:26 (Message), “No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner, Because God will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound.” “For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in a trap or some hidden danger]. (Prov. 3:26, Amp).

You Can Succeed in Any Business

I just wanted to remind you that no matter what business your in or service you provide, Jesus says in John 14:12-13, “I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. And I will do [I myself will grant] whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], so that the Father may be glorified and and extolled in (through) the Son. [Exod. 3:14] We know that trials and tribulations must come, and we should welcome them. In our weakness, He is made strong. I believe because of the lack and suffering that many are feeling right now it is creating an opportunity for God to do his best work.

God Promises Us that He’ll Keep us from Danger

I want all of you to know that no matter what you are facing in your business today, what difficult decisions you may have to make, that God has not forsaken you, and when we continuously put our trust in Him because he cares for us, He keeps his promises. He has promised each one of us that he would keep our foot from being caught in a trap or some hidden danger. Knowledge is something you know, Wisdom is something you own! When your confidence, firm and strong is in Him, he will keep you from falling.

Set Your New Year’s Goal for 2010

Trust that every setback is a setup. 10 symbolizes totality or all inclusiveness. For all that we have endured in ‘09, it’s time to get excited because in 2010, it all comes together. It is your time, it is your season. When God is for you, it’s better than the whole world against.

Always Seek Wisdom

Be encouraged my brothers and my sisters, “Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding! (Prov. 3:6 Message) What the enemy meant for evil, God will use for good. Let us return to childlike faith, that if he said it, then it will come to pass. Rejoice, this is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Linda Dillard
Founder/CEO Power In Progress, LLC
Tap Into the Power, Walk Into the Light

Suggested Reading:

Your Road Map for Success

John C. Maxwell. Thomas Nelson 2006, Paperback, 256 pages, $5.99

Spiritual Steps on the Road to Success

Linda Seger. Monarch Books 2009, Paperback, 188 pages, $11.49

Living an Incredible life is much simpler than we all make it seem. An Incredible Life is a mindset, a state of mind, if you will. Very easily, you can take the lid off of your thinking and move from forgettable to Incredible! Once you start living out on the branch where the fruit of life is, you will notice that every day problems and obstacles no longer become hindrances or stumbling blocks that get in your way and keep you from fulfilling your Incredible life goals and dreams. In your personal or professional life, the keys to an Incredible life are simple:

1. Consult your higher source for everything you need, want, believe and dream. Make your source, (mine is the One and True Living God) your CEO. Give control over your destiny to Him, He will handle your dreams with care. He will line up relationships that are Incredible!

2. Evaluate and re-evaluate your associations – you become like the 5 people you spend your time with. Each quarter, I make a list of the people who are in my space and I re-evaluate their place in my life. If, when I think of them, I am inspired and believe that they are an Incredible part of my world, they get a +. If, when I think of them, I feel negativity or am perplexed at the thought of the value they add to my existence, they get a -. If I feel absolutely nothing one way of another, they get a /. I am sure that by now you’ve guessed it, + signs get to stay! – signs have to go and / signs have one more quarter to influence my life Incrediblly so that they can stay or they have to hit the road. Constantly evaluating your associations will help to ensure that the Incredible person you are becoming does not get jaded or crowded by Incredible snatchers – those people who only want to suck the Incredible out of you!

3.Make a Vision Board or Goal Poster. Habakkuk 2:2 in the Old Testament of the King James Bible says “write the vision and make it plain.” It goes on to say, “write it on tablets [goal poster].” Where are you going in this life? Ask yourself the following question, “What can I begin to do today to make my life Incredible?” Follow that question with this one: “If I could be doing anything in the world and money was not an object, what would I be doing?” Then write it down. From there, brainstorm and come up with more ideas that all lead back to that first question. An old business model says that “what gets attended to gets done”….You want to make sure that your 16×20 sized goal is back by a 16×20 sized POSTER or VISION BOARD. Don’t believe that you will remember it, write it down. In fact, get some post-it notes and stick smaller versions of your goals all over the place to serve as a constant reminder that you can achieve anything you put your mind to!

4. Do something everyday that gets you closer to the vision you have for an Incredible life. Daily activity creates habits and habits create consistency, consistency creates confidence and consistent confidence is the gateway to dreams realized!

