Why are some people more successful than others?

Firstly each individual needs to define what they see as being successful. A success does not always refer to money or ones career; you will find many people relating success to good health, religion, relationships and feelings of Self-fulfillment.

Yes, I consider all the above but truly define success as doing a job well done and getting the recognition from a higher authority while doing that particular job in a balanced manner to not neglect any one of the other pillars of life.

I believe a successful person is one who enjoy getting up in the mornings and still be thankful for everything they have, given to them through the grace of God. One who confidently walks the life path provided and making the best of each opportunity that comes their way.

It takes courage, strength and commitment to take on each challenge life throughs at us. Knowing each step is a risk we take to failure and no matter how tough the road gets, a successful person is the one who still gets out on top at the end.

Our greatest strengths are our greatest weaknesses

I am a family person, my family is truly my strengths in the sense that they have taught me and shaped me into the person that I am today. This has its weaknesses as no one is perfect - I am still developing myself each day to become the true person I was set out to be.

We are all part of a family and each person takes the role of a family member. This is strength to belong somewhere, to have a place where you contribute to the relationship and earn your say. I know the shortcomings of each family member and I strive to not adopt some of their ways or behaviors. I learn from their mistakes and hope that they can also learn from mine.

My family is my guide and my shelter, they have determined my strengths. Each holds a place in my heart, and I will go to great lengths to guide and protect them! As strong and confident that I feel with them next to me, so weak and unsure I feel without them.

If only we had all the answers

How I dream of one day just packing up and leaving to work on the cruise ships. I want to see the world and save for a house on my return.

Why not, as soon as I complete my part time studies I will already be one year ahead of my full time class mates, a gap year would not even be noticed in my next job application. Yes, I have build on my career and to leave that all behind for a quick gap year is not exactly the smartest thing to do. It will set me back a bit, I won't disagree, but I believe every new experience is a lesson learned.

I will gain knowledge of the outside world, languages and cultures. In a communications field this is an essential part of learning to build long term relationships with people from a different culture or race. Think of all the international networks I could build. To me that would be worth all the sweat and tears of working on a cruise ship. Still this is a big step to take which holds many risks. If it does not work out, I could have nothing left to fall back on. If only we could know for sure that this is the path for me...

Try a Cliché

During these trying tough economic times it would not always help to have a heart of gold because in reality someone still needs to bring home the bacon and not everyone is as lucky to be born with a silver spoon in their mouths.

We all know money does not grow on trees so we go work another day for another dollar to be able to cover our champagne tastes with our beer budgets. Before the month even starts we don't have two nickels to rub together.

While we are heading for the poor house we are even more assured that money is the root of all evil and that each penny saved is really a penny earned.

A penny for my thoughts; without putting money where my mouth is I believe money cannot buy us happiness, still I wonder why is the gold diggers then laughing all the way to the bank! So the cycle starts all over...as money makes the world go round!

Drawing the line

Growing up in a very small town in the country side with very conservative parents has really had its disadvantages when I moved to start my career in Cape Town. I believe I was brought up as a real softy when it comes to respect for others, especially older people! I end up going over and beyond my job duties because I respect the person giving the task to me, so much that I cannot say 'no'.

I will run like a PA and serve drinks like a tea girl, because that is really just how committed I am in my job. Yet that is not my job, so where do I draw the line? How can I cut a conversation short to go on with my work when that to me is being disrespectful? I am not even talking about being accused of something I did not do, I was taught to shut my mouth and not point fingers. How does this impact my career growth?

I have received an Achiever Award thanking me for going over and beyond my job expectation, and in the other hand I have been told that I can never stand a change of promotion due to the lack of leadership. I see my boss as a much older women who deserves all the respect I can give, I was taught with age comes wisdom, but to me that age gap only brings me fear - so how can I say my say and come up for myself, when I know the other person is in the wrong, without crossing the line?

Feelings follow behavior

I live by the belief that we are in control of our own thoughts, feelings and behavior. Does every action not start with a reaction in the mind? Do feelings not control our thoughts - or rather, do our thoughts not control our feelings?

I honestly believe when you are aware of your thoughts, you can control your mind to a complete sense of what you find acceptable to think and what you would rather block out. Once you have mastered the skill of controlling your thoughts you will indeed be able to control your feelings. The action of a happy thought can result into a smile and a smile can result in a happy tone of voice and so the one will lead the other to shape the behavior to that of your choice!

The mind is a powerful thing and we hold the steering wheel to our own thoughts, feelings and behavior!

Mothers Day 2011

Ever since I could remember, you were there

Since day one you cradled me in your arms

even still today, you are the one to take care

You managed to raise two beautiful children, if I might say so myself

I realise now how it could not always have been an easy task to bear

We surely had our days of brother and sister fights

Still you always treated us fairly and taught us the gift to share

You are my teacher who taught me the importance of a reputation with only one unique name to uphold

You are my most treasured gift in life, your unique ways has proven to be rare

You are my home, where ever we are, your presence alone can calm me.

You are my mother, an irreplaceable guide to my life with your own unique flair!

I love you mom!

It is better to practice a little than talk a lot

Talking and acting on what has been said should go together hand in hand. Still we find those people, who tend to talk about their future plans, make promises or offer assistance while never pulling through on their side of the deal. Learning to walk the talk takes courage, motivation, dedication and skill. Even if you cannot pull through on all that has been said, at least try to practice a little so your talk does not appear entirely cheap. Who would want a reputation of someone who cannot deliver anyway?

I easily offer help to others and often I can kick myself for doing so when I realise the time and effort that goes into helping and what started off as a good gesture turned into a moment of regret.

Still I will pull through to stay clear of this reputation while the rewarding feeling afterwards is always a motivation to take action.

Be honest to yourself when you talk about doing something, even if you only practice a little, your actions will speak louder than words!

It is better to practice a little than talk a lot

Talking and acting on what has been said should go together, hand in hand. Still we find those people, who tend to talk about their future plans, make promises or offer assistance while never pulling through on their side of the deal. Learning to walk the talk takes courage, motivation, dedication and skill. But even if you cannot pull through on all that was said, at least try to practice a little so your talk does not appear entirely cheap. Who would want a reputation of someone who cannot deliver?

I easily offer help to others and often I can kick myself for doing so when I realise the time and effort that goes into helping and what started off as a good gesture turned into a moment of regret.

Still I will pull through to stay clear of this reputation while the rewarding feeling afterwards is always a motivation to pull through.

Be honest to yourself when you talk about a practice, even if you only practice a little, your actions will speak louder than words!