Barbara’s Thoughts, Life Lessons and Success Strategies

I find or experience, read and see so many things to share, ask questions about, enjoy… I get overwhelmed…yup I know it’s that ‘unpackageable spirit’, as Ellie described me during one of my coaching sessions. My eyes and my heart lit up when she described me that way because it was a perfect description, it was ME.

My mind is racing now with many things I want to share, assistance I want to give, things to do… But I won’t write about any of them because there are too many ideas, too many thoughts.

Some thoughts are great, others give me doubt. I wonder if anyone would be interested in THAT…or .. What would people think about my (wacky, silly, outrageous ?) opinion?.. or.. Would anyone find value from my words? or “There are so many others who know so much more than I do” (that’s the perfectionist coming out that I have to bury or he’ll consume all my time and energy). I guess all this makes the journey of life interesting, at least I’ll believe that it does.

Enough of that. I’m OK and (You are OK too) We are all unique, fascinating, loveable, talented people.

‘Stick With It’ Until it’s Completed – Lesson From My Mom and Dad

When I’m doing and focused on something I enjoy and love (my passion), I stay on course. I forget to eat, forget what time it is, am oblivious to the world around me. 8, 10, 14 hours pass and I just keep going as I’m having the time of my life. My passion just doesn’t subside because I’m focused on seeing progress, improvement, results.

Mom and Dad taught us kids to “Stick With It Until it’s Completed’ by their actions most of all. And I heard the words as added emphasis. They never gave up. Living on a farm requires that tasks must be started and must be completed… or we wouldn’t live, survive. Our life was dependent upon OUR decisions, OUR actions, and OUR results. Oh, and ethics too. We had to pay every bill because those people had to live too (topic for another day).

There is No Such Thing as ‘I Can’t’ – Lesson From My Mom and Dad
Words we heard often: There is no such thing as “I can’t” or “I don’t feel like it”. You can and you will figure out how, we were taught. My earliest recollection, imprinted on my mind forever, was at age three or four. I said ‘I can’t do it’ to writing my name in cursive handwriting. My mom said ,”Sure you can. Just try and you’ll see you can do it.” She taught me a lot (yes, home schooled me at age of 3 and 4) because she wanted me to be smart in school. You see, she only had 8th grade education. Those times girls (most) were not allowed to go to high school, which was her dream. She had to stay home and work on the farm. Her brothers went to high school.

We (my three brothers and I) learned quickly that ‘I can’t’ and ‘I don’t feel like it’ were useless complaints. Our parents knew what was reasonable and possible for us. We did what was required. And they allowed us to try many new things, to experiment. Driving the tractor was great fun. Dad taught us as early as we asked (within reason – about 7 years). He was there to teach, guide and assist. Wow, that was so much fun!

It all comes down to: “If there is a will (willingness), there is a way!”

Lessons For All Americans Today, Including Me:
*There is no such thing as ‘I can’t’. Stick with it until it’s completed.
*If there is a will, there is a way.

Let’s hop to it, and enjoy the journey to a better life and better world!

Barbara Filla
Passionate about people, entrepreneurs and business
Passion Branding Community
www.BraveHeartWomen.com/BarbaraFilla