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BootCamp 
 
       How Did I Get So Busy?
 
 
    Why Not You!
 
 
          What's Really Holding You Back?
 
 
 
      Listen to Your Life
 
 
 
  Rich Minds, Rich Rewards
 
 
 

Week 30:   Got Grit?  5 Strategies to Keep Your Dreams Alive! 
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This Week's Topic:   Got Grit?  5 Strategies to Keep Your Dreams Alive!
 
 
Dear Friend,
 
Ten years ago this month, while standing in a bookstore, I had an epiphany about my life's purpose:  To inspire women to live fulfilling lives and to do so through writing and speaking.  I was in public relations at the time, running my own firm.  I was good at it, but not passionate about it, and had been praying for a couple of years to know my purpose.  That day in July 1999 changed the direction of my life.  Within three weeks, I began writing my first book and four months later Rich Minds, Rich Rewards was published.  Though things haven't always gone my way, I've stuck with it because I love it and I love serving you.  Your feedback and appreciation over the years has confirmed I am on the right path!

 
This week, in honor of the ten-year anniversary of discovering my purpose, I want to encourage you to stay the course when it comes to your dreams.  Studies show that "grit" - perseverance and passion for long-term goals - may be as essential to your success as intelligence.  Is there something you're passionate about, but feel discouraged that success hasn't happened as quickly as you'd like?  Ready to give up and try something else?  Have doubts caused you to downsize the dream?  Use these strategies to keep your dreams alive:

1.      Pursue what calls you.
  To have grit, you need to work towards goals you'll stick with, especially when times are tough.  Without a passion for what you're doing, it will be too hard to resist the temptation to move on to something else.
 
2.      Plan for a marathon, not a sprint.
  In fact, research on high achievers often shows their big breakthroughs happened, on average, ten years into their journey.
 
3.      Acknowledge your progress.
  Celebrating milestones keeps you motivated to take more steps forward.
 
4.      Adjust your definition of success.
  While the world often focuses on measures such as money and status, your definition of success might be measured by the impact you've made, the growth you've experienced or the fun you're having.  Measure your success by the things that hold the most meaning for you.
 
5.      Get down to business.
With so many distractions vying for your attention, the ability to focus is harder than ever.  But you can do it.  Plans are important, but it's even more important to take consistent action towards your dreams.  Practice the art of getting things done, especially in the face of challenges.  Show some grit.
 
My challenge to you:
Show some grit!  Commit to your dreams.  Plan your work and work your plan!
 
Journaling question:
 In what area of your life do you need to show more grit?  How could you tap into your passion to help you persevere? Which of these five steps is time to apply to your life?
 
Until next time ... 
 
Warm wishes,
Valorie's Signature
 
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Valorie Burton, a life coach and speaker, is the author of Listen to Your Life, Rich Minds, Rich Rewards, What's Really Holding You Back?, Why Not You? and her latest, How Did I Get So Busy? The 28-Day Plan to Free Your Time, Reclaim Your Schedule and Reconnect with What Matters Most. Subscribe to her FREE, inspirational e-newsletter at www.valorieburton.com.

Please feel free to forward the Rich Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter to friends and colleagues, but please forward in its entirety. The Rich Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter is written and distributed by Inspire, Inc. Copyright (c) 2008 Valorie Burton. All rights reserved. www.valorieburton.com.





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