5. Live with PACE

P- Plan with Purposeful Passion: For all that you do, ensure that it has purpose and your passion is fueled. Plan so that your goals are being realized with every plan made.
A – Achieve with Abundant Attitude: As you set goals, decide now to achieve them with an attitude of abundance. Keep in mind that abundance is not material; it is living above strife and contention.
C – Create with Consistent Confidence: As you think of your goals and dreams develop the confidence and belief that you can carry them out. Remember, you are exactly who or what you say that you are. More importantly, you are exactly who you think you are so have confidence that you can achieve your vision. Although life had highs and lows, develop a consistent approach for creating your vision. Start with what you do better than anyone else in the world, usually you will find your passion there!
E – Execute with Enthusiastic Expectation: There is no need to plan, achieve or create if you are not going to execute. But don’t just do it, do it well. Additionally, have an enthusiastic expectation that you will grow, learn and experience new things and do what you set out to do. Believe that the power lies within you to be Incredible.

Believe in yourself as I believe in you!

Get Inspired, Feel Incredible!

Always remember, if you can see the invisible, God can do the impossible so dream the INCREDIBLE!

The Incredible You

Shawndra Johnson (Editor). IOE Publications 2009, Paperback, 180 pages, $14.95

Simply put, being Incredible is the realization that you were born that way. So many of us allow life to beat us down and prevent us from walking into our birthright. Sound familiar?

Do you want to live an Incredible Life? Do you desire to be considered Incredible in your own right? Are you ready for this, it will be mind blowing….The only thing separating you from the Incredible You is yourself. Your mindset is the key to unlocking passion, abundance, confidence and expectation in your life. Get excited, you are only a step away from living a PACE life.

Being Incredible has absolutely nothing to do with what others think of you, being Incredible is about self-esteem, self-worth and self-love. Do you believe that you possess the keys to an Incredible life? I believe you do!

When I was twenty-five years old, the bottom fell out of my life. I felt like I had lost everything because I allowed a man to define my worth. When the dust settled and I began to pick up the pieces of my shattered existence, I realized that I already possessed everything I needed to turn my thought process and mindset around. I was the master of my mind and mediocrity was removed from my vocabulary. Because today, I know that I am living an Incredible Life, I was able to finally write a book about that chapter in my life. If You Understood My Past, You Would Understand My Praise chronicles that life’s chapter. But if you understood my past, you would understand why today, helping others define their Incredibleness is so important to me.

What changed? Something simple, I started to believe in myself and I developed a personal relationship with the Lord, giving myself permission to be my best and march to the beat of my own drum. I forgave myself for the past, those wrongs suffered me as well as those wrongs I did to others out of anger, rage or sheer discontentment. I began to dream and think about what I wanted to do with my life whereas before, I wanted what others wanted for me. My passion was born out of my brokenness and I desired to change my outlook so that I could later help others to do the same.

As I underwent this transformation, I stumbled upon these self-determined keys to an Incredible life. I now desire to share them with the world. The keys are simple and indicated below. Stay tuned for my upcoming book, which will highlight these keys, expand upon them with supporting biblical text and offer solutions to make the key changes and mind shifts necessary to walk into your Incredibleness.

These keys will lead you to unleashing the Incredible You, a you bursting with passion, abundance, confidence and expectation:

1. Trust that God has your best interest at heart.
2. Have a heart that is ready to serve others.
3. Experience life through eyes of faith.
4. In all things, be grateful. An attitude of gratitude fills your cup.
5. Never give up on yourself no matter what others may say.
6. Create a life where everything is in proper balance and perspective.
7. Release yourself from the issues, hurts and struggles of your past.
8. Expect God’s unmerited favor in your life.
9. Decide that vision is your key to victory.
10. Increase your self-image; you are who you say you are.
11. Be who you were created to be.
12. Live a life that is pleasing to God.
13. Execute your goals and dreams with enthusiastic expectation.
14. You already possess the keys to Incredible Success, believe it!
15. Offer yourself the opportunity to overcome obstacles and adversity with passion and promise.
16. Unleash God’s promises for an Incredible life!

You can do it, I can help.
Be Incredible!

Suggested Reading:

Goals!

Brian Tracy. ReadHowYouWant 2009, Paperback, 408 pages, $21.99

Guiding Growth

Mark Lipton. Harvard Business Press 2003, Hardcover, 288 pages, $14.95

As it is said, the past is a canceled check, you can’t get it back yet so many of us, keep allowing it to keep us from our future. Why?

