Build. Positive. Publish.

For 2014, I selected three words that I wanted to live by. They are: BUILD. POSITIVE. PUBLISH.

Since we are half way through the year, I wanted to do a check in and review the result of my concentrated effort. As we know, we tend to set New Year’s Resolutions and then we forget about them. It’s why you stand in line for a treadmill on January 2nd but if you are still there the first week in February all the machines are readily available and if you go to the gym on August 5th you’ve just about got the entire gym to yourself. Go figure, right?

So here is what I was thinking back in January when I wrote the three little yet powerful words down and where they’ve taken me.

First, BUILD. This had multiple meanings for me. I knew I was going to need to build my network and reputation in my new corporate job; I also knew I wanted to tackle a few projects with properties my husband and I own… and I was working on building my side hustle that I hope to one day do full-time. So I am happy to report that this level of focus has resulted in forward momentum on all fronts. Building is not for the faint of heart and it’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t see immediate results. I am confident that my time spent digging, constructing and planning is going to pay big dividends where I am in my corporate gig, as well as with my real estate portfolio and in my future work life. It’s been messy but  so glad I picked BUILD as my first area of focus.

As for POSITIVE, I am happy to report that I have also kept this front and center in all that I do. Like most people, I can easily go down the path of negativity if I don’t remind myself of all the reasons to remain positive. I also wanted to create positive relationships with my new work colleagues and internal customers. I wanted to be that little ray of sunshine to others since you never know what kind of battles they are fighting. I wanted to turn situations that could be perceived as negative into positive experiences for myself as well as others. As a result of my focus on remaining positive, my overall mindset has shifted to a more positive outlook and in general I feel more content and happy. POSITIVE was the right second area and I’m glad I chose it. Might have to keep that one on the list for 2015.

My third word was PUBLISH and I have really worked on content development at both work and in my side hustle. I have my blog going (even though I’d like to publish more), I am wrapping up writing an e-book and I am planning to launch more online content and programs. This is the year I hope to get my free newsletter off the ground and out the door. I’ve also spent a lot of time this year organizing materials that can be packaged and repurposed in the coming months and years. I think I am a research junkie at heart and my liberal arts degree trained me well in this area. I have always loved to write and I find that the more time I spend writing the happier I am. As part of my PUBLISH focus, I’ve also sought out speaking and teaching opportunities to share my messages. I love helping and serving others who are seeking what I know and it gives me joy to know that I can make a difference in the world.

So what three words will you choose for the remainder of 2014?