We are all afraid to unlock that little box that holds our family secrets and issues. All of us. For many years I pretended as if it didn’t exist. But finally I wanted liberation. I was so sick and tired of using my past as an excuse. If I had a nickel for every time I said, “But because of how I was raised, I do things this way.” I would be Oprah rich. The excuses, which are nothing more than the tools that incompetent, people use to keep them bound to the issues that they are defending got old. I realized that it was time to put on a pair of big girl panties and deal with my past.

After all, you cannot conquer what you refuse to confront. If you don’t deal with it, it lingers and festers. It starts to stink and when you have an odor, everyone knows. And usually, no one tells you so you just walk around thinking you are cute yet smelling a hot mess! And I don’t have to tell you, that is not cute or productive.

Bondage is not going to get you closer to the Incredible You. You have to free yourself.

We have all had things happen to us in the past. Big deal. It is over. You cannot change the past. In fact, the past is a canceled check. It is no longer worth anything of substance. Why allow it to keep you from getting to where you want to be? There is no good reason why.

It was years ago. Release it and trust that God will ease the pain in your heart. When you hold onto the issues of the past, you are the one who suffers. The one who wronged you is over it, if they are even aware that they hurt you at all. Let it go and walk into your future.

I love what II Timothy 2:21 says, If a man cleanses himself from the latter [the past], he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Need I say more?

Seriously though, when you get past what is behind you, you can be used for good things and be an example for others of the goodness of forward motion and thought can be. Dealing with my past brought me to a place of praise. It was my way of helping others to realize that there is a praise on the other side of your past. Life gets better when you let things go. In fact, life becomes Incredible! Your mind is clear and void of confusion and your heart is whole, absent of anger, contempt or defeat. When your mind is clear and your heart whole, Incredibleness is just around the corner and all you have to do is walk toward it.

When I think about the storms of my life, I get excited because they were all catalysts to my destiny! Had it not been for that betrayal, that abuse, that financial downfall, I would not be the Incredible person that I was born to be. I am able, by the grace of God to be excited about the things that I have been through. The trials and tribulations only made me stronger.

Think about Marvin Sapp’s Never Would Have Made it. He can only sing that song and you and I bob our heads and raise our hands in praise, if we let the past go. Think about it. If you are here and you are alive and healthy, you ought to be praising right now. You have already proved that you can make it through other life trials. So get excited that you will come out of the past stronger, wiser and better. So get excited and let it go.

I have decided to PRESS or to Persistently Run Expecting Supernatural Success. A woman in my church, Sheila, shared her testimony with us and said that she realized that in order to make it through, she had to PRESS and she created this amazing acronym. Sheila is amazing and through this acronym she will bless so many lives.

Pressing is moving forward regardless of what is coming your way. It is important that you press persistently. It means that you have decided that you will not give up. You will keep going no matter what comes your way. Running is about action versus standing still and letting this happen to you; running allows you to be proactive to change and stress. Standing still is the sign of completed work, where as running is about the realization that the work is not yet done but deciding that you will embrace the change and embrace it with a supernatural expectation.

Wow, if you are not empowered now, I don’t know what to tell you. Success will be yours when you decide to take action against the problems, trials and tribulations that come your way.

The Incredible You is just over the horizon from the past hurts, failures and strife that is already over. PRESS toward the future, PRESS toward the Incredible You. Don’t you want to meet the Incredible You?

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13,14

If You Understood My Past, You Would Understand My Praise

n/a (Illustrator). Incredible One Enterprises Publications 2008, Paperback, 238 pages, $12.39

Marsha Carter is the successful founder of MyBizNext, LLC and Star Scholars, LLC. MyBizNext, LLC is a management consulting firm dedicated to helping business optimize resources, capitalize on opportunities and increase their productivity.

Marsha Carter’s story is not unique. Her story simply reminds us of the power of perseverance, determination, and endurance.

“I am a firm believer of faith. I believe what God has for me is for me. I do not compare; I admire. ” In August 2005, I left the Buccini Pollin Group as an Accountant.

I was afforded an opportunity to return back to school. Oblivious to the consequences, August 2005 I enrolled into the Master’s of Public Administration program at the University of Delaware. All expenses were to be paid by the college of Urban Affairs and Public Policy…

Challenge question: How do you maintain a grad school 3.0 required gpa, bills, and no real steady income.

Well obviously, MC didn’t totally have the answer. Over time the 3.5 gpa slightly dropped as stress continued to build over how to pay bills. In January 2006, MC with Latonya Maddrey decided to start MyBizNext, LLC. “Initially, it was just a way to generate extra income to support our true desire of founding an education institution.” Shortly after, Mrs. Maddrey headed back to Maryland and left the bleak responsibilities to MC; changing from a multi to a single member LLC.

“One night I had a dream—so real. I woke up in our home and everything was empty. There were people cleaning out our home. I walked down the hall to the bathroom and asked “did you know that someone was living here”. The lady stated, “did you not hear the news, you have to leave.” As I walked back into the room there was a mural on the corner of the room that read “HOPE, FAITH, BELIEVE.” I will never forget that. It was the turning point of my life. I decided to let everything go and in less than 3 months, my children and I were at a shelter – EVERYTHING truck, home, etc gone!

All that was left was my family and God. A formed a different kind of faith and relationship with God. For the first time, I began to understand – “I will supply all your needs.” I walked around one week with $20 in my pocket all week! My perception of homelessness changed. My gratitude changed. My relationship with my children strengthened. I began to admire my son and daughter as they too were so positive. There were days we filled the entire room with the peace of God and vibrations of Shirley Caesar (I can make it) rang in the air. My kids would touch me and each other and speak of just how good God was… Can you imagine?

Anyhow, I decided I wanted to find a job (enough to qualify for subsidize housing), so I could just focus on completing my studies and being there for my children. “I was giving up on this entrepreneurship thing.” In my mind, it left me broke and homeless. I searched high and low and could not find a job whereas 6 months prior to giving up I received at least 3 job offers.

Well that was not what God had for me. One of my most supportive mentors and clients, Joe Abelson, Chairman of Rodney Street Tennis & Tutoring Assoc hired me to write a proposal that would change my life. The catch – “the nonprofit did not have any additional funds. Not sure if they could pay right now.” It was almost like God appeared to me directly and we talked (well I more or less I attempted to rebel) to write this proposal for free. “But Father you know my situation, why would I do this for free. I need to get a job, I’m not allowed out of my room after 11:00pm in the lobby, and shouldn’t I just write the proposal for myself.” Oh yes, the excuses just kept coming. More importantly, the only place I could get a wireless connection was by sitting in the corner of the lobby AND it was due in less than 48 hours. Okay, another turning point. I wrote the proposal, it was awarded, and I was still paid $1,000. Does God know what He’s doing or what?

Let’s just say that as I continued to grow and meet more people, I started to realize more success. I remained an entrepreneur (never gave up). Star Scholars was started to help “eliminate the education gap.” Well I would say that after working very longggg hours and spending many countless hours of sacrifice (financially and with time), since then I have realized a great deal of independence. For many, this is minute. For me, this is major for all I asked from God was that I could do the following:

Live in a 4 bedroom home. I now live in a 6 bedroom home for over a year waiting for a new addition to my family – Faith Marciair (pronounced Mar-cee-air)

Make over $150,000. In cooperation with 2008 and already for 2009, I have nearly reached that goal.

Be home with my children. Although a great challenge, both are currently being homeschooled.

Be able to retire by 35. Although this may need to change to 40, I am very confident that through God’s grace; the businesses created today will enable this to occur.

To me it is not about the money. It is simply that God has provided me with all my needs first and desires second. I strongly believe that because of my faith in Him, He has shown me what He could do. I now can stand naked and tell others just how good He is EVEN in the midst of troubles. There may be gloomy days (I sometimes experience them today), but I know that I know if nothing else; somehow some way it will always work itself out for those who believe. Consequently, through all the trials and tribulations; I stand with God by my side, Edward (my husband), Sierra, Richard and soon to be Faith!

You’re riding high, having survived the interview process, made it through orientation, and settled into a routine at your new job. It comes as a surprise to some new to the ranks of the professional working world that it takes more than showing up everyday to get recognized and offered opportunities to expand your career. Talent alone won’t help you keep a job or move up the corporate ladder. Use these guidelines to prevent disappointments down the road, either in the form of a pink slip or getting passed over for promotion.

1. Be a professional at all times.

You spend a lot of time at the office, but don’t fall into the trap of spending too much time chit-chatting with your co-workers. The office gossip or resident comedian rarely become the office star. You need to strike a balance between friendly relationships and business relationships. In addition, be cautious about revealing too much personal information; this even extends to your participation in social networking websites. It’s true that what you do on your own time doesn’t necessarily impact your employer, but your employer may judge your overall character and reliability based on information gleaned from your personal life.

2. Stay informed.

You need to keep up with what’s going on in your company and in the industry. Read company newsletters and e-mails. Take a few minutes to read the business section of the local newspaper. Ask your boss if they subscribe to any industry specific publications that you can read. Valuable employees are the ones who keep their fingers on the pulse of the business. A key benefit to staying informed is that you are better prepared than less informed co-workers when changes take place and new tasks are assigned.

3. Work like you’re working for yourself.

Approach your job as if each task was contributing to your own personal bottom line. It’s a big mistake to think that your work really doesn’t matter. If the job didn’t need to be done, why would your employer pay you to do it? Recognize that your performance can either help or hurt the company’s bottom line. If this was your company what kind of job would you do each day? Employees who make positive contributions have the most success.

4. Give the job your full attention.

It may sound cliché, but take pride in your work. Pay attention to the details of each assignment. Something as simple as a misplaced decimal can have ominous consequences: 250.00 is just not the same as 2500.00. Find ways to reduce distractions, whether they come from co-workers or events occurring outside work. It really doesn’t matter whether you work in the copy room or as a junior accountant; giving 100% to the job grabs management’s attention.

5. Keep records of your accomplishments and failures.

Every employee should keep a planner or other type of log of their workday. You can do it on paper or in the computer (just back it up). You want to be sure to record important projects or assignments you worked on. Include the results, good and bad. You can use this record when it comes time for your review with your boss. Don’t expect management to remember what you’ve accomplished over the last year. With this written record you can point out your accomplishments and areas that you would like more training in. It provides a means for you to show how your skills and talents benefit the company.

Employers are willing to invest time and money into training and grooming the most outstanding of their employees—take the five steps outlined above to help create a bright future for your career.

If you can see the invisible, God can do the impossible, so dream the Incredible.

As a success coach, I am often challenged to help people develop vision that sees the invisible and believes that anything is possible. When I think of vision, I am reminded of a child who has an imaginary friend. With their imaginary friend in tow, that child pursues situations and obstacles with a consistent confidence and enthusiastic expectation that is unparalleled in the world today. I often wonder why our minds don’t allow us to think and act as children when it comes to taking the necessary risks and faith walks to live an incredible life filled with dream fulfillment and passion, abundance, confidence and expectation.

As adults, we don’t believe in imaginary friends, but when you have vision, you see possibilities and results that are not visible to others. Being a visionary is an important key to becoming the Incredible You. When you have vision, you have victory. One of my favorite personal statements that I created when I first started working with other people as a success coach was “if you can see the invisible, God can do the impossible, so dream the Incredible.“ When I say this statement each day, I am focusing on helping people to become visionaries for their lives and the lives of their family members. Situations are changed because of vision. Nothing great in this life was ever accomplished without vision. Think of anyone that you admire in this world. No matter whom they are and how significant their triumph, they possessed an uncanny ability to see the invisible and do the impossible, otherwise, you would not look up to them.

When you have the foresight to see those things that do not exist currently but know in your heart, mind and spirit that they will come to pass, you are becoming a visionary, much like the people you admire. No vision is too small and I admonish you not to compare your triumphs with that of others as we are all on an individual journey. Visionaries think outside of the box. Visionaries are able to do things a little differently to get a victorious result. Visionaries never give up because they don’t know what is coming around the next corner. It is always too early to throw in the towel on your hopes, dreams and desires.

Vision is the key to maximizing and unlocking your potential. Not a visionary? Make a non-negotiable decision that the time is now to receive the victory in your life. You can be a visionary as soon as you realize that all that it takes is for you to be able to say right now that you are able to accomplish that which you desire to do. If you can see it, it can be a reality. Do you have faith and believe that you can do anything that you put your mind to? In this time of economic downturn, vision is looking at your checkbook and getting excited because the money is on the way. Although you can’t see it now, you have full knowledge and belief that you possess what it takes to move from victim to visionary. If you want to have victory, you have to be optimistic. Is your glass half full? When your glass is half full, you are closing in on your victory. When you are able to see clearly those things which do not yet exist, you are walking in a liberating victory because those dreams, goals and desires are just an action away from becoming reality and catapulting you into a personal triumph.

Having vision is pivotal if you want to achieve anything in life. So think, see and then do. You can do it, Incredible One. I believe in you. The Incredible You is waiting; he or she is standing just behind your vision.